School Audit Reported

/0 Comments/in /by

Board of Education Liaison Meeting -4/21/2021 Special Session

By Michael Suntag

Report on the results of the CLA audit (Clifton Larson Allen LLP). Note: audit was originally awarded to Bloom Shapiro, who merged with CLA this year. Jeff Sitwell principal of CLA presented the results of the audit to a special meeting of the Board of Education on April 21st , 2021:

Financial analysis – report has been circulated

Highlights – The study encompasses the years 2017-18, 2018-19,2019-20.

Binding gaps and recommendations:

Sitwell emphasized that there is a now a new leadership structure at the Board of Education (BOE) now – (The prior COO would allow accounts to run into deficit as long as overall budget was not in deficit. It is not allowed any more) – this may have occurred this way in the past and often not identified till the end of the school year ALEO (automated financial system) was configured to allow deficit spending, but this practice is not allowed now – the one exception being payroll – deficit still needs to be met for obvious reasons and then transfer funds after.

Budget transfers in excess of $7,500 needs to go to board for approval (audit found some inconsistences in prior years). Budget transfer control for anything above $7500 needs to be brought to board for approval –minutes did not confirm these transfers, and found significant inconsistencies.

Now the budget processes are paper intensive – the suggestion was to use ALEO to make it more reflective and transparent. Sitwell said that Stratford does a relatively good job of it – most expenditures are encumbered – and the recommendation is to encumber expenditures as soon as possible – out placements are always problematical for speed. And often dollars need to be found at the last moment. CLA suggestion was to encumber up front as much as possible for changeable outpatient dollars.

Purchase order process (PO) – there were instances where purchase orders are not followed to the tee. Purchases are received without the purchase order attached. All users who us PO’s – must be submitted as soon as possible. According to Sitwell, no one has a right to financially commit the district without prior approval and that happens through an approved PO. Money needs to be encumbered so that dollars can be set aside.

This is a cultural shift since it was allowed in the past. Sitwell said that the BOE needs to change the culture, including additional training of administrators’ to put in PO’s. Application security -password security is not where it should be – need to enhance security in financial and other key areas – passwords are not changed regularly and there is a standard out there to consider this higher level of security for financials. New password expirations and security are now in place,

Review of grant management procedures – nothing is formalized and documented for the protocols and controls need to follow.

Town Councilman Bill O’Brien wants another special meeting for questions rather than half an hour. “Are we processing the correct purchase order for the selection of contractors.” CLA did not evaluate whether purchases were from the proper vendor or cheaper vendor.”

The meeting was recessed and reconvene again at another special meeting

VAX Facts

/0 Comments/in /by

The state is releasing information about how many individuals are vaccinated in all Connecticut communities. As of April 23, 22,746 or 43.87% of the town’s population had been vaccinated with a first dose.

Stratford clinics have dispensed 9,941 vaccines to date. It’s important to keep in mind that we are part of a larger regional and statewide vaccination network and effort.

Stratford does not vaccinate ONLY Stratford residents – many of residents and first responders have been vaccinated at locations outside Stratford, and conversely, many from outside of Stratford have been vaccinated here. Many residents and first responders have been vaccinated at locations outside Stratford, and conversely, manyfrom outside of Stratford have been vaccinated here.

The Stratford Health Department is partnering with Stratford EMS in order to bring COVID-19 vaccines to residents determined to be “homebound” and unable to safely access the vaccine clinics being offered by Stratford Health. This is being done under the Governor’s executive order 7HHH, and is being called “Operation Homeward Bound” by the Stratford Health and EMS team.

COVID vaccine clinics continue at the Birdseye Municipal Complex every Wednesday (9:30am – 3:30pm). Walk-ins are now welcome! No appointment necessary. Just bring an ID. Anyone 18 and older is eligible for the MODERNA vaccine, which is currently the only vaccine we offer.

Although now not required, we still encourage you to be register with the Vaccine Administration Management System (VAMS) as your processing time may be much shorter. Registering in VAMS starts by visiting the CT DPH portal at: https://dphsubmissions.ct.gov/OnlineVaccine.

However, if you are not in VAMS, we will enter your information while you wait and have you fill out a pre-vaccination form that asks questions about allergies, etc. The paperwork is also available on our website at: www.townofstratford.com/health.

The CT Veterans Administration is currently vaccinating veterans of all ages. Veterans (any age) must be enrolled for care with VA to receive the vaccine. Veterans can apply online at https://www.va.gov/health-care/how-to-apply/. Mask and physical distancing required. To maintain physical distancing, if possible, we’re asking patients not to bring anyone with them to the clinic.

Governor Lamont announced all adults in Connecticut over the age of 16 will now be eligible to schedule a vaccination appointment beginning April 1st .

*Please Note: Only the Pfizer vaccine has been approved for those aged 16 and 17. Anyone under the age of 18 getting a vaccine must be accompanied by a parent or guardian who must sign associated paperwork. The Stratford Health Department is currently administering the Moderna and Johnson & Johnson vaccines which are approved only for those 18 and older.

Statewide Covid-19 Vaccination Clinics

To view a statewide list and map of COVID-19 vaccine clinics, go to: www.211ct.org/vaccineclinics, and enter your zip code or town in the location box on the right, and press the yellow search icon.

Telephone: Those without internet access can call Connecticut’s COVID Vaccine Appointment Assistance Line: 877-918-2224. The phone system is targeted to provide support for eligible vaccine recipients who have limited technology access, or who have language, disability, or other barriers that could prevent them from using existing self-scheduling options successfully. The line will take calls on Mondays through Fridays from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and will offer a call-back option when all contact specialists are busy serving other callers. The team will aim to return calls as soon as possible, with the goal of same-day response.

Important: If you are having a second dose of the Pfizer or Moderna vaccine, it must be of the same type as your first dose. The vaccines cannot be mixed.

Effective Saturday, May 1, 2021

The curfew for restaurants, entertainment venues, recreation venues, and theaters will be moved back one hour to 12:00 am midnight. Bars that do not serve food can open for service – OUTDOOR ONLY.  Food is still required when serving alcohol indoors.

The 8-person per table limit will be lifted – OUTDOOR ONLY. The limit remains in effect for indoor dining.

Effective Wednesday, May 19, 2021 All remaining business restrictions will end.

The Connecticut Department of Public Health (DPH) will issue recommendations for indoor and large outdoor events (e.g., concerts).

 

Statement on Car Thefts in CT

/0 Comments/in /by

by State Representative Ben McGorty (R 122nd District)

Recently, I polled residents of the 122nd District and asked you how you felt the state should respond to a recent increase in car thefts and vandalism in our communities.

Overall, the vast majority of you supported greater legal consequences for juveniles who commit adult crimes like auto theft, especially those who have repeatedly broken the law.

Local law enforcement has been clear that this is not just another short-term result of the pandemic, but due to long-term juvenile justice reforms that have made it more difficult for police and judges to prevent repeat offenses and protect victims.

As an Assistant Republican Leader in the House, I've been a vocal supporter of proposals put forward by our caucus to fight recent spikes in crime by seeing that our laws are properly enforced.

But some members of the legislature have been more quick to blame car owners for leaving their cars unlocked. They’ve also blamed victims for leaving their key fobs stowed away within range of their car, where thieves can boost the signal to remotely unlock and start the vehicle.

Note: Rep. McGorty did not indicate how many residents responded to his poll. Rep. McGorty’s question he polled with, as well as his poll is attached. Question: What do you think is the best policy for dealing with car thefts by repeat juvenile offenders?

How to Speak on this Topic
Judiciary Committee public hearing
Wednesday, March 31, @ 10 a.m.
Register to Testify Virtually
Deadline to register: Tuesday March 30 @ 3 p.m.

Testify by Email 
Email written testimony to judtestimony@cga.ct.gov and state your name and bills (H.B.
6667 & 6669.) Copy me: Ben.McGorty@housegop.ct.gov

Testify by Telephone 
Call the Phone Registrant Line at (860) 240-5255 to leave your contact information.

 

Child Tax Credit Panel Discussion

/0 Comments/in /by

May 11, 2021 6:15 PM Eastern Time

by Rep. Phil Young, (D, District 120)

State Representative Phil Young will host a panel discussion about the Child Tax Credit on Tuesday May 11, 2021 at 6:30 PM with State Representative Sean Scanlon, Merril Gay from the CT Early Childhood Alliance, and Liz Fraser from the CT Association for Human Services.

In the beginning of April House Democratic leaders announced a scaled-back, more affordable child tax credit, University of Connecticut economist Fred Carstensen noted that some of the changes would come largely at the expense of the poor. “This is tinged with both race and class,” said Carstensen, who heads the Connecticut Center for Economic Analysis. “This is saying lower-income people of color, and lower-income people who are white, don’t deserve the full benefit.”

The UConn economist was referring to the $600-per-child credit that Rep. Sean Scanlon, D-Guilford, proposed to ease a combined state-and-municipal tax system that leans heavily — according to at least one analysis — on low- and middle-income families.

Scanlon, who co-chairs the Finance, Revenue and Bonding Committee, originally envisioned making the credit available to households making as much as $682,000 per year. But after concerns were raised about the cost, he agreed to tighten things up. The credit would begin to phase out for couples earning more than $200,000 per year and would disappear entirely after $210,000.

But there also had been discussions about making the new child tax credit fully refundable. Credits normally are used only to reduce the amount of taxes owed. Once the tax liability reaches zero, in the usual scenario, the credit cannot be converted into a refund.

You can join the panel discussion from PC, Mac, Linux, iOS or Android.
Passcode: 185158
Note: This link should not be shared with others; it is unique to you. Or One tap mobile
US: +13126266799,,88021573505# or +16468769923,,88021573505#

Or Telephone:
Dial(for higher quality, dial a number based on your current location):
US: +1 312 626 6799 or +1 646 876 9923 or +1 301 715 8592 or +1 669 900 6833 or +1 253 215 8782 or +1 346 248 7799 or +1 408 638 0968

Meeting ID: 880 2157 3505

Gerrymandering – It has Happened to Us, will it Happen Again?

/0 Comments/in /by

Ask the Registrar

Your place to get Questions Answered about Voting and Local Elections in Stratford CT.

By James Simon
Democratic Registrar

The gerrymandering and political manipulation of our town’s voting lines was so brazen 20 years ago that it attracted national attention.  A New York Times story on June 8, 2003 quoted Stratford residents as saying the Republican-led town redistricting, after the 2000 U.S. Census, was “silly,” “a sham,” and “absurd.”

The Oronoque Village condo complex was cut in half and placed in two separate town council districts, increasing the chances for GOP candidates to win both districts. The change came despite condo residents complaining it will “pit neighbor against neighbor within the complex when political and budgetary interests differ in the two districts,” the story said.

Ten years later, after the 2010 Census, redistricting returned. Republicans continued the Oronoque Village split and presented a new map that turned the Second District into a five-armed octopus. The GOP continued to pack many of the town’s minority residents into a single district, and it increased the Republican numbers in the Lordship Neighborhood’s First District by reaching out to include far-flung, tony neighborhoods near the abandoned Shakespeare Theatre and along the Housatonic River waterfront.

Now, as politicians await the release of the 2020 Census, Stratford residents – and Connecticut citizens across the state – should brace themselves for another round of political gamesmanship. Local government officials will redraw local boundaries to make them roughly the same size in population, consistent with the law – and to usually benefit of the party in charge.

Here is a spotlight on this often overlooked process.

Low Profile, High Stakes Redistricting

My home town of Stratford may seem to be an unlikely place for Republican gerrymandering to occur. We vote Democratic for president, U.S. Senate, Congress, and usually for state legislative candidates.

But after the federal Census in 2000 and 2010, Republicans on the Town Council succeeded in tailoring the district boundaries to their advantage. The result:  the GOP has won a majority of the Town Council seats in 16 of the last 18 years, in this usually blue town.

Now comes the 2020 Census.  Some small Connecticut towns have a single voting district, so there are no redistricting battles. In medium to large municipalities with multiple districts, the redrawing of the local boundaries often attracts minimal attention.

After each Census, Connecticut cities and towns usually appoint redistricting commissions, made up of members of both political parties. The party with a majority on the local city or town council usually has a dominant role in setting the final boundary
lines.

In Stratford, each of the 10 districts needs to be within 5 percent of the average number of residents – not voters — across all districts. In this town of over 50,000 residents, we expect there to be about 35,000 adults counted in the census for Stratford in 2020. If there are 10 districts each averaging 3,500 residents, then the final lines would have to be drawn so that each district would have between 3,250 and 3,750 residents.

Local communities want their district lines to match those of state House and Senate district lines, so they often wait until congressional and state legislative boundaries are drawn, based on the newly released Census data, then act on local boundaries.  Computer tools like GIS (Geographic Information Systems) software help politicians fine tune which residents, from which party, go into which district.

Resistance to Changing New District Lines

In Stratford, the new district lines are expected to be approved in time for use in the 2022 state legislative election and the 2023 municipal election. Once any redistricting map is approved, a certain inertia sets in.

Politicians who are successfully elected in a given district usually don’t want a lot of changes that might hurt their chance in the next election. And voters generally hate, HATE to be told they have been moved to a new district and forced to interact with a new polling location and possibly a new town council representative.

When Oronoque Village was divided in half, some local leaders talked of suing their town or even seceding from Stratford and joining nearby Shelton. There are far fewer complaints these days as people got used to the new political realities and have a natural reluctance to have their town council member and polling place changed once again.

Ten Year Impact 
Stratford will be electing a mayor, as well as town council candidates, this fall, and usually the mayoral race would receive the most attention. Both parties are putting together the strongest slates of Town Council candidates as possible in hopes of winning a majority of the 10 Council seats. The winning party will dominate the local redistricting process in 2022 and will help determine the town’s political fate all the way until the 2030s, when the process begins again.

Elections have consequences, and the Fall 2021 municipal elections will have redistricting consequences for 10 long years.  There are lots of sexier issues to follow; this is one you need to pay attention to.

James Simon is the Democratic Registrar of Voters in Stratford.  In an earlier life, he covered elections for 10 years as a political reporter with The Associated Press. Adapted from a story that first ran in the CTMirror.com, 4-28-21

Redistricting in Connecticut 2021: It is Worth Your Attention

/0 Comments/in /by

by Patricia Rossi,
Connecticut Representative of the League of Women Voters of the U. S.’s People Powered Fair Maps Program.
Source: The Connecticut Mirror

2021 is the year for redistricting in the United States. Maps drawn this year will define which voters can vote for which candidates for the next ten years.  That means ensuring that the 2021 maps are fair and representative of their communities is critically important.

How do we ensure we get fair maps? By paying attention to what, when, and how the process is conducted and providing input to the legislative committee so the public’s voice is heard alongside those of legislators.

What is redistricting?  Our U.S. Congress members, state legislators, and many city council and school board members are elected by people grouped into districts.  At least once a decade, after a census, these districts are redrawn.

Why do we do it?  As population shifts between and within states, districts have to be redrawn to ensure that each district has about the same number of people, allowing for each person to have an equal say in the government, as required by the U.S. Constitution.

How is it done in Connecticut?  What’s the timeline?  The Connecticut constitution sets out the redistricting process: a bipartisan committee is appointed by the top four leaders of the legislature by February 15th.  The leaders have appointed those eight members for this cycle: Sens Mary Daughtery Abrams, D-13; Douglas McCrory, D-2; Kevin Kelly, R-21, Paul Formica, R-20; Reps. Vincent Candelora, R-86, House Minority Leader; Jason Perillo, R-113, Terry Exum, D-19, and Gregory Haddad, D-54.

The committee uses data from the decennial census to create and submit a districting plan to the General Assembly.  If the Assembly does not approve the plan by September 15, an eight-member reapportionment commission is identified by the same legislative leaders, who then chose a ninth state elector to join them.   They are charged with preparing a plan that at least five members support by November 30th.  If they cannot agree on a plan, the constitution calls for the supreme court of Connecticut to compel the commission to agree to a plan.  The court can also draw the boundaries itself.  The plan must be done by February 15th of the next year (in this cycle, 2022).

This timeline assumes the U.S. Census Bureau will be able to deliver population counts for all the towns, districts, and census blocks in Connecticut by April 1st.  The Census Bureau has announced that the data needed for redistricting won’t be delivered until late September.  This late delivery increases the chances that the process will be rushed and scheduling opportunities for public input diminished.

How can we make redistricting better?  Elected officials —including the eight members of the redistricting committee– have an incentive to create districts that protect incumbency.  It would be better to have a commission made up of non-partisan experts and citizens who would be more likely to draw maps that took the people’s interests in mind, perhaps by using criteria defined by the voters.

But in Connecticut we don’t have time to change the process for 2021: that requires amending the state constitution, which is a multi-year process.  We do have the ability to increase the chances that the process is conducted in full view of an educated and involved electorate.

We can insist the committee:

  • Create and maintain a public website soon to lay out their plans for map drafting, public hearings, experts engaged, community representatives consulted.
  • Share the draft maps and political and demographic data the committee is using. Communities could then see where they are being counted and have their concerns and suggestions heard.
  • Commit to accessible and timely public hearings, conducted around the state, via teleconference and in person, and timed so input can be given early on in response to draft maps and later in the process before final maps are drawn.

Calendar of Stratford Food Banks

/0 Comments/in /by

 

Town Hall Opens Up for Residents

/0 Comments/in /by

Town of Stratford administrative offices will be reopened to the public and available by walk-in beginning Monday, May 3. Staff, and those who visit town offices will be required to wear a mask covering their face and nose, and abide by social distancing protocols.

Offices have been closed and available by appointment only since Nov. 30, 2020, in an attempt to curb the spread of the coronavirus. The reopening coincides with guidance issued from Gov. Ned Lamont associated with the reopening of facilities.

“We are pleased that we can return to this additional level of normality by restoring full public access to town offices and Town Hall,” Hoydick said in a statement. “COVID-19 remains a concern, and I encourage residents to remain vigilant with regard to masking and social distancing protocols as dictated by the Governor and the State Department of Public Health. Our staff has remained available to Town residents throughout this pandemic, and I would still encourage those who have business with our offices to transact as much of it as possible online or over the phone before seeking in-person transactions.”

Honored Students

/0 Comments/in /by

Stratford High School 3rd Quarter Honor Roll Students

First Honors

Grade 12:
Bryana Lee Adams, Anouar Alsadat Agbere, Kesheema Allen, Kimberly Tatiana Arenas, Ariella Christina Augustin, Pamela Bishop, Thomas Donald Blaine, Jarvea Rodney Blake, Molly Ann Bonazzo, Emily Anne Brennan, Elijah James Brown, Ava Rose Buckmir, Quinton Robert Budnick, Ryan Lawrence Burlone, Jonathan Matthew Butz, Heather Marie Buynovsky, Charlee Jeane Case, Elvis Jose Castro, Layla-Ashley Reese Cesar, Chet James Chechoski, Mckenzy Marie Chittem, Gardy Dawensly Colas, Daniel Kiely Collier, Mary Grace Conroy, Caroline Mary Das, Caio de Souza Stein Oliveira, Diana Santorini DeRosa, Alexis Katherine Detuzzi, Julia Rose Dunkirk, Elliot Douglas Fetchin, Nora Jane Fetcho, Leah Eleanor Foito, Christopher Joseph Gangemi, Dominic Paul Agustin Gomes, Katherine Kayla Gonzalez, Camila Alejandra Gordillo Andrade, Joseph Vincent Gottlieb, Courtney Sage Hutchinson, Isabella Idarraga, Ronan Glenn Johnston, James Walter Kiernan, Brooke Elizabeth Lacourciere, Kaitlin Ashley Lapia, Penelope Leal, Joshua Jelani Lecointe, Hanna Patricia Leonard, Marc Joseph Palomar Lopez, Tyler Joseph Mackbach, Maxwell A Maria, Anna Elizabeth Mayglothling, Megan Mary McFarland, Antonio Jack Medina, Valerie Mary Morales, Elle Elizabeth Moshier, Yaron Muldganov, Drilon Nasufi, Olivia Grace Navarro, Max Aidan Nierenberg, Faith Nicole Ortoli, Elena Lissette Perez, Samantha Nicole Perley, Fedlyne Pierre Paul, Victoria Grace Randolph, Tahjir Curtis Ricks-Burgos, Breanna Nadine Rivera, Ceili Marie Roberts, Terry Ruffin, Santos Mekhi-Xavier Salicrup, Avery Jaye Scofield, Logan Quint Seaburg, Madelyn Grace Shimura, Jake Alexander Simon, Abigail Barbara Smith, Ciara Louise Smith, Sophia Belle Smith, Tiara Rose Smith, Erin May Spillane, Dylan Tan Steer, Madeline Grace Swanson, Edie Elizabeth Threshie, Isabella Anita Tilson, Victoria Toledo, Aki Zarate Tsutsumi, Savoy Vital Volcy, Elijah Xavier White, Ryann Mae Wiltsie, Gabrielle Patricia-Ann Young

Grade 11:
Emma Afrah Tutu, Amira Agbere, Ka’Leah L Archie, Amariah L Armstrong, Jaylisse Avila, Alexis Jolie Barada, Caitlynn Georgina Barrett, Edwin Edilsar Barrios, Javier Alberto Bedoya, Patrick Tajay Bennett, William James Bileca, Desmond Lamar Billups, Alyssa L Caramanica, Julie Anne Carbone, Edwin A Carcamo, Andrew Carmody, Benjamin Logan Casinelli, Kevin Joel Castro, Isabelle R Cola, Erin Kate Collier, Madeline Shu Yun Coppola, Rebecca DePietro, Alyssa Jean Diaz, Alexia Distasio, Nina G Donnelly, Anna K Flockhart, Tamyia Tyanna Fuller, Rudy O Gramajo, Ivan Gabriel Humes, Jayme P Iodice, Hayley J Ivanko, Darrell Jamison, Zachary Peter Johnson, Sheila Margaret Jones, Skyler Jerlene Kelemen, Makayla Marie Laing, Jaden Elijah Lazaro, Emily Patricia Libowitz, Anaya Solange Loiseau, Juliette N Macisco, Olivia G McEwen, Natalie M Melo, Samiya Catherine Menz-Torres, Mylah Laura Milligan, Leon Duc Nguyen, Morgan Thi Nguyen, Amanda Eileen Ogrodowicz, Aidan S Ormsbee, Natalie E Orris, Angel Gabriel Issa Ortiz, Karla Perez Fundora, Andy Pham, Kayla Briana Quirk, Jeffrey L Romatzick, Frank Saad, Marie Theresa Sajaw, Niari Anahy Sanchez, Christasia Elain Santiago, Evita Jane Shein, Sarah Rimma Shein, Emily A Spellman, Sage Olivia Sperling, Aidan Connor Sullivan, Julianna R Taccogna, Michel Daniel Torres Peralta, Jadin I Torres, Angelyna Hope Upchurch, Peter R Virgo, Jamila Candace Walker, Ella M Wassmann, Joseph William Wright, Jenna Marie Zajac, Emmanuel Fauricio Zamudio

Grade 10:
Njideka Mary Anekwe, Elise Matilda Anka, Alejandra Arias, Leticia Akua Gyanwaa Asante, Ayana Jenelle Atkinson, Jordon Michael Atkinson, Oreoluwa Oyenike Atoyebi, Alex Bilan, Eugene Yeboah Bio, Euna Yeboah Bio, Nicholas George Bludevich, Christopher Peter Bode, Brooke Elise Buckmir, Edward Heli Heber Cabello, Alyssa Amirah Cabrera, Jose Antonio Carcamo-Ponce, Sean Michael Carrero, Tory Luke Charles, Elena Marlene Clark, Amos Nestor Colocho, Maura Catherine Conlan, Amelia Ray Courbron, Gianna Marie DeLaura, Jaylin Fransheska Diaz, David Joseph DiVincenzo, Gwyneth Estrella, Madison Mackenzi Everlith, Nicholas Raymond Ferrari, Ysabella Floran, Matthew Robert George, Tiana Elaine Golding, Jai Kevon Hairston, Kamren Harrell, Deiby Alexander Hernandez Ramos, Jeffrey Dwight Holton, Tyler James Hutchinson, Adriana R Justo, Jake Matthew Kszywanos, Ngoc Le, Conor Christopher Lesczczynski, Shiane Lynn McCallister, Aidon James McCray, Nora Frances McNeil, Gabrielle Elysse Melendez, Karen Dayana Mestizo, Adriana Mariah Miranda, Alexander Thornton Mocarski, Bryan Henry Mora, Tania Nicole Morales, Tyriq K Muschett, Anastasia Briana Muthra, Alexander Mutis, Nathaniel Christopher Nagel, Alex A Nguyen, Daniella Elizabeth Nunez, Olivia Rebecca Orris, David Andrade Pacheco, John Andrew Pastorok, Madalena Joy Pech, Sophia Maia Perry, Simon Pertuz Guevara, Benjamin Alan Petrie, Jaheame Reynolds, Ciara Carol Roberts, Jonathan Osvaldo Rodriguez, Gabrielle Alexa Ruffin, Jari Jasmine Salinas, Sana Sarpas, Kaydean Nadine Saunders, Emilie Jane Silverman, Rowena Maev Smith, Mackenzie Lynn Snyder, Yasmin Bukola Sokunle, Franzier Benjamin Soto, Rees Le Stafford, Julie Marie Tejera, Kaylene Daniela Toniolo, Paul V Tran, Victoria Theresa Troilo, Sierra Rose Troutman, Makayla Marie Tzul, Manuel Alejandro Vera Demera, Nelson Anthony Villafane, Megan Elizabeth Wendland, Gerryiki Jaymes Williams

Grade 9:
Nadia Serenidy Alston, Kimberly Maryluz Asuncion, Chloe G Atkins, Michelle Cristina Barba, Mackenzie Nicole Benevides, Peggy Amoafoa Boateng, Robert Brice, Allyana Amanda Brown, Mary Therese Carmody, Casey Marie Carretta, Marcus Gerald Cavallo, Jaimee Elizabeth Cisero, Katherine Elizabeth Coble, Lilly Christina Courbron, Molly Ann Csonka, Sarah Aubrey D’Aloia, Cooper Nathaniel David, Francesca Juliet DeRosa, Nina Marie Dickervitz, Lauren Elizabeth Eyerman, Kathnie Fabre, Kaleigh Elizabeth Foito, Jael Abella Francois, Madalyn Renee Gauvin, Sade Rihanna Gooden-Bracey, Stacy Aquil Hairston, Stephanie R Herrera, Antonio R Ingram, Gianna Bella Jeronczyk, Zion Ambiorix Jimenez, Angel Antonio Lainez, Gabriel Fallon Lattanzi, Chloe Colette Leimgruber, Gabrielle Haley Leon, Elijah
Christian Lewis, Niyah Catherine Lewis, Elizabeth Grace Lubas, Angie Manigat, Myles A Maria, Amelie Rose McCool, Rosendra Wikelly Merveil, Kai A Navara, Mia E Nierenberg, Emmanuel Nunez, Lauren Riley Ogrodowicz, Ty Thomas Edmond Owen, Dylan Joseph Padua, Derek John Paolucci, Alyssa Francesca Pato, Isabella Danielle Pato, James Cyrus Peters, Christian Donald Pierre, Jhoan Emilio Quezada, Madelyn Alyssa Randolph, Mikel Matias Reyes, Jaheishie Lateka Reynolds, Zachery A Rider, Natalia Raquel Rivera, Gabriel Joseph Rodriguez, Grace Alicia Romatzick, Lindsey Marie Rywolt, Danielle Isabel Santiago, Maliah Anna Servino, Travis J Simon, Aaliyah Kim Smith, Andrew Mark Spellman, Gavin Everton Phillip Spencer, Kent Robert Taylor, Yarisa Marie Tejada, Lailahny Torres, Samantha Rae Torreso, Ariana Samantha Villafane, Kelsey Rowan Welch, Chelsea Devina Williams, Samara Zakia Williams, Ella Margaret Youngquist, Lexi Marie Zajac

Second Honors

Grade 12:
Caroline Abdon, Garret Tyrese Alston, Naidrea Juanita Alston, Ellie Anne Ambrose, Amaya Leigh Benjamin, Danica J Brice, Anthony Candelario, Samantha Alexandra Cevasco, Julia Mary Cocchia, Thomas David Cox, Emma Kelly DeLise, Amayah Renee Dennis, Ava Alyce Fetcho, Carlos Antonio Fidalgo, Kevin Donald Gabriel, Trinity Grant-Pereira, Kylie Nicole Karaban, Jade Kitanya Kilburn, Kaleb Ethan Lafontant, Darolyn Janely Lux Osorio, Amanda Katherine Manente, Remy James McCool, Mark Ian McFann, Andaya L Mewborn, Madison Ashleigh Rose Miller, Geovanny Joel Morel, Karina Alana Mullins, Gavin James Nagel, Devin Dakota Navarro, Sydney Rayne Olszewski, Ky’Meira Christion Reynolds, Zhane Aaliyah Passion Richardson, A’Maya Janae Rogers, Kervens Saint Jean, Nathan Paul Saunders, Jailen Amari Scott, Hayden Nicole Smith, Jada Kelis Thomas, Jurnee Ciara Thompson, Alexis Madison Torri, Isabella Rosaria Traussi, Ijeoma Victoria Ugenyi, Aaliyah Colleen H Vargas, Melanie Natasha Vargas, Kyle Louis Vega, Aleksan Paul Zabaneh, Luke Benjamin Zezima

Grade 11:
Christian Daniel Arias, Jailyn Alexis Ballester, Benjamin Branyan, Barrett Matthew Caseria, Jayden P Castro, Julian Roberto Collazo, Jamie Lynn Corpuz, Vincent Robert DeLorenzo, Serenity Marie Dicks, Melanie Grace Gagne, Josiah William Gordon, Rachel Morgan Gripp, Isaiah Nathaniel Haynes, Maria Elena Hernandez, Benjamin Jaemin Hur, Lucas Gabriel Jenkins, Seth Samuel Jimenez, Brady Richard Knorr, Michael Monroe Langston, Ryan N Mahoney, Nialah Gen’vieve McCalla, Benjamin Jackson Miller, Alyssa Renee Ponganis, Angel Alan Roman Rosas, Francisco Rosas, Owen T Ryder, Adam James Shaham, Riley L Shea, Zakary B Simon, Kendall Rose Smith, Alicia N Snape, Benjamin E Summa, Tamerah Taylor, Jhaelin Thomas, Cristyn Alexandra Torres, Liana Torres, Jadon Christopher Wells, Peter Daniel Young

Grade 10:
Olivia Catherine Agapito, Dulce Maria Barrios, Jacob Edward Brennan, Jada Hossana Brutus, Ethan Rodrigo Butz, Stella Maris Byrne, Miranda Rose Carazo, Mathew Castro, Hector Cerezo, Ashley Gabriela Cortez, Lilliana Dahdal, Christ Jefferson Desruisseaux, Brandon Jordan Frances, Gavin Andrew Hamilton, Emma Jean Head, Joel Nathanael Henry, Nicolas James Hoydilla, Jovan Randolph Scott Jones, Katie Anyelina Jones, Sean Jorge, Camron Matthew Kelemen, Alexandria Nyla Louis-Charles, Katrina Magdalena Mahoney, Atianna Noelle Mas, Dylan Max McCain, Erin Madison McGhee, Ryan Ulysses Munoz, Cameron Elizabeth Ocasio, Sylvie Fay Olbrys, Hector Calixto Ortiz, Craig Alan Peterson, Destiny Marie Pierre, Brianna-Nicole Elizabeth Powell, Lintsay Natalie Tejada, Matthew Valdovinos, Janiel Vasquez, Cecil Velez, Nevaeh La’nay Gabriel Williams

Grade 9:
Samuel Thomas Baker, Shane Louis Bellantoni, Daniel Moore Brennan, Madison Renee Burnes, Dylan Bryan Canhassi, Avery Elizabeth Carlo, Branden Charles, Olivia Leigh D’Amato, Daniel Ryan D’Haiti, Joshua Lawrence Dowman, Carter Anderson Fetchin, Dash Michael Gassen, Brianna Nicole Guzman, Adeline Kate Horne, Claire Elisabeth Jackson, Sarah Anne Jones, Alexandra Kushnir, Julianne Mae Lesinsky, Nathan Gil Lizotte, Josephine Haley Mastro, David Jairo Montoya, McKenzie Brooke Moore, Marcus Lawrence Overby, Joan Paulino, Jalynn Marie Perez, Shareece Alexandra Phillips, Thomas James Polchies, Ella Carolyn Procyk, Kevin Rodriguez Negron, Kylie M Rosen, Victor Manuel Sincuir, Yanique Spruill, Donald Xavier Stancil, Angelina Field Taccogna, Tristan David Tiscia, Emma Madison Torri, Alan Valdovinos-Torres, Roseangel Heaven Zayas

Decoding Cat Behavior

/0 Comments/in /by

Stratford Library Sets Zoom Webinar to Enlighten Cat Owners on Cat Behavior!!!

Zoom Webinar Set for May 4th at 6:30 pm

by Tom Holehan
Public Relations & Programming at the Stratford Library

The Stratford Library will host Feline Behaviorist Stephen Quandt for “Decoding the Mysteries of Cats or Why Cats Do What They Do!” on a special webinar on Tuesday, May 4th from 6:30-7:30 pm. The program, which is free and open to the public, will be held on the Library’s Zoom platform.

Stephen Quandt has created a feline behavior webinar for shelters and vet practices that explains cat behavior from the perspective of the evolutionary and adaptive forces that help shape their lives. The animal’s relationship with their owners is influenced by the mother/kitten relationship that they experienced and that connects them to their owners through food needs, attention seeking and the status with their most favored and/or least favored people. The relationship cats have between Hunger, Appetite, Metabolism and Exercise will be explored in the webinar.

Quandt began working with cats in 2002 both with the New York City ASPCA and nationwide with the Field Investigations and Response Team on large scale criminal cruelty cases and natural disasters.

Most recently he worked as the feline behavior coordinator for the Animal Care Centers of NYC. Quandt is now in private practice as a feline behaviorist who specializes in compassionate, educational and affordable care for the cat.

“Decoding the Mysteries of Cats” will include a Q&A with the speaker following his talk which begins at 6:30 pm on Tuesday, May 4. To register for the program visit: https://stratfordlibrary.libcal.com/event/7577615