Bard Bites the Dust

The Stratford Bard, the Elm City Newspapers' news 'weakly,' has published its last. Elm City Newspapers is itself owned by the Yardley, Pa.-based Journal Register Co. (JRC), whose flagship daily is the New Haven Register. Other local weeklies similarly shuttered include the Milford Weekly, Shelton Weekly, Orange Bulletin, West Haven News and Hamden Chronicle.

Many daily newspaper companies are feeling severe financial stress, as the number of U.S. dailies continues to decline, from 2,400 eighty years ago to less than 14,000 today. But the JRC has been particularly mismanaged. In 2003 the company took on a mountain of debt to buy a newspaper group in Michigan -- about five minutes before the U.S. auto industry fell off a cliff. According to today's Yahoo! Finance snapshot, the company is showing debts of $646 million on annual revenues (trailing 12 months) of $428 million. Not good, people! And it's stock (de-listed by the NY Stock Exchange when it fell too low last year) was trading for $0.004 -- less than HALF A CENT. To place in perspective: This very day, you can buy a can of Diet Coke, or 200 shares of JRC stock. Personally, I think the soda is a better investment.

I teach a college course on this stuff, so I do tend to get up on a high horse in pontificating about media stuff. But here's what it means: Now Stratford has just one weekly, the Stratford Star (itself owned by a chain), and like many suburban chain-owned weeklies they basically have about one real news person covering town government. Now, in a town of 50,000, how can one person cover a town government that continues to get larger and more complex and where there are many places for people in government to hide information from the media -- and, by extension, from us. Of course, there's also the Connecticut Post (chain-owned, needless to say), but they are experiencing their own 'issues.'

Here's the point (alert: pontification ahead): a half-century ago most newspapers in Connecticut were owned by families who live and did business in their hometowns. If you didn't like something the paper printed, you could probably confront the publisher in the supermarket, or church, or at the country club, and give him (it was 99% 'hims') a piece of your mind. Now, almost all of the papers are owned by out-of-town chains who don;t give a $%#@ about Stratford or anywhere else -- they just want to Hoover the ad dollars out of mom-and-pop businesses. and when there are fewer media choices, readers and advertisers BOTH suffer.

— Michael Bingham

...and a fun time was had by all!

Warm wishes ('cause it was cold out!)were the standard at the doors of our neighbors while the eanrstwhile members of the OSNA caroling group trudged through the snow and slipped past the ice on Sundays' Holiday mission. Smiles and laughs from the childen made the event worthwhile as 8 - 10 people moved about and enjoyed harmonizing (sometimes) together to make sure everyone had a little extra cheer this year.
After the frigid minstrels completed their route, we all headed down Elm Street to the Tait's home where food and grog were the mainstay for warming the evening in a festive setting in their waonderfuly decorated home- thank you Bob and Alese Tait and family. It just doesn't get any better than to spend an evening with friends and neighbors! Some new faces were present (welcome to the neighborhood) and some of the usuals were there, too. All in all, the conversation and the fellowship of a neighborhood was the highlight of the evening that can only be matched by the continued warm wave and "Happy Holidays" wishes as we pass our neighbors in the street.
Happy Holidays to all.

Party Like It's (Almost) 2009!

1 P.M. DECEMBER 21 — Yes, the caroling party is still on for 4 p.m. today — with one possible variation: If it's still raining cats & dogs at four, we will proceed directly to the Taits home at 1492 Elm Street (just north of the condos) for the party part of the event. We can always carol indoors, and no one gets pneumonia. O Come, All Ye Faithful!

Hark! How the Bells...

Yup — it's that time again. Time to lift our voices (such as they are) in song to celebrate the season and make new friends at OSNA's annual Holiday Caroling Party. The festivities begin at 4 p.m. this Sunday atop Academy Hill where we'll meet, distribute songbooks and (electric) candles, then proceed around the neighborhood bringing good cheer to one and all.

When we're all caroled out (around 5:15, most likely) we will beat a hasty retreat to the home of OSNA Treasurer Bob Tait and his lovely family at 1492 Elm Street for refreshments, fellowship and maybe the Taits will even invite us into their hot tub (probably not — but whatever).

Bundle up, and bring a friend!

Stratford Neighbors Worry About Crime

The Connecticut Post reports: Residents in the town's Academy Hill historic district are venting concerns about a rash of home and motor vehicle break-ins, vandalism, teenage gangs and strangers casing their neighborhood.

At a forum organized Tuesday night by the Old Stratford Neighborhood Association, about 75 neighborhood residents told police about their growing uneasiness about a rise in crime over the last six months.

The meeting was scheduled after OSNA President Michael Bingham and his wife Nancy Monk returned Nov. 29 from a Thanksgiving holiday out of town to find their historic Elm Street home ransacked with "virtually every portable item of value stolen," Bingham said.

"I would ask whether we can feel safe," said Jane Kirby, a Meadow Street resident who pointed out there has been a rise in the number of boarding houses in the area.

While police officials denied there has been a community crime wave, they advised residents takes measures to safeguard their security, such as locking doors, using burglary alarms and light sensors, calling police at the first sign of trouble, and reviving the Crime Watch program.

....

Some residents said they felt as though they were being blamed for their concerns about crime.
"I'm starting to feel a little annoyed,' said the Rev. Robert Stuhlmann, pastor of Christ Episcopal Church. "I'm getting the feeling that we're being told we're too stupid, that it's our fault. Well, many of us cannot afford elaborate alarm systems."

Ramos responded, "We're not blaming anyone. We're just trying to raise awareness that cooperation and safety measures are keys to preventing crime."

Mayor James R. Miron, however, told residents, "There is a level of personal responsibility. You want to doing everything you can to tell criminals they're not welcome in your neighborhood."

To read the full article, go to http://www.connpost.com/ci_11185918

So Much for 'No Crime Spree'

OSNA President Michael Bingham writes: Quite the irony that while 70 of us were sitting in Christ Church last evening listening to the police tell us that the increase in criminal activity in the neighborhood was mainly a figment of our imaginations, there were two house break-ins in the vicinity of White Street. During our meeting.

The Stratford P.D. sent its community affairs officer, Bobby Ramos, to represent the department and mollify worried neighbors. While Ramos was affable and quick on his feet, he seemed to know little about our neighborhood or the specifics of any of the recent crimes. Questions about the Harry Rosen House left him speechless. In fairness, Academy Hill is not his beat (he is assigned to the South End). I got the idea he didn't really even know anything about our break-in.

Ramos was quick to defend his department's response time to calls. But when Paul Joy called last week about the quick-moving teenage gangs moving through Broad and White Street yards, he said no one showed up for 15 minutes — hardly the urgency needed to apprehend fast-moving kids on foot (which they didn't).

Many of Ramos suggestions obviously have merit: lock your car, lock your house, install motion sensors, get an alarm system. But most neighbors I talked with were adamant about the need for increased neighborhood patrols and overall police visibility, as well as — yes, it's true — better response times to calls.

His best suggestion is one we can all agree with: If you see anything at all suspicious, call the police.

Full House at Crime Watch Meeting

Many thanks to all who attended the Crime Watch meeting last night. There were over 70 concerned neighbors in attendance, including Stratford's very own Mayor Miron.

As secretary of OSNA, I was disappointed to miss the meeting (conflicts with baby's bedtime are tough!), but am so proud to know that our neighborhood is taking a stand against this recent crime "epidemic." As a new mother, I feel safer knowing that all my neighbors are on the lookout for suspicious people and activity. A safe, quiet, warm neighborhood was one of the reasons we chose to move here two years ago.

I know Paul, Michael or Ann will post more about the meeting later today, but for now, here are some pictures from Paul and some tips for avoiding robberies this holiday season. Wishing you all the best for a safe and happy holiday!

Tips on Avoiding Robberies this Holiday Season

Police say people should be careful during the holidays to avoid tempting burglars and other thieves. Beth Stevenson, New Bern police spokeswoman, said homeowners should be careful in displaying expensive gifts and decorations. “It is enticing for would-be burglars,” Stevenson said.

She said people should not leave empty boxes that contained expensive items such as electronics or computers at curbside for pickup. Stevenson suggests breaking down the boxes and putting them in garbage bags or taking them to a recycling center.

Diane Miller, Havelock public information coordinator, also has some tips.

• Do not discourage their pooches from barking when strangers approach their home.
• Windows and doors should be locked when leaving home. “
• Ask neighbors to park their car at your house when you are away. Have them pickup your mail and newspaper.
• Keep bushes and trees trimmed so the landscape does not provide useful cover or hiding places for intruders.
• Disable or lock access to the garage.
• Report suspicious activity or people to local law enforcement.

For additional tips on crime prevention go to:
http://wcco.com/seenon/holiday.robbery.Christmas.2.372882.html

Man Held in Stratford Car Break-Ins

The Connecticut Post reports: A local man has been charged with burglarizing nearly a dozen cars in town Sunday.

Derek Tournas, 25, of Reeds Lane, was charged Sunday with five counts of third-degree burglary, five counts of fourth-degree larceny, four counts of sixth-degree larceny and one count each of third-degree larceny, resisting arrest and possession of burglary tools. He is being held in lieu of $46,500 bond.

The arrest follows a complaint to police shortly after 5 a.m. Sunday that a man was shining a flashlight into vehicles parked in driveways in the area of Sunflower Avenue and Salvia Street.

Click here to read the full article: http://www.connpost.com/localnews/ci_11170110

Theater Reopening Remains in Limbo

The Connecticut Post reports: Numerous speakers, including several members of the town's Arts Commission, urged the Town Council Monday night not to plan on raising the curtain at the long shuttered Shakespeare Theater just yet.

At least, they said, not under the current plan by Rhode Island theater producer Bill Hanney, owner of Theater By the Sea in Matunik.

The opponents told the council it should reject a request by Hanney for $600,000 in additional funds to the $2.5 million already allocated...

Read the entire story at: http://www.connpost.com/localnews/ci_11172625

Crime Watch Meeting Tonight @ 8pm

OSNA will be hosting a Crime Watch organizational meeting this evening, Tuesday, December 9 at 8:00 pm at Christ Episcopal Church. Please join us to learn how to make our neighborhood safer.

Don't let our neighborhood be the preferred shopping place for thieves!

Meet Retired Officer Jack Cratty- President of Stratford Crime Watch, and Stratford Police Liaison Officer Bobby Ramos to discuss the latest issues and how we can all get involved. Refreshments will be provided.

Crime Watch says: Our recommendation to all citizens who see a crime in progress or notice suspicious activity is to observe and report from a place of safety. We strongly suggest that you not confront an offender unless you are in immediate danger. This applies to you and your neighbors. We do not want anyone to get hurt or injured trying to apprehend an offender or interfering with an incident other than to report the activity to the police. If you or your neighbors witness a crime in progress call 911 (emergency) or if suspicious or unusual behavior is observed, 385-4100 (non-emergency).

Arts Commission Urges Rejection of Add'l Theater Funds

The Stratford Star reports: Members of the Arts Commission and the nearly two dozen people who attended its public hearing Wednesday night are urging the Town Council not to bond extra money for a project speakers said lacks a plan, commitment and a love of the arts, among other shortcomings.

The Town Council is scheduled to vote Monday on bonding an additional $600,000 toward renovating the Shakespeare Theatre, in part to cover costs unanticipated by developer Bill Hanney because prevailing wages must be paid to workers on the project. The meeting starts at 8 p.m. in Council Chambers, after the public comment portion that starts at 6:45 p.m.

To read the full article, click here.

Little-Noticed Neighborhood Landmark Is, Um, Noticed

Read all about Connecticut's (supposedly) smallest public park that you totally didn't even know existed even though you've driven right by it, like, a gazillion times! The truth will set you free: http://www.connpost.com/ci_11156533

Tour Historic Homes

It's this Sunday — the second annual Historic Home Tour to benefit Sterling House Community Center. See some of our neighborhood's most distinguished homes in all their holiday finery! The event is noon to 3 p.m. Sunday (12/7), and tickets are just $25 if you buy them today (they'll be $30 day of event). Call Sterling House at 378-2606.

Lawsuit Looms over 12-step House

The Connecticut Post reports: About a dozen current and former residents of an East Broadway half-way house for recovering alcoholics and drug addicts clashed with neighbors this week at a public hearing over whether more than just the 15 house residents can attend 12-step meetings in a new barn on the property.

Residents of the Harry Rosen House and their sponsors made impassioned pleas to the Board of Zoning Appeals late Tuesday asking that the 12-step meetings be open to more than the 15 house residents allowed under BZA approval granted in September. They asked that as many as 35 sponsors, alumni and guests also be allowed at the meetings.

The board, however, voted 4-1 to deny the request without prejudice.

As result, Rosen House officials now plan to "file legal action in federal court under the Americans with Disabilities Act and the Federal Fair Housing Act that I believe we will prevail on," said John Colleran, the lawyer representing the house at 859 East Broadway.

To read the full article, go to http://www.connpost.com/localnews/ci_11139693

OSNA organizes Crime Watch for the Historic District

Stratford Crime Watch President Jack Cratty and Officer Bobby Ramos - Police Department Liasion will hold a Crime Watch organizational meeting hosted by OSNA Tuesday, December 9 at 8:00PM at Christ Church on Main Street.

I attended the Crime Watch meeting at the police station last night and the buzz was all about the recent rash of crime in our neighborhood. Since the early part of October there have neen several break-in, numerous reports of strange persons trespassing at night in peoples yards, cars broken into, etc. Even last night a car was broken into at the Milford Bank parking lot, clearly visible only about 15 feet from Main Street!

Please, tell your neighbors and friends to attend this meeting (lock your house and car when you come!). A safe neighborhood won't happen unless we're all involved. If you are unable to attend but would like more information on this issue, please email me. We will be compiling a phone list for a calling tree and an email list for additional up to date info.

Crime Watch says:
Remember: Our recommendation to all citizens who see a crime in progress or notice suspicious activity is to observe and report from a place of safety. We strongly suggest that you not confront an offender unless you are in immediate danger. This applies to you and your neighbors. We do not want anyone to get hurt or injured trying to apprehend an offender or interfering with an incident other than to report the activity to the police. If you or your neighbors witness a crime in progress call 911 (emergency) or if suspicious or unusual behavior is observed, 385-4100 (non-emergency).

Red Alert! It’s a time for giving…. Not taking!

Lock up your doors, your cars and anything of value! If you worked for it; you purchased it; and you own it, it looks like they’ll steal it. Watch for a group (or groups) of kids in the neighborhood that don’t belong there.

I came home Monday night to find 2 Hispanic kids (I saw them clearly) coming out of my backyard and then the motion sensor light I installed went on, meaning they didn’t go into the yard they were coming out of it! Where they were coming from I don’t know- another yard or another street, it doesn’t matter. They shouldn’t have been in my backyard! When they saw me, they ran and met up with 6 -7 others who all ran up White Street and disappeared into the maze of backyards between Broad and Judson.

When police were summoned by me, my wife and the Griffins (White Street) they finally showed up about 15 minutes later. No sign of the kids even though I was following 2 of them I caught up to on East Broadway. I lost sight of them behind Colonial Plaza when I went to get the cops and let them know where they were.

This is on the heels of several robberies (totally unpublicized!) as well as the arrest of one person for trespassing on vacant property in the neighborhood!

Join me tonight, 12/3 at 7:00 pm, at the Crime Watch meeting at the Police station, 900 Longbrook, 2nd floor training room. Crime watch group or vigilantes- we need to start protecting or homes!


(Read more about the most recent break in at: http://www.connpost.com/localnews/ci_11121937 )

Public Forum on Shakespeare Theater: Wednesday, December 3

This Wednesday, December 3rd, at 7:30pm at Christ Episcopal Church, the Arts Commission will be holding a public forum concerning the Shakespeare Theater. The Commission will be discussing the issue of the request for more bonding and contract negotiations with the developer. All are welcome and encouraged to attend.

ALERT: Major Neighborhood Crime

The 1745 Curtis home at 2134 Elm Street (otherwise known as the "leaning house" -- the red house on the southeast corner of Elm and Broad) was broken into Friday night (11/28-29). Virtually everything portable item of value was stolen: heirloom jewelry from three generations of Nancy Monk's family, more than $10,000 worth of musical instruments and many electronic items including computers, and XBox 360, cell phones, modems, a DVD plater, games, DVDs and more.

The thieves apparently knew that owners Nancy Monk and Michael Bingham were out of town, because they took their time ransacking the home, going through every drawer of every desk and bureau in the house. Entry was apparently gained by breaking down the back door.

The crime was discovered when the owners returned home about 1 p.m. Saturday.

The Bingham-Monks are offering a reward for information leading to recovery of the missing items or the apprehension of those who committed the crime.

The Elm Street crime follows close on the heels on previous attempted break-ins in the neighborhood (see previous posts below).

If you have any information about this crime please call Michael Bingham or Nancy Monk at 378-7725.