The Republican challenger for 14th district Senate seat, Vincent Marino, shown right, says the incumbent is ducking debates.

State Sen, Gayle Slossberg, below, however, says Marino "didn’t even get his facts straight.”

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All you need is wind. And, OK, guts.

Above, Doug Kelley's inflatable kite crosses in front of Charles Island while he was kite boarding in Milford.

Bottom, Kelley of Milford pulled in his inflatable kite after kite boarding at Walnut Beach in Milford on a recent blustery day.

Photo by Arnold Gold

While women never need a reason to look and feel good, this fundraiser let them do it to help the homeless

Salon Lui, at 221 Boston Post Road, Orange, recently held a fundraiser on behalf of the Beth-El Center of Milford. Billed as Glam-A-Thon, the fundraiser offered manicures, cuts and blow-outs along with food, fun and raffle prizes, organizers said. Teresa Cavaliero, chairwoman of the event, and her sister, Franca DeSanty, performed a song, much to the delight of the participants, organizers said. Prizes included cookbooks, certificates for salon services, and many more goodies.
Cavaliero said she was grateful for the support of owners Luisa Kazaferi and Jenny Cento.
"I cannot say enough about the kindness, generosity and creative talents of Luisa and the staff of Salon Lui," Cavaliero said in a statement. "Throughout the years, they have supported our Beth-El fundraisers and made a difference to our community."
Area resident, Caitlin O’Brien, went in with her grandmother, Annette Russo, who had a manicure and also won a cookbook.
"It was a fun way to donate money!" said O’Brien, who happy with the results of her blow-out, her curly hair temporarily straightened.
The Beth-El Center, at 90 New Haven Ave., Milford, is a 34-bed, 90-day program for homeless individuals and families. Its staff of 13 full-and part-time members is assisted by up to 100 community volunteers. Volunteers donate time and experience to the shelter as well as to the soup kitchen that serves more than 15,000 meals yearly to residents and low-income members of the community. Donations to Beth-El may be made online at www.bethelmilford.org or by calling the center at 876-0747.
For more information, call Rosemary O’Brien at or (203) 876-0747 ex. 102 or e-mail: robrien@bethelmilford.org.

In photo, l to r, Luisa Kazaferi, Jenny Cento (joint owners) and Teresa Cavaliero.

Photo courtesy of Milford Fire Department

MILFORD — A Friday afternoon blaze severely damaged a Green Meadow Road house, completely scorching the garage where it started, according to city fire officials.
The fire, reported at 3:15 p.m., apparently started in the attached garage of 65 Green Meadow Road, said fire Capt. Christopher Zak.
The fire then made its way into the attic, damaging the roof before firefighters brought it under control.
Engine Company 1 quickly brought a hose into the house and prevented the fire from spreading into the living area, Zak said.
A mother and her 18-year-old son were home at the time of the fire. The son suffered several first-degree burns, and received medical treatment at the scene, Zak said. He refused to be taken to the hospital.
As of late Friday the fire marshal was still investigating the cause of the blaze.
"We’re not sure what he was doing at the time," Zak said of the teen, who is believed to have been in the garage when the fire started.
The entire house suffered heavy smoke damage, making it highly unlikely the family would be able to return to the house, Zak said.
The house is owned by John Derosa, according to city land records. It was being inspected by the city building inspector late Friday to see if it is still inhabitable.
The Red Cross also assisted the family at the scene.

Auction will benefit Bridges

The Downtown Milford Business Association will hold the 2nd Annual Open Doors of Downtown Milford Auction from 3 to 6 p.m. Sept. 28 at Daniel Street Café, 22 Daniel St.

The free event is open to everyone. The Open Doors auction, for which former Miss Connecticut Heidi Voight, is host, with auctioneer Joseph Kabe, will conclude the free-to-the-public art exhibit that features 24 artists whose design interpretations on plain, recycle doors, many of them donated by the Milford Historical Society, are on display throughout downtown Milford, organizers said. The exhibit offers visitors and collectors a unique opportunity to experience the cultural excitement of Connecticut’s thriving arts community in an outdoor, informal setting, organizers said.

The artists’ works will be auctioned with proceeds being divided between the artist and a local charity. A portion of the proceeds will also go to the DMBA to partly defray cost of the exhibit. Last year’s auction raised $15,000, with the proceeds being divided between the artist and a Connecticut charity. This year the DMBA will donate a portion of the proceeds from the Doors auction to Bridges, a Community Support System, in Milford. Bridges provides a comprehensive range of outpatient mental health, addiction, community support and home-based services for children, families and adults, in Milford, Orange, West Haven and their surrounding communities. The agency provides services to about 5,000 people annually. For more information on Bridges, visit, http://www.bridgesmilford.org/.

Additionally works from this year's public Paint-a-thon, held on September 13th, will be displayed and available for purchase at the auction. The 150 feet of canvas that was painted by the public has been transformed into framed and unframed pieces of art, tote bags and pillows. The DMBA represents more than70 businesses in downtown Milford; it is devoted to enhancing downtown through free, cultural and family friendly events, association officials said. For more information on DMBA visit http://www.downtownmilfordct.com/ For more information on The Open Doors of Downtown Milford, contact Susan Ashelford, 203-878-2625 or email, brocollishoes@juno.com

The Planning and Zoning Board ensured that the former Gloria’s Garden Center will have a new anchor tenant, as it unanimously approved an application this week that will make way for a discount grocery store.

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A former Milford prosecutor received a 22-month prison sentence Wednesday for using his position to embezzle $28,000 from his own union and to steal more than $55,000 intended for charities and crime victims.


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Resident Elliott Storm, left, author of the book "These Scars are Sacred," presents Milford Mayor James L. Richitelli Jr. with the Warriors Medal of Valor that Storm won for his book and his work to spread the message that veterans who suffer from PTSD are not alone.

Storm, a Vietnam veteran, and his wife, Deb Trumpower, recently concluded a nationwide book tour in which they met with numbers veteran and others; receiving warm welcomes in venues everywhere.

Photo by Brad Horrigan

The third annual Milford Irish Festival will be held 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Saturday, rain or shine, at the Rotary Pavilion at Fowler Field, behind the Milford Public Library on New Haven Avenue. There will be Irish music, dancing, food and drinks. Irish wares will be for sale. Admission is $8 per person for ages 12 and older. Musical groups performing include: Keltic Kick at noon; Donal O’Shaughnessy, master of ceremonies; The Fenian Sons, of Buffalo, N.Y., at 3 p.m.; Calley McGrane & The Exiles at 5 p.m.; Poor Ould Goat, of Boston at 7 p.m.; the Irish Heritage Society of Milford Pipe Band and Kathleen Mulkerin’s School of Irish Dancing.Food includes roast beef and corned beef sandwiches; hot dogs, hamburgers and fries; fried dough; kettle popcorn; fish and chips; and ice cream. There will be water, soda and beer. There will be a tea room and sports demonstrations.

Children’s activities will be available from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Members of the Irish-American Community Center in East Haven will demonstrate Gaelic football at 2 p.m. at the Milford Junior Major League ball field next to Fowler Field.There is no parking at the festival site except for physically handicapped people and vendors. Shuttle buses will be available to and from the Westfield Connecticut Post mall off Interstate 95, Exit 39B. The parking and shuttle bus pick up is next to the perimeter road west of the Sears Auto Center.Visit http://www.milfordirish.org/ for details.

The small city with a big heart is a great place for everyone. Even teens. America’s Promise Alliance 100 Best Communities for Young People says so again.


Read Brian McCready's full story here:

nhregister.com

Assistant Fire Chief James Wilkinson, has been reappointed to the Commission on Fire Prevention and Control, Gov. M. Jodi Rell announced.
He will serve as a representative of the Connecticut State Firemen’s Association, Rell said in a statement.
"Chief Wilkinson is highly respected in the field, having built a distinguished career as a professional firefighter over the past 30 years," Rell said in the statement. "His leadership and knowledge will serve the commission well as it carries out its mission."
The commission operates the state-of-the-art Connecticut Fire Academy and also provides up-to-date resources for fire service personnel, first responders and public educators, the statement said.
A lifelong Milford resident, Wilkinson started his career as a city firefighter in 1974. He moved up through the ranks as lieutenant, captain and battalion chief. He became assistant chief in 2000, commanding line firefighting and communications center personnel.
Those interested in serving on a state board or commission can visit www.ct.gov/governorrell and click on "Forms."

A ceremony to mark the day was held Thursday at Live Oaks School



On this anniversary of the horrific terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001, All About Milford would like to pay tribute to the former Milford residents who lost their lives in New York City that day.

The men, shown above, top to bottom, are Avnish Patel, Seth Morris and Michael Miller.

Read more about Milford's Sept. 11 services in Friday's New Haven Register and at http://www.nhregister.com/

That's up to you

In the photo (playful prose courtesy of HCC): the 2008 Competitors and Medical Staff, to l to r, Bill – current World Champion in OCD going for another Gold; No-nonsense Nurse Hildegard Halfwit; Walter - Agoraphobia’s Poster Child (and his home away from home Mr. Plant) who seeks to hold onto his 2007 International Title of Most Afraid Human Being; Larry and frog – he took the 2005 Silver Medal in Most Adorable Biters at the Nationals but lost his teething position by gaining only the Bronze Medal – nonetheless quite an accomplishment for a f5-year-old who shares his body with five other personalities; Nurse Osohottie, who presides over the games when Nurse Halfwit over medicates herself; and last but not least Veronica - 2007 Reigning Narcissist Champion and Silver Medalist in 2006 at the Bellevue Games Psychotropic Medication Relay.

MILFORD - The 2008 Neurotic Olympics, a comedy by Milford author/playwright and Housatonic Community College English Professor Barbara Oleynick, will open Wednesday, Oct. 1 at The Daniel Street Café, 21 Daniel St., for an indefinite run.

The play focuses on Dr. Gustaf Goodenough, a noted psychiatrist who tires of the traditional way of treating patients and tries something new: an Olympic-type competition in which four of his patients vie for Gold, Silver and Bronze medals. This year’s events are: The Psycho Solo Sign-in, the “It’s All About Me” Volley, Dancing with the Deranged, and lastly, General Over-all Unwellness and Most Desperate Life. The audience is the judge, choosing winners in the sign-in, introduction, most unwell and most desperate lives category. The play, with a surprise ending, is designed to provide the audience with affordable comic relief in economically troubles times.

Performances will be held at 7 and 9:30 p.m., Oct. 1 to be followed by a matinee performance at 2 p.m. Oct. 5. Performances will be staged Wednesdays and Sundays indefinitely at the same times. Advance tickets are $15 for adults and $10 for students – they’re $20 and $15, respectively, at the door. Advance tickets for a table of four costs $50 for adults and $35 for students. To order tickets, visit the play’s website at http://www.neuroticolympics.com/.

But some, like St. Gabriel in Milford, continue to thrive

By Ed Stannard

Register Metro Editor

This is one way Roman Catholic schools have adapted to life in the 21st century: Since the eighth-grade boys at St. Gabriel School in Milford can wear any tie they want with their navy-and-khaki uniforms, the girls petitioned for some individual expression, too.
Now, the eighth-grade girls at St. Gabe's can be seen wearing brightly colored, even garish, knee socks.
It's a small thing, but it's a symbol of vitality for Catholic schools, many of which are suffering from declining enrollments or even closing.

To read the full story, go to www.nhregister.com

In photo: Tim Peterson, T.J. Russell and Kelsey Magee compete in a spelling bee at St. Gabriel.

Photos by Peter Hvizdak/New Haven Register

Elliot Storm has become known nationwide, but his heart remains at home

By Brian McCready
Milford Bureau Chief
MILFORD — Typically, when someone receives an award, the recipient says he or she doesn’t deserve it.
Whether those expressions of humility are genuine or not, usually the person does not do what Elliot Storm did.
Storm, 61, recently received the "Warriors Medal of Valor," becoming the first person in the Northeast to receive such recognition. And now he’s turning it over to the mayor on behalf of all Milford residents as an appreciation for the support he’s received from his hometown.
The medal, which features a bald eagle, is for his military service in Vietnam. Storm, who earned a combat action medal and two Purple Hearts, says matter-of-factly there is nothing about his service alone that would lead him to receive such a prestigious honor.
"I sat there and looked at the medal and felt I didn’t deserve it," Storm said, as he recalled receiving the award at a July ceremony that brought him to tears. "There are a lot more people deserving it over me."
The veteran-turned-author says the award is due to the effect his book, "These Scars Are Sacred," has had on veterans. The book details post traumatic stress disorder in relation to Vietnam veterans, while a second book Storm is currently writing will talk about triggers that "set off Vietnam veterans."
After he received the award, Storm said he soon thought of Mayor James L. Richetelli Jr., whom he said stood by him at his first in-store book signing where just two people purchased books. Storm said he was touched that Richetelli would stay with him through the entire book signing.
Richetelli said he was deeply touched by Storm’s gesture, and to show his appreciation there will be a public ceremony at 1 p.m. SundaySept. 14 at City Hall. Numerous veterans and local and state dignitaries’ will be on hand.
"It was very humbling," Richetelli said. "Elliot has written a book that has become extremely popular not just with Vietnam veterans but can be applied with Gulf veterans."
Richetelli said Storm has become a "national figure" based on the success of his book and his travels, adding it’s great that Storm is keeping to his Milford roots.
"The city has supported him from day one and Elliot’s successes make me proud," Richetelli said. Storm said he was in the dark that he was receiving the medal, which was awarded July 22 at a small ceremony in California. He and his wife, Debbie Trumpower, were in California on a tour of numerous VFW groups to speak and sign books.
The trip out West began with an appearance on a radio station in Fresno with UCLA professor Skip Rizzo talking about PTSD. Storm said he reiterated his point that Vietnam veterans developed PTSD because of the way they were treated when they returned home after the war.
"We got home and we were called baby killers and people were degrading us," Storm said.
He said even today he is hurt by words as some people have called him a "fraud."
After the radio show, William Dietzel, publisher and editor-in-chief of Veterans Magazine, invited Storm and his wife for breakfast at his home. But what they found instead was a group of 10 to 15 veterans gathered there as Dietzel presented him with the medal. Dietzel had previously arranged for about 350 vets to be on hand for a Storm book-signing in California.
"They had me crying," Storm said. "They surprised the heck out of me."
Dietzel said when Storm arrived he asked him to stand and come to attention and then he presented the medal, which was created by Marshal Tall Eagle, a three time Purple Heart recipient.
"Elliot was in awe. He deserved it," Dietzel said. "It’s not given to everybody. Distinguished veterans receive them."
Dietzel said Storm’s book played a role in him receiving the medal, adding he couldn’t "put it down" and that it’s a real emotional read for all veterans.
Jack Mordente, director of veterans’ affairs at Southern Connecticut State University, who will attend September’s medal ceremony, said he recently told Storm that a second read of his book produced even more revelations as to what the soldiers endured.
"It really helps the public understand what veterans went through," Mordente said. "It will help all veterans."
Mordente said Storm deserves the medal, which he said is a "tribute to his service to his country and the sacrifices he made and how he is giving back to veterans."

On Sunday, the 17th annual Folks on Spokes/Folks on Foot will be held to benefit Bridges. Ray Vitali, right, started it all.

Registration is at Fowler Field off New Haven Avenue. The check-in and start times can be found at http://www.bridgesmilford.org/.

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School officials in Milford and Orange urged parents Wednesday to take precautions after a 7-year-old Orange girl reported suspicious encounters this week with a woman driving a sports car.

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Gov. M. Jodi Rell has proclaimed the week of Sept. 8–13
“Stevens Auto Group Safety Awareness Week in the State of Connecticut," the dealer said.
Dealer principal David H. Stevens said, in a statement, “this event offers excellent opportunities for families and community members to learn more about safety issues. It is our desire to reduce the number of local deaths and injuries caused by motor-vehicle related trauma. Therefore, in conjunction with The National Automobile of Dealers Association (NADA) and National Child Passenger Safety Week, we are presenting our second annual event. With thousands of children killed or injured each year in car crashes, Stevens Auto Group is stepping up to take action.”

Stevens Safety Week activities will include: free 115 Multi-Point Vehicle Safety Inspection September 8-13 for all makes, models, and years. No appointment is necessary. Visitors seeking a free Safety Inspection on any vehicle can stop by the Service Department, Sept. 8-12 from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. or on Sept. 13 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Reservations can be scheduled by calling (203) 783-5956.

Sept. 13 activities, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. include: a Rotary International “Amber Alert Safe Child ID Program” hosted by Colony Paint’s Bob Bogert and presented by Milford Rotary; a “Tactical Satellite Control Center Truck” presented by the State Police Division; Child Passenger Safety Seat exhibits and information on proper car installation presented by Babies “R” Us; and a DVD exhibit and take-home information on “Driving Skills For Life”, a program created by Ford Motor Company to help new and teen drivers become safe drivers.

All families, community organizations, and businesses are invited and encouraged to attend the week-long events. Visit http://www.stevensauto.com/ for more information.

Superintendant of Schools Harvey B. Polansky said he was “raring to go” as he embarks on his second year on the job.

Read Brian McCready's story here:

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Jessica Kosturko, 22, of East Haven, shown center, wanted to help others. She got her wish.

Read Brian McCready's story here:

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MILFORD - The Milford Chamber of Commerce has congratulated Bob Haverl of Napoli Nissan for a Hole in One at the BIC Golf Classic at Mill River Golf Course. Haverl won two airline tickets, courtesy of Land Rover of Milford, the chamber said in a statement. Local businesses participated in the full day tournament, raising money for scholarships for Milford youth, the chamber said.

Shown at right, l to r, Glenn Beck, chairman of Milford Chamber of Commerce Golf Committee, with Bob Haverl.