Milford Matters

The Milford Recreation Department announces that it will begin registration for adult PILOXING.   Piloxing is a one-hour workout program blending power, speed and agility of boxing with the beautiful sculpting and flexibility of Pilates, as well as, fun and up to date dance moves.   These classes, taught by Joan Smeland, will be held every Monday at the Margaret Egan Center in room 107. This seven week program will be from 6:00PM to 7:00PM beginning on Monday, October 15, 2012 and run through Monday, December 3, 2012.   All participants are required to bring their own mat and water bottle.   The registration fee is $49.00 for Milford residents and $54.00 for non residents.   For more information regarding the Piloxing Program contact Rich Minnix at 203-783-3387 .

State Rep. Kim Rose (D-Milford) in a press release is urging residents to take advantage of an important effort to properly dispose unusable prescription drugs out of their cabinets during the National Prescription Drug Take Back Day this Saturday. More than 60 cities and towns in the state will have designated collection sites to receive expired and unused prescription drugs from residents.   The effort led by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), along with state and local law enforcement officials, and other partners, is an attempt to address and prevent prescription drug abuse in the state. The Milford Police Department and the Milford Prevention Council will be setting up a collection site at the Milford Senior Center parking lot, 9 Jepson Drive, between the hours of 10:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. on Saturday. A complete list of collection sites across the state is available at: http://www.deadiversion.usdoj. gov/drug_disposal/takeback/

Anderson Trial: Prosecution in ex-Milford cop's trial wants to use animation of wreck Attorneys in ex-Milford cop's manslaughter case argue motions on evidence, venue (with crash video) Busing Controversy: Milford students' walk to bus stop too dangerous, parents say (video) Editorial about moving the bus stop . First-person account of the walk  Anti-Obama sign causes controversy: Anti-Obama sign hurts Milford business, according to owner Smith responds to questions about billboard Building Projects and Land Use: Details of AvalonBay II development presented to Milford audience Open space job a big hit among Milford environmentalists (document) Completion of Milford fire station delayed Crime:  Suspect arrested in Milford Subway robbery w/video Milford police arrest murder suspect in 2006 death of woman (video, document) Alleged Milford home invader faces new charges Mi...

A Milford man accused of  puncturing the tires of 15 vehicles confessed to the crime, according to police. Police received complaints of vandalism to the tires on Sept. 22. The alleged tire slasher, Paul Wheeler, 59, confessed that he punctured the tires in retaliation of neighbors who called police to report a disturbance at his home the day before, police said. Wheeler lives on Park Circle. He is charged with 15 counts of criminal mischief and was released on a promise to appear.

The Department of Administrative Services commissioner has notified all school districts about the regulation to post open bids to the CT Contracting Portal website.  Milford is still awaiting the DAS decision regarding their bid process for the school , said Chief Operations Officer James Richetelli Jr. The building committee for the school tabled the decision at their last meeting.  Going through with the bid as is could result in the project not receiving state reimbursement, which is expected to be about $6 million. 

From the Milford Public Library: Author Donna Kent will appear at Milford Library on Tuesday Oct. 9 at 7:00 p.m. Donna Kent is the founder of The Cosmic Society of Paranormal Investigation and CosmicSociety.com, the internet’s largest, free, spirit energy photo website. She has appeared on countless radio, news and television shows. Her first book, Ghost Stories and Legends of Eastern Connecticut – Lore, Mysteries and Secrets Revealed, was the publisher's (History Press) #1 seller in their Haunted America division for 2007 and was featured in the November 1, 2007 NY Times. Her newest book, Ghost Stories and Legends of Southeastern Connecticut has garnered Kent a video with the Wall Street Journal and many television and press media opportunities. This program is generously funded by the Friends of Milford Library. The program is free and open to the public.

Below is a map of the fire stations throughout Milford. The two green markers are the stations that are scheduled to be closed once the East Side Fire Station (red marker) is up and running ( more about that here ). The Borough of Woodmont is aiming to use Station Five as it's new government home . Station Six will serve as vehicle storage for the fire department. View Fire station locations Milford in a larger map

We've had some great photo slideshows by our photography staff over the summer. Here are some links to their work. 41st Annual Milford Engine 260 Antique Fire Apparatus Show and Muster 38th Annual Milford Oyster Festival Chihuahua Adoption (bonus points for spotting the mutts)

I found this comment on the article about the Vo-Ag busing situation interesting. Do you think that a lot of roads in Milford aren't pedestrian-friendly?  From 30Guest: Someone previously observed this road and many other Milford roads are not designed for use by pedestrians or bicyclists. It is shameful Milford’s public roads are dangerous for use by pedestrians, bicyclists and those in wheel chairs. Even U.S. Route 1 often has no walkways or even shoulders for large stretches. This is a significant problem with the State especially that goes fully ignored. The picture shows a single lane road, with no shoulder, and no passing allowed.  Until changes are made, my understanding is that pedestrians enjoy the same rights as cars and trucks to use public roads. If the road is one lane, pedestrians should take their right to the full lane, even if that requires cars travel behind the pedestrian for miles. Until Milford’s planning and engineering make roads usable for all, p...

Police arrested a West Haven man for burglarizing Milford Boat Works over the weekend. Police responded to a burglar alarm at Milford Boat Works around 3:00 a.m. on Sunday, where they found a shattered glass door. They located Kyle Anderson, 24, in the area and found him wearing rain boots and weather clothing from Milford Boat Works. Anderson is charged with burglary, criminal mischief and larceny. He was released on a promise to appear. DUI A Bridgeport man was arrested early Saturday morning for driving while intoxicated. Police observed a vehicle that was stopped for an extended period of time at a red light. Carlos Baez, 33, was given an intoxilyzer test and results indicated he had an elevated blood alcohol content level. He was charged with driving while intoxicated and was released on a $500 bond.

By Rich Scinto I've heard stories from my grandparents about walking two miles in the snow to go to school. Some Milford residents who go the the Trumbull Regional Agriscience and Biotechnology Center program have to do just that. Well, there is no snow for now, but the walk is more than two miles. In the good spirit of journalism (and because I didn't want to be one-upped by John Burgeson at the Post) I decided to walk most of the route myself, starting at the bus stop. The first obstacle is a narrow bridge that hovers over the Wasson Connector. There is no designated sidewalk for pedestrians to cross. The side is overgrown with grass and weeds. The only options a pedestrian has is to either walk in the middle of the road or trudge through the grass. I took the latter option because I wasn't keen on writing a first-person account of getting run over. Most of the walk doesn't have sidewalks. Sometimes this isn't a problem because there is short gr...

The Milford Police Department provides public fingerprinting to residents of Milford and any out of town resident seeking employment with the City of Milford. Public fingerprinting is primarily performed for employment, business applications, adoptions, licensing, and other permits so designated. Fingerprinting is not available for immigration purposes. As of October 1, 2012, the Milford Police Department will be charging a $10.00 fee for fingerprinting services. Payment must be made and valid identification provided to the Records Clerk before your fingerprints are taken. Accepted methods of payment and required identification/document types can be found on the department’s website listed below. The Milford Police Department will waive the fee when a person requesting fingerprint services is an indigent individual (as defined in CGS. 17a-495) or an applicant for the Milford Housing Authority. Fingerprinting services will be provided at the police department Licensing and Permits Div...

The Milford Sport Fishing Association held its annual Children's Snapper Derby on Saturday, September 15, 2012. First, second and third place prizes were awarded for the heaviest five fish. Louis Heenan took first place with a total fish weight of 2.092 lbs.; William Friedman came in second with a total weight of 2.066 lbs., followed by third place winner Olivia Tiberio whose fish weighed in at 1.998 lbs..

DeForest Smith has responded to questions regarding his billboard near USA Fuel on the Milford Republicans website. The original article  about the billboard has more background on the situation. An excerpt from his letter reads: My concern is for my 8 grandchildren. At the rate Obama Is increasing the national debt, by the time they are adults the national debt will be overwhelming. It is important that the voting public  focuses on what   Obama is doing, not what he is promising  – e.g. He promised to cut the deficit in half. He has more than doubled it to more than one trillion dollars in each of his 4 years as president. His policies have caused the United States’ credit rating to fall for the first time in history.

From Milford Police The Milford Police Department’s “Annual Police Auction” will be held on Saturday, September 22, 2012 beginning at 10:00 am. At 9:00 am, auction attendees will have an opportunity to preview the items being auctioned off that day. Numerous bicycles and other items will be sold to the highest bidder in “as is condition”. The volunteer auctioneer for this event will be Patricia Francis. The event will be held “rain or shine” at the rear of the police department at 430 Boston Post Rd, Milford, Connecticut.

We received concerned emails about possible mold in the JFK Elementary School ventilation system. Pat Bradbury, Director of Facilities said: “There is no known mold problem at JFK, in the ventilation system or anywhere else in the school. Regular and preventative maintenance takes place constantly throughout the year, in JFK and in every school building.  Inspections and tests are conducted by independent environmental specialists when needed. We will continue to do due diligence in making sure our buildings are clean and safe.” Do you have concerns about mold at JFK? Comment below or email rscinto@nhregister.com

Milford Police Department arrests include someone allegedly taking a plant and throwing it into the street.

Police were investigating a disturbance at a Park Circle residence when Paul Wheeler, 59, allegedly became combative with police. Wheeler attempted to strike one of the officers, police said. He allegedly continued to fight officers while being taken into custody and police used an electronic control device to subdue him. Wheeler continued to be uncooperative and also yelled at emergency responders at the scene and threatened them and their families. He was charged with two counts of attempted assault on a police officer, interfering with police and threatening. He was held on a $25,000 bond.

The Milford Hall of Fame Committee will induct five new members into the Hall of Fame on Sept. 19 at 5:00 p.m. in the Parson's complex. This year's inductees are: William Fowler, Charles Hobby Pond, George W. Coy, Thomas Tibbals and Henry Augustus Taylor. Among the committee members are Milford's five living former mayors: Alberta Jagoe, Alan Jepson, Joel Baldwin, Ed Kozlowski, and Jim Richetelli. This year's featured speaker is Michael C. Dooling, a children's book illustrator best known locally for his publications An Historical Account of Charles Island and Milford Lost & Found. Mayor Ben Blake is also scheduled to appear as a guest speaker. Bios of inductees: William Fowler was among the original founders of Milford in 1639, one of the “seven pillars of the church” upon which the Milford colony was built. Fowler’s mill business, located on the banks of the Wepawaug River near where the Milford Library stands today, was the first such mill in New Haven Colon...

The Milford Police Department’s “Annual Police Auction” will be held on Saturday, September 22, 2012 beginning at 10:00 am. At 9:00 am, auction attendees will have an opportunity to preview the items being auctioned off that day. Numerous bicycles and other items will be sold to the highest bidder in “as is condition”. The volunteer auctioneer for this event will be Patricia Francis. The event will be held “rain or shine” at the rear of the police department at 430 Boston Post Rd, Milford, Connecticut.

Tuesday is the day. Three and a half years after a tragic car accident involving a then city police Officer Jason Anderson, and a carcarrying two Orange teens , Ashlie Krakowski and David Servin, both 19, jury selection commences.   Anderson, who was terminated from his job, was charged with two counts of first-degree manslaughter in the deaths of both Servin and Krakowski. It is expected that jury selection will take two weeks, and then the trial will begin. We will be covering day one of jury selection. Reporter Phyllis Swebilius will provide updates throughout the day, which can be found at www.nhregister.com and if you’re on Twitter through @nhrmilford. What is known about what happened in the early morning hours of June 13, 2009 in Orange is that Anderson, who was not responding to an emergency call, was traveling 95 mph at the point of impact as the teens made a left hand turn. The teens were both intoxicated at the time of the accident. The Servin es...

Members of the Milford Police Department Tactical Unit conducted an investigation regarding the sale of marijuana recently in Milford. Investigation led to two arrest warrants being issued for Michelle Brown age 44 of 111 Bridgeport Avenue 1st floor rear, Milford. Brown is accused of selling marijuana to an undercover detective on two separate occasions. With the assistance of Milford Police Narcotics Detection K9 “Cedar”, police executed a search warrant at Brown’s residence which led to the discovery of cocaine, marijuana, scales, packaging materials and approximately $100,000 in currency. In regards to the two arrest warrants, Brown was charged with Possession of Marijuana 21a-279(a) 2 counts, Sale of Marijuana 21a-277(b) 2 counts and Sale of Marijuana Within 1500 feet of a Public Housing Complex 21a-278(b) 2 counts. Brown was held in lieu of a $20,000 bond. Also during the search warrant, police found Adam Porter age 22 of 12 Ellis Street, Milford in possession of marijuana whic...

Milford Police Department arrests this weekend include a dui, and a couple of larceny arrests.

Police arrested a Milford woman on Sept. 14 for DUI and other alleged crimes following a severe accident. The incident happened on July 20. Police received a complaint that a vehicle struck a utility pole on Naugatuck Avenue and that there was severe damage to the vehicle and pole. Nancy Peters, 37, became combative as emergency responders attempted to remove her from her vehicle, police said. She allegedly kicked a an office during the incident. Further investigation revealed she was operating the vehicle under the influence of alcohol, police said. Peters was charged wit driving under the influence, failure to drive right and interfering with police.

A Milford woman was arrested Sept. 14 for using a credit card that belonged to a relative. Police received a complaint that Audrey Gossett, 47, made several unauthorized transactions in Milford and Bridgeport using her relative's credit card. The total amount of purchases was more than $550, according to police. Gossett is charged with credit card theft, illegal use of a credit card, receiving goods by illegal use of a credit card, identity theft, larceny, fraudulent use of an ATM and criminal impersonation. She was released on a promise to appear.

Mike Castaldi grew up in Milford where he graduated Jonathan Law High School in 2000. He enlisted in the US Navy in 2006 and has served 3 tours overseas. His latest tour was 8 months in Afghanistan. Monday, Sept. 10, 2012, Mike returned home from deployment where he was shocked to find all of his belongings, with the exception of his furniture and military uniforms, had been stolen from storage while he was fighting for our country. Thursday Sept. 20 Jason Castaldi and friends invite you to come to The Orange Ale House and participate in raising funds for Mike Castaldi, his Brother. We are raising money to help him get back on his feet so he can afford to make a home for himself when he returns home from war. On Sunday, Sept. 16, 2012 from 10am-2pm there will be a collection at the Jonathan Law High School faculty parking lot, which is located on the corner of Milford Point RD and Lansdale Ave. Other drop-off locations include: Venice Bakery located at 1771 Dixwell Hamden CT ...

The 18 th Annual Literacy Center of Milford Auction and International Wine Tasting will be held on Friday, October 12, 2012, 7:00-10:00 pm at Westwoods Ballroom, West Haven, CT.   Tickets can be purchased in advance by calling the Literacy Center at 203-878-4800 or www.literacycenterofmilford.com .   Our fine area restaurants will provide an opportunity to sample their specialties while Scott Griffin’s, “On The Rocks Spirit Shop” will offer samplings of a variety of wine, beer and cordials.  Hors D’oeuvres, desserts and chocolate creations from area restaurants and caterers will also be served.   There will be raffle baskets and a live auction.   Auction items include hand made gifts, gift certificates to local restaurants, theater tickets, floral arrangements, sports tickets, art, jewelry and much more.  We will be featuring d ancers from The New England Ballet and Chef Neil Fuentes.   Neil Fuentes’ love for food began early, helping his mothe...

DUI arrest Police arrested a Milford man on Sept. 13 for DUI. Police observed a vehicle swaying into other lanes around 10:00 p.m. It eventually pulled into a driveway on Berry Street. The driver, Brian Casey, 46, refused a breathalyzer test and was arrested for DUI, operating with a suspended license and failure to drive right. Driving without permission Police received a complaint on Aug. 17 that a vehicle was being used without the owner's permission by a woman named Isreal Martins, 18, of Stratford.  Martins allegedly took the vehicle belonging to an acquaintance without her permission. She also allegedly struck a guardrail on West River Street and left the scene of the accident.  Martins didn't have a drivers license at the time of the incident, according to police.  She was arrested for using a motor vehicle without permission, evading responsibility, failure to drive right and operating withou...

Milford Public Schools Chief Operations Officer James Richetelli Jr. said that the Permanent Schools Building Committee has received word from the Department of Administrative Services that the situation has been presented to the commissioner and they are now looking into the matter. The DAS decision could have far-reaching repercussions for many school construction projects that received state reimbursement across the entire state. Read more in the original article about the situation.

Police arrested a woman on Wednesday for larceny at a local Victoria's Secret. Police received a complaint on July 20 about theft activities at the store. Investigation led to the arrest of Simona Tomoiu, 42, of Derby. She is accused of fraudulently processing several merchandise returns valued for more than $2,500

The sentencing for a Milford man that plead guilty to molesting girls in South Africa while volunteering for the Peace Corp. has been moved back to Oct. 10. The original sentencing was scheduled for Sept. 18. Jesse Osmun waived his right to indictment and pleaded guilty June 27 to one count of traveling from the United States to South Africa to engage in illicit sexual conduct with children, according to a press release from the U.S. attorney’s office. He admitted to sexually abusing four girls under the age of 6 while he was a volunteer in South Africa. Read more about the Osmun case here.

John Bergin, Senior Broker, with Pearce/George J. Smith, announced the sale of 200 Rowe Ave, Milford, CT. This 6,000 SF masonry building is on .17 acre of fenced-in land. The Buyer is 200 Rowe Ave., LLC of Stratford, CT. They were represented in this transaction by Attorney Tom Welch of Welch, Teodosio, Stanek & Blake, LLC. The Seller is Richard Lambert of Lambert Paving. The sale consisted of a sale/lease-back of 1,200 SF. The Seller was represented by Attorney Joe Mager of Mager & Mager in Milford. The property sold for $400,000. John represented both the Buyer and the Seller in this transaction. Bergin also announced that the property located at 179 Buckingham Ave. has also been sold. he represented both the buyer and sellers in the transaction. The property 5,000 square foot masonry building with two-family houses was sold for $377,000. It sits on .35 acre of land 179 Buckingham Ave. 200 Rowe Ave.

A Milford man is being held by police after violating his conditions of release less than six hours after being arrested. Police were called to a disturbance on Lincoln Avenue Tuesday night around 10:00 p.m. Richard Uberti, 60, is accused of spitting on a relative and attempting to strike him during an argument. Police arrested Uberti for disorderly conduct and released him on the condition that he didn't enter the victim's dwelling. While investigating an unrelated incident, police found out that Uberti had entered the home of the victim less than six hours later. He was then arrested for conditions of release violation and was held on a $5,000 bond.

Members of the Lauralton Hall Class of 2016 and transfer students were formally inducted into the Lauralton Hall community at a decorous ceremony on Tuesday, evening, August 28th. Parents, relatives and friends joined faculty, staff, alumnae and trustees in welcoming the new students to the Lauralton family.  In keeping with one of Lauralton Hall’s many unique traditions, the students marched in to the ceremony accompanied by the bagpipes and drums of the Fairfield Gaelic Pipe Band; the same band that will accompany them as they leave the school after their commencement ceremony. Each incoming student shook hands with President Antoinette (Toni) Iadarola, Ph.D. and Michael Amato Chairman of the Board of Trustees and then signed the Lauralton Hall registry book. They also signed a poster listing the Core Values of a Mercy Education: ·          Compassion and Service ·          Educational ...