Milford, CT February 2026

The Annual Love

Local Edition

ARTS + CULTURE

MILFORD’S BEST-KEPT SECRET: THE CONNECTICUT AUDUBON COASTAL CENTER

SHOPPING

SHOP LOCAL WITH LOVE AT MISS DALLAS’ SHOP

LIFE + CULTURE PLUS: NELL MOLL ON MILFORD’S PAST, PRESENT, AND FUTURE

Loving Local with Milford's Best

February brings more than Valentine's Day chocolate and winter's last gasp—it brings us an opportunity to celebrate a different kind of love entirely. This month, we're focusing on "Love Local," shining a spotlight on the businesses, organizations, and people who form the very heartbeat of our community.

When we talk about loving local, we're not just talking about where we shop or dine. We're talking about the fabric that holds Milford together—the institutions that educate our children about the natural world, the shops that have watched generations grow, and the advocates who champion our downtown's vitality year after year.

The Connecticut Audubon Society's Milford Point Coastal Center has been nurturing our community's connection to the shoreline for decades. As you'll discover in our feature this month, their work extends far beyond bird watching. They're cultivating environmental stewards, protecting fragile coastal habitats, and offering all of us a sanctuary where nature and education intersect.

Then there's Miss Dallas' Shop—a treasure trove that represents everything we love about independent retail. Owner Lynda Kilgore has created more than a store; she's built a gathering place where personal service and carefully curated goods remind us why local shopping matters. Her story is one of passion, perseverance, and genuine community connection.

And we couldn't discuss Milford's business culture without talking to Nell Moll. For years, Nell has been a tireless advocate for our small business community, working behind the scenes to ensure downtown Milford remains vibrant, welcoming, and economically healthy. Her insights into what makes our city special are both inspiring and practical.

This February, I encourage you to think beyond the traditional expressions of love. Take your sweetheart (or yourself!) to a local restaurant. Buy your Valentine's gift from a downtown shop. Introduce your children to the wonders at Milford Point. These gestures ripple outward, creating the thriving, connected community we're all fortunate to call home.

With gratitude,

CHELSEA

SPATA, EDITOR

@MILFORDCITYLIFESTYLE

February 2026

PUBLISHER

Mark Arnold | mark.arnold@citylifestyle.com

EDITOR

Chelsea Spata | chelsea.spata@citylifestyle.com

CONTRIBUTING WRITER

Chelsea Spata

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Cliff Schorr, Mark Arnold, Laura St. John, Gilles Carter, George Amato

Corporate Team

CEO Steven Schowengerdt

President Matthew Perry

COO David Stetler

CRO Jamie Pentz

CoS Janeane Thompson

AD DESIGNER Rachel Chrisman

LAYOUT DESIGNER Lillian Gibbs

QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Marina Campbell

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291 S Lambert Rd, Orange, CT 06477

Milford’s Orthodontist Since 1968

17,000 Brilliant Smiles And Counting

Dr. Gary Opin and Dr. Perry Opin understand that changing a person’s smile can change a person’s life. Throughout your entire orthodontic experience, they will be attentive to your comfort, will listen to and respect your treatment goals and concerns, and partner with you to achieve a lifetime of smiles. At Opin Wide Orthodontics, our doctors develop lasting relationships with our patients and their families, while providing a superior level of care to create healthy, engaging smiles. For over 55 years, we have been leveraging state-of-the-art treatments to provide our patients with highly individualized, effective care.

city scene

Full Body Diagnostic Imaging

IMPORTANT PREVENTATIVE MEDICINE

“Body MRI screening is a non-invasive, non-radiation imaging test that uses magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to scan multiple parts—or the entirety—of the body for signs of disease, abnormalities, or cancer, often before symptoms appear. It’s commonly used as a preventive tool for early detection, especially in individuals at higher risk for certain conditions (like cancer or genetic disorders). Diagnostic Imaging of Milford is a leading provider of this life-saving, early detection technology.”

MakeupMakeup Marks Twenty Years of Beauty, Confidence, and Milford Style

For twenty years, Kristina Foreman has shaped beauty in downtown Milford through MakeupMakeup, celebrating two decades as a creative presence in the community. Her boutique makeup and photography studio works with pure mineral and botanical formulas, custom blending each shade for a natural, skin-perfect finish. Guided by the belief “Be your own beautiful,” Kristina creates personalized makeup experiences and lessons for women 40+ who value authenticity over trends.

A Milford institution since 1977, The Canvas Patch has been owned and operated by beloved community figure Marti Reed for nearly five decades. This charming gift shop offers unique collectibles, accessories, and an extensive selection of Milford memorabilia. Reed’s eclectic taste shines through nautical items, home décor, seasonal merchandise, and thoughtful gifts at modest prices. Having survived a devastating fire and economic challenges, The Canvas Patch remains a cornerstone of downtown Milford.

Downtown Milford Business Association Builds Community Through Commerce

The Downtown Milford Business Association represents over 200 member businesses driving the local economy through diverse products and services. The DMBA creates immersive community experiences through signature annual events including Pirates Day, Lamplight Stroll, and the Farmers Market, attracting thousands of visitors while fueling small business growth and boosting tourism. With unique shops, restaurants, coastal beauty, and historic New England charm, Milford’s status as a destination is facilitated and celebrated through the DMBA.

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THE CONNECTICUT AUDUBON SOCIETY AT MILFORD POINT

ARTICLE BY CHELSEA SPATA | PHOTOGRAPHY BY CLIFF SCHORR

COASTAL TREASURE MILFORD'S

On a winter morning at Milford Point, the Coastal Center building stands sentinel between two worlds: the vast salt marsh stretching inland and Long Island Sound opening to the south. The observation tower offers sweeping views of this picturesque landscape, where osprey platforms dot the wetlands and the winter grasses paint the marsh in muted

golds and browns. While many of the 315 bird species recorded here are migratory—absent during the colder months—dedicated birders still find winter residents and stragglers among the reeds and shoreline. It’s a landscape full of promise, a place of quiet beauty even in the off-season. This is Connecticut Audubon Society’s Coastal Center at Milford Point, and according to those who know it best, it’s one of Milford’s best-kept secrets.

A LEGACY BORN FROM DETERMINATION

The story of Connecticut Audubon begins not in Milford, but in Fairfield in 1898, when a small group of determined women gathered at the home of Helen Wardwell Glover. Led by Mabel Osgood Wright, a pioneering conservationist and prolific author, these women were alarmed by the wholesale slaughter of birds-providing feathers for women’s hats. It was an era when seeing a Snowy Egret’s plumage on a hat was far more common than spotting one in Connecticut’s marshes.

Wright and her fellow founders—including Helen Glover, Harriet Glover, Theodora Wheeler, and others—formed the Connecticut Audubon Society as part of a nationwide movement. Within weeks, they had expanded their vision beyond Fairfield County to serve the entire state. Wright, elected president by acclamation, would lead the organization for the next 26 years until 1924.

Connecticut Audubon has remained independent of the National Audubon Society since its founding—a distinction it shares with Massachusetts Audubon. Today, the organization operates six nature centers and manages 22 wildlife sanctuaries throughout Connecticut, protecting over 3,400 acres of open space.

ESTABLISHING A COASTAL HAVEN

The Milford Point Coastal Center represents Connecticut Audubon’s commitment to protecting Long Island Sound’s vital ecosystems. In 1986, the organization entered into a long-term agreement to serve as stewards of the 8.4-acre Smith-Hubbell Wildlife Refuge and Bird Sanctuary. The Coastal Center building was constructed on

the site of the former Smith Hotel and dedicated in 1995, providing a base for education, research, and conservation adjacent to the 840-acre Charles Wheeler Salt Marsh and Wildlife Management Area at the mouth of the Housatonic River.

In 2002, Milford Point was designated an Audubon Important Bird Area, recognizing its critical role as habitat for migrating and nesting birds. The site’s diverse ecosystems—including tidal salt marshes, barrier beaches, tide pools, and coastal dunes—create a mosaic of habitats that support an extraordinary variety of wildlife.

TODAY: A HUB OF DISCOVERY AND LEARNING

Step inside the Coastal Center on any given day and you’ll find a vibrant hub of activity. Center Manager Matt Joyce leads a dedicated team—small in number but enormous in impact—supported by an army of passionate volunteers. “We couldn’t run this center without volunteers,” says Board member Cliff Schorr, who himself started as a docent. “They’re here because they love it.”

The center’s summer camps are wildly popular, with the parking lot filling by 9 a.m. as parents drop off children eager for a day of marsh exploration, tide pool investigations, and hands-on environmental education. The camp provides accessible nature education that creates lasting connections to the coastal environment. Throughout the year, the center also offers school programs, birthday parties, scout programs, and guided bird walks led by experienced naturalists.

For George Amato, Chairman of the Coastal Center Board, this place represents a full-circle journey. A Milford native who grew up in Morningside, Amato spent his career as a biologist at the New York Zoological Society (now the Wildlife Conservation Society) and the American Museum of Natural History, studying wildlife around the world. After 37 years working globally, he realized during the pandemic that Milford Point “is as significant and important as any of the millions of other places I’ve worked in Cuba or Central Africa or South America.”

“I grew up in Milford. I was just some kid,” Amato reflects. “I played in the tidal pools in front of my house. For me, it just became this passion to share with my neighbors how lucky we are to have this incredible place.”

The center welcomes visitors of all experience levels—from novice birders seeking a peaceful escape to expert ornithologists using the eBird app to document rare species. When unusual birds appear, word spreads quickly through the birding community, and the parking lot fills with enthusiasts. The pandemic significantly increased visitation as people sought outdoor spaces, discovering this coastal gem many had somehow missed despite living nearby.

“We call it Milford’s best kept secret,” says Schorr. “We get people from Milford here all the time, and they come in and they say, ‘I never knew this place existed.’”

The site’s accessibility is part of its appeal. Unlike other Milford beaches that require resident stickers, the Coastal Center’s trails and observation areas are free and open to the public from dawn to dusk. Anglers fish the productive waters at all hours following the tides, families explore the boardwalk and climb the 70-foot observation tower, and birders scan the marshes for the bald eagles that now appear daily—a sight that would have been impossible in the recent past, before DDT was banned.

LOOKING FORWARD: CONSERVATION AND COMMUNITY

The center stands at an exciting crossroads. Recently, Connecticut Audubon received a transformative $750,000 federal appropriation secured by Congresswoman Rosa DeLauro, enabling significant improvements to the facility. Additional support from the Community Foundation for Greater New Haven funds bird conservation work. The organization has also recently taken over management of Stratford Point across the river, creating complementary conservation areas along both sides of the Housatonic River mouth.

One of the organization’s most significant initiatives is Osprey Nation, a volunteer-based monitoring program tracking

“SOMETHING LIKE THIS THAT IS NESTLED WITHIN A BIT OF AN URBAN MOSAIC...THAT IS THIS WELL-PROTECTED, THAT HAS THIS MANY DIFFERENT HABITAT TYPES...I THINK THAT'S VERY IMPORTANT.”

approximately 600 osprey nests across Connecticut. The osprey’s remarkable comeback from near-extinction serves as a powerful conservation success story. As Amato notes, when he was growing up in Milford, there were no ospreys or bald eagles—DDT had decimated their populations through eggshell thinning. Today, these magnificent predators thrive, thanks to the 1972 DDT ban and decades of restoration work.

“The return of this species to this part of the country is really an amazing story,” says Amato. “If you can mitigate something, like in this case the toxin, you can really restore. Things aren’t always gone forever.”

Looking ahead, Connecticut Audubon plans to expand osprey monitoring with prey-based studies, examining the relationship between fish populations and osprey success. This research connects directly to broader ecosystem health and even human wellbeing—a theme that dates back to Rachel Carson’s 1962 book Silent Spring, which first articulated how environmental indicators affect human health.

The center is also reviving its annual “Return of the Osprey” fundraising event on April 25th and will host David Gessner, author of the definitive book on osprey conservation, for a reading on June 6th. These programs aim to connect broader audiences with the center’s mission while celebrating conservation victories.

For the volunteers, staff, and board members who dedicate themselves to this place, the center represents something essential: “Places where you have a slice of wilderness are really, really important to people,” Matt explains.

“Something like this that is nestled within a bit of an urban mosaic—somewhere like Connecticut where there’s urban tendrils reaching everywhere—that is this well-protected, that has this many different habitat types sitting adjacent to one another, I think that’s very important.”

The Connecticut Audubon Society’s Coastal Center at Milford Point welcomes visitors Tuesday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., and Sundays from noon to 4 p.m. The Smith-Hubbell Wildlife Refuge trails are open daily from dawn to dusk. Whether you’re seeking tranquility, hoping to spot your first bald eagle, or introducing children to the wonders of coastal ecosystems, this Milford treasure awaits discovery. As Schorr says simply: “It’s a very peaceful, tranquil place. It’s really a jewel.”

Nell

Moll

ARTICLE BY CHELSEA SPATA PHOTOGRAPHY

BY MARK

ARNOLD AND PROVIDED

A Milford Life Well Lived

When Nell Moll sits down at the Milford Yacht Club overlooking the harbor, she's surrounded by the threads of a life interwoven with Milford's history. At 73, she's watched this coastal Connecticut town transform from the quiet hamlet of her 1950s childhood into the thriving community it is today—and she's been instrumental in shaping that evolution.

"I've lived in a lot of different places," Nell reflects, "and there's pride in towns, but I've never seen anything like the pride that people have for living in Milford."

Born in 1952 in South Nassau County on Long Island, Nell arrived in Milford as a young child when her father took a job as the grill man at Jimmy's restaurant.

The family settled in the Bayview neighborhood before moving downtown. Nell graduated from Milford High School in 1970.

Her roots run deep. From working at clothing stores on Daniel Street in the early seventies to bartending Sundays at Jake's—"the biggest dive bar in town"—Nell was always part of Milford's fabric. She went on to work in the marine electronics business and was instrumental in establishing Electra Yachts locations across Connecticut and into Rhode Island and Florida. But Milford always called her back.

The pivot that would define her professional legacy came in 1996. After owning a store downtown—expanding Issie's News Room into a beloved community gathering place, Issie's Big News—Nell found herself at a crossroads. A friendship with Harriet Racz, then Director of Membership at the Milford Regional Chamber of Commerce, led to an opportunity that would last 25 years.

"The heart and soul of it is membership," Nell says of her time as the Chamber's Director. Under her tenure, membership soared to the high 600s with remarkably low turnover. "My favorite part was connecting people. Knowing what they did, being able to assist them and share resources with them."

Nell's approach was personal and authentic. She knew business owners by name, understood their operations, knew how many employees they had, and could expertly connect them with the right opportunities. Long before "networking" became a buzzword, Nell was building relationships the old-fashioned way—through genuine care and community investment.

Her impact didn't go unnoticed. In 2017, Mayor Ben Blake presented Nell with the Mayor's Distinguished Citizen's Award and proclaimed July 27 as Nell Moll Day in Milford. That same year, she served as Grand Marshal for the Milford St. Patrick's Day Parade, a fitting honor for someone of Irish and Italian heritage. In 2021, the Devon Rotary Club honored her with the Evio Giovanelly Award for service above self.

“THE HEART AND SOUL OF [THE MILFORD REGIONAL CHAMBER OF COMMERCE] IS MEMBERSHIP...[AND] MY FAVORITE PART WAS CONNECTING PEOPLE. KNOWING WHAT THEY DID, BEING ABLE TO ASSIST THEM AND SHARE RESOURCES WITH THEM.”

"When Nell was suggested for this honor, there was immediate and unanimous agreement that she was the perfect choice," said Al May, then-president of Devon Rotary. "Nell, to this day, continues to promote everything Milford, since not doing so would be to deny a part of who she is."

Nell's Chamber tenure ended with COVID in 2020, when it became time to collect Social Security— "hard for me to believe," she laughs—and care for her mother, who lived to 97 and remained sharp until the end. These days, Nell stays close to home, rarely venturing beyond her two-mile radius of downtown. She and her partner Dory, together for 45 years and married just this year, enjoy their boat docked at the harbor, cook elaborate Italian Sunday gravies, and maintain deep ties to the community.

"To me, it's still a quaint town," Nell says of modern Milford, even as she acknowledges the growth. The modest neighborhood where she grew up now features homes selling for nearly $1 million. Her childhood ranch house has been replaced by a four-story structure. The changes don't diminish her affection.

"When I look back at the different decades—the seventies, eighties, nineties—they all have great chapters," she reflects. "I've been very lucky in life. Right place at the right time."

Nell watches newcomers with the pride of someone who helped build the community they're discovering. She's seen Chamber ambassadors she trained, including Simon McDonald, take on leadership roles. She's watched her niece Makayla Silva of The

Giggling Pig bring new energy to the area. She's been a steady presence through mayoral administrations, economic shifts, and the town's evolution from a sleepy coastal village to a destination.

When asked about Milford's future, Nell's measured optimism shines through. She's realistic about overdevelopment concerns but philosophical about growth—"it's what everybody always wanted." Most importantly, she remains committed to the place that shaped her and that she, in turn, helped shape.

"There's everything and nothing to do here in Milford," Nell says with a smile. "You can do as much as you want. It's just such a nice place to be."

For someone who's spent more than seven decades here, who's connected hundreds of businesses, who's bartended and boated and built community, Nell Moll has earned the right to that simple truth.

Step Back in Time

I hear her before I see her. The first thing Lynda Kilgore says to me as I enter the narrow, trinket-lined hallway of Miss. Dallas’ Shop is: “Welcome!”

Indeed, the shop is abuzz on this frigid December morning: just around the corner, Lynda is seated at an enormous desk that is part check-out station, part display shelf. She is occupied hand-wrapping items for two visitors, while a third sits in one of the chairs opposite her, chatting freely. The room appears to defy logic, with seasonal décor – including twinkling lights, wreaths, potted pine, ceramic Christmas trees, jewelry, and much more –covering every square inch of space from floor to ceiling. It is a scene not unlike one from a Dr. Suess book, where precarious pilings of impossible things remind you that beauty and chaos are often one and the same.

The second thing Lynda says to me is, “Look how beautiful you are!”

Over the next hour, I learn that this is Lynda’s way – to uplift people with her kindness and to welcome every visitor into the shop as a friend.

A JOURNEY OF FAITH AND PERSEVERANCE

Lynda’s path to opening Miss Dallas’ Shop in February 2016 was anything but straightforward. For 45 years, she ran Data Signal, a thriving electronics manufacturing company she’d started at age 24 without even a high school diploma. Through determination, mentorship, and what Lynda calls “winging it with passion,” she built a successful business that supported over a hundred employees.

Then came the 2008 recession. By 2010, Lynda and her husband Jerry (“Gee”) had suffered devastating economic losses. By 2015, the couple found themselves on the brink of homelessness, selling everything they owned just to make mortgage payments. An IRS audit added to the overwhelming pressure.

CONTINUED >

“We hadn’t been listening: we needed to use our ability to make people happy, and this shop was the venue to do that.”

But looking back now, Lynda sees divine purpose in those trials. “We hadn’t been listening: we needed to use our ability to make people happy, and this shop was the venue to do that.”

A RESCUE’S LEGACY

The shop’s name honors Miss Dallas, a handicapped German Shepherd the couple rescued as an adult. The dog arrived unable to climb stairs, requiring Gee to carry her 95-pound frame up and down daily. But after three months of love and patient care, Miss Dallas climbed those stairs on her own – a transformation that profoundly shaped Lynda’s worldview.

“Love and kindness can cure sickness, can cure evil, can bring light into someone’s eyes,” Lynda reflects. “She brought light into ours, and we brought light into hers.” Though Miss Dallas passed after just 21 months with the couple, her legacy lives on in every interaction at the shop that bears her name.

A TREASURE TROVE OF DISCOVERY

Miss Dallas’ Shop defies simple categorization. Every room bursts with possibility: pressed glass bowls catch the light, vintage jewelry sparkles in display cases, seasonal decorations overflow from shelves, and local artisans’ creations sit alongside carefully curated consignment pieces.

Lynda represents 29 local artisans ranging from teenagers to octogenarians, charging them lower commissions

than regular consignors, with even gentler rates for seniors. Veterans, teachers, and healthcare workers always receive 10% off. Unlike most consignment shops, Lynda keeps items until they sell – no arbitrary time limits.

The eclectic inventory spans from modern to classic, bohemian to rustic. You might find Kirks Folly sequined pieces – like the cateye glasses Lynda herself wears – antique Italian tables, handcrafted ornaments, retro kitchenware, and much more. Above Lynda’s desk hangs a large decorative heart created by a local artisan over a decade ago – a piece Lynda refuses to sell despite daily requests. It’s a memorial to Elizabeth, a beloved customer and nurse who was killed by a drunk driver just four months after her wedding.

MORE THAN A SHOP

What truly sets Miss Dallas’ Shop apart isn’t the merchandise, but the atmosphere. Coffee and homemade treats are always available. Lynda often has a prayer bowl on her desk, though the list of people she prays for has grown so long she now simply tells God, “You know who I’m praying for.”

Customers don’t just browse; they linger, they share their struggles, they find solace. “We hear so much sorrow,” Lynda says. “Sometimes people need food, they’re hungry. Sometimes it’s just listening.” Her husband Gee, always nearby, provides the grounding presence. More cautious and discerning, he’s there to protect and maintain order.

Friends and community members help keep operations going, including Shawn, who helps maintain the displays and Roy, the handyman and friend always willing to lend his expertise. Lynda notes that the landlord of the space, Lou D’Amato, has been integral for their growth over the last decade.

GIVING BACK

The Kilgores’ commitment to charitable giving reflects Lynda’s fundamental belief in living a faithdriven life. Lynda, Gee, and Miss Dallas’ Shop began their philanthropic outreach in 2023, ultimately donating more than $20,000 to Milford Food 2 Kids and other local charities by the end of 2024.

Their innovative “Dumpster Dive” program has become a beloved community event. Three secured containers hold quality donated items –everything from Chico’s shawls to vintage jewelry. For a flat bag price ranging from $30 to $50, customers can treasure hunt through these bins, with half the proceeds benefiting charity.

The shop hosts two major annual events: the Holiday Shopping Extravaganza the Saturday after Thanksgiving (complete with Santa Claus, gourmet hors d’oeuvres, and 886 attendees in 2025) and an August barbecue. This year, Lynda plans to add a third event on her 70th birthday, March 14th. “I do not want gifts,” she says. “I want to celebrate with my friends.” The event will be called “Miss Dallas’ Shop Eggstravaganza,” to welcome Easter and spring.

A VISION OF COMMUNITY

Open for 11 years, Miss Dallas’ Shop invites its customers to briefly step back in time, stirring nostalgia at every corner with its curated treasures, warm welcomes, and intimate chatter.

“You enter as a stranger, you leave as a friend,” reads one of the many signs gifted by customers over the years, and it’s a motto Lynda lives by every single day. The walls are adorned with messages from patrons: “Milford’s Little Secret,” “Sprinkle Kindness Around Like Confetti.” These aren’t marketing slogans – they are reflections of a community that has found something rare in today’s retail landscape: a place where connection matters more than commerce.

“My rearview mirror is broken,” Lynda says with characteristic directness at the end of our conversation. “I don’t look back. I look at every day as an opportunity to do one more thing.”

Miss Dallas’ Shop was voted Best Consignment Shop in 2025 by the Milford Chamber of Commerce and by CT Insider/The New Haven Register. They are located at 16 Higgins Dr.

Chiropractic Works — Let It Work for You.

Your body is constantly coordinating movement, balance, energy, recovery, and stress. When that coordination isn’t working well, it often shows up as stiffness, recurring discomfort, low energy, trouble sleeping, or feeling like your body isn’t keeping up with your day. At Clukey Family Chiropractic, we help people in Milford improve how their body functions overall so they can move more easily, recover faster, and feel better long-term. Chiropractic care isn’t about chasing symptoms — it’s about helping the body work the way it should.

A Handmade Date Night

Make it feel like an extra special at-home date night with thoughtful touches from the heart—and hands.

A date night at home is the perfect occasion to shower your loved ones with affection and appreciation. While storebought gifts and cards have their charm, there’s something incredibly special about receiving a handmade gesture. By opting for a handmade date night, you’re not just expressing love but also showcasing your thoughtfulness and effort. These handmade creations convey a personal touch that can’t be replicated.

From-Scratch Pasta

what you need

Lavender Bath Salt Blend

what you need

16 ounces Bokek Dead Sea Salt 20 drops lavender essential oil

what you do

In a mixing bowl, add drops of the essential oil to the bath salt and mix well; store in a glass jar. Add 1/3 to 1/2 cup of the scented salts to a bath for a relaxing experience. SeaSalt.com

Yield: 1 pound

2 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting

4 large eggs

what you do

1. Mound the flour in the center of a work surface with a well in the middle. Crack the eggs into the well and beat with a fork until smooth, then work flour into eggs with the fork. Use a bench scraper to work in the rest of the flour a little at a time. When the flour is incorporated, form the dough with your hands into a rounded mass for kneading. Lightly dust your workspace with flour and knead dough about 10 minutes, until smooth and elastic. Cover dough with a bowl or plastic wrap and rest 1 1/2 hours, or chill overnight.

2. To roll by hand, flour a clean work surface. Vigorously roll dough to a very thin circle and roll constantly with even pressure as it stretches for several minutes until as thin as possible, almost translucent.

3. To cut by hand, lightly fold sheets one at a time into thirds and cut to desired thickness. Recipe from MarthaStewart.com

Dark Chocolate Truffles

what you need

1/2 cup heavy cream

8 ounces bittersweet chocolate, chopped

1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

1 cup cocoa powder, for dusting

what you do

1. Bring the cream to just a simmer in a saucepan over low heat. Pour the cream over the chocolate in a bowl and let stand about 10 minutes to melt the chocolate. Add the vanilla, stir until smooth and set aside to cool for 1 hour at room temperature.

2. Beat chocolate at medium speed until thick and light-colored. Spread over the bottom of a baking dish, smooth and refrigerate 2 hours until firm.

3. Pour cocoa powder onto a deep plate or shallow bowl, and using a melon baller or small ice cream scoop, scoop out balls of chocolate. Roll in cocoa powder until coated and transfer to a parchment-lined baking sheet. Recipe from FoodNetwork.com

ARTICLE BY CAITLIN AGNEW PHOTOGRAPHY BY LIFE N LIGHT

Brett Larkin, is the founder of Uplifted Yoga and teaches yoga designed to ignite a personal transformation. Her award-winning YouTube channel has over 500,000 subscribers. A trailblazer in the online yoga space, she started certifying yoga teachers virtually through her online yoga school in 2015. Brett shares five power poses to incorporate into your practice for a confident and powerful new year.

For more info about Brett and her online training options for all levels, go to BrettLarkin.com

POWER POSES

Low Lunge (Parsva Anjaneyasana) Stand taller and open your side body in this low lunge variation.

Bridge Pose (Setu Bandha Sarvangasana) Project radiance up and out from your heart while strengthening your back body.

Camel Pose (Ustrasana)

Open your heart for increased confidence and counteract “text neck” while you’re at it.

Shoulder Stand (Sarvangasana)

Usher in a fresh perspective and new creative ideas. Also great for relieving low back pain.

CAN YOGA HELP BUILD SELF-ESTEEM?

Confidence is all about feeling good in your own skin, and practicing yoga makes you more aware of your body. You are tuning into your breath, your feelings, and your true vision. Physically it strengthens you. Mentally it helps you focus. With improved posture, you stand taller; and with a clear mind you are more prepared and confident to take on what comes your way.

Wild Thing (Camatkarasana)

Take up space. Get fierce. Practice stretching into the fullest expression of who you are.

realty report

A SAMPLE OF RECENTLY SOLD PROPERTIES IN MILFORD.

Top residential transactions through 12/28/2025

Keeping Kids’ Eyes Up

A Q&A with Paul and Liam Blanchard, Creators of the Cloud Art App

What inspired you to create an app that transforms cloud photos into art?

Liam and I have always had fun talking about the animals we see in the clouds. One day we took a photo of a cloud and started drawing on it, thinking this would be a cool activity to have on an iPad. So we decided to build it. The idea grew out of one fun moment into something that helps kids everywhere see the world with more imagination.

Can you walk us through how the app works?

It is super easy! You can take a photo of a cloud, use one you already have, or choose one from our gallery. Then add all the fun elements; eyes, mouths, wings, feet, arms, wheels or anything that fits your idea. When you are done you hit save and then you can email it or share it on social media.

What was it like working together as father and son on this project?

We're best buddies, so it was awesome. Liam tested the app at every stage and gave amazing feedback. He is very detail oriented, which helped shape everything from the design to the features. Honestly it was one of the coolest experiences!

What do you hope users feel or take away when they use the app?

We hope they are inspired to see more shapes, faces and magic in the clouds. Nature is full of imagination if you stop to notice it. We hope this helps get kids outside, curious, and we hope, inspired, especially in a world where most screens keep them indoors. We wanted to make technology that makes kids look up!

Website: cloudartapp.com

Instagram: @cloudartapp

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2026

WEDNESDAYS THROUGH MARCH 18TH

Oil Painting Class with Cathy Liontas

Firehouse Gallery | 9:30 AM

Join Cathy Liontas for an oil painting class welcoming all skill levels. This winter session offers handson instruction in a supportive environment perfect for beginners and experienced painters alike. Explore techniques and develop your artistic skills under expert guidance.

FEBRUARY 1ST

4th Annual Bridal Expo

Racebrook Country Club | 11:00 AM

Join the Milford Chamber of Commerce for the 4th annual Regional Bridal Expo. Discover everything needed to plan your perfect wedding day, from caterers and photographers to venues and florists. Enjoy a stunning bridal gown show by Karlene Lindsay Designs. Tickets are $7 in advance, $10 at the door, and free for Chamber members.

FEBRUARY 4TH

Written Word

Writers Group

Firehouse Gallery | 7:00 PM

Connect with fellow writers in a supportive circle to share work, exchange ideas, and brainstorm together. This friendly, open gathering welcomes all writers for an evening of networking and creative collaboration. Contact info@milfordarts.org or 203-878-6647 for questions.

events

CONTINUED

FEBRUARY 6TH

Strength in Spirit

Veterans Memorial Auditorium | 7:00 PM

Join the Rape Crisis Center of Milford for an evening of community and connection benefiting survivors of sexual violence in your area. This two-hour event features spiritual medium Janine Baryza-Ly. Come together to support empowerment, resilience, and healing.

FEBRUARY 10TH

Sip and Paint with Kiko

Firehouse Gallery | 6:00 PM

Unleash your creativity at this BYOB Sip and Paint event with award-winning artist Kiko Hernandez at the Firehouse Gallery. Paint a different iconic celebrity each session with step-by-step guidance. No experience required—just bring your favorite beverage and enjoy a relaxed, social atmosphere. Tickets are $35, $30 for MAC members.

FEBRUARY 13TH

Wine and Chocolate: A Perfect Pair

Total Wine & More | 6:30 PM

Discover the delectable pairing of wine and chocolate at Total Wine & More. This tasting class explores how the right wine elevates premier chocolate from a world-famous maker, creating unexpected flavor combinations that delight the senses. Perfect for wine lovers with a sweet tooth. Tickets are $20.