GRAMMY Award Winning Artist, Steven Curtis brings his Songs & Stories Tour to Kingdom Life Christian Cathedral, 1455 Naugatuck Avenue, Milford.
(Milford, CT) Iconic music veteran Steven Curtis Chapman with Special Guests Andrew Peterson & Josh Wilson will be performing at Kingdom Life Christian Cathedral, October 7, 2011 at 7pm (doors open 6pm) Steven Curtis Chapman has sold over ten million records including two RIAA certified platinum albums and eight RIAA certified gold albums. Along with his five GRAMMY awards, Chapman has won an American Music Award, has recorded 45 No. 1 US radio hits and been awarded 56 Dove Awards, more than any other artist to date. He has performed at the White House and has appeared on multiple national programs via CBS, NBC, ABC, CNN, MSNBC, CMT, FOX News, the Hallmark Channel and E!, including Good Morning America, Larry King Live, Fox & Friends, Huckabee, CBS Sunday Morning, The Tonight Show with Jay Leno.
“Songs & Stories” tour concert goers will hear the brand new songs featured on recreation,including Chapman’s new single, “Do Everything,” which has already hit top 10 on both the AC-Monitor and AC-Indicator charts. The newest single is also No. 14 on the National Christian Audience Chart, and has over 77 stations supporting it. The GRAMMY award winner will perform re-imagined versions of some of his biggest hits while taking advantage of the unique format to share the stories that inspired him to write both his current hits, and songs that have entertained for decades.
Additionally, audiences will also be treated to Steven Curtis Chapman, Josh Wilson and Andrew Peterson collaborating together on stage with a vast assortment of instruments from the ukulele to the cajon for a rare and memorable event.

Chapman is also offering a unique pre-show experience for fans called “Sound checks and Stories” which will include a Q&A with Chapman, an acoustic performance and an exclusive signed poster. You may purchase tickets from itckets.com.

The event will be held in Milford

MILFORD — Jane Holler and Dan Marecki of Uganda Farmers Inc., which a nonprofit organization that assists the rural poor in East Africa, will speak to the Freelove Baldwin Stow Chapter, Daughters of the American Revolution, at 7 p.m. Oct. 13.
Their program brought fresh running water to the village of Rwesigiire, Uganda. A short video will show fundraising in the U.S. and the water project as it developed in Uganda through the efforts of the Rev. Emmanuel Byaruhanga. It is his home village that is the recipient of the water and villagers no longer have to walk three miles to fetch water.

With SMS alerts texted to your cell phone, you can stay up-to-date with local news. You can you use this simple form to get signed up right away.

My name is Thomas Meehan and I am a 16 year old Eagle Scout Candidate currently working on my Eagle Project for The Town of Orange. I have been involved planning the project for about a year now, and began actual work on the trail early this August. My project involves renovating The Howard Brooks Trail, part of Race Brook Tract and the surrounding areas such as the parking lot. So far, with the help of Boy Scout Troop 721 and my family I have made excellent progress. I have cleared out a large amount of invasive plants from along the trail such as Poison Ivy and Virginia Creeper. I have also cleared out much of the overgrowth and low-hanging branches that was once obscuring the trail, making it not only look much better but also making the trail much more accessible. Once most of the unwanted plants were taken out, I got The Orange Fire Dept. involved to power wash the benches and kiosks found along the trail. Since there is no water source at the trail it was necessary to use a fire engine to run the power washers. Around the same time, we cleaned up all of the metal signs along the trail as well as took some gravel to cover a short path leading from the parking lot to the main trails. Once all of this clean up was over, I began the next step, planting. So far we have planted and mulched several areas with about 90 or so native plants.
This Saturday, the 24th I completed the project by planting the remainder of the 100+ plants used for the project . Due to the scale of this workday, I received help from my Troop and family, but also some students from Amity High.
As far as background for the trail goes, the trail was designed not only to be handicap accessible but also to be educational, hence me putting in all the flowers and signs saying what they are. The trail is named after Howard D. Brooks, former Superintendent of the Amity Regional School District and Chairman of the Southwestern Regional Water Authority for 13 years.

MILFORD--Local physicians were Honored at Gala Dinner On September 24th, 2011, The Milford Hospital Auxiliary and The Milford Hospital Medical Staff honored 8 local physicians at their “Healing Hands, Caring Hearts” Gala Dinner and Awards Ceremony.

Over 25 physicians were nominated in 4 different award categories. Nominations were solicited from the entire medical staff. Awards were given to selected physicians who demonstrate clinical excellence and exemplify outstanding service to patients, staff, medical staff colleagues, the hospital community and the Milford community.

The Honorees were chosen by representatives of the Milford Hospital Auxiliary, Milford Hospital Medical Staff, Milford Hospital Administration and other designees.

To be honored are: General Surgeon David Katz, MD, and Gastroenterologist Mae Tighe, MD, in the Medical Staff Leadership category. Orthopaedic Surgeon Amit Lahav, MD and Cardiologist; Robert Lewis, MD, in the Clinical Excellence category; Orthopaedic Surgeon, John Irving, MD and Emergency Center physician, Christopher Gennino, DO in the Patient Care and Satisfaction category. In addition, two special Milford Hospital Auxiliary Awards will be given to hospitalist, Michael Rudolph, MD, for Community Service and to Allergist, Birur Chandra, MD for Longstanding Support and Commitment

An additional nine physicians will be receive Honorable Mention designation.

Milford Youth and Family Services, in conjunction with the Boys and Girls Club, will be conducting a two-week series for parents and youth entitled, “Surviving the Tween Years.” The “tween” or middle school years are an adjustment for all families. It is a time where your child is fighting for independence and still craving structure. Through this program we are hoping to provide and enlighten parents on what their kids are going through and offer suggestions on ways to engage and work with their children to ensure a safe and healthy growing experience.
The first workshop will be conducted by certified Marriage and Family Therapists on Tuesday October 4th from 6:30 to 7:30 P.M. The event is hosted by the Boys and Girls Club, which is located at 14 Benham Avenue. All Milford residents are welcome to attend. There will be two separate groups organized for these events, one for the parents and one for their “tween” children. This program is designed to provide vital information about this developmental stage, encourage lively discussions among the program participants, and provide resources and strategies to families and youth who are looking to figure out how to survive this in-between time. This program will be offered to the community at no cost. Light refreshments will be served.

Anyone with questions or interest in this program should contact either Megan Altomare, Executive Director of the Boys & Girls Club (203)713-8055 or Mindy Natale, LMFT, Clinical Coordinator, at 203-783-3253.

The Walnut Beach Association is inviting the public to their next meeting where Mayoral Candidates Ben Blake, a Democrat, and Bob Joy, a Republican, will address the audience and take time for a brief question and answer period. The meeting will be held at the St. Gabriel Parish Hall at 26 East Broadway, Monday, Oct. 10th 7:00 p.m.

Calling all community volunteers! Pumpkins on the Pier, a family fun day to benefit Boys and Girls Club of Milford with Master of Ceremonies Brian Smith, needs scores of volunteers to participate in four-hour shifts to help make the noon to 7:30 p.m. Oct. 15 event at Walnut Beach a success.
Events, sponsored by the Milford Bank and other local businesses, include pumpkin decorating and carving contests, tractor hay rides, horse and buggy rides, pie-eating contest, antique and classic car show, and a fun run for kids. Pumpkins, food, and beverages will be sold. “We need more people to oversee each of the events,” said volunteer coordinator Barbara Carissimi. “Each volunteer will receive a Boys and Girls Club T-shirt and a name badge.” To volunteer, contact Carissimi at jbtrc@optonline.net.
Deadline for corporate, business, and individual sponsorships is Sept. 30. To sponsor Pumpkins on the Pier, contact Megan Altomare, executive director, at 203-713-8055.

A Celebration of Dogs is to be held in Milford and it's intended to be an elegant evening

 

Wild Expressions/Collected Stories bookstore is holding a black tie event Oct. 6 to honor the very special relationship between humans and their canine counterparts.

"This is an invitation for you to brush off your top hat, press your tales, polish your nails and step out in style with that certain someone who simply adores you," organizers said in a statement.

"Be it beagle or bischon fries, the dog is an integral part of our human family, and to celebrate this relationship, we are hosting a party exclusively for dogs and their companions," the statement said.

 There will be live music provided by Tim Payson and Paul Ryan; plenty of champagne; and a platoon of paparazzi.

This is a formal affair, so organizers ask that all dogs and their escorts dress in their best attire—judges will be on hand to award prizes for the best dressed couple. 

"This is a great opportunity to spend an elegant evening on Broadway, right in the heart of Walnut Beach, with other dog lovers," the statement said.

Admission is free but organizers said they encourage participants to bring along a donation of food for the Milford Animal Shelter. 

The event is Oct. 6, 6 to 8 p.m. at Wild Expressions Florist/Collected Stories Mookstore; 16 Broadway, Milford (Walnut Beach). 

 

Call 203-882-WILD for more information.  

 

Editor's note: All information in this post was contributed.

--

Helen Bennett Harvey
City Editor

Social Media Editor
New Haven Register
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For breaking news on your phone, text nhnews to 22700

 

The 37th Anniversary of the Orange Country Fair takes place this Saturday and Sunday, September 17th and 18th. Hours on Saturday are 8-7 and on Sunday from 8-6. Admission is $7 for adults, $5 for seniors and children 15 and under are free. There is also free parking. The Fair starts off each day with the world famous Chip’s Pancake Breakfast followed by live music and entertainment, an oxen pull, horse show, antique cars, and many, many more activities and events as well as the flower, vegetable and animal tents. Lots of food available for everyone’s taste including hamburgers, hot dogs, pulled pork sandwiches, broccoli rabe sausage, roast beef, french fries, pizza, corn on the cob, fried turkey leg and much, much more. The opening ceremony for the Fair will be on Saturday at 10 a.m.

Go to orangectfair.com for more information.

The Police Officer Standards & Training Council awarded the Milford Police Department with a Tier III State Accreditation on September 8, 2011. The department was previously awarded with the Tier I and Tier II State Accreditation earlier this year. The Milford Police Department is one of 19 law enforcement agencies in the state of Connecticut to achieve the highest level of accreditation.
The Milford Police Department, under the command of Chief Keith L. Mello, has chosen to voluntarily seek this highly coveted award to demonstrate to the community a commitment to law enforcement excellence.
Accreditation is for three years, during which time our agency must continue to be in compliance with the standards set forth by Commission on Accreditation of Law Enforcement Agencies, Inc. (CALEA), under the direction of the Milford Police Department’s accreditation manager.
Accreditation Process
The accreditation process consists of maintaining compliance with professionally recognized law enforcement standards. The Accreditation Manager who oversees, directs and manages over 400 standards on a day-to-day basis conducts this process.
Benefits of Accreditation
There are several benefits of accreditation, which are outlined below: Controlling liability insurance costs
Preparing stronger defenses against lawsuits and citizen complaints Providing an increase in community advocacy
Increasing town government awareness as to how the police department is being managed Symbolizes professionalism, excellence and competence within an agency
Accreditation ensures policies and procedures are in place to guide employees and protect citizens. It also ensures a complete audit of the department every three years.
For more information regarding the accreditation process refer to the state website for the Police Officer Standards and Training Council (http://www.ct.gov/post/site/default.asp)

The City of Milford and the Milford Fire Department will be conducting a “Propane Tank Collection Day” on Saturday October 1, 2011 to collect 20lb propane cylinders (i.e. from gas grills). The collection is for Milford residents only and proof of residency will be required. There is no cost for this collection.

The collection will take place at 55 Wheelers Farms Road, upper parking lot of Station 7. The collection time will be from 8:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. The following shall be adhered to:

· Have proof of residency ready
· Tanks should be transported in an upright position
· Safety plug must be in place
· Preferable driver only transporting the tank(s)
· Valve must be in the closed position
· We will take full, partially filled and empty 20lb tanks
· DO NOT vent the tank prior to transporting
· Tanks should be secured in place to prevent accidental tip-over
· Tanks showing signs of damage or deterioration can not be refilled
· Tanks should be transported with the vehicle windows open
· No smoking during the transport of the tank or in the drop off area


Propane tanks smaller than 10 lbs. in volume will not be accepted. City residents may dispose of “small 1 pound camp stove propane cylinders” at the Household Hazwaste Central located at Regional Water Authority Headquarters, 90 Sargent Drive, New Haven (203) 401-2712 or visit their website at: www.rwater.com

For more information, please call the Fire Marshal’s Office at (203) 874-6321 between the hours of 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m., Monday through Friday.

The Literacy Center of Milford is holding a student and tutor recognition night, Beginnings 2011: Student Essays and a Celebration of Accomplishments on Thursday, September 22 at 7:00 P.M. at City Hall, River Street. ESL students will have an opportunity to read their stories, some for the first time reading English in public.

We will also be celebrating several student accomplishments, Yun Kim received her Masters of Nursing and Honors Society of Nursing at UCONN, Theresia Puzzo became a US Citizen, Nora Plander received a Bachelor of Science in Nursing, Transatlantic 
Curriculum in Nursing and Certificate at Nazareth College, NY, and Yong Zhu got a new job as a software developer and will be creating phone applications and creating casino slot machines programs. Xueyan Peng had an Essay published in Easy English News, June 2011 and Jose Bonilla’s essay was published in Easy English News, March 2011.

Milford teachers Joann Lombardi and Shannon Worcester have been selected to receive the Callahan/Holzwarth Award. This award goes to a new teacher who can benefit from new books in his/her classroom. We will also be honoring Melinda Karwon with our volunteer award. Melinda has been tutoring for 7 years, teaching an advanced class on Friday mornings. Melinda has so enjoyed tutoring that she has returned to school to get a degree in ESL teaching. Melinda has also joined the Board of Directors this year. 

Refreshments will be served.

“Given that September is National Literacy Awareness Month,” said Executive Director, Tami Jackson, “it seemed appropriate to hold this event and honor the accomplishments our students have achieved. We are also celebrating a reading event, Turn the Page Day in some Milford schools on September 30 and we are holding our Summer Raffle. Prizes include a week in Florida, 42” Flat screen TV and $285 in gift certificates to dine in town. September is a busy time for us and we are excited to bring attention to literacy awareness, but every month is literacy month as far as we are concerned.”

State Senator Gayle S. Slossberg (D-Milford) will help launch a unique photography exhibition at the Capitol at 12:30 p.m. Thursday. The photographs address the ongoing issue of mental illness in Connecticut; the exhibition will run in the underground concourse connecting the Legislative Office Building with the state Capitol.

Senator Slossberg will introduce specifics of the special photography program offered at West Haven and Milford-based Bridges, A Community Support System, Inc., in which individuals affected by mental illness use photography to process difficult issues in their lives such as trauma. Members of the press are invited to attend and encouraged to cover this event. Senator Slossberg said 11 clients of the Bridges Young Adult Services program will display their recent photographs.

“I’m pleased to welcome staff members and some clients of Bridges to the Capitol for this extraordinary exhibit and listen to them describe how this new program helps the afflicted overcome some hurdles they face,” Senator Slossberg said. “We must never ignore, overlook, or otherwise devalue the needs of these residents – this innovative program at Bridges provides one more example and irrefutable evidence about how we can support ongoing, comprehensive recovery efforts.”

According to the Bridges Web site, “Psychiatrically challenged young adults and their families can be assisted in achieving and maintaining stability if given appropriate support, guidance, education, treatment and skills. Taught by professional photographer Harold Shapiro of Guilford, the budding photographers use digital cameras as tools of discovery and communication.”

According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness, “The best treatments for serious mental illnesses today are highly effective: between 70 and 90 percent of individuals have significant reduction of symptoms and improved quality of life with a combination of… psychosocial treatments and supports.”

Senator Slossberg has served in the state Senate since 2005. She is the Senate chair of the legislature’s Government Administration and Elections Committee, vice-chair of its Public Health Committee, and a member of the Select Committee on Veterans’ Affairs as well.

This "Toddler Time" program might be the venue for you and your child.

 

Sterling House Community Center is offering a playgroup for toddlers and caregivers called Toddler Time. The program encourages social interaction among peers in a positive educational setting.

Children will participate in art projects, group time, snack and playground time.  Activities are designed to be age appropriate and encourage children to explore and make discoveries alongside their caregiver.  It is a great opportunity for you and your toddler to make some friends and have lots of fun!

Toddler Time begins Sept. 14 from 9:30 – 11 a.m.  Children 18 to 36 months old are welcome to participate with a caregiver.

Classes are offered: Wednesdays or Fridays, or both Wednesday and Friday depending on enrollment interest.

Fee: $120/1day/wk; $200/2 days/wk; plus membership fee for parent and child.   The fall session runs for 12 weeks. Sterling House Community Center is located at 2283 Main Street in Stratford.  Please call (203) 378-2606 to register.

Editor's note: All information in this post was contributed.

Milford residents remember the city's 10-year anniversary of the Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attacks will be held 5 pm Sunday at City Hall. There will be song, reflection, and prayers.

On Saturday from 10 am until 5 pm residents are urged to attend the 40th Annual Engine 260 Antique Fire Apparatus Show & Muster, which will take over Eisenhower Park Saturday in a family oriented event with all the proceeds going towards a good cause, an organizer said.

Engine 260 will host the annual event. Event Chairman Vaughan Dumas said all of the proceeds raised benefit Camp Happiness, a summer camp for special needs children. Each year several thousands of dollars are raised.

The event attracts firefighters from Rhode Island, Vermont, New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut. A total of 90 teams have registered. Additionally, 75 antique fire apparatuses will be present including engines from the early 1900s. All apparatuses must be 20 years or older, and demonstrates the skills of firefighters to keep the trucks operational, Dumas said.

And also on Saturday Missy Lundeen has organized a collection drive for those people affected by Irene. From 9 to 5 pm Saturday anyone who was victimized by Hurricane Irene can come to the Beachside Market, 234 Melba Street in Milford, to receive goods that have been donated.

Lundeen has spent the past couple of weeks collecting clothing, shoes, toys, bedding, bath items, kitchen supplies, toiletries (new only), food (canned and non perishable items), water and bottled juice and furniture including mattresses, kitchen sets, couches, and cribs.

If people need more information they are urged to visit http://everythingsfreedrive.webs.com/.

Have a good weekend.

Brian McCready
Milford Bureau Chief
bmccready@nhregister.com
Twitter @nhrbmccready

Mayor James L. Richetelli, Jr. announced today that the annual Children’s Snapper Derby will be held on Saturday, September 17, 2011 beginning at 5:00 a.m. at Lisman Landing. Sponsored by the City of Milford and the Milford Sport Fishing Association, this event is open to any child 15 years old or under and there is no fee for participation. First, second and third place prizes will be awarded for the heaviest five fish. Hot dogs and refreshments will be served at around noon and a free raffle will be held during the event. Mayor Richetelli said, “He hopes to see many children at the Derby having fun and enjoying the day with a smile.”

Contacts: Mayor James L. Richetelli, Jr. 203 783-3201
Carl Schneider, Milford Sport Fishing Association 203 506-2321

Jonathan Law High School Hosts Open House

Jonathan Law High School will host its annual Open House on Thursday, September 15th. Parents are asked to come to school knowing their student’s homeroom number. The evening’s program will begin in student’s homeroom at 5:45 p.m. and will end at 7:28 p.m. Parents will receive copies of student schedules for the evening in their homerooms.

Parents will follow their student’s schedules for this evening to help understand and experience the format that their student follows in a school day. Classes for this evening will be ten minutes long and give parents four minutes to move from class to class. This is a rigorous schedule and parents are asked to be on time for this event. During a scheduled study hall period, parents will have the opportunity to meet administrators, guidance counselors and will be able to visit the Media Center.

The donations went to Sterling House and program that serves 300 kids

 

Recently Encon Heating and Air Conditioning from Stratford donated new school supplies for the Sterling House "Good Start" program for 300 youngsters starting school this month.

 

In the photo: members of Sterling House staff and employees from Encon presenting school supplies to Sterling House. Shown l to r, Ray O'Donnell, Program Director/Food Pantry Manager at Sterling House, Jen Severs, Terry Phelan and George Phelan from Encon.

 The program is free and open to the public

The Stratford Library will act as host for  former Connecticut author, speaker and motivational consultant Peter A. LaPorta for a special "Meet-the-Author" program at 7 p.m. Sept. 14. 

 LaPorta is the author of the current "A Quote for Every Day", a collection of motivational messages for readers of all ages. 

Currently on a cross-country book tour, LaPorta is a former resident of Monroe.  He has 27 years of leadership experience and holds double degrees from the University of Connecticut.  "A Quote for Every Day" is the author's third book following "Ignite the Passion" and "Who Hired These People?".  He is president and founder of LaPorta Enterprises  Autographed copies of his books will be available for purchase at the library following his talk.

The event  will be held in the Stratford Library Lovell Room.  For more information, call the library's Public Relations & Programming Office at 203.385.4162 or visit its website: www.stratfordlibrary.org.

Editor's note: All information in this post was contributed.

Part of the aim is to raise awareness

WEST HAVEN — The Center for Disability Rights, 764-A Campbell Ave., 1½-mile wheel-athon to benefit youth with disabilities will take place from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sept. 25, at the Savin Rock Conference Center, 5 Rock St.


The event raises awareness of the barriers faced by people with disabilities as they live, work and play while raising funds for programs for youths.

CDR’s serves youths from Milford to Old Saybrook and Old Lyme; up to Middletown and Portland, and down through Meriden to the lower Naugatuck Valley.

Last year, individuals and members of 16 teams raised $11,485 for CDR’s scholarship program. Each year, money raised goes toward college scholarships for students with disabilities; advocacy with students to improve their education; facilitation services for youth groups; and CDR youth transition services.

CDR is looking for participants and sponsors. For information, call Jill at 203-934-7077, ext. 17, or visit http://www.wheel-a-thon.org/.

Editor's note: All information in this post was contributed.

Good Labor Day to all,

I hope you'll come out to Cafe Atlantique Wednesday night from 6 to 7 pm. You'll get the rare opportunity to meet all three of the Milford mayoral candidates including Democrat, Ben Blake, Republican Bernard F. Joy Jr., and Milford Independent Party nominee Rocco Frank. The forum is part of the New Haven Register's committment to engage you the public. We encourage residents to come out and just meet and greet the candidates. Also we'd love to hear from each of you concerning what you'd like to see the Register covered. For too long newspapers have dictated what is covered, but times are a changing, and we want to seek your input concerning what is news. If you can't attend the mayoral forum but would like to ask questions please email me at bmccready@nhregister.com

After the forum is over I'll be a guest of MilfordRadio.com founder Mark Kaminski. Each Wednesday at 8 pm MilfordRadio.com is live on the air from Cafe Atlantique. I'll be speaking about the community engagement forum, and whatever else Mark asks. Past guests include famous sports personality Dan Patrick. No pressure.

This year's mayoral race is generating a lot of buzz. The old cliche that every vote counts may prove to be true here. I'm excited for the community engagement forum, and I'm very appreciate to Bob, Ben, and Rocco for attending. i'm also anxious but also excited to be a guest of Mark's on the radio. It will be my first time doing anything like this. I like to be seen but not heard, but I'll have to change that I was asked to be on Nancy Grace's tv program back in the spring when an Orange teen went missing. I said no so fast.

We'll see how this goes. The over under on how many umsss are uttered is 15. Also I asked Mark to send me some information concerning what is MilfordRadio.com, and here it is for those who haven't sampled it yet.

The following is from Mark Kaminski.

I started MilfordRadio.com about a year ago. The intention was simple, there seemed to be a ton of people interested in what was going on in our city. Started the show with about 10 listeners and now we average a few hundred every show we broadcast (which is only an hour/week. We try to spotlight things that go on in the city that not everyone knows about, the people, the places, the events, etc. We have also had well known guests like Dan Patrick, Tommy John, Mayor Richetelli, Gov Malloy, Kristen Cusato, Gil Simmons, Tommy Edison.

The goal is to be the #1 source for everything to do with Milford, we always try to make the show as entertaining as possible. We have a live video stream during the show along with a live chatroom so we can interact with our listeners.

Lots going on with this small online radio show about Milford, CT... bottom line it is fun and people love it!

"The World of Owls and Ancient Civilizations & Birds of Prey at Orange Country Fair"

Back by popular demand, Wingmasters’ Julie Collier will present bird programs on Saturday and Sunday, Sept. 17 and 18, at the Orange Country Fair, the Orange Land Trust said in a statement.
“We have found people really enjoy seeing the variety of birds that Wingmasters brings to the Fair each year,” said Orange Land Trust President Ed Tucker. “It is the Orange Land Trust’s pleasure to be able to do this again this year, with a variation in the program each day.”

One day Collier will present "The World of Owls," featuring a variety of live owls. "It is expected she will bring the screech owl, barn owl, barred owl, great horned owl, and the tiny saw whet owl. These superbly adapted nocturnal hunting birds have sharp beaks and talons and unique plumage," the statement said.

The other day the program will be "Ancient Civilizations & Birds of Prey." Using live birds of prey and a variety of cultural artifacts and art, Collier will touch on cultures from Asia to the plains of western North America, from Africa to Central and South America, to explain how people around the world and across time have viewed these magnificent hunters of the air.

The fair is held at the Fairgrounds on Orange Center Road. Each day there will be four half-hour presentations on the hour – at 11 a.m., noon, 1 p.m., and 2 p.m.

“One of the reasons I like working with Land Trusts is that the biggest problem to these birds is loss of habitat, and Land Trusts work to preserve open space much needed by so many birds,” Collier said in the statement.

She is concerned about the fragmentation of forests and destruction of open space areas.

The OLT will have its own tent again this year. Stop by to view the free programs, get information on walking areas in the Town of Orange, and see the photograph display. There will be pen and ink note cards designed and drawn by Michael O’Bymachow, and tee-shirts featuring a bird of prey drawn by Julie Collier. Proceeds will benefit the OLT, the statement said.

Collier will have for sale suitable-for-framing art prints of the birds. These sales will benefit her Educational Raptor Center and her special work with endangered species and preparing them for release into the wild.

The OLT is a private nonprofit, volunteer organization that is dedicated to preserving natural resources and open space in the Town of Orange. New members are always welcome. Membership registration forms will be available at the tent!

Editor's note: All information in this post was contributed.

State Senator Gayle S. Slossberg (D-Milford) today issued a reminder for residents of hard-hit shoreline communities to use caution in their selection of contractors and others to be hired for clean-up and repair after Tropical Storm Irene. Senator Slossberg said it’s particularly important in the wake of this episode because so much damage was done and so much work is now required.

“If homeowners are intent on saving a damaged tree they are wise to engage a state-licensed arborist suitably trained to, ‘improve the condition of fruit, shade or ornamental trees by feeding or fertilizing, or by pruning, trimming, bracing” (them), improving tree conditions, or protecting trees from damage,’ according to state statute,” Senator Slossberg said. “Beyond that the outright removal of trees does not rise to the level requiring a licensed arborist, but any and all contractors ought to have sufficient insurance to cover any potential damage, injury, or other liability.”

Senator Slossberg said a roster of state-licensed arborists in Connecticut can be accessed at two different Web sites: www.kellysolutions.com/ct/index.htm or www.ctpa.org, the address for the CT Tree Protective Association.

“The same suggestion applies for those residents whose homes sustained damaged when Irene stormed through: home improvement contractors ought to be licensed by the state Department of Consumer Protection and ought to be insured,” Senator Slossberg said. “In fact, the state has published a guide called “The Connecticut Home Improvement Contractor” and copies are available to residents by calling the Department of Consumer Protection at 860-713-6110 or 800-842-2649, or at its Web site: www.ct.gov/dcp.”

Mayor James L. Richetelli, Jr. Friday reminded residents to continue during this holiday weekend to avail themselves of assistance being offered in the wake of Hurricane Irene.
Mayor Richetelli said that residents who have concerns, questions or special needs may still call the City of Milford emergency operations center at 203-874-6782. Now that most residents have electric power, the Mayor noted that residents can find pertinent information about the storm on the City of Milford website, www.ci.milford.ct.us. Click on the storm icon there to see storm-related links and information.
“This information page includes a link to ‘storm repairs’, which was prepared by the City Department of Permitting and Land Use. For your convenience, the Building Department will be open Saturday, September 3rd from 8 a.m. until noon to answer questions and accept permit applications,” Mayor Richetelli said.
United Illuminating advises that more than 96% of the City has electrical power restored. If most of your neighbors have power and you do not, please contact UI at 1-800-722-5584 to report this issue. Also, UI advised today that residents may now call the same number (1-800-722-5584) for an update on restoration of power to a specific home or business.
Mayor Richetelli said that Milford residents who require an electrical inspection before UI will restore power, or who are concerned that their electrical system was damaged by water, should call the City emergency operations center (203-874-6782) as soon as possible. Municipal building officials will be conducting inspections over the holiday weekend to determine whether it is safe to restore electricity to these homes.
For residents who still have no power, food and water are available at fire stations throughout the City. And from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday, the American Red Cross will operate mobile stations with food and clean-up kits the The Tri-Beach Community Center and 100 Viscount Drive.
“As we continue to clean up after the storm, please be advised that the Department of Public Works will remove cut brush and other debris from curbside on a rotating basis,” the Mayor said. The municipal transfer station continues to be open weekdays from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m.
For those whose property was damaged by Hurricane Irene, the Mayor said the City is working through the State Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection to obtain federal funding assistance. This process is geared toward obtaining a Presidential “disaster area” declaration for New Haven County. When this declaration is obtained, Milford will receive assistance from the Federal Emergency Management Agency, or FEMA. Additional details will be forthcoming.

POWER RESTORATION – TOWN OF WOODBRIDGE

The First Selectman and Town staff, met again this morning with the Police Department and UI representative Vinnie Lazzaro, also a Woodbridge resident, regarding the United Illuminating Company’s response to the power outages in Woodbridge due to Hurricane Irene.

As of September 4th at 9:00 a.m., Mr. Lazzaro reported 45 homes or 1.5% are without power. This means that 98.5% have been restored. This is down from 373 or 10.2% on September 3, 2011. Several of these 45 home are single outages and should be reported to the UI. Please check to be sure your electric power lines are connected to you home.

Today UI has 6 line crews and 3 tree crews working in Woodbridge. There are still patrol crews checking services to individual homes and any trees left leaning on wires. You may not see a UI truck as several of these crews are from other States, and Canada. All main arteries have been made safe and energized.

IMPORTANT

IF YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD HAS POWER AND YOU STILL DO NOT – FOR BEST SERVICE CALL U.I. AT 1-800-722-5584. THIS IS IMPORTANT AS SERVICE TICKETS WILL BE WRITTEN AND CREWS WILL BE NOTIFIED OF YOUR PROBLEM.

It is still very important that residents keep away from all downed power lines until UI can respond. Information on power restoration can be found at the UI website: www.uinet.com.

Homeowners are advised to check the electric service to their homes. If anything appears suspicious they should call the police (203-387-2511).

TOWN SERVICES

The Town Hall, Library, and The Center building offices (the old Center School) are closed for Labor day and will reopen at 8:30 a.m. on Tuesday, September 6, 2011.

THE TRANSFER STATION WILL BE OPEN TODAY, SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 4th FROM 8:30 A.M. TO 3:00 P.M. – A BRUSH PERMIT WILL NOT BE REQUIRED FOR SUNDAY. Regular hours for the Transfer Station are Tuesday-Saturday 8:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Brush fees have been waived for two weeks. A permit must be obtained to bring brush to the Transfer Station. Contact the Facilities Office at 203-389-3420.

Water is available 24 hours at The Center building outside faucet on the side of the building near the Town Green (where concerts are held) and at the Town Hall pump house (small white building to the right of Town Hall). Please bring your own containers. Bottled water is also available at the Woodbridge Fire House.

Beecher Road School

Beecher Road School will reopen on Tuesday, September 6, 2011. Please check www.woodbridge.k12.ct.us for more information

Senior Center

Monday thru Friday - open from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. – come and visit, play cards, watch TV and charge your electronic devices.

Showers

The Jewish Community Center, 360 Amity Road is open for Woodbridge residents from 5:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. – best time is between 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Planet Fitness (160 Amity Road) also has shower facilities available for Woodbridge residents from 5:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. at no charge.


Edward Maum Sheehy
First Selectman

This is a message from Chief Louis LaVecchia, Emergency Management Director for the City of Milford.

The American Red Cross will be at the Tri Beach Center, 170 Hillside Avenue, today from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. with supplies to assist you with cleaning up following Tropical Storm Irene.

Available items include flashlights, batteries, buckets, bleach, shovels, rakes and mops. This is the last day the Red Cross will be in Milford.

Please remember, for storm related questions, please call the Emergency Operations Center at 203-874-6782.

Thank you.

A quick survey is all it takes
Are you among the lucky ones? Or is the guy across the street watching the ball game on TV while you’re still in the dark? We want to know when your “Power Hour” was, when you got your electrical power back after Irene, or if you’re still going without.

Good afternoon. This is Mayor Jim Richetelli with important information for Milford residents as we continue to recover from the effects of Hurricane Irene. I know this is a difficult time for many people, particularly those who still don’t know when their electrical power will be restored.
Our major priority is the restoration of electricity to every resident. We have a United Illuminating Company representative with us at all times, and we are working with them to get as many people back on line as quickly as possible. At long last, UI today provided us with a restoration forecast. They predict that 2,500 more customers will be restored to power today; 1,250 more by Friday evening; and another 500 more by Saturday. If their forecast is correct, by Saturday evening 98% of Milford will have their electricity restored.
For those who still have no power, the City of Milford can help!
We will be distributing food and water for residents who are still without electrical power. Milford residents can pick up these commodities at any City firehouse from 7 p.m. through the night, and continuing through tomorrow, September 2nd while the supply lasts. I encourage all Milford residents to avail themselves of this assistance.
Residents who have concerns, questions or special needs may still call the City of Milford emergency operations center at 203-874-6782. While we unfortunately do not have specific information about when power will be restored to each home, we in the City of Milford remain committed to helping our residents through this difficult time.
Thank you.

The City of Milford has established food and water distribution points at the following locations, these areas will be open from 6pm until 9pm (while supplies last)

Food and Water will also be distributed at these locations from 10am until 7pm(while supplies last) on September 2, 2011.

Milford Fire Headquarters @ 72 New Haven Avenue

Milford Fire Station 5 @ 128 Kings Highway

Milford Fire Station 6 @ 204 Melba Street

Milford Fire Station 7 @ 55 Wheelers Farms Road

Milford Fire Station 8 @ 349 Naugatuck Avenue

These locations will provide Military style (MRE’s Meals ready to eat) and bottled water.

AT THIS TIME THERE IS NO ICE AT THESE LOCATIONS

UPDATE – POWER RESTORATION – TOWN OF WOODBRIDGE

The First Selectman, Police Department, Fire Department, Public Works and Town staff, have met several days this week with UI representatives Vinnie Lazzaro and Paul Rossi, also Woodbridge residents, regarding the United Illuminating Company’s response to the power outages in Woodbridge due to Hurricane Irene.

As of September 1st, 641 homes or 18% are without power. This is down from 1788 or 49% on August 31, 2011. UI hopes to have less than 100 homes without power tomorrow.

UI has 11 line crews and 7 tree crews working in Woodbridge. You may not see a UI truck as several of these crews are from other States, and Canada. All main arteries have been made safe and energized. These are Ansonia Road, Rimmon Road, Racebrook Road, Amity Road, and Litchfield Turnpike. Concentration is now on the roads off of these main arteries.

It is still very important that residents keep away from all downed power lines until UI can respond. Information on power restoration can be found at the UI website: www.uinet.com.

Homeowners are advised to check the electric service to their homes. If anything appears suspicious they should call the police (203-387-2511) or the Fire Department
(203-389-3440).

TOWN SERVICES

The Town Hall and The Center building offices (the old Center School) are open for business as usual.

The Library is open for regular hours.

The Transfer Station is open Tuesday-Saturday 8:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Brush fees have been waived for two weeks. A permit must be obtained to bring brush to the Transfer Station. Contact the Facilities Office at 203-389-3420.

Water is available 24 hours at The Center building outside faucet on the side of the building near the Town Green (where concerts are held) and at the Town Hall pump house (small white building to the right of Town Hall). Please bring your own containers. Bottled water is also available at the Woodbridge Fire House.

Beecher Road School

Beecher Road School will reopen on Tuesday, September 6, 2011. Please check www.woodbridge.k12.ct.us for more information