Human Resources Director Tania Barnes, Building Maintenance Superintendent Sly Moura, Jimmy Wilhelm and Mayor Ben Blake.

One year ago, the City of Milford honored its first employee of the month, recognizing outstanding, dedicated and service-oriented individuals.

This month’s Employee of the Month is Jimmy Wilhelm, a city custodian.

Wilhelm began his employment with the City of Milford as a custodian on May 11, 1987.

The position of a custodian is to ensure the buildings are kept neat, clean, free  from clutter and safe. City officials said Wilhelm exceeds all expectations of his position.

“He is highly diligent, carrying out daily tasks, as well as quickly addressing any issues that may arise at the Parsons Government Complex,” city officials said. “Jimmy’s attention to the smallest of details is representative of the pride he has in his work. Jimmy performs all of his tasks in a professional manner with a positive attitude.”

He is described as conscientious, someone who always strives to provide excellent response time and service to issues that arise throughout the day.

“To top his dedication to work, Jimmy is very personable, courteous and friendly,” city officials said.

The post Jimmy Wilhelm is employee of the month for June appeared first on Milford Mirror.

The recipient of the 2015 Britton John Broatch Memorial Scholarship was honored on May 28 at Joseph A. Foran High School in Milford. Matthew Rubenstein (left) will study computer science and engineering at the University of Connecticut in the fall. The scholarship was presented by Britton’s brother, Kierran Broatch.

On Saturday, July 18, from 6 to 9 p.m., a fund-raiser for the Britton John Broatch Memorial Foundation will be held at Crush Sports Cafe in Milford. The event will feature wine, beer and spirits tasting, as well as food, live music and raffle prizes.

The 12th annual fund-raiser is in honor of life-long Milford resident and Joseph A. Foran High School graduate Britton John Broatch (BJB), who died suddenly of a stroke in 2003 at the age of 25.

The BJB Memorial Foundation was created by family and friends shortly after Britton’s death and gives annual scholarships to Foran High seniors, as well as donations to local and national charities.

The 2015 scholarship recipient was awarded to Milford’s Matthew Rubenstein, who will be majoring in computer science and engineering at the University of Connecticut in the fall.

The BJB Memorial Foundation has also recently supported the SUDC Foundation, Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, Operation Fuel, St. James Food Pantry, Michael Burke Foundation, Moving With Hope, and many other charities.

Tickets for the tasting event are $40 and can be purchased by mailing a check or money order to: The BJB Memorial Foundation, PO Box 8, Milford, CT 06460.

Tickets can also be purchased online through PayPal payment to gbroatch@thebjbtournament.com.

For more information, contact Kierran Broatch at 203-623-1193.

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The next River Street Wednesdays, a lunch-time city program, will feature “Milford’s History Matters,” by the Milford Preservation Trust on July 1.

The program begins at noon in front of Milford City Hall.

The City of Milford and Milford Arts Council have organized River Street Wednesdays, which take place each Wednesday at noon on the parkette in front of City Hall through Aug. 26.

“The events are eclectic and entertaining, meant to highlight many of the activities and beauty of Milford, as well as create a community place in the heart of our city,” said Paige Miglio, executive director of the Milford Arts Council.

Attendees are encouraged to bring a blanket or chair as well as a picnic lunch.  The downtown area has a number of restaurants where a bag lunch can be purchased, organizers said. Visit the Downtown Milford Business Association at downtownmilfordct.com for a list of restaurants and shops.

July 8: Paparazzi Run, by Milford Photo

July 15: A Lesson in Wood Turning, by MJKS Woodworking

July 22: Story time with Anthony Paolucci

July 29: Flower Arranging, by Fleurescent

Aug. 5: Fencing Demonstration, by the Milford Fencing Club

Aug. 12: K-9 Unit Demonstration, by the Milford Police Department K-9 Unit

Aug. 19: Pantochino Pop Up Theatre: Cinderella Italiano!

Aug. 26: Milford Ghost Stories, by Spirits of Milford Ghost Walks

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The Air National Guard Band of the Northeast will present a concert of brass quintet favorites on July 3 at 7 p.m. at the Parsons Veterans Memorial Auditorium.

“Brass in Blue” is the premiere brass ensemble made up of five brass players, plus one percussionist from within the ranks of the Air National Guard Band of the Northeast concert band.  “Brass in Blue” has played throughout the United States and abroad, and features a variety of classical, jazz, popular music, marches, and show tunes arranged for the brass quintet.

The Air National Guard Band of the Northeast was originally formed in 1942 in Rapid City, South Dakota as the 53rd Army Air Forces Band. Federal recognition was extended to the band in 1949.

The band has experienced numerous name changes and reassignments over the years, more recently as the 553rd Air Force Band, Pennsylvania Air National Guard. In 2000, the band became known as the Air National Guard Band of the Mid-Atlantic, reflecting its expanded geographic area of responsibility. Recently, the geographic responsibility of the unit was again increased and the unit’s name was changed to the Air National Guard Band of the Northeast. The Band of the Northeast is based at Fort Indiantown Gap as part of the Regional Support Group to the 193rd Special Operations Wing stationed in Middletown, PA.

Ten members of the band deployed to several undisclosed locations throughout the Middle East in 2010. This deployment was the first of its type for the Air National Guard Band of the Northeast. The band members performed well over 20 concerts in 40 days for allied and coalition forces, American Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, and Marines, and Middle Eastern National during both military and civilian performances.

A traditional Air National Guard squadron, the band consists of 40 members, all traditional National Guard members with civilian careers who meet one weekend a month to rehearse and perform.

The concert is free and open to the public. Doors will open 45 minutes prior to downbeat.

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Milford police arrested Bruce Gardiner, 54, of Milford on June 25 after they responded to a complaint of a fight taking place at a Bridgeport Avenue residence.

Police accuse Gardiner of cutting a house guest in the face with a knife causing a minor cut.

Gardiner is charged with disorderly conduct and second-degree assault.

He was held on a $50,000 bond at the time of his arrest.

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Devon Rotary held its semi-annual Service Above Self awards breakfast on Wednesday, May 13, at the Bridge House Restaurant in Milford.

The awardees are Joseph Romick-Barrell from Jonathan Law High School, Monica Capriglione from Platt Tech, Jamiah Bennett from Lauralton Hall, and Emma Bromley from Foran High School.

Guidance Counselors Barbara Kovacs, Louise Wade, and Sue Fracker were on hand to support and introduce the awardees.

The Dodie Ireland Memorial Service Above Self Awards recognize students for their commitment to service to their high school as well as to their home community.

The students are selected by the awards committee at their high school, and then recognized at an awards breakfast where they are presented with a certificate and a $100.

The Devon Rotary recognizes high school juniors in the spring and high school seniors in the fall. They have been sponsoring this award program since 2000.

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With the long weekend for Independence Day starting on Friday, July 3, Metro-North Railroad will have a special train schedule starting on Thursday, July 2, into and out of New York City.

Thursday will feature early getaway trains, Friday (and Saturday) will feature a “Saturday schedule” and Sunday will be a typical “Sunday schedule.”

Some of the extra Thursday afternoon trains will run express to Stamford and Westport on their way to New Haven. Some other commuter trains will be canceled or combined with other trains. Here are some of the details on different trains running, starting Thursday, according to Metro-North:

An M8 train car at the New Canaan Train Station. (Joshua Fisher photo)

Thursday, July 2

On the New Haven Line, early trains out of the city, start on Thursday, July 2, just before 1 p.m.

Extra “getaway” trains will depart from Grand Central at:

• 12:58 p.m., stopping at Harlem-125th Street, Westport, and all stations between Fairfield and New Haven.

• 2:01 p.m., stopping at Harlem-125th Street, Westport, and all stations between Fairfield and New Haven.

• 2:28 p.m., stopping at Harlem-125th Street, Westport, and all stations between Fairfield and New Haven.

• 2:31 p.m., stopping at Harlem-125th Street, New Rochelle, Larchmont, Mamaroneck and Harrison.

• 2:56 p.m., stopping at Harlem-125th Street, Stamford then all stations between Noroton Heights and South Norwalk.

• 2:59 p.m., stopping at Harlem-125th Street, New Rochelle, Larchmont, Mamaroneck and Harrison.

• 3:02 p.m., stopping at Harlem-125th Street, Stamford, Westport, then all stops between Fairfield and New Haven.

• 3:26 p.m., stopping at Harlem-125th Street, then all stations between New Rochelle and Harrison.

• 3:29 p.m., stopping at Harlem-125th Street, Westport and all stations between Fairfield and New Haven.

• 4:00 p.m., stopping at Harlem-125th Street, Stamford and all stations between Bridgeport and New Haven.

The following trains usually departing Grand Central will not operate or are combined:

• The 5:18 p.m. to Harrison and the 5:21 p.m. to New Rochelle are combined, departing Grand Central at 5:21 p.m., stopping at Harlem-125th Street and all stations between Mount Vernon East and Harrison.

• The 5:41 p.m. to New Haven will not operate.

• The 5:57 p.m. to Harrison and 6:02 p.m. to New Rochelle are combined, departing Grand Central at 6:02 p.m., making all stops between Mount Vernon East and Harrison.

• The 6:07 p.m. to New Haven and the 6:11 p.m. to Bridgeport are combined, departing Grand Central at 6:11 p.m., stopping at Harlem-125th Street and all stations between South Norwalk and New Haven.

• The 7:09 p.m. to Harrison will not operate.

One extra inbound train to Grand Central will also operate:

• 5:15 p.m. departing New Haven and making select stops in West Haven, Bridgeport, Stamford and Harlem-125th Street.

On the Harlem Line extra “getaway” trains will depart from Grand Central at:

• 2:18 p.m., stopping at Harlem-125th Street, then all stations between Scarsdale and North White Plains.

• 3:13 p.m., stopping at Harlem-125th Street, then White Plains and North White Plains only.

• 3:34 p.m., stopping at Harlem-125th Street, White Plains, North White Plains, then all stations between Goldens Bridge through Southeast.

The following trains usually departing Grand Central will not operate:

• The 5:27 p.m. to Brewster will not operate.

• The 5:38 p.m. to Crestwood will not operate.

• The 5:58 p.m. to Crestwood will not operate.

• The 7:03 p.m. to North White Plains will not operate.

• The 7:28 p.m. to North White Plains will not operate.

On the Hudson Line extra “getaway” trains will depart from Grand Central at:

• 1:38 p.m., stopping at Harlem-125th Street, Peekskill, Beacon, New Hamburg and Poughkeepsie.

• 2:38 p.m., stopping at Harlem-125th Street, Peekskill, Beacon, New Hamburg and Poughkeepsie.

• 3:11 p.m., stopping at Harlem-125th Street, then all stops between Tarrytown and Croton-Harmon.

• 3:45 p.m., stopping at Harlem-125th Street, Peekskill, Beacon, New Hamburg and Poughkeepsie.

• 4:11 p.m., stopping at Harlem-125th Street, Peekskill, Beacon, New Hamburg and Poughkeepsie.

The following trains usually departing Grand Central on the Hudson Line will not operate:

• The 5:29 p.m. train to Poughkeepsie will not operate.

• The 5:57 p.m. to Croton-Harmon will not operate.

• The 6:12 p.m. to Poughkeepsie will not operate.

Hudson Line Connecting Services

The Hudson Rail Link will begin a peak level of buses at Spuyten Duyvil starting with the 2:20 p.m. train from Grand Central and at Riverdale starting with the 3:20 p.m. train from Grand Central.

The Haverstraw -Ossining Ferry will have an early ferry trip that will meet the 3:11 p.m. train from Grand Central, which arrives in Ossining at 3:56 p.m.. Since the 5:57 p.m. train will not operate, a 6 p.m. train from Grand Central, which arrives in Ossining at 6:53 p.m., will be met by the ferry. To accommodate this trip, the ferry will not meet the regular 6:22 p.m. train from Grand Central.

The Newburgh -Beacon Ferry will have three early trips meeting the 2:43 p.m., 3:18 p.m. and 3:48 p.m. trains from Grand Central.

Friday, July 3

A Saturday schedule will operate on Friday, July 3, with an extra outbound New Haven Line train departing Grand Central Terminal at 11:13 p.m., stopping at Harlem-125th Street, South Norwalk, and all stations between Fairfield and New Haven.

The Hudson Line connecting services — the Hudson Rail Link, the Haverstraw-Ossining ferry and the Newburgh-Beacon ferry — will not operate on Friday, July 3.

Saturday, July 4

A Saturday schedule will operate on Independence Day, Saturday, July 4, with an extra outbound New Haven Line train departing Grand Central Terminal at 11:13 p.m., stopping at Harlem-125th Street, South Norwalk, and all stations between Fairfield and New Haven to get you home from the annual Macy’s Fireworks. See a current timetable or visit the schedules page.

Metro-North also provides extra trains to Rye on the New Haven Line, with shuttle buses to Rye Playland where Westchester County puts on its own spectacular fireworks extravaganza over the Long Island Sound. You can see more at mta.info’s schedules page.

Sunday, July 5

A regular Sunday schedule will operate on Sunday, July 5.

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Pamela Scagliarini of Milford has been promoted to chief operating officer of Bridgeport Hospital and senior vice president of Yale New Haven Health System. She replaces Norman G. Roth, who recently accepted the position of president and CEO at Greenwich Hospital, which is also part of Yale New Haven Health System.

Scagliarini has been with the health system for more than 20 years, starting as a contract coordinator in the Purchasing Department at Yale-New Haven Hospital and advancing to vice president of Supply Chain Management for the system. She joined Bridgeport Hospital last September as interim senior vice president of Operations.

“She has excelled in all facets of her role,” said William M. Jennings, president and CEO of Bridgeport Hospital and executive vice president of Yale New Haven Health System. “Her resolute work ethic and solid personal values reflect those of our health system.”

Jennings added that in her supply chain role Scagliarini had responsibility for over $1 billion in annual supply expenses and garnered a national reputation as a leader in the field. She was also a key leader in integrating corporate contracting, procurement and clinical materials management into the system-wide Supply Chain Management Division, providing comprehensive services to Yale New Haven Health System. In addition, Scagliarini led collaborative efforts across the region with VHA and other healthcare providers in creating the Northeast Purchasing Coalition, LLC.

“Pam has the rare combination of great intellectual as well as emotional intelligence, humility and an easy personal style,” said Meredith Reuben, immediate past chair of the hospital board of directors. “She has a learning attitude and gets real joy out of understanding new issues and solving challenging situations.”

A graduate of Bowling Green University in Ohio with a bachelor of science degree in procurement and materials management/operations management, Scagliarini also holds an MBA in healthcare management from the University of New Haven. She lives in Milford with her husband Mike and their three teenage children.

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The City of Milford will host its annual Independence Day Wreath Laying Ceremony on Saturday, July 4, in front of City Hall at 8:45 a.m.  Immediately following, there will be a short walk to Milford Cemetery to lay a wreath at the Revolutionary War Memorial Monument.

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UPDATE: An earlier version of this article stated that the Wheelers Farms Road hearing would be continued July 21. That was not correct. The P&Z hearing is continued to Tuesday, July 7, at 7:30 p.m. at City Hall, and may possibly extend to the July 21 meeting.

Site plan changes to a proposed 180-unit apartment complex on Wheelers Farms Road have been prompted by an attempt to create a better habitat for turtles living on the property.

At a June 16 public hearing, Timothy Hollister, attorney for Milford Developers LLC of Chatham, N.J., presented revised plans to the Planning and Zoning Board for the 26-acre parcel behind the Merritt Crossing office building at 440 Wheelers Farms Road, and south of the Crown Corporate Campus office buildings at 470 Wheelers Farms Road.

About 60 residents attended the hearing, 13 of whom expressed their continued opposition to the proposal, citing concerns of increased traffic and storm water runoff.

The P&Z hearing is continued to Tuesday, July 7, at 7:30 p.m. at City Hall, and may possibly extend to the July 21 meeting. The public hearing before the Inland-Wetlands Agency continues on Wednesday, July 1 at 7:30 p.m.

Site changes

Hollister told the zoning board that the changes were prompted by a review of the proposal by Dr. Michael W. Klemens, a biologist and conservationist, on behalf of the Inland Wetlands Agency.

Hollister said the proposed conservation easement has been updated to clarify what the apartment residents can and cannot do within the proposed conservation area “to preserve it in its natural state.” The city and its Conservation Commission would be granted access to the property to enforce the easement.

The draft regulations for the proposed zone have also been clarified, so they will not apply to any other property in Milford. He said the original language made to the proposed regulations were potentially applicable to flood and coastal zones.

Hollister said a two-phase environmental study detected no hazardous waste on the property.

“There is a fair amount of debris, particularly in the central wetland,” said Hollister. “It will be removed.”

Regarding the question of school-aged children, Hollister said, “Land use decisions are not to be made based on the number of school age children.”

Hollister presented data from a 2006 demographic study published by Rutgers University. Based on a “worst case scenario,” he said there could be 50 school children living in the apartments. He said Milford school population has declined 16% since 2006, leaving a “reasonable esti-mate” of 36 to 40 school-age children living in the apartments.

Hollister said the developer would “put in writing” that the gravel sewer easement connecting the property to East Rutland Road would be blocked at both ends with a locked gate, and would not be intended for pedestrian, vehicular or recreational use.

He only briefly commented on the Police Commission’s June 8 unanimous vote to accept the Traffic Commission’s recommendation that the project not be given a waiver for the number of parking spaces.

Speaking after the hearing on the topic, Hollister said this plan has 1.96 parking spaces per unit, or a total of 352 parking spaces. The P&Z requires two parking spaces for one-bedroom units, and three parking spaces for two- or three-bedroom units, resulting in a requirement for 478 parking spaces.

Turtles Prompt Plan Changes

John Gilmore, project engineer for Milford Developers, said the original application “had no direct wetlands impacts,” saying the onsite wetlands, including two vernal pools, are of “very low quality.” Gilmore said three turtles have been observed over the past two years in the wetlands.

“Dr. Klemens felt it was important to give them the opportunity to breed and multiply on the site,” said Gilmore. “He asked if we could reconfigure the site.” He planned to meet with Klemens on June 23 to discuss the revisions.

Gilmore said there are three revisions to the plans. The proposed Building 4 is being relocated away from a vernal pool at the center of the site, and is being split into two buildings located near the north of the site. The proposed clubhouse has been relocated near the entry road. Finally, the entry roadway has been relocated away from the wetlands near the turtles, providing the vernal pool with a 100-foot wide buffer.

Gilmore said the plan revisions also prompted a change to the conservation easement. He said 10 of the site’s 26 acres would be developed with the rest placed in a conservation easement. He said 1.2 acres are the powerline easement, which is not part of the conservation easement, and the front parking lot is also not included. Gilmore said this leaves in excess of 40% of the site as open space.

Traffic matters

David Sullivan, traffic engineer for Milford Developers, presented four items at the meeting. Sullivan gave details regarding the non-functioning traffic light at the site entrance on Wheelers Farms Road.

Sullivan said the wires across the road will be raised higher than the existing utility wires. All signal heads will be replaced with 12-inch high signals, compared to the eight-inch high signals there now. The detection system and signal controller will be replaced. The pedestrian ramp and crosswalk will be brought up to ADA standards, said Sullivan.

Sullivan said the prevailing speed on Wheelers Farms Road, the speed at which 85% of the traffic is traveling or slower, is 41.6 miles per hour. He said the sight lines of 470 feet meet Conn. Department of Transportation (DOT) guidelines.

In response to a question about why he did not further study the intersection with East Rutland Road, Sullivan said DOT regulations require such a study only if a project is adding 100 new vehicles or 50 vehicles making left turns.

“We didn’t see that East Rutland Road was a logical alternative for vehicles coming to and from here,” said Sullivan.

Sullivan said when he examined ways people could access the site from I-95, times and distances were longer using East Rutland Road, as compared to High Street and the Daniel S. Wasson Connector.

He said a three-year study of traffic data at the intersection of Wheelers Farms and East Rutland roads showed 10 accidents, of which two involved injuries, and the rest had only vehicle damage.

Board member Thomas Nichol questioned how the fire department’s 30-ton tower truck would access the site via the gravel emergency access road, saying fire department officials have indicated they would not use the access road. Nichol also asked if there was any plan to install a traffic light at this intersection.

In response, Gilmore said, “There are many access points to the site from adjacent properties. We proposed it as an emergency access because it is there. I don’t think it’s necessary.”

He said the sewer easement will be kept clear of vegetation, but will not have any other improvements.

Commenting on the traffic light question, Gilmore said, “There are no plans to signalize that intersection.”

He said the signal at the site driveway would provide breaks in traffic, which would make it easier for motorists turning north on Wheelers Farms Road from East Rutland Road.

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A hearing before the Planning & Zoning Board concerning a proposed housing development on Wheelers Farms Road will continue July 7.

At a June 16 Planning & Zoning public hearing, Timothy Hollister, attorney for Milford Developers LLC of Chatham, N.J., presented revised plans for the 26-acre parcel behind the Merritt Crossing office building at 440 Wheelers Farms Road, and south of the Crown Corporate Campus office buildings at 470 Wheelers Farms Road.

The P&Z hearing is continued to Tuesday, July 7, at 7:30 p.m. at City Hall, and may continue beyond that to the July 21 meeting. (An earlier article had the incorrect date for the next portion of the hearing, and we apologize for the error.)

Hollister told the zoning board that the changes were prompted by a review of the proposal by Dr. Michael W. Klemens, a biologist and conservationist, on behalf of the Inland Wetlands Agency.

Residents have been turning out in force to protest the planned development.

The application is being filed under 8-30g of the Connecticut General Statues, which overrides local zoning regulations, but not inland-wetlands regulations.

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You’ve probably already heard the fireworks as the Fourth of July approaches. If you have dogs, they’ve already leaped under the bed as your neighbors begin their explosive amateur hour that inevitably ends up with an emergency room visit.

Growing up, the Fourth of July fireworks display was the one time our entire town got together. We’d gather at the beach, spread out our blankets and watch the lifeguards try to keep people from swimming. In the old days before people cared about human life, the fireworks were set off on the beach itself. The burning cinders from the big ones would land among us if the wind was right, and the roof of the pavilions would be scarred with black streaks the next morning. A visit to the rest room meant a long, winding path through irritated citizenry as you struggled to avoid spilling drinks or stepping on others in the dark. (The irritation increased exponentially on the return trip.) In short, there were few bathroom breaks on this night.

The real fireworks occurred amid the traffic jam afterwards. Moments after cheering as one in celebrating their country’s independence, weary parents erupted into bumper-to-bumper battle in a desperate attempt to make it home before their children urinated in the car.

For a few glorious years, we attacked the fireworks display by sea. My mom would pack up the cooler and herd us onto our cramped motorboat. The motor was broken so we couldn’t move in reverse. The kids had orders to gently guide our boat out of the slip by pulling on the boats to either side of us. We were to do this as quietly as possible, especially if there were people on those boats. We became adept at avoiding eye contact as we manhandled our way down their boat, gently pushing off as my dad held the wheel and stared straight ahead. Left unsaid was an unspoken trust that our neighbors would take pity on us enough not to mention this unforgivable lack of seamanship.

Motoring into the throngs of boats clogging Long Island Sound, we’d drop anchor and commence whining about all the things my mom had forgotten to pack during her long hours of solitary preparation. We’d wait for it to get dark by lighting a few sparklers, the only fireworks my dad ever allowed. When the town fireworks began, we tooted the horn after each fireball to express our pleasure. As the last embers from the finale floated down around us, we returned to port with heavy hearts: Dad was a Navy man, and that meant we needed to clean the boat thoroughly before we were allowed to head for home.

Regardless of how we saw them, watching the fireworks was one of my fondest memories of growing up in Connecticut. However, out of respect for pets and veterans with PTSD, please wait until the scheduled night in your town to set off your own fireworks.

Here’s hoping we meet under the stars with a properly packed cooler. For those of you planning your own elaborate fireworks display, we’ll see you at the hospital.

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

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Milford police arrested a Shelton man for breaking into and stealing from a Milford home, which he had been in before to do home repairs.

Police said Jerome Downing, 38, of Center Street in Shelton, was arrested on a warrant June 30 and charged with burglary, larceny and criminal mischief.

Downing is charged with breaking into a Knobb Hill Road residence March 13 and taking home electronics and tools valued at $1,100.

He had worked inside the house in the past doing home repairs.

Downing was released from police custody on a promise to appear in court July 28.

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The following Milford residents have been named to the dean’s list at the University of Connecticut.

Aspinwall, Erin; Bak, Emily; Baluha, Alex; Bannan, Erin; Barnum, Haley; Barron, Alexander; Bartosiewicz, Jenna; Bassine, Peter; Bassine, Thomas; Bluemer, Mark; Bogucki, Colleen; Bonetti, Brooke; Broadley, Michele; Card, Wayne; Castagna, Emily; Ciatto, Anthony; Cinar, Ramazan; Coulombe, Nena.

Davanzo, Alyssa; Dillman, Mark; Dillon, Garrett; Dunn, Erin; Elhelw, Hadir; Fowler, Andrew; Fowler, Elizabeth; Fracker, Julie; Fugal, Jennafer; Gambardella, Aaron; Ganapathi, Hamsa; Garth, Brittney; Garth, Chelsea; Geoffrion, Corinne; Geoffrion, Corinne; Handahl, Brittany; Handahl, Brittany.

Harkness, Taylor; Huang, Aaron; Kot-Zaniewski, Lucas; Lapadula, Hayley; Maher, Charles; Malaney, Matthew; Martin, Elizabeth; Mikailonis, Michelle; Miller, Matthew; Neeley, Brian; O’Malley, Erin; Oseiwusu, Alexis.

Ouellette, Taylor; Page, Allison; Parker, Dinah; Patel, Roshni; Patel, Satyam; Pcolar, Kellie; Pcolar, Kellie; Reed, Hannah; Romero, Emily; Salles, Gabriel; Simpson, Emily; Springsteen, Ashley; Sureshkumar, Krishnan.

Thiel, Jillian; Timakondu, Naagma; Tramuta, Sophia; Travis, Jocelyn; Weber, Adam; Wilk, Michael; Wong, Edgar; Wong, Edgar.

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The following firework displays are planned in the area:

Bridgeport
USA Birthday Fireworks Extravaganza, Saturday, July 4, at the end of the
Bridgeport Bluefish game, Ballpark at Harbor Yard.

Darien
Friday, July 3, doors open at 6:30, fireworks at dusk, Darien High School.
Rain date July 5.
To park on the Darien High School campus, a parking pass is required. Pass
must be visible inside your front windshield. Passes are on sale for $25
through July 2 at Darien Town Hall. Parking passes will not be sold at the
event. All foot traffic and off-campus parking is free. All paid parking
traffic will enter Darien High School campus from Noroton Avenue only.
Nutmeg Lane entrance will be closed and will exit only to Hollow Tree Ridge
Road. High School Lane entrance will be closed and exit only to Middlesex
Road.

Fairfield
Grucci Firework show is Friday, July 3, beginning around 9:15, from a barge
off of Long Island Sound, so the show can be seen easily from either
Penfield or Jennings Beaches. Rain date is Saturday, July 4.
Lalie Madriguera from Swing to Samba will be the warm-up band playing from
5-7, at Jennings Beach.
Beach parking lots can be accessed either with a season beach pass or by
purchasing a daily pass for $50 per vehicle (cash only). Daily passes will
be limited to the first 300 vehicles at Jennings Beach and 100 vehicles at
Penfield Beach. A daily parking fee will also be charged to park at Ash
Creek Parking Lot the day of the fireworks. Lots will fill.
In the case of inclement weather, call 203-256-3144.

Greenwich
Fireworks at Binney Park and Greenwich Point Park are scheduled for Friday,
July 3, with a rain date of Sunday, July 5. Binney Park Show starts at about
9:10 and the Greenwich Point Show starts around 9:35. Greenwich Point will
be closed to vehicular traffic at 8:30. Spectators at Greenwich Point will
be entertained by a disc jockey stationed near the South Concession area
starting at 7. The Binney Park display will feature the Sound Beach
Community Band performing at 7:30 on the Showmobile.

Milford
Milford¹s first Kick-Off to Summer Blast is Thursday, July 2, from 4 to 11
p.m., at Lisman Landing Marina, with a fireworks extravaganza to light-up
the harbor at 9:15.
Two of area bands will perform: Flashback will take the stage at 5, followed
by the RumRunners at 7.
Food trucks including Caseus, BRYAC Shuck Truck, Baked and Loaded, 744
Express, and Local Meatball, will be on scene serving-up tasty gourmet food,
while Wines and More will be selling beverages.
Fireworks for the Kick-Off to Summer Blast are made possible by the
financial support of The Devon Rotary and Milford Bank.

New Canaan
35th annual Family Fourth of July Celebration Saturday, July 4, at Waveny
Park. Rain date July 5.
Late day activities include family picnicking, live music, children¹s games
area, food court, and fireworks display. Event passes are required to enter
the park both by car or walking and may be purchased at the Rec. Dept.
Office, Town Hall, and by New Canaan residents online at newcanaan.info.
The Family Fourth of July Celebration is made possible entirely through
contributions from New Canaan residents, the business community, and local
civic organizations. Pass fee is $30 for residents.

Orange
Concerts & Fireworks Spectacular Sunday, July 5, Orange Fairgrounds, 525
Orange Center Road. Rain date July 6. Celebration begins at 6:30 with
opening remarks by First Selectman Jim Zeoli and the Pledge of Allegiance
led by members of Cub Scout Pack 922.
Hotel California, Eagles cover band will perform. Food vendors and novelty
items available for purchase beginning at 6. WPLR Radio will be broadcasting
live on location with a celebrity guest.
Suggested parking donation of $5 will benefit the Orange Little League¹s
Travel Squad.

Redding
The Redding Historical Society presents the Redding Rock N¹ Roots Music
Festival with fireworks Saturday, July 4, Lonetown Barn & Museum, 43
Lonetown Road, Redding. Music starts at 3. Adults $15, students/seniors $10,
kids under 12 free. All proceeds benefit the Redding Historical Society;
reddinghistoricalsociety.org.

Ridgefield
Saturday, July 4, gates open at 6, fireworks begin at dusk, Ridgefield High
School, North Salem Road. Rain date July 5. Parking passes for $20 available
at Ridgefield Chamber of Commerce, 9 Bailey Avenue during Chamber hours from
9-3. All proceeds go to the Family Fourth Committee. Shuttle busies provided
from Barlow/Scotland. Handicapped parking at RHS.

Shelton
Thursday, July 2, beginning at 7 p.m. with a performance by The Navels
(classic rock, disco, Motown), fireworks at 9:20, at the Riverwalk and
Veterans¹ Memorial Park, 38 Canal Street E. Rain date is July 5.

Stratford
Stratford¹s fireworks will be at 9:30 p.m. Thursday at Short Beach.
Festivities begin at 7 p.m.

Weston
Saturday, July 4, 9:20 at Weston Middle School. $20 per car; $5 per person
for walk-in. Gates open at 4:30. BBQ available for purchase, 5-9. Westport
Community Band plays patriotic favorites from 6-7; Beatles tribute band
Ticket to Ride plays 7:15 to the start of the fireworks. No dogs.

Wilton
The Wilton Parks and Recreation Department invites residents to join in the
celebration of Independence Day Saturday, July 4, at the Wilton High School
football field. Rain date July 5.
Festivities begin at 8:30 a.m., with a 5K Freedom Run Road Race at Wilton
High School¹s Fujitani Field. Cost to participate in the race is $10 for
children 14 years and younger and $20 for 15 and older. Registration forms
are available at bit.ly/1GKe2HV.
The annual Republicans vs. Democrats softball game will take place at noon.
Bands will begin to play at 5, and there will be a performance by Retro
Express at 7:30.
The annual celebration will conclude with a fireworks show, starting around
9:30.
Parking: Patron parking tickets, which allow close parking to the high
school athletic area, are $35/vehicle and available at Parks and Recreation
office in the Comstock Community Center.
The department is also selling 4th of July Booster Parking Passes for
designated locations a bit further away from the patron parking areas.
Vehicles without the pass will be charged a fee of $20 per vehicle the night
of the fireworks show.
Those who become 4th of July Boosters will receive guaranteed parking passes
to their choice of lots adjacent to the concert and fireworks area. Spaces
are limited and passes are issued on a first-come-first-serve basis. The 4th
of July Boosters registration forms are available here:
bit.ly/1FNHYlJ.
Dial-A-Ride: The Parks and Recreation Department¹s Dial-A-Ride service will
provide transportation for senior citizens who want to attend the fireworks
celebration for a $2 fee. The trip is limited to a total of 10 seniors. To
reserve a spot, call 203-834-6235, ext. 1.
To ensure public safety, personal fireworks, sparklers and gas grills are
prohibited at the fireworks display grounds. Ambler Farm will be closed for
viewing of the fireworks.
According to the Parks and Recreation Department, all revenue received from
parking pays for the entire evening¹s events. Information: 203-834-6234.

The post List of area fireworks this July 4 weekend appeared first on Milford Mirror.

Health screenings — Milford Hospital will be offering a Blood Pressure,  Blood Sugar and Cholesterol screening on Monday, July 20, from 4 to 6:30 pm at the hospital, 300 Seaside Avenue in Milford. Blood Pressure and Blood Glucose testing will be offered free of charge. There is a $15 fee for cholesterol testing. These are non-fasting screening tests and results are available immediately.   Appointments are required. Call 203-876-4004 to schedule.

Foran Class of ‘95 — Tickets are on sale through July 15 for the Joseph A. Foran High School Class of 1995 20th reunion July 31 through Aug. 2.

The main event will be Saturday, Aug. 1 at 7 p.m. at the Milford Fine Arts Council in Downtown Milford. Unlimited food, beer and wine will be served as a DJ spins classics from the 80s, 90s and more.

Events will take place across the entire weekend ranging from a casual get together to kick off the festivities on July 31 at Crush Sports Cafe, a school tour hosted by the current Foran Key Club and a family day at Walnut Beach on Sunday.

The event is chaired by Lacy Daigle, class of 1995’s president, and supported by a group of volunteers from the class.

To get access to the reunion website or register to buy tickets, email your name at the time of graduation and email address to reunion@foran95.com. To receive reunion information, follow us on Twitter @foran95 or join the reunion Facebook page, facebook.com/groups/foran95.

Flea market — There will be a flea market August 8 to raise funds for the Stratford Animal Shelter, on the grounds of Porter and Chester Institute on Lordship Blvd. Professional and amateur vendors are needed. Contact Mike Buonocore at  mbuonocore@porterchester.com for more details or go to gofundme.com/vyrp68. Also looking for a food truck vendor.

Day camp — Day Camp, July 6 – 10, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., ages 5-10 at 109 Seaside Avenue, Milford. Cost is $50/per child for all 5 days or $15/per child a day (lunch not provided for either.) Sponsored by United Presbyterian Church of Milford. Registration required. Call 203-874-7088.

Pop culture — An author signing will be held at Barnes & Noble Milford held in conjunction with Get Pop-Cultured Throwback on July 16 at 11 a.m. Robert Skead will talk about and sign copies of his children’s book Patriots, Redcoats & Spies. He wrote the book with his father, also named Robert Skead; they are both members of the Sons of the American Revolution.

Vacation Bible School — Grace Baptist Church will hold its annual Vacation Bible School from July 6 to 10 from 9 a.m. to 12:35 p.m.  Children entering kindergarten, up to those who finished 5th grade are welcome to attend. Register at gbcmilford.com.

Boating safety — USCG Auxiliary 24-3 is offering About Boating Safety course on Saturday, July 11. For advanced registration go to a0142403.uscgaux.info/.  The USCG Auxiliary Flotilla 24-3 Training Center is located at 1 Helwig Street. Walk-ins are welcome.

Class starts at 8 a.m. Instruction will cover all the basic topics involved in the safe operation of recreational boating and seamanship. It will also cover safe personal watercraft operation. Successful completion of this eight hour ABS course satisfies the Connecticut licensing requirements for both boats and Personal Watercraft (PWC). Family participation is encouraged. Cost: $60.

For additional information call 860-663-5505, email:  skperrone@hotmail.com or visit a0142403.uscgaux.info/.

All students will need to get a State of CT Conservation ID Number before taking the ABS/PWC class. Go to ct.outdoorcentral.net/InternetSales/Sales.

Yoga for Recovery — St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church, 283 Bridgeport Avenue, is offering free Yoga for Recovery, the first Sunday of the month at 12:30 p.m., in Faith Hall. Everyone is healing from something; all you need is a yoga mat. Fee-will offerings welcome. Questions: e-mail Eileen at eyeporter@gmail.com.

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.

The post Milford Save a Date: July 3 appeared first on Milford Mirror.

The following students were named to the honor roll for the third trimester at Harborside Middle School.

Grade 6

High honors

Brandon Bartholomew, Hunter Boyd, Hanna Broderick, Colin Buchner, Catherine Burns, Shea Carroll, Mia Cerrato, Kathleen Chang, Nathan Chen, Grace Cottle, Joseph Cretella, Louisse Dacuycuy, Lauren DelMonico, Matthew DeLucia, Devin DeMarco, Anthony DiFederico, Sierra Drake, Ethan Edmondson, Nico Esposito, Olivia Franzman,

Kenzie Frawley, Kathleen Ganser, Justin Goglia, Sreeya Gudlavalleti, Sajni Gupta, Katelyn Guy, Adam Gwirtz, Ryan Hayes, Athena Homorodean, John Hudson, Jake Ivan-Pal, Jamie Jamias, Robin Jans, Noah Karas, Max Kimmel, Tori Lanese, Seraiah LaPorte, Connor Larson, Ashley Leparik, Mark Lombardi, Easton Malin, Katherine Mao, Isabel Morales, Tanya Moshirzadeh, Saagar Motupally, Ash-lee Mugford, Stephanie-Jo Mugford, Molly Murray.

Alexis Neider, Mia Nittoly, Eleanor Noyes, Michael Nunno, Chloe Oliver, Hanna Osterberg, Mark Paine, Michael Pedersen, Edward Platonov, Luke Pleimann, Morgan Primavera, Samir Rajani, Isabella Renz, Emma Richards, Joshua Riznyk, Rani Roderick, Aidan Russell, Geno Salvatore, Julia Satterlee, Adarsh Senthilnathan, Sanskar Shah, Radhika Sharma, Anish Sikhinam, Kelsey Simler, Kristina Simmons, Noah Tutlis, Julianna Vincent, Nathan Visconti, William Weber, Kyle Wilkitis, Nathan Wolfe, Cate Wrigley, Brian Zirkel.

Grade 6

First honors

Ryan Ahern, Ava Asmussen, Ryan Bailey, Aidan Berchem, Emily Brenes, Gina Brienza, Juanito Briones, Jack Caldwell, Nicholas Carroll, Sofia Catalano, Michael Ceneri, Abdulah Chaudhry, Nico Clayton, Jonathan Contaxis, Brooke Dillman, Brian Felag, Joshua Fishman, Matthew Fishman, Jordan Fortunato, Brianna Fraccola, Vivian Freitas.

Talia Georgelos, Catherine Giuntoli, Trevor Goodwin, Steven Griffin, Wyatt Guerini, Andrea Guzman, Ethan Harrigan, William Hartnett, Nicholas Higgins, Tyler Iacono, Jack Iaffaldano, Ella Jambor, Charlotte Jenkins, Samuel Johnson, William Johnson, Justin Judge, Wahaab Khan, Jordyn Konlian, Casey Krenicki.

Emma Liscinsky, Jennifer Liu, Cody Malin, Ellie Malin, Dylan Matchett, Finian McEnerney, Matthew McGeehan, Tori Miller, Isabella Mulholland, Connor Naumann, Kellan Neely, Asha Parker, Brian Paulis, Sarah Paulus, Ethan Pereira, Hannah Rascoll, Benjamin Rodriguez, Trevor Saccone, Maximos Saxer, Cameron Scagliarini, Hennessey Shane, Katherine Toth, Robert Utz, Greta Valvo, Brianna Verdejo, Thomas Vergara, Natalie Violetta, Justin Williams, Jordyn Wirth, Christopher Wootton.

Grade 6

Second honors

Jake Faller, Michael Fanara, Conor Francis, Leala Harris, Salene Herrera, Mitchell Hodges, Raffi Kapikian, Nicholas Lawrence, Joshua Liboro, Nicholas McLean, Kristyn Melendez, Delaney Negron, Hanna Pacelli, Hana Quadri, Krysta Rich, Hans Saludar, Aidan Schumann, Joseph Settanni, Tyler Tortora, Justin Villafane, Chance Wassmer, Micas Wetherall, Dillon White.

Grade 7

High honors

Tasbita Ahmed, Ruhail Akhtar, Kareem Alzubi, Justin Amaro, Lillian Baldieri, Jack Bassett, Emma Bell, Julia Bolcer, Jaden Bonfietti-Csvihinka, Joshua Brewer, Caroline Chesson, Zachary Chesson, Brynn Costello, Sean Costello, Ciara DeMott, Deanna Dempsey, Kathryn DePeano, Noel Difre, Connor DiMuro, Miriam Dupree, Leandra Fernandez, Sean Fisher, Dylan Fortier.

Caroline Galaburri, Jason Giambra, Natalie Gordon, Benjamin Grunow, Nicole Jalaf, Andre Jin, Justine Junga, Elizabeth Kim, Arbesa Koleci, Emily Kopstein, Anton Kot, Olivia Kowalski, Victoria Kowalski, Allison Kross, Hannah Kupson, Gavin Lermayer, Katie Linn, Meghan Loftus, Maxine Lynch, Jordan Macdonald, Mackenzie Maher, Makayla Mai, Nicole Manley, Rohin Manohar, Madison Marcy, Theodore Mauro, Kaitlyn McNellis.

Ethan McVoy, Leah Milewski, Nicola Milovanov, Emily Morey, Eryn Mower, Brooke Nabors, Benjamin Nuttall, Clea O’Neil, Zoe O’Neil, Riley Pastir, Samuel Poffenberger, Luca Richo, Theresa Rosato, Finnian Sawitsky, Dylan Schwartz, John Shannon, Aryaman Sharma, Nicholas Shugrue, Shreya Simhadri, Skylar Sosa, Morgan Taylor, Kylee Troy, Louis Tuccio, Roma Ubaldi, Austin Vance, Jonathan Vitale, Carly Weber, Michael Young.

Grade 7

First honors

Nolan Adams, Adem Aksoy, John Barile, Michael Becker, Calvin Boyd, Briana Brassell, Bridget Collins, Daniel Cronin, Anthony DiPietro, Alexia Gonzalez, Briana Hernandez, Alyssa Hills, Corey James, Czxherr Jamias, Grace Jordan, Tanish Joshi, Anugra Julian, Pranav Kuraganti, Dylan Kyek.

Brendan Liu, Christian Lombardo, Zachary Merchant, Jean-Luc Montaudy, Sabrina Murray, Bashar Musallam, Joanna Nelson, Tyler Newall, Rebecca Palermo, Hannah Penkacik, Nicholas Piselli, Nicholas Porrello, Mia Powers, Noor Rahim, Patrick Rescsanski, Elisabeth Schuler, Isabelle Thrun, Jessica Wolfe.

Grade 7

Second honors

Kevin Bretthauer, Richard Carino, Malcolm Chavez, Jacob Eairheart, Vincent Eairheart, Gia Edwards, Zachary Fisher, Garrett Garfield, Drew Izzo, Aidan Kiley, Andrew Labozzo, Christopher Lill, Ryan Mason, Scott Murray, Timothy Padilla, Antonio Pasha, Christopher Pereira-Ramos, Jay Rajani, Nicholas Rajewski, Mark Roy, Megan Ruzbarsky, Alexis Thomas.

Grade 8

High honors

Abigail Bernstein, Erica Boehm, Myles Boyd, Janella Briones, Patrick Brogan, Kaitlin Capobianco, Maggie Cummings, Ryan DeMarco, Jack Dillman, Katherine Eighmy, Delia Eisenman, Hayden Falk, Brianna Felisko, Gabrielle Foster, Samantha Franzman, Tyler Goodwin, Kruttika Gopal, Vienna Goskowski, Daisy Green, Jessica Guy.

Kayley Henderson, Grace Hiza, Ming-May Hu, Gavin Krois, Elizabeth Lombardi, Danielle Faith Lomi, Olivia Loo, Cristina Ludwig, Britney Lynch, Anna Malin, Jeunne Corrie Mariano, Amanda McGeehan, Molly McKenna, Tyler McKenna-Hansen, Ehlana McRanor, Thomas Minar, Ryan Money, Rewas Muhajir, Kaitlyn Navarro, Samantha O’Neill, Sydney O’Neill, Alondra Ortiz.

Juan Perez, Isabella Preneta, Makenna Prete, Monica Pydipati, Sana Rana, Christopher Ricci, Abigail Richards, Isabella Secchiaroli, Patrick Semana, Ania Simoncek, Tyler Snyder, Jenna Stash, Lauren Stewart, Cora Sula, Samara Thacker, Olivia Tiberio, Annie-jorden Tomaszek, Daniel Wasserman, Bell West, Mya Wheeler, Jocelyn Wirth, Susan Wischow, Grace Wootton, Scott Wright, Rachel Wywoda.

Grade 8

First honors

Cameron Asmussen, Elena Ball, Nolan Bannon, Shahzaib Chaudhry, Tanya Chiaraluce, William Contaxis, Tyler Cook, Alyssa Decker, Laura Dennigan, Yash Deshmukh, Tyler Edwards, Megan Flynn, Nathan Foley, Michael Giordano, Eric Hallstrom, Alyssa Holden.

Alexis Jennings, Kapish Joshi, Jay Judge, Barbara Kefalas, Hannah Kresen, Lavinia Labrias, Mackenzie Leszko, Bridget Magyar, Grace McCarl, Shayne McCourt, Jillian McElligott, Mark McGeehan, Elisabeth McKenna, Thomas Meireles, Russell Miller, Daniella Milovanov, Wendylicent Moret-Roman, Lilly Pavlick, Angeliss Perez, Jessica Postighone, Kevin Preneta, Jayden Profetto.

Jenica Riley, Bridget Sanchez, Amanda Schuld, Rhane Scott-Purdy, Raghav Sharma, Regan Taylor, Sean Theisen, Daniel Tobin, Caleb Tondora, Garrett Tutlis, Zachary Vinhais, Eric Wischow, Logan Zahariades.

Grade 8

Second honors

Joshua Alber, Camille Averna, Amanda Boyles, Justin Brunetti, Killian Byrne, Alexander Davis, Brionna Davis, Erin Goodwin, Timothy Hanna, Hasnain Haseeb, Alexander Jasmin, Tiffani Lara, Ross LaRiviere, Max Leavitt, Alexandra Leparik, Emily Mager, Giuseppe Mavuli, Alexander Mingrone, Sara Pelham, Jacob Rajewski, Sophia Rivera, Marco Secchiaroli, Andrew Sementilli, Jacob Troy, Stephen Urquia, Ryan Zarnoch.

The post Harborside students named to third trimester honor roll appeared first on Milford Mirror.

Breach of peace

Milford police arrested Jonathan Diaz-Santana, 21, of Bridgeport on June 22 after they received a complaint of a disturbance at the CT Post Mall.

Police placed Diaz-Santana under arrest for engaging in a physical altercation with a former partner. Police say he restrained the victim and attempted to pull her out of the store.

Diaz-Santana is charged with second-degree breach of peace and second-degree unlawful restraint. He was released on a promise to appear in court on June 23.

Larceny

Milford police took custody of Paula Andranovich, 47, of Milford on June 24 on an outstanding warrant for her arrest.

Police accuse Andranovich of opening a bank account at Sikorsky Federal Credit Union in August 2014 and then withdrawing funds, which she did not have in the account, totaling $2,192.26.

Andranovich is charged with third-degree larceny.

She was released on a promise to appear in court on July 21.

Reckless driving

Milford police took custody of Pamela Jersey, 67, of Milford on an active warrant for her arrest on June 24. Police accuse Jersey of operating a motor vehicle in a reckless manner while drinking an alcoholic beverage on April 10.

She is charged with drinking while driving and reckless driving.

She was released on a promise to appear in court on July 21.

Assault

Milford police arrested Bruce Gardiner, 54, of Milford on June 25 after they responded to a complaint of a fight taking place at a Bridgeport Avenue residence.

Police accuse Gardiner of cutting a house guest in the face with a knife causing a minor cut.

Gardiner is charged with disorderly conduct and second-degree assault.

He was held on a $50,000 bond at the time of his arrest.

The post Milford Police Reports: July 2 appeared first on Milford Mirror.

I couldn’t wait until National Suicide Prevention Week in September to tackle this topic.

Suicide is worth talking about now. Of late, it has been a frequent, unwelcome visitor, and it’s not one to greet alone.

Is there another kind of death as complicated and heartbreaking as this? Who has not been touched by it in some way?

After my cousin Peter committed suicide in March, and I beheld his wounded survivors scattered about, I could only liken the aftermath to one that might result from gathering loved ones in a small room and then rolling a live grenade into their midst.

It is estimated that 105 Americans die each day by suicide (CDC), leaving friends and loved ones behind to confront the devastation and pain. In Milford, we know that every such death is one too many.

When suicide occurs, I think it arouses the “terrible twos”; that is, two soul crushing emotions that breed isolation. They are blame and shame.

About blame, the priest who eulogized my cousin rightly noted at the church service that many of us were wondering, “Is there something I could have done that would have stopped him (or her) from taking this action?”

Indeed, I sat with Peter many times over the years enjoying dinner, coffee and companionship. He talked often about his loneliness since his wife had died. I loved Peter despite his tendency to tilt toward the dark side. I attributed that, to some degree, to the fact that his mother, my aunt Dolly, had once attempted suicide, and that our family was scarred by alcoholism.

The experts would say Peter had several risk factors for suicide.

As the priest surmised, I scoured my memories after my cousin died for clues I had missed. What if I hadn’t delayed our coffee date in February until after I returned from Florida? Would he still be alive? What if? What if? What if?

The universal advice for survivors is to deal with and discard this urge to blame — both ourselves and others — as quickly as possible.

And what of shame, the second “terrible two”?

For years, researchers have struggled to track suicide rates and attempts because of this very thing. For some, there still is a stigma surrounding suicide that can make it hard for people to talk about it.

Shame begets silence and, in that lonely place, survivors might be deprived of much needed caring, help and support. Implicit in shame can be a false idea that the loved ones left behind somehow “caused” this tragedy. We must reject this idea at every turn.

In fact, researchers believe most suicidal people don’t want to die; they want the pain to stop.

The experts tell us that suicide is preventable. They wisely warn us to remove the means of committing suicide from the reach of a person who exhibits suicidal tendencies. I wish this always worked.

I recall a beloved friend, who for years had battled mental health issues before walking in front of a speeding train last fall. Just as we can’t install fences around every railroad track, we can’t completely remove every possible means of self-destruction. Unfortunately, a determined mind can make a way.

For me, trying to understand suicide is like trying to grab air.

In this place of powerlessness, how can we try to reach someone who is contemplating suicide, if this is possible? How can those left alive heal from the grief, the pain, the anger, the sense of abandonment, the hurt, the blaming, the shame?

There are many resources, both therapeutic and in the public domain. Regarding the latter, Suicide Awareness Voices of Education (save.org) offers outreach suggestions, scripts for talking to a depressed person about feelings of hopelessness, and heavily promotes the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, 1-800-273-TALK (8255), for anyone trying to work out of a dark spot.

The best way to prevent suicide is through the early detection, diagnosis and treatment of depression and other mood disorders, according to the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (afsp.org). Research shows that 90% of people who die by suicide have an existing mental health or substance abuse problem at the time of their death.

And what about the living?

If it’s true, as my faith teaches, that from every season of grief and suffering something good can come, then the good here is the compassion and love with which this community is comforting those who have endured recent losses.

This kind of death can change how we live.

For example, I now better recognize when someone is working to distract me from their own pain. When I sense it, I talk with the person about it. Often, my effort is rebuffed. I don’t care. I have to say it.

And I’m more mindful that my own darkness is reduced when I let others see it. So I’m working as hard as I can on the life skill and spiritual work of staying connected with others.

On October 4, I’ll participate in my first Out of the Darkness community walk in Hamden. AFSP coordinates them around the country each year to heighten awareness about suicide, to educate people, to fund research, and to support others.

Why not talk about it with your loved ones, and walk with me in October? I don’t want to walk alone.

The post Suicide is worth talking about now appeared first on Milford Mirror.

Tickets are on sale through July 15 for the Joseph A. Foran High School Class of 1995 20th reunion July 31 through Aug. 2.

The main event will be Saturday, Aug. 1 at 7 p.m. at the Milford Fine Arts Council in Downtown Milford. Unlimited food, beer and wine will be served as a DJ spins classics from the 80s, 90s and more.

Events will take place across the entire weekend ranging from a casual get together to kick off the festivities on July 31, a school tour hosted by the current Foran Key Club and a family day at Walnut Beach on Sunday.

The event is chaired by Lacy Daigle, class of 1995’s president, and supported by a group of volunteers from the class.

To get access to the reunion website or register to buy tickets, email your name at the time of graduation and email address to reunion@foran95.com. To receive reunion information, follow us on Twitter @foran95 or join the reunion Facebook page, facebook.com/groups/foran95.

The post Foran Class of ’95 plans 20th reunion appeared first on Milford Mirror.