Donna Springer

"Walk a mile in my shoes" took on a special meaning this weekend in Milford, CT. where over 250 men and boys stepped outside their comfort zone and fashion boundaries to participate in Milford's second annual "Walk a Mile in Her Shoes" march to bring attention to violence against women. This avant-garde group bravely (and painfully) walked around the Milford Green wearing everything from stilettos to fuzzy slippers. Some even took it a step further and donned female attire to complete their ensemble.

This is a national event designed to bring attention and raise money for various organizations who offer assistance to women who are victims of violence. Last year in Milford, this event raised over $15,000 to help run the Milford Rape Crisis Center according to Peggy Pisano, the center's executive director and an organizer for this event. This Center services Milford, Orange, West Haven as well as several other local towns and handled over 400 cases last year.

Participants joined together from all ages and backgrounds including our distinguished Attorney General Richard Blumenthal. So if you were unable to attend this event, please consider sending a donation to The Rape Crisis Center of Milford, 70 West River Street, Milford, CT 06460. Your contribution could be the catalyst to change some women's life for the better.

If your organization has an upcoming event and you would like to get the word out, contact me at donna@CTHomeConsultant.com and I will add it to my blog.

Milford, CT - Milford receives grant for help with home repairs

The state of Connecticut, via the federal government has awarded $750,000 in grants to Milford to help families who qualify receive money for home repairs. The repairs must be either deficiencies or code-required.

This money is available to home owners at no interest and with deferred payment loans. Residents will not have to pay back the money until they sell their home. These funds will become available July 1, 2008 and anyone who would like more information should call Thomas Ives coordinator for the Housing and Urban Development Community Block Grant at 783-3230.

There are also grant funds for environmental remediation such as oil tank and asbestos removal. These funds do not have to be repaid.

This allows low income families to maintain their homes at a time when family budgets are being stretched to the max.

Woodruff Family YMCA , Milford,CT Open House a Hit with young and old

As the late Mr. Rogers would have said: "It's a wonderful day in the neighborhood!" thanks to all the warm hearts and helping hands whose tireless efforts continually make the Milford, CT YMCA the best spot for family fun.

Today, Saturday, March 29, 2008 was the annual Open House at the Y. From 12 until well after 4 pm, families poured in. Activities included face painting (a really big hit thanks to the artistry of Kathy & Ashley) , crafts, camp games, free swim, sample classes such as Yoga for Kids, archery and kick boxing. The YMCA also brought in entertainment such as Curious Critters who delighted children and parents alike with his very ‘hands-on' approach. Kids were able to handle such interesting critters as geckos, boas and (UGH) a hairless but oh-so-friendly rat. There was also a bouncing play set (a shout out to Marie & Theresa who braved the elements to man this machine so the kids could have fun) as well as food, raffles and free gifts.

What makes the Milford YMCA such a special place is that everyone who works here puts their hearts into making it the best place for family fun. It's clean, it's fun and everyone there makes you feel more welcome than Norm at Cheers.

So, if you're tired of watching your children spend endless hours in front of some electronic device or just wondering what you can do as a family that's fun and affordable, be sure to mark April 12^th on your calendar. That's Family Fun Day, where you can enjoy a day -with your whole family- having fun and getting fit. You will have so much fun with your family you'll wonder why you didn't think of the Milford YMCA sooner!