Redding Pilot Answerbook 2010

reddinganswerbook.2010the redding pilot special section

september 16, 2010

2 Redding Answerbook, Redding, Connecticut September 16, 2010

2

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

2

September 16, 2010 Redding Answerbook, Redding, Connecticut 3

3

Millicent Good Posie Morgan Kim Taylor

“Redding’s Number One Agency in Connecticut’s Number One Small Town”

CALL OUR REDDING OFFICE FOR A FREE MARKET ANALYSIS (203) 544-9591

940 Danbury Road, Georgetown, CT 06829 www.coldwellbankermoves.com

For mortgage services, call Joseph Murphy (203) 733-9593

Owned and Operated by NRT Incorporated

COLDWELL BANKER Residential brokerage

Redding’s Leader Since 1971

Ira Stone, Manager

Peri Bartro Joanne Grasso Mary Nagle Peri Bartro Joanne Grasso Mary Nagle Mary Lou Bourque Deb Haws Joan O’Neill Alma Cooke Marybeth Healey Patrice Passaro Kim Cuniberti Joan Kelly Lisa Pompeo Barbara Delia Charlie Knoche Anne Schmiedel Lesley Doscher Marge Lanzara Michele Meehan Seewald Margi Esten Liz Leonard Marilyn Sloper Liz Furrer Garner Lester Kim Sloper Soule Grace Fuschetto Melissa McCarty Webdale Jodi Langford-Talcott Millicent Good Posie Morgan Kim Taylor

3


History .................................................................5-7Demographics ........................................................8Government .......................................................9-17Schools ................................................ 18-19, 21-22Town Officials .......................................................20Public Services ................................................23-24Property Issues ...............................................25-28Emergency Services ........................................28-34Utilities ..................................................................34Map of Greenwich Points of Interest ..............31-33Religion .................................................................35Health ..............................................................36-43Senior Citizens ................................................44-45Children & Teens .............................................46-47Recreation .......................................................50-52Entertainment ..................................................53-54Clubs & Organizations .....................................54-56Business ...............................................................57Food & Shopping .................................................58Transportation ......................................................59Pets & Animals .....................................................60Media ....................................................................61Web Sites .............................................................61

Table of ContentsComplete index on pages 62-63

Published annually by Hersam Acorn Newspapers as a special section of The Redding Pilot.

Copies are also available at real estate offices,

town hall and Chamber of Commerce. For additional copies, call 203-438-6544.

Contents are online at TheReddingPilot.com.

Thomas B. Nash, publisherGregg Bartlett, editor

Mary Anne Hersam, vice president of sales Karen Forrest, account executiveCover photo by Bryan Haeffele

Cover design by Ian MurrenMap by David Raabe

Please send updates, ideas, or corrections to: [email protected]

reddinganswerbook.2010

©2010 Hersam Acorn Newspapers16 Bailey Avenue, Ridgefield, Conn., 06877

4

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��70 West Branchville Road, Ridgefi eld CT 06877

• Ground Floor Access

• 24 Hour Access Available

• Indoor Vehicle Storage

• Individual Unit Alarms

• Clean, Competitive & Convenient

• 5’ x 5’ to 10’ x 35’

• Climate/Non Climate

• We Sell Boxes & Packing Supplies

��CALL FOR RATES & AVAILABILITY

4

HistoryWhen was the town founded and by whom?

Redding was not founded in the traditional sense, like surrounding towns. There is no founder. The southern half of town became part of Fairfield in 1670. The northern part was regarded as the “unoccupied” lands. Deputy Governor Nathan Gold received a land grant in Umpawaug in 1687, and he established a 300-acre farm about the same time. Several other farms belonging to prominent Fairfield families were established by 1700. John Read, Esq., an attorney, acquired 500 acres by purchasing land grants given to veterans of the King Phillips War. He later moved to Boston in 1722. In 1723, all the land in the “unoccupied” lands not taken up was sold at auction to Nathan Gold II and Capt. Samuel Couch. Read unsuccessfully challenged this action in court. Soon after, he petitioned the Colony to establish an Episcopal parish here, but was turned down for several years until there was support of the Congregationlists of Fairfield.

Pootatuck Indian Chief Chicken Warrups lived on 100 acres adjacent to Lonetown Manor until 1747, when Col. John Read (son of attorney John Read) exchanged the land for 200 acres in Scatacook (Kent, CT). Col. John Read wound up owning all of Lonetown and was on hand when Redding was officially incorporated in 1767. Col. Read was one of the Selectmen chosen in 1767.

Where did the name come from?Reddingʼs original name was Reading, for John Read

(above). The name was spelled Redding or Reding on many records when the town was just a parish. Since most residents preferred the “Redding” spelling, town officials listed the name that way in the 1767 articles of incorporation. Redding Ridge and West Redding are sections of Redding, with the former being named because of its location on top of a hill and the latter for geographical reasons.

The Georgetown section of town is actually at the intersec-tion of four towns: Redding, Ridgefield, Wilton and Weston. According to long- deceased native Georgetown resident Wil-bur Thompson, it was named after local miller George Abbott, but this story is suspect since it would have been then custom-ary to have named it Abbottville or Abbottown. One theory holds that it was named in honor of King George III due to the many Loyalists who owned the mills along the Norwalk River prior to the American Revolution. Another holds that it named after George Washington as part of local July 4th celebrations commemorating the countryʼs founding.

What’s the story with the old Gilbert & Bennett factory off Route 107?

The redevelopment of the former Gilbert & Bennett wire mill site off Route 107 in Georgetown is moving forward after a delay while awaiting state permits.

The overall plan is to create a pedestrian-friendly, transit-oriented village on the site. The residential component of the plan calls for loft units, townhouses, single-family homes, affordable units for artists, apartments over retail buildings, and subsidized housing for senior citizens. Commercial and retail development are in the mix, as is a community theater and a new railroad station. The redevelopment includes the environmental remediation of the site. Georgetown Land Development Company, which owns the site, has paid for the expansion of the Georgetown sewer plant to accommodate its development. While the company will renovate about half of the historic buildings on the property, it has demolished those

that were structurally unsound and all of the Butler-type build-ings.

The company is now “daylighting” the Norwalk River, which had been covered with concrete and buildings during the heyday of the manufacturing company. Infrastructure work begins this fall. Once the infrastructure is in place, the project can go vertical.

In 1818 Benjamin Gilbert started making horsehair sieves and established the Gilbert & Bennett Manufacturing Company. In the 1850s his son Edwin started up a new steel wire mill operation at the current site, where wire fencing was made until 1989. In 1998, the company went bankrupt and Gilbert & Bennett Limited Partnership bought the prop-erty from the Georgetown Manufacturing Company. In 2002, Georgetown Land Development Company purchased the townʼs tax liens on the property and in March 2003, it secured the note and mortgage on the property. It foreclosed on the property and in October 2003, it obtained the mortgage on the property.

What about the soldier statue at the entrance of Putnam Park and the wolves and bears statue at Huntington Park?

Both statues are the work of renowned Redding sculptress Anna Hyatt Huntington. She completed the statue of General Israel Putnam at the entrance of Putnam Memorial State Park on Route 58 when she was 94 years old. Dedicated in 1969, the statue depicts Putnamʼs daring escape from British dragoons at Horse Neck (now part of Greenwich). Surprised there and outnumbered by British troops, Putnam rode his

September 16, 2010 Redding Answerbook, Redding, Connecticut History 5

5

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

5

horse down 100 steps cut into the face of a steep cliff and the British were unable to follow. Other famous works by Anna Huntington include “Joan of Arc” in Manhattan, and “El Cid” in Seville, Spain.

What are some historic points of interest?The 800-acre Putnam Memorial State Park on Route

58 was used during the Revolutionary War in the winter of 1778-79 as a campsite. About 2,500 to 3,000 bluecoat sol-diers endured the rigors of the hard winter of 1779 with inad-equate food and clothing. A 42-foot memorial obelisk inside the park gates was erected in 1888 and a statue of General Israel Putnam (above) guards the entrance. The piles of stone that line the park trail are the remains of the chimneys that belonged to the small huts in which the soldiers lived. There is a museum and marked areas where the campsite was. In recent years, a Living History Weekend has been held at the part with Revolutionary re-enactment groups setting up camps and offer-ing demonstrations on colonial trades and crafts.

Gallows Hill Road was the execution site of several Patriot deserters. General Putnam assembled his 3,000 troops at the site to witness their hanging.

The 878-acre Collis P. Huntington State Park on Sunset Hill Road was the old stomping grounds of Pootatuck Indian Naseco in the 1700s. It was first established as a sheep farm in the 1690ʼs by Simon Couch. Upon his death in 1712, Couch gave 30 acres of this land and freedom to his slave, Anthony Batterson. A man named Luttgen eventually took over the land and built a chain of artificial ponds and a stone lighthouse, and cruised the waters in a small paddlewheel steamboat in the late 19th and early 20th Century. The park is named for Collis Potter Huntington, a railroad tycoon who pushed the Central Pacific across the west. His son, Archer M. Huntington, bought the estate in the 1930s and Archerʼs wife, Anna, sculpted the famous statues of the wolves and bears at the parkʼs entrance (see above). In his will, Archer Huntington bequeathed the property to the state.

The little red brick schoolhouse on Umpawaug Road, near the West Redding Fire Station, is the Umpawaug School, built in 1789 and is one of the few brick schoolhouses in Connecticut still standing. The Redding Historical Society opens it on occasion and local schools sometimes stage classes including period costumes and food in the building.

What are the oldest houses in town?The oldest known home was built in 1709, known as the

Hall-Knapp house. It was recently confirmed to have been built at Black Rock Turnpike, at a time when the area was known as Chestnut Ridge.

In 1723, Joseph Sanford built a house for his son that was later owned by Aaron Barlow. It stands at the corner of Umpawaug Road and Station Road. Mr. Barlowʼs brother, Joel, a diplomat, often visited and wrote “Columbiad,” a poetic spoof of Yale University, at the site. Joel Barlow High School on Route 58 is named for the writer and diplomat.

The Capt. Thomas Nash house, at 175 Umpawaug Road, was built about 1725 along with the original barn that makes it the oldest barn still standing in Redding.

Thereʼs also the house and barn at 43 Lonetown Road (Route 107) that is the current home of the Redding Historical Society. The house was built in 1780 for Daniel and Esther Read Bartlett, John Readʼs granddaughter.

Another 18th-Century house is that at 12 Marchant Road, known as the Old Stone House. It is a Dutch stone colonial built of granite from Topstone Quarry. The style of the house is unusual for this area; it was very popular in the Hudson River Valley and Pennsylvania.

There are some very old churches and public buildings in Redding as well. Christ Church Episcopal was the earliest parish in town, founded in 1732. The original building was replaced in 1750 and it was rebuilt in 1833 at the intersection of Cross Highway and Route 58.

The First Church of Christ Congregational on Cross Highway, now next to the Old Town House, was established in 1733, somewhere on what is now known as “The Green.” Before the building was completed, a second building was started at the corner of what is now known as Great Pasture Road and Old Mail Coach. This church was used for about 20 years, to be replaced by a new edifice across the road and very close to the old cemetery. The present church in Redding Center on “The Green” was built in 1837 by the Methodists.

There were a number of immigrant groups in Redding, and each built their own houses of worship. By about 1850, Irish immigrants began to arrive, many to work on building the rail-road. St. Patrick Church in Redding Ridge was built in 1880. The Swedish built Lutheran churches on Portland Avenue and Weston Road. The Gilbert & Bennett Manufacturing Company built a stone church in Georgetown now known as the Georgetown Bible Church. This church started at the old Miller Hall on South Church Street in 1826 and moved to its current building on Route 107 in 1902.

The Old Town House on the Green was rebuilt in 1834. The original building went up on the site near the intersec-tion of Cross Highway and Lonetown Road in the 1730s. The Town Hall building was built in 1879 as the Hill Academy, a private high school.

Are there any important Revolutionary War historical dates in town?

British soldiers, 2,000 strong, marched through town on April 26, 1777 on their way to burn Danbury. Sixteen mem-bers of the Redding Militia were captured that day and later imprisoned in New York, where three died from disease. A monument dedicated to their memory is at Cross Highway and Black Rock Turnpike. Also, a Redding slave named Ned was killed in Danbury when the British entered the town later the same day.

Are there any historical re-enactments?The Friends of Putnam Park sponsors its annual Putnam

Park Summer Craftsmen Program in which re-enactors por-traying Colonial era craftsmen demonstrate their livelihood.

What are some of the town’s earliest roads?Umpawaug Road and the southern part of Route 107 was

the original Danbury and Norwalk Road established in 1685. It was also known as the Great Road. Black Rock Turnpike was established sometime prior to 1700.

Cross Highway was the main east-west road in early Redding. It marked the northerly boundary of the Town of Fairfield from Newtown to Ridgefield.

In the very early period before bridges were constructed, rivers and streams were often crossed at “fording places,” which were shallow enough for pedestrians and animals to walk through the water. One of the early bridges across the Saugatuck was built near a “fording place” where there was also a grist mill. Old Mail Coach Road jogged south from the boundary line of Cross Highway to this bridge. Other sections of Cross Highway were given names and are now known as Seventy Acres, Church Hill and Uncle Johnʼs Road. It is often forgotten that the old “highways” may have been no more than cart paths.

6 History Redding Answerbook, Redding, Connecticut September 16, 2010

66

What are some mistakes in local history?The late Margaret Wixted, the former town historian who

contributed to this section of the Redding Answer Book, said there are several mistakes due to poor research.

Her search, along with the late Ebba Andersonʼs, for the “horse tavern” is a prime example. The two spent weeks trying to find the structure described in town records as the “horse tavern.” They discovered much later in the History of Easton that a horse tavern was the shallow place in a stream where a horse could get a drink.

Mrs. Wixted also said people mispronounce Marchant Road, saying “Mar Chant.” It should be Merchant, but the clerk who entered the name into the town records misspelled it. Mrs. Wixted said it was common for clerks to spell pho-netically, and over the years some names changed. Merchant became Marchant and Persons (Lane) became Parsons.

Giles Hill Road is another example of a mistake. It should have been spelled Guile, Mrs. Wixted said, because it was named for a Mr. Guile, a combmaker who built his home on this road.

Does the town have a historical society?The Redding Historical Society locates, preserves and

makes available materials that document the history of Redding. Residents with historical photographs, documents or artifacts may call the societyʼs president Janice Dimon at 203-938-8796 or leave a message at 203--938-9095.

The society is headquartered in a house and barn at 43 Lonetown Road, called Lonetown Farm. The building is a 1780 farmhouse that is open from 2 to 4 on Sundays, Memorial Day through Labor Day, or by appointment. Call 203-938-9095. The barn houses an antique tool museum. In addition, the historical society hosts a number of special events each year including an antique tractor show and pull the first weekend of June and an antique car show in early September.

Is there a town historian?There are two. Charley Couch is the former president of the

Redding Historical Society and assisted in updating this sec-tion of the Answer Book. Kathleen von Jena is a local archae-ologist who has helped with several digs in town. She also actively participated in the production of A Georgetown Story (see below). Brent Colley is the Georgetown historian.

Are there any town histories?Charles Burr Toddʼs The History of Redding from Its First

Settlement to the Present Time is available at the Mark Twain Library on Route 53. The first edition was written in 1880 and a subsequent edition, including many photos, was published 20 years later. The book, with reprints sometimes found on the Internet, has information about the townʼs beginnings.

Dan Cruson, a social studies teacher at Joel Barlow High School and Newtownʼs town historian, produced a historical pictorial book of Redding and Easton, called A Photographic Retrospective of Redding and Easton. This book is available for purchase at the Mark Twin Library and the town clerkʼs office along with other Redding Historical Society publica-tions.

Why is April 15, 1993 an important date to the his-torical society?

Thatʼs when the historical societyʼs Lonetown farmhouse and barn were listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The date marked the 20th anniversary of the society signing a 99-year lease on the property with the Town of Redding.

Are there any historic districts in town?Redding Center was designated a National Register

Historic District in 1992. The district consists of about 55 acres and includes 39 contributing historic structures and a cemetery that dates from the 18th and 19th Centuries.

Georgetown, which includes parts of Redding, Ridgefield, Wilton and Weston, was designated a National Register Historic District in 1987. There are 144 properties in the dis-trict, including the four-story, red brick factory building (1909) in the Gilbert & Bennett wire factory.

Is the town doing anything to preserve its historic sites?The town has completed a townwide survey of historic and

archaeological sites. The result is maps pinpointing historically and archaeologically sensitive areas in town to aid town plan-ners in decisions concerning long-term development and pres-ervation policies and they will complement the townʼs Plan of Conservation and Development.

Are there any history projects in the making?The Redding Historical Societyʼs Living History Project

is producing a series of ongoing video biographies document-ing the life and times of colorful Reddingites. Completed pro-grams are available for purchase in DVD and VHS formats at the Mark Twain Library.

The Georgetown History Project has produced a film, A Georgetown Story, in association with JEM Films. Viewers learn the mystery of the ghost bell, why Main Street was cut in half, and witness the Flood of 1955, among other historical facts. Three lifelong residents share their stories of growing up, working in, and raising families in Georgetown. Copies on DVD are available. For information, visit georgetownct.org or call 431-0613. E-mail questions to [email protected].

September 16, 2010 Redding Answerbook, Redding, Connecticut History 7

7

��

��

� ��

� ��

��

7

DemographicsHow big is Redding?

Redding is 31.5 square miles, about five miles from north to south, roughly seven miles from east to west. It encompass-es 4.9% of Fairfield County.

The town is bordered on the north by Danbury and Bethel, on the east by Newtown and Easton, on the south by Weston and Easton, and to the West by Ridgefield and Wilton.

There are three main sections of Redding: West Redding, Redding Center, and Redding Ridge. Georgetown, an area in the southwestern portion of town, marks the intersection of four towns: Redding, Ridgefield, Wilton, and Weston.

Local Zip codes are: West Redding 06896, Redding Center 06875, Redding Ridge 06876, and Georgetown 06829.

How many people live here?

The population for 2009 was tallied at 9,144, according to the Connecticut Economic Resource Center Redding Town Profile for 2010, provided on the state Web site (ct.gov or sim-ply go to cerc.com). There were 4,577 males and 4,567 males. The population is expected to decline to 8,735 by 2014.

What is the median age of Reddingites?The median age of Reddingites in 2009 was 43. A total of

2,938 Reddingites, or 16%, fall in the age bracket of 25 to 49 years old, with 2,300, or 12.5%, 50 to 64; 1,870, or 10%, 5 to 17; 995, or 5.5%, 65 or older; 601, or 3%, newborn to 4 and 440, or 2%, 18 to 24.

What is the average price of a house here?In 2009, the average price was $664,338, compared to

$826,770 in 2005, the height of the local real estate market. Redding took a particularly hard-hit in the severe reces-sion with the average house selling price dropping 19% over four years, according to real estate agents who list homes in Redding and Connecticut Multiple Listing Service data from this past spring.

Prospects for the Fairfield County real estate market were looking better early in 2010 when sales surged 60% from the same period last year, with 352 homes sold in January, com-pared to 222 in the first month of 2009.

Redding properties priced at $1 million and higher were also showing more movement, as four units at that price have sold so far in the first quarter, compared to one in the entire quarter last year. The list price in Redding was $808,580 in 2008, compared to $923,983 in 2007 and $990,862 in 2006. The average sale price was $765,128 in 2008, compared to $885,322 in 2007 and $948,290 in 2006.

As for new construction, Reddingʼs building department has seen a 28% increase in permit activity in the last two years since the fiscal year 2007-08 when the local construction mar-ket had hit a 10-year low.

How many households are there?In 2009, 3,204 households were counted; down from 3,262

in 2008 but up from 2,943 in 2007.

What is Redding’s median household income?The CERC profile pegged Reddingʼs median household

income at $131,477 in 2009 (up from $128,870 in 2007), com-pared to $82,184 for Fairfield County and $68,055 for all of Connecticut.

What is Redding’s labor force?According to Connecticutʼs Department of Labor, in July

2010, Reddingʼs labor force totaled 4,780. Of that, 4,485 peo-ple were employed. That resulted in an unemployment rate of 6.2%, compared to about 9.4% for the entire state.

What is the average temperature by season?The Western Connecticut State University Weather Center

says the average winter temperature is 31.8 degrees, spring 47.7, summer 70.1, and fall 52.9.

What is the average annual rainfall, compared to other areas of the country?

The average precipitation is 48.64 inches of total accumula-tion, which includes 38.2 inches of snow.

What is the growing season?The summer growing season is generally defined by the last

spring frost and the first fall frost. Gardeners are usually safe to assume the last frost will occur by May 15, and they can expect the first fall freezing no later than the first or second week of October. Cold weather crops such as broccoli, cab-bage, peas, and leaf lettuce may be planted outdoors four to six weeks before the last spring frost. All other crops can be safely planted or sown directly in the soil after the last frost date. But the first and last frosts can be unpredictable in this area, and many “old-timers” swear that tomatoes should not be planted until after Memorial Day.

8 Demographics Redding Answerbook, Redding, Connecticut September 16, 2010

8

��

��

��

��

��

��

8

Town GovernmentWhere are the town offices?

Most town offices are in Redding Town Hall on Route 107, at the corner of Lonetown and Sanfordtown Roads, or the Town Hall Annex at 10 Lonetown Road. Town offices have been on a four-day workweek for the past two years. Offices in the town hall and community center are open Monday through Wednesday from 8:30 to 5:30 and Thursday from 8:30 to 6. Town Hall Annex offices are open Monday through Thursday from 8 to 3.

All municipal offices are closed Friday, Saturday and Sunday. (For recycling center and refuse transfer station hours, see Property Issues section; hours for other offices are noted elsewhere.)

For general information, call 203-938-2002. The town Web site is townofreddingct.org.

The Parks and Recreation Department and Senior Services are in the Redding Community Center, 37 Lonetown Road.

The Redding Police Department is at 96 Hill Road. It is open 24 hours a day, every day.

Why have the hours of town offices changed?Redding began a four-day work week in July 2008 to

try and save money on overhead costs like air condition-ing and electricity. These hours are indicated throughout the Answerbook.

Who is the chief executive of the town?First Selectman Natalie Ketcham is the townʼs highest

elected official. A Republican, she is serving in her sixth term as first selectman. She previously served on the Board of Selectmen. She can be reached at 203-938-2002 or [email protected].

What does the Board of Selectmen do?The Board of Selectmen is made up of three members — a

first selectman and two selectmen. The selectmen are Donald Takacs (R), in his fourth term; and Julia C. Pemberton (D), in her first term.

The board is responsible for managing the town, appoint-ing certain commission members, proposing new construction projects and budgets, and overseeing town roads. The mem-bers are elected to two-year terms. The first selectman is sala-ried; the selectmen receive a stipend.

Does Redding have a town charter?No. Redding does not have a town charter. It is governed by

its Town Meeting, the Board of Selectmen, and its appointed and elected boards and commissions.

Is there a directory of town officials?The townʼs Web site (townofreddingct.org) has a directory

of all elected and many appointed and employed town offi-cials. The Redding League of Women Voters also produces a directory that is available at town hall and online at lwvct.org/redding. Also, a list of major officials appears in The Redding Answerbook.

What is the town budget?In early May voters approved a 2010-11 town budget that

totals $44.7 million, up from $43.9 million in the 2009-10 fiscal year, or almost 2% higher. This includes $20.6 mil-lion (up from $20.05 million) for Redding elementary and middle schools and $11.1 million (up from $11.02 million) for Reddingʼs share of the Joel Barlow High School budget. The

September 16, 2010 Redding Answerbook, Redding, Connecticut Government 9

9

RAYMOND TREE

COMPANYLLC

RAYMOND TREE

COMPANY

203 - 431 - 3617Call for a Free Estimate!

Stump Grinding and

Woodlands Thinning,

Aerial Truck Services,

Fully Insured

203 - 431 - 3617Call for a Free Estimate!

Fully Insured

We do:Land Clearing,

and Field Mowing

Brush Chipping

Aerial Truck Services,

Woodlands Thinning,

Storm Damage,

Removals, Stump Grinding and

Tree Removals,

9

approved budget for town expenditures is $12.3 million, down from $12.8 million in the previous year. Debt service was pro-jected at $2.1 million, up 3% from 2009-10.

What is the current tax rate in town?Reddingʼs current tax rate is 22.22 mills (up 1.97% from

21.8 mills in the 2009-10 fiscal year), which means for every $1,000 of assessed property value, Reddingites pay $22.22 in local taxes.

On an average net assessment of $528,118 and with the mill rate of 22.22, the tax levy will be $11,735, or $227 more than last yearʼs tax bill.

Where and when do I pay my town taxes?Bills for real estate taxes are sent in June but taxes are due

twice each year, on July 1 and Jan. 1. Car taxes are due on July 1, as are fire district taxes. Residents can either mail in their payments or pay in person at town hall. Tax Collector Patricia Moisio has been on the job since 1979. Her office may be reached at 203-938-2706.

Failure to receive a tax bill does not exempt a property owner from payment of taxes or any penalties or accrued inter-est.

What do my taxes pay for?Local taxes pay for schools, roads, a portion of the library,

police protection, and all other town services.

What happens if I don’t pay my taxes on time?Residents are charged 1.5% per month interest on all back

taxes owed, which works out to an 18% annual percentage rate. If back taxes are owed, the town will put a lien on a prop-erty, preventing it from being sold before taxes are paid.

Does the town ever foreclose on tax-debtor real estate and have tax sales?

If the town is unable to collect back taxes, it will sell the property to the highest bidder to recoup taxes owed. If car taxes are not paid, registration privileges are suspended.

Are there any special taxing districts in town?Three special fire districts may tax: Georgetown Fire

District, Redding Fire District #1 (includes Redding Ridge and Redding Center), and West Redding Fire District #2. The taxes for each district are different. Tax Collectors are Wanda Mardin (203-544-8933) for Georgetown; Patricia Moisio (203-938-3077) for Redding; and Renee Stietzel (203-938-3838) for West Redding. Fire district taxes become due on July 1, and must be made by Aug. 1. Payments postmarked on or after Aug. 2 are considered delinquent and will carry an interest penalty of three percent. Fire district taxes may not be paid at Redding Town Hall.

The Georgetown sewer district currently encompasses 76 houses and businesses. For information about which district youʼre in, call the tax collectorʼs office, 203-938-2706.

What is the town’s bond rating?Standard & Poorʼs gave the town an AAA bond rating, its

highest, on a $10.3 million bond issue in July 2010. S&Pʼs cited the townʼs “extremely favorable, stable economic indi-cators,” which includes a strong, stable property tax base supported by high income levels and low unemployment, its “good financial position” with a surplus projected for the end of the 2010 fiscal year, and its low debt-tomarket ratio, “cou-pled with above-average debt amortization and manageable capital needs.”

In December 2009, Moodyʼs Investors Service, another rat-

ing agency, on its own and not at the townʼs request, lowered the townʼs credit rating from Aa1 to Aa2, the result of a reca-libration to a global scale. In May of this year, the rating was returned to its original Aa1. Barlowʼs bond rating is AAA as well.

What is the town’s grand list?The grand list is an inventory of all the taxable property

in town at its assessed value. It includes real estate, motor vehicles and businesses ̓personal property. As of Oct. 1, 2009, it stood at $1,993-billion, a $12.1-million increase or 0.61% higher than the previous grand list (which had declined 1.49%).

Net real estate assessments totaled $1,826-billion, up 0.53%. Personal property assessments totaled $70.6 million, up 0.53% Net motor vehicle assessments totaled $82.3-million, down 0.40%, as there are fewer cars (9,039 motor vehicles, compared to 9,145 in 2008).

How are my property taxes figured?Property taxes are figures by multiplying your assessment x

mil rate (.02222). The current mill rate is 22.22 mills or $22.22 per thousand dollars of assessed value. For example an assess-ment of $100,000 x mil rate .02222 = $2,222 in taxes.

Property is assessed at 70% of fair market value at the date of the last revaluation, which was Oct. 1, 2007. This lat-est revaluation affected tax bills collected in July 2008 and January 2009.

Towns must conduct a revaluation every five years. Reddingʼs next revaluation is scheduled for Oct. 1, 2012.

What are the objectives of a revaluation?A revaluation aims to establish a more equitable distribu-

tion of the local tax burden by making assessments current. Since market value is the basis of assessment and is subject to change over a period of time due to any number of factors, it should be subject to periodic review and adjustment.

Who determines how much my house is worth for taxing purposes?

Reddingʼs tax assessor (203-938-2626) is responsible for assessing the value of all real estate, personal property, and motor vehicles.

How do I find out my house’s assessment?A field card for each Redding property is available at the

tax assessor s̓ office. The field card, which is part of the public record, shows the value of each property and all structures on it.

What do I do if I think my assessment is unfair?The Board of Assessment Appeals meets annually in the

winter to review complaints about real estate assessments. It meets in the fall for motor vehicle assessments. For informa-tion, call the assessorʼs office at 203-938-2626. The assessorʼs Web page on the townʼs Web site offers a Q&A on the real estate assessment appeals process and a link to an appeals form.

Can veterans or the elderly get tax breaks?There are two tax breaks available for elderly homeowners.

The first one is the Town Benefit for those 65 and older who have lived in Redding three or more years. It does not have any specific income-level requirements. The application period is Feb. 1 through May 15. Once you are receiving the benefit, you do not have to reapply.

The second benefit available is offered by the state. You must be 65 or older, and have an income not exceeding

10 Government Redding Answerbook, Redding, Connecticut September 16, 2010

1010


11

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

11

$36,500 if married; $29,800 if single. Social Security income is included.

There is also an elderly tax renters rebate with the same income requirements as the state benefit mentioned above. The filing period for applications is May 15 to Sept. 15. For an appointment, call Gail Schiron at 203-938-3580.

There is a tax exemption for people who are 100% disabled.There are also two basic veterans exemptions. The first one

is the regular veterans exemption without income guide limits; the second is the Additional Veterans Exemption, with income guide limits.

For details on any of these exemptions, call the tax asses-sorʼs office at 203-938-2626.

What do I do if I get a tax bill for a car I no longer own?The Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) maintains vehi-

cle ownership records, which are forwarded to the assessorʼs office to determine the tax roll for cars owned by Reddingites. If you forgot to turn in the plates of your old vehicle, the DMV will continue to send ownership reports to the town. To remove the car from the tax roll, return the plates to any DMV office — the nearest are in Norwalk and Danbury — and then take the DMV return receipt to the tax assessorʼs office. If you still own the vehicle and have registered it in another state, you will need to show your new registration.

Some details on motor vehicle assessments and whether a credit is warranted are also available at the townʼs Web site via an assessorʼs office link.

What do the registrars of voters do?Duties of the registrars include: registering new voters,

maintaining the list of registered voters, and organizing all elections. The Republican registrar is Liz Furrer and the

Democratic registrar is Margi Esten. They can be reached in the office at 938-5012.

Registrarʼs office hours are 9 to noon Monday and Thursday but the town clerkʼs office is available for voter registrarion Monday through Wednesday, 8:30 to 5:30 and Thursdays, 8:30 to 6.

What are our political parties and enrollments?Before the August 2010 primary elections, there were 2,175

registered Republicans in Redding and 1,977 Democrats. More than 2,100 Reddingites were unaffiliated (not enrolled in a political party), plus 30 were members of minor parties.

Who can register to vote?Any U.S. citizen living in Redding who is 18 or older. You

may register at age 17, as long as you will be 18 by election day.

Where and when can I register?Reddingites may register during regular business hours at

the town clerkʼs office or through the mail. Call the town clerk at 203-938-2377 or the registrars of voters at 203-938-5012 for a registration form. You may also register at any Department of Motor Vehicles office.

Do I need to bring documents when I register?A photo identification such as a driverʼs license is sufficient

identification. If you do not have a driverʼs license or state ID but do have another form of photo ID, land records or mail addressed to you at a Redding address, that will usually suf-fice.

Do I need to renew my voting privileges?No, renewal is not necessary. However, if you move, you

will need to re-register in your new town.

Where do I vote?There is only one voting location in town: The Redding

Community Center.

Who can vote by absentee ballot?Any registered voter who has a valid reason why he or she

is unable to vote in person may use an absentee ballot. Valid excuses include having a serious illness, being physically impaired, or being out of town during voting hours or in mili-tary service.

For what elections can I use absentee ballots?Absentee ballots may be used for any election or referen-

dum and may be obtained at the town clerkʼs office.

Can an absentee ballot application be mailed?Absentee ballots may be mailed for any election but not

for a referendum because of the limited time before the vote. However, in both cases, the application may be picked up in person or by a bona fide representative. Call the town clerk at 203-938-2377 for details.

Can a non-resident property owner vote here?Non-resident property owners who are over 18, are citizens,

and hold $1,000 or more taxable property may vote only on financial matters affecting their taxes.

What is a referendum?A referendum is a machine vote on town issues including

budgets or major projects. Although the legislative body of Redding is the Town Meeting, the Town Meeting can decide to send a vote to a referendum if the meeting feels the issue war-


1212

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

rants a large voter turnout. A referendum may be also called by a petition or by the Board of Selectmen.

When do elections of town officials take place?Town elections are held biennially in odd numbered years.

Elected officials include members of: The Board of Selectmen, Board of Finance, the Planning Commission, the Zoning Commission, the Redding Board of Education, the Region 9 Board of Education, Board of Assessment Appeals, Zoning Board of Appeals, constables, treasurer, tax collector, and town clerk. The registrars of voters and judge of probate are elected in state election years.

Who can vote in a primary?Registered voters who are members of the Democratic or

Republican party may vote in that partyʼs primary only.

Can I look up old deeds in the town hall?Yes, they may be found at town hall.

Are birth, marriage and death records public?Marriage and death records are public record; birth records

are not. Birth records may be obtained only by the individual in question or a family member.

Besides clergy, who can perform weddings?A justice of the peace or a probate judge can also perform

weddings in Connecticut. The office of Town Clerk Michele Grande has a list of the justices of the peace. Office hours are Monday through Wednesday, 8:30 to 5:30 and Thursdays, 8:30 to 6:30. Her phone number is 203-938-2377.

Where do I get a marriage license?A marriage license may be obtained in the town where the

bride lives, the groom lives, or where the wedding will take place. No blood test is needed. The fee is $30; the license is issued immediately and is good for 65 days. Couples are asked to make an appointment when applying for a license. For details, call the town clerkʼs office (203-938-2377).

As of Nov. 12, 2008, same sex marriage became legal in Connecticut. The requirements for entering a same sex mar-riage are the same for an opposite-sex marriage. Since 2005, Connecticut recognized civil unions between two people of the same sex, which granted them the same benefits, rights and protections as are granted to spouses in a marriage. All civil unions are to be converted into marriage on Oct. 1, 2010. For details, go to Connecticut Public Health section at ct.gov.

The ceremony may be performed by a justice of the peace or a minister. For details, call Ms. Grande at 203-938-2377.

Who is the judge of probate? What does he do?Richard L. Emerson, judge of probate since 1979, admin-

isters estates and trusts, both with and without a will, appoints executors and trustees to handle estates and trusts, handles adoptions and conservatorships, commitments for the mentally ill, and name changes. Judge Emerson, a Republican, can per-form weddings. His office number is 203-938-2326.

By January 2011, the local probate court will have a new location and new name. As part of the consolidation of Connecticutʼs probate courts, the state legislature last year placed Redding, Ridgefield, Bethel and Newtown in a new probate district, Region 4 South. Early this year, the first selectmen from the four towns chose Bethel as the location of the court and agreed on naming it the Northern Fairfield County Probate Court.

This fall s̓ election will decide whom the probate judge will be for the new district. Probate judges are elected to four-year terms.

Where can I apply for a passport?You may obtain a new passport or renew an expired one by

filling out an application at your local post office. Applicants need two copies of a current passport-size photo. To renew a passport, applicants will need to send the old passport along with the application. To obtain a new passport, a birth cer-tificate with a raised seal is necessary. Applications must be signed before the issuing agent. For more information call one of the post offices in town.

You may also visit the Connecticut Passport Agency at 50 Washington Street in Norwalk. Hours are 9 to 4, but an appointment is required by calling 1-877-487-2778. This is also where you may obtain visas for foreign travel.

You may renew your passport by mail if: you have it to submit, you received it within the past 15 years, you were over age 16 when it was issued, and you still have the same name or can legally document your name change. Otherwise, you must renew in person. Renewal applications are available online at travel.state.gov. Donʼt wait to renew. You may have some trouble if your passport expires in less than six months. For complete information, visit the U.S. State Department site at state.gov.

What does the building department do?In compliance with the Connecticut State Building Codes,

the building department (203-938-2558) issues permits for all new construction, alterations, remodeling, additions, renova-tions, temporary structures, decks, storage buildings, and some repairs. These permits are generally issued after approvals from the planning, zoning, conservation, and health depart-ments.

The building department is in the Town Hall Annex. Office hours are 7 to noon and 1 to 5:30, Monday through Thursday.


1313

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

What does the building officer do?Reddingʼs building official, Jay Hennessey, reviews and

grants all building permits and inspects renovations and new construction. He issues certificates of occupancy after work has been inspected and passed.

Mr. Hennessey is retiring on Sept. 30 after being in charge of the building department for 15 years. The Board of Selectmen promoted Shaun Donnelly, assistant building offi-cial for 11 years, to succeed Mr. Hennessey.

Does the town have a land use coordinator?Jo-an Brooks (203-938-3721) is the land use coordina-

tor who works with the Planning Commission and the Conservation Commission. Her office is at the Old Town House on Cross Highway. Hours are 8:30 to 12:30 Monday through Thursday.

What does the Planning Commission do?The Planning Commission regulates subdivisions, prepares

an overall plan for the future development of the town and approves town programs for land use put forward by other agencies such as the Board of Education. It also produces the Redding Town Plan of Conservation and Development. The commission meets the second and fourth Tuesday, or as post-ed, at 7:30 p.m., in the Old Town House. Members, who are elected, are listed under Town Officials.

What does the town’s Zoning Commission do?The Zoning Commission determines how commercial

and residential land is used in Redding by establishing and enforcing the townʼs zoning regulations. It is also makes sure all town properties follow the townʼs zoning regula-tions. Meetings take place the second and fourth Wednesday, 7:30 p.m., in the town hall. The office, in the Redding Center Post Office Building, is open from 8 to 3 or by appointment, Monday through Thursday. Members are listed under Town Officials.

What is the Zoning Board of Appeals?The Zoning Board of Appeals reviews applications by

residents who want to build or renovate property that is non-conforming or would be made non-conforming by additional construction. Non-conforming means it does not meet zoning regulations. Applicants must show a hardship or valid reason why they need to build in a non-conforming way. The most common applications are for additions, pools, and driveways.

Members and alternates, who are elected, are listed under Town Officials.

What does the zoning enforcement officer do?The enforcement officer, Robert Flanagan (203-938-2525),

who is also the townʼs wetlands and conservation director, inspects town properties to make sure they conform with the townʼs zoning regulations. If they donʼt, the officer will bring the non-conformity to the attention of the Zoning Commission.

How can I get involved in town government?The easiest way to get involved is to contact a political

party. If you are a Republican, call the Republican Town Committee chairman, Ward Mazzucco at 203-938-9861. The committeeʼs Web site is reddingrepublicans.org.

If you are a Democrat, call Julia Pemberton, chair of the Democratic Town Committee, at 203-938-3013. The commit-teeʼs Web site is reddingdemocrats.org.

You may also call First Selectman Natalie Ketcham, 203-938-2002. The committees recommend and endorse candidates


14

��

��

��

��

IT’S HERE

��

��

��

��

��

� � � � � � � � � � �

��

14

for appointed and elected positions.

How are candidates for town boards and commis-sions chosen?

Candidates for most boards and commissions are recom-mended by either the Republican Town Committee or the Democratic Town Committee. Generally, appointed members are chosen by the Board of Selectmen, which may or may not follow the recommendation of a town committee. Elected offi-cials are chosen by the voters.

What boards and commissions have appointed mem-bers?

Members of the Water Pollution Control Commission, the Conservation Commission, the Commission for the Elderly, the Park and Recreation Commission, and the Board of Ethics are appointed, generally by the Board of Selectmen. The selectmen also appoint the alternate members on the Planning Commission and the Zoning Commission.

What can the Town Meeting do?The Town Meeting, the legislative body of Reddingʼs local

government, approves the townʼs major spending (such as the annual budget), new capital projects (such as the renovation or new construction of schools or town offices), and adopts or amends town ordinances. Any registered Redding voter may participate, which means talk, propose motions, and vote. Any Redding taxpayer who is at least 18, a U.S. citizen, and has property worth at least $1,000 on the current grand list, may also participate and vote.

When does the Annual Town Meeting occur?The meeting on the first Friday in December sets the date

of the Annual Town Budget Meeting.Aside from the Annual Town Budget Meeting to approve

the townʼs budget, Town Meetings may be called at any time. The time and location of all Town Meetings must be posted in the legal notices of the local paper at least five days before the meeting.

What does the town clerk do?Town Clerk Michele Grande maintains all land, birth, death,

and marriage records. She also issues marriage and civil union licenses as well as fishing, hunting, and dog licenses; swears in town officials; orders all voting machine materials; and issues absentee ballots. This is an elected position.

What does the town treasurer do?The town treasurer, an elected position, is Margaret L.

OʼDonnell. She is responsible for managing all town income and distributing town funds.

What does the Board of Finance do?Members of the Board of Finance, elected to six-year

terms, review and recommend town budgets to the Town Meeting. They oversee the fiscal operation of town govern-ment, set the mill rate, publish the town report, and approve all appropriations. They are responsible for maintaining the financial health of the town, and for borrowing and investing money. Members are listed under Town Officials.

The board meets the fourth Monday of the month, or as posted, at 7:30 p.m. in the Town Office Building.

Does the town have a controller?The controller, appointed by the Board of Selectmen, pays

bills, supervises the budget, maintains financial records, is

responsible for meeting financial data needs for departments, and pays employees. Reddingʼs controller is Steve Gniadek.

What does the Conservation Commission do?The seven-member, appointed Conservation Commission

maintains and preserves the townʼs wetlands and waterways. It periodically prepares an inland wetlands map and an open space map, and maintains an index of both public and private open space land areas. Anyone who wants to build on or near wetlands must appear before the commission. The commis-sion meets the first and third Tuesdays at 7:30 p.m. in the Old Town House.

Members are David Pattee, chairman; Joseph W. Beres III, Victor DeMasi, William Hill, Wallace G. Perlman, Jeremiah Ross and Fred D. Schroeder.

What does the Park and Recreation Commission do?The Park and Recreation Commission maintains

Topstone Park, and oversees the development of recreational activities for all ages. The commissionʼs appointed members are: Paul H. Degener, chairman; Todd H. Bennett, Paula D. Darlington, Jan H. Dorenbosch, Susan Goldman, Lisa S. LeBlanc, Meredith C. McClung, Gary H. Miyashiro; (there is one vacancy). They meet the fourth Monday of the month, 7:30 p.m., in the Redding Community Center.

What does the Board of Ethics do?The Board of Ethics, which meets three times a year,

handles any complaints involving the ethics of town officials or employees. Its appointed members are Walter C. King II, chairman; Susan V. Green, Linda J. Koch, Elaine V. Mintz and Elaine Wyden. Hank Bielawa is an alternate.


15

��

��

��

��

��

��

15


16

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

16

What does the Commission on Aging do?The Commission on Aging supports the social, health, and

welfare needs of Redding seniors. It is involved in many pro-grams such as flu shots for seniors, collection of old cell phones senior can use to call 911, and running the food bank. Its appoint-ed members are Rosalind Kopfstein, chair; Janet A. Cianci, Samuel E. M. Crocker, Florence H. Hayes, Lore S. Handy, Janet P. Metzger, William F. Morris, Alice B. Pardee and Jean L. Whitham. They meet the first Wednesday of the month (except August), 9 a.m., in the Redding Community Center.

What is the Water Pollution Control Commission?The commission oversees the Georgetown Sewer District.

Appointed members are: John T. Shaban, chairman; Thomas R. Flagg, Patricia K. Moisio, David R. Pattee, Richard A. Regan, Daniel Robinson and Daniel T. Eubanks. Meetings are the first Wednesday, 7:30 p.m., at town hall. What is a notary public? Where can I find one?

A notary public is someone legally empowered to witness signatures, certify documents, and take depositions and affi-davits. Some may charge a small fee for their service. Every bank has one on staff. Some real estate agents are notary pub-lics. A notary public is available at the Redding Community Center on Thursday afternoons from 2 to 3. Call 938-9725 for an appointment. What are legal notices? Where can I read them?

Legal notices announce when town meetings and public hearings will take place, and usually appear in The Redding Pilot, though they may also appear in The News-Times. Other legal notices advertise the seeking of bids for purchases or construction; give notice of lost property; report upcoming elections, primaries or caucuses; list proposed budgets; and publish the texts of proposed ordinances. Who is our state senator?

Redding is in the 26th senatorial district, which cov-ers Redding, Ridgefield, Weston, Westport, Wilton, parts of New Canaan and Bethel. Our state senator is Republican Toni Boucher. She may be reached at 5 Wicks End Lane, Wilton 06897, 203-762-3232 or at her legislative office at 1-800-842-1421 or 860-240-0465, or via e-mail at [email protected]. The senator has an online page at the Web site senaterepublicans.ct.gov. The state Senate seat is up for election this fall. What state house district are we in?

Redding encompasses two state house districts, which face election this fall. Most of Redding is in House District 135, represented by Republican John Stripp, Assistant Republican Leader. Write to Mr. Stripp at 4 Scatacook Trail, Weston, 06883 or call 203-227-8917. In Hartford, call 800-842-1423. E-mail him at [email protected]. His Web page is at housegop.state.ct.us.members/stripp.asp.

A strip of Redding to the north is in the 2nd House District, represented by Jason Bartlett, a Democrat. He can be reached at 14 Highview Terrace, Bethel, 06801, or Legislative Office Building, Room 4005, Hartford 06106, 860-240-8585 or 1-800-842-8267, e-mail [email protected]. His Web page is at housedems.ct.gov/Bartlett/index.asp.

Who represents us in Congress?

Redding is in the 4th Congressional District and is repre-sented by Jim Himes, a Democrat. The two-year term seat is up for election this fall.

His local office is at 888 Washington Blvd., Stamford 06901-2927. Local phone numbers are 203-310-7711; fax 203-210-7703

In Washington, he is at 214 Cannon HOB, Washington, DC 20515; 202-225-5541, fax 202-225-9629; Web site: himes.house.gov. How do I contact our senators?

Senator Christopher J. Dodd, a Democrat, may be reached at 100 Great Meadow Road, Wethersfield, CT 06109, 800-334-5341, or 448 Russell Senate Office Bldg., Washington, DC 20510, 202-224-2823; [email protected]. Web site: dodd.senate.gov. He was re-elected to a fifth term in November 2004, but decided not to seek re-election this year when the seat is up for election this fall.

Senator Joseph Lieberman, an Independent who caucuses with the Democrats, is at 706 Hart Senate Office Building, Washington, DC 20510, 202-224-4041. He also has offices at 1 Constitution Plaza, 7th Floor, Hartford, CT 06103, 800-225-5605, fax 860-549-8478. He may be e-mailed at [email protected]. His Web site is lieberman.senate.gov. His term expires in January 2013. How do I reach the governor?

Gov. M. Jodi Rell is at State Capitol, 210 Capitol Avenue, Hartford, 06106, 860-566-4840. E-mail [email protected]. Where can I get information about enlisting in one of the military branches?

Several branches of the U.S. military have recruiting offices at 2 White Street Plaza in Danbury: the Air Force, 203-748-1643; the Army, 203-792-1590; the Marines, 203-748-3430; and the Navy, 203-743-1375. The Connecticut Army National Guard has an office at 54 West Street, 203-794-1854.

For the Connecticut Air National Guard, call 860-292-2502.


17

��

�

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

17

SchoolsWhere is the school district office?

The central office for the superintendent of schools and the three boards of education (Redding, Easton and Region 9) is at 654 Morehouse Road in Easton (P.O. Box 500/06612). To reach the central office by phone, call 203-261-2513 or fx 203-261-4549 or 203-261-7936. The Web site is er9.org.

What does the Board of Education do?Among its jobs, the board proposes a budget to run the

schools, oversees spending, sets policies and rules, hires the superintendent, approves administrators, adopts books and courses, negotiates staff contracts, and hears citizen appeals.

In Redding, the school board oversees Redding Elementary School and John Read Middle School. In Region 9, the school board oversees Joel Barlow High School, which serves Redding and Easton.

The Redding Board of Education meets the first Tuesday, 7:30 p.m., or as posted, at John Read Middle School. Dr. Jess Gaspar (203-938-3847) is chair.

The Region 9 Board of Education meets the fourth Tuesday, 7 p.m., or as posted, at Joel Barlow High School. Mark Lewis (e-mail: [email protected]) is chair and Dr. Michael Cicchetti (203-261-2513, ext. 101/[email protected]) is superintendent.

What public schools are in town?Three schools serve Redding children. They are:Redding Elementary (prekindergarten through fourth

grade), 33 Lonetown Road (203-938-2519, er9.org/res). Stephanie Pierson Ugol is principal. Web site: reddingelemen-taryps.org.

John Read Middle School (fifth through eighth grades), 486 Redding Road (203-938-2533, er9.org/jrms). Diane Martin ([email protected]) is principal. Web site: johnreadps.org.

Joel Barlow High School (ninth through 12th grade), 100 Black Rock Turnpike (203-938-2508, er9.org/jbhs). Thomas H. McMorran ([email protected]) is principal. He is also assistant superintendent of Region 9. Web site: joelbarlow.org. School mascot: falcon.

Redding is a partner district in the Western Connecticut Academy for International Studies Elementary Magnet School (203-778-7462) at 201 University Boulevard, Danbury. This is an inter-district school with a mission to provide a global perspective in its education of area students in kin-dergarten through fifth grade. The application deadline has passed, so students names submitted at this point will be added at the end of the waiting list. Check with the district office or go online at er9.org (or danbury.k12.ct.us) for more details.

How many children attend each school?The official enrollment in each school is taken Oct. 1. As of

late August, total enrollment for the school district was expect-ed to be 3,298 students, with about 325 teachers. The projec-tions were 662 children in Redding Elementary School (670 last year); 594 in John Read Middle School (595 last year); and 983 in Joel Barlow High School (959 last year).

What are the hours of operation at the schools?Redding Elementary School is in session from 8:10 to 2:40,

John Read Middle School from 9 to 3:30, and Joel Barlow

High School, 7:30 to 2:07.Delayed openings are at 9:40 for Redding Elementary

School, 10:30 at John Read Middle School, and 9 a.m. for Joel Barlow High School.

Early dismissals are at noon for Joel Barlow High School, 12:40 at Redding Elementary School, and 1:30 at John Read Middle School.

What school holidays and vacations are planned?For the 2010-11 school year, school opened on Sept.

1. Holidays and vacations include: Sept. 6, Labor Day; Sept. 9, Rosh Hashanah; Oct. 8, staff day, no school; Oct. 11, Columbus Day; Nov. 24, early dismissal; Nov. 25-26, Thanksgiving recess; Dec. 24-31, holiday recess; Jan. 14, staff day, no school; Jan. 17, Martin Luther King Jr. Day; Feb. 21, Presidents Day; Feb. 22-25, winter recess; April 18-21, spring recess; April 22, Good Friday; and May 30, Memorial Day. The tentative last day for Region 9 students is June 13 and for Redding students is June 14, but may change depending on the number of snow days used.

What is the average class size in our elementary, middle and high schools?

According to the Strategic School Profile for 2006-07, the average class size is 19 in kindergarten, 21 in second grade, 19 in fifth grade, and 20 in seventh grade. Data was not available for Joel Barlow High School, where class sizes vary by subject matter.

How and when do I register a child for school?Redding Elementary School sends out a kindergarten regis-

tration packet in November. Registration is usually the first or second Wednesday in December. At other times, or for other grades, call the individual school, talk to the secretary, and arrange to fill out the necessary forms.

The schools require a birth certificate, proof of address and proof of immunization. Transferring students also need copies of their transcripts or report cards.

When can my child enter kindergarten?Any child who turns five on or before Jan. 1 may enter

kindergarten the following fall. Parents have the option to wait a year but should notify the school they are doing so. Parents should call the elementary school and discuss any placement concerns with the principal. However, the decision is left up to the parents.

How did students perform on the Connecticut Mastery Tests?

The Connecticut Mastery Test was given to third through eighth graders during the spring of 2010. Following are the scores indicating the percentage of students who scored at or above goal:

Grade 3: Math - 88.8%; Reading - 76.1%; Writing - 72.3%Grade 4: Math - 87.7%; Reading - 82.9%; Writing - 79.8%Grade 5: Math - 93.5%; Reading - 83.6%; Writing - 92.3%;

Science - 88.4%Grade 6: Math - 94.7%; Reading - 95.9%; Writing - 87.7%Grade 7: Math - 94.4%; Readng - 97.8%; Writing - 95.2%Grade 8: Math - 93.4%; Reading - 92%; Writing - 87.1%;

Science - 83.5%

18 Schools Redding Answerbook, Redding, Connecticut September 16, 2010

1818

What about the CAPTs?The Connecticut Academic Performance Tests, known as

the CAPTs, test for proficiency in math, science, reading, and writing. The latest scores available are for the tests taken in spring 2010 by Joel Barlow High School sophomores.

The percentages of students achieving at or above goal are as follows: Math - 75.7%; Science - 79%; Reading - 78.8%; Writing - 90.3%.

What is the average SAT score for seniors at the high school?

Students at Joel Barlow High School took the 2009 version of the Scholastic Aptitude Test, which included a writing sec-tion and was based on a perfect score of 2400. The students who took the test averaged a total reading, math, and writing score of 1725, up from 1685 by the Class of 2008 and 1675 by the Class of 2007.

The Class of 2009ʼs mean reading score was 571; the mean math score was 569, and the mean writing score was 584.

Total aveage scores elsewhere: Wilton, 1785; New Canaan, 1782; Weston, 1778; Greenwich, 1738 and Ridgefield, 1729.

Does the school offer SAT prep programs?Voluntary classes by a private testing company are offered at

the high school.

Does John Read Middle School have extracurricular activities?

The middle school has intramurals, clubs, student activities, a student government, an honor society, a yearbook, music performance groups, annual theater productions, a chorus, and school store.

Are our children physically fit?Some 59.5% of local students reached the state health stan-

dard on all four tests assessing flexibility, abdominal strength and endurance, upper-body strength, and aerobic endurance, according to the Strategic Profile for 2007-08. The state aver-age was 36.1%.

What interscholastic sports does the high school offer?

Broken down by season, Joel Barlow High School offers the following varsity, junior varsity, and freshman sports:

Fall: boys: cross country (V), football (V, JV), soccer (V, JV); girls: cheerleading (V), cross country (V), field hockey (V, JV), soccer (V, JV), swimming (V), volleyball (V, JV).

Winter: boys: basketball (V, JV, F), ice hockey (V), skiing (V), wrestling (co-op with Weston); girls: basketball (V, JV), cheer-leading (V), skiing (V).

Spring: boys: baseball (V, JV), golf (V), lacrosse (V, JV), ten-nis (V), volleyball (V); girls: softball (V, JV), lacrosse (V, JV), tennis (V), track (V).

The school colors are black and gold. The school mascot is the falcon.

What extracurricular activities are available?

Joel Barlow has many clubs. These offerings are based on student interest and are subject to change. They include: Acapella Choir; AmeriCares; Anti-defamation League; Art Club; Barlow Players; Chess Club; CISCO/Graphics Lab; Debate Club; Diversity Club; Fencing Club; Film Club; Fishing Club; French Club; Frisbee Club; Future Business Leaders of America; Games (Board) Club; Hackey Sack Club; H.O.P.E. (Helping Other People Everywhere) Club; Hip Hop Club; Intramurals; Latin Club; Literary Magazine; Math

Team; Mock Trial; Mosaic (student newspaper); National Honor Society; One With Nature; Paws for a Cause; Peer Mediators; PEERS; Philosophy Club; Photo Club; Ping Pong Club; Reading Club; Sexual Awareness Group; S.O.U.P. (Serving Our Under Privileged); Sports Conditioning; Student Council; Tabletop Gaming; and Teen Life Management Association. See the schoolʼs handbook for more information.

How can I find out if school is canceled because of bad weather?

In bad weather, announcements are made between 6 and 8 a.m. on WLAD 800 AM, WICC 600 AM, WTIC 1080 AM, WEBE 108 FM, STAR 99.9 FM, WTNH Channel 8, WFSB Channel 3 and Cablevision Channel 12. School closings, early dismissals, and early openings may be found on the Internet at ctweather.com and district Web site: er9.org.

The John Read Middle School offers a service called Voice Reach, in which a recorded message regarding school clos-ings will be telephoned to a home number. Weather-related announcements are also available on the middle school voice mail, 203-938-2533, press 7.

Parents are advised not to call the Redding police or the school offices.

What is the school system’s policy for providing school bus service?

The school does not provide door-to-door service. Although a bus stop may be in front of someoneʼs house, in general the following rules apply: Students in kindergarten through third grade may be required to walk up to 1,200 feet; students in fourth through eighth grade may be required to walk up to 2,500 feet; and students in ninth through 12th grade may be required to walk up to a mile.

Bus routes are available online at the school district Web site and are password protected. A bus transportation opt-out form is also available there.

What is the current school budget?The Redding Board of Educationʼs 2010-11 budget is

$20.6-million, up about $601,100 or 3.5% from the 2009-10 budget for Redding Elementary School and John Read Middle School.

Reddingʼs share of the total Region 9 budget is $11.14-mil-lion, an increase of about $124,000 or 1.12% over last year. Easton pays the other portion. Reddingʼs portion of the budget is based on the number of students enrolled at Joel Barlow. The total Region 9 budget of $21.2-million increased up by 2.76%.

In mid-July, the school board reported that because of a combination of good management, tight expense controls and other factors, there was an estimated projection of a $120,000 surplus in the 2009-10 operating budget.

What is the starting salary for a teacher?In Redding, for the 2009-10 school year, the starting salary

for a teacher with a B.A. at Step 1 was $43,954 and went up to $89,716 for a teacher with a Ph.D. at Step 13. For 2010-11, those numbers will increase to $44,992 and $91,835; and in 2011-12 the contract stipulates a B.A. at Step 1 earns $46,150 and a teacher with a Ph.D. at Step 13 will earn $94,199.

At Joel Barlow High School, the starting pay in the past year was $47,644 for a teacher with a B.A. at Step 1 and went up to $101,269 for a teacher with a Ph.D. at Step 16. In 2010-11, the same steps will earn $49,026 and $104,206; and in 2011-12 $50,497 and $107,332.

By state law, all Connecticut public school teachers must have a masterʼs degree to teach beyond 10 years.

September 16, 2010 Redding Answerbook, Redding, Connecticut Schools 19

1919


Town OfficialsBoard of Selectmen First Selectman Natalie T. Ketcham (R) 56 Wagon Wheel Road 203-938-2002

Selectman Julia C. Pemberton (D) 159 Umawaug Road 203-938-8603 Selectman Donald Takacs (R) 17 Dorethy Road 203-938-9106Board of Finance William E. Alvarez, Jr. (R-ch) 57 Dayton Road 203-938-3677 Francis E. DeSalvo (R) 113 Mountain Road 203-438-4078 Joseph P. Dolan (D) 2 Windy Hill Road 203-938-7465 Rand R. Guffey (R) 127 Peaceable Street 203-544-8408 Ward J. Mazzucco (R) 44 Wood Road 203-938-0158 Nicholas Simeonidis (D) 5 Beck Road 203-938-9222Redding Board of Education Jess W. Gaspar (R-ch) 14 Black Rock Turnpike 203-938-3847 James Barickman (D) 3 Churchill Lane 203-938-2403 Lewis Brey (R) 4 Costa Lane 203-664-1252 Lewis Goldberg (R) 55 Dayton Road 203-938-2105 Kathleen M. Joyce-Kirk (D) 222 Redding Road 203-544-9437 David Lewson (R) 86 Drummer Lane 203-938-0479 Edward Miller (D) 19 Lampost Drive 203-938-1919 Region 9 Board of Education Mark Lewis (D-ch) 11 Highland Avenue 203-544-7061 Chris Hocker (R) 45 Picketts Ridge Road 203-438-3805 Leon J. Karvelis Jr. (D) 42 Umpawaug Road 203-938-3299 Joe Macchio (R) 50 Sport Hill Road 203-938-3639Planning Commission Diane F. Taylor (R-ch) Umpawaug Road 203-938-3152 Michael V. Bakanas (R) 90 Gallows Hill Road 203-938-2000 Robert B. Dean (D) 67 Hill Road 203-938-8817 Thomas R. Flagg (R) 23 Old Mailcoach Road 203-938-3088 Nancy E. King (D) 32 Seventy Acres Road 203-438-3398Zoning Commission Gerald L. Casiello (R-ch) 152 Gallows Hill Road 203-938-3811 Benjamin L. Gordon (D) 23 Side Cut Road 203-938-9108 G. Marshall Sanford (R) Turney Road 203-938-2424 John T. Shaban (R) 29 Ledgewood Road 203-938-2080 Joseph V. Ventricelli (D) 22 Winding Brook Lane 203-938-4004Zoning Board of Appeals Colleen Brown Litof (R-ch) 35 Pine Mountain Road 203-544-8216 Robert A. Morton (D) 274 Poverty Hollow Road 203-938-2992 Henry J. Polio (R) 27 Gallows Hill Road 203-938-8587 Michael Thompson (R) 34 Old Stagecoach Road 203-938-9535 Elizabeth F. Williams (D) 4 Dorethy Road 203-938-0398 Trevor Ernst Furrer (R-alt) 51 Old Stagecoach Road 203-938-3789 Robert Bruce Given (R-alt) 41 Old Stagecoach Road 203-938-3907 Paul R. Scholl (D-alt) 60 Cross Highway 203-938-4881Board of Assessment Appeals Greg Stackpole (R-ch) 39 Picketts Ridge Road 203-438-8975 Mary Lou B. Claremont (D) 102 Black Rock Turnpike 203-938-3162 Scott R. Palmer 76 Gallows Hill Road 203-938-2476Department HeadsAssessor John E. Ford IV [email protected] 203-938-2626Building Officer Shaun Donnelly [email protected] 203-938-2558Health Officer Douglas Hartline [email protected] 203-938-2559Highway Superintendent Bruce Sanford [email protected] 203-938-2801Land Use Coordinator Jo-An Brooks [email protected] 203-938-3721Human Services Director Gail Schiron [email protected] 203-938-9725Police Chief Douglas Fuchs [email protected] 203-938-3400Probate Judge Richard L. Emerson [email protected] 203-938-2326Town Clerk Michele Grande [email protected] 203-938-2377Tax Collector Patricia Moisio [email protected] 203-938-2706Zoning Enforcement Officer Robert Flanagan [email protected] 203-938-8517Town Treasurer Margaret OʼDonnell [email protected] 203-938-3616Schools Superintendent Michael Cicchetti [email protected] 203-261-2513Registrar of Voters Margaret B. Esten (D) 100 Hill Road 203-938-5012Registrar of Voters Elizabeth A. Furrer (R) 100 Hill Road 203-938-5012

2020

Who is the superintendent of schools?Dr. Michael Cicchetti, who succceeded Dr. Allen

Fossbender as superintendent of schools for Redding, Easton and Region 9 at the start of 2010, makes a salary of $210,00 per year.

What is special education? Whom does it help?Special education includes a variety of programs designed

to support children who may have unique learning needs. Among those helped by special education are children with learning disabilities, physical handicaps and emotional prob-lems, and mentally challenged children. Special education is federally mandated, but the town pays about 96% of the cost of programs.

How can I find out if my child should have special education?

Talk to your classroom teacher to discuss whether your child may need special education. You may also ask for a “request for support form” on which you can describe your concerns. This form is submitted to the school principal.

You may also call the following special education admin-istrators: Brian Farrell ([email protected]) or Cheryl Freeston ([email protected]) at Redding Elementary (203-938-2519) or John Read Middle School (203-938-2533), and at Joel Barlow, Mrs. Roszko at 203-938-2508, ext. 1545 to discuss your concerns. You will be advised of your legal rights should a disagreement continue.

What special education resources are in the area?SPED*NET is the Special Education Network of New

Canaan, a monthly forum for discussing special education and section 504 issues. It is an independent nonprofit. Information is available on the Web site at spednet.org.

There is also a similar group in Wilton called SPED*NET Wilton. The Web site is spednetwilton.org.

We Belong - Inclusion in Fairfield County (IFC) is a network of individuals interested in inclusive education for students with disabilities. Six meetings a year are held at Westport Library. Call Eva Greenwald at 203-554-4462 or visit online at spednet.org/IFC.htm.

The Connecticut Birth to Three System helps families meet the developmental and health-related needs of their infants and toddlers who have delays or disabilities. For infor-mation, call the Child Development Infoline at 1-800-505-7000 or visit online at birth23.org.

What is the Redding Education Foundation?Formed by Redding volunteers, the foundation raises pri-

vate money to promote opportunities for educational excel-lence. For details, visit reddingeducationfoundation.org, call 203-938-1411 or send an e-mail to [email protected].

Is there a PTA? What does the PTA do?Each local school has its own Parent Teacher Association;

the high school has a Parent Teacher Student Association. The PTAs are made up of parents and teachers (and, at the high school, students) and raise money, support school events and try to further the interests of Redding schools.

There is also a PTA Council of Easton and Redding, which serves as an advisory board for all five PTAs in Redding and Easton.

The Redding Special Education Parent Teacher Association (SEPTA) supports children with special needs and educates others about those needs. For information, call the district office at 203-261-2513.

May I rent space in a school to give a night course or a special program?

Yes, for a charge and under very limited conditions. To inquire about scheduling and procedures, call John Read Middle School at 203-938-2533; Redding Elementary School at 203-938-2519; or Joel Barlow High School at 203-938-2508.

What nursery or preschools are here or nearby?Nursery schools include: Creative Play, 992 Danbury

Road, Wilton, 544-7575; Montessori School of Redding, 25 Cross Highway, 938-9346; Cobble Creek Play School, 32 Side Cut Road, 938-8788; Christ Church Pre-School, Cross Highway, 938-1052; Landmark Academy, 20 Portland Avenue, Georgetown, 544-8393; Pinewood Learning Center, 9 Picketts Ridge Road, 894-1777; and Kids Time Preschool, 32 Portland Avenue, 544-1266.

What private schools are available?Housatonic Valley Waldorf School (203-364-1113/wal-

dorfct.org) in Newtown offers classes for pre-K through eighth grade. Ridgefield Academy (203-894-1800/ridgefieldacad-emy.com) in Ridgefield offers preschool through eighth grade (203-894-1800/ridgefieldacademy.com). The Wooster School in Danbury (203-830-3900/woosterschool.org) offers programs for kindergarten through 12th grade. Near Wooster School is Maimonides Academy (203-748-7129/mawcschool.org), a community Jewish day school for nursery school age through fifth grade. Saint Mary Catholic School (203-438-7288/smsridgefield.org) in Ridgefield offers full-day and half-day classes for three-, four- and five-year-olds plus kindergar-ten (full-day) through eighth grade. Our Lady of Fatima

September 16, 2010 Redding Answerbook, Redding, Connecticut Schools 21

21

� � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � �

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

�

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

21

in Wilton (203-762-8100/olfrs.org) is a Catholic school for three- and four-year-olds and children in kindergarten through eighth grade. Fatima has an all-day kindergarten. Fairfield Prep (203-254-4000/prep.fairfield.edu), a boys-only Catholic high school, is run by Jesuits. Immaculate High School (203-744-1510/immaculatehs.org) is a coed high school in Danbury. In New Canaan, St. Lukeʼs (203-966-5612/stlukesct.org) has grades five through 12 and New Canaan Country School (203-972-0771/countryschool.net) kindergarten through ninth grade.

Is there an adult education program here?No. Danbury (203-797-4733), Ridgefield (203-431-9995)

and Wilton (203-834-7694) school districts offer extensive continuing education programs. Western Connecticut Regional Adult Education (203-797-4731) offers ESL, citizenship, Adult Basic Education Skill Program, and high school completion programs.

Where can I take college courses nearby?Western Connecticut State University (203-837-8200/

wcsu.edu) in Danbury offers both graduate and undergraduate courses as does the University of Connecticut in Stamford (203-322-3466/stamford.uconn.edu) and Fairfield University (203-254-4000/fairfield.edu). Norwalk Community College (203-857-7000/ncc.commnet.edu) offers a complete degree program.

Is there an art school or studio nearby?Paint, Draw & More! Studio (203-544-8551/paintdraw-

more.com), 25 Old Mill Road, West Redding, offers art classes for children and adults.

Silvermine School of Art (203-966-6668/silvermineart.

org) in New Canaan provides year-round art instruction for adults, youths, and juniors. The Ridgefield Guild of Artists (203-438-8863/rgoa.org) on Halpin Lane off Prospect Ridge offers instruction for beginners and advanced students. Thereʼs also the Wooster Community Art Center (203-743-6311) in Danbury.

Is there a dance school in the area?The Conservatory of Dance (203-544-8455/conserva-

tory-of-dance.com) is at 19 Main Street, Georgetown. Art of Dance (203-544-9821/artofdancegtown.com), 991 Danbury Road, Georgetown, offers ballet, jazz, tap, and hip-hop. It is also home to the Western Connecticut Youth Ballet Company. The Millennium School of Irish Dance, LLC (203-544-9868/millennium-school.com) in Ridgefield has a location for classes in Georgetown.

Where is the nearest vocational school?Henry Abbott Regional Vocational and Technical School

(203-797-4460) on Hayestown Road in Danbury offers an academic curriculum along with programs in auto repair, auto body, electrical, electronics, manufacturing technology, machine drafting, HVAC (heating, ventilation and air condi-tioning), graphic communications, plumbing, hairdressing, culinary arts, and off-site LPN (licensed practical nurse) train-ing. There is no cost for Redding residents, and bus transporta-tion is provided. Those interested should speak to a guidance counselor at the school and fill out an application. An eighth grade transcript is required. Post graduates and adults inter-ested in a program may call 203-797-4460, ext. 4427 for infor-mation or go online to cttech.org/abbott/.

22 Schools Redding Answerbook, Redding, Connecticut September 16, 2010

22

��

��

��

��

22

Public ServicesWhere’s the library and when is it open?

The Mark Twain Library (203-938-2545), at the intersec-tion of Route 53 and Diamond Hill Road, is celebrating itʼs 102nd anniversary this year. It is owned by the Mark Twain Library Association. The library is open Monday through Wednesday, Friday and Saturday from 10 to 5, and Thursdays from 10 to 8. The library is closed Sundays. The Web site is marktwainlibrary.org.

Why is the library named after Mark Twain?The library was founded by Samuel Clemens — Mark

Twain — one of Reddingʼs more famous residents. The origi-nal library (1908) was in an unused chapel on Umpawaug Road. As first president of the library association, Mark Twain helped build the library collection with many of his own books. He held a concert at his home to raise money for the library, and posted a sign in his billiard room, requesting that all guests make a $1 contribution. In 1910, the library received a donation from Andrew Carnegie, a personal friend of Mark Twain, and a library was built on donated land. The library was expanded in 1972 and again in 2000. The library owns some memorabilia from Mark Twainʼs former Redding resi-dence (destroyed by fire in 1923), and about 300 books from his private collection.

What is an association library?Many Connecticut libraries are associations, owned and run

by boards of trustees. They are not town departments, although they receive town appropriations for operation. The Mark Twain Library is one of these. It receives approximately 55% of its operating budget through the selectmenʼs budget. The rest comes from association fund-raising, including member-ship in the association, the annual book fair (which marked its 50th year on this past Labor Day weekend), art show and Frog Frolic, a family carnival. One does not have to belong to the association to use this free, public library.

For information on becoming a Friend of the Library, visit marktwainlibrary.org.

What is in the library’s collection?The library collection includes more than 48,000 books,

music CDs, DVDs, videos and books-on-tape. It also has museum passes for loan, and offers a downloadable audio books service.

In addition, there are more than 100 periodicals and serial publications available to the public. The library also offers local and state history collections, and through its Wixted Collection patrons may research Redding family and house histories. The library also offers computers, interlibrary loan, copy machines, and a community meeting room that may be rented for meetings.

What other services does the library offer?The library is a partner in the Bibliomation consortium of

more than 60 public and school libraries. The operating sys-tem allows patrons to renew and place holds on Mark Twain Library books from their home computers. Patrons may also search the catalog of all consortium members and request books from any of the consortiumʼs member libraries.

The library also offers services through ICONN, which includes search access to all library catalogs in Connecticut and access to many online databases. Mark Twain Library patrons may also request books from other Connecticut librar-ies and even out-of-state libraries.

Wi-Fi Internet connection enables patrons to use their lap-tops at the library.

infoAnytime allows you to ask a question of a reference library 24/7.

Books on CD may be borrowed in the same way as a book, and now the library offers many downloadable book options.

For these services, visit online at marktwainlibrary.org.

Are there any library activities?The library also offers many regular programs. These

include pre-school story hours, a summer reading program, movies for children, and book discussion groups through its youth services department. In addition, several local book discussion groups get their reading lists through the library. Programs and events for adults are planned monthly. Labor Day weekend brings the annual book fair at the Redding Community Center. In December, the library sponsors a town-wide art show and sale, one of its major fund-raisers. Frog Frolic is the libraryʼs annual country fair on the first Saturday in May. For information call the library at 203-938-2545. Visit marktwainllibrary.org and click the calendar there for upcom-ing special events.

Does the library use volunteers?The library always welcomes volunteers. Call 203-938-

2545. A list of committee chairs is on the Web site.

Does the library have a book sale? The annual Mark Twain Library Book Fair over the

Labor Day weekend is one of the biggest book sales in the

September 16, 2010 Redding Answerbook, Redding, Connecticut Public Services 23

23

��

��

��

��

��

23

Northeast and one of the biggest fund-raisers for the library. It takes place at the Redding Community Center. Donations of books are accepted year round, except for a few weeks before and after the sale. For information, call 203-938-2545.

Does the town have a social worker?Instead of a separate social worker, the town has combined

social and senior services into one job — the director of human services. Gail Schiron serves in this post and provides general assistance for families and single people who are without sufficient income or assets. The help she provides can be medical, financial, food, or energy assistance. If there is a case she cannot handle through her office, Ms. Schiron will also refer people in need to organizations that can help. She additionally oversees senior services for the town and serves as its municipal agent for the elderly. For more information, 203-938-3580.

Where can an abuse victim get emotional support or counseling?

The Womenʼs Center of Greater Danbury has trained counselors manning two 24-hour hotlines: 203-731-5206 for domestic violence, 203-731-5204 for sexual assault. The center offers a number of workshops and support groups for victims of violence and may also be reached during regular business hours at 203-731-5200. The centerʼs Web site is womenscen-terofgreaterdanbury.org.

To report an actual incident of abuse, call 911 or the Redding Police at 203-938-2564.

Where are burial plots available in town?Burial plots are available in three cemeteries: Umpawaug

Cemetery on Umpawaug Road, West Redding; Hull

Cemetery on Redding Road (Route 53); Redding Ridge Cemetery on Black Rock Turnpike. Because none is regularly staffed, the best way to get information about them is to call a local funeral home.

What funeral homes serve the town?The only funeral home in Redding is the Bouton Funeral

Home at 31 West Church Street, Georgetown (203-544-8461). However, the Bethel Funeral Home, 215 Greenwood Avenue (203-743-4825), also serves Redding.

Does the town have a food bank? A clothing bank?The town has a food bank and a clothing bank. For more

information, or to make a donation, call 203-938-9725.

What is the Families in Crisis Fund?Overseen by the Redding Department of Social Services,

this fund pays for things for families in need that are not cov-ered by any local, state or federal program. For information, call Gail Schiron at 203-938-3580.

What thrift shops are in the area?In Georgetown there is the Georgetown United Methodist

Thrift Shop (203-544-8972) on Church Street. It is open Thursday and Friday from 11 to 3 and on Saturday from 10 to 1. The shop sells, and accepts for donation, clothing, small pieces of furniture, household items, costume jewelry, and shoes. Donations are accepted during shop hours, or call for an appointment. In some cases, pickup is available.

In Ridgefield, The Thrift Shop (203-438-3328) on Catoonah Street is open Monday to Friday, noon to 4, Saturday, 10 to 1. It accepts clean, usable, and up-to-date clothing, as well as books, records, household items, and small appliances. Items are accepted during store hours.

How can I donate to the Salvation Army or Goodwill Industries?

The Salvation Army Thrift Store (203-792-9799), 129 Main Street, Danbury, accepts almost anything except built-in appliances, and only appliances that work.

Goodwill Industries at 15 Cross Street in Norwalk (203-840-0361) or 2 Beaver Brook Road, Danbury (203-730-1480), accepts clothing, small household items, and furniture.

What services are available to military families?Through the American Red Cross in Danbury (203-792-

8200) families may contact their loved ones in the armed forces in the event of a family emergency. The Red Cross also offers financial assistance in the event of a personal crisis, as well as counseling, information, referrals, and other social ser-vices to military families.

Visit the Connecticut Chapter of the American Red Cross Web site, ctredcross.org, for details on emergency services, blood donation inquiries, volunteering, first aid training cours-es and others.

Where can I get help with my income taxes?The AARP Tax-Aide program provides IRS-certified

voluntesers who provide free tax counseling and preparation services to low- and middle-income taxpayers, with special attention to those ages 60 and older. Services are available at the Redding Senior Center from early February through mid-April. Appointments are required; call 203-938-3361.

The Internal Revenue Service has various help lines: Federal tax information, 800-829-1040; recorded tax informa-tion, 800-829-4477; and the Problem Resolution Office, 800-829-1040; or for the hearing impaired, 800-829-4059.

24 Public Services Redding Answerbook, Redding, Connecticut September 16, 2010

24

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

24


Property IssuesWhen do I need a zoning permit?

People need a zoning permit to change any aspect of a buildingʼs shape or size and for any new structures more than two square feet. A permit is needed for fences, tag sales, signs, or change in a propertyʼs use.

What is an historic easement?Redding has had a pilot program for historic easements

through which specific aspects of a property may be preserved or restored. To qualify, a house must be suitable for designa-tion on the National Register of Historic Places or be a part of one of Reddingʼs two National Register historic districts (Redding Center and Georgetown). For information, call the first selectmanʼs office at 203-938-2002.

Can I rent an apartment in my house?Yes, but only after obtaining a special use permit from the

zoning department.

Can I take in boarders?You are allowed to have up to five unrelated people living

in a single-family residence.

Can I start a bed and breakfast?Yes, the townʼs zoning regulations allow the operation of a

bed and breakfast, by special permit.

Do I need a permit to have a home business?Some home businesses are permitted by right, some by

permit from the Zoning Commission, some not at all. It is best to check with the Zoning Commission as to the category in which a particular home occupation falls.

Are there any rules regarding door-to-door solici-tors?

All people selling wares door to door in Redding must be registered with the police department and have a valid form of photo identification. It is illegal for anyone over age 16 to solicit purchases of any goods, including magazines, either door to door or from the street without first registering for a permit with police. Police then conduct a background check. If the solicitor has been convicted of a felony or a violent misde-meanor, no permit is issued.

What garbage collectors serve this town?There are five garbage collectors that serve Redding:

Trojan Horse Sanitation (203-792-2525), Redding Sanitation (203-938-3391), Country Disposal (203-438-9385), LoStocco, (203-743-9940), and Matlock Refuse, (203-365-0380).

Can I take care of my garbage myself?Yes, at the Redding Transfer Station and Recycling

Center (203-938-3026) on Hopewell Wood Road off Route 58 (intersection of Hopewell and Beck Roads). Hours are 7:30

25

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

25


a.m. to 3 p.m. pm Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday. Residents must purchase a permit for $25 ($10 for senior

citizens 60 and over). There is an extra charge of $10 ($5 for seniors) for each additional vehicle permits. Each vehicle must display a permit. Permits are good for one year, July 1 to June 30.

The transfer station and recycling center are closed Tuesdays, Thursdays, Sundays and on legal holidays. Any closings due to weather are announced over WLAD 800 AM and WDAQ 98.3 FM.

There is no additional charge for most recyclable materi-als. Chargeable items include garbage, demolition materials, metal, bulky waste (sofa, mattress), large appliances and tires, car batteries. A fee schedule is available at the recycling center or at town hall. Annual permits are available at the first select-manʼs office in town hall or at the transfer station.

What do I recycle and where do I take it?Reddingʼs recycling center has been named to the stateʼs

Municipal Recycling Honor Roll after being recognized as having “an outstanding recycling program” by the Department of Environmental Protection.

The recycling center will accept, free of charge, corrugated cardboard, brown grocery bags, newspapers, magazines, mixed office paper, cans and glass containers, plastics #1 through 7, foam packing peanuts, fluorescent lamps, waste oil, oil filters, antifreeze, car and boat (wet cell) batteries, small dry cell bat-teries, clothes and shoes, scrap metal, telephone directories, and nickel cadmium batteries. Residents may also drop off cut brush and leaves for composting.

The recycling center also household electronics, including computers and television sets for a fee. There is a fee list at the

recycling center and prices are subject to evaluation at dropoff. For any recycling information call 203-938-3026.

Redding has increased its recycliing tonnage every year, according to the center. The projected rate is averaging about 40%.

What about disposing of leaves?Leaves can be dropped at the transfer station/recycling

center, free for residents, but commercial haulers are charged a fee.

Wood chips are available there at no charge.

What won’t they take at the transfer station?The transfer station will not accept hazardous or radioactive

waste, nor will it accept biohazardous or most medical waste. It will, however, accept used syringes, only from diabetics or, by law, from drug addicts. The staff requests that these be delivered in a sealed container, like a coffee can, and be prop-erly identified.

How can I dispose of larger items?For a fee, the townʼs transfer station and recycling center

(203-938-3026) accepts refrigerators and freezers (take the doors off), air conditioners, dehumidifiers, sofas, mattresses and box springs, tires, and demolition items. Call about other types of furniture. Tree stumps should be taken to the Danbury transfer station.

Is there anything free at the transfer station?Thereʼs a table of items diverted from the trash that are free

26

Redding Specialistfor 34 years.

26


for the taking — everything from ice skates and skis to house-hold items. Wood chips, too.

Is firewood for sale at the transfer station?An approximate cord of split firewood costs $100.

Reddingites may also buy half-cords or bundles, with cost determined by size. Unsplit firewood and wood chips are free.

Where can I get compost?Unscreened compost is sometimes available at the recycling

center at $15 a yard. This type of compost is good for gardens, around shrubs, and to fill lawn depressions.

Where can I dispose of hazardous waste?Regional household hazardous waste collection days take

place every fall at the Danbury Public Works Department at 53 Newtown Road, usually on a Saturday in late September.

This year the date is Sept. 25 from 9 to 2. Call the Public Works Department (203-797-4539) or watch for notices in The Redding Pilot for details. Or go to hrra.org the Web site for the Housantonic Resource Recovery Authority.

Area towns including Redding participate to keep costs down; the program is free to people in those towns. Proof of residency is required. Call the townʼs transfer station (203-938-3026) for information on how to dispose of non-house-hold hazardous waste.

What items are considered hazardous waste?Items that may be taken to the Hazardous Waste Day col-

lection site include paint thinner and strippers, photographic chemicals, insecticides, herbicides, household and automotive cleaners, disinfectants, dry cleaning solvents, septic system cleaners, old gasoline and oil-based paints.

Household batteries are not hazardous waste and may be recycled at most recycling centers. Likewise, latex paints are not hazardous waste and should not be brought in. Instead, either use up all the paint in the can or add cat litter or vermic-ulite to dry up the paint. The can, once the paint is no longer in the liquid form, may be mixed in with regular garbage.

What is Paper Shredding Day?Thatʼs when a mobile shredder will cross shred residents ̓

old papers, receipts, bank statements, tax returns, medical records and the like while residents watch. The next Paper Shredding Day, free to all residents of Redding, is on Saturday, Oct. 23, 9 to noon, at the transfer station/recycling center. There is usually a shredding day in the spring, as well.

Can I recycle a cell phone or eyeglasses?Reddingʼs Department of Social Services offers a free cell

phone program for senior citizens. The town accepts donations of used cell phones, which are then reprogrammed for 911 ser-vice only. For details, call Gail Schiron at 203-938-3580.

Reddingʼs recycling center has a container that looks like a mailbox to accept donations of eyeglasses and hearing aids. The Georgetown Lions Club collects the donations and sends them to a clearinghouse to be distributed overseas.

May I invite a hunter onto my property?Yes. Hunting is allowed on private property. All hunters are

required to have permission from the landowner when hunt-ing on private lands. Deer and turkey hunters must carry the

written permission of the landowner for the current season on official DEP forms. A landowner must have a minimum of 10 acres to authorize the use of a rifle for deer hunting. The Redding Deer Warden Don Hain can help property owners find a hunter during hunting season. Call 203-948-2844.

Where can I get a burn permit?It is the policy of the Town of Redding and the state

Department of Environmental Protection to discourage burn-ing wherever environmentally preferable alternatives exist, i.e. wood chipping or disposal at the townʼs transfer and recycling station (203-938-3026) on Hopewell Wood Road.

The DEPʼs goal is cooperation to help achieve air quality that would protect the health of the stateʼs citizens.

You can, however, get a permit to burn brush through Redding Fire Marshals Joe Paola (Fire District #1 and Georgetown District), 203-544-8933, or Mickey Grasso (Fire District #2), or 203-938-2518. Check your fire tax bill to determine in which fire district you live.

You may burn only brush or wood with a diameter of three inches or less. Burning of leaves, building demolition materi-als, stumps, grass, etc. is illegal in Connecticut.

Will the town check my well to see if the water is safe?

The town health department (203-938-2559) does not have the facilities to check wells, but it can direct you to laborato-ries that do. It will also provide bottles needed for testing and can help interpret the results and do a site assessment to help solve water problems. For all new wells, tests must be submit-ted to the health department before the new supply is approved for use.

27

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

27


How do I take care of my septic system?You must call private septic system pumping companies.

They will advise you how often to have your septic tank pumped.

The Norwalk River Watershed Initiative offers a simple, non-technical brochure for homeowners called Septic Care & Maintenance for the Homeowner. It is available free online at conservect.org/southwest.htm. Click on the septic care link and then click on the link for the downloadable format.

Whom do I call if my neighbor’s septic system is leaking onto my property?

First call your neighbors to notify them of the problem and then call the health department at 203-938-2559.

Are there any rules regarding stone walls?The town is particularly concerned about the appearance

of stone walls along designated scenic roads. The Redding Planning Commission has said it wants new stone walls to be built to match the imprecise style of existing walls, and a set of guidelines is available from the town. Among the guide-lines: walls should be two to three feet high, undulating with the grade; New England fieldstones should be used; and first-mortar, if used, should not be visible.

How can I identify invasive plants in my yard?Fifteen common invasive plant species are illustrated on a

laminated field guide, which homeowners may borrow from the Redding Garden Club. There are also copies available at town hall and the Mark Twain Library. The guide, issued by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, is called USDA Invasive Plants Field & Reference Guide. To borrow a copy from the garden club, call Jill Kotch at 203-431-3136.

Other sources for identifying invasive plant species include The Nature Conservancyʼs Web site, nature.org (click on Field Guide, then Initiatives, and follow links for invasive species) and the Connecticut Invasive Plant Working Group Web site: hort.uconn.edu/CIPWG/.

What is radon gas? How serious is it?Radon gas is a decay product of radioactive uranium that

cannot be seen, smelled, or tasted. In open air it is harmlessly dispersed, however well water passing through soil with high levels of the gas may be a significant source of radon in a home. High levels of radon occur in Connecticut, particularly in Fairfield County.

Exposure to radon increases your risk of developing lung cancer. According to the U.S. E.P.A., radon causes more can-cer deaths than any other single air pollutant except tobacco smoke. When exposure is combined with smoking or inhaling someone elseʼs smoke, the risk increases dramatically.

Radon gas gets into homes through cracks in foundations, block walls, sump pumps, drains and other openings in cellar floors and walls. It can also be released into the air by running water from faucets and showers if the source of water is a well with high levels of radon.

The simplest way to find out if your home has high levels of radon is through a carbon filter test. Kits are available in stores or may be purchased inexpensively by calling the Radon Hotline — 1-800-SOS-RADON — operated by the National Safety Council.

Emergency ServicesWhat kinds of calls should be made to 911?

Dial 911 only for emergencies, such as fires, crimes in progress, accidents, injuries, and medical emergencies.

Do not call 911 for informational questions such as direc-tions, road conditions, and school closings, or for routine prob-lems like reporting barking dogs. For routine police calls, use 203-938-3400.

Who answers the 911 line?A dispatcher at the Redding Police Station takes 911 calls.

Dispatchers are on duty 24 hours a day. A statewide mobile 911 system enables state police dispatchers to quickly track a cell phone callerʼs location anywhere in the state.

How can residents be alerted to emergencies in town and the state?

Text messages and e-mails are a few new ways state and local public safety officials have planned to get the word out. The state has an emergency alert system to communicate with residents during emergencies, the only statewide program of its kind, according to the governorʼs office. Residents are urged to register online with the state and indicate their pre-ferred method of notice.

This summer the town announced that it will use the stateʼs program to administer local emergency notices. Redding is one of 169 towns in Connecticut signed on to use the stateʼs exist-ing 911 database and the additional information being asked for from residents.

Residents may register with the state at ctalert.gov. The Redding Police Departmentʼs site, reddingpolice-ct.us, also links to the stateʼs page. The state already has access to a 911 database of land lines, but if residents wish to receive notices through other devices like cell phones either through a call or text message, or through an instant message, they need to sign up.

Where is the nearest emergency room?The nearest emergency room is at Danbury Hospital, on

Locust Avenue, about nine miles from the center of Redding. Call 203-739-7100. There is also an emergency room in Norwalk Hospital on Maple Street. Call 203-852-2160.

What kind of ambulance service is available?The town has three volunteer fire departments — Redding

(serving Redding Ridge and Redding Center), Georgetown and West Redding — that cover different sections of town. All have ambulances, staffed by emergency medical techni-cians including some who are EMT intermediates with more advanced training. All ambulances are equipped with defibril-lators.

West Redding and Redding share a paid EMS staff to pro-vide ambulance coverage from 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.; volun-teers are on call the rest of the time. The Georgetown depart-ment uses an outside company to provide EMT service from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. weekdays. One of the departmentʼs own EMTs is paid to be on duty from 6 a.m. to 4 p.m. p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays. Volunteers cover the ambulance calls the rest of the time.

Where will the ambulance take me?In an emergency the ambulance will usually take you to

Danbury Hospital. If requested or in a non-life-threatening situation, it may go to Norwalk Hospital.

2828

Do we have paramedics and what can they do?Redding is supported by the Danbury Healthcare Systems,

who are stationed in Bethel. Paramedics can provide advanced cardiac life support, intravenous drug therapy, external pace-makers, advanced trauma procedures and medications that EMTs cannot.

How much does an ambulance call cost me?All three fire departments bill for ambulance service based

on a rate established by the state; however rates may vary due to Medicare and Medicaid rules. In 2009, the rate for Basic Life Support was $501. A Level 1 Advanced Life Support call (ambulance plus paramedic) was $858. An Advanced Life Support Helicopter Assist was $510. There are also mileage charges and other special fees may accrue.

Where are the fire stations in town?The Redding Ridge Firehouse (which also has a station

in Redding Center across from town hall), 203-938-2520, is at 186 Black Rock Turnpike (Route 58).

The Georgetown Firehouse, 203-544-8800, is at 6 Portland Avenue.

The West Redding Firehouse, 203-938-2518, is at 306 Umpawaug Road.

Residents are protected and taxed according to the fire district they live in, although firefighters and trucks from any station in town will respond to fires or emergencies anywhere in town if necessary.

Who runs the fire departments?Joseph Miceli is the chief of the West Redding Volunteer

Fire Department. The Redding Volunteer Fire Company #1 is headed by Bruce Sanford, and the Georgetown Volunteer Fire Company No. 1 by Mike Heibeck.

The officers of each department oversee operations and equipment and compile budget requests. Each department also has a fire district commission, which sets department policy and collects taxes for the district to pay for fire protection ser-vices.

How many volunteer firemen are there and what kinds of calls have they handled?

Georgetown has about 35 active volunteers (firefighters and Emergency Medical Technicians), while Redding Ridge has about 55. West Redding has over 55.

The Georgetown Volunteer Fire Company, organized in 1928, responded to 341 emergency calls in the past year, according to the townʼs Web site. Not only fire fighting, fire prevention and emergency medical service among firefighters ̓duty these days, but there are also hazardous material situa-tions, vehicle extrication, water rescues and more.

The Redding Volunteer Fire & EMS Company #1, founded in 1915, responded to 175 EMS and 108 fire calls ranging from structure and brush fires to motor vehicle accidents and medical emergencies.

The West Redding Volunteer Fire Department, formed in 1915 and incorporated in 1926, responded to 109 fire calls and 153 emergency medical calls. The incidents included automat-ic fire alarms, carbon monoxide alarms, structure fires, motor vehicle accidents, brush fires and emergency medical requests.

Do volunteers get any compensation?No, except for those paid for daytime coverage as outlined

elsewhere. The firefighters spend their own time meeting state-mandated training and certification requirements, drilling, maintaining equipment, and responding to calls.

There is a tax abatement program for the volunteers based

on a point system, which determines the amount of tax abate-ment that would be applied. The maximum tax abatement is $1,000 per year.

What situations are the firefighters trained to han-dle?

They are trained for many situations including fire fighting, fire prevention, emergency medical service, hazardous material situations, vehicle extrication, and rope and cold water rescues.

How can I become a volunteer fireman?The best way is to attend a weekly meeting of the depart-

ment you are interested in. Each meets at 7 Monday nights. Applications are available at each fire station.

You must be 18 to become a full member of a department, but all three departments have junior member programs for 16- and 17-year-olds. Junior members need parental consent and undergo training.

They can assist with department activities and respond to calls but are restricted from certain fire or accident actions such as entering a burning building or extricating a crash vic-tim.

If I smell smoke and call the fire department, will I get billed for services?

You will not be billed for services.

I have an old house. Can I ask the fire department to inspect my chimney to see if it’s safe?

The townʼs fire departments do not inspect chimneys due to a lack of proper equipment. A professional chimney sweep should be called for this service. The fire departments do offer courtesy inspections for placement of smoke detectors and safety of gas lines and stoves.

Does the fire department check businesses, schools and other public places for safety?

The townʼs fire marshals are required by state law to do annual inspections of public buildings and property.

The fire marshal for the Georgetown and Redding District 1 is Joe Paola (203-544-8933). Mickey Grasso (203-938-2518) is West Reddingʼs (District 2) fire marshal.

Where is the police department?The police department is at 96 Hill Road (Route 107).

Douglas Fuchs is chief of police. Call 203-938-3400 for rou-tine police calls.

What are the town’s police activity statistics?The police responded to more than 19,900 incidents,

according to the townʼs annual report for the 2008 fiscal year. Motor vehicle stops: 2,804; motor vehicle accidents: 289; assaults, disturbances and suspicious incidents: 491; burglar-ies: 8; larcenies: 44; criminal mischief/arson: 69; narcotics/liquor law violations: 7.

This past spring Connecticut Magazine, in its biennel rank-ings of the best small towns in the state, ranked Redding as having the 13th lowest crime rate among 23 communities with populations between 6,500 to 10,000.

How many policemen does the town have?Redding has 15 full-time officers, including the chief. The

communications center is manned by four full-time and eight part-time dispatchers, all of whom are certified 911 operators.

What is the salary of a beginning police officer?The last contract stipulated a starting salary as of July 1,

September 16, 2010 Redding Answerbook, Redding, Connecticut Emergency Services 29

2929

2009 at $44,635. For the ensuing three years, starting salaries are to be as follows: July 1, 2010 - $45,985; July 1, 2011 - $47,375.

Does the police department offer any special com-munity programs?

The police department participates in the Child Passenger Safety Program. With an appointment, parents can have a cer-tified police officer check the installation of their child safety seats. The officer will also instruct parents or caregivers on the proper use and installation of their child safety seat.

The department also participates in the Locator Program sponsored by the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children. With a computer and related equipment officers can quickly disseminate information on missing persons with other law enforcement agencies. The police also have Child ID kits available for parents to pick up at police headquarters.

The police are also particularly concerned with speeding complaints. Any resident who feels there is a particular speed-ing problem of which the police are not aware may come into police headquarters and complete a speeding complaint, which officers will address.

The Redding Police Department has purchased Fatal Vision Goggles, which simulate being under the influence of alcohol. The goggles are used in education programs offered to young people.

I need to be fingerprinted for an application. Will the police do it for me?

Redding police will provide fingerprint service at no charge to residents or people with commercial businesses in town. Call for details.

Commercial businesses that want a records check on a

potential employee need to go to the state police Bureau of Investigations Fingerprint Division. Call the local police for information at 203-938-3400.

Where can I get a copy of a local accident report or a criminal case?

Reports are available at the police station. Call 203-938-3400 for details.

Is there a sex offender registry?The state contributes information on all sex offenders reg-

istered in Connecticut to the National Sex Offender Public Registry, which may be accessed at nsopr.gov. The list con-tains only offenders who have been convicted or found not guilty by reason of mental disease or defect.

What should I do in case of an emergency?Selectman Don Takacs is Reddingʼs Emergency

Management Director, and he is supported by three deputy directors. Police Chief Douglas Fuchs is in charge of will grant writing and communication duties, Health Officer Doug Hartline will oversee activities related to bioterrorism, and Fire Marshal Joe Paola is in charge of activating the townʼs emer-gency center.

The town has an emergency management plan in place, which not only addresses who to be contacted and how and where emergency shelters are located, but also lists places where pets may be housed.

The town has implemented the Expedite telephone notifica-tion system, which allows town officials to send a prerecorded message to every home in town to give information and guid-ance during an emergency. The database contains 2,700 local telephone numbers, but does not automatically include unlisted

30 Emergency Services Redding Answerbook, Redding, Connecticut September 16, 2010

30

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

When you call Bethel VNA, an actualperson answers the phone. You and yourfamily receive individualized informationabout your comprehensive treatment planand patient rights. Depending on yourneeds, services are provided by anindividual or team of specialists on apart-time, intermittent, or hourly basis.

��

��70 Stony Hill Road, Bethel, Connecticut 06801(203) 792-0864 • Fax: (203) 730-8053Please visit our website: ��for detailed information about Bethel VNA.E-mail: [email protected]

30

3131

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��


�

�

�

�

�

��

�

�

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

�

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

�

��

��

��

�

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

�

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

�

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

�

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

�

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

�

��

�

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

�

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

�

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

�

� � � � � �

� � � � � �

��

��

��

��

��

��

�

� � � � � ��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

�

��

32 Redding Answerbook, Redding, Connecticut September 16, 2010 September 16, 2010 Redding Answerbook, Redding, Connecticut 33

or cell phone numbers. To have those numbers included, resi-dents may call the first selectmanʼs office at 203-938-2002 or e-mail [email protected]. You may also have your number removed from the list. The list will only be used for emergency notification.

The town is also recruiting volunteers for a Community Emergency Response Team. Volunteers are needed for every-thing from helping to set up shelters to providing transporta-tion to data entry. To volunteer, call Mr. Paola at 203-544-8933.

For emergencies like widespread blackouts or hurricanes, you might want to listen to radio station WLAD/800 AM, based in Danbury.

In the event of a power outage, Connecticut Light and Power offers the following tips: Check medications that need refrigeration. You may want to keep a small cooler handy for that purpose. Have a supply of canned, non-perishable food and drinking water that will last a couple of days. Get extra ice and put it in plastic bags. This will help maintain the tempera-ture in your refrigerator and freezer.

When you have advance notice, such as with a coming storm, set aside water. Fill the bathtub with water for toilets; a bucket in the bowl is all thatʼs needed for flushing. You can buy bottled water for drinking. Be prepared to cook outside, but donʼt bring grills into the house.

Stock up on batteries for a battery-powered radio and flash-lights, and have extra wood for fireplaces or wood stoves. Fill your carʼs gas tank.

Unplug sensitive electrical equipment like computers and VCRs.

Stay away from downed power lines.For larger emergencies, you may want to check the infor-

mation at redcross.org.For information on regional alert status, you may check

online at ready.gov and the Department of Homeland Security Web site dhs.gov.

Those concerned about bioterrorism in particular, may want to log onto dph.state.ct.us to see how the Connecticut Department of Public Health is addressing the concerns and questions of Connecticut residents.

What should I do if I need to evacuate my home?An order to evacuate in the event of a natural or other emer-

gency could come from the Redding Police Department, one of the fire departments, the Redding Community Emergency Response Team, or from the townʼs phone notification system Expedite.

People would be directed either to a shelter or to get out of town altogether. Local shelters are Joel Barlow High School and Meadow Ridge, where there are emergency generators. A generator is being installed at the Redding Community Center.

In either case, families should have a disaster plant, specify-ing a location where all can meet and where all can stay if you canʼt stay at home.

It is also recommended families have a Grab and Go Kit with the following essentials: non-perishable food and water for three days; essential medications; copies of important papers including driverʼs license, credit cards, essential phone numbers; a radio with a hand crank to receive NOAA broad-casts; a flashlight and extra batteries; enough cash and coins for a week or two, since ATM machines wonʼt work in a wide-spread power outage; a first aid kit.

34 Emergency Services Redding Answerbook, Redding, Connecticut September 16, 2010

UtilitiesWhere does our water come from?

All properties in Redding are fed by private wells, although Aquarion, the regional water company, has a water main from Wilton into the Georgetown area.

Who provides electric power?Connecticut Light & Power (CL&P) provides electricity.

For customer service — or for downed, burned, or hanging wires or if you see a flash or hear a loud noise — call 800-286-2000 any time (TTY/TDD: 800-842-0010). The utilityʼs Web site is cl-p.com.

Will I have water if my power goes out?Water pressure in your home is, most likely, powered by an

electric pump. If electric power goes out, you will lose water pressure. However, you may be able to draw a few gallons of water before losing pressure completely.

What parts of town have sewer service?Georgetown is the only section of Redding served by sew-

ers. The Water Pollution Control Commission is the agency managing the sewer system.

A permit to hook up to the sewers is required by the town sanitarian. Your plumber may obtain the permit from the Redding Health Department (938-2559).

There is also a hookup fee and an assessment fee.

What cable television service is available?Cable service in Redding is provided by Cablevision of

Connecticut, 28 Cross Street, Norwalk, 203-847-6666. The Web site is cablevision.com

Does Redding have any cell phone towers?According to the Connecticut Siting Council (ct.gov/csc),

there are seven telecommunications towers in Redding. Their locations and ownership are as follows: 100 Old Redding Road - Spectrasite; 186 Blackrock Turnpike - Nextel; 4 Dittmar Road - Message Center Management; 80 Lonetown Road - Giannioto & Miller; Mountain Road - CL&P; Peaceable Street - CL&P; 22 Wayside Lane - AT&T.

Sprint-Nextel is proposing to replace its existing 75-foot tower at the firehouse on Black Rock Turnpike (Route 58) with a 120-foot monopole.

Will the town remove my leaves or brush?No, but you may take leaves to the townʼs transfer station

(938-2108) Monday through Saturday from 7:30 to 3.

There’s a dead limb on the tree near the road that may fall on lines. Should I call someone?

If you think the branches are over the power lines call the Connecticut Light and Power Companyʼs toll-free emer-gency and customer service number at 800-286-2000. If the branches are hanging over the telephone lines, call the repair and emergency number, 611. If youʼre not sure which lines are in jeopardy, call both.

3434

ReligionWhat houses of worship are in town?

Houses of worship in Redding and Georgetown include:Benedictine Grange, 45 Dorethy Road (203-938-3689/ct-

muse.org/grange.htm);Bethlehem Lutheran Church-ELCA, 44 Portland Avenue,

Georgetown (203-544-8858/bethlehem-ct.org);Calvary Independent Baptist Church, 3 Side Cut Road,

West Redding (203-938-1317/cibcRedding.org);Christ Church-Episcopal, 184 Cross Highway, at Black

Rock Turnpike (203-938-2872/christchurchredding.org);First Church of Christ-Congregational, 25 Cross

Highway (203-938-2004/firstchurchredding.org);Georgetown Bible Church, corner of North Main Street

and Route 107, Georgetown (203-544-8673/georgetownbible.org);

Georgetown United Methodist Church, 33 Church Street (203-544-8394);

Long Ridge United Methodist Church, Long Ridge Road, Redding (203-743-6095/longridgeumc.org);

Sacred Heart Church, Church Street, Georgetown (203-544-8345/SacredHeartGeorgetownCT.org);

St. Patrickʼs Church, 169 Black Rock Turnpike (203-938-2253);

Temple BʼNai Chaim, 82 Portland Avenue, Georgetown (203-544-8695/tbcct.org).

Are there any Bible study groups?Georgetown Bible Church (203-544-8673) offers a menʼs

BBible study on Saturday mornings at 7:30.Calvary Independent Baptist Church offers Bible study

for all ages Sunday mornings. Call 203-938-1317 for details.Bethlehem Lutheran Church offers Bible study the first

Sunday of the month at 9. Call 544-8858.Long Ridge United Methodist Church (203-544-8394)

offers small group Bible study monthly and weekly during the Lenten season.

Sacred Heart Church offers Bible study. Call 203-544-8345.

Community Bible Study is a nondenominational Bible study group at Hope Church in Wilton. For information, call 203-762-0706 or go online to HopeChurchCT.org.

Are there other religious centers?The Redding Meditation Center, at 9 Picketts Ridge

Road, offers insight meditation practice led by Buddhist monks, and yoga and tai chi classes. There is also a meditation garden. For details, call 203-894-1118 or visit online at red-dingmeditationsociety.org.

Do Ngak Kunphen Ling, the Tibetan Buddhist Center for Universal Peace offers classes and training in Buddhist moral discipline, meditative concentration and transformative wisdom. There are also yoga retreats and special events. The center is at 30 Putnam Park Road. For information, call 203-938-2330 or visit online at dnkldharma.org.

Are there any religiously oriented volunteer group?Housatonic Habitat for Humanity (203-744-1340/dan-

buryhabitat.org) is an ecumenical Christian housing ministry that builds simple, decent, affordable houses with people in need. The organization welcomes volunteers.

September 16, 2010 Redding Answerbook, Redding, Connecticut Religion 35

35

��

��

��

� ��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

35

Health How can I find a good family doctor?

Both Norwalk Hospital (203-852-2609) and Danbury Hospital (203-797-7001) offer physician referrals either by phone or online at norwalkhosp.org or danburyhospital.org. There are also published directories at area libraries. Sometimes the best references come through word of mouth.

Will any doctors take walk-in patients?There are none in town. In Wilton, there is Wilton Medical

Walk In Clinic (203-834-8885) at 35 Danbury Road. In Norwalk, thereʼs Primary Medical Care (203-849-7777/pmcc-ohc.com) at 345 Main Avenue.

Immediate Medical Care of Monroe (203-459-0191), 388 Main Street (Route 25) is affiliated with Bridgeport Hospital. To access information online, go to bridgeporthospital.org and click on Community Services, then Satellite Facilities.

What does the health department do? The Redding Health Department (203-938-2559) ensures

the health and safety of the public by providing preventative, educational, and regulatory services. Dr. Lawrence Leibowitz, town director of health, supervises the health department, but works part time. He is usually called only for major public health issues.

Douglas Hartline, Reddingʼs public health officer and a reg-istered sanitarian, is responsible for managing all public health issues in town and ensuring compliance with state public health codes. This includes everything from inspecting swim-ming areas, restaurant kitchens, septic systems and wells, to making sure day-care systems meet state standards. The office may be reached at 203-938-2559. Hours are Monday through Thursday, 8 to 3 or by appointment. The office is closed on Friday.

At its Web page on the town Web site, townofreddingct.org, there is information on issues including Lyme disease, tick testing, carbon monoxide poisoning, flu, home emergency preparedness, food safety, and bioterrorism.

Are there CPR classes in town?The townʼs three fire departments offer courses periodi-

cally, as does the Parks and Recreation Department (203-938-2551). Often other groups will also offer a class, usually announced in The Redding Pilot. The Red Cross in Danbury (203-792-8200) has a schedule of classes including CPR and first aid at ctredcross.org.

What services do visiting nurses offer?Reddingʼs senior center (203-938-9725) can refer you to

home health care workers. For those coming home from the hospital or a rehab facility, the hospital case manager or social worker can call a visiting nurse association to arrange home care. You may also have your physician or a friend call.

The Danbury Visiting Nurse Association (203-792-4120/danburyvna.org) offers skilled nursing, home health aides, nutrition therapists, physical therapists, speech therapists, occupational therapists, respiratory therapists, medical social work, and the HomeMed Monitoring System.

The Ridgefield Visiting Nurse Association (203-438-5555/ridgefieldvna.org) provides registered nurses, short-term rehab at home with physical, occupational and speech therapy. Home

health aides, home makers, companions and live-ins provide help with transportation, shopping, light housekeeping, meal preparation and personal care. Geriatric care management, medical social work services, IV therapy, nutritional counsel-ing, wound care, palliative care, travel vaccine consultation/ immunizations, home telemonitoring, and Lifeline, a Medical Alert Service, are offered.

Nursing & Home Care (203-762-8958/visitingnurse.net) offers skilled nurses; home health aides; physical, occupation-al, and speech therapists; live-in help; shoppers; companions; dietitians; medical social workers; peer counselors; homemak-ers; care managers; a pre-hospice team; and respite services.

The Bethel Visiting Nurse Association (203-792-0864/bethelvna.org) offers skilled nursing, physical and occupatonal rehabilitation, home care aides, nutritional counseling, social work services, maternal-child care, home telemonitoring, and terminal and palliative care.

How can I arrange for home care?Reddingʼs senior center (203-938-9725) can refer you to

home health care workers. You may also call the Danbury Visiting Nurse Association (792-4120), the Bethel Visiting Nurse Association (203-792-0864), the Ridgefield Visiting Nurse Association (203-438-5555), or Nursing & Home Care (203-762-8958) or have your physician or a friend call.

For those coming home from the hospital or a rehab facility, the hospital case manager or social worker can call a visiting nurse association to arrange home care.

Is there a clearinghouse of information on home health care?

The Connecticut Association for Home Care, Inc. (cahc.affiniscape.com) offers a comprehensive list of home health care agencies that offer services in Redding.

Home Health Compare allows consumers to see clinical information about home health agency quality. The service is sponsored by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. It is available online at medicare.gov.

Does any organization check on people who live alone?

A list of names to be used if there is a need to contact doc-tors, relatives, etc. in case of emergency is kept with Gail Schiron, the townʼs director of human services, and at the townʼs Communications Center. Any resident 60 or older can be put on this list. Reddingʼs Department of Social Services provides seniors with deactivated cell phones capable of reaching 911. Call 203-938-9725 for information about these programs or the food pantry, which helps residents in need of emergency food.

Ms. Schiron (203-938-3580) can connect you with someone from the Volunteer Bureau of Greater Danbury (203-797-1154), which runs a Friendly Visitor program that establishes relationships between volunteers and people who live alone.

The Ridgefield Womanʼs Club sponsors Are You OK?, which provides a daily phone check to Reddingites over 60 or those who are homebound or medically disabled. For details, call 203-438-6777.

The Danbury Visiting Nurse Association (792-4120) will check on residents who are homebound or medically disabled. Those who are homebound and medically compromised may qualify for the Ridgefield Visiting Nurse Associationʼs (203-

36 Health Redding Answerbook, Redding, Connecticut September 16, 2010

3636


37

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

37

438-5555) monthly visit program, a free periodic RN assess-ment.

Lifeline, offered by the Red Cross in Danbury (203-792-8200) as well as the Bethel VNA (203-792-0864) and Ridgefield VNA, offers a pushbutton communicator to sum-mon help in an emergency.

Who provides hospice services or palliative care?Hospice and palliative care focuses on pain relief, symptom

control, and comfort for terminally ill patients, allowing them to be cared for where they are most comfortable, usually at home.

Serving Redding are Mid-Fairfield Hospice, a member of the Visiting Nurse/VNA Care Network, (203-874-7646); Connecticut Hospice Inc. (203-857-5494) of Norwalk; and Regional Hospice of Western Connecticut (203-797-1685/regionalhospiceCT.org). Services cover medical, psychologi-cal, social, nutritional, and spiritual needs.

The Ridgefield Visiting Nurse Association and Bethel Visiting Association offer palliative care and can answer ques-tions about hospice programs.

Laurel Ridge Health Care Center (203-438-8226/athena-healthcare.com/lr), 642 Danbury Road, Ridgefield, offers in-patient palliative and hospice care.

What help is available for the handicapped?Gail Schiron, the townʼs director of human services, at 203-

938-9725, can provide information.

What pharmacies are in town?The Redding Pharmacy (203-544-8306) in the

Georgetown Business and Professional Center on Route 107, the only pharmacy in town, is open from 9 to 6 Monday through Friday, and Saturdays, 9 to 1. Pharmacies in Ridgefield have Sunday hours: CVS (203-431-8888) open 8 to 6; Rite Aid (203-438-7378), 9 to 4; Bissell (203-438-6433) open 9 to 1; and Walgreenʼs, (203-894-8744) is open 9 to 6.

For 24-hour pharmacies, there are CVS (203-847-2351) at 235 Main Street and Walgreenʼs (203-845-0457) is at 55 Westport Avenue, both in Norwalk. There is also a Walgreenʼs (203-791-0405) at 75-83 Main Street in Danbury.

Who organizes blood drives? How can I give?The Connecticut Chapter of the American Red Cross

(203-792-8200/ct.redcross.org), which has an office at 17 Roberts Avenue in Danbury, organizes blood drives and always needs blood donors. Call to find out when and where a conve-nient bloodmobile will be. The Red Cross also needs volun-teers to help run bloodmobiles.

A person must be 17 or older, weigh over 110 pounds, and be in good health to give blood. Many questions will be asked in order to ensure the donated blood will be safe. The entire process takes about an hour, including questions, donation, rest time, and snacks for the donor. Check the Web site for details on blood drive dates and locations.

Is there a flu clinic in town?The senior center offers flu shots to residents 60 years and

older and handicapped people of any age. The clinics take place at the Redding Community Center in October. Call 203-938-9725 for more information.

The Danbury VNA (203-792-4120), Bethel VNA (203-792-0864) and Ridgefield VNA (203-438-5555) also offer flu clinics in the fall.

What health-related support groups are there?Ridgefield Visiting Nurse Association has several sup-

port groups — bereavement and Lyme, Chronic Fatigue and Fibromyalgia — that meet regularly at the VNA office at 90 East Ridge Road. Call 203-438-5555 for information.

Danbury Hospital and Norwalk Hospital offer many sup-port groups.

The Connecticut Self-Help Network offers a Self-Help Directory of local and statewide support groups. Call 203-624-6982. Infoline at 211 has a list of statewide support groups and agencies that provide assistance.

You may also call Director of Social Services Gail Schiron (203-938-3580) for a referral.

Is there a blood pressure screening in town?A nurse from the Bethel VNA conducts free blood pressure

screenings the second Tuesday of the month from 12:30 to 1:30, at the senior center in the Redding Community Center on Lonetown Road. No appointments are necessary. Call 203-938-9725 for more information.

Where can I get immunizations for foreign travel?The Ridgefield Visiting Nurse Association (203-438-5555/

ridgefieldvna.org) has a travel health clinic that offers compre-hensive travel consultations/immunizations to travelers age 18 and over.

Where can I get help with alcoholism?There are AA meetings in Redding and neighboring towns.

For a list, call the Alcoholics Anonymous Help Line Central Office (203-855-0075) in Stamford or go online to ct-aa.org.


38

��

��

��

��

��

��# ��# ��

��

38


39

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

39


40

Call today to schedule your free estimate:203-244-9505Schedule online at:www.certapro.com/schedule9 Golf CourtRidgefield, CT 06877203-244-9505HIC No. 0620148

to schedule your free estimate:

Call today to schedule your free estimate:203-244-9505Schedule online at:www.certapro.com/schedule9 Golf CourtRidgefield, CT 06877203-244-9505HIC No. 0620148

��

��

��

��

40

Many alcohol abuse hotlines are listed in the phone book.MCCA (Midwestern CT County Council on Alcoholism)

has its main office at 38 Old Ridgbury Road in Danbury (203-792-4515/mccaonline.com) and offers residential and outpa-tient programs, assessments and referrals.

Danbury has chapters of Alcoholics Anonymous (203-797-2305), Al-Anon (203-743-8967) for families, and Alateen (203-743-8967) for teenagers.

For more treatment information and referrals, call Infoline at 211.

What is the closest drug treatment center?MCCA (mccaonline.com) offers residential and outpatient

treatment. The Danbury number is 203-792-4515. There is also a Ridgefield office. That number is 203-438-8680.

Other sources of help are: Danbury Hospital Chemical Dependency Services (203-

207-5480/adults; 203-830-6082/adolescents); Silver Hill Hospital in New Canaan (800-899-4455/silver-

hillhospital.org) has inpatient programs for addictive disorders.St. Vincentʼs Behavioral Health Services, formerly Hall

Brooke (203-227-1251/hallbrooke.org) has inpatient programs at its Westport location. Outpatient services are available at a Norwalk location.

Norwalk Hospital has a wide range of mental health and substance abuse services on both an inpatient and outpatient basis. Call 203-852-2988.

Also, just over the state border there is Four Winds Hospital in Cross River, N.Y. (914-763-8151).

For more information about drug abuse and treatment cen-ters, call Gail Schiron, the townʼs director of human service, at 938-3580.

What type of help or counseling is available for the mentally ill and their families in the area?

The Community Center for Behavioral Health in Danbury (203-207-5480) offers assessment and evaluation, therapy, counseling, and medication monitoring.

The Ridgefield Visiting Nursing Association (203-438-5555) has a psychiatric nurse who is available to visit those who are ill at their homes.

Family and Childrenʼs Aid, 75 West Street, Danbury, offers a number of services including a mobile emergency psychiatric service with both over-the-phone crisis help and treatment workers who can travel to a personʼs home or other location to manage psychiatric emergencies in children up to age 17. In a crisis, call 866-543-2774. For information, call 203-748-5689.

Family Center Services (203-852-2988) offers services in affiliation with Norwalk Hospitalʼs Department of Psychiatry.

New Heights, a program of Catholic Charities, is a psy-chosocial rehabilitation program for adults with mental illness. There is an office at 66 West Street in Danbury. For informa-tion, call 203-748-0819.

Mental health services are also available through these hos-pitals: Silver Hill Hospital in New Canaan (800-899-4455); Four Winds Hospital in Cross River, N.Y. (914-763-8151); Danbury Hospital (203-797-7000); and Psychiatric Services at Yale, through Yale-New Haven Hospital (800-275-9253).

A regional hotline for crisis intervention, mobile outreach, and psychiatric emergency service is 888-447-3339.

For more information call Gail Schiron, the townʼs direc-tor of human services, at 203-938-3580. She is the townʼs Housatonic mental health representative.

September 16, 2010 Redding Answerbook, Redding, Connecticut Health 41

41

��

��

��

��

��

��

for50� � � � � � � � � � � � � ��

years��

Ages 6 weeks to 6 years��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

41

Are there United Way services in the area?Yes. United Way of Western Connecticut focuses on the

building blocks for a good life: a quality education that leads to a stable job, enough income to support a family through retirement, and good health. United Way works to prepare all children for school and to succeed in life, help families become and remain financially stable, provide access to qual-ity healthcare and provide links to basic needs services like food and shelter. You can learn more at unitedwaycfc.org.

The area United Way serves a total Redding and 14 other towns. There is an office at 85 West Street in Danbury. The phone number is 203-792-5330. Visit uwwesternct.org.

Where can I get help for an eating disorder?Four Winds Hospital in Cross River, N.Y. (914-763-8151),

offers inpatient and outpatient services with group and indi-vidual therapy. Danbury Hospital (203-797-7000), has an outpatient program. Silver Hill Hospital in New Canaan (800-899-4455) also has programs.

The Renfrew Center of Southern Connecticut (203-834-5020/renfrew.org) at 436 Danbury Road in Wilton, offers an intensive outpatient program as well as nutritional counseling and support groups .

Is there any help for victims of domestic violence?The Womenʼs Center of Greater Danbury (203-731-

5200/womenscenterofgreaterdanbury.org) serves Redding with counseling, crisis intervention, support groups, workshops, and preventive programs. The center operates two 24-hour hotlines: 203-731-5204 for sexual assault, 203-731-5206 for domestic violence. The center can also direct women to a shel-ter.

Should I worry about Lyme disease here?Lyme disease, spread by ticks, is prevalent. The most effec-

tive steps every family can take include bathing or showering after outdoor activity, looking for ticks and rashes, applying repellents to clothing and skin, spraying the perimeter of the yard and treating pets as the veterinarian recommends.

Products containing DEET will repel ticks and decrease the chances of a tick bite. Studies suggest that for blacklegged ticks, DEET concentrations around 30% to 40% may be neces-sary for adequate protection. Several products contain 0.5% permethrin which is for use only on clothing or other fabrics. Permethrin works primarily by killing ticks on contact and provides a high level of protection. Safety questions should be directed to the National Pesticide Information Center at 1-800-858-7378 or npic.orst.edu. Complete information on tick-borne disease prevention and tick management is available online in the Tick Management Handbook provided by the Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station at ct.gov/caes.

If you do find a tick on your body, it should be removed immediately with a fine tipped tweezers as close to the skin as possible. Engorged ticks (those that have been feeding on a person and contain blood) may be submitted at the health department for free testing by the state. Ticks should be submitted in a zip-lock bag with name and phone number. Residents are encouraged not to wait for results before con-sulting with their physician.

If you notice any questionable or expanding red rash, fatigue, headache, stiff neck, fever and/or chills, muscle and/or joint pain or other flu-like symptoms, see a doctor imme-diately. Not all people develop the rash. Timely treatment is important. Left untreated, Lyme disease infection can worsen and lead to joint swelling, neurological, cardiac and other seri-ous complications. Tests are most accurate four to six weeks after infection.

Other infections are also carried by the blacklegged ticks in this area. Anaplasmosis (formerly known as Human Granulocytic Ehrlichiosis) symptoms include high fever, head-ache, chills, malaise, muscle and joint pain, nausea, and vom-iting. Acute weight loss, low platelet count, and a low white blood cell count can also occur. Babesiosis is a malaria-like illness with symptoms from mild flu-like illness to severe, life-threatening disease. Symptoms include fever, fatigue, chills, sweats, headache and muscle pain beginning one to six weeks after the bite. The disease can be severe or fatal in the elderly, the immune-suppressed and people without spleens. One tick may carry multiple infections.

Is there a Lyme disease support group nearby?The Greater Danbury Lyme Disease Support Group is

no longer meeting, however, anyone who needs help may call 203-791-0477 or e-mail [email protected].

The Ridgefield Lyme Disease, Chronic Fatigue and Fibromyalgia Support Group meets the second Thursday of each month from noon to 1 at the Visiting Nurse Association offices at 90 East Ridge in the Venus Building. For infor-mation, call Jennifer Reid at 203-431-0462 or e-mail [email protected]. For directions, go to ridgefieldvna.org and click the About Us tab.

Where can I get information on Lyme disease?

The Redding Health Department (203-938-2559) has information on Lyme disease, including an information sheet online at townofreddingct.org. Click on town departments, then health department.


42

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

42

The following Web sites are recommended: ilads.org; columbia-lyme.org; cdc.gov. Color pictures of several varia-tions of the Lyme rash may be viewed at the Lyme Disease Foundation Web site: lyme.org.

The Ridgefield Lyme Disease Task Force offers an annual spring seminar on Lyme disease. E-mail [email protected] for information.

What is rabies? How prevalent is it in this area?Rabies is a fatal disease caused by a virus that travels

through the body to the brain via the nervous system. Once it reaches the brain, it causes encephalitis, an inflammation of the brain, which results in neurological damage and cannot be treated. In April 1991 the first two cases of rabid raccoons in Connecticut were confirmed in Ridgefield. Since then, every city and town in the state has had confirmed cases of rabies, a total of 5,926 cases through 2007. Raccoons, skunks, and bats are the most common carriers of the rabies virus, however there was an incident with a rabid woodchuck, also known as a groundhog, on the Wilton-Weston border.

The best way to protect yourself against rabies is to not approach or handle wild animals (dead or alive) or strange pets and to keep your own pets vaccinated.

If you believe you have been exposed to rabies, consult a doctor immediately and report the incident to the health department (203-938-2559) and animal control officer (203-938-2525). Because the rabies virus is carried in saliva, the wound should be washed thoroughly with soap and water. This decreases the chance of infection. If possible, the ani-mal should be captured for testing. The Veterinary Medical Association suggests trapping the animal under a large box, but do not try to handle it. Because the testing procedure for rabies involves dissecting the brain, the animal must be eutha-nized in order to be tested.

Once rabies has been contracted, it is nearly always fatal. (There have been very few cases of survivors.) However, prophylactic treatment in the form of a series of injections is available for people who have been exposed to the virus.

What is West Nile virus?West Nile virus is a mosquito-borne infection that can

cause encephalitis. Although no mosquitoes caught in Redding have tested positive for West Nile virus this year, mosquitoes in other parts of the state (including in Bethel, Newtown and Norwalk) have. In the recent past, mosquitoes in Fairfield County have also tested positive for Jamestown Canyon virus, relatively new to this area.

Since mosquitoes can breed and reproduce in any stagnant water that lasts more than four days, people can best protect themselves by eliminating any such pools of stagnant water around their homes, such as birdbaths, old tires, kiddy pools, and clogged gutters. You may want to consider a larvicide with the active ingredient known as Bti. Minimize outdoor activities between dusk and dawn. Consider the use of mosquito repel-lent.

Viral encephalitis may not have any symptoms at all; mild cases may include a slight fever and/or headache. Severe infections are marked by a rapid onset of a high fever, head and body aches, and usually occur five to 15 days after expo-sure. There is no specific treatment for viral infections, other than to alleviate symptoms and provide supportive care. Those who may be most susceptible to encephalitis are infants, the elderly and people with damaged immune systems.

The townʼs health department has a brochure with more information about the disease. Call the department at 203-938-

2559.

Does the town have a mosquito control program?The town participates in the stateʼs mosquito trap testing

and bird surveillance programs. The town also hires a com-pany to place larvicide (containing Bti) around public grounds, schools, catchbasins and in road drainage ditches. The aim is to reduce the number of mosquitoes in these areas. The health departmentʼs brochure on West Nile virus has more details on the townʼs mosquito control program. Call 203-938-2559.

To access the stateʼs mosquito trapping results, visit online at ct.gov/caes.

Where is smoking banned?A state law bans smoking in all public buildings, schools,

restaurants, bars, health care institutions, retail stores, eleva-tors, and private businesses.

How often does the town inspect local restaurants for health code requirements?

State health codes requires restaurant inspections to be done four times a year. Inspections are also done when there is a major change or opening of a restaurant.

If you think youʼve become ill from eating food in a restau-rant, call the Redding health department at 203-938-2559.

September 16, 2010 Redding Answerbook, Redding, Connecticut Health 43

43

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

43

Senior CitizensIs there a senior center?

The senior center, known as Heritage Center, is part of the Redding Community Center complex on Lonetown Road. For activities, see below.

Gail Schiron, the townʼs director of human services and municipal agent for the elderly, has her office there. Call her between 9:30 and 4:30 at 203-938-9725 for assistance and services.

What housing is available for retirees?Meadow Ridge (203-544-1000/meadowridge.net), a lifec-

are retirement community at 100 Redding Road in Redding, offers a gracious lifestyle with independent living as well as access to assisted living or skilled nursing.

Ridgefield Crossings (203-431-2255/benchmarkquality.com) at 640 Danbury Road in Ridgefield offers independent and assisted living. There is also a program for those with memory impairment.

Regency at Ridgefield is a 73-unit age-restricted condo-minium project for independent living at 638 Danbury Road. Units are priced at market rates. For information, call 203-431-1818 or visit tollbrothers.com.

A complete list of senior housing available in a 14-town region of southwestern Connecticut is available from the Area Agency on Aging (203-333-9288) in Bridgeport.

Is there day care for the elderly?Although there is no program in Redding, there is Almost

Family (203-743-6456) at 52 Federal Road, Danbury. Other options include The Village at Waveny Care Center in New Canaan (203-594-5200/waveny.org) and Elderhouse in Norwalk (203-847-1998/elderhouse.net).

Is there a nursing home in town?Meadow Ridge, a skilled nursing facility (203-544-1000),

at 100 Redding Road in Redding offers long-term care and short-term rehabilitation.

Laurel Ridge Health Care Center at 642 Danbury Road, Ridgefield (203-438-8226/athenahealthcare.com/lr.htm) is a skilled nursing facility offering long-term care and short-term rehabilitation. There is also a program for those with memory impairment.

There are many nursing homes in Danbury. Quality-related information on nursing homes is available online at medicare.gov.

Are there any clubs or groups for the elderly?Heritage Center (203-938-9725), at the Redding

Community Center, is open Monday through Wednesday from 8:30 to 5:30 and Thursdays 8:30 to 6 (closed Fridays) and offers a slate of daily activities. They include mah-jongg les-sons, chess and other games, exercise programs, bridge, mov-ies, needlepoint, quilting, scrapbooking, billiards, computer classes, art, tai chi, and aerobics. The center has five personal computers with Internet access and two color printers. They are for instruction and general use. Day trips are offered, and there is an Out-to-Lunch Bunch. Lunch is served at Heritage Center on Tuesdays ($2) and Wednesdays ($4). Call for a res-ervation. Marie Sibilio is the program coordinator.

The Park and Recreation Department (203-938-2551) also offers some programs. Seniors may also take classes at the high school with students.

The American Association of Retired Persons (AARP) Ridgefield chapter meets the second Wednesday at 10 except in July and August. Call membership chairman Anna Cleveland at 203-438-9886 for details. Call the national AARP at 800-424-3410.

Does the town have Meals on Wheels?The Meals on Wheels program serves Redding. For infor-

mation, call the Nutrition Center in Danbury at 203-743-5418.

Who provides senior health care?The Geriatric Health Center (203-791-5040) in Danbury

offers specialized medical services for older adults. Danbury Hospital has an office of geriatric psychiatry. Call 203-797-7686.

Waveny Care Center in New Canaan offers the Brown Geriatric Evaluation Clinic, which helps families make deci-sions about community services and housing options for older adults. Call 203-594-5200 or visit waveny.org.

Norwalk Hospital offers a Geriatric Consultation Service to maximize a patientʼs medical regimen. Call 203-852-3112.

What services help seniors remain in their homes?The Danbury Visiting Nurse Association (203-792-4120)

and Bethel Visiting Nurse Association (203-792-0864) offer homemakers and home health aides.

The Ridgefield Visiting Nurse Association (203-438-5555) offers a Senior Care Management Program to help residents maintain independence and live safely in their own home. RVNA also offers home health aides, home makers, companions and live-ins that provide assistance with transpor-tation, shopping, light housekeeping, laundry and meal prepa-ration and personal care.

Family & Childrenʼs Aid Homemaker/Companion pro-gram, 75 West Street, Danbury, is available to assist the elderly in everyday tasks so they can remain independent in their own homes. Mature workers help with chores such as meal prepara-tion, housework, grocery shopping, companionship, laundry, etc. For information, call 203-748-5689.

Nursing & Home Care provides Assisted Living at Home for those who want help maintaining their independence at home. Services include help with cleaning, dressing, shopping, bathing and companionship. In addition, Nursing & Home Care provides wellness programs, such as health screenings, immunization programs and health education programs. For information, call 203-762-8958 or 1-800-898-HOME or visit visitingnurse.net.

Is there special transportation for the elderly?Heritage Center has a van, known as the Senior Shuttle,

available to take Redding seniors, 50 and older, on errands Monday through Thursday, throughout town and to Bethel, Ridgefield, Newtown and Danbury. Hours of service are 8 to 5, Monday through Wednesday; 8 to 4:30 on Thursday. There is no service on Fridays. Reservations should be made as soon as possible since the van fills up quickly; call 203-938-9725 between 10 and 4.

44 Senior Citizens Redding Answerbook, Redding, Connecticut September 16, 2010

4444

Can seniors get help with their heating bills?Reddingʼs Operation Fuel Program is an emergency fuel

bank available to eligible residents. The Connecticut Energy Assistance Program, available to renters and homeown-ers, helps cover partial payments for winter heating bills. Eligibility is based on household income. For information on either program, call Gail Schiron at 203-938-9725.

What is the Retired Senior Volunteer Program?Sponsored by the Red Cross, RSVP is a network of people

55 and older who serve as volunteers in the area. The Danbury office, responsible for interviewing and placing volunteers, may be reached at 203-792-8200.

Does anyone help with insurance forms?The Norwalk Hospital Volunteer Medicare Information

Service offers help to anyone interested in Medicare or supple-mental insurance assistance. Call 203-852-3325 and leave a name, telephone number, and the best time for a volunteer to return the call. Norwalk Hospital volunteers who are knowl-edgeable in dealing with Medicare and supplemental insurance provide this free confidential counsel as a community service.

Where can I find out about laws that apply specifi-cally to seniors?

The Web site CTElderLaw.org is a good place to start. It is a public service of Connecticut Legal Services, Inc., and

offers information on consumer law, funeral contracts, govern-ment benefits, health care, housing living wills, nursing homes, powers of attorney and other topics pertinent to seniors.

Where can I get consumer help?Senior citizens can get toll-free help by calling the state

attorney generalʼs senior advocate hotline. Staffed by senior volunteers, the program helps those who may have been vic-timized by scams or who may be suspicious about an organi-zation. The hotline may be called Monday through Thursday, 8:30 to 1:30, at 800-660-7787.

The Senior Go To Guide is a free directory of helpful information for seniors and their families. The publication has a lower Fairfield County edition. Go to seniorgotoguide.com for details.

Are seniors offered any recreational discounts?Reddingites 60 years of age and over are entitled to a 50%

discount on all Park and Recreation programs, except trips or unless otherwise stated.

Nutmeggers 60 and older can apply for a Charter Oak Pass, which admits them free to state-operated recreational areas. Apply to the Department of Environmental Protection, 165 Capitol Avenue, Hartford 06106.

Where can I call if I suspect elder abuse?Report elder abuse to the Connecticut Department of

Social Services Elder Protective Services Division at 800-443-9946, or call the Redding Police Department at 203-938-3400.

September 16, 2010 Redding Answerbook, Redding, Connecticut Senior Citizens 45

45

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

45

Children & TeensHow do I find a day-care facility for my child?

For information on child care services in this area, call the Connecticut Child Care Unit Infoline at 800-505-1000 or Infoline at 211.

All day-care centers should be licensed by the state and that license should be displayed. For information on which facili-ties are licensed, call the stateʼs day care licensing office at 800-282-6063.

Child care facilities should also display the fire marshalʼs inspection certificate and the centerʼs discipline policy and complaint procedure.

What kind of permits or certification do day-care centers need?

Day-care centers fall into three categories: family day-care homes, group day-care homes and child day-care centers, which also include nursery schools. Stringent requirements must be met to become licensed, including permits from the state Department of Health Services and zoning, building, fire, and health permits. To advertise for family day-care, caretakers must list license numbers.

What before- or after-school activities are there?The Park and Recreation Department offers an after-

school recreation program called Extended Day for children in kindergarten through fourth grade. Registration begins in March. Call 203-938-2551 for information. The recreation department also offers Afterschool Games Hodgepodge in the Redding Elementary School gym. Check the fall brochure for the schedule.

The Breakfast Club is a before-school program from 7 to 8:10 at Redding Elementary (no breakfast served). On snow-delayed opening days, the Breakfast Club begins at 8:30. Call 203-938-2551.

The Park and Recreation Department offers an after-school program at John Read Middle School from 3:45 to 6. You must register in advance at the Park and Recreation office; forms are at the office and online at townofreddingct.org.

The Redding Boys & Girls Club (rbgc.net) offers an afterschool program for children in first through fourth grade until 6 p.m. Children take the school bus from the Redding Elementary to the club. The club also offers Phoenix Academy Unit weekdays from 2:30 to 6:30 at the old Staples Middle School in Easton. For information, call 203-938-3166 or e-mail [email protected].

Is there a job clearinghouse for students?Jobs are posted in the guidance office of Joel Barlow High

School. Visit the office or call 203-938-2508 for more infor-mation.

The Park and Recreation Department offers a youth employment listing service for young people 12 and older willing to do specific kinds of work such as mowing lawns, baby sitting, shoveling snow, etc. To list yourself as a worker or to hire a worker, call 203-938-2551.

At what age may young people legally consume alcohol?

It is illegal for anyone under 21 to possess alcohol any-where in the state, including on private property. It is also ille-gal for anyone to knowingly allow minors to possess alcohol.

What is there for teenagers to do in town?The Boys and Girls Club on Cross Highway runs a

Keystone Club character and leadership program for 14- to 18-year-olds. The club is also recruiting teens for community service projects. For information, call 203-938-3166 or visit rbgc.net.

The Park and Recreation Department offers Middle School & High School Open Gyms as well as programs and classes that appeal to young people. Call 203-938-2551 or visit towno-freddingct.org.

Are there any musical programs for children?The Germantown Ancients is a fife and drum corps for

“children of all ages” who want to play an instrument or march in a color guard during parades. The corps supplies instru-ments and uniforms. Meetings are at the West Redding Fire House on Wednesday nights from 7:30 to 9:30. For informa-tion, call Robert Paradise at 203-938-2490.

Is there a Christian outreach program?Young Life is a non-denominational Christian organiza-

tion that reaches out to teens. The middle school component is called WyldLife. There are meetings and special events. For Danbury Young Life, call 203-981-1899. For Young Life in Ridgefield, call Area Director Tim Vickers at 203-417-4186 or e-mail [email protected]. The Web site is ridge-fieldct.younglife.org.

Is there a list of resources for teens?Youth Yellow Pages is a free directory of more than 1,000

area resources available to high school students. It may be downloaded at ryasap.org, or students may check with the guidance counselor at school for a free copy.

What youth sports programs are there?Many major sports are offered, including baseball, football,

field hockey, floor hockey, karate, lacrosse, softball, soccer, gymnastics, Ultimate Frisbee, golf instruction, flag football, and cheerleading. Check the recreation departmentʼs brochure or call 203-938-2551. Also, keep an eye on the Redding Pilotʼs sports pages for registration announcements.

The Boys and Girls Club runs spring and fall baseball and softball programs. Call 203-938-3166 or visit online at rbgc.net.

Redding-Easton Lacrosse (re-lax.org) serves boys and girls in 3rd through 12th grade. There are scrimmages and camps in the fall and a regular spring season. Call the Redding Boys & Girls Club at 203-938-3166 or Mark Cammarota at 203-938-0295 or e-mail [email protected] or visit online at re-lax.org. The lacrosse hotline is 203-938-3166, mailbox 2.

There are several soccer opportunities. Easton/Redding United offers pre-K-12 fall and spring leagues, in-house, travel, and premier programs. E-mail Jean Blackwell at [email protected] (203-733-9758) or go online to red-dingsoccerclub.org. The soccer hotline is 203-938-9978.

The Park and Recreation Department offers classes for grades K-4. Call 203-938-2551.

The Aspetuck Wildcats offers football and cheerleading through the American Youth Football and Cheer program. The

46 Children & Teens Redding Answerbook, Redding, Connecticut September 16, 2010

4646

groupʼs Web site, wildcatsfootball.com, has a list of board members and contact information.

The Park and Recreation Department (203-938-2551) offers flag, Frisbee, and other types of football for children in grades 2-4.

The Boys and Girls Club (203-938-3166/rbgc.net) offers travel basketball leagues in the fall and a summer hoops pro-gram, both for boys and girls in 5th through 8th grade.

The Park and Recreation Department (203-938-2551) offers an in-house league for third through eighth grade, a travel league for fifth through eighth grade, and basketball classes for grades 1-4.

The Redding Boys and Girls Club offers fall field hockey to all Redding girls entering fifth through eight grades. The team competes with other local middle school teams. For information, call 203-938-3166 or go online to rbgc.net. There is also a prep program for third and fourth grade girls.

Are there any day camps?The Park and Recreation Department runs a variety of

summer day camps for preschoolers and for ages 6-12. All programs are open and accessible to all children in Redding. Registration is in the late spring. There are also travel camps and sports camps focusing on soccer, tennis, basketball, base-ball, and wrestling. The department also runs vacation camps during school holidays. Call 203-938-2551.

The Boys and Girls Club runs sports camps in the summer for baseball, softball and basketball. The camps concentrate on a specific sport. Call 203-938-3166 for information or visit rbgc.net.

Camp Playland, 27 Starrs Ridge Road (203-438-1711/campplayland.com), offers a traditional summer program. Transportation is provided.

Whimsy Brook Farm, 29 Giles Hill Road, offers a sum-mer youth riding program. Call 203-938-3760 or visit whim-sybrookfarm.com.

Paint, Draw & More! at 25 Old Mill Road in West Redding offers a Summer Art program. Call 203-544-8551 or visit paintdrawmore.com.

The Mountain Workshop in West Redding offers adven-ture and mountain biking camps. Call 203-544-0555 or visit mountainworkshop.com.

What playgrounds are there for small children?There is a playground for small children at Redding

Elementary School at 33 Lonetown Road (Route 107), avail-able after school hours.

How can my child find a Scout troop to join?Usually, letters are sent home through the schools. For Cub

Scouts, visit online at reddingscouts.org. For Boy Scouts, call call Ken Shupp at 203-938-9483.

Beth Williams is Reddingʼs Girl Scouts organizer. She can be reached at 203-938-3276.

Is there a martial arts program?Georgetown Martial Arts is at 12 Old Mill Road. Call

203-544-6055 or visit georgetownmartialartscenter.com.The Park and Recreation Department offers karate pro-

grams. Call 203-938-2551 or check online at townofreddingct.org.

September 16, 2010 Redding Answerbook, Redding, Connecticut Children & Teens 47

47

Trust 25 Years of Experience

Know How...in all market conditions.Results...helping hundreds of clients get from for sale to sold.Satisfied Clients...who recommend me to their friends.

470 Main Street Ridgefield, CT 06877 203.438.9531 x 331 203.731.1679 mobile [email protected]

The Value of Experience Is…

In Real Estate, It’s Experience That Matters

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

47

48 Recreation Redding Answerbook, Redding, Connecticut September 16, 2010

48

��

��

��Saugatuck Services LLC

Garbage & Recycling Pickup

Servicing: Redding, Ridgefield & Wilton

Residential Weekly Garbage PickupAt Great Rates!

[email protected] Robert Paltauf

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

48


49

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

� � � � � � � � � � ��

��

��

49

What local parks are there? What do they offer?Topstone Park off Topstone Road is the townʼs sole

municipal park and the only spot for public swimming (see below for details). There are also many miles of trails, picnic grounds, barbecue stands, tether ball, boats in summer, and a basketball court. Call the Park and Recreation Department at 203-938-2551 for more information.

Putnam Memorial State Park (203-938-2285/putnampark.org) on Route 58 encompasses 800 acres mostly in Redding, partly in Bethel. The historic park was a Revolutionary army campsite in the winter of 1778-79. Marked areas show where the campsite was. There are hiking/biking trails, a pond and picnic tables. Pets on a leash are permitted in picnic areas and on hiking trails. The park is open from 8 to sunset and there is handicap-accessible parking. Friends and Neighbors of Israel Putnam Memorial State Park work with the state Department of Environmental Protection to benefit the park. The group meets at 7 p.m. the second Tuesday of each month in the Visitors Center. For information, call Steve Levine at 203-744-4194 or e-mail [email protected].

Collis P. Huntington State Park (203-938-2285) on Sunset Hill Road has more than 900 acres, mostly in Redding, some in Bethel and Newtown. More than 7.5 miles of trails serve hikers, mountain bikers, horseback riders and cross-country skiers. There are five ponds in the park and although swimming is not allowed for health reasons, fishing is per-mitted. The park is open from 8 to sunset; it is not handicap accessible. Pets on a leash are permitted.

The townʼs Parade Path is a community garden in front of town hall dedicated to those who have volunteered their time for the townʼs benefit. The projectʼs name relates to the history of the town green, which was a parade ground in the 18th Century. Plants in the project date from contemporary to those that would have been found in town in the 1750s. Each plant has a marker giving its name. Major donors ̓names are inscribed on plaques in the garden; other donors are recog-nized in the Book of Names in town hall. Gift items in support of the Parade Path are on sale in town hall and Mark Twain Library. For information on making a donation in support of the Parade Path, call Jill Barberi at 203-938-9892. To volun-teer, call Georgina Scholl at 203-938-4884.

Gilbert-Miller Park in Georgetown is a pocket park that links Main Street with present and future development along Route 7. There are park benches along a walkway, a bridge, and a path along Gilbert & Bennett Brook.

There are several other trails, preserves, natural areas and watersheds in town where residents may hike, fish or just take in the beautiful scenery (see list of hiking trails below). For more information about state parks or for trail maps, call 860-424-3200.

What about protected open space?The Redding Land Trust holds, in outright gifts or conser-

vation easements, about 1,600 acres of meadow and woodland. More than 60 miles of trails criss-cross properties controlled by the land trust and the town. They are detailed in the Book of Trails, a guide to local parks, trails, and natural areas. Itʼs $10 at the town hall, the Mark Twain Library and the Redding Community Center. The story of Reddingʼs open spaces is told in a 20-minute documentary, A Passion for Place: Redding s̓ Race for Open Space, available as a video or DVD for $5 at the same places the Book of Trails is sold.

Where is the Park and Recreation Department?The office is in the Redding Community Center on

Lonetown Road. The phone number is 203-938-2551. Hours are 8:30 to 5:30 Monday through Wednesday, 8:30 to 6 on Thursday. To check if a program is canceled, call 203-938-5036, ext. 6.

What facilities are at the Redding Community Center?As far as recreation facilities are concerned, the center

has a double gymnasium used for volleyball, basketball, and dance and exercise classes; a community room with a special floor for exercise classes; three multi-purpose playing fields; and four tennis courts on property adjacent to the Redding Elementary School playground, which is available after school hours. The building is open to groups or individuals for rental, when available. Call 203-938-2551 for details.

Where can I go hiking?The Book of Trails IV lists many parks and open spaces

for hiking. They include: Samuel E. Hill Little River Preserve (92 acres); Joan Plishner Wildlife Preserve (35.6 acres); Limekiln Natural Area (157 acres); Bogus Brook Preserve (36 acres); Putnam Memorial State Park (800 acres); Huntington State Park (900 acres); Ground Pine Sanctuary (54 acres); Yovan Tract (13.8 acres); Gallows Hill Natural Area (72.9 acres); Saugatuck Falls (312.4 acres); Stormfield (161 acres); Peter and Nell Fitzpatrick Preserve (5.5 acres); Arthur F. Brinckerhoff Nature Preserve (85.9 acres); Daytonʼs Road to Devilʼs Den (2.8 miles of trails); Lucius Pond Ordway Preserve (Devilʼs Den, 1,500 acres); Lonetown Marsh Sanctuary (11 acres); Huckleberry Swamp (Steichen Preserve, 54 acres); Topstone Park (274 acres); and Rock Lot and Mary Evelyn Scott Nature Preserve (213 acres).

Aquarion offers a hiking permit that allows access to the five-mile Saugatuck Nature Trail along the shore of the Saugatuck Reservoir and 35 miles of scenic trails in Redding and Weston. Call the watershed management department at 203-452-3510.

Are there public tennis courts?Four public tennis courts are near the community center on

the right side of Redding Elementary School. Tennis lessons are held in spring, summer and fall, and residents and their guests may use the courts for free.

Is there an adult softball league in town?Men and women can play in the Adult Softball League.

Call the Park and Recreation Department at 203-938-2551.

Does anyone offer yoga?Yoga classes are offered through Park and Recreation. Call

203-938-2551.Blackbird Yoga (203-587-1221/blackbirdyoga.com) at 28

Main Street, Georgetown, offers yoga classes and workshops and life coaching workshops.

The Yoga Shala (203-544-8811/theyogashalact.com) on Route 7 in Georgetown, offers ashtanga yoga and workshops.

A number of yoga classes, as well as tai chi, are offered at the Redding Meditation Center, 9 Picketts Ridge Road. Check reddingmeditationsociety.org for details.

Where can I go bowling?Many people use Brookfield Lanes on Federal Road (Route


Recreation

5050

7) in Brookfield (203-775-4343). For duckpins try Danbury Duckpin Lanes on Hayestown Road (203-744-4504).

What public golf courses are in the area?

Public golf courses include the Ridgefield Golf Course at 545 Ridgebury Road, Ridgefield (203-748-7008); Richter Park Golf Course, Aunt Hack Road, Danbury (203792-2550); and Oak Hills Golf Course, 165 Fillow Street, Norwalk (203-853-8400). Privately owned courses include Sunset Hill Golf Club, 13 Sunset Hill Road, Brookfield (203-740-7800) and the Candlewood Valley Country Club, Route 7, New Milford (203-354-9359)..

How can I join the local country club?The Redding Country Club at 109 Lonetown Road (Route

107) is the only country club in Redding. Call 203-938-2567 for membership information.

Where can I go swimming here?The only public facility in Redding is Topstone Pond on

Topstone Road. The park has a 28-acre pond for swimming and residents may also use canoes there. Swimming passes must be purchased at the Park and Recreation Department.

Does Park and Recreation have swim lessons?Yes, check the departmentʼs latest brochure or call the

department at 203-938-2551 to find out about lessons at Topstone Park.

Are any public beaches on Long Island Sound?There are Jennings Beach in Fairfield and Calf Pasture

Beach in Norwalk. One of the most popular spots is Sherwood Island State Park in Westport. It has a long beach, changing and eating areas, two large picnic grounds, space for beach sports and a concession stand in season. The park is open from 8 to sunset. There is a parking fee from Memorial Day through September. For details, call 203-226-6983.

Where can I play basketball?There is a court at Topstone Park for residents, and two

courts at the Boys and Girls Club but you should call 203-938-3166 about availability of the latter. There also courts outside Redding Elementary School and John Read Middle School. The Park and Recreation Department runs open gym programs for adults and middle and high school students at the Redding Community Center. Call 203-938-2551 for informa-tion such as times and costs.

What adult recreation programs are there?

The Park and Recreation Department (203-938-2551) offers open gym basketball and volleyball, karate, yoga, golf lessons, tennis lessons, drawing, and a variety of exercise programs.

Are there any family-oriented programs?The Park and Recreation Department (203-938-2551) plans

a number of events each year including a Halloween party, Christmas tree lighting, family open gym, bingo, family swim and skate nights, hikes, and day trips.

Where can I go ice skating?

Residents may skate at their own risk at Huntington State Park. Popular spots nearby are Lake Mamanasco and Pierrepont State Park in Ridgefield. Winter Garden (203-438-4423/wintergardenarena.com) at 111 Prospect Ridge Road, Ridgefield, is open from October to late May, with pub-lic skating, hockey leagues and figure skating. Are mountain bikes allowed in open spaces?

Mountain biking is allowed in both Huntington State Park and Putnam Memorial State Park.

Is there a helmet law for bicyclists?Children age 15 and under must wear a helmet when bicy-

cling in Connecticut.

Are there any bicycling clubs in the area?Sound Cyclists runs group rides throughout Fairfield

County year round. There are special events, a newsletter, and members are entitled to discounts at more than a dozen area bicycle shops. For information, visit soundcyclists.com.

What local health clubs are available?One on One Fitness (203-938-2031/reddingfitnesstrain-

ing.com), 39 Putnam Park Road, offers personal training and group fitness classes.

The Park and Recreation Department offers fitness class-es including pilates, yoga, aerobics, dance exercise, and more.

Is there a jogging trail here?Joel Barlow High School has a track. Many residents like

to run at Huntington State Park off Sunset Hill Road and Putnam Memorial State Park off Route 58.

Are there any running clubs in the area?The Wolfpit Running Club is open to runners and walk-

ers of all abilities. Its annual half-marathon in October attracts many of Connecticutʼs top runners. Proceeds are donated to worthy causes. The Web site is wolfpitrunningclub.org.

The Park and Recreation Department participates in the National Hershey Track and Field Program for boys and girls 9 to 14 each spring.

Is camping allowed anywhere in town?Residents may camp at Topstone Park with a permit.

Permits are available at the Park and Recreation Department (203-938-2551).

Can I rent a field for a company picnic, softball game?

The Boys and Girls Club (203-938-3166) on Cross Highway may be rented for activities. Town fields are avail-able for use during certain times of the year. Call parks and recreation at 938-2551.

Is there a local recreation guide on programs?A brochure is published and mailed quarterly to every home

and business in town to coincide with the departmentʼs spring, summer, fall, and winter programs. To get on the mailing list call 203-938-2551.

Are there any nature centers in or near town?The 102-acre New Pond Farm Education Center at 101

Marchant Road in West Redding offers environmental and cultural programs for children and adults, both members and non-members (the latter pay a slightly higher fee). The prop-erty features trails for hiking and cross-country skiing, an astronomy building with telescopes, and a Native American encampment and museum. Membership entitles people to the use of the property year-round from dawn to dusk. For infor-mation, call 203-938-2117 or visit newpondfarm.org.

The Woodcock Nature Center is at 56 Deer Run Road in Wilton and Ridgefield (203-762-7280/woodcocknaturecenter.org). The nature center building is open to visitors Monday through Friday and most Saturdays from 9:30 to 4. Three miles of publicly accessible woodland trails are open daily

September 16, 2010 Redding Answerbook, Redding, Connecticut Recreation 51

5151

dawn to dusk. The center offers such nature programs as moonlight hikes, composting demonstrations, bird seed sales, and its annual wreath decorating festival.

Where can I go fishing in town?Fishing is available in all public ponds and lakes if you

have a state fishing license. For privately owned ponds and lakes, permission from the owner must be obtained. Particularly popular is Huntington State Park off Sunset Hill Road, which has Starret Pond; the Saugatuck Reservoir off Route 53 (a permit is required, see below); the Aspetuck River off Route 58, and Factory Pond on the Norwalk River (off Route 7 in Georgetown).

Aquarion offers fishing permits that allow access to reser-voirs in Weston, Redding (including the Saugatuck), Monroe, and Shelton. Call 203-452-3510 for details.

What kinds of fish can you catch here?Brook trout, brown trout, rainbow trout, kokanee, large-

mouth bass, smallmouth bass, chain pickerel, northern pike, striped bass, white perch, yellow perch, walleye, brown bull-head, channel catfish, and whitefish are typical to the area, including in Long Island Sound. Check the latest Connecticut Anglerʼs Guide descriptions of these fish — free copies of the guide may be found in the town clerkʼs office in town hall.

When does fishing season start?You may fish year-round in Long Island Sound but for most

inland locations, the season begins the third Saturday in April and continues through November.

Where do I get a fishing license?Inland fishing licenses are $20 (free to seniors and the

disabled) and are required for anyone 16 and older. They are available at the town clerkʼs office and many tackle shops. Fishing licenses are not needed in the marine district unless you are taking lobsters or menhaden. For details, check the Connecticut Anglerʼs Guide, available free at the town clerkʼs office or online at dep.state.ct.us.

Where can I go boating, and find a public boat launch?

There is no body of water big enough for boating in Redding (itʼs not allowed on the reservoir), but you can paddle canoes at Topstone Park, Huntington State Park or Putnam Memorial State Park. State boat ramps may be found in Ridgefield at Lake Mamanasco on Mamanasco Road and Pierrepont State Park on Barlow Mountain Road. There are several public launch areas for Candlewood Lake.

There is a public boat launch on the Saugatuck River on Underhill Parkway off Bridge Street in Westport. It is a paved launch, good for large or small boats. It is a popular spot for canoeists and kayakers to convene. From the launch you can paddle about a mile north to a dam or you can paddle south to Long Island Sound. Since the Saugatuck is a tidal river, you might want to check the tide tables. Kayakers report itʼs more fun at high tide.

For a statewide list of public boat launches, visit the Connecticut DEP Web site at ct.gov/dep and click on Boating.

What do I need to get a hunting license?To obtain a hunting license, you must have had a resident

license within the last five years or have proof of success-ful completion of a hunter safety course. A firearms hunting license costs $14, $3 for a junior (age 12 to 15) firearms hunt-ing license. An archery license is $30, $13 for juniors. Hunting licenses may be purchased at town hall, archery licenses must

be applied for by mail. Permits for hunting specific animals are extra. For details, consult the Connecticut Hunting and Trapping Guide, available free at the town clerkʼs office, call DEP at 860-424-3011, or visit the Web site at dep.state.ct.us.

Where can I go hunting in town?Hunting is strictly forbidden on public lands in town,

except for the town-sanctioned managed hunt. (For details, see the Animals section of the Redding Answer Book.) Hunting is not allowed on land owned by the Redding Land Trust.

You may hunt on private property. All hunters are required to have permission from the landowner when hunting on pri-vate lands. Verbal permission for the hunting of animals other than deer and turkey is sufficient.

Deer and turkey hunters must carry the written permission of the landowner for the current season on official DEP forms. A landowner must have a minimum of 10 acres to authorize the use of a rifle for deer hunting.

Aquarion has expanded access to its land for firearms and bow hunting. A special permit is required. For details, visit the DEP Web site at dep.state.ct.us.

For further information on game law issues, bowhunting, or conservation, call the Redding Deer Warden Hotline at 203-948-2844 or refer to latest issue of the state Hunting and Trapping Guide, available at the town clerkʼs office.

What are the hunting seasons here?Depending on the game, hunting seasons begin and end at

different times. Check the latest state Hunting and Trapping Guide, available in the town clerkʼs office or online at dep.state.ct.us. Bowhunting deer season on state land in bowhunt-ing only areas is from Sept. 15 to Dec. 31. On private property the season is Sept. 15-Jan. 31. Check the above Web site for shotgun dates. Fall turkey bowhunting on state and private land runs from Sept. 15 to Nov. 13 and Dec. 19-31. Fall turkey firearms season is Oct. 6-31 on state and private land. Spring turkey season will be in May. Hunting on Sunday is prohibited in Connecticut.

Who teaches firearms safety courses?Try firearms dealers or call the state s̓ Conservation Education

Firearms Safety office in Burlington at 860-675-8130.

May I shoot a gun on my property?You may shoot for target practice on your property as long

as the projectile doesnʼt leave the property.Hunting regulations stipulate that hunting, shooting or

carrying a loaded firearm within 500 feet of any building occupied by people or domestic animals is illegal. Hunting or shooting from or across the traveled portion of a public runway, or from motor vehicles, is also prohibited. Shooting toward a person, building or domestic animal when within range is illegal.

Where can a person practice shooting?There are no shooting ranges in Redding but thereʼs the

Ramapoo Rifle and Revolver Club in Ridgefield (203-438-2095), and Shooting Sports Limited Indoor Range (203-847-2767) in Norwalk. The Wooster Mountain Shooting Range on Route 7 in Danbury is open for public shooting sea-sonally. The range phone number is 203-794-9821.

Does anyone organize outdoor adventure programs?The Mountain Workshop in West Redding organizes out-

door adventure summer camps and outdoor skills and team-building programs for individuals, schools and corporations. Call 544-0555 or visit mountainworkshop.com.


5252

EntertainmentWhere are the nearest movie theaters?

Redding has no movie theaters but several are in neighbor-ing towns. In Danbury, thereʼs Loewʼs (203-796-7777), a 10-screen complex at 61 Eagle Road.

Bethel Cinema (203-778-2100), is at 269 Greenwood Avenue.

Edmond Town Hall (203-426-2475) on Main Street, Newtown, shows second-run major releases at a lower price several weeks after the first-run theaters.

The Ridgefield Playhouse (203-438-5795) is at 80 East Ridge Avenue.

Are there any theatrical companies in the area?Companies include the Ridgefield Theater Barn (203-431-

9850/theaterbarn.org), the Town Players of Newtown (203-270-9144/danbury.org/townplayers/), the Country Players of Brookfield (203-775-0023) and The Wilton Playshop (203-762-7629/wiltonplayshop.org) on Lovers Lane in Wilton.

Are there any local or area orchestras?The Ridgefield Symphony Orchestra (203-438-3889)

consists of professional musicians and presents a series of con-certs each year. Visit ridgefieldsymphony.org.

The Western Connecticut Youth Orchestra is open to students in sixth through 12th grade. Audition requirements are available online at ridgefieldsymphony.org.

The Danbury Symphony Orchestra is for experi-enced orchestra musicians while the Danbury Community Orchestra is for teens and adults who wish to develop their skills. The Preparatory String Orchestra, also in Danbury, helps prepare musicians prepare for playing in an orchestra. Experienced adult vocalists may join the Danbury Concert Chorus.

These Danbury groups perform from September to June. For more information, call the Danbury Music Centre at 203-748-1716 or go online to danbury.org/musicctr.

Is there any place that offers outdoor concerts?The free Concerts on the Green series runs from June

through August outside the Redding Town Green on Route 107, sponsored by the townʼs Park and Recreation Department.

There are usually six to eight events each year, featuring local and area folk, rock, and country artists. Concerts are on Sundays and start at 6, and are financed by private donations.

Call the Park and Recreation office at 203-938-2551 for more information or to find out how to donate.

Schedules and details appear in The Redding Pilot and the recreation departmentʼs brochure, and on the departmentʼs Web page at townofreddingct.org.

Are there any singing groups I can join?Known for its repertoire of Broadway show tunes and

popular music, the men and women of the Ridgefield Chorale perform in a variety of concerts and productions throughout the year. For information, visit online at ridgefieldchorale.org.

The Adesso Choral Society performs contemporary music, particularly works by New England composers. The group rehearses Tuesday nights, 7:30 to 9:30, beginning in September, at Jesse Lee Memorial Church. For information, or to arrange an audition, call Margaret Collins Stoop at 203-438-2980.

Camerata dʼAmici is a 40-voice choral music grou. The repertoire ranges from well-known spirituals to classi-cal pieces. Rehearsals are Thursday nights at 7:30 at South

Salem Presbyterian Church in South Salem, N.Y. Auditions take place year-round. E-mail director Kristin Sponheim at [email protected]. For information, visit camerat-adamici.org.

The Wilton Treblemakers is open to women of all ages and experience who enjoy singing for the love of music. Rehearsals are Mondays at 7 p.m. at Wilton High School. For information, e-mail [email protected] or visit wil-tontreble.org.

Where can I hear live music while dining?The Georgetown Saloon (203-544-8003) at 8 Main Street

has a small dance floor and live music on many nights and holds open mic nights. Call for a calendar of upcoming bands and events. Lumberyard Pub (203-544-7287) at 2 Main Street, West Redding, has music on Saturday nights. Redding Roadhouse (203-938-3388) at 406 Redding Road offers live music and some special events.The Lyrics Coffeehouse series runs the first Friday of each month from November through April at 7:30, at the Redding Community Center. Tickets are $10 in advance, $12 at the door, half-price for seniors and stu-dents. Coffee is included; snacks are for sale. For detail, call park and recreation at 938-2551 or visit the departmentʼs Web page on townofreddingct.org.

There are many other venues in the area. For details, check the After Dark listings in the Arts & Leisure section of The Redding Pilot.

What museums are in the area?The Lonetown Farm and Museum is run by the

September 16, 2010 Redding Answerbook, Redding, Connecticut Entertainment 53

53

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

53

Redding Historical Society at 43 Lonetown Road. It is open Sundays from 2 to 4, Memorial Day through Labor Day, or by appointment. There is a furnished 1780 farmhouse and antique tool museum in the barn. Call 203-938-9095 or the historical society president Colleen McLeod at 938-1118 ([email protected]).

There is a museum at Putnam Memorial State Park with artifacts from the Revolutionary War soldier encampment on park grounds. Call 203-938-2285 for hours.

Ridgefield offers The Aldrich Contemporary Art Museum (203-438-4519) and the Keeler Tavern Museum (203-438-5485), both on Main Street.

In Danbury, there are the Charles Ives Birthplace Museum (203-778-3540/danburyhistorical.org), 5 Mountainville Avenue; the Scott-Fanton Museum and Historical Society (203-743-5200/danburyhistorical.org), 43 Main Street; the Danbury Railway Museum (203-778-8337/danbury.org/drm), 120 White Street; and the Military Museum of Southern New England (203-790-9277/usmili-tarymuseum.org), 125 Park Avenue.

The Bethel Historical Firefighters Museum (203-794-8523), behind the South Street firehouse, has antique firefight-ing equipment and memorabilia, but is open only for special occasions or by appointment.

What’s Weir Farm?Weir Farm — Connecticutʼs only national historic site

— is on Nod Hill Road in Wilton, near the Ridgefield border and is run by the National Park Service. The farm was the home of American painter J. Alden Weir (1852-1919) and believed to be a seminal site for the development of American Impressionism.

For information, call 203-834-1896 or visit nps.gov/wefa.

Clubs & Organizations54 Entertainment Redding Answerbook, Redding, Connecticut September 16, 2010

I want to do some volunteer service. Where do I find out what’s available?

The opportunities are many. VolunteerSolutions.org helps volunteers find the non-profits that need their help. Visit volunteersolutions.org or call the Voluntary Action Center of Mid-Fairfield at 203-849-1111. VolunteerSolutions.org is a partner of the United Ways.

The Volunteer Bureau of Greater Danbury (203-797-1154) and Infoline of Northwestern Fairfield County (800-203-1234) help link volunteers and organi-zations that need them.

RSVP is a Red Cross program that puts people 55 and older into meaningful volunteer work. Call 203-792-8200.

Where can I find a guide to local organizations?Go to the Web site that calls itself Reddingʼs Online

Resource: redding79.org/organizations.html. There you will find lists of non-profit groups, business organizations. Also there is a calendar of local events, news, videos and more.

How can I get involved in a political party here?Call the town chairman of either party. For the

Redding Republican Town Committee call Ward Mazzucco at 203-938-9861, e-mail [email protected], or go online to reddingrepublicans.org. For the Redding Democratic Town Committee, call Julia Pemberton at 203-938-9700 or go online to red-dingdemocrats.org.

Where can I get a guide to town government or community organizations?

The League of Women Voters publishes a guide to Reddingʼs elected, appointed, and employed officials. The guide is posted online at the leagueʼs Web site (lwct.org/redding) It is available at town hall and the Mark Twain Library.

Does the town have a garden club?Membership in the Redding Garden Club is open

to women and men. Meetings are held from September through June, usually the third Monday, at the Redding Community Center at 11:30 beginning with a light lunch. Usually there are speakers who talk about gardening, landscaping and other related topics. A panel of experi-enced club members answers questions about gardening at meetings. The clubʼs Civic Beautification Committee plants and maintains garden sites around town. The club conducts an annual plant sale in the spring. A scholarship fund benefits a Joel Barlow High School senior planning a career in conservation, horticulture or the environment. The clubʼs Fall Holiday Boutique and Luncheon is in November.

There is a club newsletter. For information, con-tact the membership chair Sarah Cummings at [email protected]. The clubʼs Web site is reddinggardenclub.org.

54

��

��

bring home the big top.

��

��

54

Does the town have a chapter of the National Charity League?

The Redding area chapter of the National Charity League is a mother-and-daughter philanthropic organiza-tion for girls in grades 7 through 12. The organizationʼs purpose is primarily to support the mother and daughter relationship through the teenage years, and to promote a community service attitude in young women. Local member actively volunteer for many civic groups. For information, call Bonnie Kasiarz at 203-938-2467.

Is there a grange in town?The Redding Grange, founded in 1875 and continu-

ously operating since 1939, has a hall on Newtown Turnpike. The grange is a non-partisan, agricultural fam-ily fraternity that builds fellowship, service and member activities. Redding Grange No. 15 meets the second and fourth Monday at the Grange Hall. Annual spring and fall fairs are conducted. Call Ronald Gunther, master of the grange, at 203-748-0463.

Is there a newcomers organization?Redding Neighbors and Newcomers is a social

and philanthropic organization that helps newcomers integrate into the community and meet new people. Membership is also open to longtime Reddingites. Several special interest groups meet through the group, which also has various social events. To join, e-mail [email protected]. The clubʼs Web site is reddingneighborsandnewcomers.org. Membership chair is Jennifer Carello (203-938-8388).

What does the League of Women Voters do?The League of Women Voters of Redding works to

increase voter awareness and participation in the commu-nity. If you would like to get involved, contact the mem-bership chair, Margi Esten, 34 Lonetown Road, Redding. or visit online at lwvct.org/redding.

Is there a group for mothers?The MOMS Club of Ridgefield and Redding is a

support group for mothers who stay at home with their children, including those who have home-based busi-nesses and those who work part-time. The club has divided into two groups. For details go online to http://momsclubridgefield.tripod.com. For information, e-mail [email protected].

What computer users groups are in the area?The Danbury Area Computer Society meets on

the first Tuesday of each month in the auditorium at Danbury Hospital. Meetings are open to the public and begin at 6:30 p.m. with casual networking followed at 8 by a speaker. Call 203-748-4330 or visit DACS.org.

Is there an American Association of University Women chapter?

The Ridgefield branch of the AAUW serves Redding.

Founded in 1881, the AAUW is the oldest and largest national organization working for the education and eco-nomic equality of women. It provides money for study and research to American and international women, seeks to remove economic and cultural barriers faced by women. Local branch meetings are open to the public. Check local listings for times and locations. To find out more, e-mail Deb Zaic at [email protected] or visit aauw-ct-ridgefield.org.

What is the Junior League?The Junior League of Stamford-Norwalk is a non-

profit organization of women committed to promoting voluntarism, developing the potential of women and improving communities through the effective action and leadership of trained volunteers. The groupʼs purpose is exclusively educational and charitable. For information on joining, call 203-655-4662.

Do we have any environmental organizations?The Redding Land Trust, incorporated in 1965, is a

non-profit organization that accepts and manages gifts of land. The trust holds 1,600 acres in open space land gifts and easements in town. These lands will remain as natu-ral land forever. The trust, which costs $5 to join, spon-sors hikes, trail clean-ups, and educational programs. The trust also maintains several preserves in town. For more information, send inquiries to P.O. Box 76, Redding 06875; or e-mail: [email protected]. The Web

September 16, 2010 Redding Answerbook, Redding, Connecticut Clubs & Organizations 55

55

JOHN FINDORAK& SONS, INC.

• Well Drilling

• Complete Pump & Tank Installations

• Geothermal Wells

• Irrigation Wells

• Well Hydrofracture

• Sales & Service

CALL USTO DO THE“HOLE”

JOB!��

with NO SUBCONTRACTING ��

55

site is reddingctlandtrust.org.Save Natural Redding is a small, hardworking

group dedicated to eliminating invasive plant species in town. The group has earmarked Saugatuck Falls, across from John Read Middle School, as its first preserva-tion zone in which to control non-native plants. As it removes invasive species, the group replaces them with native plants. For information or to help out, call Jill Kotch at 203-431-3136. Fred Schroeder (203-938-9165) of Reddingʼs Conservation Commission, is head of an informal group called the Knotweed Gang, which is dedicated to removing stands of Japanese knotweed, a particularly noxious invasive species. The Conservation Commission sponsors an annual Invasive Plant Removal Day each spring.

Redding is home to the Highstead Arboretum, 127 Lonetown Road (203-938-8809), which is open to the public by appointment or for certain special occasions. Unlike traditional arboretums where land is primarily cultivated for non-native woody plant species in a garden setting, Highsteadʼs collections are based on “sound eco-logical principles in which cultivated plants are grown in harmony with existing plant populations.” Highlights include a 2.5-acre pond, swamp walk, and collections of mountain laurel and native azalea. Memberships are available.

Is there a historical society in Redding?The Redding Historical Society sponsors several

annual community events including an antiques fair, a Revolutionary War re-enactment (by DeLanceyʼs Brigade), Militia Day for third graders, and a Christmas tour at its Lonetown Farm Museum. For more informa-tion, call the societyʼs president Janice Dimon at 203-938-8796.

The Redding Preservation Society has its focus on local historic preservation issues. It works with the Connecticut Trust for Historic Preservation and the National Trust for Historic Preservation. Call Raymond DʼAngelo, chairman, at 203-938-0240.

Is there a club for children?The Jesse P. Sanford Boys and Girls Club of

Redding is a focal point of youth activities in town. The clubʼs mission is to provide safe, supervised recreation to Redding children. It uses volunteer coaches, direc-tors, and parents. The clubʼs eight-acre facility on Cross Highway offers baseball, softball, basketball and flag football activities, as well as summer sport camps. Call 203-938-3166 for further information or visit the clubʼs Web site at rbgc.net.

Do we have a Lions Club?The Georgetown Lions Club has fund-raisers

— including an annual carnival at the Wilton High School field — to help disabled children, provide free eye exams, promote drug awareness, and support the Diabetes Foundation. Call 203-544-9977.

Is there a Daughters of the American Revolution chapter in the area?

Membership in the Daughters of the American Revolution is open to any woman 18 years or older who can trace her ancestry to someone who helped the nation achieve independence from Britain between 1775 and 1783, including soldiers, sailors, militiamen, civil ser-vants, members of the Continental Congress, nurses who aided the wounded, and ministers who gave patriotic sermons. The Drum Hill Chapter, which serves the area, meets regularly. Check The Pilot for meeting details. For information, call Mary Bendix at 203-762-1379 or e-mail [email protected].

Is there a veterans group here?The Georgetown Area Veterans of Foreign Wars

Post 10190. The post espouses a long tradition of hon-oring veterans and embraces all of the efforts of the national VFW. It raises money to benefit veterans and the community. Area residents who fought in any foreign war or campaign are invited to attend one of the postʼs meetings, held the second Wednesday of every month, 8 p.m., at the Georgetown Firehouse.

The Bethel American Legion Post 100, 7 Elizabeth Street, can be reached at 203-748-9400.

Is there a substance abuse prevention group?The Easton-Redding Community Coalition is

dedicated to the belief that parental supervision and involvement in a teenagerʼs life will help them avoid the risks of alcohol and drug abuse, premature sexual-ity, depression, and suicide. Among other things, the group runs a Family University each spring at Joel Barlow High School, and distributes a Safe Homes brochure (to parents of sixth grade through high school students that incorporates a pledge that parents will not knowingly serve alcohol to minors in their homes) and “Guidelines for Get Togethers” booklet, as well as a “Driver Information Manual for Teens and Parents.” For information, call Bill Gilotti at 203-938-9450 or e-mail [email protected]. At Joel Barlow High School the contact is Maryanne Pieratti, 203-938-2508, ext. 1524 ([email protected]). The Web site is EastonReddingCC.org.

Are there any special interest groups in town?Nonpartisan Action for A Better Redding (NABR)

believes schools can be improved while holding tax increases in check. For more information, visit betterred-ding.org.

Is there a meditation group?The nonprofit Redding Meditation Society pres-

ents meditation classes and workshops led by Buddhist monks at the Redding Meditation Center, 9 Picketts Ridge Road in West Redding. Personal retreats are wel-come. Call 203-894-1118 or visit online at reddingmedi-tationsociety.org.

56 Clubs & Organizations Redding Answerbook, Redding, Connecticut September 16, 2010

5656

BusinessIs there a chamber of commerce here?

The Georgetown business community is part of Wiltonʼs Chamber of Commerce and works with that organization to promote commercial and retail businesses in the Georgetown area, which includes Redding. For more information about the chamber, call 203-762-0567. The Web site is wiltonchamber.com.

Who protects consumers?The local Better Business Bureau is in Wallingford. For

information, call 203-269-2700 or go online to connecticut.bbb.org.

The Better Business Bureau provides reports on businesses, charity groups, and organizations. It can help resolve consumer disputes with businesses and promotes ethical business stan-dards. You may file a complaint online at connecticut.bbb.org or call for information.

Consumers may also file a complaint about a business, by calling the state Department of Consumer Protection hotline at 800-842-2649, or visit state.ct.us/dep. The department will investigate cases where consumers feel they were cheated or defrauded. It will also accept written complaints, which can be mailed to 165 Capitol Avenue, Hartford 06106.

Does anyone welcome newcomers to town?Personal Touch Welcome visits families who have relo-

cated to or within town with a basket of helpful information about the community and gifts from local merchants and professionals. New parents in Redding are congratulated with a gift basket also. For an appointment, call Dee Strilowich at 203-438-0128 or visit personaltouchwelcome.com.

When are the town’s post offices open?Redding has four post offices.The retail services counter of the West Redding Post

Office (203-938-2763) on Simpaug Turnpike in West Redding Center, is open Monday through Friday from 8 to 5, and Saturday from 9 to noon.

The retail services counter of the Georgetown Post Office (203-544-8643), off Redding Road (just behind the Georgetown Firehouse), is open from 9 to 5 Monday to Friday, and from 9:30 to noon on Saturday.

The retail services counter of the Redding Center Post Office, (203-938-2309) at 10 Lonetown Road (directly across from town hall), is open 8 to 11:30 and 1:30 to 5, Monday to Friday, and from 8:30 to 11:30 on Saturday.

The retail services counter of the Redding Ridge Post Office (203-938-3337) is open 8 to 1:30 and 2:30 to 5:30 Monday to Friday and 8:30 to 12:30 Saturday.

Can I buy stamps without having to go to the post office?

Yes, Anconaʼs Market (203-544-8436) on Route 102 near Route 7 in Branchville and Caraluzziʼs (203-544-7021) in Georgetown at Route 7 and 107 sell U.S. postage stamps as do several other retailers in the area. The post office will also send you stamps by mail. Call any post office for information on the service. Or you can order stamps by mail at the U.S. Postal Service Web site (usps.com).

Where can I send packages or overnight mail?The UPS Store (203-438-7200), 54 Danbury Road (Route

35) in Ridgefield, will send packages and mailers. UPS (800-742-5877) will pick up at home for a small extra charge.

Federal Express (800-238-5355) picks up at home for a fee.

Are there any motels, inns or B&Bs here?Days Inn (203-438-3781/daysinn.com) at 296 Ethan Allen

Highway (Route 7) is in Redding. Also in nearby Ridgefield the Stonehenge Restaurant and Inn (203-438-6511/stonehenge-inn-ct.com), just off Route 7 (203-438-6511), the Elms Inn at 500 Main Street (203-438-2541/elmsinn.com), Stone Ridge Manor, 24 Old Wagon Road (203-431-8426), Green Rocks Inn, 415 Danbury Road (203-894-8944/greenrocksinn.com) and the West Lane Inn at 22 West Lane (203-438-7323/west-laneinn.com) have overnight rooms. There are no bed-and-breakfasts in town.

Where can I get help finding a job?The Connecticut Works Center (a part of the stateʼs

Department of Labor), is at 152 West Street, Danbury. The center offers a data bank of jobs as well as listings of support services such as job counseling, resume writing, and training. It is open from 8:30 to 4:30, Monday through Friday. Call 203-731-2929 for more information. Call the Connecticut Job Bank at 860-344-2044 or check online at ctdol.state.ct.us.

Can I rent a hall here for a party or a reception?Redding Roadhouse (203-938-3388) on Route 53 also

handles large groups as does the Redding Country Club (203-938-2567) at 109 Lonetown Road (Route 107). The Georgetown Saloon (203-544-8003) at 8 Main Street is good for smaller parties. You can also look into renting at any of the townʼs three firehouses, some church halls, or the Mark Twain Library (203-938-2545).

September 16, 2010 Redding Answerbook, Redding, Connecticut Business 57

57

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

57

Food & ShoppingWhat supermarkets are in town?

The Redding Country Store (203-938-9400) at 2 Long Ridge Road, West Redding Center. The Redding Ridge Market at 119 Black Rock Turnpike was closed after a fire last year and new owners plan to reopen it later this year.

For supermarket shopping, try Anconaʼs Market (203-544-8436) at 720 Branchville Road, Ridgefield (Route 102 just west of the Route 7 intersection); Caraluzziʼs Georgetown Market (203-544-7021), 920 Danbury Road, Wilton; or Bethel Food Market (203-748-3547) at 98 Greenwood Avenue.

Where and when can I buy alcoholic beverages?Beer, wine, and liquor are sold in package stores (a regional

term for liquor stores). Under state law, they are not sold after 8 p.m. or on Sundays. Beer (but not wine or liquor) may also be purchased in many grocery stores during the same hours.

Local package stores include Georgetown Package Store, 34 Main Street, 203-544-8534, and Redding Wines & Spirits, 119 Black Rock Turnpike, 203-938-2131.

What farmers’ markets are around?

Markets open this season include Georgetown (Route 57 and Main Street) open Sundays, 10 to 2; Ridgefield (88-90 Danbury Road/Route 35), open Fridays, 3-7; Bethel, 67 Stony Hill Road, open Saturdays, 9 to 1; and Weston (Weston Historical Society, Route 57 and High Acre Road) open Saturdays, 9 to noon. For more Connecticut farm market list-ings, check ctfarmfresh.org.

Where can I get local food products?Warrups Farm in West Redding (203-938-9403) is an

organic farm offering pick-your-own flowers, vegetables and pumpkins.

New Pond Farm at 101 Marchant Road offers for sale milk, cheese, and yogurt produced by its herd of eight cows.

In Bethel, there are Blue Jay Orchards (203-748-0119), 125 Plumtrees Street, well-known for its apple- and pumpkin-picking; and Megʼs Flower Farm (203-790-6347, 69 Turkey Plain Road (Route 53), which offers pick-your-own vegetables and has a farm stand with jams, jellies, local honey, and fresh cut flowers.

Silvermanʼs Farm in Easton (203-268-0321) offers peach-es, apples and nectarines from mid-July to mid-October. There is also a farm market, florist, animal park, seasonal cider mill and tractor rides.

What restaurants are in town?Clemens Restaurant (203-938-8300/clemensrestaurant.

com), 9 Long Ridge Road, West Redding; Country Diner (203-431-3561), 199 Ethan Allen Highway; Donna Marieʼs (203-544-7199), 7 Main Street, Georgetown; the Georgetown Saloon (203-544-8003), 8 Main Street, Georgetown; Lombardi Pizzeria & Restaurant (203-938-8013), 2 Station Road, West Redding Center; Lombardi Pizza Plus II (203-544-9447), 22a Main Street; Lumberyard Pub (203-544-7287), 2 Main Street, Georgetown; the Olive Market (203-544-8134), 19 Main Street; Rancho Alegre (203-544-9464), 6 Main Street, Georgetown; Redding Roadhouse (203-938-3388), 406 Redding Road; the Station House Cafe (203-938-8933), 3 Side Cut Road; Thali (203-894-1080), 296 Ethan Allen Highway (Route 7); Toozy Patza Pizza (203-544-9500), 991 Danbury Road; and the Whistle Stop Bakery & Cafe (203-544-8139), in the Branchville train station building.

Where can I buy gift items?Olive Home (203-544-8136), 17 Main Street in

Georgetown, offers a selection of home and garden accents and hostess gifts.

Runway Shoppe at 14 West Branchville Road has an eclec-tic assortment of clothing and accessories.

Where can I buy a newspaper?The closest thing to a traditional newsstand in the area is

Edʼs Cigar Box (203-748-5718), 279 Main Street, Danbury. You can also buy newspapers, including The Redding Pilot, the Redding Country Store, 2 Longridge Road; Station House, 3 Sidecut Road; Redding Pharmacy, Route 107; and Mini Vinnyʼs Deli, 12 Old Mill Road, Georgetown.

Is there a mall in the area?The Danbury Fair Mall, on the site of the former Danbury

Fair at the intersection of Route 7 and I-84, is home to Macyʼs, Sears, J.C. Penney, and Lord & Taylor as well as more than 100 smaller shops and restaurants. The mallʼs food court is also home to a carousel, a reminder of earlier fairground days.

Are there any delicatessens around?Deli food is available at Miniʼs Vinnyʼs (203-544-9988), 12

Old Mill Road, Georgetown; Redding Country Store (203-938-9400), 2 Long Ridge Road; Cafe Cogolulu, (203-544-6000), 991 Danbury Road; and the nearby Sand Wedge Deli and Catering (203-544-8074) at 1 Ethan Allen Highway.

58 Food & Shopping Redding Answerbook, Redding, Connecticut September 16, 2010

58

��203-438-4423

www.wintergardenarena.com

SKATING AND HOCKEYPROGRAMS FOR ALL AGES��Youth Hockey ��Adult Hockey

��Learn to Skate Programs for Ages 4 to Adult ��Ice Mice Skating Program for Ages 3 to 6 ��August Hockey Camps & Fall Clinics

PUBLIC SKATINGSTICK & PUCK SESSIONS

September�May

Ice Rinks Are Warmer Than You Think!

58

TransportationWho maintains the roads in town?

The Redding Highway Department (203-938-2801) maintains all town roads, including snow and ice removal. The department is also responsible for bridges, drainage, resurfac-ing, and trees. State roads are maintained by the Connecticut Highway Department. State roads are the ones with numbers: Routes 7, 53, 58 and 107.

To whom do I complain about a pothole?Notify the police (203-938-3550) or the highway depart-

ment (203-938-2801) about potholes or other problems on town roads. For state roads, call 203-797-4157.

Does the town have any scenic roads?Yes, and the town has a scenic road ordinance. For a road to

become a scenic road, more than 50% of road frontage owners must sign a petition and present it to the planning commission for approval. After a road receive a scenic designation any changes to the road itself or along the town right-of-way must be approved by the planning commission.

Reddingʼs scenic roads include Topstone Road, Umpawaug Road, Poverty Hollow Road, and Mark Twain Lane.

Does the town sweep up and reuse road sand?Yes, the town does sweep up and reuse 5% to 10% of road

sand. The reclaimed sand is used as fill for town construction projects. The collected sand is not reused on roads when it is contaminated with material such as glass, cans and sticks.

What are the typical speed limits in town?Nearly all town roads are 25 miles per hour, and state roads

vary up to 45 miles per hour.

What’s the fine for speeding?All fines for motor vehicle infractions and violations are set

by the state and published in a booklet available in most public libraries, police departments, and DMV offices. It is also avail-able online at jud.ct.gov/Publications/Infractions/infractions.pdf.

Speeding tickets for cars going over 55 miles per hour range from $123 for going one to nine mph over the posted limit to $211 for 23 mph and over the posted limit. Fines are higher for construction, utility, and school zones. Traveling unreasonably fast pertains to cars going under 56 mph. The fines in this bracket range from $103 for one to nine mph over the posted limit to $191 for 23 or more mph over the limit, again with greater penalties for construction, utility and school zones.

The fine for passing a standing school bus, no matter how fast or slow you are going is $460 for the first offense. The same offense in a construction or utility zone is $760.

What are the rules regarding school buses?State law requires motorists to stop their vehicles at least

10 feet from the front or rear of a school bus with flashing red lights. Bus drivers may report violators to the DMV. When a driver is reported, the registered owner of the vehicle will receive a written warning. Reported vehicles are tracked by computer, and when a second offense is reported, a summons can be issued to the owner.

Is there free municipal parking?All parking in town is free except at the West Redding rail-

road station. There is free parking at the station during holiday periods.

What is the fine for illegal parking?The fine for parking illegally at the railroad station is $25.

If you park in a permit spot without a permit and do not pay the $5 daily parking fee and you get a ticket, the delinquent $5 fee will double every month you donʼt pay it until it reaches a maximum of $100.

The fine for illegally parking in a handicap parking space is $116. For improper parking, such as parking on a traveled road or within 25 feet of an intersection or stop sign, you can expect to pay a $60 fine.

Where are the closest motor vehicle offices?The nearest motor vehicle departments are in Danbury at

2 Lee Mac Avenue, and Norwalk, 540 Main Avenue. They are open Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday, 8 to 4:30; Thursday, 8 to 7, and Saturday, 8 to 12:30. For information, call 800-842-8222 or visit dmvct.org.

Where can I get a handicapped permit to park?You may apply for a permit or disability plates at the

Department of Motor Vehicles at 2 Lee Mac Avenue in Danbury, 540 Main Avenue in Norwalk, or the satellite office at 888 Washington Boulevard in Stamford. Applicants must provide proof of disability with form B-225. For more infor-mation, call Gail Schiron at 203-938-3580.

September 16, 2010 Redding Answerbook, Redding, Connecticut Transportation 59

59

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

59

Pets & AnimalsWhat does Redding Animal Control do?

The department deals with domestic animals, specifically dogs, and any wild animal that comes in contact with a domes-tic animal or person. The department does not do pest control or body removal. Michael DeLuca is the animal control officer. He may be reached at 203-938-2525.

Where do I get a dog license?The town clerk in town hall sells dog licenses. Dogs should

be registered in June; if you neglect to register, there is a $1 fine for each month of delinquency. Call the town clerkʼs office (203-938-2377) for details. Not licensing your dog can result in a $60 fine.

Dogs six months and older must be licensed. A current rabies certificate is required. For a reduced cost, proof of the animal being spayed or altered must be shown. The cost is $19 for an animal that has not been spayed or altered, and $8 for an animal that has.

Do I have to have my cat vaccinated?Yes, Connecticut state law requires that all dogs and cats be

given rabies vaccinations. (Cats do not need licenses.)

Are there rabies clinics in the area?Redding usually holds a low-cost rabies clinic once a year,

in April or May, at the West Redding firehouse. Pet owners should bring their petʼs previous rabies certificate to receive a three-year rabies certificate; otherwise, they will receive a rabies certificate for a one-year vaccination. The clinic is spon-sored by the Connecticut Municipal Animal Control Officers Association. Call Animal Control Officer Michael DeLuca at 203-938-2525 for details.

Are there animal hospitals in town?There are three veterinary hospitals in Redding: The

Redding Ridge Veterinarian (203-938-8018) at 3 Meeker Hill Road; the Redding Veterinary Hospital (203-438-3761) at 235 Ethan Allen Highway (Route 7); and the Georgetown Veterinary Hospital (203-544-9098) at 53 Redding Road in Georgetown.

Is there a dog training school in town?Canine College (203-938-2124), 40 Marchant Road and

Good Citizen Dog Training (203-938-2951) offer classes in Redding. Paws Up Positive Dog Training (203-544-9033/pawsuppdt.com) offers private lessons.

My dog is lost; where can I get help?Call Redding Animal Control at 203-938-2525. You may

also want to call the animal control officers in neighboring towns, particularly if your dog has been missing more than 24 hours.

What happens to loose dogs picked up by Animal Control?

They are taken to the Bethel Animal Shelter on Route 53, 203-794-8530.

What should I do if a loose dog is on my property, chasing my kids or cats?

Dogs must be confined to oneʼs own property or under con-trol, such as with a leash or verbal control, if off the property. If a loose dog (not your own) is on your property, call Redding Animal Control at 203-938-2525.

Is it legal to allow a dog to relieve itself on public or private property?

There is no law regarding public property, but it is illegal to allow any dog to soil anotherʼs private property. Dog owners can be liable for a fine.

Where is a good place to take a dog for a romp?Putnam State Park, at the intersection of Putnam Park

Road and Black Rock Turnpike, Huntington State Park on Sunset Hill Road, and Topstone Park are popular places for people to bring their dogs. At Topstone, dogs are not allowed on the beach from May through September. All parks require dogs to be on leashes. Dog owners should clean up after their dogs. The town of Ridgefield offers the Bark Park, just for dogs, on Prospect Ridge and Hampton Court.

Where can I adopt a dog or cat?Cats may be adopted through the Animals In Distress

Shelter, Danbury Road, Wilton (203-762-2006).Dogs and cats may be adopted at the ROAR Shelter, South

Street, Ridgefield (203-438-0158); Connecticut Humane Society, 455 Post Road East, Westport (203-227-4137); DAWS-Danbury Animal Welfare Society (203-744-3297/daws.org); PAWS-Pet Animal Welfare Society, 504 Main Avenue, Norwalk (203-750-9572/pawsct.org); SOS-Save Our Strays, 1677 Post Road, Westport (203-255-0514); Paws-A-While in Bethel, 147 Grassy Plain Street (203-790-6511); Easton Animal Shelter (203-268-9172), 13 Westport Road, or the Bethel Animal Shelter (203-794-8530) on Route 53. Many area shelters list adoptable pets at petfinder.com.

My car hit a dog. What should I do?Do not pick the animal up or try to help it. Injured animals

often bite. According to the law, you must report it to the police (203-938-3400) and wait for them to arrive. They will contact Animal Control.

Whom may I call if my pet dies at home?Most veterinarians will assist in sending a pet for burial or

cremation. You may also call All Pets Crematory in Stamford (203-967-4949/allpetscrematory.com), which offers a number of services and will come to your house to pick up your pet.

Where can I take my pet in an emergency?The Animal Emergency Clinic of Danbury (203-790-

6383) is at 22 Newtown Road, Danbury. It is open Monday through Thursday from 6 p.m. to 8 a.m. and Friday from 6 p.m. to 8 a.m. the following Monday; and 24 hours on most holidays.

The Veterinary Referral and Emergency Clinic at 134 West Cedar Street, Norwalk, is open 24 hours. Call 203-854-9960.

If your pet has eaten something poisonous and you canʼt reach your own veterinarian right away, you can call the ASPCA Poison Control Hotline at 800-548-2423. It is staffed 24 hours, but there is a charge for services.

Are any animals illegal to keep as pets?Generally speaking, people are prohibited from having

as pets animals considered wild by the State Department of Environmental Protection. Call 860-424-3011 for more infor-mation.

60 Pets & Animals Redding Answerbook, Redding, Connecticut September 16, 2010

6060

Web SitesRedding sites:Aspetuck Wildcats: wildcatsfootball.comCalvary Independent Baptist Church: cibcredding.orgCamp Invention: campinvention.orgChrist Church-Episcopal: christchurchredding.orgEaston-Redding Community Coalition: EastonReddingCC.

orgEaston-Redding Schools: er9.orgFirst Church of Christ Congregational: firstchurchredding.

orgGeorgetown Volunteer Fire Co. #1: fire-ems.net/firedept/

view/georgetown2ctLeague of Women Voters: lwvct.org/reddingMark Twain Library: marktwainlibrary.orgMOMS Club: momsclubridgefield.tripod.comNew Pond Farm: newpondfarm.orgNonpartisan Action for a Better Redding: betterredding.orgPutnam Park: putnampark.orgRedding Boys & Girls Club: rbgc.netRedding Cub Scouts: reddingscouts.org

Redding-Easton Lacrosse: re-lax.orgRedding Education Foundation: reddingeducationfounda-

tion.orgRedding Fire & EMS Co. #1: reddingfire1.orgRedding-Georgetown Democratic Town Committee: red-

dingdemocrats.orgRedding history: historyofredding.comRedding Meditation Society: reddingmeditationsociety.orgRedding Neighbors and Newcomers: reddingneighborsand-

newcomers.orgRedding Pilot: thereddingpilot.comRedding Republican Town Committee: reddingrepublicans.

orgRedding Soccer Club: reddingsoccerclub.orgSacred Heart Church: SacredHeartGeorgetownCT.orgTemple B'Nai Chaim: tbcct.orgTibetan Buddhist Center for Universal Peace: dnkldharma.

orgTown of Redding: townofreddingct.org

MediaWhat newspapers cover the town?

The Redding Pilot, a weekly, is the major publication that covers our town. The Pilot’s editorial office is at the Hersam Acorn Newspapers ̓main office at 16 Bailey Avenue in Ridgefield. Office hours are Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Wednesday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. The newsroom phone number is 203-894-3331. The Web site is TheReddingPilot.com.

The News-Times in Danbury, a daily, covers some Redding events and people.

How can I get an announcement in the papers?The best way to submit an announcement to The Pilot is via

e-mail to [email protected]. For sports news, e-mail Sports Editor Rocco Valluzzo at [email protected]. You may also mail press releases to The Pilot, P.O. Box 389, Georgetown, CT 06892. In any case, be sure to include a day-time contact phone number. The Pilot does not accept faxed submissions. A free guide to doing news releases is available online at thereddingpilot.com.

To get news in the Danbury News-Times, call 203-744-5100 or fax to 203-792-8730 or e-mail [email protected].

How may I advertise in the Pilot?For classified advertising, call 1-800-372-2790 or e-mail:

[email protected]. For display advertising, call Karen Forrest at 203-894-3324. E-mail: [email protected].

For subscriptions: 800-372-2790 or 203-894-3309.

Can I read The Pilot online?Those looking for the latest Redding news can find it on

The Pilotʼs online site, thereddingpilot.com; those looking for the not-so-latest news can find it in the same place.

To sign up for the latest, up-to-the-minute news, sign up for Breaking News from The Redding Pilot by logging onto TheReddingPilot.com and clicking on Breaking News in the upper right-hand corner. You can also follow town news via Twitter. Sign up at Twitter.com/ReddingPilot.

Page one stories, and the top sports stories from the current weekʼs issue of The Redding Pilot are available on the paperʼs home page and remain accessible at no charge for several weeks. The entire content of the newspaper is added to the archive within about two weeks after publication.

The Pilotʼs archives are searchable by going to thered-dingpilot.com and clicking on “Archives” on the left-hand side of the page. Users may then search for information from The Redding Pilot (as well as its seven sister newspapers) going back as far as June 2003. Just enter a keyword or phrase, choose a time frame (or search all available years), and click “search.”.

All obituaries going back to September 2005, an up-to-date Whatʼs Up calendar, useful Web links, and the Redding Answerbook, as well as access to the Hersam Acorn clas-sifieds, real estate listings, and the top stories from the Arts & Leisure section and special monthly supplements are also available at no charge on The Pilotʼs Web site. (Send arts information at least two weeks in advance to [email protected] or call Arts Editor Sally Sanders at 203-483-1183, ext. 132.)

What radio stations carry news of Redding?Redding news, weather, sports and personalities are carried

by WLAD (800 AM) and WINE (98Q FM) in Danbury.

Are there any public radio, classical or jazz stations in the area?

WSHU-FM in Fairfield (91.1 mHz) is a National Public Radio station and also carries much classical music. Connecticut Public Radioʼs WEDW-FM in Stamford (88.5 mHz) also carries NPR and classical formats, audible in many parts of town, while its higher powered but more distant sister station, WNPR-FM in Meriden (90.5 mHz), can also be heard here. WKCR-FM (89.9 mHz) at Columbia University in New York City is a jazz station. WPKN-FM in Bridgeport (89.5 mHz) carries a mix that includes much jazz. WMNR-FM (88.1 mHz) carries mostly classical music, but Saturdays from 5 till midnight programs music from the 20s through the early 50s, including much big band and swing.

September 16, 2010 Redding Answerbook, Redding, Connecticut Media/Web Sites 61

6161


Readerʼs Index

6262

911, 16, 24, 28AARP, 44Accident reports, 30Activities, library, 23Activities, school, 19Activities, seniors, 44Adult education, 22Adventure programs, 47, 52After-school activities, 19Alcoholic beverages, 58Alcoholism, 38Ambulance service, 28American Association of University Women, 55American Red Cross, 24, 36, 38Animal control, 60Animal hospitals, 60Apartments, 25Assessments, property, 10Basketball, 19, 47, 48Beaches, 51Bed and breakfast, 25, 57Better Business Bureau, 57Bible study, 35Bicycles, 51Blood drives, 38Blood pressure screenings, 38Board of Education, 13, 18, 20 Board of Finance, 13, 15, 20Board of Selectmen, 9, 20Boarders, 25Boards, town, 15Boating, 52Book of Trails, 48, 50Bowling, 50Brush removal, 34Budget, school, 10, 19Budget, town, 9, 12Building department, 13Building officer, 13Buses, 59Cable TV, 34Calendar of events, commu-nity, 23, 53, 61Camping, overnight, 51Camps, day, 47, 52, 56Candidates, 14Cars, 10, 12, 59Catering, 58Cats, 60Cell phone towers, 34Cell phones, 27, 28, 34, 36Cemeteries, 6, 7, 24Chamber of Commerce, 57Churches, 35Clubs, senior, 44Colleges, 22Commission on Aging, 16Commissions, town, 14

Compost, 27Computer club, 55Concerts, 53Congress, U.S., 17Conservation Commission, 14, 15, 56Counseling, 24, 36, 41Country clubs, 50CPR, 36Crime statistics, 29Danbury Hospital, 28, 36, 38Daughters of the American Revolution, 56Day care, adult, 44Day care, children, 46Deeds, 13Deer, 27, 52Delicatessens, 58Democratic Town Committee, 14, 54DMV, 59Dogs, 60Domestic abuse, 24, 42Drinking age, 46Drug treatment, 41Easement, historic, 25Easton-Redding Community Coalition, 56Eating disorders, 42Elder abuse, 45Elections, 12Electric power, 34Emergencies, townwide, 33, 34Employment, 8Employment services, youth, 46Evacuations, emergency, 33, 34Families in Crisis Fund, 24Farmers' markets, 58Farms, 58Field hockey, 19. 46Financial assistance, 24, 42Fingerprints, 30Fire departments, 29Firearms, 52Firewood, 27First selectman, 20Fishing, 15, 52Flu clinics, 38Food bank, 17, 24Football, 19, 46, 47, 56Friends of Putnam Park, 6Funeral homes, 24Garbage, 25, 26Georgetown History Project, 7Gilbert & Bennett, 5Gilbert-Miller Park, 50Golf, 19, 51

Goodwill Industries, 24Grand list, 10Habitat for Humanity, 35Handicap services, 38Handicapped parking, 59Hazardous waste, 27Health care, geriatric, 36, 44Health clubs, 51Health department, 27, 28, 34, 36Heritage Center, 44Highstead Arboretum, 56Highway department, 59Hiking, 50, 51Historian, town, 7Historic districts, 7Historic points of interest, 6Histories, town, 7Home businesses, 25Home health care, 36, 44Hospice, 38Hospitals, 28Houses, oldest, 6Houses, sale prices, 8Housing, senior, 44Hunting, 15, 27, 52Huntington Park, 5, 6, 50, 51, 52, 60Huntington, Anna Hyatt, 6Ice skating, 51Immunizations, 18, 36, 38Income, household, 8Infoline, 41, 46Inns, 57Insurance forms, 45Internet searches, 23, 61Jobs, students, 46Joel Barlow High School, 18Jogging trail, 51John Read Middle School, 18Junior League, 55Lacrosse, 19, 46Land use, 14Laurel Ridge Health Care, 38League of Women Voters, 54, 55Legal notices, 15, 17Library services, 23License, day care, 46License, dog, 60License, driver's, 12, 34, 59License, fishing, 52License, hunting, 52License, marriage, 13Lions Club, 27, 56Lonetown Farm and Museum, 7, 53, 56Lyme disease, 36, 38, 42Mark Twain Library, 23, 48, 54, 57Marriages, 13

Martial arts, 47Meals on Wheels, 44Mental illness, 41Military enlistments, 17MOMS Club, 55Mosquitoes, 43Motels, 57Movie theaters, 53Music, live, 53Museums, 53National Charity League, 55Nature centers, 51Newspapers, 61Newsstands, 58Nonpartisan Action for A Better Redding, 59Norwalk Hospital, 28, 36Notary public, 17Nursing homes, 44Officials, town, 20Open space, 50Orchestras, 53Parade path, 50Park and Recreation Commission, 14, 15Park and Recreation Department, 44, 45, 46, 47, 48, 50, 51Parking, 59Parks, 50, 60Passports, 13Permit, burn, 27Permit, handicap parking, 59Permit, zoning, 25Pet adoptions, 60Pharmacies, 58Physicians, 36Planning Commission, 14, 15Plants, invasive, 28Playgrounds, 47Police department, 25, 29, 30, 59Population, 8Postal services, 13, 57Probate judge, 20PTA, 21Public records, 10, 13Putnam Park, 4, 53, 67Rabies, 60Radio stations, 61Radon gas, 28Recycling, 26Redding Answerbook, 61Redding Boys & Girls Club, 46, 47Redding Community Center, 50Redding Education Foundation, 21Redding Elementary School, 18


6363

Redding Garden Club, 54Redding Grange, 55Redding Historical Society, 6, 7, 54, 56Redding Land Trust, 55Redding Meditation Society, 35Redding Neighbors and Newcomers, 55Redding Pilot, 61Redding Preservation Society, 56Registrars of voters, 12Republican Town Committee, 14, 54Restaurants, 43, 57, 58Revaluation, 10Roads, scenic, 59Running, 51Salaries, police, 29Salaries, teacher, 19Salvation Army, 24Save Natural Redding, 56School buses, 19, 59School cancellations, 19School district, 18

School, vocational, 22Schools, art, 22Schools, dance, 22Schools, nursery, 21Schools, private, 21, 22Schools, public, 18, 19Scouting, 47Seat belts, 59Senate, state, 17Senate, U.S., 17Senior center, 36, 38, 44Septic systems, 27, 28Sewer service, 34Sexual abuse, 24, 42Singing groups, 53Social Services, 24, 27, 36, 38, 45Softball, 19, 46, 47, 51Solicitors, 25Special education, 21Speeding, 59Sports, school, 19Sports, youth, 46State House district, 17Stone walls, 28Stores, package 58

Substance abuse, 41, 56Superintendent of schools, 21Supermarkets, 58Support groups, 24, 38Swimming, 19, 48, 50Synagogues, 35Tax aides, 24Tax breaks, 10Taxes, property, 10Taxing districts, 10Teen activities, 46, 47Tennis, 19, 47, 50Tests, school, 18, 19Theater groups, 53Thrift shops, 24Topstone Park, 15, 48, 50, 51, 52, 60Town clerk, 7, 12, 13, 52, 60Town Meeting, 15Town office hours, 9, 12Town offices, 9Transfer station, 9, 25, 26Transportation, disabled, 36Transportation, senior, 44Treasurer, 15Umpawaug School, 6

Unemployment, 8, 10Veterans, 10, 12, 56Visiting nurses, 36Volunteering, 23, 36, 48, 54Volunteers, senior, 45Voter enrollment, 12Voting, 12Water Pollution Control Commission, 15, 17, 34Water, well, 34Web sites, 61Welcome services, 57West Nile virus, 43Womenʼs Center of Greater Danbury, 42WyldLife, 46Yoga, 50Young Life, 46Youth Yellow Pages, 46Youth sports, 46Zoning Board of Appeals, 14Zoning Commission, 14, 15, 25Zoning enforcement officer, 14

��

��

��

� � � � � � ��

� � � � � � � � � � � � � �


64

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

64

Documents

Redding Pilot Answerbook 2010