Life + Culture

Building Something Great

The Boys & Girls Club of Milford at 15 Article by Chelsea Spata | Photography by Mark Arnold Connecticut holds a special place in the history of Boys & Girls Clubs. Hartford is widely recognized as the birthplace of the organization — the place where, over 150 years ago, the idea of a safe, structured, and nurturing space for young people first took root. So it carries a certain significance that Connecticut is also home to what Megan Altomare, Chief Executive Officer of the Boys & Girls Club...

Health + Wellness

Anthony's Army

How One Milford Boy Turned a Life-Threatening Diagnosis Into a Movement of Hope Article by Madeline Babcock | Photography by Mark Arnold The First Fight When Anthony Muoio was just four months old, his parents knew something wasn't right.  At first, doctors believed he had a virus. Anthony was vomiting but had no fever and no other obvious symptoms. The family was repeatedly reassured that he would recover. Yet as the days passed, his condition continued to worsen.  "We kept hearing the...

Home Services

Fenced In, Safe at Shore

How Reliable Fence helped a Point Lookout family protect what matters most Article by Chelsea Spata | Photography by Mark Arnold From the deck of Robin and Ken Kramer’s home in Point Lookout, the view is everything: calm water stretching to the horizon, a stone patio lined with lounge chairs, and a fire pit waiting for the next family gathering. It looks effortless. And in many ways, it was. When the Kramers took on the project of building their dream seaside home, a fence was one of the very...

Finance + Legal Services

Plan Now and Protect Forever

Milford Attorney Bryan Etter on Guardianship, Trusts, and the Costly Assumptions Too Many Parents Make Article by Harshitha Kothapalli | Photography by Mark Arnold As an estate planning attorney and a father of two, what’s the biggest mistake you see parents make when it comes to planning for their children’s future? My mind goes directly towards not taking advantage of educational opportunities! Many parents unknowingly sell their family short by pursuing a basic Will, because the concept...

Food + Beverage

Weekend Warriors

Filling the Gap Between Friday's Bell and Monday's Breakfast Article by Harshitha Kothapalli | Photography by Provided On Friday afternoons in Milford, there’s a small but familiar routine that plays out in schools across the city. Bags are lined up, classrooms are cleaned, and doors close after the final bell. But for some students, the end of the day also means something discreetly placed in their backpacks before they head home – food to make the weekend a little easier.  It’s a quiet...

Health + Wellness

Mind Matters

A Conversation with Dr. Michael Crane of Broadview Counseling Article by Chelsea Spata | Photography by Mark Arnold You spent twenty years as a school psychologist before moving into private practice. What motivated the shift? Coming out of grad school, you're equipped with solid training in counseling and assessment. But working in schools is nothing like graduate school — you're surviving in a challenging environment. Over 20 years, I watched social anxiety climb as smartphones and social...

Professional Services

How Connecticut's Summer Heat Increases Wasp and Yellow Jacket Activity

How Connecticut's Summer Heat Increases Wasp and Yellow Jacket ActivitySummer is one of the busiest seasons for outdoor activities in Connecticut—but it's also the time when wasps and yellow jackets become much more active. As temperatures rise, these stinging insects build larger colonies, search for food, and become increasingly aggressive around homes and businesses.Knowing why wasp activity increases during the summer can help homeowners protect their families and prevent small nests from...

Professional Services

Summertime Swarms

Summertime Swarms: How to Stop Carpenter Ants and Wasps from Taking Over Your CT HomeAs summer arrives in Connecticut, homeowners naturally spend more time outdoors relaxing on decks, hosting backyard gatherings, and enjoying the warm weather. However, you’re not the only one taking advantage of the season.  Carpenter ants in Connecticut and wasps in CT homes become significantly more active during the summer months, and if left unchecked, they can quickly turn your home into theirs.What...

Life + Culture

Two Shells, One Shore

How two community organizations are keeping a beloved Milford summer tradition alive Article by Chelsea Spata | Photography by Provided If you’ve lived in Milford long enough, August means one thing: oysters. The smell of salt water, the sound of live music drifting over Fowler Field, the lines of people stretching down toward the harbor — it’s a rhythm this city has known for more than half a century. The Annual Milford Oyster Festival, now in its 52nd year, is one of the oldest and most...

Life + Culture

Pack Bold and Play Free

A Designer's Guide to Vacation Dressing Article by Sophia Scinto Vacation dressing is different from our everyday style — it’s our chance to dust off those statement pieces and finally give them room to shine. It’s time to scrap the 9-to-5 wear and embrace dopamine dressing: the same way visiting a new destination feels refreshing and exciting, your style should reflect that, too. Here are some tips and tricks for packing efficiently, packing thoughtfully, and packing with your own personal...