Stratford

Stratford News: Arrest Made in Shooting Incident

The Stratford Police Department’s Detective Bureau is investigating a shooting incident which occurred on Bates Street, Stratford on May 22, 2024 at approximately 8:00pm. Michael James has been charged with Assault 1 st degree with a Firearm and Reckless Endangerment 1 st Degree. These charges stem from Michael James firing a round from his registered firearm while arguing with his 36-year-old step-son Rakeem Mack. The round also struck Michael James’ wife whose name is Lolita Mack-James. Both Rakeem Mack and Lolita Mack-James were transported to the hospital after sustaining non-life-threatening wounds. The investigation has thus far determined that Michael James was in the process of protecting Lolita Mack-James while she was engaged in an argument with her son Rakeem Mack.

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Senator Gaston Celebrates Nearly $1 Million in State Grants for Stratford School HVAC Upgrades

Senator Herron Keyon Gaston, D-Bridgeport, welcomed Monday the release of nearly $1 million in state grants dedicated to HVAC upgrades at Chapel Street Elementary and Wilcoxson Elementary School in Stratford.  "For our students to thrive academically and stay healthy, they need clean air and comfortable classrooms,” Senator Gaston said. “These grants will improve learning environments for students at Chapel Street Elementary and Wilcoxson Elementary and by covering more than 60% of these projects, the state has significantly eased the burden on our local taxpayers." The grants announced by the Department of Administrative Services include: $366,587 for the replacement of boilers at Chapel Street Elementary in Stratford. This grant will cover 61% of the project. $632,957 for the replacement of boilers…

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Board Fund-Raiser Begins May 30 with “Preview”

The Stratford Library will return with its annual book sale Thursday, May 30 through Sunday. June 2, 2024.  The sale, which is a major fund-raiser for the library, is being organized this year by the Board of Trustees under Chair Shelley Hall of Stratford.  Browsers at this year’s sale will find thousands of books, CDs, LPs, DVDs, autographed books and much more in over 50 categories at bargain prices covering every conceivable subject from religion, business, music and art to philosophy, science fiction, biography, non-fiction and best-sellers.  The sale will commence with a “Preview” on Thursday, May 30 from 5:30-8:30 pm. The evening is open to everyone with no entry fee and books are double the marked price. Visitors can…

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Celebrate the Spirit of Stratford at the Main Street Festival!

Saturday, June 1st10am – 4pm STRATFORD, CT - Rain or shine, the Stratford Main Street Festival is back! Join us on Saturday, June 1st, from10am to 4pm, on Main Street from Stratford Center to Stratford Avenue. Many thanks to The Milford Bank andthe Rotary Club of Stratford for presenting the festival as a community service.The Main Street Festival is an annual town-wide event celebrating the many organizations, programs, andservices the Town of Stratford has to offer, bringing together over 150 local vendors, includingentertainment, food trucks, booths, and artists. The event also provides an opportunity for Stratford’s diverseorganizations to educate the public about their functions and support fundraising efforts. Vendor booths andtrucks will line Main Street, allowing residents to stroll through…

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STRATFORD 2024-2025 TOWN BUDGET APPROVED IN 6-4 TOWN COUNCIL VOTE

REVENUE SOURCES ALLOW FOR NO TAX INCREASE AND MILL RATE TO REMAIN FLAT BOARD OF EDUCATION BUDGET FULLY FUNDED STRATFORD, CT – The Stratford Town Council voted to approve an amended 2024-2025 budget with a 6-4 vote last night. After numerous discussions between the Council, Mayor Laura R. Hoydick, and Chief Administrative Officer Chris Tymniak, the Town Council presented and approved a budget of $260,014,370. This includes an allocation of an additional $500,000 to the Board of Education, along with a $2 million BOE surplus from the 2023 fiscal year (allowed per state statute). This puts the Board of Education budget at $127,502,725 from the general fund, plus the aforementioned $2 million provided by the surplus. Mayor Laura R. Hoydick…

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STRATFORD LIBRARY WINS TOP PUBLICITY AWARD

“Billy Bones” Campaign Is Honored by CLA             The Stratford Library won top honors recently in the 2024 Connecticut Library Association Publication Awards.  The Library won the Designer’s Choice Publicity Award for its “Billy Bones” campaign which utilized a 12-foot skeleton at the Library entrance last fall to promote the agency and its many services. What began as a fanciful idea from Assistant Director Geri Diorio, “Billy Bones” became a full-fledged tour de force on social media for the Stratford Library in October 2023. While libraries always provide vital services, “Billy Bones” was a delightful reminder to the community that they could have fun with their library. Once Billy (named for Shakespeare, a nod to Stratford’s English namesake) was assembled,…

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Stratford Library Events

Mother’s Day Craft DaysThe Stratford Library Children’s Department will offer a Mother’s Day craft forchildren ages 3-5 on Tuesday, May 7 at 4pm and a craft for school-aged childrenon Thursday, May 9 at 4 pm. Registration required. To register, visit the website atstratfordlibrary.org, then choose Events. For more information about Libraryprograms and services for children, call 203.385.4165 or visitstratfordlibrary.org/kids. LEGO ClubThe Stratford Library Children’s Department will offer LEGO Club on Monday, May 13 at 4pm. Children ages 5-12 are welcome to register. Come build some LEGO creations with friends. Registration required. To register, visit the website at stratfordlibrary.org, then choose Events. For more information about Library programs and services for children, call 203.385.4165 or visit stratfordlibrary.org/kids.Junior Scientists Grab‘n’Go: How Plants…

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Stratford Library Offers “Reptile Nook” May 12

The Stratford Library, 2203 Main Street in Stratford, Connecticut will welcome back representatives and their “friends” from The Reptile Nook of Springfield, Massachusetts on Sunday, May 12 at 2 pm. The program is free and open to the public. Fascinating animal talk from guest speakers Jess and Zack Decoteau, animal keepers and educators from The Reptile Nook, will showcase a variety of reptiles for the program including Ralphie, the Bearded Dragon, Bluey, the Blue-Tongued Skink, Cream, the Corn Snake and Taco, the Cane Toad. The Reptile Nook is dedicated to teaching people of all ages about reptiles and amphibians hoping to help people both face their fears of these misunderstood creatures and to love and appreciate animals of all kinds.  “The…

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STRATFORD LIBRARY TEEN EVENTS IN MAY

Chocolate Attack! Mental Health Awareness Month: We’ll release any bad energy by breaking a GIANT chocolate bar & take home a little chocolate for yourself. You can also create your own aromatherapy diffuser with your personally created scent to bring the good energy home! Grades 6-12. No registration. Thursday 5/2 at 3:30-5:00 pm. Star Wars Anniversary Celebration We’re celebrating the 25th Anniversary of the Phantom Menace. Join us for movies, games, Star Wars Prizes, snacks & a good time with friends. Saturday 5/4 1:30-5:00 pm. Teen Open Art Hour Wednesday, 5/8 3:30-4:30. Calling all artists! Join us in the Teen Department to draw, paint, or sculpt whatever you like! We’ll provide all the supplies, you bring your artistic inspiration! No registration required.…

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