2022 Latin Music Festival

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Sunday, September 18th from 12 p.m. to 6 p.m.
Paradise Green

Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month
September 15th to October 15th

The Stratford Hispanic Heritage Committee will hold the 17th Annual Latin Music Festival, sponsored by Paradise Pizza, on Sunday, September 18th from 12 p.m. to 6 p.m., with a rain date of September 25th. The event will take place on Paradise Green.

This year’s theme is “Unidos: Inclusivity for a Stronger Nation”. “The theme of this year’s Latin Music Festival encourages us to ensure all voices are represented and welcomed to help build stronger communities and, in turn, a stronger nation,” said Gladys Ramos, founder of the Stratford Hispanic Heritage Committee.

National Hispanic Heritage Month is annually celebrated from September 15th to October 15th in the United States, recognizing the contributions and influence of Hispanic Americans to the history, culture, and achievements for the United States. The U.S. Office of Management and Budget (OMB) defines “Hispanic or Latino” as a person of Cuban, Mexican, Puerto Rican, South or Central American, or other Spanish culture or origin regardless of race.

In additional there will be a free vaccination clinic for Covid as well as the 1st and 2nd boosters. Clinic for ages 6 months ++. No one will be turned away, no appointment needed. Free.

This celebration of Latin culture will showcase performances by notable Latin bands and professional folkloric dance groups. The festival will feature over thirty vendors, including food trucks, arts and crafts booths and community organizations.

The Latin Music Festival is part of the Celebrate Stratford collection of events. For more information, visit www.hispanicheritageofstratford.com or www.CelebrateStratford.com.

Parking is available at Adzima Funeral Home, 50 Paradise Green Place and the Stratford Unitarian Universalist Church, 275 Huntington Road.

The Stratford Hispanic Heritage Committee started promoting the pride of Hispanic heritage in Stratford in 2005 as part of National Heritage Moth to increase cultural sensitivity, foster understading, and celebrate the literacy, music, and the artistic expression Hispanic cultures.

One of the committee’s primary goals is to provide scholarships for qualified students of Hispanic Heritage to attend college. Since 2009 the committee has awarded approximately $70,000 to students attending Bunnell and Stratford High School.

Their main fundraising event for the scholarship program is their annual Scholarship Gala. This year’s event will take place on October 8th at the Trumbull Marriott Hotel on Hawley Lane in Trumbull. Dance the night away from 7 p.m.- 11 p.m., enjoy dinner with a Latin flare.

For tickets contact Olga Pena, 203-820-3658. Presale 2 tickets for $150, at the door $95 each.

Stratford Mobile Food Pantry

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Holy Name of Jesus Church
1950 Barnum Avenue, Stratford CT
Monday, September 19th from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m.

 

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

Beginning on Monday, September 19th 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.  There is 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.

 

To encourage social distancing and help limit the spread of

COVID-19, the Stratford Health Department, CT Food Bank, and

Holy Name of Jesus Church have partnered to offer a drive-thru

food pantry.  We ask for all those attending the drive-thru pantry to adhere to the

following directions:

 Stay in your car at all times

 One bag per car, identification needed

 

Make Your Voice Heard

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Participate in the Stratford Workshops to Develop Our Plan of Conservation and Development For The Next 10 years

All Ideas Welcome

Sponsored by Stratford Planning Commission

When and Where Are the Planning Workshops?

Birdseye Municipal Complex Gymnasium

468 Birdseye St, Stratford, CT 06615

Tuesday, September 13th | 6 – 8 p.m.

 

Boothe Memorial Park & Museum Workshop

5800 Main St, Stratford, CT  06614

Thursday, September 29th | 6 – 8 p.m.

 

Baldwin Center Workshop

1000 W Broad St, Stratford, CT 06615

Thursday, October 13th | 6 – 8 p.m.

 

Pop-ups

Shakespeare Market

1850 Elm Street, Stratford

September 18th | 10 a.m. – 1 p.m.

Latin Music Festival – Paradise Green Gazebo

121 Huntington Rd, Stratford

September 18th | 1:30 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.

What Is Plan Stratford?

It is the opportunity for residents to give input on a Plan of Conservation and Development to be used as the Town’s guide for managing growth and conserving resources.

The Town’s Planning Commission is responsible for updating the Plan every ten years as mandated by the State. The Plan addresses multiple issues related to stewardship of the Town and provides a foundation for Town policy, capital investment, and it’s zoning regulations.

Stratford last undertook this process ten years ago culminating in the 2013 POCD.  This effort will provide an updated Plan that will address important issues related to Stratford’s growth and will provide a vision for its future.

The following website will take you to the 2013 POCD adopted by the Stratford Town Council:

https://www.google.com/search?client=firefox-b-1-d&sxsrf=ALiCzsbbir7pJPuqfkhb5-T4luZCE7joTQ:1662662729958&q=Stratford+Final+OCD+01-06-2014&spell=1&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwiIzZmr7YX6AhWbMVkFHYGiD9YQBSgAegQIARA2&biw=1920&bih=1047&dpr=1

What Are The Plan Elements That Will Be Covered in the POCD?

Demographic Trends

Housing

Land Use & Zoning

Conservation, Open Space & Recreation

Economic Development

Cultural & Historic Resources

Mobility

Community Facilities, Infrastructure & Utilities

Energy & Environment

Resiliency & Waterfront Redevelopment

Placemaking & Urban Design

Why Should I Participate?

The development of Plan Stratford lays the groundwork for projects such as Stratford Army Engine Plant (SAEP) and Center School redevelopment, Greenways, Complete Streets, parks and playground improvements, etc.

It promotes housing choices and resiliency initiatives, and helps advance community grand list.

Who Is On The Planning Team?

Technical Advisory Committee Members Are:

Laura Hoydick. Mayor

Jermaine Atkison. Deputy Fire Chief

Susmitha Attota. Town Planner/POCD Project Manager

Paul Aurelia. Planning Commission Member

Andrea Boissevain. Health Director

Brian Budd. Administrative Police Captain

John Casey. Town Engineer

Larry Ciccarelli. Public Safety Director

Alivia Coleman. Health Program Associate

Mary Dean. Economic Development Director

Brian Donovan. Building Official

Michael Downes. Chief of Staff

Matt Fulda. Director of MetroCOG

Jay Habansky. Planning & Zoning Administrator

Kelly Kerrigan. Conservation Superintendent

Amy Knorr, Recreation Superintendent

Brian Lampart, Fire Chief

Joseph McNeil, Police Chief

Bryan O’Connor, Chairman of Planning Commission

Tara Petrocelli, Director of Community Development

Greg Reilly, Grants Writer

Dawn Savo, Finance Director

Raynae Serra, Public Safety Director

Elizabeth Sulik, Executive Director of Stratford Housing Authority

Tamara Trojanowski, Community Services, Youth Services, and Senior Services Director

Christopher Tymniak, CAO

Community Advisory Committee

Bryan O’Connor, Chairman of Planning Commission

William Boyd, Vice Chairman of Planning Commission

Paul Aurelia, Regular member of Planning Commission

Sarah Graham, Regular member of Planning Commission

Alec Voccola, Regular member of Planning Commission

Tami-Lyn Morse, Alternate member of Planning Commission

Brian Stirbis, Alternate member of Planning Commission

Daniel Senft, Alternate member of Planning Commission

Planning Consultants

Rory Jacobson, Lead Project Manager, FHI Studio

Francisco Gomes, Senior Project Manager, FHI Studio

Dave Murphy, Subconsultant, Resilient Land and Water

Glenn Chalder, Subconsultant, Planimetrics

Susmitha Attota, AICP

Town Planner

(203) 385-4017

sattota@townofstratford.com

 

Mark Your Calendars

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The Paradise Green Farmer’s Market Back Better Than Ever!! Special Labor Day Hours: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Connecticut Grown and Made.

Sunday, September 11th, from 12 p.m. until 3 p.m., the Stratford Historical Society, in conjunction with the Town of Stratford and the Connecticut Audubon Society, will be hosting a limited Historical Open House of the Stratford Point lighthouse property. A slideshow presentation will be available of the interior of the lighthouse and an historical walking tour will be offered of Stratford Point. Three program times slots are available at 12 p.m., 1:30 p.m. and 3.p.m. Advance registration is required through the Stratford Recreation Department. Tour size is limited to 25 individuals per time slot.

 

Monday, September 12th, the Stratford Library continues its popular film series offering free showings of recent, popular films shown uncut and on widescreen each month through the fall. All films will be screened in the Lovell Room starting at 12 p.m. DOWNTON ABBEY: A NEW ERA kicks off this season. The much-anticipated return of the global phenomenon reunites the beloved cast as they go on a grand journey to the South of France to uncover the mystery of the Dowager Countess’ newly inherited villa. PG, 125 minutes

The Stratford Historical Society weekly Wednesday Candlelight Historical Walks are presently completely booked. To be put on the waiting list go to the Stratford Recreations Department or Judson House web site: http://www.stratfordhistoricalsociety.org/

 

Sterling House Community Center Kicking Off Fall Programs

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Sterling Teens Recognize Opportunities Benefiting Everyone (S.T.R.O.B.E.) is SHCC’s Teen Volunteer Club open to teens in grades 8-12!  Returning and brand new members welcome! Join us for our first meeting on September 17th, 7:00 – 8:00 p.m., at Sterling House.

STROBE is a Teen Volunteer Club that participates in volunteer opportunities, implementing community projects, and more!  We work together to build a more positive community!

Our first project is the Roosevelt Forest Clean-Up on September 17th!

Please contact Pam Robertson, Community Engagement Coordinator at probertson@sterlinghousecc.org if you have questions or wish to join!

2022 Fall Soccer for Boys and Girls in grades K-12 at Wooster field.

One practice per week starting early September. Games 1-2 per week on Saturdays and/or Sundays from Sept 24th – Oct 30th . *End date subject to change depending on weather cancellations

Sterling House will provide jerseys. Shin guards are required.  $112 for the season.  Registration ends on August 25th and after August 25th there will be a late fee.

Leagues

Co-ed: Kindergarten & Grade 1 – 4 v 4 | Co-ed: Grades 1 & 2 – 4 v 4

Boys: Grades 3 & 4, 5 & 6, 7-10 | Girls: Grades 3 & 4, 5 & 6, 7-12

Players may play up a grade level. Must register for the division you want to play in.

Learn to Play Soccer

For ages 3-5. Learn the basics of soccer while having fun!

6 weeks on Saturdays at 9:00, 10:15, and 11:30 a.m. at Sterling House.

Begins Sept 24th, $83 for the session.  Sterling House will provide a t-shirt and a soccer ball. Shin guards are recommended.

Coaches are needed.  Training available!

E-mail Catherine Proto at CPROTO@STERLINGHOUSECC.ORG

Chill Out With Yoga!

Gentle Kripalu Yoga

Monday Nights  6:15 – 7:25 p.m. Starting September 12th

Fee: $115 for 10 classes or, $75 for 5 class punch cards- come when you wish

Chair Yoga

Chair yoga is done mostly seated in a chair, with some standing poses using the chair for balance & strength. Designed to stretch and strengthen, always with a thread of mindfulness & focus on the awareness of breath.

Tuesday Mornings, 10:15-11:15 a.m. Starting September 13th

Fee: $115 for 10 classes or, $75 for a 5-class punch card- come when you wish

 

Keep Them Marching and Playing

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Fund Raisers for Our Bunnell-Stratford High School Marching Band and Color Guard

Keep them on the move, support our Bunnell-Stratford High School Marching Band and Color Guard.

On Saturday the will be collecting Bottles and Cans, and….

Clean those closets and get ready to donate “gently used” clothing.

A good cause for good kids!

They are back to school and want to be better this year!!!

Quirky Connecticut History

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Author Tony Renzoni at Stratford Library for “Meet-&-Greet”

Tuesday, September 13th from 6:30 – 8 p.m.

 

What do you know about “Connecticut Rock ‘n’ Roll: A History”?   “Connecticut Softball Legend Joan Joyce”? “Connecticut Bootlegger Queen Nellie Green”? “Historic Connecticut Music Venues: From the Coliseum to the Shaboo”?

 Get the inside scoop on Connecticut’s history and the people and places that made it with author Tony Renzoni, the author of these four well-received Connecticut books all published by The History Press.

The Stratford Library will host author Tony Renzoni for a special “Meet-& Greet” program on Tuesday, September 13th between 6:30-8 p.m.   Renzoni will chat in the Library’s Main Lobby with visitors.  The event is free and open to the public.  He will discuss his books, as well has have copies available for sale.

An avid collector of rock memorabilia for many years. Renzoni wrote more than one thousand weekly columns that were published in the Connecticut Post newspaper and on the Connecticut Post’s website. He is a graduate of Sacred Heart University in Fairfield, and a lifelong resident of Connecticut.

For further information call the Library at: 203-385-4164.

Ahoy Matey

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A Perry Pirate Adventure

Saturday September 17th from 12 – 2 p.m.
Perry House, 1128 West Broad Street

Children 12 and under will get to act out their inner pirate!  There will be scavenger hunts, pirate crafts, trinkets along the way, and photos with Capitan Kidd.

Cost is $5 per child.  You must pre-register at:

 www.perryhousestratford.org/scavengerhunt, or call, 203-377-3779

The Perry House Foundation is a non-profit organization that was established in 2004 with the sole responsibility for managing and operating the historic Perry House in Stratford.

Perry House is the sponsor of several community events for both the young and young at heart.  Past events have included Perry Hallow at Halloween and Irish Night. Kids have participated in Easter events.

The staffing of the Perry House is predominantly a volunteer labor force. All Board members also serve on a voluntary basis. The Town of Stratford and the Stratford Chamber of Commerce are important partners for the Foundation. The Town is currently providing support to the operation by maintaining the lawns, removing snow and ice, and providing basic building maintenance support. The Chamber of Commerce is providing direct support to the Visitors Center and holds an annual fund-raiser in support of the Perry House.

“We would like to see the Perry House used as a positive asset for the community, and we hope you will help us carry out this purpose. Please use the Perry House, serve on a committee, or become a member of the Perry House in the near future.”

Sign Up and Register: You Can Get Down and Dirty, or Meditate!

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Sterling House Community Center

Countdown for the Sterling House Down and Dirty 5K Obstacle Race has begun!  Register by Thursday, September 5th and get Down and Dirty Swag!

A family-friendly community-wide event. There is a little bit of FUN for everyone. Totally targets the “The Average Joe” looking to have a great time. You Will Not be timed and the only person you will be competing against is yourself. Go at your own pace. No need to rush!

Run, walk or crawl your way to the finish line – as you get sweaty, sandy, dirty and wet along the way! Best of all you are in it to win it for Sterling House. All proceeds will benefit our programs and services including camp, sports and preschool scholarships, as well as, food for those families and children experiencing food insecurity.

Children between the ages of 8-11 can participate on the full 5K course, but Must Have at least one parent/adult participating in the event with them. Please note some of the obstacles and distance may be challenging for younger children.

Register

Price Increase September 1st – September 8th

Ages 21 and up – $55

To register and for further information go to:

Emily Shufrin

Email eshufrin@sterlinghousecc.org

Phone (203) 378-2606 ext. 107

 

If getting Down & Dirty is not your “thing” sign up for Sterling House yoga classes.  You can chose between Kri Palu Yoga or Chair Yoga.

Kri Palu Yoga starts on Monday, September 12th and is from 6:15-7:25 p.m.

Chair Yoga starts on Tuesday, September 13th from 10:15–1:15 a.m.

To sign up for Yoga go to: www.sterlinghousecc.org

 

Stratford Rotary Club Annual Golf Tournament

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Donate Gift Cards and Raffle Tickets to Support Projects

The Stratford Rotary Club proudly announces the 29th Annual Stratford Open Golf Tournament to be held on Saturday September 17th at the Short Beach Par 3 Golf Course in Stratford.  This annual event raises money to benefit worthy causes.

This year proceeds will benefit a variety of programs including high school scholarships, Thanksgiving turkeys for those in need, a dictionary for every Stratford 3rd grader, a thesaurus for every 5th grader.

Wanted are gift certificates and raffle prizes.

Become a part of this annual event and support the Stratford Rotary Club. The Stratford Rotary club membership represents a cross-section of Stratford’s business and professional men and women who have subscribed to honorable and ethical standards in their personal and vocational conduct, and who have a desire to do good things for other people both local and internationally.

To donate to the tournament, or if you have any questions, please contact Jeff Krause at 203-615-2338 or email: jkrause403@aol.com.

Mike Suntag and Jeffrey Krause, are Tournament Chairmen.