Benefit is at VFW

MILFORD — The HomeZooEd 4H Club of New Haven County will hold its "Wounded Warrior BBQ Fundraiser" at noon June 28 at Devon Post 7788, Veterans of Foreign Wars, 422 Naugatuck Ave.
The club’s pig roast, with all the trimmings, will include raffles and door prizes. Tickets are $15 in advance; $20 at the door.
Wounded Warrior Project is launching OnTRACK to offer wounded service people an integrated approach to address long-term needs for education and training, advocacy and rehabilitation of the mind, body and spirit.
E-mail jeff@HomeZooEd.org or call 479-3412.

By Brian McCready
Milford Bureau Chief
MILFORD — More than 2,000 alumni of Milford High School are expected to congregate downtown Saturday for a day of recalling the good old days and renewing acquaintances.
Milford High School closed in 1983, and there have been three All-Class Reunions, in 1983, in 1993, and 2003.
"After the last one they said we can’t wait 10 years and let’s have it in five years," said reunion Chairman Robert Gregory.
Gregory said while 1,500 people have registered to attend the reunion, anyone who is a graduate is welcome to register Saturday morning.
There is a $15 charge, which includes food.
The reunion begins with 9 a.m. registration at Daniel Wasson Field, which is behind the Parsons Government Center.
At 11:15 a.m. there will be a brief ceremony featuring several musical pieces, including the Irish Heritage Pipe Band. The national anthem will be performed by Notre Dame High School senior Kyle Alston.
Opening remarks will be made by Mayor James L. Richetelli Jr. and state House Speaker James A. Amann, D-Milford.
A disc jockey will spin records spanning from the 1940s to the 1980s from noon to 4 p.m. The day will close with final comments by Gregory.
There also will be an open house at the former Yellow Building, which is now River Park Apartments, from 10 a.m. until noon, and the Parsons Government Center will be open for a walk-through.
The Yellow Building was also the former Diane Toulson Building.
The government center and the Yellow Building were both formerly used as high schools.
There are about 8,000 living alumni, and 1,500 people have registered.
About 10,000 people attended the first reunion and they all marched through the center of the city, organizers said.
"The big thing is to get with your classmates," Gregory said. "There is the camaraderie with Milford High School because it no longer exists."
Jim Rose, 93, class of 1933, is the king for the All-Class Reunion. Shuttle buses will be available from 9 a.m. until 6 p.m.
Any money left over from the cost of the reunion will be donated to a scholarship fund for Jonathan and Joseph A. Foran high school students.

By Brian McCready
Milford Bureau Chief
MILFORD — After more than six months of wrangling, a deal has been struck to bring a Whole Foods Market to the Milford Marketplace retail development.
Real estate agent DeForest Smith said a lease has been signed for a 3.7-acre parcel at 1700 Boston Post Road. The land is occupied by the former El Torero restaurant and the Post Motor Inn, which is slated to close.
A Wild Oats store had initially been planned for the site, but the company was bought out last year by Whole Foods Market, of Austin, Texas. A 30,000-square-foot building was built before the Wild Oats deal fell through, but the new deal gives Whole Foods Market the right to use the existing building and add 10,000 square feet.
Smith said the goal is to have Whole Foods Market open in fall 2009 and anchor Milford Marketplace. Whole Foods Market is an upscale supermarket focused on organic and natural foods. The Milford location will be the first in Greater New Haven. Other stores are located in Glastonbury, Greenwich, West Hartford and Westport.
Several other stores are already open in Milford Marketplace, including Chico’s, Ann Taylor Loft and J. Jill, and the restaurant Tengda Asian Bistro at 1650 Boston Post Road. The site has been billed as an upscale retail mall.
"My wife can’t wait for Whole Foods," Smith joked.
A Whole Foods Market spokesperson could not be reached for comment.
Economic and Community Development Director Robert Gregory said Whole Foods will greatly enhance Milford Marketplace.
"A lot of people are looking for Whole Foods to come," Gregory said. "It was sad to lose El Torero and the Post Motor Inn." A woman who answered the phone at the Post Motor Inn declined comment.
The Rubin family has owned the land for generations, since opening Wayside Furniture in the 1920s. The new shopping center did not affect the Ethan Allen furniture store, which has a lease guaranteeing it a spot on the property for 15 years.
Before Milford Marketplace was created, the site was home to the former Huffman Koos, and before that Wayside, furniture store, featuring a 270,000-square-foot building that was demolished.
Brian McCready can be reached at bmccready@nhregister.com or 401-3501.

By Brian McCready
Milford Bureau Chief
MILFORD — After receiving a glowing performance evaluation from the school board Monday night, Superintendent of Schools Harvey B. Polansky said he would seek a new three-year contract and was committed to the district for the long haul.
Polansky just completed his first year on the job, and earns $165,000 a year.
He said he will discuss his salary with school board members later this summer.
Polansky, shown at right, said Monday that in December he will seek a new three-year contract.
Currently, Polansky’s contract is set to expire June 30, 2010.
"I am very happy here," Polansky said. "The community has embraced what I am doing."
Polansky was hired in March 2007 months after the school board bought out the contract of former Superintendent of Schools Gregory A. Firn.
Firn and the previous school board repeatedly butted heads.
Board of Education Chairman David Hourigan, D-4, said the evaluation was done orally with Polansky, and it’s the board’s desire that Polansky serve "many years as superintendent."
"The board has been very impressed with the level of leadership that Dr. Polansky has provided the district," Hourigan said.
Hourigan added that Polansky’s experience, including eight years as Southington superintendent, and his "compassion for kids and his visibility have heightened the public impression and perception of our school system."
Board members in the evaluation credited Polansky and his leadership for the district having made good progress in all areas.
Specifically, Polansky was praised for his focus on overhauling the instructional system, and was urged to continue to advocate for improvements to the district’s buildings.
"The board felt that Dr. Polansky provided strong organizational skills and compassionate, yet decisive, leadership," the evaluation states.
Polansky said it’s been a "great year" and he and his administrators were able to redo the entire instructional plan.
He said for the first time all employees are evaluated.
Polansky also said he has a great working relationship with the school board.
"This board is not political. It does what’s best for the kids. It’s refreshing," Polansky said.
Polansky said he’s learned residents simply want a superintendent who communicates directly to them and who is straightforward.
Brian McCready can be reached at bmccready@nhregister.com or 401-3501.

By Brian McCready
Milford Bureau Chief
MILFORD — The Board of Education is considering hiring an architect to develop a cost analysis for possible significant program and facility changes.
Members of the school board and the administration met Monday night to discuss what "we want our facilities to look like in 10 or 15 years," said Superintendent of Schools Harvey B. Polansky.
"Tonight is a chance for the board to begin a dialogue of what if," Polansky said.
The board then recessed to allow members to write down on murals possible systemwide changes they’d like to see.
Ideas written down by board members include creating one high school and turning the existing two high schools into middle schools. Milford has nine schools that serve kindergartners through grade five, three middle schools for students from sixth through eighth grade, and two high schools.
Some ideas discussed include adopting an elementary system for kindergarten through fourth grade, and a middle school system for fifth through eighth grades.
Among the many suggestions was creating an elementary, middle, and high school system that is divided into specialty groups for the arts, technology, math, science and languages. One board member wrote urging that outplaced special education students and gifted be brought back to Milford schools.
"These are some of the ideas to get the ball rolling," said school board Chairman David Hourigan, D-4.
Polansky said whatever occurs, the district is committed to maintaining small class size. He also said the exercise was prudent because the facilities are "old" and it’s important to see how much upgrades may cost. Polansky said he’ll put together a list and engage an architect to look at which ideas are feasible and determine the costs. Polansky said a small fee may be necessary.
City Planner David Sulkis attended the meeting and said the city’s population will increase only modestly, and over the next 30 years, that means the addition of fewer than 5,000 people. He also said there is not likely to be a major increase in students coming into the district because there are fewer than 200 acres of remaining farmland that could be developed.
Brian McCready can be reached at bmccready@nhregister.com.

By Jennifer Hill
Special to the Register
MILFORD — The smell of sizzling hot dogs and cold soft drinks will once again come from ShopRite of Milford.
The Cherry Street supermarket and the United Way of Milford have joined together again for a second annual cookout as part of "United Way Month at ShopRite" in July.
"Last year was the first time we had done anything like this," said Kathy Hart-Jones, marketing director of United Way of Milford.
Last year’s success has encouraged another cookout to occur this year and for this to become an annual event.The cookout raised around $6,600 last year, and the goal for this year has been raised to $8,000.
This year, however, the cookout has been improved, organizers say. Anyone who supports the cause will be entered into a raffle.
Also this year, coupons can be scanned at the cash register. The coupons come in amounts of $1, $3 or $5 and will be added directly to the end of the shopper’s bill.
The donation can be paid by cash, credit or debit card.
Harry Garafolo, owner and operator of ShopRite of Milford, is a member of the United Way board.
The food for the event is being provided by ShopRite and its vendors.
"We are happy to be involved with a really good non-profit organization," he said. "They provide great resources and assistance to the community."
The food will be cooked and served by ShopRite employees.
Hundreds of volunteers from the United Way will also be there to help and answer questions.
The money raised will be divided up by the United Way to a variety of different causes.
Each of the causes contribute to the agency’s motto of "strengthening families, nurturing children and meeting critical needs."
The cookouts will be held July 1-6 and then on Saturdays, Sundays and Tuesdays throughout the rest of the month.
The cost will be $1 for a hot dog and 50 cents for a soft drink. ShopRite of Milford will be running the cookouts from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
For more information or to help, contact the United Way at 874-6791.

Faces up to 16 years in Milford attack

By James Tinley
Register Staff
MILFORD — A man who in 2006 slit his wife’s throat with a utility knife and tried to choke her to death after she filed for divorce faces up to 16 years in prison after accepting a plea deal Tuesday in Superior Court.
The deal means Jeffrey Schultz, 46, previously of Mary Ellen Drive, will avoid attempted murder charges in the attack.
Schultz was originally charged with attempted murder, first-degree assault, unlawful restraint and threatening, but pleaded guilty to the lesser charges of first-degree assault and carrying a dangerous weapon. He faces a mandatory minimum sentence of five years.
Schultz accepted the plea deal of a maximum of 23 years in prison, suspended after 16 are served, and five years of probation under the Alford doctrine. The plea means the defendant does not agree with some of the facts in the case, but concedes there is likely enough evidence to produce a conviction.
State’s Attorney Kevin Lawlor said Schultz’s victim, Donna Sheehan, was in "general agreement" with the reduced charges.
Public Defender David Egan offered as a reason for the attack a change in Schultz’s anti-depressant medication.
"Mr. Schultz, for many months, was taking a series of medications, including Zoloft," Egan said. "While the Zoloft and his medication being altered played a significant role in the events on Aug. 13, we don’t feel the medication and the alteration of it rises to the level of a defense."
Sheehan, then 37, suffered a 6-inch gash in her throat and had to have a breathing tube inserted by doctors at Yale-New Haven Hospital, but managed to survive. She watched as her ex-husband, clad in a beige prison uniform, pleaded guilty to the attack. Sheehan dehoweverclined to address the court Tuesday.
"No thank you, I have nothing to say now," Sheehan said outside the courtroom. Lawlor earlier told Superior Court Judge John Cronan that Sheehan was reserving her comments for the sentencing, scheduled for Aug. 22.
Lawlor described the attack this way: Schultz was distraught after his wife of 2½ years filed divorce papers. He entered her Mary Ellen Drive home with the key he still had. Sheehan told him to leave and locked herself in a bathroom, but then came back out to try calling 911. Schultz took the phone from her and pulled a utility knife out of his pocket and slit her throat. He then jumped on top of her and tried to choke her before trying to suffocate her by placing his hand over her mouth and closing her nose.
"Ms. Sheehan luckily and miraculously, to her credit, was able to talk him down and escape," Lawlor said.
She ran to a house about a block away that had its porch light on, and the homeowner called 911. Schultz was found behind the house with self-inflicted wounds, police said.
James Tinley can be reached at jtinley@nhregister.com or 401-3530.

By Brian McCready
and James Tinley
Register Staff
MILFORD — The Rev. L. Kenneth Fellenbaum resigned Monday from the Board of Police Commissioners and apologized to anyone offended by his "un-characteristic behavior" at a restaurant a month ago.
According to police officers’ written statements and a videotape, Fellenbaum was intoxicated, vomited on an officer and was kissing and embracing a young woman in public view.
Fellenbaum’s condition prompted a police officer to drive him home from the Stonebridge Restaurant in his squad car to prevent Fellenbaum from trying to drive himself home.
Mayor James L. Richetelli Jr. last week confirmed that he privately urged Fellenbaum, a longtime Republican ally and the board’s chairman, to resign after he became aware of allegations about Fellenbaum’s behavior at the Stonebridge. Fellenbaum initially refused to quit.
Police Chief Keith Mello has said Fellenbaum did nothing criminal. Last week, Fellenbaum vehemently denied any wrongdoing, and said it was clam sauce that made him sick.
Fellenbaum’s 16-year tenure on the police board officially ended at 4 p.m. Monday when he entered the mayor’s office at City Hall and submitted his resignation letter.
The four-paragraph letter said Fellenbaum decided to resign after speaking with Mello over the weekend. Fellenbaum said Mello "reaffirmed that I neither broke nor attempted to break any laws," and that Fellenbaum did not receive any preferential treatment.
"However, I believe that due to the recent media attention given to my actions that evening, the situation has caused an unfortunate distraction to the police commission, the Police Department and the City of Milford," Fellenbaum wrote.
"As I have informed the Chief, I apologize to him, the Department, my family and to anyone that I may have offended by my uncharacteristic behavior that evening."
Fellenbaum declined to comment beyond his resignation letter.
Mello praised Fellenbaum for his years of service, but declined to comment on his decision.
"For the past 16 years, Ken Fellenbaum has been a dedicated member (of the police board)," Mello said. "I appreciate his service and support for the Police Department.
"Although Ken is not a police officer, he has a unique understanding and appreciation of the role of police service. He took a lot of effort to understand the ambiguities and challenges the officers are faced with," Mello said.
Richetelli said the events of the past week continue to "sadden me."
"I think, in the end, Ken Fellenbaum made the right decision resigning. The right decision for himself, his family, the Police Department and city of Milford," Richetelli said.
"From the very beginning, I explained to Ken I was concerned for Ken and his family, and ultimately as mayor, I’m concerned about the reputation of the Police Department," Richetelli said. "The negative light being shed on the Police Department and the city was not in its best interest."
The mayor said the public should remember Fellenbaum for all of his years of service.
Besides the officers’ statements, video from Stonebridge’s security cameras shows Fellenbaum and his female companion disappear from the frame as they approached the entrance to an employees’ restroom inside the kitchen. Twelve minutes pass before the pair emerges.
Fellenbaum and his companion, who has not been identified, later drew attention as they embraced outside the Daniel Street restaurant. Employees and patrons are seen taking pictures and using their cell phones to videotape the two embracing and, later, Fellenbaum throwing up, according to the surveillance tape and police officers’ accounts.
Fellenbaum, who is married, served for 21 years as pastor of Grace Baptist Church. He has been the executive director of Boys & Girls Village, a local nonprofit agency that deals with emotionally and physically abused children, for nine years.
Fellenbaum concluded his resignation letter by stating that he has enjoyed serving the citizens of Milford as a police commissioner and is "very grateful" to support the efforts of the men and women of the Police Department, which he refers to as the "finest in the State of Connecticut."
"I hope in some small way that I have contributed to that goal," Fellenbaum wrote.
Concerning Fellenbaum’s successor, Richetelli said he has not given it "a minute’s thought."
Richetelli will make a recommendation on Fellenbaum’s successor on the police board, but it requires Board of Aldermen approval. A new chairman will be selected by a majority vote of the police board at its next meeting, Mello said. The chief will have no role in the selection process.
Brian McCready can be reached at bmccready@nhregister.com or 401-3501. James Tinley can be reached at jtinley@nhregister.com or 401-3530.

For more details about the controversy surrounding the Rev. Kenneth Fellenbaum, who resigned Monday as chairman of the Board of Police Commissioners, check back here and visit www.nhregister.com, where there will be video of Fellenbaum taken at the Stonebridge Restaurant last month. Fellenbaum's actions, as recorded by extensive security cameras at the Daniel Street Restaurant, drew criticisms from Mayor James L. Richetelli Jr. In the video, Fellenbaum is shown in an allegedly intoxicated state, according to police reports. He also is in the company of a younger woman, who is seen to embrace him while the two were outside the restaurant.

Also, read more about the story in Tuesday's edition of the New Haven Register.

Dietary aide serves up smiles

By Brian McCready
Milford Bureau Chief
MILFORD — Scott Elson has found a fun and creative way to use vegetables.
But it doesn’t include eating them.
Elson, 38, of Milford, who is Milford Hospital’s dietary aide, spends a few minutes each morning whipping up an artistic vegetable delight for hospital employees and doctors. It helps turn those grumpy early- morning frowns into smiles when they see his creations sitting on the counter, he said.
"It’s so serious in here. It makes people smile, and it makes me smile," Elson said. "People can be grumpy in the morning. The first time I put it out, I thought it was stuffy with all the doctors and that they’d be too serious. The doctors are laughing and feel it’s great."
Each morning, Elson comes in early to create creatures such as "broccoli man" out of lettuce that serves as the face, olives that represent eyes and broccoli that serves as a Don King-type of hairstyle.
He’s also carved a Pac Man out of an orange, with olives again serving as eyes. He created a drag-racing car from carrots, with pieces of cucumber for the wheels. Leaving no detail behind, he drew an engine with a marker.
A bunny rabbit comes alive through a lemon, and there is the lovable Humpty Dumpty character made from an egg. Other classic characters created by Elson include Tiki Guy and Mr. Potato Head.
"The bottom line is, health care a lot of times can be very serious," said Ken Warren, hospital spokesman. "Sometimes, we forget to smile in business. It’s a bright spot."
Elson, who joined the hospital in October after 20 years as a professional cook, said his creations originally grew out of his dressing up dishes by using garnishes. One example included making roses out of tomatoes by using a knife to carve the tomato like a pumpkin.
By November, he was creating his unique characters. Elson said he thinks he may have created a monster, because on the occasional day he is too busy some members of the staff come down and get on his case.
Hospital Human Resources Director Jeff Komornik said Elson’s creations are great and "picks up everyone’s spirits."
"It’s good for morale," Komornik said.
Hospital electrician David Lesage said Elson is very creative and that he looks forward to coming into work every morning just "to see what (Elson is) going to do."
Elson said employees make requests and one person asked for the Boston Red Sox logo. But Elson, a die-hard New York Yankee’s fan, responded by creating the Yankees interlocking NY logo out of carrots.
"I wouldn’t do Boston," he quipped.
Elson said he creates the veggie art simply because it’s "relaxing."
"The ideas are just in my head," Elson said.
He said his secret is a bunch of toothpicks and "gravity, which holds it all together."
Elson, who has two children, Jack, 7, and Connor, 4, said his children also love his veggie characters. He said some people have asked him to work parties, but Elson said he is too busy with his children to make his hobby a side business.
Elson also is humble about his creations, saying his talent is nothing special, and his only goal is to put a smile on people’s faces.
"I’m not an artist. I do what I can. I’m just an average guy," said Elson, who is a graduate of Platt Technical High School.
Brian McCready can be reached at 401-3501 or bmccready@nhregister.com. Visit the All About Milford blog at http://www.allaboutmilford.blogspot.com/.

By Pamela McLoughlin
Register Staff
MILFORD — After graduating from Eli Whitney Techncal High School back in the day, Ralph W. Salemme followed his dream and started a plumbing business.
That was just where he wanted to be in life, but when his former shop teacher fell ill and asked Salemme to substitute teach his classes for a while, he couldn’t say no.
It would not turn out to be a dream job exposed.
"After four or five weeks I said, ‘I’ll never do this again,"’ Salemme said. "It was horrific."
He happily resumed full-time plumbing, but a few years later, the dreaded teaching thing came up again when, while attending his niece’s graduation, Salemme ran into a former guidance counselor who implored him to join the teaching staff.
Salemme finally agreed at the last minute — still stinging from his substitute gig years earlier — and, now 21 years later, he’s proven that a "horrific" experience can indeed turn into a terrific one.
Salemme recently was named Teacher of the Year at Platt Technical High School, where he’s not only a popular and well-respected teacher — who mentors other teachers — but also the head of the plumbing and heating department
"The ultimate thing for me is the kids. I like working with the kids," Salemme said. "I didn’t picture myself as a teacher, but it was the best move I’ve ever made."
Salemme, who lives in East Haven and grew up mostly in North Haven, was chosen Teacher of the Year by his peers and is now in the running to be given the title among teachers in the state’s entire 17-school technical system.
Not only do Salemme’s peers love him, so do the students. They say he’s funny, easygoing, knowledgable and doesn’t let them forget his favorite saying, "Work plus effort equals success."
"He doesn’t teach us just about shop work; he actually teaches us life skills too," said Jessica Wrightington, 17, of West Haven. "He’s a teacher, but at the same time he can be a friend, although he always knows where to draw the line."
Salemme has kept his Salemme Plumbing & Heating business, although he’s scaled it down, so he can stay sharp in the field and keep up with changes in the industry to inform his students. He also brings the added expertise of how to run a business to his students.
"He’s a nice guy and he always puts you on the right path in life," said Zachary Manganella, 15, of Milford. "He always helps everyone out — even the person who makes him mad."
Salemme has three children of his own, two of them adults, including a son, Bert, 33, who is a plumber, and a daughter, Trinity, 29. His youngest son, Salvatore, 17, was a 2008 Register Youth of the Year.
He is active in the community, his church and has volunteered his skills for Habitat for Humanity. To encourage students to give back to the community, he offers extra class credit for community service.
Salemme operates like a natural in the classroom.
One recent day he was reviewing a few techniques with the freshman class that has chosen his shop as its major. Salemme is showing students how to cut a laminated counter top with a circular saw.
His practical advice to students: "If this is a lady’s counter top and you chip it up, that’s not a good thing."
Without missing a beat, as if the sentence was connected, he tells a student to shut off the radio in his office. "I don’t want to hear Elton John while we’re doing this."
Then he resumes sawing and uses questions to get the students to think. He regales them with real-life stories of belted sanders taking off when left plugged in and warns them on one type of cut that if their saw is on an angle, "You might be missing some body parts when you’re done."
Even though it was end of year party day, he left them with an assignment: "I want everybody to make a cut today. By the end of the day I want a piece of wood with your name on it."
"They look at him like a brother or a dad. ... One day a kid said to him, ‘I wish you were my dad’ and Ralph said, ‘I wish you were my son,’" said colleague Tony Tom, an English teacher at Platt. "This is what he should be doing."

The Milford Police Department put out the following statement at 12:13 p.m., reprinted here in its entirety.

On 6-19-08 at approximately 6:30 p.m., a 13-year-old female was walking her dog on Oronoque Road near Covington Drive when a red minivan with tinted rear windows pulled up and a male got out of the rear sliding door and ran towards her. The female was able to get away. The van left southbound on Oronoque toward High Street. The operator of the van was described as a Hispanic male with a goatee. The male who exited the van is described as a white male, thin build, approximately 5’8”, wearing a blue and white striped shirt with khaki shorts.

By Brian McCready
Milford Bureau Chief
MILFORD — When 180 nontenured teachers received layoff notices in March after the Board of Education budget was reduced by $2.1 million, many people feared a mass exodus.
Human Resources Director Wendy Kopazna said only a couple of teachers quit and that was because they are relocating out of state.
Administrators said they sent the notices because the size of the cut meant that some layoffs could occur.
The layoff notices helped bring out a record crowd of more than 500 people to a budget hearing urging the Board of Aldermen to reinstate the funds.
The aldermen voted to put back $1 million. The school budget received a 5 percent increase over the current fiscal year.
Assistant Superintendent of Schools Michael Cummings said he knows many teachers did seek employment elsewhere, but decided in the end to remain.
"I know we all wrote a lot of recommendations," Cummings said.
"I’m not aware of anyone leaving because of the letters."
School board member James Quish said he is pleased that the letters did not have an "adverse effect" and the district did not "lose any great teachers."
Superintendent of Schools Harvey B. Polansky said he credits leaders in the Milford Education Association for counseling their 650 members, and helping them remain in Milford.

By James Tinley
Register Staff
MILFORD — A 21-year-old man who drove drunk apologized in court Thursday for crashing his car into a Bedford Avenue house last year.
Matthew Quirion, whose last address was in Milford, pleaded guilty in Superior Court to two counts of drunken driving and driving a motor vehicle under suspension and an unrelated harassment charge. Under the plea deal, he was sentenced to 120 days in prison and two years of probation.
"I just want to apologize for the damage I caused. I know an apology won’t change anything, but I just want to put it out there," Quirion said to Barbara and Steven Fries.
"An apology goes a long way," Barbara Fries said outside the courtroom. "We have to recognize he still has to face the consequences for his actions, but the apology brings a certain closure."
Quirion’s attorney, Diane Polan, said he had not previously apologized for damaging the Fries’ brick home while driving drunk because of pending civil litigation.
"Justice was served," Steven Fries said of the 120-day sentence.
"He previously hadn’t had to face penalties and punishments but there are consequences for your actions and he learned that today," Barbara Fries said. "Hopefully it will turn his life around."
The Fries are still trying to put their house back together after Quirion’s car slammed through their front door at 12:10 a.m. Feb. 6, 2007, Steven Fries said. "It’s a solid brick house and it was moved two or three inches off the foundation," Fries said.
He said having a car break through their front door terrified their two small children and the whole episode has been a tremendous "emotional drain."
Superior Court Judge John Ronan ordered Quirion to complete a mandatory in-patient alcohol treatment while he is on probation.
"You are just one of those people who should never, ever, drink," Ronan said.

Cancer center beam a symbol of support for Milford boy, 6

By Susan Misur
and Christopher Brunau
Special to the Register
MILFORD — A construction beam sat in Meadowside Elementary School’s cafeteria Wednesday, but it wasn’t for a school renovation.
Students, faculty and administrators wrote messages on the beam in honor of a Meadowside kindergartner fighting cancer.
The beam-signing was just one of many events the school has held to raise awareness and to collect over $4,000 to help Nick Branca, 6, and his family.
"This really teaches kids a valuable lesson, and it’s going to a great cause," Principal Bob Davis said.
The signed beam is one of the last three to go into place at the Smilow Cancer Hospital being built beside Yale-New Haven Hospital, where Nick has been receiving treatment for a neurological cancer called neuroblastoma.
Only about 650 children a year develop the extremely rare cancer. Nick, shown in top photo, was diagnosed with it when he was 3 years old, and later went into remission after receiving chemotherapy.
But the cancer came back in May, forcing Nick to leave kindergarten at Meadowside to travel to Yale, and hospitals in New York and Philadelphia. The family expects medical bills that they must pay will hit about $20,000. The hope is that Nick will again go into remission until a cure can be found.
During Nick’s stay at Y-NH, construction workers at the Smilow Cancer Hospital site began writing messages that said, "Hope is coming" on the cancer center’s steel beams.
Meadowside administrators worked with Y-NH and the cancer center to bring a beam to the school so students could write messages for Nick, and donations could be collected for the family.
For a $2 donation, students were allowed to wear hats to school and sign the beam.
Later in the day, faculty, staff and Mayor James Richetelli Jr. played in a kickball game, which was followed by a picnic for students and parents. Teachers donated gift baskets to be raffled off during the picnic that Nick and his mother, Margie Branca, attended.
Jeffrey Branca, Nick’s father, said his son was too ill the morning of the beam signing to visit the school. But, he had a "burst of energy" in the afternoon and did go to Meadowside to see the signed beam.
"Nick thought it was like a big party," Jeffrey Branca said. "He was happy to see all of his teachers and friends. He’s just a strong little kid."
Numerous students had lined up during lunch to write messages of hope to Nick on the beam. Some simply signed their name, while others wrote notes.
"I know you can do it Nick," fourth-grader Colby Brennan wrote on the beam.
"Nick, get well soon. Hope is coming," wrote student William Weishaupt, who said he learned about Nick’s illness in class.
Alessandra Baez, a 10-year-old fourth-grader, said she was happy to help out and is friends with Nick.
"We love Nick. He’s really sweet when I read to him, and he loves cars. It’s nice to get together to help him," Alessandra said.
Davis and teachers said they were impressed with the students’ enthusiasm for the beam-signing and fundraising.
"I think it’s awesome the way the school comes together whenever someone is in need," said Barbara Pietrini, a fourth-grade paraprofessional.
"The kids are amazing," said Davis. "Some kids sold ice tea and lemonade over the weekend and gave all the money to Nick’s cause."
Jeffrey Branca said his family cannot truly express how thankful they are for the community’s outpouring of generosity.
"It was just unbelievable and overwhelming," Branca said. "I have no words to describe how the community pulled together for my son."
Donations for the Branca family can be made out to the Meadowside PTA, 80 Seemans Lane, Milford 06460.

The following is a press release issued Thursday by the Milford Police Department:



The Milford Police Department is investigating an incident involving a 15-year-old female who has a past history of being a habitual runaway. Samantha Riso of Milford, shown in the photo released by police, was last seen in Milford on June 16, 2008 at about 9 a.m. Samantha is described as a white female, 5 feet 4 inches tall, with long light brown hair and green eyes. There is no known clothing description for Samantha at this time. Information received indicates Samantha may be in Bridgeport, Hamden or possibly in Brooklyn NY. Samantha has a severe asthmatic condition and her medical breathing apparatus was left at her residence.

If anyone has information regarding Samantha's whereabouts they are urged to contact the Milford Police Department at (203) 878-6551 or the Milford Police Detective Bureau Youth Division at the same phone number. Police thank anyone who might be of assistance.

Milford police uncover alleged fraud scheme at motel

By James Tinley
Register Staff
MILFORD — A cabby’s complaint early Wednesday morning led to the arrest of a man police say was cooking up chemicals in a Rowe Avenue motel to run a fraud scheme known as "magic money."
Samuel Asare, 34, who admitted being an illegal immigrant from Africa, was arraigned Monday at Superior Court on charges of second-degree forgery, criminal impersonation and interfering with police. He was ordered held in lieu of $250,000 bail and is due back in court Wednesday.
Police said they are unaware of any victims in this case.
Police said the "magic money" or "wish, wash" scam involves convincing a person that a suitcase is full of money when it’s actually construction paper.
According to police, the scam is run like this: The perpetrator tells the potential victim that a large sum of money has been blackened so it could be smuggled out of a foreign country, and that only a "special chemical" can turn the blackened money back to usable bills. The "money" is actually black construction paper wrapped into tight "bricks."
The perpetrator then demonstrates the "magic" transformation by wiping a black coating from a few real bills to convince the victim that it works. The scam artist then offers to sell the "magic" solution and blackened money to the victim for between $20,000 to $500,000.
Police were led to Asare’s room at the Red Roof Inn at about 4:15 a.m. after a cabby called to complain of being stiffed out of a fare.
When police arrived at the motel, they saw a man later, identified as Asare, at the window wearing a surgical mask. Police said Asare answered the door covered in a white powder and they could smell a strong chemical odor.
Inside the room, police said they found tinfoil wrapped "bricks" that contained a mixture of real money and black construction paper cut to the size of U.S. currency.
The Department of Environmental Protection and the Milford Fire Department were called to the motel because police at first believed they uncovered a "meth lab," police Capt. Gerald Butler said.
The powder, however, was identified as talcum and the chemicals were found to be common household substances that, when combined, "could create a bad, bad, reaction," said fire Capt. Christopher Zak.
Butler said the officer who responded to the cab driver’s complaint had learned of the "magic money" scam on a television news show, and made the connection to the items found in Asare’s motel room.
Police said Asare claimed the bricks weren’t his, and said he had chemicals and powder because he was spackling the roof. Asare also initially gave police a fake Georgia driver’s license. His last known address was in the Atlanta area, police said.
Police are asking anyone who may have been approached for this scam to contact the Detective Division at 877-1465.

Incident involving alleged intoxication at Milford restaurant prompts call

By Brian McCready
Milford Bureau Chief
MILFORD — Mayor James L. Richetelli Jr. confirmed Wednesday he has asked the Rev. L. Kenneth Fellenbaum, the chairman of the Board of Police Commissioners, to resign.
Fellenbaum is a longtime friend of Richetelli’s and a community leader.
Richetelli said word has spread in the community about a "situation" that occurred at the Stonebridge Restaurant on Daniel Street three weekends ago involving Fellenbaum.
Richetelli declined to elaborate, but sources said some witnesses at the restaurant allege Fellenbaum appeared to be intoxicated and displayed behavior unbecoming a city official.
Fellenbaum, a Republican, as is Richetelli, admits he became ill at the restaurant, and it led to him receiving a ride home from a police officer who was working a security detail. Part of the episode was videotaped, sources confirmed.
The mayor said Police Chief Keith Mello informed him that the rumors centering on the Stonebridge "situation" do not rise to a criminal nature.
Fellenbaum refuses to resign.
Richetelli said he is now looking into how he might remove Fellenbaum.
"Ken’s done a tremendous amount of good in Milford. Just hearing these things is upsetting to me," Richetelli said.
Fellenbaum, in an interview at his Boys’ & Girls’ Village Inc. office, a Milford based nonprofit that deals with emotionally and physically abused children, said he was "deeply hurt" by the mayor’s request.
Fellenbaum said his 30 years in the public spotlight have given him a thick skin and he expressed surprise that someone didn’t try and smear his name earlier.
"Someone can always say something," Fellenbaum said. "I’m a very visible person, and it goes with the territory. It happens to the best of people."
But Fellenbaum said he was stung by Richetelli’s call for his resignation, especially since it’s based on "rumors."
"No one likes to be judged by rumors, especially someone with 30 years in public service," Fellenbaum said.
He said he simply got ill, and nothing "unlawful or unethical" occurred. He said he won’t resign because, "I didn’t do anything."
Mello said he talked to Fellenbaum, Richetelli and the police officer who drove Fellenbaum home to make sure no crime was committed, and to make sure his officers acted appropriately.
"It is clear (Fellenbaum) became ill after eating and drinking at Stonebridge," Mello said.
Mello said it is "uncommon" for a police officer to drive someone home, but, "it does occur time to time."
Mello said he wanted to make sure the officers handled the situation correctly, and that Fellenbaum did not receive special treatment. He concluded that Fellenbaum did not break any laws, nor did he receive special treatment.
Mello stressed that police commissioners are civilian volunteers appointed by the mayor. He said they are not employed by the Police Department and don’t have power over police officers.
Fellenbaum said Richetelli acted appropriately by asking Mello to investigate his actions, and he was pleased with the findings. Fellenbaum praised Mello’s leadership of the department, which he called "one of the best in the state."
Richetelli said after he was made aware of the "situation" he sought to speak with Fellenbaum because he gives everyone the "benefit of the doubt." Richetelli said he’s always "respected" Fellenbaum.
"I expressed to Ken whether (the rumors) were true or false … it would not be looked upon favorably for the city and the Police Department," Richetelli said.
He said perception of the "situation" had begun to spread in the community and among the police officers.Richetelli said he is hamstrung because he does not have the power to remove Fellenbaum.
Richetelli makes appointments and the aldermen act on them. Recently, Fellenbaum was reappointed to another three-year term.
Richetelli said the town charter states an official can be removed for cause, but is unclear in defining the cause.
Richetelli said he is still researching whether Fellenbaum could be removed for cause, but the charter is unclear about defining cause.
"Does it mean criminal activity or perception?" Richetelli said. "It’s silent on that."
The mayor can make a recommendation, and the aldermen can investigate and then remove the person from office.
Fellenbaum has deep roots in Milford, including 21 years as pastor of Grace Baptist Church, and the past nine years as executive director of Boys’ & Girls’ Village, a local nonprofit that deals with emotionally and physically abused children.
Fellenbaum has served on the police commission for 16 years, the last four as its chairman. His term does not expire until Dec. 31, 2010.
Fellenbaum has been instrumental in raising millions of dollars, including federal and state funds for his agency, which recently completed a $4 million expansion.
His award gatherings have drawn such heavy hitters as U.S. Sen. Joseph I. Lieberman, and State Attorney General Richard Blumenthal.
Register reporter James Tinley contributed to this story. Brian McCready can be reached at bmccready@nhregister.com.

By Ed Stannard
Register Metro Editor
The state’s lobstermen will have another year and just enough money to try to save their industry.
Gov. M. Jodi Rell this week designated $90,000 for the state’s lobster restoration effort, known in the industry as the V-notch program. The $90,000 was left over from the program’s $1 million budget for this fiscal year.
"We’re just hoping to utilize the money that we have to keep the program going," said Nick Crismale of Mid-Sound Fisheries in Guilford and president of the Connecticut Commercial Lobstermen’s Association.
Before Rell’s announcement, the V-notch program looked sunk, taking with it the state’s lobster industry, Crismale said.
Only 67,000 female lobsters’ tails were notched this fiscal year, which ends June 30. The goal is 80,000, but the General Assembly didn’t budget a second round of money, and lobstermen were facing a forced size increase in catchable lobsters. That, they said, would put them out of business.
Instead, the state paid lobster catchers a total of $180,000 in compensation for the females whose tails were notched by high school-age helpers and dropped back into Long Island Sound.
The females then can mature and reproduce before they molt and are ripe for catching again.
The rest of this year’s $1 million was spent on equipment, insurance and training the 60 students from the Sound School in New Haven, the Bridgeport Aquaculture School and the Ella T. Grasso Technical High School in Groton.
Crismale had great praise for the teenagers, who enthusiastically got up before dawn to go out on the water.
"Every kid that I’ve had on the boat has exceeded my expectations, I’ll tell you," he said.
The state’s lobster industry was devastated by a mysterious die-off, which has been attributed to a hotter-than-usual summer of 1999 and low oxygen levels, though Crismale believes it was because of pesticide runoff.
The state’s catch dropped from 3.72 million pounds worth $12 million in 1998 to 570,000 pounds, worth $3.2 million, in 2006, according to the state Department of Environmental Protection.
"I fish about once or twice every two weeks and we’re lucky to catch 30 or 40 pounds worth of lobsters," Crismale said. At one time, his traps caught 800 to 1,000 pounds a day.
In a statement, Rell said, "The benefits of continuing this program go far beyond Connecticut’s current lobstermen. They extend to the future health of lobster stocks in the Sound and all other marine resources."
The Citizens Campaign for the Environment praised the decision, saying Rell "has acted responsibly and decisively to allow the V-notch program to continue working to restore this vital program."
Ed Stannard can be reached at estannard@nhregister.com or 789-5743.

By Brian McCready
Milford Bureau Chief
MILFORD — The enumeration study is over, and the Board of Education will look at data in July that may lead to redistricting of some city students.
The school board has been discussing the need for redistricting for almost two years; last year, it began a study to determine how many school-age children live in the district.
The district’s strategic school profile for 2006-07 shows an enrollment of 7,504 students.
But during the review process, administrators learned that temporarily moving about 100 Mathewson School kindergartners to Pumpkin Delight School had reduced the urgency to redistrict.
The school board decided to extend the temporary solution another year.
Also, administrators have declared that there will be no redistricting next school year.
Deputy Superintendent of Operations Philip G. Russell said the district has reached the "end point" in asking the public to return the census cards.
Overall, 70 percent of households returned the cards, and 91 percent of people had school-age children.
Russell said a consultant may not be needed, as expected, because the district projects, based on an initial review of the data, that there will be a 4 percent drop in the number of births over the next four years.
He said overall student enrollment is expected to drop.
Russell, however, cautioned that the data does not take into consideration families moving into the district.
But Superintendent of Schools Harvey B. Polansky noted, "When we met with the town planner, he said it’s a very stable housing market."
Polansky told school board members they will receive the full study findings in July, though no specific redistricting proposals will be discussed.
The board will have to decide what to do, Polansky said.
School board member Pamela Staneski, R-5, questioned whether the data could show enrollment is stable in certain areas of the city, or some neighborhoods saw a large spike.
Russell said the only issue is that when the economy is in flux, more children return to the district from private schools.
School board Chairman David Hourigan, D-4, said that while enrollment seems to be stable, that doesn’t mean all neighborhoods are the same.
"Maybe we need to make some adjustments," Hourigan said.
He said one thing was certain: The temporary solution of sending Mathewson kindergartners to Pumpkin Delight has "worked out very well."

Milford honors youth volunteers

By Susan Misur
Special to the Register
MILFORD — Tony Candido pumped his fist in the air with excitement as he watched members of the Mayor’s Youth Committee for People with Disabilities receive an award recently for their efforts.
Students in the group were among those honored at the 20th annual Mayor’s Youth Award Ceremony at City Hall. Teachers, parents, friends and clergy nominated eight clubs and 22 students of all ages for volunteering to improve the community.
One student was chosen from each of the elementary, middle and high school categories to receive the Mayor’s Youth Award. The Mayor’s Youth Committee for People with Disabilities won the award for the club category.
Candido, chairman of the Mayor’s Committee for People with Disabilities, attended the ceremony to support club members of the youth committee. "These kids do this on their own time, at night and on weekends," he said after he congratulated each member. "They’re the best."
Noelle Labozzo, a fifth-grader at Orange Avenue School, received the award for the elementary school category for her work as a Girl Scout, donating to food banks, sending cards to sick children at a local hospital, and cleaning school grounds on Earth Day.
Elizabeth Buckheit, an eighth-grader at East Shore Middle School, was honored in the middle school category for volunteering at the animal shelter, library and senior center every week, and cleaning the grounds of Milford Landing.
Elizabeth Denhup, a sophomore at Joseph A. Foran High School, was chosen from the high school category for her work with Foran’s Natural Helpers club and student government and for volunteering weekly with the Special Olympics.
Elizabeth said she volunteers with the Special Olympics because her brother has Down syndrome.
"She’s got a heart bigger than Milford," her mother, Diane Denhup, said. "She’s always looking for someone to help."
Upon receiving the award, Elizabeth said, "I’m really excited, but also really appreciative and thankful."
A special 20th Anniversary Award was given to Sarah Wilkinson, who is now a teacher. She was the only student to ever win the Mayor’s Youth Award twice.
"She’s now doing for youth what many people did for Sarah in her life," Lisa Diamond, executive director of Milford Youth and Family Services, said during the ceremony.
The award program was started by Diamond because she wanted people to know of the positive ways youths were changing Milford. Diamond told the crowd the program has "grown over the years, and it’s still an inspiration."
Mindy Natale, program coordinator of Milford Youth and Family Services, handed out certificates and awards with Mayor James Richetelli Jr., who said it was "heartwarming" to see all that the youths have done.
"They’ve done everything from volunteering with the Best Buddies program to serving meals at homeless shelters," Natale said. "They remind me of what’s going right in the community."
Susan Misur is the interim editor of the Milford Weekly.

By Pamela McLoughlin
Register Staff
MILFORD — Dog lovers Dee Seiffer and her daughter, Christa Coryea, 17, have gone in little over a year from volunteer dog walkers at the city’s animal shelter to fundraisers extraordinaire for the shelter’s building fund.
The two recently spearheaded a "Pennies for Pups" drive in local schools and, within a month, they had collected $1,524.77 from nine city schools. Seiffer said that while some city schools chose not to participate, others went all out. At East Shore Middle School, students and staff paid 50 cents to wear a hat; at Calf Pen Meadow School a fifth-grade class ran a schoolwide pajama day, raising over $500. At Foran, Coryea, a junior there, ran a penny war. Some schools just put out jars and let the spare change drop.
"Even a first-grader can feel like they’re doing something by bringing in a handful of pennies," Seiffer said. "It was wonderful to see how enthusiastic the kids got."
Recently Retired Animal Control Officer Pat Liptak said she thinks the volunteers did "an absolutely fabulous" job in raising a lot of money in a short time.
Liptak said the shelter volunteers are the best. The money will go toward building an infirmary and more storage area for the pet food bank that provides food for the pets of senior citizens in need of help.
Coryea said she believes the drive was so successful becacause people can really get enthusiastic about animals. She said dogs are open, social and genuine in their love, and always "happy to see you."
"I think I’ll always have pets," she said.
Seiffer, who has four other children — all of them in college — said volunteering at the shelter with Coryea has been a great mother/daughter activity.
"We’re two dog fanatics," she said.

Produce sought for food pantry

STRATFORD - The Sterling House Community Center is looking for fresh vegetables.

“As you plant your vegetable garden this year, please plant an extra row for clients of the Sterling House Food Pantry,” is the message of Raymond O’Donnell, supervisor of the food pantry at Sterling House, 2283 Main St.

O’Donnell added, “Throughout the year, the pantry routinely provides thousands of area needy people with canned, bottled, packaged and frozen foods. But, like everyone, they would greatly appreciate also receiving fresh fruits, vegetables and flowers to enjoy.”

People with food items to be donated to the food pantry can deliver them to Sterling House or call to make an appointment for a volunteer to pick up the items.
The food pantry has provided emergency food assistance to individuals and families since 1992, funded by a start-up grant from the United Way of Eastern Fairfield County.
For information, call O’Donnell at (203) 378-2606, ext. 110.

Astronomy group offers free night sky viewing


The Astronomical Society of New Haven plans a pair of free family public viewing nights tonight and Saturday.
Toight, June 6, group members will be set up for a special night time viewing event at Silver Sands State Park in Milford. From the parking lot, look for the sign pointing to the viewing area.
On Saturday, June 7, the society will be at Young’s Pond Park in Branford.
On both evenings, members will point their telescopes at the moon, Saturn and the stars. Conditions are good on both evenings for the International Space Station and the space shuttle Discovery to orbit brightly overhead.
Members will also point out the summer constellations and any other passing satellites.
Both events start at 7 p.m. Parking and admission is free. Families are welcome.
The parks are open late for these events. Rain or heavy clouds will force cancellation.
Donations are appreciated, the society said. For more information and directions, go to www.asnh.org.

Educators, parents and students helped honor veterans

Shown at right, fifth graders Evan Fossett, portraying Ulysses S. Grant, Jesse Randolph, portraying Maj. Sullivan Ballou, Hailey Ashcroft, portraying Molly Pitcher, and Tatiyana Morrell, portraying Harriet Beecher Stowe, sing "Proud to be an American" at Pumpkin Delight Elementary School's 13th annual Americana Jubilee.


Photo by Susan Misur

By Chris Brunau
Special to the Register
MILFORD — City Clerk Alan Jepson was left with a lump in his throat after witnessing Pumpkin Delight Elementary School’s fifth-grade class pay homage to veterans through its annual play, “Americana Jubilee: A Tribute to America’s Veterans.”
The play outlined American history in war from 1775, beginning with the Revolutionary War, to the current wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. Each era was displayed with vivid costumes from the PTA and patriotic songs by the children, accompanied by Pumpkin Delight’s music teacher Robert Nunno on the piano.
Student Darby Hudd, 11, who played a southerner named Belle Boyd, said her character was a spy and would go into battle.
She said it was hard to learn all the songs but she was eager to impress veterans in the audience.
Parent Rick Manganiello attended to watch daughter Brittany play a nurse, and said she had a sleepover last weekend during which some girls practiced the play’s many songs.
Fifth-grade teachers Carol LaPlante and Deborah Bourdoulous worked with their classes since February, planning the performance for veterans and the community.
“It is very challenging, and a very serious endeavor,” said LaPlante.
Parents also played a role in organizing the play.
The costumes were coordinated by parent Maria Bravo, who drove as far as Mystic to find some of them.
“The parents and the teachers gave me ideas, and I just went out and got the pieces to put the costumes together,” said Bravo.
Many students, such as Ian Watterson, 11, who played President George Washington, had costumes donated by the PTA, and some, like Marissa Prizio, 11, who played Clara Barton, made a costume with a parent.
With songs and displays for veterans, it was hard not to be moved, those in attendance said.
“It was fantastic. I had a lump in my throat the entire time, and I have been coming to see this for years,” said Jepson.
“I was impressed. I don’t think some of the university kids could do this well,” said Robert Paddock, a Vietnam veteran.
In addition to veterans, officials attended, including Mayor James L. Richetelli Jr. and state Sen. Gayle Slossberg, D-Milford.
Both Richetelli and Slossberg spoke to the crowd and said the play was an amazing way to learn history and understand how important it is to be a proud American.
“It was phenomenal, the kids learn a lot about what America is all about and what it means to honor our veterans,” said Slossberg.
Principal Vincent Scarpetti said, “This was my fourth year seeing the play, and it still brings a tear to my eye.
“The songs that the children sing and the way they honor the veterans are amazing.”
Milford Weekly interim editor Susan Misur contributed to this story.

But Milford delays ‘Point’ gate vote pending further input from city
By James Tinley
Register Staff
MILFORD — The many residents who are either rallying for or clamoring against a gate that would block nighttime access to a piece of city land that juts out into Long Island Sound will have to wait for a decision.
Aldermanic Chairman Ben Blake, D-5, said Tuesday that before the Board of Aldermen can decide whether a gate can be installed at “The Point,” behind Caswell Cove condominium complex, several other city, and perhaps state, departments must first weigh in on the matter.
The Board of Aldermen last month tabled a resolution that would allow a gate to be erected to block vehicular traffic at night to the Point. Monday night, aldermen decided the decision should first go through the Planning and Zoning Board. The bulk of Monday night’s meeting was taken up by people either expressing support or opposition to the gate, Blake said.
“The item was not properly before the Board of Aldermen,” Blake said. “It was premature because it involved land use issues and therefore must first go to planning and zoning and various other departments.”
PZB chairwoman Jeanne Cervin said given the information, aldermen made the correct move to remand the decision to the PZB. The police and fire departments first must conduct studies that will help the PZB make a decision, Cervin said. She added that since a coastal piece of land is involved, the state Department of Environmental Protection might also have to review its coastal management plan.
Caswell Cove condominium complex and the Caswell Cove Marina Association appealed to the aldermen to allow them to construct a gate that would block access to the Point from 9 p.m. to 7 a.m. Caswell Cove would pay for and install the gate and turn it over to the city.
“The Point is a problem area, it is uncontrolled because of the remote location and presents a security issue,” said Dave Phillips, Caswell Cove property manager.
He said there are drag races and loud parties at night that create a noise nuisance, a security issue for residents and boat owners, and a potentially dangerous situation.
“It’s something that needs to be controlled,” Phillips said. “It’s time an end be put to it before something really bad happens.”
James Tinley can be reached at jtinley@nhregister.com or 401-3530.

City forced to dump July bulk trash pickup

By Brian McCready
Milford Bureau Chief
MILFORD — The city is junking the July bulk trash pickup due to budget cuts.
Mayor James L. Richetelli Jr. said Wednesday the September pickup may also be in jeopardy.
The Board of Aldermen voted last month to reduce the Public Works Department’s sanitation budget by $80,000. That reduces the number of bulk trash pickups from three to two times a year.
Condominium pickups have been reduced from two to one. The June 25 condo pickup will be held, but the Aug. 27 pick up is canceled.
Richetelli opposed the budget cuts, saying it’s never good to cut city services while also raising taxes.
Aldermanic Chairman Ben Blake, D-5, said the $4.5 million in spending cuts from the mayor’s budget produced the smallest spending increase Milford has seen in 30 years.
“We’ve experienced an epic turnaround in being a lot more fiscally prudent,” Blake said.
He added that he expects all department heads to “stretch every dollar” to find ways to deliver the same services with less money.
“We need a can-do approach, not a can-don’t approach,” Blake said.
Richetelli said he will determine later this summer if there is enough money for the September pick up.
He asked homeowners to not place bulk waste at the curb any sooner than the Saturday before the scheduled pickup.
The city once had bulk trash pickup five times a year, from May to September.
Prohibited materials include batteries, commercial items, logs and stumps, concrete or cement, any item requiring two people to pick it up, hazardous waste, liquid waste, propane tanks, grass clippings and drywall and demolition materials.
Register reporter James Tinley contributed to this story.

By Jennifer Hill
Special to the Register
MILFORD — Seven students and two staff members from Amity Middle School in Bethany are sporting a new — and much shorter — do, for a good cause: They had most of their locks cut off Tuesday in an effort to help cancer patients.
The Amity students and staff came to Andre Phillips Salon as part of Pantene Beautiful Lengths, a program designed to have enough people get shorn to obtain 1 million inches of hair, which will be turned into wigs for cancer patients.
Hairdressers at Andre Phillips Salon volunteered to give the haircuts for free. Anna Zanfardino, a hairdresser at Andre Phillips, praised the Amity students for their gesture saying, “These girls are awesome for doing this.”
The students were anxious and eager when they arrived. Many had had friends who participated in the event in previous years.
Anuphya Nagarathnam, 12, gave the most of hair, estimated to be about 16 inches. She had never been to a salon before and at the end of her first official haircut exclaimed, “I love my new hair.”
The students supported each another with hugs and held hands while the initial cutting took place. While seeing her old hair in a plastic bag, Carson Adair, 14, was stunned but said, “I’m happy because I know I did something good.” Fifteen students have already signed up for the event next year.
Amity teacher Barbra Guiliotis, coordinator of the event, also got her hair cut. She said she is very proud of the students and “everyone at some point in their lives has been touched by cancer and it’s a very selfless act for these girls.”
Marika Wissink, Leo Club adviser at Amity Middle School, also decided to cut her hair. All of the students who had their hair cut are members of the Leo Club, a community service organization that is associated with the Lions Club.
Amity paraprofessional Gayle Vescovi, who also attended the event and is a cancer survivor, said. “It is a big decision for these girls to make at such a young age.”
Pantene Beautiful Lengths was founded two years ago and was an event that was intended to last only three months, but its popularity prompted organizers to continue it. The mission of the event is to “make the kindest cut of all” and for people to donate hair to create wigs for cancer patients.
Each person who decides to donate must cut off at least eight inches of hair. Six to eight of those ponytails will be sent to HairUWear to be combined to create one wig. The wigs take three to four months to make and are then distributed to cancer patients at no cost.
Two customers of the salon, Janet Vel-Vecchio and Jane Hofher, are both cancer survivors. They said they were proud of the students for what they decided to do.
“What these girls are doing is a wonderful thing and I admire them for it,” Vel-Vecchio said, “If I had long enough hair, I would do it, too.”

By James Tinley
Register Staff
The woman Wojteck “Walter” Kanicki threatened to kill two years ago while in a drunken stupor and carrying loaded handguns is the reason he is not in prison for those crimes today.
Kanicki shared an embrace Monday with the ex-girlfriend he threatened to kill, moments after her emotional plea for leniency at Kanicki’s sentencing in Superior Court in Milford helped him avoid a prison sentence.
Kanicki, 31, whose last address was on East Main Street in Branford, was given a five-year suspended sentence Monday, after pleading guilty to the felony charges of carrying a dangerous weapon and attempt to commit second-degree burglary and the misdemeanor charges of second-degree stalking and threatening.
The charges stem from Kanicki showing up at his former girlfriend’s Milford apartment and threatening to kill her and himself in August 2006, said Assistant State’s Attorney Melanie Cradle.
The sentencing judge said the fact Kanicki was able to walk out of the courtroom a free man rather than in handcuffs was directly the result of the urging of his victim.
“If it was a situation where the victim felt traumatized and asked for a period of incarceration, I wouldn’t hesitate to send you to prison,” Judge John Cronan said to Kanicki.
“There is nothing more frightening than having someone stop at your door and be very drunk with a weapon. … Society cannot accept that.”
Kanicki was so drunk he “forgot” it had been over a decade since he broke up with the victim, and he became jealous when he found another man at her house, said his attorney, Richard Altschuler.
Kanicki was first allowed to enter the house, but was later told to leave when the now 36-year-old victim realized how drunk he was. On his way out, he stole her keys, only to return with two 9mm handguns and a .38-caliber revolver, all of which were loaded, police said.
When police arrived at her Meadowside Avenue apartment, Kanicki threw one gun to the ground and was subdued with a Taser, Cradle said.
Cradle asked that Kanicki be sentenced to “some period of incarceration,” but the judge deferred to the victim’s wishes.
The victim, whose name was not released, said, “One bad event does not erase all the good” Kanicki has done.
She told the judge that she never thought Kanicki would hurt her or himself.
“He would never hurt a fly, was never abusive and never had problems with alcohol,” she said. “What happened was a culmination of a lot of different problems, but he does not deserve to go to jail.”
Kanicki was in the midst of a divorce and financial troubles, Altschuler said. He commended Cronan for sentencing Kanicki to four years of probation rather than a prison term.
“I think it takes guts for a judge to do that,” he said. “But this was a unique situation and a prison term would have only caused more harm.”
Kanicki, a Polish immigrant, had no previous criminal record and was “living the American dream,” Altschuler said. “But in one night it became an American tragedy.”
James Tinley can be reached at jtinley@nhregister.com or 401-3530.

180 nontenured teachers get to keep their jobs

By James Tinley
Register Staff
MILFORD — Three central office and five paraprofessional positions were axed from the Board of Education budget Monday night, but the 180 nontenured teachers who received layoff notices earlier this year will keep their jobs.
The school board voted unanimously to approve nearly $1.5 million in budget cuts to the proposed 2008-09 school budget, which included shedding some programs, but largely avoided layoffs.
At least one layoff will be avoided by having a central office administrator become a principal. There is an opening at Joseph A. Foran High School. Superintendent of Schools Harvey B. Polansky declined to comment on who will fill the position, but said it may involve moving the principal at another school to the Foran spot.
A noncertified administrator and secretary were also cut from the budget.
Polansky said dealing with a potential layoff for the administrator position involves negotiating with the union, but the clerical position does not.
Savings of $146,000 were achieved through elimination of the Academy After School Initiative. Fewer textbooks will be purchased and teachers will be able to attend fewer conferences creating additional savings.
Deputy Superintendent of Operations Phil Russell said the five paraprofessional positions that were cut will not necessarily result in layoffs. He said the number of paraprofessionals the school district needs is based on class sizes.
Polansky added there is the possibility that even if paraprofessionals are laid off, they may be hired back as student enrollment numbers change over the summer.
“If they don’t have a job in August, they’ll likely have a job in September,” Polansky said.
The Board of Finance in March reduced the school board’s budget by $2.1 million from $82.9 million to $80.8 million.
The Board of Aldermen voted 10-5 to reinstate $990,000 with all nine Democrats and Republican Alderman Ray Vitali, R-5, voting for the education budget.
Another $460,000 of cuts above the $1 million that administrators originally thought needed to be made came after accounting for the unexpected spike in the cost of fuel.
“Fuel prices have escalated beyond our wildest expectations,” Polansky said.
The final school budget now is $81.82 million, or a 5 percent increase over this year. School officials had sought a 6.1 percent increase. The school system needed a 5.4 percent increase to maintain current services.

Family chucks it all, sails off to see the world

By Pamela McLoughlin
Register Staff
MILFORD — Glenn and Pamela Maddox didn’t want to die wishing they’d spent more time with their two children, so the couple made a bold move most people only fantasize about.
“We pulled the plug,” Glenn Maddox said.
By that, he means they quit their professional jobs, sold their house, cars and most of their material goods, bought a 44-foot Catalina-Morgan sailboat, and in 2006 set sail to see the world with Linzi, now 6, and MeiLing, 4.
“It sounds like pure insanity, but we had this dream,” Glenn Maddox said. “The idea is, you realize your kids grow up fast. We had plenty of money (after selling everything) and this great realization that life was going to end sometime.”
Pamela Maddox admits: “It was a leap.”
The family, shown on East Island above, who lived in Colorado, is temporarily staying in Milford with Pamela Maddox’s father because their boat — or floating home — is undergoing repairs. Shown above, the craft was caught up on rocks and damaged during a severe storm in Chile, 350 miles north of Cape Horn.
But they’ll head back out in September when the weather in Chile is better, and complete what was to be a three- to four-year journey. They’ve had their ups and downs: thunderstorms, hurricanes, bouts of too much adult togetherness and a couple of medical emergencies that were solved.
More than that, however, they’ve had the beauty of one another’s frequent company, adventure in foreign lands and exposure to various cultures, the satisfaction of pulling together in tough times, and the joy of seeing Linzi and MeiLing light up at each new experience.
The family set sail from Tampa, Fla., and went on to such places as Bar Harbor, Maine, back to the Carribean, and on to Venezuela, Colombia, Panama, Argentina and the Galapagos Islands.
Experienced boaters before this journey of a lifetime, the Maddox family has sailed 15,000 miles and plans to go another 30,000-50,000 before returning to life on land.
They’ve stopped in many parts of the world and made aquaintances, a few friends with whom they’ll stay in contact. The girls are like a gateway to the world, making folks smile at every port with their outgoing personalities and helping everyone to open up. In South America, especially, few could fathom living on a boat, the couple agrees.
Pamela Maddox, a systems analyst in her previous life, learned on board how to make homemade bread and tortillas and home-schooled Linzi. These were among the many hands-on activities that have made her hope to never have to return to the workplace.
She relishes the nights the family laid on the bow, studying the stars and constellations or when they came upon a breathtaking waterfall, blue whales or dolphins leaping through the water.
“I’m hoping I can keep it (the simplicity) in our lives,” Pam Maddox said. “We don’t want to go back to that crazy life.”
Glenn Maddox, once a real estate broker and now much happier as captain of “The Red Thread,” said he’ll have to go back to work one day to earn a living, but it won’t be in the intense, stressful real estate field.
“You just see the world differently,” Glenn Maddox said. “When you’re living on a boat, you don’t need or want many things ... you don’t need all the entanglements.”
The Maddoxes aren’t exactly kids: Glenn is 44 and Pamela is 52, and they’ve been married about 12 years. But still, the couple found relationship challenges living in such close quarters 24/7.
Agreeing that living on the open sea can be a “pressure cooker,” they made lots of rules about how to talk to each other and cope. If they need space, they ask for it, since there’s nowhere to take a long walk. Holding grudges is not an option, they said. And they’re always revisiting that age-old couple’s question, “How do we communicate better?”
When there is a disagreement, it all feels “much more intense” then on land where there are more distractions, Glenn Maddox said.
“It’s the ultimate marriage therapy,” he said.
Even though the sailboat is state-of-the-art, with all kinds of computers and gadgets, bringing that investment to $375,000, someone has to keep watch at all times, even when it’s on auto- pilot.
So the couple works together, sometimes round-the-clock if they don’t anchor for the night, taking turns while the other sleeps. Glenn Maddox takes more hours at a time than his wife.
When the going gets tough, they all work together and even the girls have chores. There is no television on board, but they’re allowed one movie on DVD a day or two movies if the family spends 24 hours at sea.
Pamela Maddox said she sometimes misses family and Chai tea from Starbucks. They can communicate by e-mail in certain ports.
Glenn Maddox has found one of his favorite drinks, real coffee for brewing, isn’t available in all parts of the world; in some places, he had to settle for instant.
The family weathered some tough storms by anchoring in safe places, but the last one in Chile, in April, took its toll. They knew the storm was coming and anchored in a lagoon about 225 feet from shore. For three days, they endured 40-70 mph winds and eight hours before the storm broke their anchors, which tore loose, and the boat landed on rocks.
Glenn got out in the middle of the storm, into the dingy to pull the boat off the rocks. The dingy turned over and was lost, so he continued to try to rescue the boat, freezing in the very cold water. Pamela was worried about Glenn, but could see a little house on land not too far away and that brought comfort. It turns out the man who lived in the house saw the family’s struggles and came to help, then took them in for the night.
“I gave the order to abandon ship,” Glenn Maddox said.
They had put out a distress call, but heard nothing back. Eventually, they called the U.S. Coast Guard, which in turn called the Coast Guard in Chile.
Pamela and the girls went to Milford and Glenn stayed behind for a couple of months to work on the boat before arriving here recently. The storm damage took a bite out of their budget, but nothing life-altering, and so they’ll make the high seas home again come September.
“There’s nothing worse than unfulfilled dreams. ... The only other option is to live with your regret,” Glenn Maddox said.

Liptak retires,marking end of era

By Christopher Brunau
Special to the Register
MILFORD — Patricia Liptak, the city’s animal control officer and shelter drector, is retiring after 22 years on the job, and colleagues said it will be almost impossible for someone to fill her shoes.
Since Liptak started, many changes have been made to bring the city’s animal control department from a small “hole in the ground” as she put it, to what many people consider to be one of the best shelters in the area.
“I can say it is definitely the cleanest,” Liptak said. Liptak’s friends and colleagues attended a retirement party recently, and said she has a very strong work ethic and desire to help both animals and people.
Assistant Animal Control Officer Rick George, a co-worker and friend for 19 years, said, “First, second and third off, I am going to miss her terribly, and I wish she would continue to work until I am ready to retire.”
He also added, “Milford is a better place because of Pat; we wouldn’t be where we are today if it weren’t for her.”
George went on to share one of his favorite memories with Liptak, saying “years ago there was a really bad hurricane and there was a lot of flooding, and Pat and I went out in the van to see if any animals were in danger. Back then, Pat used to smoke so her window was wide open, and just as a wave came I timed it perfectly and did a U-turn to get her soaked.”
Through the years, Liptak has worked on such issues as child safety, feral cat programs, working to help disabled children, as well as school programs.
“The best thing is always finding a place for an animal and rescuing it. The worst is to see the cruelty to animals, and how mean some people can be. It was also very difficult seeing animal collectors, people with 30-40 cats, because we often had to take them away from the owner and it is devastating to them because that’s their life,” she said.
Liptak said she will be looking forward to spending time with her grandchildren. She also said, “I am looking forward to not having to be at a certain place at a certain time early in the morning.
“I am grateful to the city of Milford for allowing the department to grow, and giving me a chance to bring the department to what it is today.”
Liptak’s successor will be named today by Mayor James L. Richetelli Jr.
“I already know who it is, and I am sure they will do a great job and continue to improve our department,” Liptak said.

Milford Web site to post paving list

By Brian McCready
Milford Bureau Chief
MILFORD — When it comes to the city’s annual road repaving list, it’s ask and you shall receive.
During the last municipal election, Democrats led by mayoral candidate Kerri Rowland requested that the Department of Public Works post its road repaving schedule on the city’s Web site to let residents know years in advance when their roads will be repaved.
Mayor James L. Richetelli Jr. initially balked at the request, saying there was no way of letting residents know years in advance.
Paving takes place in the spring and the fall each year, and the list isn’t finalized until after the winter because it’s unclear until then which roads need the most work.
The city has now agreed to publicize the paving schedule for the calendar year.
Aldermanic Chairman Ben Blake, D-5, said he is pleased that the list has been made public and will help ensure open government.
“It provides a more transparent government and there is not even a perception that things are being done in secretive fashion and that some streets are not paved,” Blake said. “This puts that all out there.”
Blake also said giving people advance notice will allow people to not have the utilities come and dig up their road right after the city repaves it.
“This is one more planning tool so people know their street will be paved in the next year,” Blake said. “This list is a step in the right direction. A list everyone will appreciate. I’m happy the public works director is making these efforts to help improve the way our government business is conducted.”
Alderman Scott Willey, R-4, said the list issue was “much ado about nothing.” He said he can understand why Richetelli and public works officials did not want the list released.
He said the list is subject to change, and the names of the streets can be replaced.
Last year, he said, the city literally ran out of money when it came to a repaving project along Point Beach.
He said publicizing the list will lead to complaints, which Willey said is the aim of Democrats.
“Everything the Democrats do is politically motivated,” Willey said.
The streets targeted for repaving include North Broad Street (High Street to Golden Hill Street), Golden Hill Street to Clark Street, Osborne Street, West Town Street (Golden Hill Street to Bridgeport Avenue), High Street (break in Green), Central Avenue, and Center Street.
Other streets scheduled to be repaved include West River Street (“Y” at West Main Street), front of City Hall, South Kareema Avenue, Southern Parkway, South Woodland Drive, Eastern Parkway (Rivercliff Drive to end), Woodland Drive, Sachem Street (Cottage Street to end), Pequot Street, and Colonial Street.

By Susan Misur
Special to the Register
MILFORD — Donning white robes and holding yellow roses, the 105 members of Lauralton Hall’s graduating class entered the school gymnasium Sunday morning as students and left it as alumnae.
Family, friends and school faculty packed the gym’s bleachers and chairs to watch Lauralton’s class of 2008 graduate in the school’s 102nd commencement ceremony.
Class valedictorian Caroline Raccuia, of Woodbridge, and salutatorian Kate Doyle, of Westport, shared fond memories as they addressed the crowd in their speeches.
“When we take a look at Lauralton and try to decide what defines it, I think we will realize that it’s us—we define Lauralton,” Raccuia said in her valedictory address. She will attend Georgetown University.
Doyle, who will attend Brown University, spoke of writing poetry in French class and singing with classmates in her salutatory remarks.
“We have some pretty great memories among us,” she told her peers. “So let’s go ahead and graduate — because we have some reminiscing to do.”
Student Meredith Elia, of Milford, said while she is sad to graduate, she’s been waiting for this day to come. When Elia departs to Villanova University in the fall, she said she and her parents “will be excited to see me start a new chapter in my life.”
Charlie and Susan Lynch, of New Canaan, attended Sunday’s ceremony to watch daughter Catie graduate.
“One thing we’re learning is it’s opening another door, and she’s very excited, and that makes everybody happy,” Charlie Lynch said as he waited for the ceremony to begin.
Representatives of Lauralton’s class of 1958 were also honored for their 50-year milestone, and the Catherine McAuley Award, given to a student who best embodies a commitment to the mission of Lauralton, was presented to Laura Discenza of Shelton.
Principal Ann Pratson, who handed out diplomas to each of the graduates, and said students exhibited solidarity and generosity in their four years at the school.
“I’m going to miss them terribly,” Pratson said. “They are true Lauralton ladies.”