Columbus Day And Our American Heritage

Many countries in the New World and elsewhere celebrate the anniversary of Christopher Columbus's arrival in the Americas, which occurred on October 12, 1492.

This event is currently being challenged today by Icelanders, as several relics emerge such as the Kensington Runestone, and a Rotunda Style Templar church that predates Columbus off our American Coast line.

Recently the History Channel set out to do a documentary on trying to validate the Templar story and they raised some significant questions as to the credit given to Columbus as being Americas discoverer. The irony with the Columbus discovery is that the now famous Knights of Columbus are a church sanctioned equivalent of the Knights Templar, those thought to be the authors of the Kensington Runestone.

The Nina Pinta and Santa Maria arrived to the Americas bearing the Infamous Red Cross, the sacred symbol of the Templar's on the sails of all Columbus's ships.

Even though we officially celebrate today as our day of discovery by Columbus, the fact still remains that the significance of this date will remain a mystery for many years to come. Please click HERE to read more.

Alzheimer’s documentary to be shown at library

There will be a special screening and discussion of HBO’s documentary "The Alzheimer’s Project, Momentum in Science," at 6:30 p.m. Nov. 2 at the Milford Public Library, 57 New Haven Ave.

Momentum in Science outlines scientific developments in Alzheimer’s research, organizers said. It explores the current explosion of knowledge within the scientific and medical communities, from imaging earliest signs of Alzheimer’s disease, to understanding roles genetics and lifestyle might play, to progress being made in the effort to develop drugs to treat or even prevent the disease, organizers said.
Maria Tomasetti, Alzheimer’s Association, Connecticut Chapter, will facilitate a discussion following the viewing. For moreinformation or to register for the program, call (203) 230-1777, ext. 14.

The Alzheimer’s Project was created by the award-winning team behind HBO’s acclaimed Addiction project and is presented by HBO Documentary Films in association with the National Institute on Aging of the National Institutes of Health, the Alzheimer’s Association®, The Fidelity® Charitable Gift Fund, and Geoffrey Beene Gives Back® Alzheimer’s Initiative. The series is Produced by John Hoffman and Executive Produced by Sheila Nevins and Maria Shriver.

To read more Click Here For Helen Bennett Harvey's Blog

Environmental Concerns Coalition Hosts Mayoral Debate

Milford's local recycling group, The Environmental Concerns Coalition, will be hosting a Mayoral debate this evening at 6:00 P.M. The meeting will be held at the Milford Library located at 57 New Haven Ave. For anyone who wishes to call for directions their telephone number is (203) 783-3304.

The debate will arrive on the news that Milford's statewide recycling record is purported to be the worst in the state of Connecticut. The ECC set out some years ago to try and bring reform to our city and introduce innovative programs like single stream recycling to our community.

Currently Milford recycles about 6% of its renewable waste as compared to other towns that recycle as much as 35%. Milford is also met with environmental challenges from our current contractors such as RESCO, and Recycling Inc.

Recycling Inc. currently had Zoning and Planning deny their application to expand their recycling facility on Oronoque Road. Their permit became the subject of controversy when Recycling Inc. intended to import renewable waste by barge, train, truck along the Housatonic River.

Local residents in the area especially those living at Caswell Cove objected to the hardship the added commercial traffic would bring through their neighborhood. Caswell Cove residents also saw their taxes double in recent years and are already having difficulty maintaining their property values.

Residents in the area said "We have a power plant to our right, a sewage treatment center to our left, high voltage power lines over our heads and freight trains that produce seismic tremors in our homes behind us. But the tax assessor says we are Direct waterfront and that is true we have a beautiful view on one side, however expansion of a recycling facility may be the ad-infinitum to this development it would just firm up the belief that there is no place for homes in the middle of heavy industry. I am looking forward to this debate this evening to see where we end up on renewable waste management."

The ECC also runs an environmental Blog, with public events and activities, it can be accessed by clicking HERE. The main ECC website can be accessed by clicking HERE.

From Dolphins To Manatees Milford's Going Tropical

There certainly has been much unusual activity in the waters these days, especially when it comes to our aquatic wildlife. Over the summer boaters were reporting Bottle Nose Dolphins in the Long Island Sound, and in the local papers over the last few days a Manatee.

These most unusual creatures really get the people's attention when they show up here in the Northeast because we usually do not see those kinds of animals everyday.

The first thing that comes to most peoples mind is "what in the world are Dolphins and Manatees doing in Milford?" This certainly was my first thought and I decided to do some investigating over the last few days to see what the experts thought of our new guests.

Thought the best place to start would be to ask my father a Veterinarian at the Westport Animal Hospital, and he gave me the same answer I got on the Internet.

"In the winter, usually November through March, manatees are concentrated primarily in Florida. Manatees are susceptible to cold-related disease, and in the winter, gather near warm water sources such as natural springs or warm water effluents of power plants. Water temperatures below 68 degrees usually cause manatees to move into these warm water refuge areas. Individual manatees often return to the same wintering areas year after year. In the summer months, manatees are much more widely distributed and can be found as far west as Alabama and Louisiana and as far north as Virginia and the Carolina's.

The most likely cause of their Northbound migration beyond the Carolina's is that water conditions may be warm enough to keep them interested in swimming North. Another possibility could be climate change, pursuit of food sources, or warmer sea water. However, without doing more studies, such as changes in their Southern habitat, it is also possible pollution pushed some of them North and that may be worth investigating."

This is currently a point of interest at the Bridgeport Regional Aquaculture School, and marine biologist's associated with the Maritime center indicated that they have no firm conclusions and are working to understand this very phenomenon but in the past have recovered Seals from the Long Island Sound, also an unusual sighting.

For those of you who may not know a Manatee is an endangered species, and boaters usually severely injure them by accident. They are also known as Sea Cows and can be ten feet long and weigh in excess of 1,000 Pounds. They are also very docile and slow moving so boaters should use caution when entering areas of warm water as that is where they would most likely be. Come Winter the manatees are expected to have gone South, or they may have to be found and relocated to save them from freezing.

The video below is the local news cast.

Police Need Help Finding Milford Bank Robber

Tuesday Morning the Sikorsky Federal Credit Union was Robbed by what was described as a screaming hooded man. The man entered the bank at 9:30A.M. and threatened to shoot anyone who stood in his way.

He then jumped the banks counteres and emptied the tellers cash boxes, he then proceeded to the rear bank exit on foot in the direction of Krispy Kreme on the post Road.

Police said the suspect is 5'7" and thinly built. He was also wearing what appeared to be a pair of sweat pants over his jeans. A police dog was later used to track the mans scent where it ended at Krispy Kreme. Police believe that the abrupt end of the scent was likely due to the man getting in a parked car and leaving the area.

Fortunately no one was hurt, no weapon was seen or found but many customers and bank employees were nonetheless frightened.

The scene of this crime was at 1400 Boston Post Road in Milford, CT and is one of several bank robberies this year. Police are asking the public (with any information to report) to call the Milford Police Department at (203) 878-6551. Click bank photo above to enlarge the suspected bank robber.

Vince Ross Calls Republican Letter "Amazing Fiction"

Unfortunately, it appears that Genevieve Salvatore, mayoral candidate and leader of the Milford Democrats, has concluded that Democrats can't win without personal attacks on Mayor Richetelli.

Mayor Richetelli has called on everyone, regardless of political party, to come together. He's said local government shouldn't be about partisan politics, it should be about people serving our community and about neighbors joining together to ensure that government works effectively to keep Milford a great place to live.

On November 3rd, voters are going to have a clear choice between Mayor Richetelli's vision for Milford and Salvatore's brand of attack politics.

Tom Jagodzinski
203-876-2749
Paid for by the Milford Republican Town Committee

****************************************************

I refer to the above piece of creative writing and amazing fiction.

Isn’t it nice that the Mayor and the RTC Chairman now want local politics to be about ‘serving our community’, ‘neighbors’ and not ‘partisan politics’?

Some 9 months ago when Peter Spalthoff first voiced these same words as the underlying principles of the Milford Independent Party, both the Republicans and the Democrats laughed from their high-horse saying that these were not even worthy of being the basis of a party.

They derided these principles, stating that they were just jargon. They dismissed the foundation of who Peter Spalthoff is, his love for Milford, and the fact that he wants to stamp out partisan politics so that Milford is the focal point of every decision made. Yet now they use his very script and hypocritically do not even acknowledge Peter.

Back to what you know best, hey Tom? Partisan politics, cheap tactics and mimicry.

The major parties are so barren of any true concern for Milford that they even resort to copying Peter Spalthoff’s genuine passion, yet try to ignore his presence since they know he is the only candidate that has and always will put Milford first.

“Neighbors”… what an unusual word to be coming from the Republicans. This is the party that:

-dismisses Peter Spalthoff but uses his words and his ideas;

-Publicly and privately they butchered loyal Milfordite and respected Republican Tom Beirne for suggesting that Richetelli should improve his performance;

-Resorts to defamatory name-calling the members of an opposing party for telling the truth about Richetelli’s sizeable pension payout;

-Has rubbished the reputation of State Representative Barbara Lambert and even had a fundraiser with the sole intention of ridiculing her;

-ALWAYS vote along party lines, even if it means approving a salary increase for the Mayor: Knowing all the while that at the same time school employees could be fired and the Mayor is negotiating union wage freezes;

-Has without proof, ruthlessly questioned the moral virtues of the Democratic mayoral candidate.

“Neighbors” … how novel for Tom and Jim to use that term. Just for their edification:

“Neighbor - a person who shows kindliness or helpfulness toward his or her fellow humans.”

Maybe Tom and Jim were thinking of another word to describe themselves:

“Hypocrite - a person who feigns some desirable or publicly approved attitude, esp. one whose private life, opinions, or statements belie his or her public statements.”

The major parties should stick to what they know best - their self-interest - and let Peter Spalthoff be voted in as Milford Mayor so he can govern this city the way it should and must be governed. He is the only mayoral candidate that has constantly, consistently and honestly put the people of Milford first and foremost.

Vote Spalthoff and keep these undesirable ‘neighbors’ out of our local politics.

Vincent Ross
Milford

Milford Mayoral Debates Draw Unusually Large Crowd

For nearly 30 years the Plymouth Men's Club has been hosting the towns Mayoral Debates, and the debate moderator said that this years debate was among the largest in Recent memory.

The debate also had four candidates, Tim Chaucer, Genevieve Salvatore, Jim Richetelli, and Peter Spalthoff. Each candidate arrived with their own contingent of family members and campaign supporters adding to the unusually high number of attendees.

The event moderator had the local Boy Scouts hand out index cards and pencils, the audience wrote their questions on the index cards and submitted them to the moderator. The moderator grouped the questions together and asked the candidates the most popular ones.

One such question was, historic preservation and the destruction of the Cadley House. Richetelli received the most amount of fire on this question as all three candidates were remarkably upset with the demolition of that property. Richetelli repeated what he always has, that the property was beyond preservation but added that he "regretted" they way it happened and in hindsight would have involved Milford's Historical Preservation Committee.

The Building department and the Controversial Kimball Report was also a topic of discussion. Peter Spalthoff who is currently putting an addition on his 26 Broad Street property said there are many great employees in the building department and what they need is the proper leadership, technology, and support to get the job done correctly. He opined that spending $40,000.00 of the taxpayers money to point out why the department was not working was an imprudent use of funds.

Salvatore agreed and said that under her watch the building department would have been "more welcoming" and she would have added "Customer Service" to the equation. Salvatore said that she would give the people of Milford the "Services the pay for."

On the question of improving Milford, all candidates agreed that purchasing open space is a "good Idea" Spalthoff and Chaucer however were more concerned with the fact that the sidewalk by Harrison's Hardware has caused numerous injuries to pedestrians and questioned Richetelli on why it took so many public injuries and four years to repair it. Richetelli cited that the rules and regulations surrounding those kinds of issues are complex. That the city must follow legal protocol, notify the owners prior to work and place liens on offending properties a process that takes time.

Other public concerns were over flooding, and Ms. Salvatore said that a person she met while out campaigning has two separate residences because her place at the beach is impassable at high tide because the water submerges her driveway. At low tide she returns home, at high tide she goes to her apartment in Orange. Ms. Salvatore said that she would help alleviate flooding concerns at the beach to assist people in need.

Richetelli rebutted, saying that much of the Milford waterfront is below sea level and when you purchase a house at the beach you run that kind of risk. Richetelli also blamed unusually high tides for the flooding and said the he has been aware of these tantamount issues for a while.

On the issue of Eisenhower Park, Spalthoff questioned the logic behind spending money on studies only later to waste that money by walking away from it. Richetelli blamed the economy, and called many of the project cancellations as necessary given the most difficult economic climate he has ever experienced as Mayor. He also added that his opposition to the Jonathan Law bonding was also another difficult decision.

Another question regarding pensions came up, and Chaucer accused Richetelli of over reporting the health of that program. Chaucer alleged that Milford's pension fund lost more money than Fairfied's after the Madoff Scandal. Richetelli accused Chaucer of not having his facts straight and said the pension fund is over funded by 125% but those were the figures before the market declined admitting that the number may be different today.

Spalthoff cited an official report expressing concern over the cities pension fund and alleged that this years tax decrease will have to be made up in next years budget. Spalthoff said that the people of Milford got duped, because next year the break we received will have to be compounded to fulfill the contractual obligations the city entered into.

Spalthoff said that when the city goes looking for the money and cannot find it, the only alternative will be "higher taxes."

The debate concluded with a summary from each of the candidates, and each read what appeared to be a carefully prepared statement to the audience. Richetelli stood on his record, Salvatore promised Change, Chaucer offered historic preservation. Spalthoff spoke entirely without a written statement, and promised to make Milford more business friendly citing over eighty small businesses (he counted) that shut down along the Post Road.

Reviews from the audience were mixed, many came to support their candidate and therefore were not swayed by the debate while others appreciated the opportunity afforded them to question each of these candidates on the local issues in town.

The entire debate was recorded and the video will be posted here when made available to me.

Each of the candidates have their websites listed below for more information.

Jim Richetelli Peter Spalthoff
Genevieve Salvatore Tim Chaucer

Local Business Owner Chastises Chaucer

Tim Chaucer was out campaigning on New Haven Ave. over the weekend and one of his stops was at a local gas station at 345 New Haven Ave. This gas station is owned and operated by the Quick Food Mart

Tim asked the owner if he could put a sign up on the corner of his property. When the owner explained to him that he did not take kindly to solicitors, and also did not wish to engage in partisan politics out of respect for his customers, Chaucer (and his associate) stormed out.

The following day, Mr. Azari contacted the Milford Daily Blog and said that Tim sent him a rather upsetting letter alleging that his grass was high and his property overgrown. While Mr. Chaucer was not reached for comment, a photographer was deployed to take a photo (above) of the property in question in an effort to verify Chaucers claim.

The photo speaks for itself and shows the landscaping of the property shortly after the confrontation was made and Chaucer’s request to place a sign denied. You decide, is this “sour grapes” or a “legitimate gripe?”

Some Personal Thoughts On Milfords Political Spectrum

Each year the candidates and their respective parties enter into commitments that pledge their support to our community. Some of these jobs, are full time city jobs and others charitable selfless jobs that are dependent on the goodwill of Milford’s devoted citizen’s who are intent on making a difference.

Between now and the first week in November, everyone’s “differences” will be heard “loud and clear” and what we say about each other, and how we say it can result in politics as usual or something more noble like working together to build a “rock solid” community.

Recognizing good ideas, ideas that bring about “smart growth,” lower taxes, and “world class schools” or “great recreational opportunities,” should never be divided or challenged across party lines. Politics aside, most candidates in all three parties have already made a serious commitment to our town. Many of these individuals, win or lose, I believe will continue to be involved in shaping Milford’s future, even if it’s voicing their opinion one council meeting at a time.

Come next year, we will all forget about this years campaign partisan bickering. Hopefully it will be every elected official’s prerogative to work as a “team” and not a “caucus” when it comes to building our community. A perfect example of this was Raymond Vitale, who broke ranks with his party and kept Milford’s politics from becoming our kid’s problem.

This bravery should never come with a “price” just because party bosses do not like Republicans or Democrats to “vote their mind” and not their loyalties. My own Brother In-Law a former Board of Ed member (Republican Mark Stapleton, now running again) made it clear that it disturbs party leadership when he disagrees with their views.

This political bickering has got to stop, and to quote my good friend Dick Sieron (also an Independent candidate for the board of education,) we need not “politicize our school and local boards with Minority and Majority leaders…it’s disgraceful.” As a candidate for the Board of Education myself, I also agree with Dick’s point.

When this year’s elections are over, I would expect that the voters will have made their choices. Good bad, unbelievable, whatever the outcome, it becomes our responsibility as leaders, citizens, running mates, etc. to lay down our “sabers” and get to work improving our community. I would expect that all people involved, from all political parties, also remain involved in our community, by sharing ideas, and keeping in touch with our newly elected leaders.

In conclusion, and “simply put” lets make this year in politics 2010 one we can remember. Let’s make this year the year we put the needs of our community first, and ahead of the typical political caucuses and partisan bickering. Let’s show REAL LEADERSHIP by rallying around “great Ideas” that move us forward, as an “enviable community” where any bystander can live a better life and share in our towns success.

Achieving this reality starts with you, the reader of this post.

Republican Alderman Toohey Leaves The Republican Ticket

When Greg Smith had to step down from the Board of Aldermen in 2001 to fulfill a military obligation overseas, he asked his friend Judy Toohey to finish his term.

Toohey went on to win four terms of her own from the 2nd District, but she announced Monday that she would not seek re-election after all.

The local Republican Party turned back to Smith, who said that he will run in her place in November.

"I love it and I am leaving hoping to come back someday or to serve the city in another capacity," Toohey said. "But I want to spend more time with my family. I hope that Jim Richetelli is re-elected and that he finds a place for me where I can help the city and have more time with my family."

The lineup change is the third since the GOP held its nominating convention in July. Since then, John Fowler and Joanne Rohrig have been replaced as Board of Education candidates by James Tranquilli Jr. and Mark Stapleton, respectively. Fowler said that he was nominated as a "placeholder" with the understanding that he would step aside when another candidate came forward. Rohrig, the school board's minority leader, dropped out after her son, Jared, an Orange police officer, was arrested on sexual assault charges that allegedly took place in the family's home. Stapleton has served on the school board previously.

Republican Town Committee Chairman Tom Jagodzinski said he was pleased that Smith is interested in running again. "I'm sorry that Jude will not be running, but Greg Smith is an excellent candidate with an outstanding record of service to our country and our city. Milford is lucky to have an individual with his credentials who is willing to serve our city again," the chairman said.

Smith, who said that he is not at liberty to discuss his military assignments or duties, was called out of the country by the U.S. Navy, in which he served, in the wake of the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks. Since his return to Milford he has served as commander of the VFW post here and is now a state official in that organization. He said that he has also been focusing on his family, including his wife, Christine, and son, Matt, who graduated from Jonathan Law High School in June. The Smiths are celebrating their 25th wedding anniversary this year.

"In 2005 I retired from 22 years of service in both the United States Navy and Army. My wife saw me through six deployments. I am home for good now," the aldermanic candidate said. "For the last several years, I have worked to implement disabled building access projects for veterans, volunteered at the West Haven VA Hospital, sent over 600 care packages to our local troops overseas, and raised funds to help their families here in Milford.

"I am honored that Judy Toohey has asked to pass the torch back to me," Smith said. "I am looking forward to working with Bob Joy to serve our neighbors and friends in Milford's 2nd District as their aldermen. I know Bob and I will make a great team. Along with Mayor Richetelli, we will return the 2nd District to the responsible hands of neighbors they can count on to keep our community safe by listening to the real concerns of our police officers and firefighters. We will ensure that our veterans and seniors are respected, and that our children are provided with the best education the citizens of Milford can afford."

ORIGINAL CT POST STORY

Today Is Devon Day, Come Show Your Support

Devon Day is a truly unique experience. Every year we gather to celebrate this great community with all its rich culture and history Devon has to offer. This year we are celebrating our 6th annual Devon Day festival. Events will be filled with fun, excitement and enjoyment for all ages! Join us on Sunday, September 13th between the hours of 11:00 am and 7:00 pm at Grove Circle Park. There will be music, food and smiling faces all around as we join together to celebrate Devon.

Devon Day Website is www.devonday.com

Charlie Sheen Requests 9/11 Meeting With President Obama

Actor Charlie Sheen has followed up on his “20 Minutes With The President” letter by directly addressing President Obama in a You Tube clip to request he use his executive power to reopen the investigation into 9/11 and its aftermath.

On Tuesday, Sheen published a fictional account of a meeting with the President on radio talk show host Alex Jones’ Infowars.com and Prison Planet.com websites in which Obama was confronted about what Sheen alleges is a cover-up surrounding 9/11. In his letter, Sheen requests a real meeting with Barack Obama.

Now Sheen has taken his challenge a step further by appearing in a You Tube video that asks Obama to “be on the right side of history” by reopening an investigation into 9/11, while highlighting that the majority of the 9/11 Commission members have publicly dismissed the official government version of the attacks as a deception, with former Senator and Commission member Max Cleland labeling the government response to the Commission’s questions as “disgusting” and “a scam”.

Sheen highlights several issues in the video, including the unexplained collapse of WTC 7, a 47-story building that was not hit by a plane yet collapsed in free fall fashion into its own footprint within 7 seconds later in the afternoon on September 11. He also cites multiple reports from firefighters, police, first responders and others who were at ground zero and who all described explosions before the collapse of the twin towers and Building 7.

He also discusses how former FBI translator Sibel Edmonds broke her gag order to go public with the revelation that Bin Laden and Al-Qaeda were working with the U.S. government right up until the day of 9/11.

Sheen also demands to know why NORAD’s standard operating procedure was not followed on 9/11, allowing the hijacked jetliners to find their targets, asking, “Where were the planes?”

Sheen expresses his hope that President Obama has read his letter, adding, “We have questions Mr. President, lots of questions….people of the United States and the world demand the truth sir,” adding that Obama has the power and the responsibility to initiate “a truly independent Congressional investigation into the events of 9/11 as well as its aftermath.”

“We want our country back Mr. President, therefore I’m not just calling on you I’m calling on your team, I’m calling on each and every American citizen to wake up, stand up, and demand the truth,” states Sheen in the video.

Missing Milford Kayaker Search Still Ongoing

Search and rescue teams from area police departments and the U.S. Coast Guard continued through Sunday evening looking for a missing kayaker, as computer models relayed a 17- to 27.9-hour window of survivability based on water temperatures, Fire Capt. Chris Zak said.

Two people were thrown into the water from their kayak early Sunday. One of the men, identified by U.S. Coast Guard officials as John Ferraro, was able to defy the odds and swim to land, but the other man, identified as Michael Krupa, 22, of Middletown, remained missing. Officials did not have an age or hometown for Ferraro.

Zak said that at 4:42 a.m. Sunday the department’s emergency operations center received a 911 cell phone call reporting a person in the water. Fire officials later learned that two people were in the kayak when it flipped over and were unable to get back into the boat.

Zak said both of the kayakers began to swim toward anchored boats, and one man was able to swim to Charles Island, where he found a boat and woke up the people who were on board. Fire officials did not release the identity of the kayakers.

When firefighters arrived, the man was suffering from hypothermia because of the prolonged time in the water, and he is currently at an area hospital in guarded condition.

The man did not have a flotation device on, Zak said. A Coast Guard helicopter and boat, along with Milford fire and police, Stratford and West Haven fire personnel, searched all day and into the evening for the second kayaker, Zak said.

Beachgoers who basked at Silver Sands State Park Sunday watched the rescue operation with interest.

Bob Gabris of Naugatuck sat on the shore Sunday afternoon, staring out across the water.

“We came down here to walk on the beach and relax, and we picked a bad day, because somebody lost their life,” he said.

Gabris hadn’t heard about the accident before coming to the beach, but immediately knew something was wrong when he saw the helicopter. “One or two people go down every year between here and Stratford,” he said. “Long Island Sound is very dangerous.”

Terry Ames of Waterbury stood out on the sandbar Sunday afternoon filming the scene. In the distance, emergency services boats surrounded Charles Island.

Ames said he comes to the beach several times a week to film nature. After seeing the news today, he knew he was in for a different scene.

“I couldn’t believe it when I turned the news on. I was here just yesterday,” he said. Ames said he was anxious to know who the missing boater was, as he knows a lot of people in the area.

“There’s too many drownings this year, all over the place. Too many,” he said

Zak said they were using sonar to try and locate the person. They found the kayak. Crews are searching between Silver Sands State Park and Walnut Beach.

A side scan sonar device was used by Milford Fire Department divers to try to ascertain if the individual was submerged. Fire department units also performed grid search patterns in Long Island Sound, and shore units were walking the beach areas.

Zak said it is somewhat remarkable that one of the kayakers was able to swim to Charles Island because it was very windy out and the currents are “very difficult” to navigate.

“He is very fortunate he did make it,” Zak said.

Zak also said once boaters position their vessel south of Charles Island, they are no longer protected by land, which allows the winds to pick up and make the waves treacherous.

Zak emphasized the importance of having a personal floatation device when using any type of water vessel, and the need to have a family member or friend know your destination and estimated return time.

A detailed plan outlining the departure location, destination, identity of people on the vessel and expected return time can assist rescue workers in locating those lost in an emergency, officials said.

By Brian McCready, Milford

This Weeks Property Transfers

65 Tulip Tree Ct, James Parker Esse and Maria Turnage to Richard and Leighann Weber, $431,000.

109 Grant St, Angelo C. and Gene A. Memoli to Melissa P. Knauert, $475,000.

12 Alana Dr Unit 12, River Brook LLC to Chris Palumbo, $250,000.

14 Beverly Rd, Stephen and Lisa Young to Calogero A. Distefano, $385,000.

58 Botsford Ave, Pierpont Russell J Jr Est and Barbara Richards to Salvatore Cappetta, $135,000.

207 Broadway, Bank Of New York and Certificate Holders Inc to Brian W. Wellington, $260,000.

75 Carmen Rd, Nationstar Mortgage LLC to Vasilia Perselis, $241,500.

77 Carriage Dr Unit 77, Edmund Doglio to Terrence J. Garrison, $157,500.

250 Chapel St, US Bk and Master Alternative Loan T to Jonathan J. and Meredith L. Trottier, $215,600.

59 Colonial Ave, Lance S. Winer to Melissa Kamen, $258,000.

14 Cooper Ave, James B. and Janet E. Turiano to Elena Martinez, $170,000.

55 Earle St, Vincenza Garcia to Wells Fargo Bk, $1.

125 Eastern Pkwy, Maria F. Rimkus to Brandon M. Adams, $226,000.

34 Elaine Rd, Un Cha Deane to Barbara S. Werner, $239,900.

20 Elder St Unit 20, Thomas A. Maguire and Janet M. Shanley to David Colasanto, $203,000.

53 Fairfield St, Deutsche Bk to Michael Braccio, $136,000.

33 Foran Rd Unit 16, Mark Pueci to Paul Smith, $144,000.

33 Forest Rd Unit C, Bank Of New York Mellon to Marilyn P. Boone, $225,900.

6 Green Meadow Rd, Karey S. and Glenn V. Maxwell to Debora M. Taylor and James F. Weaver, $379,900.

118 Gulf St Unit 12, Marcia M. Benedosso to Megan Flaherty, $170,000.

61 Hackett St, Terence Lilly to Anthony J. Pantuso, $246,000.

146 High St Unit 101, Graham Wylie to Laura Sincavage and David Mcallen, $152,000.

53 Hilltop Cir, Robert N. Morrissey to Scott J. Cweklinski, $250,000.

2 Jackson Dr Unit 2, Annette Mezzanotte to Jerome Hampton, $210,000.

88 Joyce Ct, Kar Financial LLC to Terrence W. and Stacy D. Lilly, $325,000.

3 Kensington St, Russell Davies to Laura and Fabio Marinelli, $317,000.

157-1/2 Kings Hwy Unit F, Charles T. and Eileen J. Poarch to John A. Dubac, $306,500.

19-21 Marie St, Jose R. Suarez to HSBC Bank USA, $1.

180 Melba St Unit 105, Ocean Point LLC to Colleen Ryan, $189,900.

180 Melba St Unit 112, Ocean Point LLC to Celia Gote, $299,900.

74 Midwood Rd, Theodore W. and Leslie A. Bielecki to Christopher Canavan, $350,000.

498 Naugatuck Ave Unit C, Irene M. Pataiano to Jared J. Becker, $170,000.

783 Naugatuck Ave, Frederick W. Detar to Milton Investments LLC, $175,000.

158 New Haven Ave, Deborah Snyder and Kevin J. Cusseaden to Bank Of New York and Certificate Holders, $265,200.

843 North St, Joseph M. Wicklow and Joy A. Taylor to Doreen Castigaoli, $425,000.

169 Oronoque Rd, Donald J Ritchie RET and Donald J. Ritchie to David J. Field, $360,000.

208 Point Beach Dr Unit 3, Richard J. Cottrell and Anthony N. Benedosso to Aurora Loan Svcs LLC, $145,331.

6 Rita Ln, Yongsian Su and Oi Che to Erik Wattnem, $340,000.

153 Rogers Ave, Bank Of New York and Certificate Holders Cwabs to Brendan Magnan, $369,900.

61 Sandpiper Cres Unit 61, Christian Thompson to Patricia Sabasteanski, $322,000.

23 Silver St, MTS Rentals LLC to Gary J. and Diana L. Cirillo, $120,000.

14 Springdale St, Doris Cossett to Stephanie M. Mccarhern, $165,000.

39 Stiles St, Alicia and Robert L. Guevara to Craig Corey, $360,000.

417 Swanson Cres Unit 417, Carol A. Wiencko and Debra S. Masica to Jason Parsons and Lori Mcnulty, $188,000.

50 Underhill Rd, Adam J. and Susan S. Karvosky to Robert J. Thomas and Amanda A. Sternemanow, $263,900.

30 Wilcox Rd, Michael F. King and Carol K. Salvatore to Cynthia Johansson and Juan Muniz, $242,000.

56 Windy Hill Rd, John and Marlen Ivak to Glenn and Jocelyn Porzelt, $310,000.

N/a, William E. and Genevieve M. Chase to Ryan D. and Linda James, $322,500.


CLICK HERE TO SEARCH PROPERTY RECORDS

Milford's Barbara Lambert At Work

When a national website with Millions of hits picks up our Milfor Rep. Barbara Lambert we know the City made a huge mistake. Thank God for the Independent Party because as I recall Mayor Bloomberg "Fired" a government employee for this very same behavior. What is wrong with our local leaders?

See the link below for the Infowars shame post on CT.

Click HERE for full story

Car Rolls Over In Front Of Milford Stop And Shop

A Vehicle traveling Northbound on East Town Rd collided with another vehicle and then rolled on its side.

Fireman, Ambulances and the local police department responded to the scene. No one appeared to be injured, but the occupant of the vehicle above was not apparently visible according to a witness at the scene.

The scene was contaminated with antifreze and cleanup was not yet completed but expected according to accident protocol.

The collision occurred when a vehicle exiting the Stop and Shop parking lot did not see the approaching vehicle who swerved into him and then onto its side. The Intersection where this accident occurred has no traffic light so the drivers leaving the parking lot must use their own judgement in crossing into the north and south bound lanes.

The accident occurred at apx. 10:15A.M this morning.

Milford's History Being "Demolished By Neglect."

A once-graceful, but deteriorating Gulf Street home is drawing the attention of preservationists and city officials determined to save it from "demolition by neglect.''

The 1890 neo-Colonial house at 417 Gulf St., owned by Nicholas Riggione, has missing windows that allow birds, rain and wind to damage the interior, officials said. "It is the most efficient way to allow a property to deteriorate," City Historian Richard Platt said.

Riggione met Platt at the property recently and reportedly indicated that he has plans to repair it, but the city historian said the owner offered no specifics or timetable. Riggione did not return calls for comment Monday.

The 1.6-acre property that includes the nearly 4,000-square-foot house has an assessed value of $922,000, 70 percent of its market value. It is near Gulf Beach and would fall within the boundaries of a proposed Gulf Street Historic District.

Linda Stock, the city's zoning code enforcement officer, notified Riggione by letter in March of several violations on the property, and set a deadline for them to be corrected. But nothing appears to have been done, officials said.

Platt and other preservationists are still smarting over the loss in 2007 of the Merwin-Cadley House on Gulf Pond, and what they feel was a circumventing of regulations meant to protect historic structures. A developer claimed that the house, one of the oldest in Milford, was being "dismantled," not demolished, but few of the original elements were ultimately reused.

"This is happening again right before our eyes, and it is clearly an economic development issue,'' said Genevieve Salvatore, chairwoman of the city Economic Development Commission. "People are coming to Milford for its quaint New England charm, and we're letting it go by the board."

Salvatore, the Democratic candidate for mayor, and an aide surveyed the property from an adjoining yard and took photos Thursday.

The issue is within the purview of her commission because of its impact on tourism and through its Neigborhood Preservation initiative, Salvatore said.

Lisa DiLullo, aide to Mayor James L. Richetelli Jr., said the mayor ordered a structural inspection of the house and no safety issues were found. The debris visible through the open windows is from interior renovations that are being made after Riggione received the required permits, DiLullo said.

Platt said that he will submit to the Board of Aldermen next month a proposed ordinance that would increase protection for historic homes and commercial buildings. Among other things the measure would make a legal distinction between dismantling and demolition.

Shorten to 50 years the age of a building eligible for protection and require notice to all adjacent property owners when a demolition permit is issued for an historic structure. Platt's legislation would also create a Historic Review Board to consider such permits.

The Gulf Street house is listed on the Connecticut Trust for Historic Preservation's list of "threatened'' properties.

CLICK HERE FOR ORIGINAL FRANK JULIANO STORY

This Weeks Property Transfers

268 Broadway, Maureen Barca to Anna Lamorte, $750,000.

28 Atwood St, Bastarache Properties LLC to Thomas P. and Amy E. Omalley, $264,900.

30 Knobb Hill Rd, Diane M. Collins and Annette M. Bailey to Dale R. and Annette M. Bailey, $325,000.

114 Meadows End Rd, Raymond Jelliffe and Rocco J. Tirozzi to Wells Fargo Bk, $225,000.

156 Meadowside Rd, Thomas J. and Kristen L. Sampson to Andrew Gambus, $263,500.

10 Paddock Pl, Dennis and Laura Hanahan to Thomas J. and Kristen L. Sampson, $352,500.

55 Solomon Hill Rd, JP Morgan Chase Bk to Loay Aljammal, $246,000.

85 Viscount Dr Unit B33, Lois E. Guthridge to Donna Pfrommer, $238,966.

663 West Ave Unit 24, Robert A. and Cheryl J. Forgette to Jeremy Hus, $212,000.

To Research A Property Click Here

Rosa Delauro's HR 875 Will Bring Sweeping Orwellian Police Powers To Milford's Farms.

House Resolution 875, or the Food Safety Modernization Act of 2009, was recently introduced by Rosa DeLauro, D-Conn. It is worth noting that DeLauro's husband, Stanley Greenburg, works for Monsanto – the world's leading producer of herbicides and genetically engineered seed.

This legislation looks like a government grab to regulate smaller agri-business at the behest of larger more powerful agri-business interests.

According to this proposed legislation, Government inspectors would be required to visit and examine food production facilities, which is defined as "any farm, ranch, orchard, vineyard, aquaculture facility, or confined animal-feeding operation". Government would review food safety records and conduct surveillance of animals, plants, products or the environment.

The Government would also "provide technical assistance to farmers and food establishments that are small business concerns (meeting the requirements of section 3(a) of the Small Business Act and the regulations promulgated thereunder) to assist with compliance with the requirements of this Act."

Michael Olson, author of "Metro Farm, said, "What the government will do is bring in industry experts to tell them how to manage all this stuff, It's industry that's telling government how to set these things up. What it always boils down to is who can afford to have the most influence over the government. It would be those companies that have sufficient economies of scale to be able to afford the influence – which is, of course, industrial agriculture."

According to the provisions of this bill, farms and other food producers would be forced to submit copies of all records to federal inspectors upon request, and refusal to register, permit inspector access or testing of food or equipment would be prohibited by law and a punishable offense.

So basically our local agricultural business, family farms and especially organic farmers and perhaps even small weekend farm-stand farmers will suffer under the weight of more government control and have to adhere to burdensome and onerous rules and regulations that are designed for bigger agri-business. In essence it is a means by which large industrial agriculture along with government will manage local agriculture.

Under this act, every food producer must have a written food safety plan and must adhere to standards related to fertilizer use, nutrients, hygiene, packaging, temperature controls, animal encroachment, and water. And guess who sets those standards?

The government is going to bring in big industry to establish the protocols which could very well help to eliminate their competition by establishing expensive reporting and other expensive associated guidelines for growing food. This could cripple small American farms.

The penalties are also stiff and each offense is considered a separate offense - "Any person that commits an act that violates the food safety law … may be assessed a civil penalty by the Administrator of not more than $1,000,000 for each such act."

Another "food safety" bill that has organic and small farmers worried is Senate Bill 425, or the Food Safety and Tracking Improvement Act, sponsored by Sen. Sherrod Brown, D-Ohio.

The government wants to establish a "food database" and to track everything grown, prepared, handled, manufactured, processed, distributed, shipped, warehoused, imported, and conveyed under the premise that they want to ensure the safety of the food. Never mind the poisonous additives and crap that the FDA already allows in most food products in American grocery stores. Now it seems more important for government to hassle organic farmers and small food growers.

As this seems to be a knee jerk reaction to recent salmonella outbreak among consumers of peanut products, and since of course no crisis should go to waste - it is a great opportunity for more government control with the help of companies like Monsanto.

Really all that is necessary to ensure food safety is to update a few outdated regulations and add some more inspectors. The peanut debacle would not have happened if inspectors would have done their job properly and saw the filth in that peanut plant to begin with.

In Conclusion A Parody Of What Delauro Finds Safe.

Local Residents "Shook Up" Over Neighborhood Murder

Zion Hill Road residents said Monday the gunshots that rang out Sunday night, marking the city’s first apparent killing this year, and the grisly discovery of a body that followed, have disturbed the calm of the secluded neighborhood in the city’s north end.

“I knew it wasn’t fireworks. It was just the sound, and the way they were fired. The deliberate way they were fired,” said the Zion Hill Road resident who placed the lone call alerting police to the slaying Sunday night.

“There were two shots, then a pause, then several more in quick succession.”

Police were still waiting Monday night for the state medical examiner to confirm the identity of the man who was found dead Sunday night on the side of Zion Hill Road with multiple gunshot wounds.

Police have tentatively identified the victim as a 28-year-old New Haven resident, but are waiting for confirmation from the medical examiner and notification of the victim’s family before releasing his identity.

A 2000 Honda Accord police believe was used by the victim was found on Newfield Avenue in Bridgeport Monday afternoon and is being forensically reviewed, police spokesman Officer Vaughan Dumas said.

Police were called to the area of Zion Hill and Wheeler’s Farms roads at about 7:30 p.m. Sunday after receiving a report of gunshots.

The man who called police after hearing eight to 10 gunshots said the discovery on the edge of his property was unsettling.

“You don’t want stray bullets flying around you,” said the Zion Hill Road resident, who declined to give his name.

The man said he called 911 after hearing loud noises that he was sure were gunshots.

He said he thought someone was taking shots at a deer and went to investigate after calling police. The Zion Hill Road resident wasn’t able to find anything.

The police who showed up quickly discovered a body about 5 feet off the road in a wooded area near the 911 caller’s property.

“It is a little nerve-racking finding a body basically on your property; this is not one of those things to take lightly. It really brings you up to modern times. It could happen anywhere and now it’s happened here,” the man said.

“Forensic evidence” was found near the body leading police to believe that the man was killed at or near where the body was found, police said.

Francis D. Amico, another Zion Hill Road resident, said he didn’t hear the gunshots and was unaware of the shooting until told by a reporter Monday.

He said young people sometimes drink on the street because it is so secluded with so few houses.

“But that’s been going on for the last 80 years,” Amico said.

He said he wasn’t fazed or made nervous at all by the apparent killing.

“The cops will take care of it and it’s none of my business,” Amico said.

The victim was not carrying identification, which contributed to the delay in making a positive identification.

He is described as a Hispanic male with a “chin-strap” style beard and short hair, police said.

He was 5 feet 7 inches tall and about 165 pounds, police said.

He was wearing a two-tone brown and beige long-sleeved shirt, denim jeans, a wide black belt, white Nike sneakers, and a two-tone hat, blue with a brown brim, Boston Red Sox hat.

His left hand had long fingernails, with an exceptionally long fingernail on his pinky, police said.

Police expect to release the victim’s name today.

ORIGINAL J. Tinley Story