The Weekly Round Up is back!



As always, packed with Chamber updates, highlights, and everything you need to know about what’s happening right now.

Stay connected, stay in the loop, and see what’s coming next at the Chamber.

Michael and Simon are back after a short break with a fresh Weekly Round Up for you!

This is a great opportunity to experience a meaningful venue dedicated to preserving the stories and service of our veterans. Retired veterans and dedicated volunteers operate the Learning Center. The museum offers powerful insight into the lives and experiences of those who served our state and nation.

The amazing evening is sponsored by Modern Heating and Air Conditioning and catered by Tropical Caribbean, bringing together great local support, food, and networking in a unique and inspiring setting.

Tickets are $20 for members and

$30 for non-members.

Join us for a Business After Hours at the West Haven Veterans Museum and Learning Center

Wednesday, May 20th, 2026

5:00 PM – 7:00 PM

Presenting Sponsor: Modern Heating and Air Conditioning, catered by Tropical Caribbean



All proceeds from ticket sales will be donated to the

Veterans Museum and Learning Center.

The West Haven Veterans Museum and Learning Center, located at:

30 Hood Terrace, West Haven, CT

Learn more about all these Chamber Members below.

• The Host: www.whmilmuseum.org
• The Presenting Sponsor:  www.modernhvacct.com
• Delicious Food from: tropicalcaribbean.net

Fridays After Five is back!

Sponsored by Attorney Joseph Tramuta

Friday evening live music is back at Fowler Field, behind the Milford Library, on Friday, May 22nd for our first concert.

Thanks to our supporting sponsor, Weichert On the Mark Property Management.

In the event onstruction impacts the Fowler Pavilion area, the concert will move to Lisman Landing. Stay tuned as we get closer for any official updates from the Chamber. 

Swing for Scholarships: Register Now!

Colonial Toyota Milford Chamber Trust Golf Classic is back!

NEW THIS YEAR

Putt for a chance to win $5,000!

Have a great day on the course, and help the Milford Chamber Trust provide scholarships and educational opportunities to students in our community.

Win A New Car for Hole-In-One! (2 Prizes) 

Great Gifts and Raffle Items

50/50 Cash Raffle 

Check out some more great moments captured by Camilla Albuquerque

Be sure to keep an eye out—there are plenty of exciting networking opportunities coming up throughout May and all summer long.

EPIC’s Social Hour at KAOS last week was a great night out!

It was the perfect chance to check out one of Milford’s newest restaurants, enjoy some really good food, and connect with others in the community.

Thank you to everyone who came out, and to KAOS for hosting.

Last week’s Stronger Together Non-Profit Resource Open House

With a great turnout, attendees had the opportunity to network, hear a keynote presentation, and take part in a resource panel focused on practical ideas to strengthen impact and support their missions.

We’re proud to be part of an effort that continues to bring organizations together, spark new ideas, and support the nonprofit community in meaningful ways.

Hosted by the Milford Regional Chamber of Commerce in partnership with the Bridgeport Regional Business Council, Connoisseur Media Connecticut, and Shopping Anyway, the event brought together nonprofit professionals from across Connecticut for a morning of connection, conversation, and shared insight at 440 Wheelers Farm Road.

Check out this incredible free public art display now in West Haven for the next three weeks!

When you visit the fabulous "Dog Show"

Tag the Chamber in a selfie with the Chamber dog when you visit — we want to see you!

#MilfordRegionalChamberofCommerce

Donations from this exhibit go directly to the West Haven Animal Shelter.

People can donate monetarily through the city’s official donation LINK HERE or in person by scanning the QR code at the exhibit.

Every contribution helps provide care, food, and shelter for local animals in need.

Consider supporting the shelter by donating supplies such as dog and cat food (dry and wet), kitten food, cat litter, dog treats, and kitten milk replacer.

And if you’re able, consider taking the next step and adopting a pet from the shelter!

Come walk the shoreline, enjoy the art, support a great cause.

'THE BIG DOG SHOW,’ A BENEFIT FOR THE WEST HAVEN ANIMAL SHELTER, IS HERE!

A big thank you to Mayor Dorinda Borer for bringing “The Big Dog Show” to West Haven in support of the West Haven Animal Shelter.

This nationally recognized traveling art exhibition, forged by Massachusetts metal sculptor Dale Rogers, features 21 towering steel dog sculptures along the boardwalk lawn. These are designed to spark connection between communities and support animal welfare.



The show has traveled to more than 23 cities across 11 states, raising significant funds for shelters nationwide — and now it’s here in West Haven.

Photos by Robert Creigh and Chamber staff

This week's Health & Wellness Corner article is- "How to live longer."

Principles of Longevity: A Physician’s Perspective on Healthy Aging

By Ronald Schwartz, MD, Senior Director of Continuum Health Services

Masonicare

Reaching the age of 100 was once a rare milestone. Today, while still remarkable, it is becoming more common as advances in medicine, public health, and our understanding of aging continue to evolve. As a physician who has spent much of my career caring for older adults, I am often asked: What does it take to stay healthy to 100?

Want to know more? CLICK HERE

The 2026/2027 Milford Regional Chamber of Commerce Community Guide & Directory is now available in print at the Chamber offices and

online 24/7!

West Haven: Growing Businesses Make a Better Community!

A lot is happening in West Haven this year.

This summer will feature a full slate of community programming, along with progress on a new Community Center that will serve seniors, youth, veterans, and the police department—representing a major investment in shared community space.

To help support these efforts and a variety of other popular signature summer events, sponsorship opportunities are available at multiple levels.

Each sponsorship level includes recognition and promotional opportunities aligned with participation.

Community partners are invited to review available packages and consider supporting continued growth and programming throughout West Haven.

MORE INFORMATION: CLICK HERE

2026 Military Academy Service Night

Hosted by the Connecticut Congressional Delegation. 

This is an information session to provide students interested in attending a Military Academy.



Please share with your members, family and employees.

Tribus After Hours

Join in the fun in a relaxing environment with your friends after work. Enjoy some craft beer, partake in the 50-50 raffle, and silent auction all to benefit the Beth-El Center.

The funds raised will support our Community Kitchen.

Thursday, May 7th

5:30 PM - 8 PM

Tribus Beer Company

100 Raton Drive

Milford CT  

Beth-El Community Kitchen is extremely low on the above items.

If Ground Coffee could be caffeinated and regular roast, that would be incredible.

Cheddar cheese can be grated or as a block.

And if you feel so inclined, gift cards to ShopRite and Costco earmarked for the Community Kitchen are always welcome!

Items can be shipped to us (90 New Haven Ave in Milford) via Amazon or dropped off any time!

Thank you for thinking of the unsheltered individuals who need our help the most right now!

Join us at the Yale InsightsOn Conference on May 7 at Yale School of Management

Bringing together leaders from companies like HP, TikTok, Google, Spotify, Mastercard, AB InBev, and more to explore how marketing and consumer insights are evolving in the age of AI.

Designed as a learning experience, InsightsOn goes beyond trends to focus on practical ideas you can take back and apply immediately. Group discounts available for local organizations.

email victoria.ambrozaitis@yale.edu to learn more.

REGISTER HERE

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The 10^th Annual Milford Artisan Market

Comes to Milford Green on

Mother’s Day Weekend,

May 9-10, 2026

(Milford, CT)- The 10^th Annual Milford Artisan Market will take place on Saturday and Sunday, May 9 and 10, 2026 from

10:00 am to 4:00 pm on the Milford Green at 168-176 Broad Street in downtown Milford, CT.

Over 160 local crafters and makers will be selling their handmade items including jewelry, crochet, décor, apparel, food products and more. In celebration of its 10^th anniversary, the event will have giveaways for the first 150 attendees, raffle prizes, Mother’s Day photo opportunities, dance demonstrations, free yoga classes, live music, and food vendors.

Admission is free.

The event is sponsored by LeafFilter, Renewal by Andersen and Xfinity.

The event is organized by Artisan Events by Ally. Learn more at: facebook.com/milfordartisanmarket.

A one-hour webinar featuring six esteemed local business leaders in a live, interactive panel discussion revealing the daily strategies and tactics they're using to successfully manage people, systems, circumstances, and expectations in ever-changing times.

Here’s a link to the Zoom registration page...

https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_OzR6E0O9TVGiwFGe3-yj1Q#/registration

2026 Military Academy Service Night

Hosted by the Connecticut Congressional Delegation. 

This is an information session to provide students interested in attending a Military Academy.



Please share with your members, family and employees.

Community Happy Hour Event - see flyer for full details

Please join us for a P2H - a Milford Non-profit, sponsored event at

SBC in Milford on Wednesday, May 13^th

5:00 – 8:00 pm.



Supporting – The Thanks for Giving Food Drive &

Memorial Scholarships for Local Students

$10 Door Donation

Complimentary Hors d’oeuvres – Cash Bar

Exciting Raffle Baskets

Come Together. Give Back. Make an Impact.

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3^rd Annual Pickleball2Help Tournament

Please join us at Eisenhower Park in Milford, Saturday, May 16^th

12:00 – 6:30 pm for an all-day fun event benefiting The Nick Felisko Memorial Scholarship.

Hosted by Prepared 2 Help and Scout Troops 701 & 711 of Milford.

There is a link provided for sign-ups. 

A Fun day of Pickleball and Exciting Raffles. 

– see flyer for full details.

Join the Walnut Beach Association Beach Market & Car Show

Presented by: Comcast and Modern Heating & Air Conditioning

This first-ever event brings together local vendors, classic and modern cars, food trucks, and a live DJ for a full, vibrant day by the beach!

The WBA is now accepting registration for cars in the show, along with vendor spots for the Beach Market.



Click HERE for registration

All proceeds benefit the WBA, and the WBA Joe Garbus Scholarship Fund for Jonathan Law High School students.

Senior Living Brunch – Planning for the Next Chapter

Ethan Allen in partnership with Always Best Care, invites seniors and their families to a complimentary Senior Living Brunch on Sunday, May 17th

10:00 AM – 12:00 PM at Ethan Allen in Milford (1620 Boston Post Rd).

RSVP by May 12

melissa.colby@ethanallen.com

860-268-6484

This educational and welcoming event is designed to help families plan ahead before care becomes urgent. Attendees will learn about options for aging in place, home care services, senior living communities, scaling down, finance, legal and other local resources that support aging with dignity and independence. Local professionals will be available to provide guidance and answer questions in an informal, supportive setting.

Join us for an Open House with Milford’s Boards & Commissions!

Come learn more about the important work these groups do, their roles in our city, and how you can get involved. This is a great opportunity to ask questions, meet members, and better understand how decisions are made in our community.

Monday, May 18, 2026

6:00 PM

City Hall, 110 River Street

We hope to see you there!

Proceeds from the event, held during Mental Health Awareness Month, will support Bridges Healthcare’s mental health and addiction recovery programs that serve more than 8,000 local people each year.

Learn more at bridgesct.org

Corporate sponsorship opportunities are available.

Rock the Dock is Back!

Bridges Healthcare's 3^rd annual Rock the Dock for Mental Health event is planned for

Thursday, May 28, 2026 at 5:30pm at

 Lisman Landing, 37 Helwig Street, in Downtown Milford.

Rock the Dock will feature an evening of music by local band, The Alpaca Gnomes, and include two drink tickets and appetizers from local vendors plus a raffle and silent auction.

Tickets are $50 per person and can be purchased HERE

The “Strike Out Hunger’ Duckpin Bowling event will be held on

Sunday, May 31, 2026 at Woodlawn Duckpin Bowling Alley in West Haven. 

There are two sponsorship opportunities – Event Grand Sponsor and Event Lane Sponsor.

Event Grand Sponsor is a $500 donation which entitles you to a 4-person team for one of the sessions, an Event Grand Sponsor banner with your logo displayed during the event and your logo included on all materials promoting the event – WHEAT’s website and social media platforms.

Event Lane Sponsor is a $100 donation, which entitles you to a sign with your logo displayed on one of the twelve lanes during the event.

We are organizing a “Strike Out Hunger” Duckpin Bowling event to raise funds for WHEAT (West Haven Emergency Task Force). W.H.E.A.T is a small food pantry serving clients from West Haven, Milford, Orange, New Haven, Hamden, and beyond.

On average, WHEAT helps 225 families weekly in their battle to overcome food insecurity. The need for assistance is great and increasing daily. Creative fundraising efforts are essential to helping to stave off hunger. Every $1 donation provides approximately 2 meals for our neighbors.

 The event will consist of two 2-hour sessions – 10a and 1p (with a third session added if needed) with 12 teams per session.

Entry fee is $25 per bowler with 60% earmarked for WHEAT.

We are asking you to please consider participating or becoming a sponsor to support the event. 

We also graciously accept in-kind donations. Current needs include gift certificates, memorabilia, raffle prizes, and tickets to events.

Any donations can be mailed to Evelyn Blanco, 86 Richards Place, West Haven, CT 06516.

Donations to WHEAT are tax-deductible, to the extent the law allows. WHEAT is a 501C(3) organization; the EIN# is 06-1197653.

Thank you in advance for your support in striking out hunger.