Books Needed For Annual Booksale

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Stratford Library Seeks Book Donations

Beginning Wednesday, February 1st – May 21st

The Stratford Library Board is currently requesting donations for its annual book sale.  Contributors are urged to recycle their good books to share with others and help the Stratford Library increase their book purchase fund at the same time.  The book sale fund-raiser is being organized this year by the SLA Board of Trustees under co-chairmen Shelley Hall and Doreen Jaekle.

Donations of good hard cover books and paperbacks, fiction or non-fiction as well as sound and video recordings, can be brought to the library.   A special book collection bin is on site in the Main Lobby.  The book sale workers encourage residents to donate their biographies, cookbooks, poetry, plays, travel, mystery, science fiction, children’s books, etc.  Premium condition books and children’s materials are especially appreciated this year.

No magazines, Readers Digest condensed books or text books of any kind can be accepted. Patrons requiring help to unload cars must call 203.385-4166 prior to their delivery in order for the library to arrange assistance. Donations will be accepted beginning Wednesday, February 1st through May 21st.

Current library hours are Monday – Thursday: 10 a.m.-8 p.m.;  Friday – Saturday: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. and Sunday: 1 p.m.-5 p.m..  The book donation bin is located in the library’s Main Lobby adjacent to the Main Street entrance.

For further information, call 203.385-4161 or check the library website at: www.stratfordlibrary.org.

Watercolor for Beginners

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Saturdays February 4th – March 4th
Sterling House Community Center
11 a.m. – 1 p.m.

Learn how to master the skills for painting in watercolor from color theory to painting your own fantasy, floral, still life, or beach scene.

The 5 week hands on course starts on Saturday February 4th.  The course will take place at the Sterling House Community Center and is for Ages: 16+.

The instructor is Stratford based artist Donna Osterby-Brien, who has had a love affair with watercolor since studying at Parsons School of Design.

Strength In Colors: Our Differences Make Us Stronger show will run to Friday, February 10th.  Artists who submitted work were encouraged to show us what unites us, rather than what divides us.

The Arts Alliance Writers Group is coming soon.  The class will begin on Tuesday, February 7th and will be from 11:45 a.m. – 12:45 p.m.

Arts Alliance of Stratford Writers’ Group

 

Stratford Library Children’s Department is hosting “Welcome Week”

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January 30th to February 4th, 2023 to welcome all families, new and returning to the Library

Games, Art, Scavenger Hunts, Hands on Science Projects

Children’s Department staff Sara Livoti (left) and Emily Hubbell invite patrons to the Stratford Library’s “Welcome Week”.

The Stratford Library Children’s Department is hosting “Welcome Week” January 30th  to February 4th, 2023 to welcome all families, new and returning to the Library.  Realizing that many families moved into Stratford during the pandemic, the Children’s Department wants all Stratford families to be aware of the Library’s various programs, resources, and activities.  All events are free and open to the public

Families are invited to stop by the Library during “Welcome Week” to participate in an “I Spy Stratford” game and to cast their votes for favorite Stratford restaurants, pizza, parks, and other important town destinations.   Storytimes for various ages meet throughout the week at 10:30 am on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays.   Register on the website

“Welcome Week” also includes the following special events:

  • January 30: ART Day. Stop by any time to add art to the Welcome Banner.
  • January 31: SCIENCE Day.  Register for Coding Class (ages 7-12) at 4 pm. Treehouse Science activity stations from 4-7 pm (ages 7-12).  Astronomy Activity at 6:30 pm (ages 7-12).
  • February 1: SCHOOL Day.  Activity stations for school age kids available 4-7 pm.
  • February 2: PRESCHOOL Day. Create a Valentine craft (all ages).
  • February 3: Welcome Grab and Go to pick up today.

 

“Welcome Week” concludes on Saturday, February 4 with “Take Your Child to the Library Day”.  Patrons are invited to stop by all day to receive a free book and a goody bag (while supplies last).   Additionally, families can register to attend several special events:

10 am:  Preschool activity station.

11 am:  Children (ages 5-12) play Bingo for prizes.

1 pm:  Children (ages 8-10) learn to make Dragons Love Tacos Snacks.

2:30 pm:  Children (ages 4-7) learn to make Pete the Cat Snacks.

3:30 pm:  Children can help construct and sit under a Reading Fort in the Children’s Department. There will also be a drop-in art project from 12pm-4pm while supplies last and children can play I Spy from 10 am-4 pm.

“Welcome Week” is made possible by the generosity of the Carol Pieper Memorial Fund. For more information or to register for events, call the Children’s Department at 203.385.4165 or visit its website at: stratfordlibrary.org/Events page.

Stratford Hispanic Heritage Gala Fundraiser

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Date: Saturday, February 11th from 7-11 p.m.
Location: Marriott Hotel, Trumbull, Connecticut

Our friends at the Stratford Hispanic Committee cordially invites you to “Una Noche de Maravilla y Esperanza” Scholarship Fundraiser Gala.

Our goal is to increase cultural sensitivity, foster understanding and celebrate the literacy, music, and artistic expression of Hispanic cultures. We will have a live band, DJ, dinner, raffles, and a cash bar for your enjoyment.

All proceeds benefit the Scholarship Fund! Please consider being a part of this event as a guest, sponsoring a table or advertising your business in our Program Booklet.

For Ticket Purchases contact Olga Peña at 203-820-3658.

Ticket Presale: 2 for $150

At the Door: $85 each

Have a Bingo Party!

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Friday, February 3rd
Get Together with Family, Friends, and Neighbors

Stratford Rotary Delirious Bingo Night

Stratford Rotary will have a virtual Bingo night on Friday February 3rd.

Join us for the Rotary Delirious BINGO Party!!  Instructions on how to play practice session begin at 7:00 p.m.  The first game will commence promptly at 7:30 p.m.  You must be over 18 to play.

Play 6 games on-line in your PJs, sweats, or favorite casual wear – no winter coats, hats, or mittens needed. (No nudity please!!! )  $500 in prizes.

Zoom link will be posted within 24 hours of the event.

All proceeds to support Rotary Club’s charitable projects, which include The Lord’s Kitchen, scholarships to both Stratford High School and Bunnell High School students, and sponsors of the town wide Main Street Festival.

Last year for the Stratford Rotary Day of Service, they cleaned-up and beautified the Stratford Library Gardens, planted trees at Clover Field, and worked with the Stratford Historical Society to plant a pollinator garden at the Judson House.

Stratford Rotary Club Delirious BINGO Night!

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Friday, February 3rd
Virtual Zoom from 7:30 p.m. to 9 p.m.

Stratford Rotary will have a virtual Bingo night on Friday February 3rd.

Join us for the Rotary Delirious BINGO Party!!  Instructions on how to play practice session begin at 7:00 p.m.  The first game will commence promptly at 7:30 p.m.  You must be over 18 to play.

Play 6 games on-line in your PJs, sweats, or favorite casual wear – no winter coats, hats, or mittens needed. (No nudity please!!! )  $500 in prizes.

Zoom link will be posted within 24 hours of the event.

All proceeds to support Rotary Club’s charitable projects.

Mark Your Calendar

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Saturday, January 21st from 12:30 – 3:30 P.M.: Paper-making with Invasive Plants Sterling House Community Center

Saturday, January 22nd Stratford Library Lovell Room: The Day the World Came to Town: 9/11 in Gander, Newfoundland is a 2002 oral history of the small town of Gander, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada in the wake of the September 11 attacks written by journalist Jim DeFede It is the first book authored by DeFede. For further information call the Library at 203-385-4162.

Wednesday, January 25th from 11a.m. – 3 p.m.: Did you know Radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer after smoking???? In recognition of Radon Awareness Month in January, the Stratford Health Department will be at the Stratford Library to provide free Radon Test Kits as well Radon Education to increase awareness.

Wednesday, January 25th, Stained Glass class from Stratford/Trumbull Continuing Education from 6 p.m.-9 p.m. You can register for the 12 week course at Stratford.Coursestorm.com

Wednesday, January 25th to February 15th, Pickle Ball, 9:30 – 10:30 a.m., Birdseye Complex Gym: Calling all Stratford Seniors join the latest exercise craze – 4 week courses on Pickle Ball. In partnership with Stratford Recreation and the Baldwin Center, SHCC will be conducting Pickle Ball classes that teach the basic rules, skills, and techniques. There will be short drills, practice time and friendly scrimmages.

Thursday, January 26th, Community Blood Drive: Raymond T. Goldbach VFW, from 1-6 p.m. To register go to RedCrossBlood.org

Stratford/Trumbull Continuing Education Spring Semester begins January 23rd. For information on signing up for your high school diploma, a GED, American Citizenship, and English as a Second Language (ESL) go to : www.stratfordk12.org/page/continuing-education.

Are you a Military Veteran? or have a loved one who served our country during the holidays? Did your family save any letters or memorabilia? The Stratford Veterans Museum would like to display Christmas cards, letters, pictures and any communications between a veteran and family or friends during the Christmas season.We would like to create a display in our Museum during the month of December. All materials will be returned to you. Contact Bob Mastroni bmaastroni@gmail.com

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

Winter Sports for All Ages

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Sterling House Community Center

Yoga: Gentle Kripalu Yoga begins on Monday, January 23rd at SHCC.  The 10 week course is taught from 6:15 – 7:25 p.m.  Chair Yoga began on January 17th.  Chair Yoga also runs for 10 weeks, and there is still openings for a $75 punch card good for 5 classes of your choice.  For more information go to: www.sterlinghousecc.org.

Pickle Ball:  Calling all Stratford Seniors join the latest exercise craze – 4 week courses on Pickle Ball. Wednesday, January 25th to February 15th, 9:30 – 10:30 a.m., Birdseye Complex Gym In partnership with Stratford Recreation and the Baldwin Center, SHCC will be conducting Pickle Ball classes that teach the basic rules, skills, and techniques.  There will be short drills, practice time and friendly scrimmages

All classes will be on Wednesdays.  Session 1 will be from January 25th to February 15th.  Session 2 is from March 8th – March 29th.  $20 for four weeks, $5 per drop in class.

Safesitters Classes:  Learn how to be safe when watching younger siblings or babysitting.  Safesitter classes for ages 11+ on Saturday, January 28th from 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.  Register today at: www.sterlinghousecc.org

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

www.stratfordstorm.com  Registration is now open and ends March 1st.  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

Channel Your Inner Artist:  Opportunity to learn the fundamentals of art from begging to end. Youth and Teen classes will be held on Saturdays with the following schedule:

Beginners: ages 6-12, 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.

Advanced, ages 10-12, 10:30 a.m. to 11:45 a.m.

Teens, ages 13-19, 11:45 a.m. to 12:45 p.m.

Session starts February 18th for 5 weeks

 

Adult Art Classes: Thursday evenings from 7:15 p.m. – 8:45 p.m.  Session starts February 16th for 5 weeks.  To register online go to: sterlinghousecc.org/art

 

Holy Name of Jesus Food Pantry

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Monday, January 23rd
1 p.m. – 2 p.m.
Connecticut Food Bank

Please note that there have been changes made to the Holy Name food pantry.

The food pantry will be sponsored by the Connecticut Food Bank, the Stratford Department of Health, and the YMCA

The Food Bank will now take place on every other Monday, and there is also a time change, it will now be 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.

Baldwin Center Announcements

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Dancing, Art Show, Fuel Assistance

Our 3rd Baldwin Gallery opened last Friday.  The local artist is Charles Marqua and we will be featuring his paintings through March 3rd.  Charles Marqua is a Connecticut-based artist.  His ‘Beaux Arts’ education in Architecture and Art, his career in Architecture, and his travels inform his work.  Dr. Marqua explores his personal sense of place and time in his current series.

The Personal Places Series includes the Florida, Canada, Great Salt Marsh, Long Island Sound, Arizona, and Flora works.  The medium for these originals are either watercolor on paper or acrylic on canvas.  Sizes vary.  Giclée canvas wrapped prints can also be ordered in many custom sizes.  The artist may also be commissioned to interpret your own personal place.

New Activity:  “The Senior Connection Dance Party” on Friday, January 20th at 1 p.m.  We supply music, refreshments and dance the afternoon away!!

Important:  The elevator is not working and we just missed the 3 year warranty window.  The repair company is very busy so we do not have a start date for the repairs.  We are reviewing scheduled classes/activities to try and move as many as we can to the first floor.

Operation Fuel’s winter season has started.  They have increased the financial guideline and are allowing anyone to receive up to $1000 in oil even if they have already been awarded oil from Energy Assistance.

We have a new roof!!