January 2021
Stratford Community Organizations Council
Meeting Minutes January 7, 2021
Stratford Library:
The library’s popular “Books Over Coffee” series has continued online and via Zoom on monthly Wednesdays.
The Library’s “Sunday Afternoon Talks” series also continues in 2021 on Zoom and the first program will be “An Adventure Through Iceland”, a fascinating travelogue on January 24 from 2- 3 PM. Please see attached flyer for more details.
Current Library Hours: Monday/Thursday/Friday/Saturday: 10 -5, Tuesday/Wednesday: 1-8 pm
Square One Theatre Company:
The theatre is currently closed and plans on reopening in November 2021 to finally continue its 30 anniversary season. Call 203-375-8778 for more information.
Stratford Health Department:
Health Department has started their COVID-19 vaccine clinics for Phase 1a employees which includes healthcare personnel, first responders, and long-term care facility residents. We are waiting for guidance from CDC and CT DPH about Phase 1b.
Stratford Crier:
Stratford Crier is up and running. Please send organization information that you would like included in the Crier to barbara@stratfordcrier.com.
Stratford Historical Society:
The Historical Society will reopen on January 12th by appointment only.
On January 31st at 2 pm there will be a wrap-up of 2020. Talking about how the suffrage experience was different here in Stratford and how it was a unique experience compared other towns.
Visit the Historical Society website at stratfordhistoricalsociety.org to view historic pictures and puzzles.
Visit the Facebook page Stratford 400 to receive information and news on the 400th annual celebration.
Stratford Senior Center:
Baldwin continues to process their Energy Assistance applications. Operation Fuel has started for the winter season. Baldwin has received 10k and has additional funds from the CDBG grant to assist their families this season.
Baldwin will continue their virtual programs. If any one is offering programs that they think may be of interest to seniors, please let them know and they can advertise it in their newsletter.
The weekly meal drive-thru continues to be very popular. Baldwin recently offered a meal from Vazzy’s and will be doing a Mac and Cheese Drive-thru next week.
A bid for floors and paint will be presented to the Town Council next week. Hopeful that they will be able begin renovations soon.
Baldwin will be joining a consortium with surrounding towns and GBT to take seniors to their medical appointments that are out of town.
Baldwin received an additional bus that will be used to transport seniors.
Arts Alliance of Stratford:
First figure drawing class of the year was held via zoom on1/6/21. Classes are being offered and can be found on website at artsallianceofstratford.org/arts-workshops-2021/
Follow Arts Alliance of Stratford on Facebook and Instagram.
Stratford CARE:
The CARE reads program needs volunteers to help read books to Stratford students pre-k to 3rd grade. Volunteers will record themselves reading a book that will be then be distributed to the Stratford classrooms. Those who cannot go to the library for the recording are able to record at home. If you are interested, please email Tammy at tammlangston@gmail.com
The next Courageous Conversations Zoom session will be on January 21 st .
South End Community Center:
SECC will be offering free income tax assistance for those whose annual income is less then $53,000. Call South End to make an appointment to drop off your tax documents.
Stratford Continuing Education:
Located at Wooster Middle School. Offering classes through their Enrichment program and offering GED classes starting January 26 th .
Sterling House:
Sterling House will remain open on MLK Day.
Sterling House is receiving a lot of calls from teens looking for volunteer opportunities. If you know of an organization that could use volunteers, please call Pam Robertson.
Stratford Planning and Zoning:
The Stratford Housing Partnership is conducting a community survey about housing needs in Stratford and possible housing strategies for the future.
The Housing Partnership is a Town Committee established in 1990 and reinvigorated in 2020 to, among other things:
- Examine housing needs and housing opportunities within the Town
- Periodically advise Town Boards and Commissions with regard to housing matters, including affordable housing.
- Develop and activate a long-range plan to satisfy housing needs in the Town (as required by State law).
As an individual served by a non-profit organization in Stratford, the Housing Partnership is particularly interested in your thoughts about local housing needs and possible housing strategies in Stratford. We would greatly appreciate your participation in this survey.
Housing survey link for staff of organizations/councils:
https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/Stratford_Organizations
Housing survey link for individuals served by various organizations in town:
https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/Stratford_Needs
Stratford Economic Development:
Shakespeare Market taking place 1/17 at the Shakespeare property.
Like them on Facebook for up-to-date information on the Market!
Beautification Committee:
Committee is in the process of removing holiday decorations and planning for their spring plantings.
Stratford YMCA:
You can see YMCA programs that are up and running for the new year their website: www.stratfordymca.org
