Spring Sports Kicks Off

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Sterling House Community Center

Free Babysitting for Restaurant Week.  Wednesday March 22nd and Friday March 24th from 6:30 – 9 p.m.

Are you ready for Spring Cleaning?  Sterling House annual Saver Drive will begin on Friday March 18th.  Clean and sale-able clothes, household textiles, and small household goods.

Spring Soccer registration ends on March 20th.  Register on-line at sterlinghousecc.org/soccer

2023 Spring Lacrosse with the Stratford Storm can be found at:

www.stratfordstorm.com  Games begin April 1st.

Why choose Stratford Storm Lacrosse?

-Lacrosse is one of the fastest growing youth sports in America

-Stratford Storm Lacrosse offers programs for boys and girls in grades K through 8

-Stratford Storm Lacrosse does its best to give back to its families with added events such as free clinics throughout the year, and a season ending banquet

 

Visit the Stratford Storm Lacrosse You Tube page.  If you’ve never played or watched the game of lacrosse, here is your chance to see what it looks like:

Stratford Storm Lacrosse – YouTube

Facebook – Stratford Storm Lacrosse

Instagram – storm_lacrosse2002

 

Make A Wish in Stratford – Stratford Answered!

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Daniela Crowned Princess and Celebrated By Our Town

On Friday February 24th, Louis Zayas of the Star Factory, located in Paradise Green, hosted a Make A Wish Birthday Bash for a 9 year old girl, Daniela, who survived a brain tumor during the pandemic.  We have all seen the Make-A-Wish news stories happening around the country, and it fills our hearts that communities come together. When the opportunity arose in our own back yard, Stratford rose to the occasion. The story is even more heartwarming when you learn how this event arrived to our little town.

Zayas, a local DJ and owner of Star Factory, was contacted by Make-A-Wish on Tuesday February 21st with a last minute request for assistance. A planned Make-A-Wish event was to take place in a nearby venue but the venue was flooded out. The Wish team was scrambling to find a new venue or cancel the event before the Friday Event. Louis did not hesitate, rearranged his calendar with the Bijou Theatre, and agreed to host this event. But that isn’t all he did…

When Louis found out she only had 6 friends able to come to her party, he posted on Facebook a call to action. “Calling my amazing Facebook family and friends to help me give this beautiful girl the party of her dreams.”  The ‘Ask’ was simple. Come to Paradise Green from 3:30-4:00 p.m. on a Friday afternoon, and line the sidewalk leading to Star Factory with a cheering crowd of support to make this special little girl feel like a princess.

The ‘Ask’ spread like wildfire, and was shared over 114 times. The results were beautiful and heartwarming. Over 100 residents came out to cheer on this little girl as she arrived with her family at the special party.  Fire engines filled the street, police cars flashed their lights, people chanted Daniela’s name, shook pompoms, while others held homemade signs of support and encouragement. Among those that attended were Stratford High School Cheerleaders, a softball team, Stratford families, Stratford teachers, elected officials, and many more residents.

The Star Factory was decked out in Disney Princess balloons, decorations, and the energy was pure Disney Magic. The Make-A-Wish Team was able to present them with tickets to Disney World with a crowd of cheering support. Friends, family and strangers gathered to celebrate the difficult journey this family endured. It was a true celebration of life and love.

 

March For The Fallen

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Oasis Physical Therapy

Oasis Physical Therapy will be hosting Firefighter Appreciation Month this year during the month of March. During March, we will be showing our gratitude and support for all the brave firefighters who put their lives on the line every day to keep our communities safe.

As part of this celebration, we will be making a donation to the National Fallen Firefighter Foundation, an organization that provides support and resources to families of fallen firefighters. This is our small way of expressing our appreciation for the sacrifices that firefighters make, and we hope that this donation will make a positive impact in the lives of those who have lost a loved one in the line of duty.

During the entire month of March, we will be collecting all co-pays from our patients, matching the amount collected, and donating it to the National Fallen Firefighter Foundation.

We would like to extend an invitation to all firefighters and their families to come visit us during this special month. We would be honored to show our appreciation in person and offer you a tour of our facility. We believe that firefighters deserve the best care, and we are committed to providing it to them.

Please spread the word about “March for the Fallen” at Oasis Physical Therapy and our donation to the National Fallen Firefighter Foundation. Together, we can show our gratitude and support for the heroes who keep us safe.

Annual Leprechaun Leap at Walnut Beach

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Saturday, March 18th @ 9:30 am
Literacy Volunteers of Southern CT  (LVSCT)

Be a brave and warm-hearted soul and become part of the fun when Literacy Volunteer of Southern CT annual Leprechaun Leap comes to Walnut Beach on Saturday, March 18th. Join the many other brave, warm-hearted souls who will “take the leap” at 10:00 a.m. sharp! “Leapers” from around our community will run, jump or dive into the icy cold waters at Walnut Beach.

But if you’re a little timid to make the splash, show your warm heart by making a pledge of support to LVSCT or in support of a brave soul who ng. There’s always plenty of room for spectators to come down to the beach to watch and cheer.

Watch the competitions between local high school students and teachers, civic groups, restaurants, local businesses, canines and many more who will make the “leap” into Long Island Sound!

Awards will be given in several categories, including:
• Best Costume,
• Most Enthusiastic
• Group Theme,
• Largest Group of Leapers,
• Most Individual Pledges,
• Highest Group Pledges,
• First One in Water,
• First One Out of Water,
• Bravest Junior Leaper (under 12),
• Favorite Civic Organization,
• Best Leprechaun Costume
• and Favorite Literary Leaper.

To register online please visit our event website at https://lvsctevent.org

All proceeds collected will benefit Literacy Volunteers of Southern Connecticut.

Youth Services Librarian Tess Beck to Retire

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Staffer Since 1999 Exits April 4th

Say Thank You at Public Reception April 3rd from 3-6 p.m.

The Stratford Library has announced that Youth Services Librarian Tess Beck will retire her position on April 4th after 24 years.  Beck graduated with a Master’s in Library Science from Rutgers, the State University of New Jersey.  She joined the Stratford Library Youth Services Department in July 1999.

Tess Beck was instrumental in creating numerous programs at the Library which addressed child development needs and skills for new parents.  These included Baby Lapsit, Beginning with Babies, Babies & Beyond, Storytimes and StoryCraft programs.  Known for her colorful bulletin boards and numerous art classes, Beck conducted several outreach initiatives over the years taking her storytime programs to area daycare programs and preschools.

Working with current Department Head Caitlin Augusta, she also contacted local businesses and organizations to partner with the Library for its popular “Read Around Stratford” program.  She has served on Connecticut’s Nutmeg Book Award Committee and ALSC (Association for Library Services to Children) Notable Recordings Committee.  Beck was also active in the Connecticut Storytelling community and was chair of the Fairfield County Children’s Librarians Roundtable for several years.

According to Library Director Sheri Szymanski, Beck will be greatly missed at the Library. “Tess Beck has been an invaluable resource to our Library and the greater Stratford community”, she said.  “We congratulate her on a well-earned retirement”.  A public reception for Tess Beck will be held in the Stratford Library Children’s Department on Monday, April 3rd from 3-6 p.m.  The public is invited.

Mark Your Calendar

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CTRides: Free Bus Service thru March 31st.  See Connecticut free.  Plan your trip.

   

Saturday March 11th from 9 a.m. to noon rain or shine the Bunnell Stratford Marching Band and Color Guard can and bottle drive.  Drop off at the Whitney School drop off circle.  Support our famous musicians and color guard!

Monday March 13th Go Out To Eat at Dal Mare Pizzeria, 346 Stratford Road, to raise money for our future thespians Spongebob The Musical.  Scan coupon

Save The Date Stratford Events:

March 25th: Boogie at the Brewery to benefit Sterling House Community Center.  Sold Out!!! Way to go Stratford.

Stratford Rotary Annual Rib Night, Friday April 14th, Vazzano’s Four Seasons 6 -10 p.m. Dinner, Cash Bar, DJ, Games, Raffles and Silent Auction  Sign up, bring friends, eat Johnny’s Famous Ribs (vegetarian also being served).  For information go to: StratfordRotaryRibNight.com

May 20th the Goody Bassett Ball fundraiser for the Stratford Historical Society.  Tickets available beginning March 15th.  Ball will be on Saturday, May 20th, from 6:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m. at Vazzano’s Four Seasons.  $80 per person or $750 per table of ten.

Celebrate Stratford 2023 Events

Make A Difference!

Be a Citizen Reporter for the Stratford Crier

We are a volunteer group, providing fact-based nonpartisan reporting,

and we want YOUR help in keeping our community informed.

 

We need Citizen Reporters to cover:

  • Town Government
  • Education
  • Environment and Climate Resilience

Please join us!  Reach out to Barbara@stratfordcrier.com

 

Fun Times At Sterling House Community Center

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Spring Break Activities

Toddler and Kindergarten Art Classes

Spring Break begins on Monday March 13th -17th.  Sign them up for SHCC Kids On Campus.  All day care, fun, and enrichment on the days when school is out. Spots will fill up fast!  8:00 am – 6:00 pm.  Daily activities will include playing on the playground, crafts, group games, Erin’s Gym, snacks, and so much more!

Please note that children will need to bring their own lunch.

 

Little Artists Club for art lessons ages 3-6.  Begins Saturday March 11th.  Ages 3-4 from 10 a.m. to 10:40 a.m.  Ages 5-6 11 a.m. to 11:40 a.m.

Are you ready for Spring Cleaning?  Sterling House annual Saver Drive will being on Friday March 18th.  Clean and sale-able clothes, household textiles, and small household goods.

2023 Spring Lacrosse with the Stratford Storm can be found at:

www.stratfordstorm.com  Games begin April 1st.

Why choose Stratford Storm Lacrosse?

-Lacrosse is one of the fastest growing youth sports in America

-Stratford Storm Lacrosse offers programs for boys and girls in grades K through 8

-Stratford Storm Lacrosse does its best to give back to its families with added events such as free clinics throughout the year, and a season ending banquet

 

Visit the Stratford Storm Lacrosse You Tube page.  If you’ve never played or watched the game of lacrosse, here is your chance to see what it looks like:

Stratford Storm Lacrosse – YouTube

Facebook – Stratford Storm Lacrosse

Instagram – storm_lacrosse2002

 

Soccer:  Winter off-season soccer skills clinic.  Co-ed classes on Saturday’s in Erin’s Gym.  Led by advanced soccer training coaches, players will work on agility, foot skills, shooting tactics, game IQ and teamwork.

Session 2, runs from February 25th – April 1st.

To register go to: sterlinghousecc.org/soccer

 

Stratford Runners Grasp at a “Last Chance for Romance”

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On Saturday, February 25th, local Connecticut and out-of-state runners braved freezing temperatures and flurries to compete in the Last Chance for Romance 3-mile run, supporting the Stratford Police Explorers Post.  There were 98 finishers, and 112 brave

The Ninety-eight runners that participated in the 3-miler were primarily locals, with a couple of runners from as far away as New Jersey and Massachusetts making the trek.

The course carried runners from Boothe Memorial Park, down Main Street Putney, over the hills of Whippoorwill, and across Cutspring Road before they made a right-hand turn to face a steep uphill climb up Chapel Street, with a smooth return to Boothe.

The winners of the 3 mile run were:

Gustavo Galicia

22|M 33

17:17    From Norwalk

Emma Bradley

14|F 17

19:01 From Florham Park NJ

In the children’s “Little Beating Hearts” fun run, Lucas Fabian of Stratford proved fastest of the young bunch of runners.

The annual race was directed by MS Running Productions and Marty Schaivone. After the race, Mr. Schaivone promised a new race debuting in March, “The Hair of the Dog”  5K will take place March 18th in the Lordship section of Stratford.

The Hair of the Dog 5K is a very small run Schaivone has put together on Saturday, March 18th.  According to Schaivone the race will be limited to 100 entrants. It will take place from Little Pub.  Details here- https://runsignup.com/Race/CT/Stratford/THEHAIROFTHEDOG5K

They are already at 50% filled and will likely sell out next week.  Don’t delay!

Doggone Good Discussion at Stratford Library

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Fidelco Puppy Raising

Saturday March 18th, 11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.

Program Free and Open To The Public

The Stratford Library will go to the dogs with a special program from the Fidelco Guide Dog Foundation, “Fidelco Puppy Raising” on Saturday, March 18th  from 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. in the Stratford Library Lovell Room.  The program is free, but seating is limited and reservations are recommended at: https://stratfordlibrary.libcal.com/event/10464070.

Guest speaker Sarah Silverman of Stratford, a puppy raiser turned Fidelco Puppy Raiser Trainer, will present all the information needed to know about raising a German shepherd puppy for a good cause.   Insights and orientation to the training program will be followed by a Q&A session with Fidelco staff and current puppy raisers.

There is also a live “puppy meet-and-greet” planned.  Fidelco Guide Dog Foundation is a recognized leader in the guide dog industry and still the only guide dog organization to exclusively breed the German shepherd dog.  More than 1,600 guide dogs from Fidelco have been placed throughout North America.

For further information, call Heather at the Stratford Library: 203.385.4166.

Photo Caption: Fidelco Puppy Raiser Trainer Sarah Silverman will be the guest speaker at the “Fidelco Puppy Raising” program at the Stratford Library on March 18th

Mark Your Calendar

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CTRides: Free Bus Service thru March 31st.  See Connecticut free.  Plan your trip.

Sunday, March 5th from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The Shakespeare Market.  Shop till you Drop and don’t miss Connecticut’s FIRST NON PROFIT Indoor Hydroponic Farm, nOURish BRIDGEPORT Inc. is growing produce to sell and distribute to our neighbors in need. Our Indoor Farm will grow vegetables and fruits 365 days/year, 24 hours/day,  using only water, light, and nutrients. NO DIRT. NO PESTICIDES.

Special for “Women’s History Month” Monday Matinee March 13th at the Library, Free Monthly Screenings of Popular Films in the Lovell Room at high noon!  Free showings of recent, popular films shown uncut and on widescreen each month. SHE SAID a Powerful film dramatizes real-life reporters’ efforts to bring the notorious sexual predator Harvey Weinstein to justice.  Carey Mulligan and Zoe Kazan star.  R rated, 129 minutes. Recent, popular films shown uncut and on widescreen each month.

Monday, March 6th from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m.  Holy Name of Jesus Food Bank. The food pantry is sponsored by the Connecticut Food Bank, the Stratford Department of Health, and the YMCA.

The Food Bank takes place on every other Monday, from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m., and they are asking that cars line up on College Street. You are also asked to bring your own reusable bag.  There will be 1 bag per household distributed.  Please bring identification if a second household is in the car.

 

Save The Date Stratford Events:

March 25th: Boogie at the Brewery to benefit Sterling House Community Center.  Sold Out!!! Way to go Stratford.

Stratford Rotary Annual Rib Night, Friday April 14th, Vazzano’s Four Seasons 6 -10 p.m. Dinner, Cash Bar, DJ, Games, Raffles and Silent Auction

May 20th the Goody Bassett Ball fundraiser for the Stratford Historical Society.

Celebrate Stratford 2023 Events

Make A Difference!

Be a Citizen Reporter for the Stratford Crier

We are a volunteer group, providing fact-based nonpartisan reporting,

and we want YOUR help in keeping our community informed.

 

We need Citizen Reporters to cover:

  • Town Government
  • Education
  • Environment and Climate Resilience

Please join us!  Reach out to Barbara@stratfordcrier.com