The city’s next bulk trash collection starts the first week of September.

If your garbage day is Monday your bulk pickup day is Sept. 3.

If your garbage day is Tuesday your bulk pickup day is Sept. 10

If your garbage day is Thursday your bulk pickup day is Sept. 17

If your garbage day is Friday your bulk pickup day is Sept. 24.

Call 203-783-3265 th Monday before your pickup if you have white goods, such as stoves, refrigerators, dishwashers, hot water heaters, etc.

Items set out for collection are to be placed at the curb no sooner than the Saturday prior to the scheduled date of the collection and all items are to be at the curb by 6 a.m. on the scheduled pickup date.

The homeowner must properly prepare and separate the bulky waste. Metal must be separated from burnable items. Yard waste should be placed in disposable containers or bags. Brush and wood must be cut to four-foot lengths and tied in bundles.

No more than four passenger car tires may be included in the items set out for collection. Where possible, similar items should be placed together in containers, which the homeowner wishes to discard. All acceptable items placed at the curb will be taken, including containers.

Certain items are prohibited from the bulky waste pickup program. These are: Batteries, commercial items, logs and stumps, concrete or cement, any item requiring more than two men to pick up, hazardous waste, liquid waste, oil based paint, motor oil, propane tanks, grass clippings, sheetrock and demolition material.

Sheetrock and demolition material may be brought to Waste Conversion, 211 Old Gate Lane. It will no longer be accepted at the Transfer Station.

Rides like this merry-go-round will be found at the St. Mary’s carnival.

The annual St. Mary’s Carnival will take place at 72 Gulf Street Friday, Sept. 19 to Sunday, Sept. 21: Friday, 6 to 11 p.m.; Saturday, 1 to 11 p.m., with fireworks at 10 p.m., and Sunday 1 to 5 p.m.

There will be food, baked goods, 50/50 raffles, live music, car raffle and more. Writsbands for rides are $25 per day. Carnival sponsorships are also available. Call Laura Dzialo at 203-877-2886.

This is a photograph of Trumbull students sent to our sister paper, the Trumbull Times, on the first day of school, which was Tuesday in Trumbull.

Send us your first-day-of-school photographs tomorrow and we’ll turn them into a photo slide show for the Milford Mirror.

Feel free to add a few notes of interest about this year’s first day, such as how you or your child settled on the first-day outfit, or how you overcame any first-day-of-school jitters, or maybe what was special about the day.

Email your submissions to editor@milfordmirror.com.

Milford police issued an advisory on Wednesday, Aug. 27 coinciding with the first day of school. The advisory reads as follows:

School buses are back on the roads and students are walking to and from school or waiting at their bus stops. Motorists should be careful when driving near school buildings or in designated drop-off zones for bussed students. If you are approaching a school bus from either the front or behind, and its yellow lights are flashing, the bus is preparing to stop, if the bus’ red lights are flashing, you must stop.

Here are some simple reminders for drivers:

.Slow down and be especially alert in the residential neighborhoods and school zones.

.Take extra time to look for kids at intersections, on medians and on curbs.

.Enter and exit driveways/alleys slowly and carefully.

.Watch for children on and near the road in the morning and after school hours.

.Reduce any distractions inside your car so you can concentrate on the roadway.

.Put down your phone and don’t talk or text while driving.

Reminder for your children:

.They should cross the street with an adult.

.Cross the street at corners, using traffic signals and crosswalks.

.Never run out into the streets or cross in between parked cars.

.Make sure they always walk in front of the bus where the driver can see them.

.Rehearse with children their full name, address, and phone number (including area code)

.Show them how to make emergency phone calls from home and public phones.

.Walk the neighborhood with your children. Show them safe places they can go to in an

emergency such as a trusted neighbor’s house or an open store.

.Tell children never to accept gifts or rides from someone they don’t know well.

.Report any suspicious activities to a trusted adult and call the police department.

To the Editor:

As a long time Ford Street resident I am opposed to Colonial Toyota’s request for a zone change at 449 Boston Post Road. Keeping the zone residential ensures a separation between the commercial zone and the residents. If the zone change was approved then the residents of Ford, Gunn and Peck streets could literally be facing commercial businesses directly across the street. If you go to Locust Street and Orange Avenue, you can see exactly what I mean. Residents there can see directly across the street such business as Hooters, Bella Napoli and the M&M Market. There is no buffer there.

At the board meeting on August 19, residents stood up and spoke out against the zone change citing concerns such as safety, traffic and a right to live in peace. Resident, Mr. Obert, expressed it best, “there is limited land left in Milford for single-family homes, and this plan would further reduce that available land.”

City Planner David B. Sulkis said that zone change includes an amendment which says the buffer zone would last in perpetuity. But as Mr. Obert stated, who would enforce this? The city? Right now it takes weeks for the city to look into complaints of zoning violations. The city has allowed business to run roughshod over resident’s rights for far too long. Also, Mr. Sukis said that moving the residential/commercial zone line into the property is not the norm.

The line is usually the center of the road. But zoning rules are not set in stone. If they were, applicants would not apply for variances, which are usually approved.

We the residents of Ford, Gunn and Peck Street do not want to, nor can we stop progress. Businesses should grow. But, not to the point of interfering with residential life. There must be a balance. And the city must find ways to achieve this balance. They can do this by approving Colonial Toyota’s plan but keeping the buffer as a residential zone.

Prashant Chandra

I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but chances are we will see another fare hike on Metro-North in the coming months.

Not that any elected official would endorse such a plan (at least not before the November elections), but once again, Connecticut is not totally in control of its financial destiny when it comes to our trains.

True, fare increases in Connecticut must be initiated by the state regardless of what New York does to its riders, but the financial numbers speak for themselves.

We are tied to New York’s operations by an antiquated contract going back 30 years. The cost of running “our” trains is born by both Connecticut and New York, and those costs are soaring from $70 million a year to $110 million, thanks to remedial track work and expected contract settlements (with four years of retroactive pay hikes).

How will Connecticut make up this $40-million deficit? There are only three choices: Raise fares, cut service or find that money elsewhere. The latter two choices are either undesirable or impossible, leaving the prospect (necessity?) of fare increases.

After a year of slower, unreliable and often-disrupted service, it’s hard to explain to commuters they should be paying more … especially in an election year. So when the rumored necessity of a fare hike was floated last week, Gov. Malloy expressed outrage and bewilderment.

But our governor and his Department of Transportation knew darn well this was coming. They’re the ones who pushed Metro-North for badly needed track work after derailments and deaths. Who did they think would pay for that? And one wonders … does ConnDOT ever audit Metro-North’s ever-increasing budgets and bills to our state?

Fares in Connecticut are already the highest in the U.S. because our subsidy of those fares is the lowest. Upstate lawmakers who dominate our legislature loathe the idea of subsidizing fat-cat investment bankers’ trips to their high-paying jobs in New York City. But they have no trouble taxing their incomes, do they?

Fairfield County residents represent 26% of our state’s population but pay 40% of its taxes. Legislators made us subsidize Adriaen’s Landing ($770 million) in Hartford and the UConn football stadium ($90+ million), neither of which we are ever likely to use. So why can’t they keep residing in Fairfield County affordable by keeping Metro-North safe, on time and affordable.

Since 2012 we’ve already had 12% fare hikes, thanks in part to Gov. Malloy using rail fares to balance his budget (a move I called more of a tax on commuters than anything else).

The good news is that a fare increase in Connecticut requires 90 days notice and public hearings. And with the November elections just weeks away, no right-minded politician will pull that trigger.

Mind you, it was now-GOP nominee Tom Foley who recently told reporters he thought we in Connecticut spend too much subsidizing mass transit, so who knows? It should be an interesting campaign season and my hope is that Metro-North will be a much debated topic.

Jim Cameron has been a Darien resident for 23 years. He is the founder of the Commuter Action Group and also serves on the Darien RTM. The opinions expressed in this column are only his own. You may reach him at CommuterActionGroup@gmail.com.

Join the Milford Prevention Council and The Woodruff Family YMCA’s Superhero 5k Fun Run and Family Day at 631 Orange Avenue in Milford on Sunday, Sept. 21, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

The event is family friendly and all ages are welcome to participate in a 5K race and a 1K obstacle course that will challenge all kids, aged 17 and under.

There will be food trucks, local businesses, face painting, a DJ, costume parade and contest, real life Superheroes and momre. For more information check out: milfordprevention.org/events/superhero-5k-family-fun-day/.

To the Editor:

This is followup of a recent letter regarding the Colonial Toyota pending zone change application to change the property on the corner of Gunn and Ford Streets from Residential 12.5 zone to Commercial CCD-1 zone to the middle of the street. No decision has been issued as of yet.

On Wednesday, Aug. 28, there were three car transportation flatbeds parked on Ford Street. When asked what they were doing there, the reply was loading cars for the auction for Colonial Toyota. They then indicated the lots were full and they were instructed to load the cars on Ford Street.

This is just another example of the property owners disregard for the city’s laws or Planning & Zoning regulations. The only permits obtained for this project were for the demolition of the three structures taken down. There were no permits issued for the following:

Earth removal (3000+ cy),

Tree removal,

Additional paving base course for parking cars

Using the property to store and sell new cars

The Post Road has moved to Ford Street.

Harold Ryder

Probation violation

Milford police took custody of Joshua Hogberg, 25, of Bristol on Aug. 20 on an outstanding warrant for his arrest.

Police accuse Hogberg of violating his court-appointed probation.

Bond was set at $10,000 for court on Sept. 16.

Larceny

Milford police issued an arrest warrant for Jeffrey Ratar, 33, of an uncertain address on Aug. 20 after they concluded an investigation into a February 2014 complaint of larceny.

Police accuse Ratar of taking jewelry and money from a relative’s residence on Hackett Avenue. Police determined that the thefts occurred over several months and totaled $27,380 in cash and jewelry.

Ratar is charged with first-degree larceny.

He was released on a promise to appear in court on Sept. 16.

Failure to appear

Milford police took custody of Michael Jensen, 48, of East Haven on Aug. 21 regarding two outstanding warrants for his arrest.

Jensen is accused of failing to appear in court on July 15 for a larceny offense he allegedly committed in Milford on May 7. The second warrant accused Jensen of failing to appear in court on July 23 for motor vehicle offenses he allegedly committed in New Haven on May 7.

Jensen is charged with two counts of second-degree failure to appear in court.

Bond was set at $1,000 for court on Aug. 28 and Sept. 16.

Drug offense

Milford police arrested Kimberly Cresiski, 32, of Milford on Aug. 22 after they received a complaint regarding a suspicious vehicle parked on Eveningside Drive.

During the investigation police found the operator, Cresiski, in possession of heroin, a narcotic prescription medication not prescribed to her and marijuana.

Cresiski is charged with two counts of possession of narcotics, possession of drug paraphernalia and possession of less than half an ounce of marijuana.

She was released on a promise to appear in court on Sept. 16.

Strangulation

Milford police arrested Victoria Carman, 52, of Milford on Aug. 22 after they received a complaint regarding a disturbance at a Marino drive residence.

Investigation led to the arrest of Carman who is accused of striking and restricting a relative’s breathing during the incident.

Carman was charged with third-degree assault, disorderly conduct, second-degree strangulation and risk of injury.

He was released on a promise to appear in court on Aug. 22.

Assault

Milford police arrested Scott Glenn, 55, of Milford on Aug. 24 after they received a complaint regarding a disturbance at a Kings Highway residence. Police accuse Glenn of striking his companion and throwing a glass at her.

A computer check revealed that there was an active protective order issued against Glenn by the court, which he allegedly violated during this incident.

Police subsequently responded to a second complaint at the residence involving harassing phone calls being made by Glenn to the companion. Police say they located Glenn in West Haven and he was taken into police custody.

Glenn is charged with third-degree assault, disorderly conduct, second-degree harassment and four counts of violating a protective order.

Glenn was held on a bond of $52,500 at the time of his arrest.

Larceny

Milford police arrested Michael DiBiagio Jr., 41, of Monroe on Aug. 23 after they completed an investigation into a May 20 complaint of a larceny involving home improvement work being done at an East Broadway residence.

Investigation revealed that the homeowner had hired DiBiagio through his company, A-Tec Home Energy Solutions, to perform construction work at the home.

According to police, the victim filed a complaint stating that the agreed upon work was never completed nor did it represent the amount of funds paid to DiBiagio in the amount of $80,972.42.

As a result of the complaint and investigation, police issued the arrest warrant for DiBiagio.

DiBiagio was charged with first-degree larceny, unregistered home improvement and failure to refund amount paid for home improvement.

Bond was set at $100,000 for court on Sept. 16.

Credit card fraud

Milford police arrested Jonathan Petruny, 35, of Seymour on a warrant on Aug. 23 after they completed an investigation into a May 20 complaint of a fraudulent use of a credit card.

Police accuse Petruny of using the victim’s credit card number to make unauthorized purchases in Milford. Petruny is charged with sixth-degree larceny, illegal use of a credit card and receiving goods by illegal use of a credit card.

He was released on a promise to appear in court on Sept. 26.

DUI

Milford police arrested Peter Gartner, 35, of Monroe for DUI on Aug. 24 after an officer stopped a vehicle for not traveling in the proper lane on Pumpkin Delight Road.

Investigation led to the arrest of Gartner, who is accused of operating while under the influence of alcohol with a child inside the vehicle. Gartner is charged with DUI, risk of injury and failure to drive right.

Bond was set at $500 for court on Sept. 16.

The first week of school can be tough at any age. From the moment they step out of the house and onto the bus, kids enter a cauldron of shifting friendships, academic pressures, and confusing hormones. Anxious parents wave them on while wiping away tears, hoping the stings of their own adolescence won’t find their offspring. Everyone hopes things will go well.

And maybe, just maybe, that’s why things don’t always go well.

Perhaps relying on hope isn’t enough. What if parents and children alike realized we had the power to make the world a better place with just a few, small steps? More importantly, what if we stopped making excuses for failing to take them?

There are no sidelines in the life of a child, no stands from which to cheer them on. We all share the same field — whether or not we choose to participate, the game goes on around us. Better we get involved now rather than wait to rally the community after tragedy strikes.

Parents, take the time to plant the seeds that allow your kids to blossom. Send them off to school with the mission to make someone else’s day. Teach them the importance of empathy, of noticing when their peers are struggling. Embrace the idea that reaching out to others is the surest sign of character. Leave them notes in their lunches reminding them that not only are they great, but so are the other kids in the class. Train them to accept others for who they are. Encourage them to act when they see their peers being picked on because bystanders are as dangerous as bullies. Teach them that self-esteem comes from doing the right thing. Share the wisdom of philosopher Lao Tzu: “From caring comes courage.”

Students, look for opportunities to build a friendlier world around you. The fact is you have more influence than any adult in the building when it comes to creating a better school. Find new kids you don’t know and slip a note of encouragement onto their desks. Invite that girl that’s always alone to sit with you and your friends at the lunch table. Pick that one kid first when choosing teams even though he always drops the ball. Never underestimate the effect of a kind word, a quick smile, or an open ear.

Remember that real power doesn’t come as a result of aggression or intimidation. Being able to change someone’s state, to make someone smile when they’ve just started crying? That’s power. That’s making the places marked by your small footsteps better for your having been there. Use that power, then go out and make more footprints. Be the Johnny Appleseed of good deeds and watch how quickly others join in.

Please know how much the world needs you. As much as we might tell you to follow in our footsteps, don’t. Blaze your own trail. We tried, but our path is still filled with needless obstacles and pitfalls. At times it’s too narrow to accommodate everyone who wants to use it. Make your path wide and true so we can walk behind. We’ll follow your small footsteps until we catch up.

You can read more at RobertFWalsh.net and contact him at rob@RobertFWalsh.net or follow him on Twitter @RobertFWalsh.

Aqua Zumba — Milford Parks and Recreation will offer aqua zumba at the McCann Natatorium, 70 Park Circle, led by Renay. Pre-register at ci.milford.ct.us or call for more information, 203-783-3381. Or call Renay 203-522-2616 zumbarenay@gmail.com. This 8-week class will be held from 7:30-8:30 p.m. beginning on Wednesday, Sept. 3, Mondays or Wednesday’s $59R/64NR for 8 classes or Monday and Wednesday’s $118R/$128 NR for 16 classes.

Yoga — Milford Hospital with will offer a 10-week yoga session on Thursdays, beginning Sept. 18. All levels are welcome.  The class will be taught by Dee Stephens. Call the Education Department, 203-876-4006, to register.

Church welcome — St. Gabriel’s Church invites inactive adult Catholics and those who’d like to become Catholic via baptism, first communion or confirmation to a “Let’s Talk” program on Aug. 26, 7-8 p.m. in the Church Hall, 26 Broadway. For more information call Brother Larry at 203-937-7040 or the Rectory, 203-877-6096 or go to parish website, stgabrielmilford.org under Newcomers.

Crafters wanted — Saint Ann Parish is seeking crafters for its annual Christmas Spectacular scheduled for Saturday, Dec. 6, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the Parish Center, 499 Naugatuck Avenue.

The juried craft show, in a Dickens Village setting, is part of a one-day Christmas fair that features strolling carolers, a food court and a holiday bake shop

Fee for an 8-foot exhibit space with two chairs is $50. Crafters must submit two photos of their work with their application.

For further information or to obtain a contract, call or e-mail MaryJo, 203-882-0695 or maryjobellehome@gmail.com.

Vendors wanted — Platt Technical High School seeks craft vendors and food truck vendors for its annual Fall Festival and Car Cruise Fundraiser Event, Saturday Oct. 18 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at 600 Orange Avenue. Vendor fee is $50, spaces are limited.

Car Cruise participants pay $10 per car entry fee. All makes, models and car clubs welcome. People’s Choice trophies awarded. Public admission free.

For more information contact Lisa Kennedy at 203 640-1270 or lisa.kennedy@ct.gov

Cruises — Christ The Redeemer Knights of Columbus Council is running two cruises in 2015. March 1-8 to the Bahamas and Florida, Sept. 19-26 Canada and New England. Prices include round trip transportation to port and range from $890-$1445.Call John Benard 203-877-2737 for flier.

Volunteer training — The Rape Crisis Center of Milford will hold 32-hour volunteer training starting Sept. 4. All trainings are on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 6:30 to 9 p.m. at the Parson’s Government Complex.

Volunteer candidates must be at least 18 years of age, have a valid driver’s license with available transportation and be willing to sign a confidentiality agreement. No previous experience is required. There is a $25 fee for the training manual. For more information contact Maria or Cindy at 203-874-8712.

Foran Class of ‘82 — The Foran High School class of 1982 invites classmates to its 40+10 birthday bash by the sea Saturday, Aug. 23 at 2 p.m. at the Walnut Beach pavilion. Cost is $20 and includeds catered BBQ lunch and music. BYOB. Send check by Aug. 3 to Birthday Bash, c/o Beth Griswald, 19 Farley Rd, Milford, CT 06460.

Bottle drive — Jonathan Law Marching Band & Color Guard will hold a can and bottle drive on the third Saturday of every month, from 9 to 11 a.m. in the Jonathan Law parking lot.

Food, beer, live music and dancing featured at this year’s Irish Festival.

The Irish Heritage Society of Milford will host its 9th Annual Irish Festival on Sept. 19 and 20, rain or shine.

The festival kicks off on Friday, Sept. 19 from 6 to 11 p.m. with live musical performances by Calley McGrane and the Exiles, Kevin McKernon of County Cavan and Hair of the Dog. There will be a variety of food offerings and an assortment of tasty libations, including Guinness, Harp, wine coolers, hard cider and wine.

On Saturday, Sept. 20, from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m., the full festival will come alive with Irish music, dancing, culture, food choices, beverages and Irish wares for sale.

There will be live musical performances by Bobby Morrill, The Irish Band, New York Brogue, The Ale Hounds and The Highland Rovers.

The cultural area will feature Ceili with music by Ceol Agus Craic, traditional Irish Music by Shamrock Traditional Irish Music Society and PV O’Donnel Branch of CCE, step dancers, bagpipers, Tara Theatre Company, cooking demonstrations as well as a Irish history/language, and genealogy.

Free children’s activities will be available between 11 a.m. and 6 p.m.

In addition to the 50-50 raffles, there will be a raffle for a fabulous trip for two to Ireland.

Admission is $5 Friday and $12 Saturday for those 15 years and older. A two-day pass is $15.

The festival will take place at The Fowler Field Rotary Pavilion behind the Milford Public Library, 57 New Haven Avenue. Pets are not allowed.

For information visit milfordirish.org.

The Registrars of Voters will conduct an audit of the August 12 Republican Primary, as required by the Secretary of State.

The registrars will count ballots from the Orange Avenue School polling location on Wednesday, Sept. 3, at the Parson’s Government Center, Conference Room B, at 9:30 a.m.

For information contact the Registrar of Voters at 203-783-3240.

McDonald’s restaurants in Connecticut, except Fairfield County, will be celebrating National Potato Month on Friday, Sept. 12 and thanking its customers with a free small French fry between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m.

No purchase is necessary.

The Sixth Annual Riverlights Boat Parade is scheduled to take place Saturday, Sept. 20 at about 7 p.m. on the Housatonic River. The rain date is Sept. 21.

This parade will start at the I-95 Moses-Wheeler Bridge and proceed down river to the Knapps Landing Restaurant in Stratford.

All net proceeds will be donated to St. Vincent’s Swim Across the Sound to provide cancer education, screening and prevention programs for the community, as well as financial aid and assistance to cancer patients, survivors, and their families.

Since the inaugural event in 2008, the Riverlights parade has raised more than $30,000 for the Swim. Spectators can donate directly to St. Vincent’s Swim Across the Sound by going online to SwimAcrossTheSound.org/Riverlights2014.

The parade is organized by the Valley Yacht Club of Milford with help and participation from members of the Harbor Valley Yacht Club, Caswell Cove Marina, Brewer Marina (Stratford), and Pootatuck Yacht Club.

All area boaters are invited to sign-up, light up their boats, and participate.

Best viewing locations will be the various shoreline restaurants and public river access areas in Stratford and Milford.

For further details about sign up and sponsor information, log on to valleyyc.org and click on the Riverlights banner or call James Manzolli, 203-377-6119, comanche327@snet.net.

St. Vincent’s SWIM Across the Sound is a charitable not-for-profit organization run by the St. Vincent’s Medical Center Foundation of Bridgeport.

Since 1987, the Swim has had a unique niche helping individuals and families struggling through the difficult changes that cancer it brings with it. The Swim serves approximately 30,000 people annually by providing over 45 programs, including cancer education, screening, prevention and support programs at low- or no-cost for the uninsured and underinsured.

In addition, the Swim helps individual cancer patients on a case-by-case basis with specific financial assistance, funding of wigs and prostheses, medication assistance, free transportation to treatments and appointments, day-care scholarships, support groups and more.

For more information, contact the St. Vincent’s Medical Center Foundation at 203-576-5451 or visit SwimAcrossTheSound.org.

The Milford Recreation Department is offering the following programs.

Yoga — Freestyle Yoga begins Monday, Sept. 8 and runs 12 weeks; 9:30 a.m. at the Margaret Egan Center. Cost is $60 for residents and $65 for non-residents. For more information contact Bill Garfield at the Recreation Department 203-783-3388 or by email bgarfield@ci.milford.ct.us

Fitness — Fitness & Wellness and Dance and Fun Workout sessions for adults with instructor Shelia Frankel begins Monday, Sept. 8. The classes will run for 12 weeks and cost $60 for residents and $65 for non-residents. The Fitness & Wellness class is offered on Monday and Thursday at 6:30 p.m. and Friday at 9:30 a.m. while the Dance & Fun Workout class is available Tuesday at 6:15 p.m.

For more information contact Bill Garfield at 203-783-3388 or by email bgarfield@ci.milford.ct.us.

Cardio core — Cardio Core Workout session for adults begins on Tuesday, Sept. 9. Bring three pound hand weights and a five pound weighted ball as well as a 65 cm size exercise ball. The class is offered on Tuesday and Thursday nights at 6:30 p.m. at Tri-Beach. The class will run for 12 weeks and costs $90 for residents and $95 for non-residents. For more information contact Bill Garfield at 203-783-3388 or bgarfield@ci.milford.ct.us.

Hatha yoga — Hatha Yoga sessions with instructor Dee Stephens begin on Monday, Sept. 8. There are four classes being offered. The first class is offered on Monday night beginning Sept. 8 at 6 p.m. with a second class at 7:20 p.m. The Tuesday class begins on Sept. 9 at 6:15 p..m while the final class is scheduled for Sept. 10 at 9:15 a.m. on Wednesday mornings.

All classes will run 12 weeks and will cost $62 for residents and $67 for non-residents. All classes will be held at Margaret Eagan Center. For information contact Bill Garfield, 203-783-3388 or by email bgarfield@ci.milford.ct.us.

The National Weather Service has advised that there is an urban and small stream flood advisory for Milford and the surrounding area until 7:15 p.m. Sunday.

Milford police arrested Mark Rizzacasa, 24, of Milford on Aug. 30 for assault after he was ejected from Eli’s on Daniel Street and walked across the street where police officers encountered him and determined he was intoxicated.

Police say, they attempted to have Rizzacasa contact a family member for a ride home when Rizzacasa became violent, striking officers. Rizzacasa was cuffed and later brought to the booking area of the station where, according to police, he continued to be aggressive and spat at officers.

During the incident Rizzacasa ripped an officer’s shirt when pulling off a piece of equipment the officer was wearing, causing damage to it.

Rizzacasa is charged with five counts of assault on police, breach of peace, third-degree criminal mischief and interfering with police.

He was held on a $100,000 bond at the time of his arrest.

Milford police arrested a local man on Aug. 30 for allegedly cupping the buttocks of a 16-year-old female who was standing in line at the McDonald’s located on 1376 Boston Post Road.

Police say Barry Castillo, 45, of Milford was later located outside Dibella’s Subs located at 1440 Boston Post Road. During the investigation it was learned that Castillo was with another female who has a court order of protection against him.

Castillo was taken into custody without incident.

He is charged with fourth-degree assault, breach of peace and violation of protective order.

Castillo was held on a $10,000 bond at the time of his arrest.

Foran High School students went home early today because the school air conditioning is not working.

School administrators learned early this morning that the air conditioning system at Foran High School had malfunctioned.

“Technicians are already at the school to assess and correct the problem,” said School Spokesman Kathy Bonetti.

“Due to the heightened heat and humidity we are experiencing, coupled with the fact that the windows do not open at the school, students [were released at 10 a.m.]. today,” Bonetti added.

Durham Bus will be on hand to transport students who normally take the bus home.

Principal Max Berkowitz has already communicated with parents and guardians in the Foran community via SchoolMessenger to inform them of the change in their students’ schedule for today.

Additional updates will be provided to the community as they become available.