Stratford Answerbook • Hersam Acorn Newspapers

stratfordanswerbook.2011stratford star special section

2 Stratford Answerbook, Stratford, Connecticut March 24, 2011

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March 24, 2011 Stratford Answerbook, Stratford, Connecticut 3

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What is the Stratford Answer Book?The Stratford Answer Book is a special publication by the

Stratford Star.Similar publications are issued annually in towns throughout

Fairfield County covered by Hersam Acorn Newspapers.

What if I see an error in the Answer Book?Errors should be pointed out to Stratford Star Editor John

Kovach by sending an e-mail to [email protected]. If possible, include the page number of the error and exactly how the correct entry should read.

Why isn’t my group listed?We’re sorry. No one is intentionally omitted. If you want an

organization listed, e-mail [email protected].

Where are the Star’s offices?The Star’s offices are on the second floor at 1000 Bridgeport

Ave., Shelton. Phone is 203-402-2319.

What media cover Stratford?The Stratford Star, a newspaper devoted solely to Stratford, is

published each Thursday. Daily updates on Stratford news are posted at stratfordstar.com. Residents may sign up to receive Stratford Star news alerts via e-mail and follow the Star on Twitter and Facebook.

A regional publication, The Connecticut Post, is published by the Hearst Corporation in Bridgeport.

Government programming is on Channel 79.News12 Connecticut, a Cablevision channel, sometimes

has stories on Stratford, as do WTNH, the ABC affiliate in New Haven; WFSB, the CBS affiliate in Hartford; WVIT, the NBC affiliate in Hartford; and the New York channels, WABC, WCBS and WNBC.

WICC-AM 600, regularly has programs addressing Stratford issues. Regional news is also available on WCBS-AM 880.

A Web site called Stratford Patch posts items about town.

How can I get something in the Stratford Star?Submissions may be set via e-mail to stratfordstar@hersama

corn.com. Text should be in a Word attachment or pasted into the message of the e-mail. Photos should be sent as high resolu-tion JPEG.

Submissions must have a direct tie to Stratford. Please include a phone number in case there are questions.

The deadline is Monday at noon for that week’s issue. All sub-missions run on a space-available basis; items received by noon Monday may not necessarily appear in that Thursday’s Star, but will be held and be published as soon as space allows.

Where is the Stratford Star available?The Star is delivered by mail, free of charge, to any Stratford

resident who requests it. Requests for delivery may be sent to [email protected].

Limited numbers of copies can be picked up on a first-come, first-served basis at Town Hall, Sterling House, the Stratford Library, Baldwin Center and the South End Community Center. The Star cannot be purchased at any newsstand.

About this bookTable of ContentsAbout this Answer Book ........................................................... 4About Stratford ......................................................................... 5Taxes ...................................................................................... 6-7Education ............................................................................. 8-11Elections .................................................................................. 12Probate .................................................................................... 12Library ................................................................................ 14-15Organizations .......................................................................... 15Seniors..................................................................................... 16Health ................................................................................. 18-19Public Safety ...................................................................... 20-22Community Services .......................................................... 24-25Government .............................................................26-27, 30-33Map .................................................................................... 28-29Community Garden ................................................................. 34Farmer’s .................................................................................. 35Recreation .......................................................................... 36-37Services .............................................................................. 38-39Business .................................................................................. 39Public Works ...................................................................... 40-42Community Centers ................................................................ 43Historical Society .................................................................... 44Landmarks ............................................................................... 45Animals .............................................................................. 46-47Transportation ......................................................................... 48Boothe Park ............................................................................. 48Festivals .................................................................................. 49Waterfront ............................................................................... 50

Published annually by Hersam Acorn Newspapers as a special section of The Stratford Star.

Copies are also available at real estate offices, town hall and Chamber of Commerce.

For additional copies, call 203-926-2080. Contents are online at StratfordStar.com.

Thomas B. Nash, publisherJohn Kovach, editor

Mary Anne Hersam, vice president of sales Jim Chiappa, account executiveCover photo by John KovachCover design by Ian Murren

Map by David Raabe

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

©2011 Hersam Acorn Newspapers1000 Bridgeport Avenue, Shelton, Conn., 06484

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Bounded by water for more than 14 miles of coastline, Stratford boasts a diverse ecology, a tradition in the arts linked to the home of William Shakespeare, and an industrial history crucial to American history.

Stratford was founded in 1639.It is bounded to the south by the Long Island Sound, to the

east by the Housatonic River.The Great Meadows Marsh has been designated an Important

Bird Area by the National Audubon Society, and an annual festival has been started to celebrate Stratford as a destination for bird watchers.

The sale of adjacent Long Beach West to the U.S. Fish & Wildlife was approved by voters in a 2008 referendum, then abandoned due to questions about the $10 million price noted on the referendum. Plans are to add the barrier beach to the Stewart McKinney National Wildlife Refuge, which also includes the Great Meadows Marsh. Work has begun to remove cottages on the beach, owners of which were evicted, and to restore the habitat.

Not far from the marsh is Sikorsky Memorial Airport, and across the street the former Army Engine Plant. During World War II, the Corsairs crucial to the war in the Pacific were built at the engine plant and rolled across Main Street to the runways.

Although entirely within Stratford, the airport is owned and operated by the City of Bridgeport.

The 76-acre engine plant is vacant, and the Department of Defense continues to try to find a buyer.

Also on the banks of the Housatonic, not far north of the engine plant, is the former Shakespeare Festival Theatre. Dark for some two decades, the replica of the Globe Theatre in Stratford-on-Avon, England, once hosted internationally known actors performing the Bard’s work. New efforts are afoot to bring life back to the stage.

Farther north, near the Shelton line, Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation builds helicopters on land near where Igor Sikorsky perfected rotary-winged aircraft more than seven decades ago.

Sikorsky continues Stratford’s defense industry tradition, which also includes the former Army Engine Plant.

With a history of service to the country, Stratford honors veterans of all wars with a monument atop Academy Hill, in the heart of the Historic District. A Veterans of Foreign Wars post is gaining new members as a new generation returns from service.

Tradition and history can be found throughout the town, from a building across from Perry House to where George Washington is said to have met Lafayette, to small stone blocks that delineate the first Post Road, ordered when Benjamin Franklin established the Postal Service.

Just off Interstate 95, the modern day main route between New York and Boston, sits Perry House, the oldest house in Stratford.

Delegates to the Continental Congress, political leaders, war heroes and those who answered the country’s call at home come together to form the fabric of a hard-working town.

Does Stratford have an official Web site?Information on the town and municipal services can be found

online at townofstratford.com.

What county is Stratford in?Stratford is in Fairfield County, The line between Fairfield

and New Haven counties is the Housatonic River, which sepa-rates Stratford and Milford.

Is there a county government?Not any more. There was at one point, but that has been

eliminated and there are no county services, though towns do interact through regional agreements.

Where can I find out more about the state?Connecticut has a Web site at ct.gov.The State Register & Manual, known as the Blue Book, pro-

vides extensive information about Connecticut and its govern-ment. It is available free online at ct.gov/sots.

Does Stratford have a Post Office?There are two: 3100 Main St. and 411 Barnum Ave. Cut-off.

What is Stratford’s ZIP Code?There are two: 06614 and 06615.

How big is Stratford?Stratford covers 18.7 square miles.

How many people live here?The 2000 census lists the population as 49,389.

What’s the median income?According to townofstratford.com, $59,750.

About Stratford

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Taxes

What’s the municipal budget?The approved budget for 2010-11 was $185.3 million.

What’s the mill rate?The mill rate, or the amount per $1,000 of the assessed value

of a residence owed in property taxes, is 33.32 for fiscal 2010-11.

What’s Stratford’s bond rating?Standard & Poor’s rated Stratford a AA-, while Moody’s

rated the town A1 based on the 2010-11 budget.

What’s the grand listA New England term, the grand list is the town’s tax base

and represents all taxable property in town. It is compiled every Oct. 1.

Stratford’s grand list, as of Oct. 2010, was $4.6 billion.

Where and when do I pay my town taxes? Property taxes are due in two installments, July 1 and Jan. 1,

and may be paid at the tax collector’s office in Town Hall, or mailed to the address on the bill. Taxes may be paid within 30 days of the due date without penalty. You may also pay online at townofstratford.com.

Vehicle and personal property taxes are due in one installment on July 1.

Failure to receive a tax bill does not relieve you of the respon-

sibility of paying any taxes, penalties, or interest due.The office may be reached at 203-385-4030 or taxcollector@

townofstratford.com.

What happens if I don’t pay my taxes on time? You’ll be charged 1.5% interest each month on the installment

balance. This works out to 18% annually. In addition, before the end of each fiscal year, real estate liens are filed against all properties on which there is a delinquent real estate tax.

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

The tax assessor’s office is responsible for determining the assessed value of your house. Stratford’s assessor is Melinda Fonda. She can be reached at 203-385-4025 or [email protected]. Regular office hours at Town Hall are Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Is anyone eligible for a tax break?There are programs for the elderly, the disabled, and veterans.

For details, check with the assessor’s office at 203-385-4025.

How are car taxes figured?They are based on 70% of book value.

I got a notice that I need to pay back taxes to register my car. What do I do?

The outstanding charges must be paid at the Tax Collector’s office in Town Hall. The registration renewal will then be stamped with a release.

Information is available at 203-385-4030.

What if I get a tax bill for a car I don’t own anymore? The Department of Motor Vehicles maintains vehicle owner-

ship records, which it forwards to the town assessor’s office to determine the tax roll for cars owned by Stratford residents. DMV will continue sending ownership reports to the town until a vehicle’s license plates are turned in. To remove a car from the tax roll, cancel your registration and return the plates to the DMV office in Bridgeport and take the DMV return receipt to the assessor’s office.

How do I find the assessed value of my home?You may call assessor’s office at 203-385-4025 or you may

visit the assessor’s office and look at the field card for your property. The field card lists the particulars in figuring the valu-ation of your home. In Connecticut, an assessment is equal to 70% of the fair market value as established by the assessor.

How often is property revalued?State law requires a revaluation every five years. Stratford is

completing its latest revaluation. Information will be posted at townofstratford.com and be published in The Stratford Star.

What do I do if I think my assessment is unfair?Your first step is to call the tax assessor’s office to review the

assessment for any possible inaccuracies. If none are found and

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Taxesyou still consider the assessment unfair you may apply to appear before a scheduled hearing of the Board of Assessment Appeals. The board meets annually in March to hear appeals.

Who are the members of the Board of Assessment Appeals?

Regular members, appointed to a 4-year term by Town Council, are:

Howard E. Johnson (D)Shayle Robins (D)Douglas A. Ziman (R)Alternate MembersBonnie Reynolds (D)There are two vacanciesAdditional (temporary) members, 2-year term (year of and

year after revaluation)Thomas McAlarney (R), ChairmanRobyn Greenspan (D)

Albino squirrels have been frequently seen around Stratord.

(Cartoon by Doug Smith)

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Education

Where will my child go to school?Stratford has seven public elementary schools.Some choice is available; contact the Board of Education.Stratford Academy, 719 Birdseye St., is a magnet school to

which students must apply. It is home to Honeyspot House (203-385-4188) for kindergarten through 2nd grade and Johnson House (203-385-4180) for 3rd through 6th grades. Johnson House can be reached at 203-385.4180.

Other elementary schools are:Wilcoxson Elementary School, 600 Wilcoxson Ave., 203-

385-4196.Eli Whitney Elementary School, 1130 Huntington RoadSecond Hill Lane Elementary School, 65 Second Hill Lane,

203-385-4292.Nichols Elementary School, 396 Nichols Ave., 203-385-

4294.Lordship Elementary School, 254 Crown St., 203-385-4170.Franklin Elementary School, 1895 Barnum Ave., 203-385-

4190.Chapel Street Elementary School, 380 Chapel St., 203-385-

4192.

What are elementary school hours?For all schools except Nichols School, 1st through 6th grade

classes are 8:45 a.m. to 3 p.m.Half-day kindergarten hours are 8:45 to 11:30 a.m. for the

morning session, 12:15 to 3 p.m. for the afternoon session.Full-day kindergarten runs 8:45 a.m. to 3 p.m.At Nichols School, students in kindergarten through 6th grade

attend classes 8:15 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.

How many middle schools are there in Stratford?David Wooster Middle School at 150 Lincoln St. can be

reached at 203-385-4275.Flood Middle School, 490 Chapel St., can be reached at 203-

385-4280.Hours for both schools are 8:15 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.

What public high schools are available?Stratford has two high schools: Stratford High School, 45

North Parade, 203-385-4230, and Frank Scott Bunnell High School, 1 Bulldog Blvd., 203-385-4250.

High school hours are 7:40 a.m. to 1:55 p.m.

Do Stratford schools have a Web site?Information on the Board of Education, administration,

schedules and links to Stratford schools can be found at strat-fordk12.org.

Who is superintendent of schools?After five years as superintendent, Irene Cornish retired effec-

tive July 1, 2010, yet remains on as interim superintendent on a series of three 1-year contracts that can be terminated by mutual agreement of Cornish and the board.

Where are Stratford school administrative offices?The Stratford Board of Education is located at 1000 East

Broadway. The phone number is 203-381-2016.Information can be found online at stratfordk12.org.

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Education

What does the Board of Education do?The 7-member Board of Education oversees and maintains

Stratford’s public schools. In doing so, it prepares and pro-poses the annual district-wide budget; designates the schools to be attended by students; provides transportation for children; makes a continuing study of the need for school facilities and of a long-term building program; operates and maintains all buildings, lands, apparatus and other property used for school purposes; prescribes the rules for the management, studies, clas-sification and discipline of the schools; prescribes the textbooks to be used; develops, adopts and implements written policies concerning homework, attendance, promotion and retention; approves all expenditures for purposes of public education; fur-nishes to the State Department of Education data required in the periodic reports specified by state statute; adopts and files with the State Board of Education all required policy statements; and negotiates collective bargaining agreements with employees’ exclusive bargaining representatives.

Who are the members?Chairman is Gavin Forrester and Vice Chairman is Charles

Lindberg, both Republicans.Other members are Republicans David LoConte, Joseph

Crudo and David Kennedy, and Democrats Jean Collier and Janice DaPonte.

How can I contact a Board of Education member?Members can be reached by e-mail:Chairman Gavin B. Forrester III (R) [email protected] chairman Charles A. Lindberg (R) [email protected] A. LoConte (R) [email protected] G. Crudo (R) [email protected] T. Collier (D) [email protected] R. Kennedy (R) [email protected] O. Daponte (D) [email protected]

When does the Board of Education meet?Stratford Board of Education meets the fourth Monday of

every month at its offices, 1000 East Broadway.

Are there parochial schools in Stratford?There are two, both operated by the Diocese of Bridgeport.St. Mark School, 500 Wigwam Lane, was honored as a

national Blue Ribbon School in 2009. Information is available at 203-375-4291 or stmarkschool.org.

St. James School is located at 1 Monument Place. Information can be obtained at 203-375-5994 or stjamesstratford.org.

Hours for both schools are 7:50 a.m. to 2 p.m.

How do I find out if schools are closed due to snow?Closings are posted at stratfordk12.org, stratfordstar.com and

the Star’s Twitter page and breaking news list, and area radio and television stations.

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What nursery schools are in Stratford?ABC Child Care, 2740 Broadbridge Ave., is open year-round,

6:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Information is available at 203-378-8888 or www.abcchildcarecenter.com.

Honey Bear Learning Center, 1498 North Ave., can be reached by phone at 203-375-1866, by fax at 203-377-3966 or by e-mail at [email protected]. Information can be found at www.honeybearlearningcenter.com.

Grace Childcare Center, 150 Chapel St., can be reached at 203-381-0188.

Bambi Day Care Center, 660 Cutspring Road, can be reached at 203-377-0831.

Little Critters, 4805 Main St., can be reached at 203-378-8807.

Stratford Public Schools offers early learning services at Second Hill Lane School, 65 Second Hill Lane. Half-day and full-day options are available.

What is special education?

Special education traditionally serves children and young adults who are physically handicapped or learning disabled. Trumbull schools provide comprehensive programming for stu-dents between the ages of 3 and 21 who require special educa-tion support. Information is available online at trumbullps.org.

How can I tell if my child needs special education? If your child has not yet started school and you suspect he

or she may have a disability, you may request an evaluation in writing to the director of pupil services. If your child is already in school, you may call the principal or guidance counselor.

Is support available for parents of special education students?

A new group brings together parents, families, teachers, school administrators, students, and friends who are interested in special education and children with special needs. Stratford SEPTA meets the second Wednesday of each month from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at Stratford Parents’ Place at Johnson House of Stratford Academy, 719 Birdseye St.

A SEPTA is a PTA within a school district. Stratford’s group is the 19th such organization in Connecticut. A listing of most other Connecticut SEPTA organizations can be found at ctpta.org/Resources/SEPTAS.html.

Other such groups in the vicinity are in Easton, Fairfield and Milford (with the Milford-based SEPTA Network offering sup-port to Stratford, Milford, Trumbull, Shelton and West Haven families and educators).

The group encourages parents, families, and educators to share their experiences and perspectives, and help families real-ize the importance of their role in the community, according to a press release. It will provide parents with information on navigating the special education system and work to increase the community’s understanding of exceptional children’s abili-ties to reach their full potential.

Information can be found at stratfordsepta.org or the “Stratford Septa” page on Facebook, or e-mail [email protected].

What magnet schools could children attend?Students who are Stratford residents can also participate in

the following magnet schools or special regional programs:

Six-to-Six Interdistrict Magnet School and the Thurgood Marshall Middle School in Bridgeport (pre-kindergarten through 8th grade);

The Regional Center for the Arts in Trumbull (grades 9-12)Connecticut Technical High Schools: Bullard-Havens in

Bridgeport or Platt Tech in Milford (grades 9-12);The Bridgeport Regional Aquaculture School in Trumbull

(grades 9-12);The Trumbull Regional Agriscience and Biology Center

(grades 9-12);The Center for Global Studies in Norwalk (grades 9-12).Information can be obtained from the Stratford Board of

Education.

What is Stratford Parents’ Place?Stratford Parents’ Place is a family resource center based in

Johnson Place is a cooperative project of Stratford Community Services and the Stratford Public Schools.

Hours are Monday through Thursday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.Afternoon, evening and weekend programs are offered.Information is available at 203-381-6992 or online.

Education

The Stratford High School band and guard performed out-side Town Hall on St. Patrick’s Day, 2010. After that perfor-mance, the band and guard traveled to New York City to march in the St. Patrick’s Day parade

(Photo by John Kovach)

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Education

What is the School Readiness Council?The Stratford School Readiness and Child Care Advisory

Council, also known as SRACCAC, is the voice for early care and education in the Town of Stratford. The SRACCAC fosters joint planning and action between the Town government and the Stratford Public Schools on behalf of all Stratford children birth through age 8. Advisory to the mayor and superintendent of schools, the council is comprised of early childhood pro-fessionals, community organizations including the Stratford Library Association, public school personnel, Town department representatives and parents.

It formed in July of 1998 as one of the requirements of Stratford’s School Readiness grant from the State Department of Education. Although the School Readiness grant continues to provide child care scholarships for 15 eligible 3- and 4-year-olds, the William Caspar Graustein Memorial Fund (GMF) has provided funding for the planning and action work of the SRACCAC since 2002. At that time, Stratford was selected along with 48 other communities throughout the state to improve the lives of its youngest children by expanding the sup-ply of high quality early care and education; increasing the qual-ity of early childhood education; building strong connections between early care and elementary education; and improving students’ social, emotional and academic performance. To date, GMF has dedicated more than $32 million to Connecticut’s youngest children.

Residents interested in early care and education may partici-pate. Information is available from Stratford Parents’ Place at 203-381-6992.

Who are the members of the Stratford School Readiness Council?

Priscilla Long, Program Coordinator Christina Kazanas, Grant WriterGreta RobertsPat NaylorLaSandria BoydTom CoakleyMelissa DaskamChristina DinaSusan GottliebDenise NalezynskiAbel PadroAlix SemanchikMartha SimpsonMyra WatnikElaine WatsonAlice WilliamsNell BarrettTrina CarrPriscilla ChoquetteDiana DilorioMelanie GeorgalasKathy GiordanoRobert LandisEllen MichaelsCarolyn Ross

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What do the registrars of voters do? There are two paid registrars, one from each of the two major

parties. They are elected in even-numbered years to two-year terms. They administer all elections and safeguard the voting rights of all citizens. They are also responsible for voter reg-istration and promote voter education projects. The registrars’ office maintains the accuracy of the voter registry.

Louis DeCilio, the Republican registrar, and Richard Marcone the Democratic registrar, share an office in Town Hall 77 Main St. Hours are Monday through Thursday, 8 a.m. to 4:40 p.m., and Friday, 8 a.m. to noon. Both can be reached at 203-385-4048 or [email protected].

Who can register to vote?To register to vote in Stratford you must be at least 18 years

old by Election Day, a U.S. citizen, and a bona fide resident of the town. The deadline to register is 14 days prior to an election. You may enroll in a party or switch parties if already registered. Those who are 17 years old but will turn 18 before the next election may register and may vote in party primaries during an election year.

Must I visit Town Hall to register to vote?No. Voters may register by mail or at the Department of

Motor Vehicles.

What is the breakdown of voters in Stratford?Stratford has, according to the registrars:9,883 active Democrats5,826 active Republicans15,057 active unaffiliated voters91 voters classified as “other”

How do I join a party?Contact the Republican Town Committee or Democratic

Town Committee.

Do I need to enroll in a party to vote in a primary?Yes. Unaffiliated voters cannot vote in Democratic or

Republican primaries. One must be a member of the party hold-ing the primary.

When can I use an absentee ballot?You may vote by absentee ballot for any election.

How and where do I get an absentee ballot? You must first fill out an application, which you may pick up

at the town clerk or registrars’ office in the Town Hall, or it may be mailed to you at any address. After you return the applica-tion, it will be processed and the absentee ballot will be sent to you, but not until two to four weeks before the actual election. If the ballot is printed and ready, you may fill it out at the town clerk’s office. Absentee ballots, however, will not be mailed to a person for a referendum.

What does the Probate Court do?Probate Courts have jurisdiction over; Wills and the admin-

istration of estates; testamentary and living trusts; determining title to real and personal property; construing the meaning of wills and trusts; appointing guardians for the mentally handi-capped; appointing conservators of the person and the estate of incapable individuals; committing those suffering from mental illness, alcoholism, or drug addiction to an appropriate facility; removing unfit parents as guardians of their children; terminat-ing the parental rights of parents who cannot fulfill their paren-tal responsibilities; granting adoptions; granting name changes; other matters.

Does Stratford have its own Probate Court?Although probate counts throughout the state were combined

and regionalized in 2010, Stratford continues to have it’s own Probate Court.

Where is the court located? Stratford’s Probate Court is located at the Birdseye Municipal

Complex, 468 Birdseye St. The phone number is 203-385-4023.

Who is the judge?Judge F. Paul Kurmay presides over Stratford’s Probate

Court. He was elected to a new term in 2010.

Probate Elections

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Like the ideas in the works inside, architectural styles meld at the Stratford Libary. (Photo by John Kovach)

Does Stratford have a public library?The Stratford Library, 2203 Main St. Information is available

at 203-385-4160 or stratford.lib.ct.us.

What are the hours?Most of the year, Stratford Library is open Monday through

Thursday, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.; Friday and Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; and Sunday, 1 to 5 p.m.

Summer hours are Monday-Thursday, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., Friday-Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

What is the Stratford Library Association?The body that oversees operation of the town’s public

library.

Who are the members?Serving 3-year terms, appointed by Town Council are:Barbara Blosveren, DirectorShirley Wright (D)Victoria Florek (D)Norman Aldrich (R)Khristine Feeney (R)Thomas Hall (U)Robert L. Smith (U)Margaret A. Bachtel (D)John Hutchinson (D)

Elizabeth Buckmir (R)Elaine Watson (D)Paula S. Nizzardo (U)

Stratford Library Association OfficersJudy Crudo, PresidentSusan Fennell, Vice PresidentDoreen Jaekle, SecretaryBarbara Blosveren, Assistant SecretaryJoel F. Pleban, TreasurerVacant, Assistant Treasurer

Stratford Library Association Life MembersConstantine ChagaresJoseph JanucikSteven UngerRobyn ProtoMaria FerreraJoel F. PlebanBeth MorganShelley S. HallJudith CrudoDorren Jaekle

What programs are available for adults?The library screens recent films at monthly “Friday Night

Movies,” holds “Book Over Coffee” discussions, hosts monthly “Sunday Afternoon Talks” featuring local citizens and topics of local interest. Programs are listed weekly in the Stratford Star.

Library

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Are there children’s programs?In addition to it’s Children’s Department and Book Nook,

the Stratford Library holds seasonal storytimes, a monthly “Sensory Storytime” for children with special needs, regular knitting classes and special programs. Information is posted in the Stratford Star and on the Web sites for both the Star and the library. A book discussion group focuses on nominees for the Nutmeg Awards.

Can I access the library from home?Programs are listed at stratfordlibrary.org.The library offers more than 20 e-newsletters and calendars

highlighting titles in specific categories. The service is free and open to the public. To subscribe visit stratfordlibrary.org and click on the yellow e-news note on the homepage.

Patrons may also sign-up in person at the library.

Could the library help me find a job?The CTWorks Career Coach parks on Main Street outside the

library the third Monday of each month.A career center in the Reference Department features three

user-friendly computers for job seekers and career-oriented individuals. Information and reservations are available from the Adult Service Department at 203-385-4164.

LibraryOrganizations

Does Stratford have a YMCA?The Stratford YMCA, 3045 Main St., offers swimming, art,

daycare, preschool, yoga, health and fitness, martial arts and special events. There are membership dues and program fees. Call 375-5844 for more information. Program information also is available at cccymca.org.

How can my child find a scout troop to join?Usually, letters are sent home through the schools or church-

es. You may also call the Girl Scout Council of Southwestern Connecticut in Wilton at 762-5557 or go online to gscswct.org; or Boy Scouts of America Connecticut Yankee Council in Milford at 876-6868. Visit online at ctyankee.org.

Does Stratford have Explorer posts?Older teens can learn about law enforcement and emer-

gency medicine by joining on of Stratford’s Explorer posts. Information is available from Police or Stratford EMS.

Are there any local orchestras? Several orchestras are nearby: Greater Bridgeport Symphony

(bridgeportsymphony.org), Stamford Symphony Orchestra (203-325-1407/stamfordsymphony.org), Norwalk Symphony (203-847-8844/norwalksymphony.org), and Ridgefield Symphony Orchestra (203-438-3889/ridgefieldsymphony.org). There is also the Fairfield-based Greater Bridgeport Youth Orchestra, (203-459-4249, gbyo.org).

What local sports are available?Stratford offers numerous youth sports leagues. Information

is posted in the Stratford Star, and available through schools, the Recreation Department and community centers.

What’s the Stratford Youth Sports Association?The Stratford Youth Sports Association (SYSA) is an unincor-

porated group formed to promote positive youth development through sports. The SYSA provides a forum for youth sports leagues and other representatives to discuss ideas and concerns, and to develop and implement solutions to shared problems and is working to raise standards in youth sports.

The SYSA, which meets quarterly, is comprised of repre-sentatives from the Stratford Little League, Sterling House Community Center, Stratford PAL Pop Warner Football, Stratford PONY Baseball League, the Recreation Department, St. James Regional School, Stratford Public School athletic directors, St. Mark Youth Sports, the Stratford PAL Girls’ Softball League and the Stratford YMCA.

Parents, players, coaches, officials and clergy also serve.Information is available from President Bill O’Brien at

Sterling House, [email protected] or 203-378-2606, ext. 106. For information about coaches’ clinics, contact Tammy Trojanowski with the Stratford Community Services at [email protected] or at 203-385-4095.

Are there houses of worship in Stratford?There are numerous churches and a synagogue in Stratford,

Info mat ion is available through the Stratford Clergy Association, a partnership of the 19 houses of worship, or individual institu-tions.

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Does Stratford have a senior center?Baldwin Center, 1000 West Broad Street, hosts meals and

activities for seniors.

What meals are served?Baldwin Center has a coffee shop on the first floor.Lunch is served daily at 11:45 a.m. Reservations are required

two days in advance at 203-377-4991.

What activities are on the schedule?Games, discussion groups, fitness classes, and lessons in

crafts, language and the arts are held daily. There are also trips, as well as special presentations on issues such as health and wellness, finances and safety.

A schedule is posted at the Baldwin Center and in both the print and online editions of the Stratford Star.

All classes are open to Baldwin Center members ages 55 and older. Register at the Main Desk or call Marie Guman, 203-385-4055, for information.

Can I get online at Baldwin Center?A free wireless connection is available to Baldwin Center

members and Stratford residents in the center’s coffee shop weekdays from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

What is Lifelong Learners?Stratford Senior Services and the Stratford Library collabo-

rate on programs that are free and open to the public, held at either the library or Baldwin Center.

Is there a Senior Men’s Club?Yes. The group of men 55 and older meets at Baldwin Center

from 9 to 11 a.m. on the first and third Fridays of the month.

I take care of an elderly relative and need some help. What resources are available from the town?

Atria Stratford. 6911 Main St., hosts a support group for family caregivers of individuals with memory loss, confusion, Alzheimer’s disease and dementia, whether in health care facili-ties or at home. Meetings are at Atria the second Thursday of each month, 6 to 7 p.m. Support group leader Janet Girard at can be reached at 203-380-0006 for more information.

Senior Services offers help through the Family Caregiver Support Program. A consultant’s office is open at Baldwin Center Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Kerri McManama, MSW, can be reached at [email protected] or 203-385-4055.

Information can also be found at townofstratford.com by clicking “departments,” then “senior services.”

Who can answer Social Security questions?A regional Social Security office can be reached at 203-579-

5700.What electric company serves Stratford?Stratford is covered by United Illuminating.Information can be found at uinet.com.

Can senior citizens get tax breaks?The Town of Stratford offers municipal tax breaks to qualify-

ing senior citizens and veterans. Information is available from the social services coordinator.

I’m worried about an older relative who lives in Strat-ford. Can someone check in?

The Senior Services outreach coordinator makes home visits to older adults, plans programs at the housing sites and coordi-nates intergenerational programs.

C.A.R.E.S. is a social model activities program for older adults who are frail or in need of some extra assistance. This Monday-Friday program starts at 9:00 a.m. and ends at 2:30 p.m.

Information is available at 203-385-4055.

Is transportation available for seniors?Stratford offers transportation to residents 60 and over or

those who are disabled and on Social Security disability.Through a partnership with Comfort Keepers, the Companion

and Shopper programs offers residents who need help shopping rides to local grocery stores and help once inside.

Information is available at Baldwin Center.

Are there long-term care facilities? Lord Chamberlain Manor is at 7003 Main St., 203-375-

5894.Atria Stratford, 6911 Main St., can be reached at 203-380-

0006.

Are there vising nurses in the area?The Stratford Visiting Nurse Association can be reached at

203-375-5871. The Web site stratfordvna.org lists services.

Is there a group that advocates for senior citizens?The Commission on Aging studies the needs of the elderly

including housing, economic, employment, health and recre-ation, both public and private. It also looks at integration of public and private resources and makes recommendations to the Town Council.

Who is on the Commission on Aging?The Senior Center Director is among 13 members appointed

to 3-year terms by the Mayor.Members include:Diane Puterski, Baldwin Center Director Frederick Dimenna (D)Dale McClanan (U)Dolores “Dot” K. Zimmer, (R), ChairmanGeorge Hangos (D)Kathleen Fagella (D)Patricia Shaham (R)Pearl Wortham Cooper (D)Linda Fernandes-Johnson (D)Geraldine Gemza (D)Bob Hargus (R)The Rev. Julie-Ann Silberman-Bunn

Seniors

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Health

What does the Stratford Health Department do?The Health Department, located at 468 Birdseye St., deals

with beaches, child health, education, prevention and pandemic preparedness.

It offers information on health issues such as radon, lead paint, wellness initiatives, Raymark waste, rabies and recalls.

The department can be reached at 203-385-4090.

What’s the Medical Reserve Corps?The Stratford-Trumbull-Monroe Medical Reserve Corps is a

group of volunteers that assists in medical emergencies, such as pandemics.

Members have assisted at flu clinics to prepare for an actual emergency.

Its roster includes doctors, nurses, other medical professionals and non-medical personnel.

Information is available from the Stratford Health Department, 203-385-4090 or [email protected].

What type of help is available for the mentally ill and their families?

The National Alliance for the Mentally Ill has a Trumbull affiliate. Call 203-459-1033.

For information about supervised apartments or for consulta-tions, the Mental Health Association of Connecticut has a list of support groups throughout the state; call 800-842-1501.

The Kennedy Center, 2440 Reservoir Ave., Trumbull is a private non-profit agency that offers services to people with all kinds of problems, including mental illness. Call 203-365-8522.

The Care Network, a group of area health care agencies, offers treatment, counseling and help in finding community resources; call 800-898-HOME. Other sources of help include Hall Brooke Behavioral Health Center in Westport (203-277-1251).

What do I do if I suspect a child is being abused?In an emergency, with a child in immediate danger, call 911.If it’s not an immediate emergency situation contact Com-

munity Services 203-385-4095.

Should I worry about Lyme disease? Lyme disease, spread by deer ticks, is prevalent. Take precau-

tions when going in the woods and fields. Use insect repellent, dress in light-colored clothing, roll pant cuffs into socks, wear long sleeves and a hat. Inspect pets that roam daily.

Insect repellents that contain DEET are quite effective against ticks. Follow the label instructions for use and application. Products containing 15% or less DEET are recommended for children, but products containing DEET should not be used on infants.

If you notice a tick bite or any bite around which a redness forms in the shape of a bull’s-eye target, or if you have flu-like symptoms, see a doctor immediately. Another tick-borne dis-ease that is becoming more of a problem in this area is ehrlichio-sis. Spread through the bite of an infected deer tick, symptoms include fever, headache, chills, malaise, muscle and joint pain, nausea, and vomiting. Acute weight loss, low platelet count, and a low white blood cell count can also occur.

Information is available from the Stratford Health Department at 203-385-4090 or townofstratford.com, or at

LymeDiseaseAssociation.org.

What is rabies? How prevalent is it in the 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 and is fatal.

In April 1991 the first two cases of rabid raccoons were con-firmed in Ridgefield. Since then, every city and town in the state has had confirmed cases of rabies, a total of 6,069 cases through June 2008. Raccoons, skunks, and bats are the most common carriers of the rabies virus.

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

What should I do if I have been exposed?Consult a doctor immediately and report the incident to the

Stratford Health Department (203-385-4090) or animal control officer (911 or 203-385-4068).

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 animal should be captured for testing, which will require euthanizing the animal. The Veterinary Medical Association suggests trapping the animal under a large box, but do not try to handle it.

Once rabies has been contracted and symptoms show, it is always fatal. (There have been a very few cases of survivors.) However, treatment in the form of a series of injections is avail-able 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. Last summer, mosquitoes trapped in Stratford and many surrounding towns tested positive for West Nile virus.

Since mosquitoes can 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 home, such as birdbaths, old tires, kiddy pools, and clogged gutters. Minimize outdoor activities between dusk and dawn. Consider the use of mosquito repellent.

Viral encephalitis may have no symptoms at all; milder cases may include a slight fever and/or headache. Severe infections are marked by a rapid onset of high fever, head and body aches and usually occur five to 15 days after exposure. There is no specific treatment for viral infection, other than to treat the symptoms and provide supportive care. Those most suscep-tible are infants, the elderly and people with damaged immune systems. For more information, call the health department at 203-385-4090.

How can I report industrial waste?Generally, call the Health Department at 203-385-4090.If it’s related to water, call the Water Pollution Control facil-

ity, 203-385-4065?

Does my house have lead paint?The Health Department can check. Call 203-385-4090.

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What can I do if someone is living in unsanitary conditions?

Call the Health Department, 203-385-4090.

Can I get help with health care for my children?Information on School-Based Health Centers is available

from the Health Department, 203-381-6922

Will the town check my well to see if the water is safe? No. That is the responsibility of the home owner. However,

the department will help you interpret the results of a test.

Can I find out the location of a well or septic system? The health department maintains files of septic systems and

well locations. You can stop by the office for a copy of your property’s sketch, or ask for it to be faxed to you. Call 203-385-4090.

How do I take care of my septic system? Health experts suggest tanks be inspected by a professionally

licensed septic system installer if you suspect that your tank may not be operating properly. The department maintains a list of current septic and well contractors and engineers working with the town.

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

Call the Health Department at 203-385-4090.

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

cannot be seen, smelled, or tasted. Certain soils may contain high levels of radon, and well water that passes through may be a significant source of radon in a home. High levels of radon occur in Fairfield County.

Exposure to radon increases your risk of developing lung cancer, especially when exposure is combined with smoking or inhaling someone else’s smoke.

The simplest way to find out if your house has high levels of radon is a carbon filter test, which can be done by the hom-eowner.

The Health Department, in the Birdseye Municipal Complex, has radon test kits. Information is available at 203-385-4090.

Kits are available commercially, or may be purchased by call-ing the Radon Hotline, 1-800-SOS-RADON, operated by the National Safety Council.

What is a wetland? Wetlands are diverse and not always visible to the eye. In

Connecticut, they are defined by the chemical and physical characteristics of the first 18 to 24 inches of soil. According to the town’s zoning regulations a wetland is “any land area, including submerged land, which consists of any soil types generally designated as ‘poorly drained,’ ‘very poorly drained,’ ‘alluvial,’ and ‘flood plain’ by the National Cooperative Soils Survey ... of the U.S. Department of Agriculture.”

Who protects Stratford’s wetlands?The Inland, Wetlands and Watercourses Commission is

assigned, “To protect and regulate activities affecting the inland, wetlands and watercourses” in town.

There are seven members, including two from the Conservation Commission and one from the Waterfront Harbor Management Commission, and two alternates, appointed by the Mayor to 4-year terms.

At-large representatives are:James Tucciarone (I)Robert Jontos (R)Ronald Hojdich (D), ChairmanThomas Fahy (D)Conservation Commission representatives are:Robert Connolly (R)Anthony Ross (D)The Waterfront Harbor Management Commission representa-

tive is:Edward Scinto (R)Alternate members are: John WaiteAnthony Capuano (D)Town representatives areJohn Rusatsky, Zoning Enforcement Officer Brian Carey, Conservation Administrator

Can I see whether there are wetlands on my property?The Conservation office, 203-385-4006, keeps those records.

Health

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What kinds of calls should be made to 911?Only emergency calls should be made to 911, such as to

report a fire, medical crisis, or police emergencies like a home intruder or other life-threatening situation. People should not call for road conditions or routine services such as reporting barking dogs.

Direct routine police calls to 203-385-4100 and routine fire calls to 203-385-4070.

Who answers 911 calls? When someone calls 911 from a land line within Stratford,

the phone rings in the emergency dispatch center. They will dis-patch the police, ambulance and fire department as needed.

If calling from 911 from a cell phone, immediately state what town and agency is needed (for example, “Stratford fire”). Cell calls are routed to the nearest tower, then to the 911 center in that town.

Be specific with location and type of emergency when calling 911, and do not hang up until the dispatcher says it is OK.

Who responds to medical emergencies?Firefighters are the first responders in Stratford, followed by

Stratford EMS, which treats and transports patients.

Where is the nearest emergency room? The nearest emergency rooms are at Bridgeport Hospital,

267 Grant Street, Bridgeport, and St. Vincent’s Medical Center, 2800 Main Street, Bridgeport.

What ambulance service is available in Stratford?Stratford EMS provides the town with continuous emergency

service 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.The service was founded in 1977.Its has ambulances, a fly car and a special operations unit

in the headquarters it shares with Stratford Police at 900 Longbrook Ave. Construction is under way on a new EMS headquarters next to fire headquarters, across Main Street from Town Hall.

Where is Stratford EMS based?Stratford EMS has moved into its new headquarters at 2704

Main Street, next to Fire Headquarters

Are EMTs volunteer or paid?Both serve Stratford. Trained volunteers can serve in all lev-

els, from emergency vehicle operators (drivers) to paramedics.All EMTs must pass the same tests and achieve the same

certification, and must be re-certified every two to three years, depending on experience.

EMT-Bs (basic) and EMT-Is (intermediate) are both members of Stratford EMS. EMT-Is can perform more advanced lifesav-ing techniques.

In 1996, Stratford EMS became the first service in New England to have volunteer paramedics.

What is the difference between an EMT and a para-medic?

A paramedic’s skills are more advanced than an emergency

medical technician. A paramedic can give advanced cardiac life support, IV drug therapy, medication for breathing prob-lems and diabetic reactions, apply external monitors and use advanced trauma techniques.

How can I join Stratford EMS?Anyone interested in becoming a member may call 203-385-

4060, e-mail Webmaster or president at svemsassociation.com or visit Emergency Medical Services under Departments at townofstratford.com.

Where will the ambulance take a patient? The ambulance takes patients to Bridgeport Hospital and St.

Vincent’s Medical Center. Non-emergency patients who wish to be taken to other hospitals, medical offices and/or health facilities must make their own arrangements with a commercial ambulance service.

Can my youth group check out an ambulance?Tours can be set up by calling 203-385-4060.

Where is the fire department?The Stratford Fire Department operates four fire houses.Headquarters, home of Company 1, is at 2750 Main St. and

can be reached at 203-381-2083.Company 2, located on Huntington Road, can be reached at

203-385-4074.Company, 3, 20 Prospect Drive, Lordship, can be reached at

203-385-4076.Company 4 mans the Oronoque Fire Station, 200 Oronoque

Lane, 203-385-4079.Information on the department can be found under Government

and Departments at townofstratford.com.The chief’s office can be reached at 203-385-40770.

Can I become a volunteer firefighter?Stratford is a career fire department. Firefighters are members

of International Association of Firefighters Local 998.

To what kind of emergencies can the fire department respond?

In addition to structure, brush, and vehicle fires, firefighters are trained to respond to motor vehicle accidents; water, ice, and confined space rescues; hazardous materials incidents; carbon monoxide emergencies; and a variety of other technical rescues.

Stratford firefighters are also the first responders to medical emergencies.

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

No. Residents are not billed for calls to the fire department. Local property taxes pay for fire coverage and each homeowner pays a special assessment depending on which district they live in.

The Town Council in 2010 approved a system for billing insurance companies for rescue services. Residents will not receive bills.

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Who checks businesses, schools and other public places for safety?

The Fire Marshal’s Office inspects all buildings, excluding one- and two-family homes, reviews plans for new construction and renovations, and performs inspections during construction. The fire marshal also responds to hazardous material spills, investigates the cause of all fires in town, issues blasting permits and handles blasting complaints. The fire marshal must also be present at all fireworks displays, both public and private.

Who teaches fire safety?The fire marshal’s office, along with the fire department, offer

fire prevention programs to nursery and elementary schools. There are also programs for older students. The fire marshal’s office offers information on home escape plans, smoke and car-bon monoxide detectors, and fire extinguisher operation.

Stratford Fire Marshal Brian Lampart can be reached at 203-385-4073 or [email protected].

Where is the Stratford Police Department?The Stratford Police Department is located at 900 Longbrook

Ave.A substation is located on Gregory Circle.The department handles criminal investigations and acci-

dents, patrols the streets of Stratford and offers a host of other services for residents.

The department is led by Chief John Buturla. Call 203-385-4100 for routine calls.

How big is the police force?The Stratford Police Department employs 112 sworn officers

and civilian personnel.

How do I make sure my home or business is secure?A survey can be arranged by calling police, 203-385-4143.

When can I pick up a police report?The records office at 900 Longbrook Ave. is open Tuesday

through Friday from 9 a.m. to noon and 1 to 4 p.m. It is closed weekends and holidays.

Do door-to-door salesmen needs permits?Yes. Information is available from the Police Department,

203-385-4130.

Does Stratford have Crime Watch?Residents interested in starting Crime Watch in their neigh-

borhood may call 203-385-4027.

What do I need to do to get a gun permit?Start by calling the police, 203-385-4130.Police provide fingerprinting of residents and individuals

employed by businesses in town from 8 a.m. to noon daily. Information is available at 203-385-4119.

How can I report reckless drivers near my house?Call the police on their routine number, 203-385-4100.

How do I report a runaway youth?Call Community Services, 203-385-4095, or Police, 203-385-

4100.

Will I be notified of a major emergency?The Stratford Emergency Citizen Notification System sends

alerts to the e-mails and cell phones of residents who register by clicking “Get Connected” at townofstratford.com.

Residents must register to receive alerts about emergencies and town-sponsored events, and may opt out at any time.

What should I do if power goes out in a storm?Have flashlights or candles readily available.Don’t use a gas stove or charcoal fires indoors for heat or

illumination and shut off electrical appliances. Call the United Illuminating Co., 203-368-5515, to report the outage and remember to stay away from downed power lines.

How can I learn CPR?Stratford Fire Fighters Local 998 sponsors CPR and first aid

classes. A schedule appears in the Stratford Star, and information can be obtained by sending an e-mail to [email protected].

The Stratford Family YMCA and the Recreation Department sometimes offer classes.

The Red Cross, in Bridgeport, offers classes throughout the area.

Public Safety

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How do I reach poison control?A national number 1-800-222-1222 will link callers from any-

where in the country to medical experts at local poison control centers. The number is funded by the federal government.

The number for the state’s poison control center 1-800-343-2722 is still operational. The state center is associated with the University of Connecticut Medical Center and will answer questions about poisons found in the house or about spider or snake bites.

When fast medical assistance is needed in an emergency, call 911 and describe the problem to the dispatcher.

What if I notice a problem with a traffic sign?Call police, 203-385-4158.

Who handles noise complaints?Call the police, 203-385-4100.

Will the Fire Department inspect my house?Stratford firefighters are performing free residential inspec-

tions, checking water temperatures and smoke detectors.Anti-scald devices, smoke detectors and batteries will be

installed for residents in need. Address markers will be provided for houses that need visible numbers.

Appointments can be requested by calling 203-381-2080 or sending an e-mail to [email protected].

Public Safety

In addition to fires and rescues, the Stratford Fire Department gets Santa Claus to the town’s tree lighting each year.

(Photo by Wayne Ratzenberger)

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Community Services

What falls under Community Services?Stratford Community Services is the local Youth Service

Bureau and works closely with the Stratford Youth and Family Advisory Board and the School Readiness and Child Care Advisory Council to assess community needs, develop plans to meet those needs, and implement programs directly or in coop-eration with other organizations

In was first funded in 1972 as a community response to the problem of substance abuse. Today, it is both a planning and a coordinating agency along with providing direct services.

Who would I call if I felt I needed counseling?Community Services can help residents with adolescent and

family counseling, psycho-educational groups, information and referral to community resources.

All counseling and social services are strictly confidential. Counseling fees are based on a sliding scale and no one is refused services for inability to pay, according to townofstrat-ford.com.

Emergency coverage is provided 24 hours a day in coopera-tion with the Council of Churches, Youth in Crisis, Infoline 211 and Careline (1-800-842-2288) for child abuse and family crisis situations.

The office, at 468 Birdseye St., is open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Evening hours are available by appointment.

Staff can be reached at 203-385-4095 or [email protected].

What is the Youth and Family Advisory Board?Since 1977 the Stratford Youth and Family Advisory Board

(YAFAB) has worked in cooperation with Stratford Community Services, the local Youth Service Bureau, to develop a coordi-nated network of services for young people and families. The Board is advisory to the Mayor and promotes the positive, healthy development and well-being of children, youth and families in Stratford. The Board supports community and youth development programs through advocacy, funding, publicity and serving as a catalyst for community action. By bringing together youth-serving organizations, parents and youth, the Board is able to accomplish its work through collaboration and networking. In recent years the board has taken action in areas such as school-age child care, teen activities, community ser-vice, violence prevention, underage drinking and teen tobacco use. The Youth and Family Advisory Board is also the local prevention council and receives funding from the Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services and the Regional Youth/Adult Substance Abuse Project.

The board’s mission is to mobilize youth and community partners to create a safe, healthy and drug-free environment where youth and families thrive. It is comprised of representa-tives from youth-serving organizations, school, police, youth and other concerned citizens.

Who are the members of the Youth and Family Advisory Board?

Tammy Trojanowski, Recording Secretary, Community Services

Dudley Orr, Principal, Bunnell High School Michelsie Louis-Charles, Stratford Public Schools Paul DosSantos, Police DepartmentJohn Popik, Police DepartmentBarbara Blosveren, Director, Stratford LibraryPat Patusky, Superintendent, Recreation Department Ty Sims, South End Community CenterLisa Pippa, Director, Health DepartmentEd Rawls, Clergy, First Congregational Church Lou Perno, Sterling HouseTim McManus, YMCAJocelyn Ault, Co-chairmanAlexandra VolcyKelly BensonShaquille BrewsterJake Grom, Co-chairmanWali KadeemAnthony MastrolucaLori ChiappinielloCollin AndersonKalyn ChomaPeggy PancakNikki BacarroSydnee FosterMatthew ReidMeagan SimonShana SorianoJesse PenaClaritza RiveraYvette Johnson-ParkerLauire VanCleft

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Community Services

How can I make certain a day care provider is properly certified and the facilities are safe?

All day care centers should be licensed by the state and you should ask to see this license.

Child care officials also suggest parents check the center’s open door policy on dropping in unannounced to observe staff-ers with the children, ask about the child-adult ratio, and in general look around the center to see if it is clean and child-proofed.

Parents should check to see that centers attend to children’s basic needs in a timely fashion.

What permits 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.

Requirements include permits from the state Department of Health Services as well as zoning, building, fire and health per-mits. To advertise for family day care, caretakers must list their license numbers.

How often are day care facilities inspected?Day care centers are inspected by the state and town health

department every two years, when the license is up for renewal. About 33% of all home-based day care centers in the state are inspected annually at random.

The state also makes an inspection whenever a complaint against a facility is filed. Visits to investigate complaints are unannounced; if the state finds problems, it will then work with the facility to bring it into compliance. If the complaint involves neglect and/or child abuse, the state works with the Department of Children and Families and police to investigate.

The town health department assists the state in environmen-tal aspects of the inspection such as reviewing the facility’s bathrooms, diaper changing areas and food storage/handling. Although the spot checks fall around the time the license is expiring, their exact date is not announced ahead of time.

Is continuing education available?Stratford offers adult education and alternative programs to

help those who need basic skills such as English, or a graduate equivalency diploma.

Information is available at stratfordk12.org/Continuing_Education.asp.

What resources are available to parents?Child care is available before and after school. There are par-

ent-teacher groups and guides to dealing with issues such as the Internet.

What does Community Development do?The Department of Community Development is respon-

sible for securing, implementing and managing the Community Development Block Grant Funds that Stratford receives from the U.S. Department of Housing & Urban Development.

According to its Web site, the town receives an annual entitle-ment from HUD of approximately $700,000 and begins its plan-

ning process for its annual action plan in January. The town’s program runs July 1 through June 30.

The Community Development Office also serves as the Fair Housing Office for the Town of Stratford, and provides informa-tion to tenants, landlords, homebuyers, prospective tenants and homebuyers, and others about their rights and responsibilities in the lease or purchase of housing.

Community Development is located in the Birdseye Municipal Complex, 468 Birdseye St., Room 112. Hours are Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Community Development Administrator C. Duncan Yetman Jr. can be reached at 203-385-4028.

What is CARE?Citizens Addressing Racial Equity examines diversity and

issues related to race in Stratford.

Who are the members of CARE?Members are:Dick RozarieVera RozarieEd RobertsJim SinnottSylvia EbronTom CoakleyWanda CorreaLucretia Duwel, Stratford LibraryJackie VegaOlga PenaTammy Trojanowski, Community Services

What does the Stratford Housing Authority do?CARE is a citizen coalition sponsored by the Office of

Mayor John A. Harkins in cooperation with the Stratford Youth and Family Advisory Board, Stratford Clergy Association, The Council of Churches of Greater Bridgeport, Inc. and The Stratford Library Association. More information can be found at www.stratfordcare.com..

Who are the members?Members, appointed to 5-year terms by the Town Council,

are:Arthur Miller (R), ChairmanAnn Dizenzo (R)Evelyn B. Garofolo (R)Barbara English (R), Vice ChairmanMargaret Voccola (D)

Can I get help filing federal taxes?The South End Community Center, in collaboration with the

Greater Bridgeport Community Economic Security Coalition, will offer free income tax preparation services for those with incomes less than $49,000. The IRS Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program will help eligible residents prepare forms.

Appointments are required. Questions regarding the V.I.T.A. Program, and available volunteer opportunities can be for-warded to Ty Sims, South End Community Center coordinator, at 203-377-0689 or [email protected].

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Who is the chief executive of Stratford?Republican John A. Harkins was elected mayor in 2009. The

next election will be in 2013.

How many mayors has Stratford had?Stratford only adopted a mayoral form of government in

2005. The first mayor was Democrat James R. Miron. Prior to a charter revision, Stratford operated with a town manager and Town Council.

Is there still a Town Council?The Town Council remains the legislative body of Stratford,

meeting the second Monday of each month at Town Hall. It has 10 members, each representing a geographic district. Council members serve 2-year terms. The next council election will be in 2011.

How can I find out who my councilman is?A directory can be found at townofstratford.com. A list begins

on page 27 of this Answer Book. A district finder in which addresses can be entered can be found at the Registrars of Voters page at townofstratford.com.

Where are municipal offices?Town Hall is located at 2725 Main St. It houses the Mayor’s

office, Council Chambers, the town attorney’s office, Planning, zoning and building departments.

Public Works is located at 550 Patterson Ave.Community Services and the Health Department, along with

recreational facilities, can be found at the Birdseye Municipal Complex, 468 Birdseye St.

What state senatorial district is Stratford in?Republican Kevin Kelly of the 21st District represents part

of Stratford, as well as parts of Shelton, Monroe and Seymour. In Hartford Kelly has a Web site at http://ctsenaterepublicans.com/home-kelly, and can be reached in the Senate Republican Office, LOB Room 3400, Hartford, CT 06106, 1-800-842-1421, or [email protected].

Democrat Edwin A. Gomes represents southern Stratford. He can be reached at [email protected] or 1-800-842-1420, and has an office in the LOB Room 3100, Hartford, CT 06106.

What state House districts is Stratford in?The 120th District is represented by Laura Hoydick. In

Hartford she is in the House Republican Office, LOB Room 4200, Hartford, CT 06106, and can be reached at 1-800-842-1423 or [email protected]. She has a Web site at rephoydick.com.

Rep. Terry Backer, a Democrat, represents the 121st District, which encompasses southern Stratford. His office in Hartford is located in Legislative Office Building, Room 2102, Hartford, CT 06106, and he can be reached at 1-800-842-8267 or [email protected]. His Web site is housedems.ct.gov/Backer.

Northern Stratford and parts of Shelton are represented by Lawrence G. “Larry” Miller of the 122nd District. In Hartford he is in the House Republican Office, LOB Room 4200, Hartford, CT 06106, and can be reached at 1-800-842-1423 or

[email protected]. Miller has a Web site at replarrymiller.com.

Who are Connecticut’s senators? Sen. Richard Blumenthal, a Democrat, may be reached at

30 Lewis Street, Suite 101, Hartford, CT 06103; 860-258-6940/800-334-5341, or G55 Dirksen Senate Office Building, Washington, DC 20510, 202-224-2823; Web site: blumental.senate.gov.

Sen. Joseph Lieberman, an independent who caucuses with the Democrats, may be reached at 706 Hart Senate Office Bldg., Washington, DC 20510, 202-224-4041. His Hartford office is at One Constitution Plaza, 7th Floor, Hartford, CT 06103, 800-225-5605, fax: 860-549-8478; [email protected]. Web site: lieberman.senate.gov.

Who is our representative in Congress?Democrat Rosa DeLauro represents Stratford in Congress.

Stratford is in Connecticut’s Third Congressional District.Among her offices in Connecticut is a main district office at

59 Elm St., New Haven., 203-562-3718.Stratford residents may also call 203-378-9005.DeLauro also has office hours at the Valley Regional Planning

Agency, 12 Main St., Derby, on the first and third Thursday of each month from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Information is available at 203-735-5005

In Washington, she is at 2262 Rayburn HOB, Washington, DC, 20515, and can be reached there at 202-225-3661.

Her Web site is delauro.house.gov.

Who is the governor?Democrat Dannel Malloy was elected governor in 2010. His

term runs until 2014.

How can I write the governor?Gov. Dannel Malloy may be reached at State Capitol,

210 Capitol Ave., Hartford, 06106, 860-566-4840, [email protected].

When are elections held?Stratford elects a mayor every four years. The next election is

2013. Town Council members are elected every two years. An election will be held in 2011.

State legislators, representatives and senators, are elected every two years. The next regular election is in 2012.

How do I know if a meeting is scheduled? The Freedom of Information Act requires that all town com-

missions and board meetings be open to the public. The sched-ule for a board’s regular meetings must be filed each year with the town clerk.

Special meetings may be called up to 24 hours in advance. Emergency meetings may be held without notice; however the board must file its minutes, including the reason for the emer-gency, at the town clerk’s office within 72 hours of the meeting. For information on Freedom of Information requirements for boards, commissions, and ad hoc committees, visit townof-stratford.com. Meetings are posted in the town clerk’s office, council clerk’s office and at townofstratford.com.

Government

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Government

Mayor John Harkins (R) [email protected]

Town CouncilCouncil Chairman Thomas J. Malloy (R) [email protected] District Christian M. Barnaby (R) [email protected] District Stephanie D. Philips (D) [email protected] District Matthew P. Catalano (R) [email protected] District Jason W. Santi (D) [email protected] District John M. Dempsey (R) [email protected] District David Fuller (D) [email protected] District Kimberly Meuse (D) [email protected] District James J. Connor, Jr. (R) [email protected] District Thomas J. Malloy (R) [email protected] District Paul Hoydick (R) [email protected] Clerk Carol Cabral [email protected]

How do I contact the mayor of my representative on the Town Council?

Stratford Points of Interest

GOVERNMENT AND MUNICIPAL BUILDINGS 1. Town Hall 2. Animal Control

DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS 3. Baldwin Center 4. Birdseye Municipal Complex 5. Board of Education Offices 6. Fire Headquarters 7. Lordship Fire Station 8. Oronoque Fire Station 9. Police Headquarters 10. Post Office 11. Putney Fire Station 12. Recycling Center 13. South End Community Center 14. Sterling House 15. Stratford Library 16. Water Pollution Control

HISTORIC AND CULTURAL SITES 17. Frank Deluca Field

Softball Hall of Fame 18. Judson House 19. National Helicopter Museum 20. Perry House 21. Shakespeare Theatre 22. Stratford Center Historic District 23. Stratford Point Lighthouse 24. Sikorsky Aircraft

RECREATION 25. Birdseye Boat Launch 26. Booth Memorial Park 27. Longbrook Park 28. Mill River Country Club 29. Oronoque Country Club 30. Paradise Green 31. Roosevelt Forest 32. Short Beach Park

SCHOOLS 33. Chapel Street Elementary 34. Eli Whitney Elementary 35. Franklin Elementary 36. Lordship Elementary 37. Nichols Elementary 38. Second Hill Lane Elementary 39. Stratford Academy 40. Wilcoxson Elementary 41. David Wooster Middle School 42. Harry B. Flood Middle School 43. Bunnell High School 44. Stratford High School 45. St. Mark School 46. St. James School

TRANSPORTATION 47. Stratford Train Station 48. Sikorsky Memorial Airport

Map on pages 28 - 29

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28 Stratford Answerbook, Stratford, Connecticut March 24, 2011 March 24, 2010 Stratford Answerbook, Stratford, Connecticut 29

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GovernmentCan a commission or board meet privately?

Generally, all meetings involving a quorum (three members of a five-person board, four of a six-member board) must be open to the public. However, Connecticut statutes allow a com-mission to close a meeting to the public if it is discussing per-sonnel matters, litigation strategy or contract negotiations.

To close a meeting and enter into executive session, the board must take a vote and the meeting’s closure must be supported by two-thirds of those present and voting. The commission cannot take any action while in an executive session. It must return to open session before voting on any items.

What if I think a commission held an illegal private meeting?

You may file a complaint with the state Freedom of Information office (860-566-5682), 18-20 Trinity Street, Hartford, 06106.

How can I get named to a board or commission?Some are elected, some appointed.Applications can be downloaded from the Boards and

Commissions section at townofstratford.com.Information is also available from local political town com-

mittees.

What is the Advisory Council for Cable Television: Area II?

The council is the official representative of customers, librar-ies, schools and municipal agencies in dealings with the cable television provider. Stratford is served by Cablevision.

Who are the Stratford members?John LaBarca (D)James Miklos (U)Jeff Telep (U)

What does the Conservation Commission do?The commission promotes the development and conservation

of natural resources, including water, within Stratford.It researches land use, coordinates activities and requests that

the Town Council acquire land, and suggests uses to the mayor and Zoning Commission.

The commission also keeps an index of all open areas, pub-licly or privately owned, including open marshlands, swamps and other wetlands, to determine the proper use of such areas.

Who are the members?David Fuller (D-6th), Town CouncilKaren Rodia (R)Robert Connolly (R)Anthony Ross (D)Marcia Stewart (R)Bill McCann (U)Joseph DiMenno (R)Gregg Dancho (U), chairmanDenise Nelson (D)Mark Calzone (D), alternateRichard Heiden, alternateGregory Watkins-Colwell (D), alternateDavid Killeen, Town Planner, ad hoc

Conservation Open Space CommitteeKaren Rodia, ChairmanDavid Killeen, Town PlannerMarcia StewartGregg DanchoJoseph DiMenno

Emergency Planning CommitteeAnthony SchirilloEd OgleMike AbramowitzMaureen Whelan, Health DepartmentJohn TurbevilleEd ZygmantMichael MateraLinda BarlowJim WilkinsonTom LenartRocco SapioneDonna Best, EMSJohn Buturla, PoliceJim ConnorPaul Plouffe

Who serves on the Disability Review Board?Members serving a 2 -year term, appointed by the Town

Council, are:Kurt AhlbergRenee C. Rickard-Casey, MDFrank Scifo, MD

Is there a group that promotes economic develop-ment?

The Economic Development Commission works to facilitate business and promote Stratford.

Members are:3-year term, appointed by MayorMayor John A. Harkins Assistant to Mayor Town Council representatives John Dempsey (R-5th)Stephanie Philips (D-2nd)Christian Barnaby (R-1st)Paul Hoydick (R-10th)Electorate MembersFred Hyatt (R)Randy Vidal (R)Maury Johnson (R)Scott MorseJohn Dobos (R)Neil Sherman (U), ChairmanMary Dean (R), Chamber of CommerceMichael Vickerelli (U)Alternate Members Robert Rosati (R)Robyn Greenspan (D)Vincent Faggella (D)Robert Cody (D)Ex-officio members Special Projects Coordinator J. Bruce Alessie Grants Coordinator Christina Kazanas

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Government

What is the Longbrook Park Commission?The commission oversees Longbrook Park.

Who are the members?Matthew Catalano (R), Chairman, Town CouncilKimberly Meuse (D), Town CouncilBrian O’Shea (U) Rose Ippolito (R)Joseph Sorrentino (D)James McGuire (D)

Who guides solutions to traffic issues?The Traffic Authority, which includes representatives of the

Public Works and Police departments, the mayor’s office and the Town Engineer, has the authority to “provide for the regula-tion and use of streets and highways, including but not limited to the regulation of parking, speed and traffic, in accordance with the Connecticut General Statutes.” There are a number of vacancies due to a recent spate of retirements at the Police Department.

How are planning and zoning districts determined?Each planning or zoning district unites two Town Council

Districts. District I is council districts 1 and 2, District II is council districts 3 and 4, and so forth.

Who are the members of the Planning Commission?Members, by district, are:I. Denise L. Nelson (D)II. Ann-Alice Baker (D)III. John G. Zbell (R)IV. Linda M. Pepin (R)V. Christopher W. Walker (R)Regular members are elected to 4-year terms.

Alternate members are appointed by the Town Council to 3-year terms. They are:

Joseph A. Vecsey (R)Mary K. Young (D)Edward Goodrich (R)

Who are members of the Zoning Commission?Regular members, elected to 4-year terms, are, by district:I. Robert Connolly (R)II. Robert Galello (D)III. James Sheridan (D)IV. Christopher Silhavey, Chairman (R)V. Michael F. Henrick (R)Alternate members, appointed by Town Council to 3-year

terms, are:Nancy Cummings-Gazaille (R)Ronald J. Hojdich (D)Adam Bonoff (R)

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Government

What if I feel wronged by a zoning decision?Cases can be considered by the Board of Zoning Appeals

Who are the Board of Zoning Appeals members?Regular members are elected to 4-year terms. They are, by

district:I. Patrick T. Massey (R)II. Richard F. Fredette (R)III. Brian W. Dempsey (R)IV. Thomas E. McCabe (R)V. James D. Shugrue (R)Alternates, appointed to 3-year terms by the Town Council,

are:Alexander Florek (U)Thomas A. Grega (R)There is one vacancy for an alternate, according to the town

Web site.

What is the Boothe Park Commission?The commission consists of nine members, two from the

Town Council and seven appointed by the Mayor, who oversee Boothe Memorial Park. They serve 3-year terms.

Council members are:James Connor (R-8th)Stephanie Philips (D-2nd)Regular members are Bessie Burton (R)

Joan Brazzell (R)Christopher Pia (U)Sarah Mahoney Voccola (D)Anna Scala (D)Donna Caserta (D)Richard Brown (D)There are vacancies for three alternate members.Ad Hoc members are the Director of Public Works, the

Superintendent of Recreation and the Park Superintendent.

What does the Roosevelt Forest Commission do?The commission determines the boundaries, rules and regula-

tions for the forest.Nine members, including one from the Town Council and two

alternates appointed by the Mayor, serve 3-year terms.

Who is on the Roosevelt Forest Commission?The Town Council member is Thomas Malloy (R-9th).Regular members are: Frank Bevacqua (D)Charles A. Lindberg (R)Jim Brown (U)Bob Ford (R)Peter J. Mariconda (U), Vice chairmanRobert David (D), ChairmanEllen Scerba-Carey (U)Alternate members are:Charles Emerson (D)Olivia N. Gombar (D).The Conservation Commission representative is Gregory

Watkins-Colwell (D).

What is the Greenway?The Greenway, a project in progress, is attempting to build

bicycle and walking paths stretching from Point Stratford in the south of town to the Housatonic

Who is overseeing the project?The Greenway Committee has been appointed by the Planning

Commission.Members are:Tim BishopLinda PepinDavid Killeen, Town PlannerJason Santi (D-4th), Town Council LiaisonKaren RodiaAnthony SchirilloDonald KiktaJoseph VecseyEdward Matosian

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Government

What does the Shellfish Commission do?The Shellfish Commission is responsible for protecting

the natural growth of shellfish in waters under the control of Stratford, and oversee the preservation of natural areas and res-toration of beds that have been destroyed.

The local commission is also a liaison with state and federal agencies.

Who serves on the Shellfish Commission?Regular members, according to the town Web site, are:State Rep. Terry E. BackerTimothy Barber, Chairman (U)Kent M. Miller (D)Jennifer Hilgen-Santa (R)There is one vacancy.Alternate members are Daniel Brown (U)Marcia Stewart (R)

What is the Historic District?Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the Historic

District is an area roughly bordered by I-95, the Housatonic River, East Broadway, Ferry Boulevard, Birdseye Street and Main Street. It includes historic sites such as Judson House, the William Booth House, the Old Episcopal Burying Ground and the First Congregational Church.

What is the Historic District Commission?The commission’s job is “To promote the educational, cul-

tural, economic and general welfare of the public through the preservation and protection of the distinct characteristics of buildings and places associated with the history of or indica-tive of a period or style of architecture of the town, State or nation.”

Who are the members?Regular members of the Historic District Commission,

appointed to 5-year terms by the Mayor, are:Edward J. Goodrich (R)Lisa Donnelly (R)Thomas M. Yemm, Chairman (U)Patricia Pistey (D)Paul Joy (R)Lewis Knapp, Town HistorianAlternate members are:Beth Daponte (D)Robert P. Caldwell (D)Michael Bingham (R)

Does Stratford have a monument to its veterans?The main memorial is a series of monuments and statues, plus

a brick walk, atop Academy Hill.

Who takes care of the monuments?The Veterans Monument Preservation Commission was estab-

lished in 2004. Members are appointed to 4-year terms by the Town Council.

Who are the current members?A representative from the Public Works Department is select-

ed by the Mayor.Paul Joy (R) is the representative from the Historic District.Veterans on the commission are:Robert Mastroni (R)Anthony Ross (D)Roy FriedmanRepresentatives at large are:Edward M. Roberts (D)George Vagasky (U)Ralph ColangeloRaymond Barker (D)Robert Newall (D)Charles Devan (R)There is a vacancy.

What does the Short Beach Commission do?The Short Beach Commission determines the boundaries and

develops rules and regulations for public and private use of Short Beach, subject to the approval of the Town Council. The commission needs to recommend any work at the beach, which must then be approved by the Town Council.

Who is on the commission?Two members are from the Town Council, per charter. The

other five members are appointed by the Mayor to 3-year terms.

Council members are:Christian Barnaby (R-1st), ChairmanDavid Fuller (D-6th)Regular members are: Dr. Theodore Spivack (D)Robert Goodrich (RKaren Daden (R)Scott Barksdale (R)Anthony Ross (D)

Can I report what I believe is unethical behavior?Any suspicious behavior by town officials or employees may

be reported to the Ethics Commission. The code and complaint forms can be found at www.townofstratford.com, as well as the Town Clerk’s office at Town Hall and the Stratford Library.

How are Ethics Commission members chosen?Five members and three alternates are appointed by the mayor

to 5-year terms.

Who are the current members?Regular members are:Stephen Biley (U), SecretaryEverett G. Sussman (D)Roger Salls (U)Jack Golden (R)Josie Cicerale (D)Alternate members are: Joseph DeCaro (U)Daniel Rodriguez (D)Robert Chimini (U)

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Community Garden

Is there a place I can garden if I don’t have a yard?

Soundkeeper and the Town of Stratford collaborate on the Community Garden at Pirhala Farm, where res-idents can lease plots to raise their own vegetables.

The garden is designed to promote sustainable liv-ing and organic farming.

Where is it located?The former Pirhala Farm is located on Connors

Lane.

How can I get a plot?Plots cost $20 per year. Information on renting them

is posted at townofstratford.com or soundkeeper.org.

How may plots available?Approximately 75 garden plots are open for rental.

State Rep. Terry Backer, founder of Soundkeeper, checks out garden plots at the Community Garden at Pirhala Farm on Connors Lane..

(Photo by John Kovach)

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Can I buy locally grown produce in Stratford?Yes. In addition to privately run stands operated

by Stratford farmers, the state and Stratford Health Department coordinate the Stratford Farmers’ Market Mondays from late June through late October.

Where is it located?The Stratford Farmers’ Market is located on

Main Street next to DeLuca Field, near the former Stratford Army Engine Plant.

What are the hours?The market is open from 1 to 6 p.m. each Monday

during the season.

What is available?Locally grown fruits, vegetables and herbs, some

baked goods, some crafts and seafood harvest from the Long Island Sound.

Farmers’ Market

Fresh produce awaits shoppers at the Stratford Farmers’ Market, held next to DeLuca Field Mondays from June through October.

(Photo by Wayne Ratzenberger)

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What is Short Beach?Short Beach Park is a 30-acre beachfront property at the

mouth of the Housatonic River and Long Island Sound.The park has a par-3 golf course, a handicapped-accessible

playground, two Little League fields, one regulation lighted softball field, seven beach volleyball courts, eight tennis courts, a skateboard park, two basketball courts, three picnic areas with bathrooms, a soccer field, a lacrosse field, 1,000 feet of beach-front with concession stand, bathrooms and new deck.

Lifeguards are on duty beginning June 19 through Labor Day from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Swimmers are asked to stay within the guarded area in front of the concession stand.

Is admission open?Beach stickers are required or a $5 parking fee ($10 on week-

ends and holidays) will be charged at the park entrance.Residents receive beach stickers in their tax bills the end

of June. Non-residents may purchase seasonal passes at the Recreation Office for $100.

Can anyone use the picnic area?Reservations are required and may be made through the

Recreation Department beginning March 1 each. Fee payment and bond must accompany application. A bond equal to the fee must accompany payment and will be returned if the area is left in good condition. Fees can be found at townofstratford.com.

A bond must accompany the fee for pig roasts.There is a $5 fee for all vehicles without beach stickers during

the weekdays and $10 on weekends.No raindates will be issued. Weekend is considered to be

Saturday and Sunday.If a picnic reservation is canceled 30 days in advance a

full refund will be received minus a $10 administration fee. Cancellations within 29 days or less will result in a refund of their bond only.

Is there a public golf course in Stratford?Built in 1988, the Short Beach Golf Course is a Scottish links-

style par-3 course constructed along the Long Island Sound at the mouth of the Housatonic River. It features large elevated greens and tees with many bunkers and four water hazards.

Winter hours are 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. (check with the staff at the pro shop). Tee times start in April.

Are IDs neededGolf IDs are required for resident fees.Pull carts and clubs are available to rent.Everyone must wear soft spikes or sneakers. There are no

exceptions.

How do I book a tee time?Golfers may make tee time reservations daily beginning

Mondays at 10 a.m. starting in April by calling 203-381-2070. They may also make tee time reservation via the townofstrat-ford.com by clicking Recreation Department and Schedule Tee Times.

All names must be given to hold spots with a telephone num-ber for two golfers. Golfers have until Thursday at 10 a.m. to cancel without penalty.

A twosome may sign up for a tee time and openings in a group will be filled whenever possible to make foursomes. Tee times can be held by a single player, but openings will be filled to make a foursome.

Groups must arrive 15 minutes before tee time. Failure to do so may result in losing your tee time.

When golfers are lined up to make reservations, the cashier will schedule tee times from two people in line, then will accept a reservation from someone on the phone.

The limit is one tee time reservation per person per day, and that person must be a member of the group for which the reser-vation is made.

If weather closes the course, all reservations are canceled. If the course is closed for a period of time, all tee times during this period are canceled, although every effort will be made to schedule you once the course reopens.

Are carts available?A limited number of motorized carts can be rented at $8 per

cart All players must have their own clubs and bags, which can be rented..

Pull carts and clubs are available to rent for $2.

Are metal spikes allowed?No.

Is there a pro shop?Clubs, balls, T-shirts, shirts, visors and hats are for sale in the

pro shop. Golf lessons are offered.

How can I get an ID?ID cards can be obtained during regular golf course hours.

The renewal fee is $15.

Can I take a lesson at Short Beach?Golf Pro Don Samatulski offers private instruction, group les-

sons and clinics. Information is available at 203-893-5854.Samatulski was head coach of the Pace University men’s golf

team and 2008 NCAA Northeast Division II Golf Coach of the Year. He has more than 30 years of teaching experience as a country club professional.

Are youth lessons available?New for 2011 is the Short Beach Golf Course Union Academy

for players ages 9-12. Students will receive instruction, course time and be entered in the Stratford Junior Open.

Are there golf leagues?Information on ladies’, men’s, mixed and junior leagues can

be found at the town Web site.

Is there a town championship?The annual Stratford Open, co-sponsored by the Stratford

Rotary Club, awards trophies in four categories: Juniors, Adults, Seniors and Ladies. Registration is open through September at the Short Beach Golf Course.

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Are tennis facilities available?Tennis permits may be obtained at the Recreation office at

Short Beach Park, Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and tennis permits will become effective April 15. Call 385-4053 one week in advance for tennis permits.

There are courts at most schools and other locations.

How can I learn the tennis?Lessons and clinics are periodically offered. Watch the Star

and the Recreation Department Web site.

Is there competitive play?The Women’s Doubles League plays on Tuesdays or Thursdays

from 6 to 8 p.m. at Flood Courts. Each day is $40 plus a can of tennis balls. Sessions are held May to June and July to August. Registration is at the Recreation Office at Short Beach two weeks prior to the start of each session.

The Stratford Tennis Association schedules events throughout town. Information and forms are at the Recreation Office at Short Beach Park.

How can my children use the skate park?The skate park is open to the public and all ages free of charge.

Skateboarders skate at their own risk. There is no supervision.The park does close for inclement weather.Hours and rules can be found at the Recreation Department

Web site. Information is available at 203 385-4052

Are there organized events?Skate Park birthday parties are available. Please call the

Recreation Department at 203 385-4052.

How can I register for recreation programs?Registration for programs must be made in advance of the

first session. Fees must accompany all registrations.Registration is accepted on a first-come, first-served basis.

To be sure of a place in the program early registration is urged. In some cases, late registration will be accepted if space is still available; however, program fees are not pro-rated. Late regis-tering persons must pay the full registration fee.

There is a $5 non-resident fee for classes which accept non-residents.

Forms can be mailed to the Stratford Recreation Dept., 1 Dorne Drive, Stratford, CT 06615. Make checks payable to the Town of Stratford. Registration can also be done online.

How can I check schedules?Programs are posted on the Recreation page at townofstrat-

ford.com and stratfordstar.com, and printed in the Stratford Star most weeks.

Is financial help available for recreation fees?A senior citizens discount for those 62 and older is 50% for

most programs.Scholarships are available for some programs. Applications

are available at the Recreation Department office at Short Beach, and applicants must submit their most current income tax return form. Requests must be submitted four weeks prior to a program, and by May 15 for camps.

Family rates for multiple classes, and second- and third-child

discounts are also available for most programs.Those applying for child care scholarships may apply for

Care For Kids. Applications may be obtained at the Recreation Department at Short Beach and South End Center. Discount rates are for siblings in the same immediate family.

How do I find out if my program is canceled?Recreation programs are no longer automatically canceled

when schools are closed. A decision on programs will be made by 4 p.m. Listen to WICC or watch WTNH for cancellations or call the Recreation Department at 203-385-4129 after 4 p.m.

Are jobs available with the Recreation Department?Applications for employment can be picked up and submitted

at the Recreation office at Short Beach, 1 Dorne Drive.Applicants should be Stratford residents and 18 years of age.

The department is always looking for volunteers to officiate, umpire, teach swimming, or donate their expertise.

How can I use facilities?The Recreation Department schedules school buildings

for use after 3 p.m. and on weekends. Non-profit groups interested in using schools may download the Building Use Form at townofstratford.com and return it to the Recreation Department. Insurance naming the town as an additional insured is required.

The South End Community Center can also be rented.

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Services

Can I look up old deeds in Town Hall? Deeds are open to the public and are available for review in

the town clerk’s office.

Are birth, marriage and death records public? The general public is allowed to peruse marriage and death

record indexes and can obtain copies. Restrictions may apply. Birth certificates are confidential. Certified copies of birth cer-tificates will be issued only to the person in question or, in the case of a minor, their parents or other designated persons.

Besides clergy, who can officiate at weddings? A justice of the peace may officiate at a wedding within the

state, and federal judges may officiate at weddings anywhere. A list is available from the Town Clerk’s office or page at townof-stratford.com.

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

bride lives, where the groom lives, or where they plan to be married. No blood test is required. Both must appear, present a photo ID, and swear an oath. The license costs $30 and is good for 65 days. Visit the town clerk’s office or call 203-385-4020 for details.

How do I get a license for a civil union?A civil union is a legal union between two people of the same

sex, which grants them the same benefits, rights and protections as are granted to spouses in a marriage. Connecticut recog-nizes civil unions. Licenses may be obtained in the town clerk’s office. There is no waiting period and no residency requirement. The fee is $30. For details, call 203-385-4020.

What is a notary public and where can I find one? A notary public is someone legally empowered to witness sig-

natures, certify documents and take depositions and affidavits. Every bank has one on staff. Some real estate agents are notary publics, as are some public officials. One is available weekly at the Stratford Library. Some may charge a small fee to notarize a document.

What if I need services related to the Americans with Disabilities Act?

Call the Town Clerk, 203-385-4020.

Can I put up a sign to advertise my business?Check first with Planning & Zoning, 203-385-4017.

I noticed signs around town promoting local events. How can my group put one up?

Permission to put signs on town property, including Paradise Green and the West Broad Street Green, can be obtained from Planning & Zoning, 385-4017.

Can I have an event on a town green?Groups interested in using Paradise Green, West Broad

Green, Academy Hill or another town facility or park (except

Roosevelt Forest) should contact the Recreation Department. Applications may be downloaded.

My organization wants to have a carnival. What permits do we need?

For amusement and ride permits, call Building Inspections, 203-385-4010.

Food permits must be obtained from the Health Department, 203-385-4090.

The fire marshal, 203-385-4073, and police should also be contacted.

Bazaar permits can be obtained from the Building Inspector, 203-385-4010.

Can my team use on of the town’s fields?First get a permit from the Recreation Department, 203-385-

4053.

Is use of parks limited to residents?Stickers are available from the Recreation Department, 203-

385-4053.

Can I keep beehives in my yard?Call the Town Clerk, 203-385-4020, for permit information.

How can I get a hunting or fishing license?Hunting licenses require completion of a course. Check the

DEP section at ct.gov.Licenses can be purchased at the Town Clerk’s office in Town

Hall, 203-385-4020, or most local sporting goods stores.

How can my business bid on a town job?Reply to the legal request for bids. Information is available

from Purchasing, 203-385-4044.

Can my church hold Bingo night?Call the police first, 203-385-4139.

The contractor said he may have to do some blasting on my property. Who should he call?

Blasting permits are available from the Fire Marshal, 203-385-4073

Can my neighbors and I throw a block party?First get a permit from the police, 203-385-4158.

Do we need a permit to have a raffle at church?Yes. Call the police, 203-385-4130.

What if I can’t afford dental care for my children?The Health Department, 203-385-4090, can explain pro-

grams.

Who can help me find counseling?Call Community Services, 203-385-4095.

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Services

Where is the closest motor vehicle department? The nearest motor vehicle department office is in Bridgeport

at 95 Sylvan Avenue. The office is open from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday; 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Thursday; and 8 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on Saturday. There are no safety inspections or VIN verifications.

There is a DMV office in Norwalk at 540 Main Ave. that is open the same hours as the Bridgeport office. Also, for license renewals, the AAA office in Stratford is often a quicker and easier option than going to the DMV offices. That location is 555 Lordship Blvd. and is open 9 - 5 Monday through Friday and 9 - 1 on Saturday.

For more information, call 800-842-8222, or access the DMV Web site at ct.gov/dmv.

Can someone help if I’m in a dire financial situation?Emergency assistance may be available from Social Services,

203-385-4092.If emergency housing is needed, police may be able to help.

Call 203-385-4100.Information on Temporary Assistance to Families is available

from Community Services, 203-385-4095.

Is help finding work available?Employment training and opportunities for youths can be set

up through Community Services, 203-385-4095.Seniors can get such help from Senior Services, 203-385-

4050.

I don’t think I’m being treated fairly by my landlord. Who can I talk to?

Fair housing questions can be directed to Community Development, 203-385-4028.

Where I get information on evictions?According to townofstratford.com, information is available

from the Health Department at 203-385-4090.

Relocation information is available at 203-385-4095.

Is help available obtaining food?Food Stamps information is available from Community

Services, 203-385-4095.

Can I learn about foster child care?Community Services, 203-385-4095, has information.

Is there public housing in Stratford?The Stratford Housing Authority, which is independent from

the town, oversees it. It can be reached at 203-375-4483.Can someone help me before my utilities are turned off?

Contact Senior Services, 203-385-4050, or Community Services, 203-385-4095.

Who can help with welfare claims?Call Social Services, 203-385-4092.

What can I do if there’s a problem with mosquitoes on my property?

Conservation, 203-385-4006, handles mosquito control. The state also does testing in late summer, monitoring for West Nile Virus.

Updates are then posted by the Health Department.

How can my teen get working papers?Contact the Board of Education, 385-4210.

Do I need a license to harvest clams?A shellfish license can be obtained from the Town Clerk,

203-385-4020.

Does Stratford have a Chamber of Commerce? The Stratford Chamber of Commerce, with offices in Perry

House, 1128 West Broad St., is an affiliate of the Bridgeport Regional Business Council, which also includes the Bridgeport Chamber of Commerce, the Stratford Chamber, the Bridgeport Economic Development Co., Leadership Greater Bridgeport and the Women’s Leadership Council.

According to the Bridgeport Regional Business Council Web site, “The mission of the Stratford Chamber of Commerce is to initiate positive change for the benefit of the business commu-nity, thereby, enhancing the quality of life in Stratford through advocacy and action in the areas of economic development, education, transportation, and the environment. The chamber’s first priority has been to achieve this through retention, expan-sion, recruitment and advocacy of businesses that will grow jobs and increase the town’s tax base. Through its membership, the chamber has also been actively involved in town economics,

education issues, cultural affairs, and transportation.”Executive Director Mary Dean can be reached at 203-335-

3800, ext. 118, or [email protected] sponsors “First Thursday” events, debates by local candi-

dates, talks and networking opportunities.

Where is the Better Business Bureau? With an office in Wallingford, the Better Business Bureau

provides reports on businesses, charity groups and organiza-tions. It can help resolve consumer disputes with businesses, and promotes ethical business standards. Complaints can be made online at Connecticut.bbb.org, by calling 269-2700.

The Connecticut Department of Consumer Protection will investigate cases where consumers feel they were cheated or defrauded. You may call the hotline at 800-842-2649, visit online at state.ct.us/dcp, or send written complaints to 165 Capitol Avenue, Hartford, 06106.

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Is there a policy regarding snow and parking?Residents must observe alternate side of the street parking as

soon as snow begins to fall. Cars can be parked on the even side of the street on even days, the odd side on odd days, to leave room for plows to get through.

Is there municipal garbage collection?Yes. The Public Works Department collects trash from 20,000

homes and 5,000 businesses.According to its Web site, the department collects more the

18,000 tons of trash, 5,000 tons of yard waste and 4,500 tons of recylables.

The town also operates a transfer station on Watson Boulevard (off Lordship Boulevard behind the Ramada Inn). More than 9,000 tons of waste are deposited there each year.

How often is trash collected?The town picks up garbage once per week.

Do holidays change the collection schedule?Some do.The sanitation department is off New Year’s Day, Memorial

Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving and Christmas. Notices of schedule changes are posted and pub-lished in the Stratford Star.

Pickups are held as scheduled on Martin Luther King Day, Lincoln’s Birthday, President’s Day, Good Friday, Columbus

Day and Veterans Day.The Transfer station is closed all of those holidays. It is open

the day after Thanksgiving.

How should trash be packaged?Garbage must be placed in standard 32-gallon cans with

handles and covers, or in plastic garbage bags with ties.Refuse in 45-gallon cans will not be collected.The combined weight of the container and the refuse shall not

exceed 75 pounds.

Are there items the town will not pick up?Public Works will not collect household garbage or recycling

contained in paper or cardboard boxes, loose garbage, liquid waste, human or animal waste, ashes, paint in cans, drained oil or hazardous material, any item too large to be contained in a regulation garbage can or bag, and yard waste contained in plastic bags.

Will the town collect recyclables?Recyclables are collected every other week on the same day

trash is picked up. Recyclables must be unsoiled and placed in a standard blue recycling container.

What can I recycle?Recyclable materials include:Glass — unbroken bottles and jars; clear, brown and green

Public Works

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glass.Plastic — any container with a number “1” or “2” stamped on

the bottom (not plastic bags)Metal — empty food and beverage cans; clean aluminum

food trays.Paper — all paper including newspaper, magazines, catalogs

and junk mail can be mixed together and placed in paper bags.

Will the town pick up yard waste?Public Works conducts seasonal yard waste collection, with

pick-up every other week on the day after recycling collection.Grass, leaves and shrubbery clippings must be contained in

brown kraft yard waste bags or loosely in cans.Branches no larger than an inch in diameter and four feet in

length will be collected if tied in bundles.Leaves and yard waste for town collection must be in either

paper recyclable leaf bags or 32-gallon garbage cans for collec-tion on the day after recycling.

Refuse or yard waste in 45 gallon cans will not be collected. The standard 32-gallon can is the maximum size accepted.

Bagged or contained leaves will be picked up curbside once every two weeks until Dec. 11. Loose leaves will not be picked up at curbside. Residents who place anything at curbside, except as allowed, are subject to a fine.

There is also a leaf drop-off area at the Dorne Drive landfill.Leaves must not be deposited on town greens, parks or school

property.Information is available from the Highway Department at

Public Works, 203-385-4080.

I just moved and have a lot of large items to dispose of. Will the town pick them up?

Residents must make an appointment to have bulk items picked up. Appointments can be made by calling the Stratford Department of Public Works at 203-385-4080.

Each household may make one appointment per year for the collection period of May through October.

How should I prepare the items for pickup?All bulk items to be collected must be placed at the curb in an

organized fashion by 7 a.m. on the scheduled date of appoint-ment. Metal items must be separated from other materials.

What bulk waste will the town pick up?Bulk collection items include furniture, mattresses and box

springs, appliances (remove doors from refrigerators and freez-ers), carpeting, large metal items (a maximum of 8 feet in length) and fencing.

There are bulk items the town won’t haul away if I make an appointment?

Unacceptable items will not be collected. They are house-hold garbage (small items that would normally fit into weekly trash; cardboard); brush, leaves or branches; hazardous materi-als or paint; recyclable materials; demolition material (asphalt shingles, sheetrock, concrete, tile, brick or any other masonry debris); tires; vehicles; oil tanks; and stumps.

Residents will be responsible for removing any unacceptable items from the curb and may be subject to fines imposed by the

Health Department for failure to comply.

Can I dispose of those items myself?Items that can fit in a vehicle may be taken to the transfer sta-

tion on Waston Boulevard during regular hours.

What are the transfer station hours?The transfer station is open weekdays from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m.

and Saturdays from 8 a.m. to noon.The transfer station is closed all holidays except the day after

Thanksgiving.

Who can use the transfer station?Stratford residents (proof such as a Connecticut driver’s

license, automobile registration or Stratford parks sticker is required) may take waste to the transfer station.

Every month a resident may take 250 pounds of waste to the station. A charge of $95 per ton ($9.50 per 200 pounds) is applied to anything in excess of 250 pounds per month.

What can I take to the transfer station?Refuse, recycling (including cardboard), large items (includ-

ing appliances), metal, brush and yard waste, and used motor oil are all accepted at the transfer station.

Items not accepted are hazardous materials, demolition mate-rials, tree branches more than 12 inches in diameter and paint.

How can I dispose of hazardous wastes?The town schedules collections. Notices are posted in the

print and online editions of the Stratford Star, and at townof-stratford.com

Is there really a museum devoted to trash?The Connecticut Resources Recovery Authority operates the

Garbage Museum at 1410 Honeyspot Road Extension.From September though June, the museum is closed most

Mondays and Tuesdays, and open Wednesday through Friday from noon to 4 p.m. Scheduled group tours are available Tuesday through Friday, starting at 9 a.m and ending at 3:45 p.m.

July through August, the museum is closed Monday, and open Tuesday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Scheduled group tours are available Tuesday through Friday, starting at 9 a.m and ending at 3:45 p.m.

The phone number is 203-381-9571. The Web site is www.crra.org/pages/contact_garbage_museum.htm

How do I report a pothole, missing road sign or other problem?

A link can be found under FAQ at the Department of Public Works Web site, found under Government and Departments at townofstratford.com.

My road is flooding when it rains. What department should I call?

The Highway Division of Public Works should be notified at 203-385-4080.

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Public Works

How can I report illegal dumping?Municipal issues can be reported to the Sanitation Department,

203-385-4080.Roadside dumping can be reported to the Health Department,

203-385-4090, or Public Works, 203-385-4080.

There’s a property in my neighborhood that’s neglected and has become an eyesore. What can I do?

Report blight to Planning & Zoning, 203-385-4017.

Can I tear down a building on my property?Check first with Engineering, 203-385-4013, and Building,

203-385-4010.

Who do I call to report a fallen tree?Call the Parks Department at Public Works, 203-385-4080

Do I need a permit for tree work? Normal tree maintenance and clearing of dead trees do no

not require a permit. For more ambitious projects, check with Planning and Zoning.

Does someone check trees that may be dangerous?The tree warden can be reached by calling the Parks division

at Public Works, 203-385-4080.

A tree has grown through a sidewalk and the buckling is making it dangerous. Who can I call?

Call the Engineering Department, 203-385-4013.

How can I find out what I can and cannot do on my property?

The Planning and Zoning Office has the primary responsibil-ity for managing land use in Stratford. The office handles appli-cations for zoning compliance (building permits); zone changes; waivers; land subdivision; coastal site plan reviews; erosion and sedimentation control, and special case approvals. The office is involved in long-range planning and also handles liquor permit applications and motor vehicle locations.

The town’s zoning regulations are available online at townof-stratford.com.

Staff members are located in rooms 113 and 118 of Town Hall, 2725 Main St.

John Rusatsky, the zoning enforcement officer, is the contact for zoning information, building permits and complaints.

Planning & Zoning Administrator Gary Lorentson handles zoning approvals, applications for hearings before the planning or zoning commission, and the blight program.

Town Planner David Killeen handles subdivisions and long-range plans.

A building permit is required for the following improvements: decks, additions, interior alterations, pools, sheds, garages/car-ports, roofs and re-roofs.

How do I avoid digging up utility wires? Connecticut law requires homeowners and contractors to con-

tact Call Before You Dig at 1-800-922-4455.

Information can be found at cbyd.com.

What do I need to know about removing an oil tank?The fire marshal (203-375-4073) oversees all tank removals.

Homeowners need a free permit. The work must be done by a state-licensed spill or tank removal contractor. The fire marshal has a list or you may call your oil company. When the work is done, a soil test for contamination must be performed and results distributed as outlined on the permit. There are more detailed requirements for commercial establishments.

Who’s responsible for clearing sidewalks of snow? Owners of residential and commercial properties are respon-

sible for clearing sidewalks in a timely manner and using sand or salt as needed. Property owners are also responsible for main-taining the general condition of their sidewalks.

Who’s responsible if town snow plowing damages my mailbox?

Most likely, you are. The town does not assume responsibility for replacing mailboxes or posts unless they are physically hit by plowing equipment. Mailboxes and supporting posts must be installed to withstand the rigors of snow removal, including the force of snow and slush being plowed to the roadside.

May I rent an apartment in my house or take in board-ers?

Maybe. Check with the zoning office for specific details before offering an apartment for rent or taking in boarders.

Do I need a permit for a business in my home? Yes, you will need permission from the planning and zoning

commission. There are restrictions on the number of employees and hours of operations. A site plan and public hearing will also be needed prior to approval.

Who do I call if there’s an open catch basin or sewer in my neighborhood?

Call the Police, 203-385-4100, is it’s an emergency.Water Pollution Control can also be called, 203-385-4065.

Are there public sewers in Stratford?Some, as determined by the Water Pollution Control Authority.

Charges are levied by the Tax Assessor, 203-385-4025

Is there someone I can to report for a streetlight that’s not working?

Report defective streetlights to United Illuminating, 1-800-722-5584.

How do I report a zoning violation?Call Planning & Zoning, 203-385-4017.

What work would require a building permit?Check with the building inspector, 203-385-4010.

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What is Sterling House?Sterling House Community Center is located at 2283 Main St.

It hosts a food pantry and offers classes, sports programs, camps and programs for all ages.

Information is available at sterlinghousecc.org or 203-378-2806.

Why is it called Sterling House?The Sterling family was one of Stratford’s oldest and wealthi-

est families.John Sterling built the family homestead, a grand Romanesque

mansion on Main Street, in 1886, on the land owned by his father, Capt. John Sterling, according to sterlinghousecc.org.

The house, registered in the National Registry of Historic Homes, was designed by architect Bruce Price of New York, who also designed Osborne Hall and Welch Hall at Yale University. The lawns and gardens were originally planned by Frederick Law Olmsted, who was landscape architect of New York’s Central Park.

John Sterling’s sister, Cordelia, resided there until her death in 1931. According to her wishes, Sterling House was donated to the Town of Stratford in a trust in memory of her father, to be used as a community center.

What’s the South End Community Center?The South End Community Center, 19 Bates St., celebrated

its 40th anniversary in 2009.On Aug. 5, 1969, 14 South End residents came together to

officially form an organization through which they could sup-port the under-served youth of the South End, and advocate for South End residents.

They developed and implemented youth programs, solicit-ing the town for use of space at both the former Birdseye Elementary School and Johnson Junior High School build-ings. The group also worked with the town’s Community Development Department and the Federal Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Agency to develop the South End into a more residential community.

On Feb. 11, 1975, the town purchased a small manufacturing building at 19 Bates St. The building was renovated and named the South End Community Center.

Four years later, on Feb. 28, 1979, the town signed a lease agreement with South End Community Council to use the cen-ter to provide programs and services to the community pursuant to its mission.

In 2006, the town took the lead of the day-to-day operation of programs and services.

The center now hosts child care, education, camps and cul-tural activities.

The South End Community Council works with center staff, offering hands-on support for programs and services, soliciting funding, and participating on community-wide panels and com-mittees, as well as lobbying for initiatives that address a variety of community issues.

Are there food pantries in town?Sterling House Community Center and the South End

Community Center both have food pantries. Contact them for schedule information.

Community Centers

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Historical Society

What is Judson House?Judson House, 967 Academy Hill, is the home of the Stratford

Historical Society.Built circa 1750 by Capt. David Judson on the site of his

great-grandfather’s 1639 stone house, Judson House displays Georgian achitecture with its broken scroll pediment entry.

It is furnished with period pieces of Stratford origin. The paneled “west roome” contains an early piano which belonged to William Samuel Johnson, a Stratford resident, framer of the U.S. Constitution and the second president of Columbia University.

A collection of Chinese porcelain is displayed in the dining room as well as a circa 1750 Crown Great Chair (Heart and Crown), a form unique to this area. A huge fireplace, complete with period accessories, dominates the kitchen.

A rare 18th century clothes press, original to the house, is located in the “west chamber” along with a canopy bed on which is a candlewick spread dated “1808 MB.” The fireplace wall of the room exhibits its original paneling.

Slave quarters and displays of fishing, oystering, and farming tools are located in the basement.

Adjacent to the Judson House is the Catharine Bunnell Mitchell Museum, with permanent exhibits of Stratford history

and changing gallery exhibits featuring items from the collec-tions of the Stratford Historical Society.

The grounds are also home to the Beach Family Carriage House, built circa 1880-1885 by the Beach family of 1812 Elm St. In late Feb., 2004, the Stratford Historical Society was given the opportunity to acquire and move the Carriage House, which was in the way of development of the Elm Street property. The society saved the building and celebrated its re-birth in August 2005.

Judson House and the Catharine B. Mitchell Museum are open from the first Sunday in June through October, Wednesday and Sunday from noon to 4 p.m., last entry at 3 p.m. School tours may be scheduled for May, June, September and October.

A genealogy library is located in the office area of the muse-um and is available to the public Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. year round. Genealogical requests may be made by telephone, e-mail, U.S. mail and in person.

The Stratford Historical Society is open year round Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.

Information can be obtained by mail at Stratford Historical Society, Box 382, Stratford, CT 06615-0382.

Membership information can be found at www.stratfordhis-toricalsociety.com/membership.htm.

Judson House, also home to the Stratford Historical Society, on Academy Hill. (Photo by John Kovach)

4444


What is Perry House?The yellow house at the bottom of Exit 32 off I-95, on West

Broad Street, Perry House is the oldest house in Stratford.It was built by Benjamin Beach during the first expansion of

Stratford in 1680. The home of a shipbuilder, according to the Perry House Web site, the house reflected a community focused on the Housatonic River and sea, with shipping, shipbuilding and fishing.

Isaiah Brown remodeled the house into a “saltbox” in 1740, adding a blacksmith shop. As a member of Stratford’s Committee of Observation, Brown was assigned to identify Tory spies and sympathizers during the Revolution. George Washington passed the house, on what was then known as Kings Highway, no less than seven times, once with the Marquis de Lafayette.

In 1853, William Perry, a respected politician and probate judge, purchased the home for his wife and 10 children. His name continues to be associated with the house to this day.

The west parlor served as a school from 1889 to 1898, and the house saw a succession of owners.

While Interstate 95 was being constructed in the mid 1950s, Jessie Murphy made substantial changes to accommodate three rental apartments. She left the house to the town in her will in 1981, and it was listed with the Department of the Interior two years later.

By 1997, Perry House was in need of renovation, and there was pressure to raze it to provide additional parking for the Baldwin Community Center. The house was saved through the work of concerned residents who recognized its potential as Stratford’s oldest structure at the gateway to Main Street and the historic town center. They still say the house can serve as a symbol of Stratford’s colonial heritage while demonstrating the town’s ability to adapt to the challenges and opportunities of the 21st century.

The Perry House Foundation was established in 2004 to over-see the restoration of the house and to ensure its continuing role in welcoming visitors, teaching history, and participating in the life of the community well into the future.

An expansion is planned, supported by state funds, to allow the house to host more events such as weddings and meetings.

Information can be found at perryhousestratford.org.

Where is Roosevelt Forest?Located at at the end of Peters Lane, off of James Farm Road,

Roosevelt Forest is the only town-owned forest in Connecticut. Approximately 250 acres, it is located in the northern section of Stratford abutting Shelton.

Roosevelt Forest was set up during the Great Depression on from land purchased by then-Town Manager Donald D. Sammis. It was developed in large part through President Franklin D. Roosevelt’s Work Projects Administration, designed to provide jobs for public projects.

According to “An Introductory Guide to Stratford’s Natural Environs” published in 1990 by the Town of Stratford’s Conservation Commission, “The park was established to pro-vide recreational opportunities for townspeople, and to protect the watershed, wildlife and beauty of this fine example of mixed deciduous forest.”

Use is restricted to Stratford residents and guests. Valid town beach/park stickers must be on all vehicles entering the park.

No hunting, trapping or fishing is allowed.Pets must be on a leash.

No minibikes, snowmobiles or other alternate terrain vehicles are allowed There is no smoking on trails.

Visitions may not remove plants and are asked not to litter.Information can be found at www.rooseveltforest.info.

Is the Merritt Parkway a landmark?The Merritt Parkway, opened in 1938, is listed on the National

Register of Historic Places.At the Sikorsky Bridge, just past Exit 53, the name of Route

15 changes to the Wilbur Cross ParkwayCommercial vehicles are banned from the roadway.The Merritt Parkway Conservancy, dedicated to its his-

toric preservation, opreates a museum in the Ryders Landing Shopping Center, 6580 Main St. (Exit 53). The conservancy’s guide is mounted on a wall in a 10-foot long version highlight-ing attractions and points of interest, and a 30-minute video presentation describes challenges of building the Merritt.

Information can be found at merrittparkway.org.

Is there a museum devoted to helicopters?The National Helicopter Museum is located at the Stratford,

eastbound railroad station, 2480 Main St.The museum is seasonal, and is open from late May until

the middle of October. Regular hours are Wednesday through Sunday from 1 p.m. until 4 p.m.

Special tours can be arranged by contacting the staff at 203-375-5766 or 203-767-1123. Information can also be found at nationalhelicoptermuseum.org

Landmarks

45

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45


Animals

Who do I call if there’s a dog roaming in my neighborhood?

Animal Control, a division of the Police Department, can be reached at 203-385-4068.

My dog is lost. Can I check to see if anyone found it? Dogs should have licenses so they can be traced to their

owners. Report the missing animal to Animal Control, 203-385-4068.

If a dog is picked up by Animal Control, it will be at 9 Frog Pond Lane.

Work is has to begun on a new animal shelter and should be finished in June of 2011. The new address will be 225 Beacon Point Road.

Who handles reports of animals biting people?Call 911 if it’s a medical emergency. All bites should be

reported to Animal Control, 203-385-4068

Who can I call to report an animal in distress?Call Animal Control, 203-385-4068

Where do I get a dog license?Dog licenses may be obtained at the town clerk’s office (203-

385-4020) in Town Hall. All dogs six months or older must be licensed. A valid rabies certificate is required. You may apply for a dog license in person or by mail.

The cost is $19 for dogs that have not been spayed or neu-tered, and $8 if your dog has been spayed or neutered.

Dogs must be licensed by July 1 and by state law, a $1 penalty is imposed for each month past July that a dog is unlicensed. The fine for failing to license your dog is $75.

Must my pet be immunized for rabies? Yes. All dogs or cats over three months of age must be vac-

cinated against rabies. Booster shots are required at least every one to three years. Please consult with a licensed veterinarian for to determine how long your rabies vaccine is valid.

Failure to immunize your cat or dog against rabies can result in a fine of $136.

Are there animal hospitals in town?There are five in town: Barnum Animal Hospital, 755 Barnum

Ave. Cut-off, 203-378-0687; The Pet Hospital of Stratford, 1185 Linden Ave., 203-381-9488; Stratford Animal Hospital, 480 Knowlton St., 203-377-0235; Shakespeare Animal Hospital, 47 Nichols Ave., 203-378-8276; Oronoque Animal Hospital, 88 Ryders Lane Suite 8, 203-378-5229.

Where can I take my pet in an emergency?Shoreline Emergency Center, 895 Bridgeport Ave., Shelton,

929-8600, offers 24-hour emergency service. If your pet has eaten something poisonous and you can’t

reach your own veterinarian right away, you can call the ASPCA Poison Control Hotline at 888-426-4435. It is staffed 24 hours, but there is a $60 charge for services.

Does anyone offer pet first aid classes?The Mid-Fairfield County Chapter of the American Red

Cross, 800-319-9935, occasionally offer dog and/or cat first aid classes at the Norwalk training center.

What is the law regarding loose or roaming dogs?State law prohibits dogs from roaming on someone else’s

property or on any portion of a public highway when not attend-ed by an owner and 100 percent under the owner’s control. A violation can result in a fine.

Are cats allowed to roam onto others’ property?Yes, the state considers cats to be feral by nature.

There’s a lost cat at my house. Whom do I call? Please report all found cats to Stratford Animal Control at

203-385-4068. They keep a log of missing cats. The Stratford Cat Project rescues homeless and abandoned cats. It has a Web site at stratfordcatproject.org, and can be reached at [email protected] or 203-375-7009.

Where can I adopt a dog or cat?The Stratford Animal Rescue Society sponsors adoption

events and are held at the Animal Control Facility, 9 Frog Pond Lane, each month. A new facility is under construction at 225 Beacon Point Rd and should be completed in June of 2011. For more information visit stratfordanimalrescue.com or call 203-338-7387.Animals are available for adoption anytime the Animal Control Facility is open for business. Please call 203-385-4068 for more information.

The Stratford Cat Project facilitates cat adoptions. It has a Web site at www.stratfordcatproject.org

SARAH Rescue raises funds and awareness of animals with handicaps. It can be reached at 203-377-0826.

Is there a limit to the number of pets I may own? There is no specific limit, as long as they do not present a

general health threat, become a nuisance to others, or there are so many that it would constitute a kennel.

Are any animals considered illegal pets?Generally speaking, people are prohibited from having as pets

animals considered “wild” by the Connecticut Department of Environmental Protection. Call 860-424-3011 for details.

A dog ran out in front of my car and I hit it. What should I do?

Call Stratford Police at 203-385-4100. It is illegal to leave the animal until help arrives.

Who may I call for a dead wild animal near my house? Call Public Works, 203-385-4080, for small animals. Call police, 203-385-4100, to report a dead deer. It will then

be picked up by public works.

4646


Animals

A rendering of the new Animal Control Facility, due to open in June 2011.

Is there an emergency wildlife number? The emergency number for the state Department of

Environmental Protection, Wildlife Division, is 860-424-3333.

Are there any wildlife rehabilitators nearby?Wildlife in Crisis (203-544-9913/wildlifeincrisis.com), helps

rehabilitate orphaned, sick and injured wildlife. The organiza-tion is always looking for volunteers and donations. The mailing address is P.O. Box 1246, Weston 06883.

Also in the area is Back to the Wild Rehabilitation Inc. (203-438-0618/backtothewildrehabl.com), which specializes in birds, primarily raptors (hawks, eagles, vultures, etc.) and specifically owls. The organization will also work with abandoned non-wildlife such as ducks, geese, parrots, and peacocks.

Should I be concerned if I see a raccoon during the day?Even healthy raccoons are active during the day, especially

in spring and early summer when they are taking care of a fam-ily. If the animal is obviously sick (acting aggressive, circling, stumbling, acting disoriented or showing signs of paralysis) call police or animal control. In the unlikely event they cannot be reached and it is truly an emergency, call DEP Emergency Dispatch at 860-424-3333 to reach a local conservation officer.

I saw a coyote in my yard. What should I do? Coyotes live and breed in every town in Connecticut. They

are extremely adaptable and comfortable living in close proxim-ity to residential areas. They are usually not a threat to humans; however coyotes may attack pets, particularly cats. There have been some reports of coyotes attacking small dogs.

Coyotes eat a variety of foods including rodents, birds, fruit and berries. They will also eat food provided by people includ-ing spilled bird seed, compost piles, pet foods, or unsecured

garbage. If you live in an area frequented by coyotes and you have cats or very small dogs, your pets should be supervised while outdoors. Keeping pets indoors or limiting their time outdoors, especially at night when coyotes are most active, is recommended.

For information, call the DEP Wildlife Division at 860-675-8130 or the Hartford office at 860-424-3011.

There appears to be an abandoned fawn in my front yard. What should I do?

Definitely do not touch it or move it as your scent will scare off the mother, who may be hiding nearby. Nearly all “aban-doned” fawns are truly not abandoned. Keep yourself and your pets far away.

Fawns are born from late May through June. Often, deer give birth in the middle of the night and leave the fawn during the day, particularly if people are around. The fawn’s camouflage helps protect it from predators. Often does will not return to their fawns until after dark. It may take a good 24 hours for a doe to feel safe enough to return to her fawn. For the first five days after they are born, fawns will not run when approached, instead lying still. From the seventh day on, they exhibit flight behavior, but will not venture out to browse with their mothers until they are a month old.

If there is a dead doe nearby, the fawn may be orphaned. Call DEP at 860-424-3011 or Wildlife in Crisis at 203-544-9913.

Whom can I call for help if my dog dies at home? Most veterinarians will assist pet owners.

Can I keep farm animals or fowl on my property?Check with Planning & Zoning, 203-385-4017.

4747


Transportation

Does Stratford have a railroad station?A Metro-North station is located on Main Street in Stratford

Center.Metro-North trains stop there on a line from New Haven to

Grand Central Terminal in New York City. Schedules can be found at mta.info.

Where may I park my car?The parking area has 296 parking spaces; 205 are reserved

exclusively for permit holders, 80 are available for non-permit daily parking, and 11 are designated for handicapped parking.

Parkers must have a permit or pay the daily fee between the hours of 6 a.m. and noon Monday through Friday.

Parking is free of charge weekdays after noon and all day on weekends and municipal holidays.

The daily fee for non-permit parking is $5. No payments are collected at the station. The attendant places a ticket on the windshield which must be mailed back to the Town of Stratford. Mailing information is provided on the ticket.

How do I get a permit?There is wait list for parking permits.Information can be obtained by writing to Stratford Railroad

Station Parking, Stratford Town Hall, 2725 Main St., Stratford, CT 06615; call 203-381-2051 or e-mail [email protected].

Six-month parking permits are available on a first-come, first-serve basis at a cost of $175.

Is any preference given to Stratford residents?No. The Stratford Railroad Station is an enterprise fund sup-

ported by its patrons. No discounts or fee waivers are provided to residents.

Where can I park if the lot is full?If the lot is full, a number of parking spaces are available

across the street from the station on Broadbridge Avenue, Church Street and Linden Avenue, although construction has temporarily closed some of those roads. Spaces fill early each day.

May I park my car overnight?You may park overnight at the station at your own risk. The

charge is the normal daily price of $5.Overnight parkers are encouraged to park close to the sta-

tion, near a light if possible, and to contact management at 203-381-2051 with the make/model of the vehicle and contact information.

Is bus service available in Stratford?Stratford and the coastal Fairfield County corridor are

linked by the Greater Bridgeport Transit Authority, 1 Cross St, Bridgeport, CT 06610, 203-336-7070.

What is Boothe Park?Boothe Memorial Park & Museum sits on 32 acres in the

north end of Stratford near the Housatonic River. The estate of the Boothe family for many generations, it was willed to the town in 1949 for the public to enjoy.

The park, located at 5800 Main St, Putney, is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

The grounds are open free of charge year round and is the home to various volunteer clubs and organizations.

In addition to the Boothe Homestead, the park contains the Summer Cottage Genealogy Library, Carriage House, Americana Museum, Miniature Lighthouse, Clocktower Museum, Trolley Station, Blacksmith Shop, Putney Chapel, Redwood Building, Miniature Windmill, Coliseum, Basilica, Ice House, Merritt Parkway Toll Booth Plaza, award-winning Rose/Wedding Garden, Bird Aviary, Organ House and Children’s Playground. It hosts farm animals, outdoor concerts, Shakespeare plays every summer and the Great Pumpkin Festival each fall.

Museum tours are available June 1 to Nov. 1, Tuesdays and Fridays from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., and Saturdays and Sundays from 1 to 4 p.m.

Sites at the park are available to rent for group functions. Information and reservations are available at 203-385-4052.

Tours of the historic buildings are offered May through October, and guided tours for school groups can be arranged by calling 203-381-2046.

Weddings can be scheduled in the Putney Chapel by calling 203-381-2046.

Information can be found at boothememorialpark.org.

Boothe Park

48

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What does the Arts Commission do?The Arts Commission is responsible for “promotion, develop-

ment and acceptance of artistic and cultural activities,” including an annual festival on the grounds of the Shakespeare Theatre.

Who are the members of the Arts Commission?Edward Goodrich (R), ChairmanWhitney Mercurio (D)Kent M. Miller (D)Ellen Cox (U)

Alternate MembersWilliam F. Franz (U)Bruce Hirsch (D)

What is the Shakespeare Theatre?The Shakespeare Theatre on Elm Street, a replica of the

Globe in England, is a now-dark venue. Efforts are under way to reopen the theater.

What festivals are held in Stratofrd?The Main Street Festival June 4 is scheduled to launch a

season of events including fireworks on July 3 at Short Beach, Blues on the Beach July 30, “Festival! Stratford” on the grounds of the Shakespeare Theatre in August, the Stratford Birding Festival Sept. 30, and the Holiday Festival Nov. 30.

Arts and Festivals

The inaugural Blues at the Beach rocked Short Beach in Sept. 2010.

(Photo by Ralph Petitti)

4949


Who covers the waterfront?The Waterfront Harbor Management Commission shapes

policy regarding waterfront use and development, boating and boating facilities. It operates a pump-out boat and maintains the Birdseye boat launch.

In addition to townofstratford.com, the commission has a Web site at stratfordwaterfront.org.

The town Web site also has a page devoted to Stratford Harbor and the Housatonic River.

Who are the members of the Waterfront Harbor Man-agement Commission?

Members, appointed to 5-year terms by the Town Council, are:

Scott Corner (D)James Warren (R)Edward Scinto (R), Vice ChairmanDavid Salik (R)Bill Rock (U), ChairmanDevin Jon Santa (U)Bob Schaefer (U)Alan Minter (D)Frank Stirna (U)Thomas Gloersen (R)Patrick L. Gribbon (R)Alternate members, appointed to 2-year terms, are:Richard Fredette (R)Amy Wanamaker (D)

Who is the habormaster?Ross Hatfield, is harbormaster, appointed by the governor.Tim Brennan is deputy harbormaster.

Are permits required to launch a boat?Permits are required for this all Stratford municipal boat

launching ramps. Permits ran Jan. to Dec. 31.Resident fees for unlimited use during a calendar year are

$25, non-resident sticker is $125, a commercial permit is $150.

Where can I get a boat launch permit?Launching ramp permits may be obtained Monday through

Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Short Beach starting in late April.

Can I get a one-day day pass?Yes. They cost $30 for residents or non-residents.Day passes are available at:The Birdseye concession stand at the boat launch at the end

of Birdseye Street;Hitchcock Landmark Marine, 230 Ferry Blvd., 203-378-

2270;Stratford Bait & Tackle, 1076 Stratford Ave., 203-377-8091;Recreation Dept., 1 Dorne Dr., 203-385-4052.

Is there a place to keep a kayak?Rack storage for non-motorized vessels is available at the

Birdseye Boat Launch for an annual fee of $50.Additional information may be obtained from the Recreation

Department or the Stratford Harbormaster at 203 381-2049.

I spotted an oil slick on the Sound. Should I call some-one?

Notify Conservation, 203-385-4006, or Water Pollution Control, 203-385-4065.

Waterfront

5050


911 .......................................................................................... 20ABC ......................................................................................... 4Absentee ballot ...................................................................... 12Academy Hill ........................................................................... 5Adopting a dog or cat ............................................................ 46Americans with Disabilities Act ............................................ 38Animal bites ........................................................................... 46Animal hospitals .................................................................... 46Army Engine Plant .................................................................. 5Arts Commission ................................................................... 49Assessed value ......................................................................... 6Assessor ................................................................................... 6Atria Stratford ........................................................................ 16Baldwin Center ...................................................................... 16Bambi Day Care Center ......................................................... 10Beehives ................................................................................. 38Better Business Bureau .......................................................... 39Bidding ................................................................................... 38Bingo ...................................................................................... 38Birding Festival ...................................................................... 49Blasting .................................................................................. 38Blight ..................................................................................... 41Block party ............................................................................. 38Blue Book ................................................................................ 5Blues on the Beach ................................................................ 49Board of Assessment appeals .................................................. 7Board of Education .................................................................. 9Board of Zoning Appeals ....................................................... 32Boarders ................................................................................. 42Boat launch ............................................................................ 50Boat license ............................................................................ 38Bond rating .............................................................................. 6Boothe Park ............................................................................ 48Boothe Park Commission ...................................................... 32Boy Scouts ............................................................................. 16Bridgeport Hospital ................................................................ 20Bridgeport Regional Aquaculture School .............................. 10Budget ...................................................................................... 6Bulk waste .............................................................................. 41Bullard-Havens ...................................................................... 10Bus service ............................................................................. 48Cable television ...................................................................... 30Cablevision .............................................................................. 4Call Before You Dig .............................................................. 42Car taxes .................................................................................. 6CARES ................................................................................... 16Carnival .................................................................................. 38Catch basins ........................................................................... 42CBS .......................................................................................... 4Center for Global Studies ...................................................... 10Chamber of Commerce .......................................................... 39Channel 79 ............................................................................... 4Chapel Street Elementary School ............................................ 8Child abuse ............................................................................ 18Civil union ............................................................................. 38Clearing sidewalks ................................................................. 42Clergy Association ................................................................. 16Commission on Aging ........................................................... 16Community Garden ................................................................ 34Congress ................................................................................. 26Connecticut Post ...................................................................... 4Connecticut Technical High Schools ..................................... 10Connecticut Web site ............................................................... 5Conservation Commission ..................................................... 30

Construction permits .............................................................. 42Corsairs .................................................................................... 5Counseling ............................................................................. 38CPR ........................................................................................ 21Crime Watch .......................................................................... 21CTWorks Career ................................................................... 14Damaged mailboxes ............................................................... 42Deadline ................................................................................... 4Death records ......................................................................... 38Deeds ...................................................................................... 38Democrats .............................................................................. 12Demolition ............................................................................. 41Dental .................................................................................... 38Department of Motor Vehicles ............................................... 12Digging .................................................................................. 42Disability Review Board ........................................................ 30Dog license ............................................................................ 46Dogs .................................................................................. 46,47Early childhood learning at Second Hill Lane ...................... 10Economic Development Commission ................................... 30Election Day .......................................................................... 12Elections ................................................................................. 12Elections ................................................................................. 26Elementary schools .................................................................. 8Eli Whitney Elementary School .............................................. 8Emergency Planning .............................................................. 30Ethics Commission ................................................................ 33Evictions ................................................................................ 39Explorers ................................................................................ 16Facebook .................................................................................. 4Fairfield County ....................................................................... 5Fallen trees ............................................................................. 42Family Caregiver Support Program ....................................... 16Farm animals .......................................................................... 46Farmers’ Market ..................................................................... 35Festival! Stratford .................................................................. 49Financial help ......................................................................... 39Finding work .......................................................................... 39Fire Marshal ........................................................................... 21Fishing licenses ...................................................................... 38Flood Middle School ............................................................... 8Flooding ................................................................................. 41Food pantry ............................................................................ 43Foster child care ..................................................................... 39Franklin Elementary School .................................................... 8Freedom of Information Act .................................................. 26Garbage Museum ................................................................... 41George Washington .................................................................. 5Girl Scouts ............................................................................. 16Globe Theatre .................................................................... 5, 49Golf ........................................................................................ 36Golf equipment ...................................................................... 36Golf IDs ................................................................................. 36Golf leagues ........................................................................... 36Golf lessons ............................................................................ 36Governor ................................................................................ 26Grace Child Care Center ........................................................ 10Greater Bridgeport Transit Authority .................................... 48Grand list .................................................................................. 6Great Meadows ....................................................................... 5Greenway Committee ............................................................ 32Gun permits ............................................................................ 21Hazardous waste .................................................................... 41Health Department ................................................................. 18

Index

5151


Hearst ....................................................................................... 4Hersam Acorn .......................................................................... 4High school .............................................................................. 8Historic District Commission ................................................ 33Historic District ........................................................................ 5Historical Society ................................................................... 44Holiday Festival ..................................................................... 49Home businesses .................................................................... 42Honey Bear Learning Center ................................................. 10Housatonic River ..................................................................... 5Hunting licenses ..................................................................... 38Illegal dumping ...................................................................... 41Important Bird Area ................................................................. 5Industrial waste ........................................................................ 8Injured animals ...................................................................... 46Inland Wetlands and Watercourses Commission ................... 19Interstate 95 .............................................................................. 5Judson House ......................................................................... 44Justice of the peace ................................................................ 38Kennedy Center ..................................................................... 18Lafayette .................................................................................. 5Landlord ................................................................................. 39Lead paint ................................................................................ 8Lifelong Learners ................................................................... 16Little Critters .......................................................................... 10Long Island Sound ................................................................... 5Longbrook Park Commission ................................................ 31Lord Chamberlain .................................................................. 16Lordship Elementary School ................................................... 8Lost dogs ................................................................................ 46Lyme disease .......................................................................... 18Main Street Festival ............................................................... 48Marriage licenses ................................................................... 38Mayor ............................................................................... 26, 27Median income ........................................................................ 5Medical Reserve Corps .......................................................... 18Merritt Parkway Conservancy ............................................... 45Merritt Parkway Museum ...................................................... 45Merritt Parkway ..................................................................... 45Middle schools ......................................................................... 8Mill rate .................................................................................... 6Mosquitoes ............................................................................. 39Motor vehicle department ...................................................... 39mta.info .................................................................................. 48Municipal trash collection ................................................. 4041National Alliance for the Mentally Ill ................................... 18National Helicopter Museum ................................................. 45NBC ......................................................................................... 4News12 .................................................................................... 4Nichols Elementary School ..................................................... 8Noise complaints .................................................................... 22Notary Pub ............................................................................. 38Nursery schools ...................................................................... 10Official Web site ...................................................................... 5Oil tanks ................................................................................. 42Open Space Committee ......................................................... 30Park use .................................................................................. 38Parking ................................................................................... 48Parking during snow .............................................................. 40Parking permits ...................................................................... 48Parochial schools ..................................................................... 9Patch ......................................................................................... 4Perry House ........................................................................ 5, 45Pet first aid ............................................................................. 46

Pirhala Farm ........................................................................... 34Planning and zoning .............................................................. 31Planning Commission ............................................................ 31Platt Tech ............................................................................... 10Poison Control ....................................................................... 22Police reports ......................................................................... 21Post Office ............................................................................... 5Post Road ................................................................................. 5Potholes .................................................................................. 41Power outages ........................................................................ 21Probate Court ......................................................................... 12Public housing ........................................................................ 39Public Works .......................................................................... 26Rabies ..................................................................................... 18Rabies ..................................................................................... 46Radon ..................................................................................... 19Raffle ...................................................................................... 38Railroad .................................................................................. 48Recreation cancellations ........................................................ 37Recreation Dept. jobs ............................................................. 37Recreation facilities ............................................................... 37Recreation fees ....................................................................... 37Recreation schedules .............................................................. 37Recycling ......................................................................... 40, 41Regional Center for the Arts .................................................. 10Register to vote ...................................................................... 12Registrars of Voters ................................................................ 12Registration for recreation programs ..................................... 37Republicans ............................................................................ 12Revaluation .............................................................................. 7Roaming dogs ........................................................................ 46Roosevelt Forest Commission ............................................... 32Roosevelt Forest .................................................................... 45Runaway youths 21School administrative offices .................................................. 8School Readiness Council ..................................................... 11School Web site ....................................................................... 8Second Hill Lane Elementary School ................................. 8,10Senators .................................................................................. 26Senior Men’s Club ................................................................. 16Senior tax breaks .................................................................... 16Seniors Services ..................................................................... 16Seniors.................................................................................... 16SEPTA .................................................................................... 10Septic systems ........................................................................ 19Sewers .................................................................................... 42Shakespeare Festival Theatre ............................................. 5, 49Shellfish Commission ............................................................ 33Short Beach Commission ...................................................... 33Short Beach Golf Course ....................................................... 36Short Beach ............................................................................ 36Sidewalks ............................................................................... 42Signs ....................................................................................... 38Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation ................................................. 5Sikorsky Memorial Airport ...................................................... 5Six-to-Six Interdistrict Magnet School .................................. 10Skate park .............................................................................. 37Smoking ................................................................................. 18Smoking ................................................................................. 39Social Security ....................................................................... 16Soundkeeper ........................................................................... 34South End Community Center ............................................... 43Special Education PTA .......................................................... 10Special education ................................................................... 10

Index

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Sports ..................................................................................... 16St. James School ...................................................................... 9St. Mark School ....................................................................... 9St. Vincent’s Medical Center ................................................. 20State representatives .............................................................. 26State senators ......................................................................... 26Sterling House ........................................................................ 43Stewart McKinney National Wildlife Refuge ......................... 5Stratford Academy ................................................................... 8Stratford Emergency Citizen Notification System ................ 21Stratford Emergency Medical Services ................................. 20Stratford Fire Department ................................................ 20, 21Stratford Library .................................................................... 14Stratford Star ............................................................................ 4Stratford Visiting Nurse Association ..................................... 16Stratford-on-Avon .................................................................... 5Streetlights ............................................................................. 42Superintendent of Schools ....................................................... 8Tax breaks ................................................................................ 6Taxes ........................................................................................ 6Tee times ................................................................................ 36Tennis ..................................................................................... 37The Care Network .................................................................. 18Thurgood Marshall Middle School ........................................ 10Town Clerk ............................................................................ 12Town Council ................................................................... 26, 27Town fields ............................................................................ 38Town Hall ........................................................................ 26, 27Traffic Authority .................................................................... 31Train Station ........................................................................... 48Transfer .................................................................................. 41Tree work ............................................................................... 42

Trumbull Regional Agriscience and Biology Center ............ 10Twitter ...................................................................................... 4Unaffiliated ............................................................................ 12United Illuminating ................................................................ 21Using a town green ................................................................ 39Utility bills ............................................................................. 39Veterans memorial ................................................................. 33Veterans Monument Preservation Commission ..................... 33Veterans of Foreign Wars ......................................................... 5WABC ...................................................................................... 4WCBS ...................................................................................... 4WCBS-AM .............................................................................. 4Welfare ................................................................................... 39Wells ...................................................................................... 19West Nile virus ....................................................................... 18Wetland .................................................................................. 19WFSB ....................................................................................... 4WICC ....................................................................................... 4Wilcoxson Elementary School ................................................. 8William Shakespeare ............................................................... 5WNBC...................................................................................... 4Wooster Middle School ........................................................... 8Working papers ...................................................................... 39World War II ............................................................................ 5WTNH ...................................................................................... 4WVIT ....................................................................................... 4Yard waste .............................................................................. 41YMCA .................................................................................... 16ZIP Code .................................................................................. 5Zoning Commission ............................................................... 31Zoning .................................................................................... 42

Index

A large tent outside the Shakespeare Theatre is the venue for Festival! Stratford.(Photo by Ralph Petitti)

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Adzima Funeral Home. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12Baybrook Remodelers Inc . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13Booth House of Flowers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21The Carolton Chronic & Convalescent Hospital . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17Charles L. Kurmay, Attorney at Law . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15Clough’s Hardware . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6Crime Watch of Stratford . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43Dennis & D’Arcy Funeral Home. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55Family Vision Center . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48Jake’s Wayback . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2Lisa’s Take-out Restaurant & Catering. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5M&M Transmissions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34Milford Photo . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7Mutual Security. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37PediCare . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32Rotary Drug . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19Simply Kitchens. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43St. James School . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45St. Mark’s Episcopal Church . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40Stratford Antique Center. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24Stratford EMS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35Stratford Recreation Department . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11Stratford VNA. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31Vazzano’s Four Seasons Banquets. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23William Pitt Sotheby’s International Realty/Stratford . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56William Raveis Real Estate/Deborah Loban, Realtor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3Women’s Health Center, PC . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22Y.Z. Jewelers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8, 9

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Documents

Stratford Answerbook • Hersam Acorn Newspapers