The Literacy Center of Milford is pleased to announce that the first two shows of “The Boy Who Fell Into a Book” played before sellout crowds at The Milford Fine Arts Theatre this past weekend. The production directed by Karen Quinn Panzer, owner of Village Vogue Boutique is a two act play written by Alan Ayckbourn.   

The play promotes reading and literacy and is being run as a fundraiser for the Literacy Center. 

The show opened on Saturday April 28 to a packed house and finished with a standing ovation for the talented cast made up of adults and children from our area. The matinee show on Sunday also was sold out and was well received by an enthusiastic crowd. 

Tickets for the final show on Friday, May 4 are still available and can be purchased at Village Vogue Boutique located at 163 N. Broad Street on the Milford Green. Tickets are also being sold at The Literacy Center of Milford located at 16 Dixon Street, Milford Ct 06460. Ticket prices are $12 for adults and $8 for children 12 and under. 

To reserve tickets or for more information go to www.literacycenterofmilford.com  or call The Literacy Center at 203-878-4800.

MILFORD -- In recognition of May being Mental Health Month, there will be a "Hope and Wellness" event 6:30-8 p.m. May 8 at the Milford Public Library, 57 New Haven Ave.
The free presentation and discussion on mental health issues is sponsored by the Regional Mental Health Board II.  

MILFORD -- A representative of Farmland ConneCTions will be the speaker at a meeting of the Environmental Concerns Commission 9:30 a.m. to noon at City Hall, 110 River St. May 8. For details, call DD Vasseur at 203-283-1441.

Parents with children who will be entering kindergarten in the fall (for the 2012-13 academic year) are asked to call their local school to schedule an appointment to register as soon as possible.  Parents can pick up registration materials at the school during normal operating hours. 

A child must reach the age of 5 before the end of the year (2012) in order to start kindergarten this fall.  At the time of registration, parents must bring the following items to complete the registration process:

- A certified copy of the child’s birth certificate (with a raised seal);

- A record of any communicable diseases the child may have had;

- A record of the child’s immunization schedule; and

- Two proofs of residency (examples include a current utility bill, mortgage receipt/rent receipt).

Before entry into school in August, each child must have a physical examination that includes a hemoglobin or hematocrit test, vision, hearing, and speech screening.  The physical examination cannot have been done earlier than 12 months prior to the date the child enters school.

For more information, please contact your neighborhood school or search our website at www.milforded.org.  Questions may also be directed to Beth McIlhoney in the Asst. Superintendent’s Office at (203) 783-3422.

John F. Kennedy Elementary:  (203) 783-3568

Orange Avenue Elementary:  (203) 783-3537

Mathewson Elementary:  (203) 783-3527

Live Oaks Elementary: (203) 783-3564

Information was provided by the Milford Board of Education in a press release. 

MILFORD--On Saturday, April 28, 2012 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. the Milford Police Department and the Milford Prevention Council in conjunction with the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) will be accepting unwanted prescription drugs from the public as part of a nationwide initiative to prevent prescription drug abuse and theft by ridding their homes of potentially dangerous expired, unused, and unwanted prescription drugs.

The drop-off location for this one-day event will be at the Milford Senior Center parking lot located at 9 Jepson Drive in Milford (rain or shine). There will be an area in the lot setup as a “drive thru service” for your convenience. The service is free and anonymous, no questions asked.

This initiative addresses a vital public safety and public health issue. Medicines that languish in home cabinets are highly susceptible to diversion, misuse, and abuse. Rates of prescription drug abuse in the U.S. are alarmingly high, as are the number of accidental poisonings and overdoses due to these drugs. Studies show that a majority of abused prescription drugs are obtained from family and friends, including from the home medicine cabinet. In addition, Americans are now advised that their usual methods for disposing of unused medicines—flushing them down the toilet or throwing them in the trash—both pose potential safety and health hazards.

Information was submitted by Milford police in a press release. 

Women with United Vision (WUV), a women’s initiative of the United Way of Milford, has collected over 10,000 diapers to distribute to local families in need through United Way agencies and the Department of Human Services. 

Diapers were collected during the month of March through Milford Public Schools, ShopRite of Milford, Super Stop and Shop (East Town Road), Woodruff Family YMCA, GE Federal Credit Union, Sand Castle Learning Center, Trixie Salon, IKON, and Turner Construction.  

Says Darcy Ellis, WUV co-chair, “We are thrilled with the results of our first Healthy Baby Diaper Drive and want to thank all the members of the Milford community who have made this project such a huge success.”

 

Cutline: Darcy Ellis and Jennifer Bernheim, co-chairs of Women with United Vision, with Owen and Emmy Bernheim, in front of diapers collected for Healthy Baby Diaper Drive

The Literacy Center of Milford announces that it will present “The Boy Who Fell into a Book” written by Alan Ayckbourn, at the Milford Fine Arts Theatre located at 40 Railroad Avenue, Milford, Ct. 

Through the generosity of Director Karen Quinn-Panzer and her husband Frank Panzer, owners of  Village Vogue Boutique, the production will promote literacy and raise money for the center. The two-act play features Kevin, a young boy who loves to read.  One night, he reads himself to sleep and dreams of meeting his hero, Rockfist Slim, a fictional detective with a knack for sarcasm and adventure. As Kevin and Rockfist attempt to find their way home, they encounter a number of book characters that they must deal with in order to survive their journey. This fun comedy will challenge your imagination and tickle your funny bone. 

The auditions attracted many talented adults and children from our area. Here’s the cast of characters:

Kevin - Dante DiFederico, Stratford, Ct
Rockfist Slim - Kurt Lauer, Cold Springs, NY
Monique - Cynthia Robinson, Monroe, Ct
Little Red Riding Hood - Lia Burrows, Milford, Ct
Rumpelstiltskin - Jimi Wright, Milford, Ct
Baby Woobly - Kailey Loewenberg, Milford, Ct
Mummy Woobly/Queen - Kathy Jo Loewenberg, Milford, Ct
Pawn/Jennet - Melinda Costello, Milford, Ct
Red Gareth/Ebenezer/Daddy Woobly/ Headless Monk - Nick Kaye, Bethel CT
Voice of Dad/Brunt/Bishop/Wolf - Frank Panzer, Milford, Ct

The play is sponsored by the Junior Woman’s Club of Milford, staunch supporter and founder of The Literacy Center of Milford. Tami Jackson, Executive Director of the Literacy Center is pleased with the first-time event for the center. “We are so fortunate to have people who care about literacy enough to donate their time and expertise to make this happen. Special thanks to Karen and Frank for coming to us with this great idea and to The Junior Woman’s Club for their generous sponsorship.” 

Four shows are scheduled at The Milford Fine Arts Theatre:

Saturday April 28, 7pm 

Sunday April 29, 2pm Matinee and 6pm Evening Show

Friday May 4, 7 pm 

Tickets are $12 for adults and $8 for children (12 and under). Tickets can be purchased at Village Vogue Boutique located at 163 N. Broad Street, Milford or at The Literacy Center of Milford, 16 Dixon Street, Milford (203) 878-4800. For more information visit www.literacycenterofmilford.com or contact Joe Meade at (203) 988-5700 or by email at jmeade2873@aol.com.

  The training will help people learn how to help those experiencing a mental health crisis

MILFORD — Bridges…A Community Support System, Inc. will hold a Mental Health First Aid course to train business and public officials, school personnel and other community members on responding to a mental health emergency at work, home or any public setting. The 12-hour course takes place at The Parson’s Government Center in Milford on April 27 and May 2.
The cost of the two-day training is $75 and includes the course manual and lunch.
Mental Health First Aid is an interactive training designed to give members of the public key skills to help someone who is developing a mental health problem or experiencing a mental health crisis.  Similar to CPR training, Mental Health First Aid training helps an individual who doesn’t have clinical training assist someone experiencing a mental health crisis.  Clinical and qualitative evidence behind the program demonstrates improved outcomes for individuals experiencing these illnesses when they receive this triage type of help until professional resources are in place.
The National Council for Community Behavioral Healthcare, the organization that brought Mental Health First Aid to the United States in 2008, certified Bridges to provide the training in 2009. Bridges conducted the first training for local first-responders and others in January, 2011. The agency intends to develop the program as a regularly scheduled course for area professionals and residents who wish to become certified.

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

Milford Progress, Inc. (the official downtown economic development agency for Milford ) is seeking nominations for the coveted “White Glove Award” to be presented at the Milford Chamber’s State of The City Address with Mayor Blake, to be delivered on Friday, June 1, 2012 at Costa Azzurra Restaurant at Noon.

“The White Glove Award is presented to a business expending extraordinary effort to beautify their building and surrounding grounds.” Send in the name and address of the commercial property you are nominating. Kindly e-mail all nominations to kalagno@milfordct.com . All nominations must be received by Thursday, April 19th, 2012.

Additionally, Twenty – seven (27) Milford Chamber Scholarships (with a value of $23,000 ) will be awarded at this function to high school students who are furthering their education. This meeting is open to the public. . Reservations are required. Call 203.878.0681. Cost for luncheon is $30 per person.

MILFORD--Sponsored by The Salvatore Law Firm the YMCA will host its third annual sprint triathlon, dubbed The “Y” Tri on May 20. The sprint will include the traditional three full triathlon events, but at shorter distances: a 300-yard swim (at the Woodruff YMCA facility), followed by a 10-mike bike race and finishing with a 3 mile run.

This early season pool triathlon is a great way to dive into the triathlon season. Past participants rave about the "Y" Tri. Find out for yourself why the "Y" Tri is a wonderful way to kick off your triathlon season. The swim is up and down 6 lanes of the pool for a total of 300 yards. The bike course is a single loop. The run is out and back with the finish under the giant F.I.R.M arch.

Competitors can sign up as individuals ($70) or as teams ($80). Individuals or teams interested in participating may go online to www.firm-racing.com to register.
The event begins at 8 am with registration starting at 6:30 am. Participants will get a T-shirt and sponsors’ goody bag.
The Triathlon is one of several events organized by Fiske Independent Race Management of Charlton, MA, Sponsors of the Y-Tri event include The Salvatore Law Firm, Milford Bank, Pediatric & Adolescent Medicine, Tri-City Appliance, Cogguillo Family Dentistry, Orange Center Dentistry, Hudson Valley Bank, , Infant Swimming Resources, and Shop Rite.

Proceeds from the event will help support the YMCA’s Strong Kids Campaign. Last year, the Woodruff YMCA awarded more than $182,000 in financial scholarships through the Campaign to hundreds of families needing assistance in programs like childcare, pre-school, summer camp and swim lessons.
If you would like be a sponsor or volunteer to work the event along with YMCA staff and members of the Board of Directors, please call YMCA Executive Director Charles Clifford at 203-878-6501 or cclifford@cccymca.org.
Summer Day Camp registration

The YMCA is accepting registration for two summer camps. Camp Wepawaug is an ACA accredited; state licensed day camp for children ages 6-15 years. Campers will follow a daily schedule filled with activities like arts and crafts, swimming, sports, group games, themed activities and nature. Also offered are specialty swim and archery camps. The camp sessions are offered every two weeks, beginning on June 25th through August 24th. Hours of operation begin with a traditional day from 9:00-4:00pm or extended hours from 7:15 am to 6:00pm.

Discovery Camp is ACA accredited and offered for children 3 years to 6 years of age. Discovery Camp includes weekly themes, field trips, outdoor play, nature games, arts and crafts and swim lessons. The camp sessions are offered weekly, beginning on June 25th through August 24th. Hours are part-time 9:00- 2:00pm or extended hours from 7:15am to 6:00pm.

For more information about this program and other YMCA programs please contact Nicole Servas, Youth Director at 203-878-6501, ext 3116, nservas@cccymca.org. or Brenda Pasquariello, Childcare Coordinator at ext. 3118, bpasquariello@cccymca.org


LIFEGUARD TRAINING COURSE- Train to be a certified American Red Cross Lifeguard. This course is offered for ages 15 and older and will take place beginning Sunday, April 22nd. Upon successful completion of this course, participants will receive certification in Lifeguard training, First Aid, CPR and AED for the professional rescuer. For more details contact Matt Laprino at 203-878-6501 ext 3127 or mlaprino@cccymca.org.

State Senator Gayle Slossberg (D-Milford) visited Lauralton Hall in Milford today to talk to students about the importance of women in government and how her own life path led to a meaningful career in politics.

The Catholic college-preparatory high school for girls held its Career Day this week and invited women from different professions to tell their stories to students as they prepare to graduate and go off to college. Sen. Slossberg spoke to four different classes of young women about her job at the Capitol and in the community.

“It is so important for young women to realize their potential to be leaders in their community and, on a bigger scale, the world,” Sen. Slossberg said. “We need more women in government, crafting smart public policy and passing laws that help those less fortunate. I told the students that life can take you in directions you never imagined.”

Sen. Slossberg continued: “As a young lawyer and then a mother, I never dreamed of running for public office. But I was inspired to stand up for people in my community and eventually my passion for wanting to help others led me to take a daring leap into the world of politics. I never looked back and I never regretted my decision. There is no more noble profession than one that lets you help other people and make your community, your state and your world a better place. I am confident that these young women are future leaders who will make truly positive impacts on the lives they touch”

Many of the young women expressed interest in careers in politics or law and the students came prepared with thoughtful questions for the senator about her job.

Sen. Slossberg represents the 14th District communities of Milford, Orange and West Haven in the Connecticut Senate. First elected in 2004, Sen. Slossberg was reelected in 2008 for her third term as the state senator representing Milford, Orange, and the southern half of West Haven.

As Senate chair of the Government Administration & Elections Committee, Sen. Slossberg has been a strong voice for transparent and ethical state and municipal government and was the driving force behind comprehensive contracting reform in the State of Connecticut. She also serves as vice chair of the Select Committee on Veterans' Affairs and as vice-chair of the Public Health Committee. Currently, Sen. Slossberg is working to pass important election reform legislation that would increase voter participation by allowing online and Election Day voter registration as well as no-excuse absentee ballot voting.

Throughout her career in the Senate, Slossberg has fought for and won passage of legislation to eradicate childhood lead poisoning. As past Senate Chair of the Veterans Affairs Committee, Sen. Slossberg championed the most comprehensive veterans’ benefits package since WWII, which included the state’s Military Family Relief Fund.

Sen. Slossberg received her Bachelor of Science degree from Cornell University in 1987 and her law degree from New York University Law School in 1990. Sen. Slossberg grew up in Massachusetts and spent many years working and managing a family business that was started by her grandfather. She lives in Milford with her husband, David, and their three children.

Information was submitted by Slossberg's office

MILFORD--On Saturday, April 28, 2012 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. the Milford Police Department and the Milford Prevention Council in conjunction with the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) will be accepting unwanted prescription drugs from the public as part of a nationwide initiative to prevent prescription drug abuse and theft by ridding their homes of potentially dangerous expired, unused, and unwanted prescription drugs.

The drop-off location for this one-day event will be at the Milford Senior Center parking lot located at 9 Jepson Drive in Milford (rain or shine). There will be an area in the lot setup as a “drive thru service” for your convenience. The service is free and anonymous, no questions asked.

This initiative addresses a vital public safety and public health issue. Medicines that languish in home cabinets are highly susceptible to diversion, misuse, and abuse. Rates of prescription drug abuse in the U.S. are alarmingly high, as are the number of accidental poisonings and overdoses due to these drugs. Studies show that a majority of abused prescription drugs are obtained from family and friends, including from the home medicine cabinet.

In addition, Americans are now advised that their usual methods for disposing of unused medicines—flushing them down the toilet or throwing them in the trash—both pose potential safety and health hazards.

 Precautions to take are listed here
MILFORD — The city and the Fire Department will be collecting propane tanks from residents 8 a.m.-1 p.m. April 14, at 55 Wheeler’s Farms Road, upper parking lot of Station 7.
The cylinders are the type used in gas grills and camping equipment. Twenty-pound tanks may be full, partially filled, or empty.
Proof of residency is required. There is no cost.
Tanks should be transported in an upright position; a safety plug must be in place; valve must be in the closed position.
The Fire Department said residents should not vent the tank prior to transporting, and they should be secured to prevent accidental tip-over; tanks showing signs of damage or deterioration cannot be refilled; tanks should be transported with the vehicle windows open; no smoking during the transport of the tanks or in the drop off area
For information, call the fire marshal’s office at 203-874-6321 Monday through Friday.

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