Milford Living Magazine’s 7th Annual Kite Fly will be May 3 from noon to 3 p.m. at Walnut Beach. The event has become a rite of spring with friends and families looking skyward as their kites go aloft. The Connectikiters will be attending with their spectacular kites and helpful hints for novice fliers. The event is free, and people should bring their own kites.

The American Red Cross has awarded a grant of $257,000 to support long term storm recovery efforts in Milford.

The grant to United Way of Milford will help the Milford Long Term Recovery Group work with populations that have needs that other funding resources have not been able to address, according to a Red Cross press release.

Those needs include utility, rental and mortgage assistance; insurance costs; planning and construction costs; replacement of appliances and furniture, and storage costs.

“More than a year after Sandy people continue to deal with issues created by the storm,” said Mario Bruno, American Red Cross Connecticut and Rhode Island Region CEO. “The Red Cross, with the support of generous donors, continues to work with affected families, communities and partner organizations to help people find and access the resources they need to continue their path to recovery.”

Milford Mayor Ben Blake expressed his appreciation for the support of American Red Cross, saying that “this grant will provide additional assistance and relief to those residents still recovering from Superstorm Sandy. Milford is extremely pleased to accept this grant and we are grateful to American Red Cross for helping our hardest-hit shoreline families.”

Residents who would like further information on the grant and other assistance may call 203-301-9905 to speak with a disaster case manager.

The Red Cross has received $311 million in donations for Sandy emergency relief and recovery efforts. As of Feb. 28, the Red Cross has spent or committed $291 million — nearly 93 percent of the donated funds.

The Rape Crisis Center of Milford, serving Ansonia, Derby, Milford, Orange, Seymour, Shelton, and West Haven will hold its 8th annual Walk A Mile In Her Shoes: The Men’s March to Stop Rape, Sexual Assault & Gender Violence event on Sunday, April 27.

Registration will begin at noon and the walk kicks-off at 1 p.m. Participants will stroll one mile from Lisman Landing, around the green and back to Lisman Landing while wearing a pair of woman’s shoes. Walkers are asked to use their imagination in choosing footwear. The event is held rain or shine.

This year’s walk is sponsored by Cohen and Wolf, P.C., Stonebridge Restaurant and The Milford Bank. There is no registration fee, but each walker is encouraged to collect sponsorship donations.

Prizes and awards will be given out to the biggest team, most money raised, highest heel plus more. All registered walkers who collect at least $25 in donations will receive a walk T-shirt to commemorate the event.

Founded in 1974, the Rape Crisis Center of Milford is a not-for-profit social service agency working to end sexual violence through victim assistance, prevention, education and public policy advocacy.

The center provides free and confidential services to the towns of Ansonia, Derby, Milford, Orange, Seymour, Shelton, and West Haven. Certified Sexual Assault Counselors are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Jonathan Law High School students will not have school Monday.

On Sunday, counseling will be available at the school from noon to 5 p.m.

On Monday, staff will go in at 8 a.m. and spend time with experts on grief so they have some guidance on how to work with the students.

At noon on Monday, the school will open for students, who may  go to school if they would like. Parents also are invited to go to school with their sons and daughters if they would like.

Tuesday will be a full day of school at Law. Support staff will be available for students and staff.

A memorial service is being planned for Monday evening to be held at Law High School on the football field.

Christopher Plaskon

Chris Plaskon, the 16-year-old boy who allegedly stabbed Maren Sanchez to death at Jonathan Law High School Friday, may not be arraigned Monday, according to reports in the New York Times.

Although local police had said the young man would be arraigned as a juvenile on a charge of murder on Monday, the Times reports that he may be held in a medical facility for up to two weeks before facing arraignment.

Police have not released the young man’s name because he is a juvenile, though friends and witnesses have identified him as Chris Plaskon.

Attorney Richard Meehan, who is representing the alleged attacker, said he cannot release the name either.

“We are not confirming the identity due to constraints of juvenile laws,” Meehan said. “Our client is under a 15-day emergency commitment and will not be in court Monday.”

Residents have been mourning not only the tragic death of a popular and successful young woman, they’ve also been mourning the tragedy that surrounds the plight of the young man whom student witnesses say stabbed her with a knife Friday morning.

Chris comes from a family of athletes long involved with Jonathan Law High School. The Plaskon family is well respected, friends say, for their involvement in the school and the community.

The United Way of Milford will hold its annual Community Builders Recognition Luncheon on Wednesday, April 30, at Costa Azzurra Restaurant in Milford from 11:30 to 1:30 p.m.

At the luncheon, the United Way will honor those individuals who have demonstrated outstanding volunteer service within the Milford community, as well as organizations and individuals who have contributed to the success of the 2013-14 Campaign.

This year’s “Stars of Milford” honorees are: Barry Kasdan (Lifetime Achievement Award); Paula Smith (Spirit of Milford Award); Joan Wolf (Meeting Critical Needs Award); Mary Tesla (Strengthening Families Award); Ralph Harrison (Champion of Caring Award); Richard Meisenheimer (Distinguished Service Award); Maureen Eisenhandler (Nurturing Children Award), and Matthew Montano (Youth Leadership Award).

The emcee for the event will be Mark Kaminski, host of Milford Radio.

All are welcome to attend.

Tickets are $25 and can be obtained by calling the United Way of Milford at 203-874-6791.

A Relay For Life kickoff event will take place Wednesday, April 30, at 6:30 p.m. at Stonebridge Restaurant at 50 Daniel Street in Milford.

Appetizers will be served, and there will be raffles. People interested in getting involved in the relay are invited to attend.

For more information, contact: milfordctrelay@gmail.com or call: Sue Federico at 203-980-4452; Gina Vetter at 203-214-5412 or Vinny DeRobertis at 203-430-6322.

Due to the tragic events of last week at Jonathan Law High School, school has been canceled for Jonathan Law students on Monday, April 28.  All other schools will be open regular hours.

Students are invited to come to school beginning at noon and parents are welcome to join their children, if they wish.  Counseling services will be available.

School will resume at Law on Tuesday, April 29.

All extracurricular activities and athletic events will take place as scheduled on Monday. Students with questions are directed to contact their advisor or coach.

A community-wide candlelight vigil in honor of Maren Sanchez will take place on Monday evening, April 28, beginning at 7 p.m. at the Jonathan Law High School football field. Those planning to attend are asked to bring a candle.

The entire Milford community is welcome, school officials said. Since attendees will be standing on the football field for the memorial, individuals may bring a chair, if they wish.

Calling hours for Maren Sanchez will be held Thursday, May 1, from 2 to 7 p.m., at the Cody-White Funeral Home, 107 Broad Street, Milford. A shuttle service will be provided starting at 4 p.m. from the Parsons Complex. There will be no services.

Memorial contributions may be made to The Maren Sanchez Memorial Trust, Victoria J. Koch, Trustee 325 Reef Road, Suite 200, Fairfield, CT 06824.

A full obituary announcement will be announced forthcoming.

Maren Sanchez

Jonathan Law High School will present the play “Little Shop of Horrors” this weekend. The show will be dedicated to Maren Sanchez, who was a member of the drama club.

Maren would have operated the plant puppet in this weekend’s show.

Performances are May 2 at 7 p.m. and May 3 at 2 and 7 p.m. at Jonathan Law High School Auditorium, 20 Lansdale Avenue.

Tickets are $10 general admission and $5 for seniors.

To reserve a ticket, email mmele@milforded.org or call 914-439-6405.

“Charming, tuneful and hilarious, with tongue firmly planted in cheek, Little Shop of Horrors never fails to entertain,” states a write-up about the play. “As Seymour seeks the affection of his lovely coworker, Audrey, he also battles for control over his increasingly bloodthirsty plant, Audrey II.”

Maren was stabbed and killed last Friday at her school. She spent some of her final days working on sets for the drama club’s performance.

The Conn. Fallen Heroes Foundation will hold their fourth annual golf tournament benefit at Grassy Hill Country Club, 44 Clark Lane, in Orange, on Friday, May 23. Schedule is 11:30 a.m.-noon, registration; noon, BBQ lunch; 1:30 p.m., shot gun start; 6:30 p.m., buffet and awards ceremony.

Each golfer will receive lunch, dinner, 18 holds of scramble tournament play and Fallen Heroes windproof umbrella, with more contests and prizes throughout the day.

Two $1,000 scholarships will be awarded at the dinner that evening to graduating seniors.

Sponsorships are available.

For more information, contact Mike Mastroni at 203-218-2367 or visit ctfallenheroes.org.

Christopher Plaskon

The Plaskon family has just released a statement about Friday’s stabbing at Jonathan Law High School. Chris Plaskon, though not identified by police as the suspect in the stabbing, has been identified by friends and social media as such.

Following is their statement.

“Words can only fall short in conveying the depth and breadth of the raw sadness we are left with by this unimaginable tragedy. Our hearts are forever broken as we, like you, struggle to understand.

To the Sanchez family, our deepest sympathies. Please know that you are now, and forever, in our hearts, our thoughts and our prayers. We join with the entire Milford community to celebrate the life and mourn the loss of this most vibrant and exceptional young woman.

To our extended family, friends and neighbors and all who have reached out to us in our darkest hour with warmth, kindness, understanding and compassion, you cannot know how much it has meant to us. Thank you.

In prayer we ask for comfort for the Sanchez family and all of us so deeply affected by this tragedy. We pray for the wisdom to guide us as we desperately try to pull together the shattered pieces of our families. And finally, we pray that time may soften our wounds and reveal forgiveness in the hearts of all.”

Friends of Maren Sanchez are asking that all students wear their prom dresses and tuxes to her calling hours Thursday, according to the Jonathan Law High School newspaper “The Advocate.”

Calling hours for Maren Sanchez will be held Thursday, May 1, from 2 to 7 p.m., at the Cody-White Funeral Home, 107 Broad Street, Milford.

A shuttle service will be provided starting at 4 p.m. from the Parsons Complex. There will be no services.

Christopher Plaskon has been arraigned in Superior Court for the slaying of 16-year-old Maren Sanchez, the Connecticut Post has reported.

According to the Post, “Judge Frank Iannotti found probable cause for Plaskon to be charged with murder and ordered him held in lieu of $3 million bond. He continued the case to Friday. Plaskon will make a formal appearance in court at that time.”

According to a Hartford Courant report, Plaskon will be tried as an adult.

Maren Sanchez

Maren Victoria Sanchez, cherished daughter to Donna Cimarelli-Sanchez of Milford and Jose Alexander Sanchez of Miami, FL, was born in Bridgeport CT on August 26, 1997.

She was an honor student at Jonathan Law High School, Class of 2015. Amongst her many achievements, she was president of her freshman and sophomore class; co-manager of the softball and swim teams, as well as a member of several other school clubs including the drama club.

She was a gifted guitar player and vocalist. Photography was her passion and she was the school photographer for the 2013 junior prom. Maren saw the world through artist’s eyes; she designed and sewed some of her own clothes, and built custom furniture for her room. Maren was this year’s nominee to represent her high school in this year’s Barnum Festival contest. She was the girlfriend of Jarrod Butts.

Maren had an air of confidence that allowed her to accomplish anything. Maren was and will always be a limitless light who saw the world through a spectrum of joy, love, kindness and compassion. Everyone she touched felt her warmth.

Our angel leaves behind a legacy of love and all who were privileged of basking in her light, including her maternal grandparents, Irene Roberto and Don Cimarelli of Bridgeport; paternal grandparents Neyci and Jose “Pepe” Sanchez of Miami, FL; siblings, Brittney Sanchez of Miami, FL and Jordan Sanchez of Tallahassee, FL. Maren also leave aunts, uncles, a nephew, and cousins. Last but not least, she leaves behind every individual she touched as evidenced by the outpouring of love by her community of Milford, Connecticut.

Friends and family may call on Thursday, May 1st from 2 to 7 pm at the Cody-White Funeral Home, 107 North Broad St, Milford, CT 06460. There will be no funeral service and burial will be private.

In Lieu of flowers, donations can be made to: The Maren Sanchez Memorial Trust, Victoria J. Koch, Esq. Trustee, 325 Reef Road, Suite 200, Fairfield, CT 06824 or online at www.marensanchezmemorialfund.com.

The family would like to extend their heartfelt appreciation to Bridgeport Hospital Emergency 3 for the care and compassion shown to Maren.

To leave online condolences, please visit our website at www.codywhitefuneralservice.com.

One day after last night’s emotional community-wide vigil for Maren Sanchez, held on the Jonathan Law football field, classes resumed at the high school.

Normally six of 8 periods would meet today, but to enable students and teachers to see each other in all classes, an 8-period schedule was put in place, school officials said in a prepared release.

Counseling services continued to be available at the school, and therapy dogs were also present as they have been at the high school throughout the entire weekend. Extra security was on hand.

Dr. Elizabeth Feser, superintendent, was at the high school for part of the day.

“It was moving to see students as they proceeded from class to class this morning, talking with and comforting one another; and to see teachers warmly welcoming students back to class,” Dr. Feser said. “The depth of caring in this school is so evident. Clearly, the days ahead will not be easy, but I believe the outpouring of support and love toward this school community will give them strength.”

Principal Fran Thompson, in a communication to parents at the end of the day, expressed appreciation for their support and encouragement.

Looking to the remainder of the week, tomorrow (Wednesday) is a regularly scheduled early release day for teacher professional development.

The wake for Maren Sanchez is scheduled for Thursday at Cody White Funeral Home from 2 to 7 p.m.

The district is currently working with Durham Bus company and the Milford Police to facilitate transportation needs, parking and security, school officials said.

More details to follow tomorrow.

A flood watch is in effect from Wednesday evening through Thursday morning, according to the National Weather Service.

Rain with an approaching frontal system should become heavy at times Wednesday night into early Thursday morning. Total rainfall of 2 to 4 inches is expected. Flooding may occur in low lying and poor drainage areas, and around small streams and rivers.

A presentation scheduled for Thursday by the Milford Prevention Council has been rescheduled.

Chris Herren had been scheduled to talk to the community about coming back from addiction.

The new date for the presentation will be announced.

The Mayor’s Youth Award ceremony, also scheduled for Thursday, has been postponed as well and the new date will be announced.

The events have been postponed so students and residents can attend Thursday’s wake for Maren Sanchez, the Jonathan Law High School student killed last week.

Several hours before a wake for a Milford teenager begins today, local clergy and others will gather at Milford City Hall to pray.

The prayer is an annual event and is part of the National Day of Prayer.

This year, words and prayers will be offered up “especially for children and students,” according to an announcement of the gathering.

Milford’s prayer observance will begin at noon and will include local clergy, city officials and members of the Milford community.

“Strong nations are the product of strong cities filled with Godly people. Now more than ever we must unite together in prayer for our cities and communities,” said Pastor Alfred D. Watts, senior pastor of Cornerstone Christian Center and host of the event.

Bishop Jay Ramirez, senior pastor of Kingdom Life Christian Church will deliver the keynote address and several Milford clergy members will pray during the hour long event.

Not far from City Hall at 2 p.m., the wake will begin for Maren Sanchez, the teenager killed at Jonathan Law High School last week.

Students, staff, families and others are still trying to come to grips with the murder.

Several vigils have been held in the community to bring people together and let them mourn.

There will be a Scouting for Food spring food drive and event May 3 from noon to 4 p.m. at Eisenhower Park.

This year marks the 375th Anniversary of Milford and in honor of that local Scouts would like to collect enough food to feed 375 families in need.

“Often times we generously give to food pantries during the holiday season, and the recipients of those food baskets probably would not have enjoyed a special holiday dinner with their families without those thoughtful donations,” states a Scouting for Food announcement. “As a community we need to understand that the need extends beyond the holidays.”

People are invited to bring a picnic lunch and a blanket and enjoy a day out with their family.

The event will include an archery range for kids, a DJ, face painting, Milford Police K-9 and cruisers, Milford Fire Department Touch – A – Truck and many other activities. The cost is 10 non-perishable food items.

“It’s a great excuse to spend a fun day out with your family or some friends and help fill your local food pantry at the same time,” organizers said.

People can also just stop by and drop off a donation.

For information call Cindy Pepe, 203-285-7912.