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2013 . Milford Living JJ

In recent years the Walnut Beach area (origi-

nallyknown as Laurel and Myrtle beaches), has

been enjoying a renewed community spirit that

many attribute to the vision of Susan Patri&,

ornmer of Walnut Beach Creamery. "\A/hen I first

got here I fell in love with the buildings and the

area," says a humble Patrick, reticent to accept

acknowledgment. "I sawwhat it couldbe, and I

hate to see a place neglected."

Neglected no more. Condos came in and

with them people with money to spend and

not many places to do it. "Susan breathed

f,re into everybody," said Tynn6 Catapano,

owner of Wild Expressions Florist that sits

across from the Creamery. The two women

are part ofthe revitalization group. Arches

were erected resembling those from the 192os

where the amusement park once stood withkiddie rides, a carousel, food stands, and even

a skating rink. Things began to get cleaned

up. Things started-and continue-to change,

and more and more people are feeling the

difference and becoming involved.

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The movement to keep history alive made

way for a restored antique carousel to open

on the Walnut Beach parking lot grounds this

summer. George Marenna, owner of Marenna

Amusements, which provides carnival rides

at the Milford Oyster Festival, is the supplier.

Not only is nostalgia the intent, but also

community development. "People wiII go to

the carousel then might stop at a store down

there," says Marenna, "ultimately bringing

third-party money to the area."

There will be a charge for the carousel,

though nothing is set in stone, says Paul

Piscitelli, Director of Recreation for Milford.

Hours of operation will tentatively be from

noon to 8:oo p.m. in order to keep noise down

for the residents.

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There is a plan in place to add building

markers to coincide with the local history

51 Nltlford. Living . Summer

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Memories of days past, when Walnut Beach was a playground for all, and the amb

renewal plans that never quite materialized.

detailed in Sand in Our Shoes, explains

Elizabeth Wright, owner of the Beach Gallery.

"What we want to do is have the buildings

located on the two blocks on either side of

Broadway get a bronze maker plate of its

original use," says Wright. For instance, the

Walnut Beach Creamery was the former Post

Offlce and Wright's gallerywas the former

silent movie house called The Strand. Her

motivation? Preserving history for future

generations and obliterating any lingering

reputation of an area known the last twenty

or thirty years for "having problems."

"I am here to tell you that those days are

gone," says Wright, who is also an artist and

a Milford historian. "This is such a beautiful

place; a diamond in the rough, and I am just

so happy to be here."

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Wright's attitude is a familiar one in the

community. The excitement has only grown

and has taken on an energetic momentum of

large proportion. Businesses have popped up

throughout the area, and with them an art

explosion some call the zr't century Milford

renaissance. So why not host an Art Stroll?

iIt maae perfect sense. Now in its third year,

Itn. art strotl buzz is so strong it draws people

i from att over the state and as far as New York'

I ft t"t"r place every third Thursday of the

Imonth and a]l the area businesses stay open

ilate until 8:oo p.m. Galleries have receptions

ifeaturing new artists across all mediums, andI

ipeople get out in the streets, milling about,

nibbling at local eateries, and paling around

with neighbors. The event rounds out from

between 8:oo-p:Jo p.m. with a free salsa

party complete with salsa lessons. People

dance on the Avenue while disc jockey Brian

Smith spins a mambo and a dance teacher

demonstrates the "saury" language. (Lessons

take place in Saint Gabriel's Parish in the

levent of inclement weather.)

i Donna Turner-Woods, owner of Sobobo Art

Gallery says the galleries "ale doing what we

can so that we are an arts destination. This is

such a fun way to get the community together

in the summertime: people dancing in the sum-

mertime on the streets-that cannot be bad!"

In fact, there is so much to be joyful about

in the area these days that an entire summer

of events has been lined up so people can

celebrate the area all season long. Here are

some suggestions for how to spend the rest ofyour summer at the beach

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Music takes place every Sunday night under

the Pavilion from 4:oo p.m. - 7:oo p.m. begin-

ning July 7 through August 25. The concert

series began just three short years ago with asimple idea: "I just thought it would be a great

community event and something that would

work out," says WendyTerenzio, director ofthe Summer Concert Series and a chairperson

through the Walnut Beach Association.

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The Walnut Beach Witch leads the Halloween parade for Walnut Beach Children. Volunteers

pitch in to keep Walnut Beach clean.

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2013 .MiIford Liring i)

The first year only four bands were featured

over three dates., but people wanted more, so

it continued expanding. This year nine bands

will play under the Pavilion. The event is free,

without any parking fees for non-residents.

Terenzio is hoping the series will remain

successful and continues to grow. "I want

it to become a way of life where people are

expecting it every year."

"It's just such a wonderful event for

families who can dance with their children,

hang out, and listen on the beach or walk the

boardwalk."

Q figt t aagr *n llltr:*Saatior:. *ightTaking place Thursday July 18 (with an August

t5 rain date), the idea came to florist Tprn6

Catapano about sixyears ago, and since has

morphed into an on the beach where people can

light lantems to higttlight good wishes forthe

Milford community.It's a sentiment not lost on

people who are still recovering from being hit by

back-to-back storms Irene and Sandy. Lantems

can be pwchased at various Iocal stores, and

people are welcome to decorate them, adding

special sentiments. For more details, visit the

vvww.walnutbeachas sociation.com

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This annual "sandstravaganza" will take

place on Saturday, August 3,just a day

before the Walnut Beach Arts Festival and 5K

race. Registration begins at 11:oo a.m,, sand

sculpture building runs from rr:3o a.m.- 3:oop.m., followed by judging. Bring your picnics,

shovels, and sand carving tools for this free

family-friendly event sure to draw large

crowds from all over New England and the

Greater New York area. Sponsored by the

Milford Fine Arts Council, parking is $5 for

non-residents.

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The neighborhood celebrates on Sunday,

August 4, from roioo a.m. - 5:oo p.m. at the

36 Nr'tlford Living . Summer

corner of East Broadway & Viscount Drive,

across from the Rotary Pavilion. About roo

artists, artisans, and crafters witl be showing

and selling their work. This year promises a

few alterations. "The schematic has changed,

moving things around to make it a bit edgier,"

says Susan Patrick. Some highlights include

children's area featuring Jonathan Law Higt

School cheerleaders doing face painting, an

expert animal balloonist, and a story chair

where a "famous" Milford person (to be narr

later) will read to the kids.

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Concerts, sand competitions, and contemporary and classic jewelry (among other crafts)

be found this summer at Walnut Beach.

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It all kicks offthe same morning as the Festival

(August 4) at 7:oo a.m. when registration begins

under the Pavilion. A free children's run begins

at 8:oo a.m. with the 5K immediately following

at 8:30 a.m. Afterwards there's free ice cream

from Walnut Beach Creamery for every runner or

walker-a sweet incentive to get out and move

with the beach community. The entry fee is $zo ifyou pre-register (go to walnutbeachcreamery.com

and follow the link) or $25 on race day. Free T-shirts

will go to the first zoo pre-registered runners and

while supplies last. All proceeds beneflt the Walnut

Beach Association, sponsors of the Walnut Beach

Arts Festival and 5K Race.

For further event inJormation, go to

www.w alnutb e a ch as s o c i at i o n. c o m.

To view historical postcards, check out the

City of Milford website.

€ffiWhat's a little rain when there's ftee ice cream from the Walnut Beach Creamery waiting

at the finish line?

EDUCAIINGALL CHILDREN

SAINT GABRIEL SCHOOL

I Tudor Road, Milford, CT 06460203-874-3811www.stga brielschool.com

20lJ . Itillbrd Livins