Milford, CT November 2025

Giving Thanks

JENNIFER PARADIS, THE BETH-EL CENTER, AND THE IMPORTANCE OF STORYTELLING

TWO VETERANS’ STORY OF FRIENDSHIP, SERVICE, AND COMMUNITY

SAVING LIVES ONE SCAN AT A TIME

BARB ZINK’S REALTY REPORT

Where Gratitude Grows

As the season of gratitude settles upon Milford, we are reminded that thankfulness is not only a feeling, but a thread that binds our community together. In this issue, we celebrate the people whose stories reflect service, friendship, and the deep connections that make our town special.

We begin with the extraordinary work of Dr. Vito Errico, whose expertise in diagnostic imaging once made the difference between life and loss. His story is a reminder that gratitude often grows from moments we cannot predict – when the right person, with the right skills, is present at the right time. Milford is fortunate to be home to dedicated professionals like Dr. Errico, whose quiet impact resonates far beyond the walls of a medical office.

Gratitude also shines through lifelong friendship. This issue shares the moving story of two friends who served in the Vietnam War, and whose bond has only deepened over the decades. Their journey showcases that gratitude is not just for singular acts of bravery, but for the enduring gift of companionship.

Our feature article focuses on Jennifer Paradis, the Executive Director of the Beth-El Center. Her story reminds us that big things can grow out of inspired individuals who recognize themselves in their community. We are honored to have learned about Jennifer, the Beth-El Center, and their work to prevent homelessness on a systemic scale.

Finally, we spotlight several veteran-owned businesses right here in Milford. These entrepreneurs have carried the discipline and commitment forged in military service into their work as business owners. Their presence enriches our local economy and strengthens the sense of pride we feel in supporting one another.

Taken together, these stories remind us that gratitude isn’t passive. It asks us to notice, to honor, and to share. In Milford, gratitude is found in the neighbor who checks in, the business owner who goes the extra mile, the friend who has stood by us for a lifetime.

As you read this issue, I hope you feel as inspired as I do by the resilience, generosity, and connection that define our community. May it encourage us all to carry gratitude forward, not just in this season, but every day.`

With thanks,

ARNOLD, PUBLISHER

November 2025

PUBLISHER

Mark Arnold | mark.arnold@citylifestyle.com

EDITOR

Chelsea Spata | chelsea.spata@citylifestyle.com

SOCIAL MEDIA COORDINATOR

Ali Bonadies | ali.bonadies@citylifestyle.com

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Chelsea Spata, Julian Saria

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHER

Mark Arnold

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

Milford Med Spa & Wellness — Science Meets Beauty, Guided by The Alchemista, Courtney Holmes, APRN

Your Expert Injectors

• Dana Harden, APRN

• Michele Bissenden, RN

• Nicole Rogucki, APRN

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Thankful for a Smooth Neckline

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Cloud Art Weds Technology and Creativity for Children

Cloud Art is an imaginative iPad app created by a father-and-son team Paul and Liam Blanchard right here in Milford. Born from spotting shapes in clouds on a family outing, the app invites kids and parents to snap photos of clouds, then draw and transform them into creative artwork— bringing nature’s fleeting forms into the world of art. Download from the iPad App Store.

Honor Veterans at American Legion Post 196

Nestled on the East Shore at 25 Merwin Avenue, Milford’s American Legion Post 196 (est. 1964) is a welcoming hub for veterans of every branch. More than just a gathering place, it fosters camaraderie, offers support services, and strengthens the community. Supporters can honor veterans by purchasing engraved bricks for $100, with proceeds directly benefiting the Legion. To learn more about membership, events, or commemorative bricks, visit milfordctvets.org.

Photography by Mark Arnold

Support Local Families through The Giving Table

Founded five years ago, The Giving Table at Joseph A. Foran High School brings students together to prepare meals for Milford families facing hardship, as well as for first responders, veterans, and volunteers. To date, the club has served more than 95 meals to 600 local individuals. This award-winning group fosters pride, kindness, and community through its weekly “giving events” that nourish both body and soul. For donation inquiries, contact Randy Colin at rcolin@milforded.org.

GRATITUDE AND GOOD Health

Readers may recall our earlier profile on Dr. Vito Errico, where we explored his career and commitment to patient care. This story brings that dedication into sharper focus through one remarkable case.

When New Haven restaurateur and owner of Brazi’s on the wharf, Valerio Capobianco, began to lose strength in his hands and arms, he grew concerned. Simple movements became difficult and even eating a bagel in the morning became a struggle. He had been told it could be COVID and was facing a threeweek wait for an MRI. Each day his symptoms were getting worse.

That wait never happened. A mutual acquaintance connected Val with Dr. Errico, a neuroradiologist based in Milford. Within hours, Val went from uncertainty to a clear diagnosis that saved his life.

Dr. Errico grew up in New York, attended NYU for pre-med, then Stony Brook for medical school, and completed specialty training at Yale. Today, he runs his own radiology practice with a subspecialty in neuroradiology. “That is what brought me to Connecticut,” he

explains. “I wanted to build a practice focused on diagnostic accuracy, but also on being available when patients need answers quickly.”

When Val’s case came to his attention in late 2022, those principles were put into practice. “A friend called and described the symptoms: weakness, numbness, difficulty gripping, and trouble swallowing. I knew he could not wait for imaging,” he recalls.

Val and his wife arrived at the office that same day. An x-ray suggested something serious in the cervical spine. Dr. Errico then moved him directly into the office’s MRI scanner. The results were clear and alarming: Val had a severe infection in his cervical spine that was pressing against his spinal cord.

“If he had twisted his neck or fallen, he could have been paralyzed or worse,” Dr. Errico says. The infection, known as a discitis-osteomyelitis complex with an epidural abscess, was advancing quickly.

infection. Recovery took six to eight weeks with time in a collar and rehabilitation afterward. Today, he shows no outward signs of what could have been a life-altering or life-ending illness.

“The surgeons did remarkable work,” Dr. Errico says. “But what made the difference was timing. Getting him diagnosed and to the operating room in time is what saved his life.”

For Dr. Errico, the case reinforced the value of experience and intuition. “In radiology you learn to recognize patterns. On the MRI it was a textbook appearance of infection. The important thing was acting immediately.”

“A friend called and described the symptoms: weakness, numbness, difficulty gripping, and trou-

ble swallowing. I knew he could not wait.”

Recognizing the urgency, Dr. Errico called the Yale New Haven Hospital emergency department directly. “I told them this patient could not wait in the ER. He needed immediate attention.” Within hours, Val was admitted and prepped for surgery.

Surgeons operated over two days, with each session lasting six to seven hours. They removed the infection from both the front and back of the neck. Val also received antibiotics to contain the

His practice continues to serve patients across the region, from routine imaging to consultations for spine conditions and interventional procedures like epidural injections. Yet stories like Val’s remain at the heart of why he chose this path. “Often radiology can feel removed from patients. You sit behind the images. But cases like this remind you that every scan represents a person, a family, and a chance to change the outcome.”

Val has since returned to running his restaurant in New Haven. To those who know the story, his recovery feels almost miraculous. To Dr. Errico, it is an example of what medicine is meant to be. “This is why we train, why we do the work,” he reflects. “So that when the moment comes, we can give someone their life back.”

Milford’s

Orthodontist Since 1968

Our focus is always on you and your smile

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.

B R OTHERSIN A R MS , BROTH E R S

FOR LIFE

“More and more, Milford is becoming veteran- and veteran- familyoriented.”

In the late 1940s, two boys in Fairfield, Connecticut first crossed paths on the kindergarten playground. Bill Battaglia and Tom Jackson both maintain their innocence as to who struck first that afternoon. What they know for sure is that Bill was pushed down a slide and Tom received a fistful of sand to the face. That rough-and-tumble start turned into a lifelong friendship, one that carried them from clarinet lessons in grammar school to service on opposite sides of the world during the Vietnam War, and eventually back home to Milford, where they now serve fellow veterans through the American Legion.

“We probably haven’t changed much since then,” Bill laughs. “We’ve always been close. Differences of opinion, sure, but we’d work through them.”

GROWING UP TOGETHER

Their childhood was marked by freedom and community. They walked to school together, played Little League, skated on frozen ponds, and spent hours at Cindy’s Luncheonette or Duchess. “You could write American Graffiti about that place,” Bill jokes.

Tom recalls: “Back then, you went out in the morning and were told to be home when the streetlights came on. Everyone walked everywhere. It was all very mellow.”

VIETNAM CALLS

By the mid-1960s, conscription meant young men faced the decision of college, family, or service. At 17, Bill discovered his uncle was the Navy recruiter. “No way was I getting out of this one,” he laughs. Just ten days after marrying his sweetheart,

“We wanted to do this while veterans could still gather, reconnect, and feel honored.”

he deployed for a 13-month tour aboard a destroyer that circumnavigated the globe. His ship performed reconnaissance and shore bombardment along the Vietnamese coast.

Tom’s path took him to the Marines. He enlisted almost on a whim after admiring a sharp-looking recruiter. “The Navy guys said it would be four years. The Army guy wasn’t there. Then we saw this guy standing there tall, sharp, everything pressed neat. I thought, this is the guy for me.” By 1967, he was in Vietnam, stationed in Đông Hà near the demilitarized zone. His service was marked by intensity and hardship: after a hernia sent him through hospitals in Japan and Guam, he returned to the field before finishing his deployment stateside.

COMING HOME

When their service ended, both men sought to rebuild civilian lives. Bill pursued accounting, later running his own auto parts business while raising a family in Milford. Tom came home in 1969, and months later found himself at Woodstock.

Though life took them in different directions, reunions kept them connected. About 15 years ago, a meeting at Lowe’s brought them back together. Tom suggested Bill get involved with Milford’s American Legion Post 196, and from then on, their shared service to veterans began anew.

BUILDING COMMUNITY

Under their leadership, Post 196 has flourished into the largest in Connecticut, with nearly 1,000 members. Tom and Bill explain that the Legion isn’t just a gathering spot but a lifeline for veterans. “There

are guys who would just sit at home otherwise,” Tom says. “Here, they’ve got a place to watch football, share a beer or soda, and be part of a community.”

He adds that the Legion has become an inclusive, family-friendly hub: “It’s not a smoky bar anymore. Wives tell their husbands, ‘Let’s go down to the Legion.’ There’s music, food, and a sense of belonging.”

HONORING VIETNAM VETERANS

Among their proudest achievements is organizing a Vietnam Veterans Day commemoration on Milford Green this past March. For the 50th anniversary, they spearheaded an effort that drew nearly 500 people, planted 3,000 flags, and raised $22,000 for veterans’ services. “We’re not getting any younger,” Bill reflects. “We wanted to do this while veterans could still gather, reconnect, and feel honored.”

CARRYING THE LEGACY FORWARD

Today, Tom serves as Senior Vice Commander of Post 196 and chairs the Milford Veterans Committee and Parade Commission. Bill, formerly the Junior Vice Commander, focuses on sustaining the March 29th commemoration.

Both men emphasize the support they’ve received from Milford. “If we ask the city for something, they seldom say no,” Tom says. From use of the Green to collaboration on events, the town has stood shoulder to shoulder with its veterans.

A LASTING FRIENDSHIP

Now in their late seventies, Bill and Tom are still side by side – lifelong friends who

once played clarinet duets, then served on different fronts of the same war, and now lead one of the state’s most dynamic veteran organizations.

Their bond reflects not only their loyalty but also the broader story of veterans who return home and find new ways to serve. “We’ve woken up a sleeping giant,” Tom says. “More and more, Milford is becoming veteran- and veteran-family-oriented.”

Bill nods: “This is an amazing place to be a member. We’ll keep doing this as long as we can. All veterans are welcome – always have been, always will be.”

CIGAR SHOP & LOUNGE

Makeup/hair/styling: Kristina Foreman, MakeupMakeup

JENNIFER PARADIS USHERS BETH-EL CENTER INTO A STRONGER, HOPEFUL TOMORROW

Purpose Built

“Our goal is to be responsive to whatever need walks through the door.”

Jennifer Paradis became the Executive Director of the Beth-El Center when she was just 31 years old. Did you feel equipped? I ask her one afternoon in her office – a small but inviting space with a large wooden desk, floral curtains, and mementos adorning the walls. A bouquet of dried lavender sits on the windowsill, basking in the ample sunlight.

Jenn laughs as she answers my question. “Yes and no,” she says. “But you figure it out. You learn how to do it. And then you learn new ways to do it. And hopefully you make a difference.”

It is a humble response from someone who heads an organization that has served the Milford community for more than 40 years, employs a full staff of 23, and sees 250 volunteers coming through its doors every month. The Beth-El Center, located at 90 New Haven Ave., is a nonprofit organization that strives to extend dignity and respect to all individuals while ensuring access to housing, food, and essential community resources. Jennifer has been Executive Director of the Center since 2018.

BACKGROUND

Jennifer was raised in Bloomfield, CT. The youngest of three children, she describes her family as “solidly working-class,” noting that her father was a bowling alley mechanic and her mother took on odd jobs. “They worked hard,” she explains, “but my older sister required a lot of specialized medical care.” Tragically, her sister passed away at age seven. Overwhelmed by medical bills, the family lost their home, and her parents became unsheltered. Jenn “couch surfed” at friends’ homes until she was able to get a job and rent a room for the remainder of high school.

College was a welcome reprieve, as it meant secure housing. Jenn attended Eastern Connecticut State University, where she met mentors and friends who would influence her path forward. After being encouraged by a friend to volunteer at a local no-freeze shelter, Jenn felt a sense of belonging. “These were my people,” she says, reflecting on the moment she arrived. She began working there a few weeks later. In 2009, she was able to rent her first-ever apartment.

BETH-EL

After obtaining her bachelor’s in sociology, Jenn went on to earn her master’s in organizational leadership and nonprofit management from Quinnipiac. “I was looking for something that would give me relevant skills for a promotion,” she says, “but the program ended up shaping how I think about nonprofits.” In 2015, she joined Beth-El as their Director of Programs and Facilities. She was promoted to Executive Director three years later. “I’m so grateful for the Board,” she tells me. “They supported me, even though I was on the younger side. They knew I would approach the position differently and they embraced it.”

Today, Beth-El continues to serve a diverse community of people. Of their residents, the oldest is 81 years old. The youngest is a newborn baby.

“Our goal is to be responsive to whatever need walks through the door,” Jenn explains. Beth-El’s services include homelessness prevention (also known as diversion), emergency shelter through their year-round program, a community kitchen – open every day and serving two meals a day – a permanent housing program, and various forms of outreach and engagement within the Milford community.

Beth-El also offers a no-freeze overnight program that runs from November to April every year, with the goal of keeping people safe during the harshest winter months. But Jenn also notes that times are changing: “We’re starting to see this differently. In actuality, more people pass away from extreme heat than cold weather every year. So the real solution is creating year-round beds to fill the need.”

Climate change also plays a major role in shaping populations of unhoused individuals. Jenn points to California as an example, noting that housing crises often follow tragic losses like those experienced during the recent wildfires. “People are immediately displaced because of the fires,” she explains, “but then private

equity firms will buy up all the new housing options, gentrifying the community and making it unaffordable for those who used to live there.” A vicious cycle ensues – one that adds to homeless populations throughout the country.

EVENTS AND OPPORTUNITIES

While Beth-El is a direct-service organization working in crisis management, they advocate primarily for community collaboration to end homelessness. “We need to be asking: how do we create structures that prevent homelessness in our community?” Jenn says.

One way Beth-El focuses on bringing the community together is through their robust volunteer program. The center welcomes 250 volunteers every month, extending the philosophy that there is no hierarchy among center staff, volunteers, or residents. “We’re different but we’re equitable,” Jenn explains. “We focus on our similarities. You might serve the meals but you also sit down and eat with everyone too.”

Beth-El also fundraises a significant portion of their budget through development activities like the Trickor-Trot 5k (Oct. 25) and other community events. In November, they will participate for the third time in “Barrels for a Cause,” a collaboration with the Milford Rape Crisis Center and Wines & More in which the Norwalk distillery, Sono 1420, produces a special edition whiskey in their name. “We’ll have a launch party at Stappa Vineyards,” Jenn says, “and the whiskey makes a great holiday gift.”

WHAT’S NEXT

Posted behind me in Jenn’s office is an architectural rendering of 995 Bridgeport Ave., the location for the brand-new Beth-El facility in Milford. This facility will span more than 30,000 square feet (compared to the current building’s 8,000) and include elements like a 24-hour walk-in center and de-congregated housing to better accommodate families and married couples. Additionally, their permanent housing program, Liberty Point, will increase from five units to 16 to better serve

the most vulnerable community members.  Jenn underscores the importance of investing in programs like these, noting that “in 15 years of operation, not a single person who has gone through the permanent housing program has returned to homelessness.”

REFLECTIONS

Speaking with Jenn, one gets the sense that she is a wealth of knowledge but also an earnest leader of her organization. When I ask her what she has learned in her time at Beth-El and what she is thankful for, she inhales and widens her eyes. “So, so much,” she says. After a pause to gather her thoughts, she tells me, “First: nothing is more powerful than people’s stories. And second, overwhelmingly, people do want to solve for homelessness – they just need the tools, the knowledge, and the pathways to get there.”

As far as what she’s thankful for, her answer is threefold: 1) all the “moms” and mother-figures who personally helped her on her journey; 2) the founders of Beth-El for having the vision they did; and 3) the community’s trust. “There are moments when this work does not feel good,” she reflects, “and trust needs to be borrowed before we see results. The trust to see through the despair and darkness and buy into the hope that we are working toward solutions – ones we may not even see in our lifetimes. I’m so thankful for that trust. It allows us to do the work that we need to do.”

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Service and Skill

A CONVERSATION WITH VETERAN PLUMBER STEVE SALESKI

Steve Saleski

HOW DID YOU GET STARTED IN THIS LINE OF WORK?

I received my plumbing license while serving in the military. I did plumbing for the Air Force, so it transferred over pretty quickly. I served with the 103rd Civil Engineering Squadron through the Connecticut International Guard and completed two tours in Afghanistan. I’m proud of my service; I earned a Bronze Star from President Obama after a mission where two forward operating bases froze in one night. I was flown in by helicopter, and we managed to thaw the pipes and save both bases. People don’t always realize it snows in Afghanistan, but it does—and plumbing was critical. At one point, an entire Army platoon guarded our water supply. If it were poisoned, the whole base would have been at risk. That experience taught me a lot.

WHAT MOTIVATED YOU TO OPEN YOUR OWN BUSINESS?

After years working for others, I thought, “I can do this myself.” I also want to train young people in the trade, since not many are entering it today. I currently have an apprentice, Michael, and focus on residential service plumbing—meeting clients, finding out their needs, and putting together affordable solutions.

WHAT DOES BEING A VETERAN-OWNED BUSINESS MEAN TO YOU?

I’ve got great work ethic after being in the military, where you have strict plans that you have to adhere to. I’ve learned from that experience to follow a step-by-step process for everything – no cutting corners, always by the book.

For inquiries, visit stevesplumbingorange.com.

ROBERT TESTO

Teamwork, Precision, and Community

ARTICLE BY STAFF PHOTOGRAPHY BY MARK ARNOLD Inside Robert

HOW DID YOUR MILITARY SERVICE SHAPE YOUR APPROACH TO BUSINESS?

During my time in the U.S. Army Reserves and Connecticut Army National Guard, I learned that success is never about one person but about the team. You rely on the people next to you, and that accountability is something I built into my firm from day one. The military also instilled preparation and precision — you arrive with a plan, attention to detail, and the commitment to follow through. Those lessons carry into our work, whether solving a complex tax issue or helping a business chart its growth. Most importantly, I took away a deep sense of service. In uniform, that meant protecting my country; today, it means honoring the trust our clients place in us.

WHY DID YOU START YOUR FIRM IN MILFORD?

Milford has always been home. Starting my own firm here was about giving back to a community that shaped me. Milford has that small-town heart where relationships matter. Over the years, many clients have become like family.

WHAT SETS YOUR FIRM APART?

We provide solutions. Our team takes time to understand people’s goals, then designs strategies to help them thrive.

Visit rjt3associates.com for more information.

realty report

A SAMPLE OF RECENTLY SOLD PROPERTIES IN MILFORD.

This data is a sampling of sold properties from August 1 to September 21. Source: Smart MLS/Connect MLS.

H O P E

Begins with YOU A SEASON TO SEE THE UNSEEN

The holidays have a way of calling us back to what matters most—faith, family, compassion, and the quiet but powerful act of giving. As lights go up and calendars fill, there are still many who sit in silence, carrying burdens too heavy to bear alone. But what if this season, you could be the spark that changes everything for someone else?

The founders of City Lifestyle, through their private foundation, are once again launching its annual Christmas Giving Campaign—a heartfelt effort to seek out and support individuals and families who have quietly fallen through the cracks. The mission is simple: to bring light, dignity, and hope to those who need it most.

Since its beginning just four years ago, this initiative has grown from a humble idea into a life-changing movement. Last Christmas alone, more than 200 families across the country received unexpected support—financial relief, but also something even more powerful.

“We don’t just send checks,” says Steven Schowengerdt, CEO and founder of City Lifestyle. “We send a message: You are seen. You are loved. And you are not forgotten.”

Together with City Lifestyle President Matthew Perry, Steven has helped shape this into a tradition that goes far beyond charity. “This is about community,” Matthew adds. “We believe we’ve been blessed, so now we get to be a blessing.”

Every story begins with a nomination. Often, it’s a neighbor, coworker, friend, or teacher—someone who’s been quietly carrying too much for too long. One past recipient, after receiving unexpected support during a time of deep personal struggle, wrote:

SCAN TO NOMINATE

“We send a message: You are seen. You are loved. And you are not forgotten.”

“Beyond the very practical solution of receiving funds to fix my car, this thing you guys worked together to do is bigger than that. I carry the Christmas card you sent in my purse. When things get really hard, I pull it out and remember what it felt like to be seen. That card represents hope— that change for the better is possible. I’m not sure how many people get to carry hope around in their purse. But I do.”

Another wrote in after her husband was diagnosed with aggressive brain cancer and unable to work:

“This support has blessed our family not only financially, but emotionally and spiritually as we trust God to meet our needs throughout this difficult time. Thank you to our anonymous friend and to your foundation. What a joy and gift to be part of God’s family!”

Each year brings countless stories like these—real lives touched by simple acts of kindness. Some use the funds to pay overdue bills, others to afford groceries, medication, or repairs. But no matter the circumstance, the impact is the same: hope is restored.

This season, you have the opportunity to be part of that. The campaign is now open to nominations—completely confidential and prayerfully considered. Whether it’s someone battling illness, facing unemployment, or just in need of a helping hand, you can bring them a moment of grace that will ripple far beyond Christmas morning.

“Knowing my mom was chosen filled my heart with indescribable joy,” said another past recipient. “Your generosity doesn’t just brighten her life; it inspires hope and faith in all of us. It enables her to stay in her home and get back on her feet.”

Nominations are open from November 1st to December 5th, 2025. To submit someone you know, simply scan the QR code or visit @CityLifestyle on Instagram, where you’ll find the nomination form in the bio.

This holiday season, let’s give more than gifts. Let’s give each other the gift of being seen. Because sometimes, the smallest gesture becomes someone’s greatest miracle.

To nominate someone in need, visit: KingdomBuildingFoundation.org or scan the QR code.

CUSTOM FENCING SOLUTIONS

Since 1967, Reliable Fence has set the standard—not chased it. We’re not the low-cost option, we’re the Gold Standard. From generation to generation, our name has stood for quality, craftsmanship, and work that speaks for itself. Today, Deven Iannone continues the legacy of his uncle, founder Joseph “Big Joe” Iannone, leading with the same grit, pride, and precision beautifying and protecting what you love most.

NOVEMBER 2025

events

A SELECTION OF UPCOMING LOCAL EVENTS

NOVEMBER 4TH

Network of Executive Women Luncheon

Stonebridge Restaurant | 12:00 PM

Join the Network of Executive Women Monthly Luncheon from 12–1:30 PM at Stonebridge Restaurant in Milford. This gathering offers local professional women a chance to connect, share insights, and grow together over lunch.

NOVEMBER 13TH

Barrels for a Cause

Launch Party

Stappa Vineyard | 6:00 PM

Raise a glass for good: enjoy Barrels for a Cause at Stappa Vineyard. Sample custom blended whiskey, wine, hors d’oeuvres, games & raffles—all while supporting both the Rape Crisis Center of Milford and Beth-El Center. Every ticket includes a commemorative bottle. All proceeds are shared. Join us for a night of unity, tasting and community impact.

NOVEMBER 19TH

Kinship Glassworks

Business After Hours

Kinship Glassworks | 5:00 PM

Enjoy Milford’s Business After Hours

— a monthly networking event hosted by the Regional Chamber of Commerce. Held usually in early evening, these casual gatherings bring together business owners, professionals, and chamber members for food, drinks, and connection. It’s a chance to meet new contacts, share ideas, and support local businesses. All are welcome — just bring your business card.

NOVEMBER 29TH

A Soulful Holiday Celebration with Brianna Thomas

Milford Arts Council | 3:00 PM & 7:30 PM

Experience the magic of the holidays with jazz sensation Brianna Thomas at the Milford Arts Council. Two performances promise soulful favorites like The Very Thought of You, Bye Bye Blackbird, and more. Known for her vocal virtuosity, Thomas will captivate with improvisation and emotional depth. Tickets available now; MAC members enjoy discounts.

NOVEMBER 29TH

Small Business Saturday

Downtown Milford | 10:00 AM

Celebrate Small Business Saturday with the Downtown Milford Business Assocation. Explore local shops, enjoy the Holiday Pop-Up Market on the Milford Green from 10 AM–3 PM, and be among the first 250 to make a purchase at a participating DMBA business to receive a free tote (while supplies last). Shop small. Shop local. Support Milford’s businesses.

DECEMBER 6TH

St. Raphael Parish’s Christmas Fair

St. Ann School Parish Center | 9:00 AM

Get into the holiday spirit at Saint Raphael Parish’s 2025 Christmas Fair. Shop from local vendors, enjoy bakery treats, join raffles, and meet Santa. With festive cheer and family fun, this is the perfect way to kick off the season. Vendor spots available soon.

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.

UPCOMING Medicare CHANGES

HOW DO I CHOOSE THE CORRECT PLAN?

Start with a trusted resource—Joe Violetta and 4 Core Financial. With 27 year’s experience and proprietary Medicare tools, Joe helps match plans to doctors, prescriptions, and budget. You can also use Medicare.gov’s Plan Finder or contact Connecticut’s State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP).

WHAT DO I DO ABOUT WHAT MEDICARE DOESN’T COVER?

Original Medicare excludes dental, vision, hearing-aids, and long-term care. Many fill gaps with Medicare Supplement (Medigap) or Medicare Advantage (Part C) plans, which may include extras. Some also purchase stand-alone policies, as Advantage options become more limited.

WHAT HAPPENS IF I DON’T MAKE CHANGES?

You may be automatically re-enrolled. But don’t assume—over 70,000 Connecticut Medicare clients will lose their plans in 2026. Premiums, copays, and formularies shift annually so reviewing protects against unexpected costs.

WHAT IS THE ANNUAL ELECTION PERIOD

AND HOW DOES IT AFFECT NEXT

YEAR?

October 15 to December 7, you can join, switch, or drop Medicare Advantage or Part D plans. Updates take effect January 1, 2026.  Plans change yearly so last year’s fit may not work. Joe Violetta’s team offers free reviews—in person, by phone, or Zoom for quick, tailored guidance.

Learn about Options with Joe Violetta and 4 Core Financial: 203-449-6717

IMPORTANT MEDICARE DATES:

Initial Enrollment Period (IEP):

• Begins 3 months before the month you turn 65, includes your birthday month, and extends 3 months after

General Enrollment Period (GEP):

• January 1 – March 31

Annual Enrollment Period (AEP):

• October 15 – December 7

• Changes take effect January 1 the following year.

Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment:

• January 1 – March 31

ARTICLE BY STAFF PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED

Learn about Options with Joe Violetta and 4 Core Financial