Doors of Perception

Our awesome new(ish) neighbor and graphic artiste extraordinaire Whitney Mercurio has created a beautiful set of notecards featuring photographs of some of our neighborhood's most distinguished doors. To say they are beautiful does not quite do them justice -- and they're here right in time for holiday gift-giving! Just $20 for a set of 13. They'll be for sale at Sunday's post-caroling party, or e-mail us through the OSNA blog (that is, THIS site).

Lift Every Voice

Yup, it's that time of year again -- time for the annual OSNA Caroling Party! We'll meet atop Academy Hill (next to Stonehenge) at 4 p.m., then terrorize the neighborhood with seasonal songs. Fun for the whole family! We may even have snow! Refreshments to follow at 2134 Elm Street (entrance in rear). Be there -- aloha!

Holiday House Tour

Sterling House News

Holiday House Tour/Mistletoe Mansion - 2009 November 21st, 2009

Sunday, Dec. 6^th: Holiday House Tour, 2-4 pm; Tickets: $15; featuring 5 distinctive seaside homes in the Lordship area of Stratford; Mistletoe Mansion, 4-7 pm at Sterling House; Tickets: $25; join us for a festive evening of holiday carolers, elegant Hors D’oeuvres, select wines and beer, chocolate fountain, desserts and a Silent Auction filled with theme gift baskets, gift certificates and sports tickets; Purchase tickets for both events at a discount of $35; Tickets now n sale at Sterling House, 2283 Main Street, Stratford; for more information contact Patty Calabrese at Ext. 107; VISA, MC, AMEX accepted.

Stratford Center Holiday Festival

A new venue for Stratford Center is upon us this Holiday Season! Please join all the Downtown merchants in welcoming the Holidays on Wednesday, December 2. From 4pm to 8pm Main Street will be closed at East Broadway to Linden Streets and the entire Center will be alive with the Spirits of the Season!

Performing will be: the Stratford High Choir; strolling carolers, the Coastal Chordsmen and many others. Join the merchants and residents for a tree lighting at Milford Bank and hot cocoa and cookies at the event tent. Special discount coupons will be given out for participating restaurants. There will also be a fire engine for the kids to see and plenty of elves running around. Who else may the elves bring with them? Stop by and see!

For more information please call the Stratford Department of Economic Development @ 381-1351.

Your Voices Wanted

Dear OSNA Members and Readers,

On behalf of the Old Stratford Neighborhood Association, the Officers and Members wish to congratulate Mayor-elect John Harkins; Councilman-elect Chris Barnaby (R-1); Councilman-elect Stephanie Philips (D-2); and Councilman-elect Matt Catalano (R-3) on their recent election victories in our town.

In order for OSNA to serve its membership better, we are asking for your feedback and opinions. We are encouraging our neighbors to post some of the most important issues pertinent to the Historic District, inclusive of both the Local and Federal area districts. This vicinity encompasses the areas from the North side of East Broadway, from Main Street (both sides) to Ferry Boulevard; and south to Minor Cross.

Please add your thoughts in the comments section below. This survey will run until Sunday, November 15 at which time a letter will be drafted to our new representatives for inclusion in their action items for the town in general.

Thank you all in advance for your participation! We look forward to hearing from you!

Stratford Mayoral Race Overshadows Town Council Races

By Richard Weizel , STAFF WRITER of Connecticut Post

STRATFORD -- While the intense mayor's race, one of the hottest in the region, has dominated the headlines and attention during this year's municipal campaign, the entire 10-member Town Council is also up for re-election -- with only two incumbents seeking re-election to the current 7-3 GOP majority.

Only Republicans John Dempsey, R-5, and William Stroomer, R-7, are seeking re-election to the 10-member panel, as Council Chairman Mike Henrick, R-10, and Minority Leader Alvin O'Neal, D-2, cannot run again after serving three consecutive terms. Council Majority Leader Michael Julian, R-1 and Parliamentarian Joseph Kubic, R-9, are not seeking re-election.

Under the Town Charter candidates must step down after three two-yearterms, but can run again after sitting out one term.

What it all means is if Democratic Mayor James R. Miron does hold off his three challengers, he might have the chance for the first time since he was elected the town's first mayor in 2005 to work with a Democratic majority on the council.

"That would be very important," Miron said. "The Republicans have been obstructionists and if I had a Democratic-controlled council we get far more accomplished for the good of the town."

But it also means if Republican candidate Rep. John Harkins wins, he could be forced to work with a Democratic council, in much the same way Miron has had to work with a GOP-controlled council the past four years.

"I certainly hope if I am elected we also have a Republican majority," Harkins said. "But during my thirteen years serving as a state representative I have been able to reach across the aisle and work with Democrats on some very important issues. I believe that is one of my strengths as a government servant, and am willing to work with who ever is elected to the council."

And, if either independent candidate Domenic Costello or George Mulligan were to gain election, they would have to work with a council represented by Republicans and Democrats they have been critical of during the campaign.

"That wouldn't be a problem for me," said Costello. "I believe a good idea can come from anyone, no matter what party affiliation they have. I'm willing to listen to good ideas from people in both (major) political parties."

CT Post Covers Forum: Stratford Mayoral Hopefuls Face Off

STRATFORD -- Topics ranging from the Shakespeare Theater to school test scores and controlling taxes were on the table Tuesday, as the town's four mayoral candidates squared off in a debate that grew heated at times.

More than 100 people attended the approximately 90-minute debate, co-sponsored by the Old Stratford Neighborhood Association and Save Stratford, held in the Christ Episcopal Church parish house on Main Street and moderated by Sheldon Gerarden.

Questions posed to candidates probed the "bickering" among city leaders, economic development in town, the concept of an expansion at Sikorsky Memorial Airport and especially the long-shuttered theater.

Incumbent James R. Miron, the town's first mayor, is seeking a second four-year term and stressed the town's upgraded bond rating and budget surpluses for three consecutive years under his leadership.

Republican challenger John Harkins, a state representative for the past 13 years, accused Miron of nepotism and deceptive dealings, which he said have been the brunt of comments from leaders in Hartford and elsewhere.

"Ladies and gentlemen, we've been a laughingstock," Harkins said. "That's what I'm looking to change. I'm here to fire this mayor. He hires political allies and friends and then backs away. Morale is low. We need sunshine. If I'm elected mayor, the buck stops here, with me. I will work every day to restore the public trust in government."

Harkins also said Miron has never taken responsibility for his missteps and has been a polarizing presence in town. Miron countered that candidates say many things while campaigning, but not all of them are true.

"Stratford is better today than it was four years ago," he said. "This is a town where people love living. I think I deserve another opportunity. I don't think the town can afford to (fire me). We've got to stay the course with the strong leadership and proven results that I've provided."

Members of the Republican-majority Town Council "have played Whack-a-mole with me as the mayor every time they got a chance," he added. "I think the new Town Council ... will be starting with the right people for moving this town forward."

Miron said Harkins was unaware of many details, and reliant on campaign workers to give him talking points.

Independent candidate Domenic Costello, a successful small businessman who funds the majority of his own campaign, said he'd focus on being the people's voice, after gaining a "consensus" from locals by holding regular meetings and hearing from them.

"I have no political agenda," he said. "I do it because of you, the people. I could make a difference for you."

George Mulligan, another independent, said news reports and politicians have been ignoring the big issues, which include contracts, lawyers who are "milking" the town and unfunded pensions.

"There's a pension tsunami that's going to happen," he warned. "I'm trying to bring facts out to people who really don't pay attention to local politics."

http://www.connpost.com/ci_13606208?IADID=Search-www.connpost.com-www.connpost.com#

Mayoral Candidates Forum a Success

Gentlemanly attitudes and gracious smiles turned to heated discussions and accusations between some of the Mayoral candidates at Tuesday evening's standing-room-only OSNA Mayoral Forum at Christ Church. With the clear edge on the lay-of-the-land in both the Historic District of town and the overall neighborhood, incumbent James Miron set his feet and took some harsh blows from the other Mayoral candidates. Republican candidate State Representative John Harkins (R-120) lashed out at Miron for his mailings regarding Harkins’ stance on the Shakespeare/Hanney contract, saying he never said he would sign that contract. And that that campaigning is misleading and a lie.

We saw retail politics at its best last night though. Jim Miron extolled the virtues of his first four years as our first mayor; John Harkins told the crowd of the negative reasons he joined this race, how he had been asked to run before. However, after speaking to a friend, he had to commit to the race. He stated “People hate their Town, and want to move out.” Dom Costello talked about how politics in the town doesn’t work with the two-party system and how it’s time for an independent voice. And George Mulligan explained our overspending on the town pensions.
Harkins was unclear with his vision on the Shakespeare Theater; while Miron and Costello are clear to get rid of Hanney and begin anew with the contract work.

Attacks were aimed against Miron all evening, but none of the other candidates seemed to give any elements of why they would a better leader for our Town. No one except Miron told how they would change things to make it better. There was a clear attacking of the incumbent instead of the others showing their strength; the voters know what doesn’t work. The question remained: what will these other candidates do for the taxpayers?

Overall Miron has become the first mayor, and has molded himself with the freshly made genre of the new town charter bringing Stratford into the future. Even as far as quoting Ronald Reagan: “Are we better now than we were four years ago?” Harkins tried to convince people they are not happy, and the town needs help and he’s the State Lawmaker who can do it. Costello wants to listen to, and work for the people. And, George Mulligan, "town gadfly," wanted to simply educate the Town on hidden agendas.

Miron told the group how he grew up in the Historic area and in Stratford. He told the gathering of his love for his hometown and his desire to lead for another four years. John Harkins, on the other hand, praised the Save Stratford group for their work and told the group how he loved the Paradise Green area of Town. (Did he forget who was hosting last night’s forum?!)

Thank you from OSNA and Save Shakespeare to all the candidates who participated in this event. Special thanks to all the OSNA officers and members who helped at the Forum; especially Shelly Gerarden for moderating and Ann Jackson for timekeeping.

OSNA Mayoral Candidates Forum: October 20th, 7:30pm

The Old Stratford Neighborhood Association (OSNA), in conjunction with the group Save Shakespeare, will host a Mayoral Candidates Forum. The event will take place at 7:30 p.m. on Tuesday, October 20 in the parish house of Christ Episcopal Church, 2000 Main Street.

Democratic incumbent James Miron, Republican primary winner John Harkins and independent candidates Dom Costello and George Mulligan have all accepted invitations to participate.

“The Old Stratford Neighborhood has traditionally been engaged in the civic life of our town,” said OSNA President Michael Bingham. “Our members and neighbors count on our neighborhood group to help them the information they need to make important decisions about issue confronting our neighborhood and our community. Our Candidates Forum is an important part of that mission.”

The event, which will be moderated by Sheldon Gerarden, is free and open to the public.

Square One Theater Celebrates 20th Anniversary

SQUARE ONE THEATRE Celebrates Its 20th Anniversary with Charles Grodin’s The Right Kind of People, A.R. Gurney’s Love Letters and Helen Edmundson’s The Clearing

Celebrating the milestone of its 20th Anniversary, Square One Theatre’s Artistic Director Tom Holehan has announced that its 2009-2010 Season will feature Charles Grodin’s all-too-real comedy of bad manners, The Right Kind of People; A.R. Gurney’s funny and touching Love Letters and Helen Edmundson’s stirring and riveting Irish drama, The Clearing.

For ticket reservations and/or information call 203.375.8778 or visit: www.squareonetheatre.com

Army Engine Plant Sale Gets Green Light

The Connecticut Post reports: A federal judge gave the green light Monday for the sale of the Army Engine Plant to Hollywood East and the transfer of a nearby acre of land to Bridgeport and the Federal Aviation Administration for the extension of a safety zone at Sikorsky Memorial Airport.

Senior U.S. District Judge Charles S. Haight Jr. lifted his April-imposed stays and denied what some say was a desperate political attempt by Stratford Republicans to throw a wrench into the impending sale. That attempt surfaced in the form of a motion to intervene filed by Kevin Kelly and Garrett A. Denniston on behalf of the Stratford Water Pollution Control Authority, which claims a portion of their sanitary sewer system would be rendered inaccessible if Bridgeport receives the acre.

Stratford Mayor James Miron agreed the effort was "without question a political attempt by (Stratford's) Republican leadership to obstruct the progress we have made at all costs. Thankfully, it didn't work."

To read the full article, go to: http://www.connpost.com/ci_13492615?IADID=Search-www.connpost.com-www.connpost.com

Awesomeness To Ensue

Fabuloso New York jazz chanteuse Darby Dizard is coming to Stratford to perform a September 12 benefit concert for the Perry House Foundation. Her newest CD, Down for You, has been described as "lovely, voluptuous, animated, talented, sonorous, certainly sexy, & compelling" (The Musicians' Ombudsman). 

The Night on the Town event kicks off with a 7 p.m. Champagne cocktail party on Main Street in front of the Stratford Theatre. The concert itself begins at 8 p.m., followed by coffees and desserts at the Perry House. All this for just $50, and because the Perry House Foundation is a 501(c)3 non-profit, the ticket price is tax-deductible ("as allowed by law").

Tickets are for sale at the Shell Station Restaurant and Clough's Hardware, or call 377-3779 or 378-2254.

Don't delay — buy your tickets today!

Stratford Arts Festival: "6 Great Performances, 1 Crazy Weekend"

Join neighbors and friends for the first annual Stratford Arts Festival right here in our backyard (The Stratford Festival Theater, of course!). Line-up includes:

• Friday: Art Show (6pm), Quickies in the Park (8pm), Clarity in Motion (9:15pm)


• Saturday: Children's Workshop (2pm), Art Show (6pm), Hamlet (8pm)


• Sunday: The Lion, The Witch, and the Wardrobe (2pm), Art Show (6pm), Hamlet (8pm)

Hope to see you there!

For more information, go to http://www.stratfordstage.org/

Mass Transit or Trojan Horse?

Okay, here's something you guys need to know about: Yours truly has been asked to serve on a steering committee to assist the town's Planning Commission in figuring out how to spend a $50,000 private foundation grant to explore the potential for promoting a "village-type mixed-use development" in the vicinity of the Stratford Train Station. The general idea, as far as I can gather, is is to create apartments or condos within walking distance (tentatively defined as a half-mile) of the train station for 20- and 30-somethings who commute by rail. The benefits would be:

• Help revitalize Stratford Center

• Grow the tax base

• Attract more younger singles and families.

The downside is, obviously, higher population density in or near the Historic District (Trojan Horse!).

Now, obviously a measly $50K isn't going to create some new development -- it's only to pay some "consultant" (nice work if you can get it) to envision what this development might look like and where it could be sited. At last night's inaugural committee meeting, the Stratford Square shopping plaza was one site that was mentioned.

Now, I must admit I have major philosophical problems with the underlying premise that more people will be forced onto mass transit because the government plans to make it artificially too expensive to drive (see? I already can't help myself). However, I figure it's better for the neighborhood to have a voice (actually we have two — Historic District Commission Chairman Tom Yemm of Broad Street was also at the meeting).

But my presence on this august body will only be meaningful if you guys let me know how you feel about this issue and whether OSNA should be supporters, opponents or benign observers. Please e-mail me at mbingham@conntact.com or phone me at 378-7725.

Yr humble servant,

Michael Bingham

Public SaveStratford.org Meeting TONIGHT, June 23rd at 6:30pm

From SaveStratford.org:

By now you have heard or read the stories in the local newspapers regarding the illegal excavation of toxic Raymark waste on East Main Street and the potential exposure of an entire 1st grade class from Wilcoxson elementary school to airborne toxic materials. Click here to read the story.

The fact that this incident even happened and the fact that the Town of Stratford did not notify the surrounding community or Wilcoxson Elementary School until four to five days after this took place (long after the 1st grade field trip that walked within yards of the excavation) is simply unacceptable.

Please join SaveStratford at the upcoming public meeting this Tuesday evening (June 23rd) at 6:30pm at the Birdseye Municipal Complex (468 Birdseye Street, Room 110) to tell the EPA, State DEP and our Mayor that they need to provide Stratford with a fully funded comprehensive clean-up plan that removes a significant amount of the Toxic Raymark Waste from our town.

It's time to demand a better plan for Stratford. We need many voices in order to get the attention of decision makers - your voice will make a difference.

Sincerely,
The Members of SaveStratford.org

Congrats, Class of '09!

By coincidence (we suppose), the ol' neighborhood has a surfeit of vintage 1991 babies who are no longer babies. Oh, baby! And now they're graduating from high school and about to leave home in just a few short weeks. Oh, yes — and they're all boys (must have been something in the water)! What will we do without them?

The new graduates include (but are not limited to):

• Paolo Perez (above, left) of the Elm Street (and East Broadway) Perezes. The oldest of three brothers, this talented Stratford High grad is headed off to Hofstra University.

• Joe Rooney of the Shore Drive Rooneys, also the oldest of three brothers (and one sister). This Notre Dame/Fairfield grad is following in the footsteps of his father, attorney Chris, by enrolling in the University of Virginia.

• Chris Monk (at left, above right) of the Elm Street ("leaning house") Bingham-Monks. The oldest of one boy, Chris just graduated from Fairfield Prep, and like his BFF Joe Rooney (actually, they're all BFFs) is heading down to the heart of the Confederacy to study international business at the University of South Carolina.

• Nick Vazquez (at right, above right) of Birdseye Street (okay, technically not in "Old Stratford," but close enough) is about to graduate from Stratford High and, like these boys' former St. James basketball teammate Drew Massey of Lordship, will enroll at UConn/Storrs in the fall.

Congrats one and all — we'll miss you!

Remembering Richard Slater

Family and many friends will gather tomorrow from 3 to 5 p.m. at the Pistey Funeral Home, 2155 Main Street, to pay respects to Richard Slater, who passed away last Friday at Bridgeport Hospital. He was 89. Richard and his wife of 66 years, Joyce, lived for many year in the Elm Street saltbox they had made into a neighborhood jewel.

Born in Orange, N.J., he lived in Stratford most of his life before moving to Crosby Commons in Shelton two years ago. He opened and operated Dick's Magic Kitchen in Stratford for years before becoming house manager of the Shakespeare Theater until his retirement.

His warmth, humor and unfailing good cheer made him a beloved figure in the neighborhood. We will miss him terribly.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to a college scholarship fund to be established in Richard's memory for a Stratford student majoring in theater. Donations to the fund may be made to: Richard Slater Scholarship Fund, c/o Atty. Peter Kaiser, 1136 Broadbridge Ave., Stratford, CT 06615.

Perry House Rocks

The board of directors of the Perry House Foundation Inc. begins a new approach to fundraising for Stratford's historic Perry House with three unique events.

In recognition of Stratford's diverse population, three 2009 events will focus on three countries to which so many town families trace their roots.

The first event, to take place May 16, will celebrate the contributions made to American culture by Italian immigrants and will focus on the exciting aspects of their heritage. The party, called Celebrazione Italia, will be about all those gifts  Amercians have come to love — the wonderful food, art, wines, music and intellectual achievement.

The event will take place at the Perry House & Visitors Center, 1128 West Broad Street. Biagio Barone of Biagio's Osteria & Wine Bar will provide wonderful foods, and chef Anthony Deluca of Lord Chamberlain will present a Venetian table. Guest will enjoy a selection of fine Italian wines and cordials, and Italian music will add to the special theme.

On July 18, the Foundation will host an event honoring those of Irish descent. Plans are underway for that festival as well as for an autumn event featuring a focus on Russian culture.

To learn more, please call the Pery House at 377-3779.

Shakespeare Theater Plan Dead Again

The Connecticut Post reports: Like a character in a long-running tragedy, a plan by a Rhode Island developer to revive the Shakespeare Theater appears to be dead, the latest in a serious of failed attempts over 21 years to re-open the Elm Street showcase.

Town Attorney Richard Buturla recommended Monday night to the Town Council that it reject what he called theater producer Bill Hanney's "final contract offer" changed at the last minute by Hanney to exclude key provisions that protects the town, and adds language that puts the town at serious financial risk.

"There are serious changes in what Mr. Hanney and Mr. Knott (attorney for Hanney Barry Knott) indicate is their final contract proposal that would put the town in great jeopardy."

While the council did not vote on the recommendation, Mayor James R. Miron said the 11th hour changes by the developer are "completely unacceptable," and that "you could put a gun to my head and I will never sign this contract."

To read the full article, go to: http://www.connpost.com/ci_12033161

Shakespeare Theater Meeting: April 2nd at 7:00pm

On April 2nd at 7:00pm, the Arts Commission will have a meeting at Christ Episcopal Church regarding the Shakespeare Theater contract brought forth by the developer. This meeting will be one of the last chances before the council votes for neighbors to make their voices heard.

A Taste Of Stratford

Join the Stratford Visiting Nurses at their annual fundraiser and taste the best food in Town! Thursday April 2, 2009. All proceeds from the event are used to support their programs and to provide home care services to area residentswho are uninsured or unable to afford care. Stratford VNA is a non-profit group and has served Stratford and the neighboring towns since 1919. Visit their website for additional details and photos http://www.stratfordvna.org/

Wild Things

Master conservationist David Wright will discuss "Conservation in the 21st Century" at 10 a.m. this Saturday, February 21, at the Perry House, 1128 West Broad Street. Mr. Wright will explore the evolution of attitudes about wildlife in America in the four centuries since the dawn of European colonization as humans have evolved culturally and socially. He will also discuss the effects of farming and manufacturing that led to the extinction of some species and what has been done in Connecticut. Sponsored by the Perry House Foundation, the event is open to the public and free. To learn more, call the Perry House at 377-3779.

Local Restaurant News

Stratford Center: Looks like a "For Lease" sign has changed. The old Reality Cafe has been leased. Rumor has it an English Pub is coming soon. The old Ciao Restaurant has several new prospects being interviewed by the landlord. We'll keep our fingers crossed there.

Paradise Green: Welcome to the new Dunkin Donuts. Also look for a remodel in Paradise Pizza. A newly renovated lounge/bar area for you to enjoy while waiting, as well as a new take-out space are in the works. Should be done shortly.

Other areas: Vallarta Grill & Cantina on Barnum Avenue (across from Burger King) is no more. Welcome to the new "Stratford Restaurant". Udates on the cuisine to follow.

Please patronize our local merchants: restaurants, stores, salons and others.

We'll Take a Cup o' Kindness Yet

Burns night is almost here — and you're invited! Celebrate the 250th birthday of Scottish poet Robert Burns this Saturday, January 31 at 6 p.m. in the Christ Church parish hall, 2000 Main Street. It's pot luck: Bring a Scottish dish (mashed turnips, mashed potatos, fish of some sort, short breads, the haggis is provided, favorite Scottish drink for your toast). In the spirit of the famously frugal Scots, admission is just $3 — such a deal! There's revelry and music — If you play an instrument, and would like to rehearse, come to the parish hall on Friday Eve at 7:30 p.m.