The Westport Community Theatre presents The Miracle Worker, a Tony Award-winner for Best Play and the dramatic story of a young Helen Keller, on weekends from Friday, Nov. 27 through Sunday, Dec. 13. Keller, deaf, blind and mute as a child, eventually achieved many notable accomplishments as author, political activist and lecturer. She lived the latter part of her life in Easton, near the Westport town line.

Stratford’s Richard Mancini and Nora Watson are part of the cast and crew bringing this triumphant story of the human spirit to life. Mancini, who directs the play written by William Gibson, and has cast Watson as Helen Keller.

“Profoundly moving” is how the New York Times described the play, which portrays the touching evolution of a life-changing breakthrough for the young Helen Keller. “We are excited to produce this family-oriented show during the holidays,” said Mancini. “Audiences will be inspired by this powerful story that tugs at one’s heartstrings.”

The play premiered on Broadway in 1959 with Patty Duke as Helen Keller and Anne Bancroft as Annie Sullivan. It won the Tony Award for Best Play and was later made into a film adaptation in 1962. Nora Watson, a fourth grader and student of dance and voice, is making her debut as Helen Keller at WCT. She has enjoyed roles in Oliver, Annie, A Christmas Carol and Gypsy. Emma LaPlace, cast as Annie Sullivan, is a senior at Fairfield Ludlow High School. She has performed in Rabbit Hole and Arcadia with WCT and is a member of Downtown Cabaret Theatre’s Main Stage/Children’s Companies and Fairfield Teen Theatre.

Mancini returns to WCT after directing last season’s It’s a Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play, and previously The Crucible, The Woman In Black, Broadway Bound, The Man Who Came to Dinner and Lost in Yonkers among others. Mancini has also directed many shows at other area theatres including Stamford’s Curtain Call, Wilton Playshop, Eastbound Theatre, Town Players of New Canaan and the Darien Arts Center.

Produced by arrangement with Samuel French, Inc. the WCT cast also includes Glenn Ghirardi, Tondrea Mabins, Sam Mink, Elayne Mordoff, John Pyron, and Dene Whitaker. Ann Baker is stage manager.

The Miracle Worker performances are from Nov. 27 through Dec. 13, on Fridays and Saturdays, at 8 p.m., and 2 p.m. on Sundays, with a Thursday performance on Dec. 3, at 8 p.m. Tickets are $23, $21 for seniors and students, and may be purchased at westportcommunitytheatre.com or by calling 203-226-1983. Westport Community Theatre is located at 110 Myrtle Avenue in Westport.

Emma LaPlace as Annie Sullivan and Nora Watson as Helen Keller in the WCT production of The Miracle Worker.

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The Post Road in downtown Fairfield will be transformed into a Magical Chanukah Village on Sunday, Dec. 6, from 1:30-4:15 p.m.

The event features Chanukah Prize Wheel, Judah the Macabee, Chanukah Nails, Crafts, Face Painting, Latkes, Donuts & Warm Drinks, Balloon Sculpting, Chanukah I Spy, Candle Making, Fire Safety.

From 1:30-3:30 p.m.: Chanukah Concert with Bobby Doowah at Fairfield University Bookstore; At 2:30 and 3 p.m: Story Times at Fairfield University Bookstore; Menorah Lighting on the Sherman Green at 3:45 p.m.

For more information, visit chabadff.com.

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As a partner of the Energize Connecticut initiative, The United Illuminating Company (UI), along  with the Connecticut Food Bank, is providing LED light bulbs and educational energy efficiency materials at food pantries within UI territory over the next month. These outreach efforts will encourage CT Food Bank patrons to replace their old incandescent light bulbs with ENERGY STAR® LEDs and take additional steps to make their homes more energy efficient by participating in the Home Energy Solutions — Income Eligible (HES-IE) program.

“UI strives to assist Connecticut residents in making the best use of its energy efficiency programs to help reduce their energy bills,” said Elizabeth Murphy, senior program manager, The United Illuminating Company. “Partnering with the Connecticut Food Bank allows us to reach those most in need. We will provide these families with energy saving information, and can potentially assist them in improving the overall comfort of their home while reducing their energy bills. And that’s important.”

Families who use the services of the food pantries will be provided with 4 LED light bulbs and a packet of information for further reducing home energy use. The packet will include an HES-IE program brochure, LED lighting fact sheet and an HES-IE application which allows homeowners and renters to sign up for the free program.

“The energy saving LED bulbs and the information shared about the programs offered through the Energize Connecticut initiative will help people save on utility costs and stretch the budget they might have to put food on the table,” said Connecticut Food Bank Interim CEO Paul O’Leary. “We are grateful for support from The United Illuminating Company and the programs of the Energize Connecticut initiative that will help hungry people in our state.”

Families on a fixed or limited income and in need of support to help with their everyday expenses can also take part in HES-IE at no cost. HES-IE, which offers a home energy assessment coupled with on-the-spot weatherization and energy efficiency services, is available to assist residents in reducing their electric and heating costs.

Distribution of these items started on Nov. 17 and will run a 30-day cycle as the participating pantries come in to pick up supplies for their customer base. Participating Food Pantry locations include: Ansonia, Bridgeport, Derby, East Haven, Fairfield, Hamden, Milford, New Haven, Shelton, Stratford, Trumbull, West Haven and Woodbridge.

About Energize Connecticut

Energize Connecticut helps you save money and use clean energy. It is an initiative of the Energy Efficiency Fund, the Connecticut Green Bank, the State, and your local electric and gas utilities, with funding from a charge on customer energy bills. Information on energy-saving programs can be found at EnergizeCT.com or by calling 1.877-WISE-USE.

United Illuminating representatives work alongside the Connecticut Food Bank to prepare LED and energy savings packets for 10,000 families within UI territory.

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The Stratford Library will present a special holiday bluegrass concert featuring Five in the Chamber on Sunday, Dec. 13, at 2 p.m., in the Lovell Room. The concert, sponsored by the Claudia McCoach Memorial Fund, is free and open to the public.

Five in the Chamber is a New Haven-based rollicking bluegrass and old-time string band with a rocking edge. Brought together through a series of music festivals during the summer of 2011, the band quickly galvanized and established itself as a staple in the area’s emerging Bluegrass scene. With tight arrangements, unique harmony vocals, and a shared passion for writing original music as well as studying and reinterpreting the bluegrass song book, Five in the Chamber brings a fresh and exciting twist to the bluegrass repertoire.

For the Library concert the band will offer traditional bluegrass music interspersed with a few holiday songs. The band includes Ken McEwen (guitar), Dave Casali (bass), Pete Kaufman (banjo), Sean Mack (mandolin) and Alexandria Marino (fiddle).

More information is available at stratfordlibrary.org or 203-385-4162.

Five in the Chamber will perform a special holiday bluegrass concert at the Stratford Library on Dec. 13.

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Last fall Lordship Elementary School was awarded a $5,000 Lowe’s Toolbox Educational grant for their grassroots project that would help to improve their school and community. It was Reading Specialist, Patricia Hines, who took the initiative to complete the grant application. “We have such an awesome school community here at Lordship,” Hines said. I like to think of us as a family. The fact that we had parents (through the guidance of Patty Starkey) already create our beautiful garden was an impetuous for extending this area into a true outdoor classroom.” Hines added, “Developing assets (the building blocks that help make children successful in life) was another reason for creating this outdoor learning lab. Our goal is to have students help in the development of this great resource.”

The outdoor classroom does complement the community garden that was created by students, staff and parents in 2012. It serves as a great extension of the garden where students can have hand-on experiences observing, exploring and researching various occurrences in nature, such as weather patterns and vegetation. One of the most exciting projects was learning about the plight of the monarch butterfly and creating a stopping place for them on their migratory journey.  Thanks to the efforts of Jennifer Silberger, a Lordship School parent, the butterfly garden is now on the Monarch Waystation Registry as a migration stop.

Teachers have already utilized the space for science, reading and math activities. This fall students harvested the garden and are prepping it for the winter. In the near future, the school hopes to add an updated weather lab and benches for our school and community to enjoy. This endeavor would not have happened without the many parents, staff, students and community members who supported it throughout its many stages. “We appreciate all the volunteers who helped make this happen, especially the Silberger family, who went above and beyond to make this project happen.” said Hines.

There has been a tremendous amount of positive feedback and support from the Lordship School community. While working on it over the summer, many neighbors visited the site and mentioned how pleased they were with the new design.

A special thank you to the original sign artist, Karen Tomsheck, for renovating and repainting the school sign to look as fresh and new as the outdoor learning space.

Lordship third graders help plant a garden, as part of the outdoor classroom project.

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Health Notes is a weekly feature that highlights health and wellness news in the area. Hospitals and other health related agencies may e-mail items to scappetta@hersamacorn.com.

Parkinson’s support

The Watermark at 3030 Park will continue its Parkinson’s Fitness Class, a bi-weekly class designed to help people living with Parkinson’s engage their muscles and increase mobility. Classes are held Tuesdays and Thursdays, 12:45 at the senior living community, located at 3030 Park Avenue on the Bridgeport-Fairfield town line.

Due to a limited number of spaces, reservations and a small participation fee are required for the fitness class. To RSVP, contact Cindy McGuire at 203-373-6108.

Genetic counseling

Bridgeport Hospital’s Norma Pfriem Cancer Institute, in partnership with the Smilow Cancer Genetics and Prevention Program, provides weekly genetic counseling services by appointment, every Friday beginning at Norma Pfriem Breast Center, 111 Beach Road, Fairfield. Genetic counseling will be offered again at the hospital’s outpatient campus at 5520 Park Avenue, Trumbull, when a new medical office building opens at the site in spring 2016, 203-200-4362.

Men’s health lecture

Yale New Haven Health System Urology Services, including those at Bridgeport, Greenwich and Yale-New Haven hospitals, will observe “Movember Mondays” in November by offering a series of free health awareness lectures in Fairfield, New Haven and Middlesex counties. The Movember campaign raises awareness of men’s health issues such as erectile dysfunction (ED), low testosterone (Low-T) prostate cancer and overall fitness. Men can show their support for the campaign by growing a mustache. All lectures begin at 6 p.m., ynhhs.org/events.

Stroke support

Tuesday, Dec. 1, 6-7 p.m., Ahlbin Rehabilitation Center, 4 Corporate Drive, Shelton, 203-925-4201.

First aid and safety classes

Bridgeport Hospital’s Emergency Care Institute offers the following American Heart Association self-care classes at the hospital, 267 Grant St. Registration required. Call 203-384-4497.

Administration of medicine, Tuesday, Dec. 8, 6:30-9:30 p.m., $50 full program, $25 injectables only; Adult, child and Infant CPR/defibrillator two-year certification, Wednesday, Dec. 2, 6-9 p.m., $65; Pediatric first aid & safety and adult, child and infant CPR/defibrillator training two-year certification, Saturday, Dec. 12, 8:30-5:30, $100 full class or $70 first aid portion only; Basic life support for healthcare providers two-year certification Wednesday, Dec. 16, 6-10 p.m., $90 ($65 for those with an unexpired American Heart Association certification card).

Breastfeeding support

Free breastfeeding support group for new and expectant mothers meets Wednesdays, Dec. 2 and 16, 10-noon, hospital’s outpatient campus, 5520 Park Avenue, Trumbull. To register, call 888-357-2396.

Smoking cessation

Griffin Hospital is helping members of the community prepare to quit smoking with a free smoking cessation program, “That’s It – Learn to Quit” Wednesdays, Dec. 2, 9, and 16, 5:30-7 p.m., Center for Cancer Care at Griffin Hospital, 350 Seymour Ave., Derby, 203-732-1476.

Sleep wellness talk

Griffin Hospital is offering a free talk to break down the ABCs of Zs on Thursday, Dec. 3, at 6:30 p.m. in the hospital’s Meditation and Learning Center, 130 Division Street, Derby.

Royce York, director of Respiratory Services at Griffin Hospital, will present “Sleep Well, Be Well” a discussion about the medical definition of sleep, sleep disorders and treatments, and tips for proper sleep hygiene, 203-732-7399.

Expectant parent classes and tours

Bridgeport Hospital offers classes and tours for new and expectant parents, including Birthplace Tours, Thursdays, Dec. 3, 10, 17, 6-7 p.m.; Infant CPR Anytime, Thursdays, Dec. 3, 10, 17, 7:15-8:15 p.m. To register, call 888-357-2396.

Senior driving course

AARP’s Smart Driver course Saturday, Dec. 5, 9-1, first-floor Administration Conference Room at Bridgeport Hospital, 267 Grant Street, 888-357-2396.

Bereavement support

Ongoing bereavement support group every Friday, 10-11 a.m., VITAS Office, 99 Hawley Lane, suite 1204, Stratford. To register call 203-455-3300 or email Esmail.Dezhbod@vitas.com.

Griffin Hospital support groups meet in an eight-week cycle at the hospital, 130 Division St., Derby, Sundays, 2:30-4, started Sept. 20; Tuesdays, 2:30-4, started Sept. 22; and Wednesdays, 6:30-8, started Sept. 23; 203-732-1132 or hbillingham@griffinhealth.org.

St. Mary Bereavement Support Group New Day 10-week program Thursdays, began Sept. 24, 1-3, St. Mary’s Church Hall, 70 Gulf Street, Milford, 203-283-1934, 203-874-2376, 845-239-2007; $10 fee required for the New Day Journal.

St Jude Parish of Monroe has a free nine-month Bereavement Support Group, which began Sept. 9. The group will meet twice a month on Wednesday, 2:30-4, in November and then once a month from December through May; 203-261-6404.

10-week program meets at St. Stephen’s Church, 6948 Main Street, Trumbull, Thursdays, started Oct. 1, 4:30-6. Registration required: 203-268-6217.

The Caring Network, a free ongoing support group for adults who have lost a loved one through death, meets the first and third Wednesday of every month, 6-8 p.m., Bridges campus, 941 Bridgeport Avenue, Milford. Registration not required. Information: Cody-White Funeral Home, 203-874-0268, Cynthia Dodd, M. Div, 203-878-6365, ext 344.

Caregiver support

Group for family members and others responsible for the day-to-day care of elderly relatives meets second Friday of month, noon-1, Operations Conference Room, Bridgeport Hospital, 267 Grant Street; 888-357-2396.

Sunset Shores Adult Day Health Centers hosts a Caregiver’s Support Group the second Monday of the month, 5-6 p.m., 720 Barnum Avenue Cutoff, Stratford. The group helps to provide emotional, educational and social supports for caregivers. It can also assist in developing methods and skills to solve problems associated with caregiving responsibilities. Open to the public. RSVP to Mary Pruzinsky, 203-380-1228.

George’s Hill is a social engagement group for people diagnosed with early dementia and their caregivers meets second Thursday of the month, 11:30-1, light lunch noon-12:30, Unity Hill United Church of Christ, 364 White Plains Road, Trumbull. Anyone with a wheelchair, or problems with mobility, may enter through the kitchen door in back as there are no steps to negotiate; 203-374-8822, unityhillucc.org.

First and third Thursday of each month, 4 p.m., Jewish Senior Services, Grasmere by the Sea Adult Day Program, 1 Post Road, Fairfield; 203-365-6470, adultday@jseniors.org. Also, second Tuesday of the month, 4 p.m., Jewish Senior Services, The Jewish Home, 175 Jefferson Street, Fairfield; 203-365-6479; fsviridoff@jseniors.org.

Weight-loss surgery

Free informational seminars are held regularly at 112 Quarry Road, Trumbull, for people interested in learning more about weight-loss surgery. Candidates for weight-loss (bariatric) surgery are generally 60 or more pounds overweight or have type 2 diabetes, sleep apnea, gastric reflux, hypertension or cardiovascular disease; 203-789-6237.

Blood pressure screenings

Bridgeport Hospital offers free blood pressure screenings at Fairfield Senior Center, 100 Mona Terrace, Mondays, Dec. 7 and 21, 9:30-11:30; Stratford Baldwin Center, 1000 West Broad St., Monday, Dec. 14, 9:30-11:30.

Look Good … Feel Better

Sponsored by the American Cancer Society and Bridgeport Hospital, free program helps women with cancer learn beauty techniques to overcome the appearance-related side effects of chemotherapy and radiation treatment Tuesday, Dec. 8, 2-4 p.m., Norma Pfriem Breast Center, 111 Beach Road, Fairfield, 203-255-5300.

Traumatic brain injury group

Meets the third Tuesday of the month, Dec. 15, 6-7:30, at the Disability Resource Center, 80 Ferry Boulevard, Stratford; 203-380-1004.

Alzheimer’s support

Support group for caregivers and families led by Harbor care Director, David Fife, third Thursday of the month at 5:30, Middlebrook Farms of Trumbull, 2750 Reservoir Avenue, Trumbull; 203-268-2400; dfife@benchmarkquality.com.

Wellness for Life

Griffin Hospital’s Wellness for Life program is a 12-week, evidence-based lifestyle change program that helps prevent and treat many chronic diseases like obesity, diabetes, hypertension, and high cholesterol, through better lifestyle choices in nutrition, activity and emotional health. Program starts Tuesday, Jan. 12, 6-8:30 p.m., Hewitt Ambulatory Pavilion, located in the Center for Cancer Care at Griffin Hospital, 350 Seymour Avenue, Derby, griffinhealth.org, 203-732-7107.

Yoga classes

Overworked? Stressed out? Need a change? Escape the noise of daily existence by treating yourself to a yoga session at “A New Earth Yoga.” All levels welcome. Daily classes are by donation at 9:30, 12:30 and 6:30. To reserve a space, call 203-268-9516 or email anewearthyoga@gmail.com; anewearthyoga.com.

“New ‘Mindful Flow” yoga class series offered Fridays, 9:30-10:30 a.m. at 2505 Main St., Suite 224, Stationhouse Square, Stratford, naturesourcecare.com/yoga; 203-895-5534, info@naturesourcecare.com.

Nutrition for cancer survivors

Class provides information and resources for healthy eating during and after treatment in addition with dietary tips and modifications to help improve overall wellness and health, the second Wednesday of every month, 5-6 p.m., St. Vincent’s Elizabeth Pfriem SWIM Center for Cancer Care adjacent to the hospital, 203-576-6158.

Overeaters self-help group

Overeaters Anonymous is a 12-Step self-help group for compulsive overeaters. The group meets every Sunday, 8:45-9:45 a.m., at St. Vincent’s Hospital, 2800 Main Street, Bridgeport, in the Seton Room on Level C. There are no dues, fees or weigh-ins. The only requirement is a desire to stop eating compulsively. For more information, visit swctoa.org or call Bill M., 203-455-7766.

Family support group

For adult patients, family members and friends who are coping with a diagnosis of leukemia, lymphoma, multiple myeloma, or Hodgkin’s disease, first Tuesday of every month, 4-5:30, St. V’s Elizabeth M. Pfriem SWIM Center for Cancer Care, Level 3 Medical Oncology Conference Room, 2800 Main St., Bridgeport, 203-576-6158; tmclaugh@stvincent.org.

Hospice volunteer training

The Connecticut Hospice, Inc. is sponsoring its fall volunteer training this October. The course will inform and prepare prospective volunteers in all aspects of Hospice Care for patients in lower Fairfield County, 203-315-7510, 800-8-HOSPICE ext. 510, jcullen@hospice.com.

Lunch & learn cancer support

A free Lunch & Learn Cancer Support Group offered by St. Vincent’s third Thursday of the month noon-1, Oncology Conference Room, Elizabeth M. Pfriem SWIM Center for Cancer Care, adjacent to the St. Vincent’s Medical Center, 2800 Main Street, Bridgeport, 203-576-6158, tmclaugh@stvincents.org.

Al-Anon meetings

Al-Anon is a resource for family members and friends affected by alcoholism.

Al-Anon meets Sundays, 6:30 and Wednesdays, 7:30, St. Ann’s, old convent behind church, Brewster Street, Black Rock; Sundays, 7, St. Charles Church, (Spanish meeting), 391 Ogden Street, Bridgeport; Fridays, 8, Bridgeport Mental Health Center, 1635 Central Avenue, first floor (park and enter from parking deck off Mead Street); Monday at 7:30 a.m., and Thursday at 11:30 a.m., at Grace Episcopal Church, 5958 Main Street, Trumbull; Thursday at 8 p.m., at Trinity Episcopal Church, 1734 Huntington Tpke., Trumbull. Alateen helps teens age 12-20 and also meets Thursday at 8 p.m., at Trinity Episcopal Church. There are no dues or fees to participate.

For information about groups in Connecticut, call 1-888-825-2666. For more information about Al-Anon, visit ct-al-anon.org. A free publication is available at Al-AnonFamilyGroups.org.

Addiction support

Do you have a problem with alcohol, drug addiction or any life controlling issue? Are you affected by a loved one’s addiction? Higher Ground Ministry is non-denominational and offers help that is permanent through Biblical truths. Through Higher Ground Ministry you will receive support, encouragement and spiritual guidance that will change your life forever. To find a meeting near you, call 203-888-9974 or visit highergroundministry.org.

Diabetes education

Fourth Thursday of the month, 6-7:30, St. Vincent’s Level 4 Seton Conference Room, 203-576-6168.

Free yoga for cancer patients

Restorative yoga, chair yoga with breathing and meditation for patients in active treatment or post-surgery, Tuesdays, 10 a.m., The Watermark, 303 Park Ave., Bridgeport; Thursdays, 10 a.m., Yoga Room, Level 3 of St. Vincent’s Elizabeth Pfriem SWIM Center for Cancer Care, adjacent to the Medical Center. Gentle Yoga, for patients in treatment or recently finished, Saturdays, 8:30 a.m., Yoga for Everybody, 27 Unquowa Road, Fairfield. Formal Yoga, for cancer survivors of five years or less, Wednesdays, 4:30 p.m., The Watermark, 3030 Park Ave., Bridgeport, 203-576-6158.

Free HIV/HCV tests

The Greater Bridgeport Area Prevention Program and the Stratford Health Department will offer rapid HIV and Hepatitis C testing with results in 20 minutes every first and third Tuesday of the month from 3 to 4:30 p.m. at the Stratford Health Dept., 468 Birdseye St., Stratford.

To schedule an appointment call 203-385-4058.

Cancer support group

Ongoing monthly group is focused on giving support to patients and families who have been diagnosed with lung, colon, head and neck, esophageal, GI cancers and other solid tumors. Meetings are the third Wednesday of the month, 9-10 a.m., Elizabeth Pfriem SWIM Center for Cancer Care, third floor conference room, St. V’s, 2800 Main St., Bridgeport. Call 203-576-6158.

Healthy traveler service

Bridgeport Hospital’s Healthy Traveler Service provides pre-travel consultations, travel vaccines, medications and comprehensive travel information to help prepare for a healthy and safe international trip. For information or to make an appointment, call 203-384-3613.

Ring for Your Rhythm

Bridgeport Hospital’s “Ring for Your Rhythm” line provides recorded, step-by-step instructions for taking a pulse reading, to help detect atrial fibrillation (a-fib) and possibly prevent a stroke. Call toll free, 24/7, at 855-247-8573.

Community acupuncture

Led by licensed acupuncturist Gregor Wei, Mondays, 10-2, Norma F. Pfriem Breast Care Center, 111 Beach Road, Fairfield. Call 203-255-5300 to register. Advance registration requested. Private appointments available.

Massage therapy

Massage is offered for oncology patients undergoing definitive active treatment and for survivors who have completed treatment. Call 203-576-6158 for an appointments. Program takes place on third floor of Elizabeth Pfriem SWIM Center for Cancer Care at St. V’s, 2800 Main St., Bridgeport.

Fitness classes

Bridgeport Hospital’s Ahlbin Rehabilitation Centers offers weekly fitness classes in Bridgeport and Stratford:

Boot Camp, Mondays and Wednesdays, 5:45-6:45 a.m., 226 Mill Hill Ave., Bridgeport; Saturdays, 10-11 a.m., 3585 Main St., Stratford.

Women’s Strength Training, Tuesdays, 11-noon; Thursdays, 5:30-6:30 p.m., 226 Mill Hill, Bridgeport; Saturdays, 8-9 a.m., 3585 Main St., Stratford.

Zumba, Tuesdays, 5:30-6:30 p.m., 226 Mill Hill, Bridgeport; Saturdays, 8-9 a.m., 3585 Main St., Stratford.

$8 per class or $75 for 10 classes. Tickets are available at all Ahlbin Centers locations, or before or after classes. For information or to register, call 203-336-7301 (Bridgeport) or 203-380-4672 (Stratford).

In addition to Bridgeport and Stratford, Ahlbin Centers has outpatient facilities at 4 Corporate Drive, Shelton; 2600 Post Road, Southport; and 2750 Reservoir Ave., Trumbull.

Health and wellness classes

St. Vincent’s Medical Center, 2800 Main St., Bridgeport offers a variety of health and wellness classes. Most sessions run for 10 weeks with the exception of Pilates, which is six weeks; and Y Diabetes Prevention Program and Weight Watchers program, 16- and 17-week sessions respectively. 10-week sessions: $90. Information/registration: 203-576-6267; scollins@stvincents.org.

Free exercise video program

A new online video program called A-B-E (Activity Bursts Everywhere) for Fitness, designed specifically to help adults meet those recommendations for daily physical activity, is available at abeforfitness.com.

Kripalu yoga

Beginner and intermediate level, runs weekly, Fridays, 9:15 a.m., Norma F. Pfriem Breast Care Center, 111 Beach Road, Fairfield. Class size limited to six students. Advance registration requested; 203-255-5300; bridgeporthospital.org. Yoga, restorative yoga and teen yoga classes also available. Call for full class schedule.

Pilates

Weekly, Mondays, 5:30 p.m., Norma F. Pfriem Breast Care Center, 111 Beach Road, Fairfield. Class size limited to six students. Advance registration requested; 203-255-5300.

Wellness booth

St. Vincent’s Wellness Booth has relocated to the main lobby of the Medical Center, 2800 Main Street, Bridgeport. Health screenings and services offered to the public every Tuesday and Wednesday, 11:30-3:30. No appointment required for any of the screenings.

Free blood pressure screenings are performed every Tuesday. On Wednesdays, Cholesterol/HDL ratio/glucose screening, $18; a lipid panel requiring a four-hour fast, $25; blood sugar screening alone requiring a two-hour fast, $1.

For more information call St. Vincent’s toll-free Care Line at 877-255-SVHS (7847).

Heart-disease risk quiz

Bridgeport Hospital offers “Take 10 for Your Ticker,” a free online heart-disease risk quiz. Quiz is available at bridgeporthospital.org, by clicking on the link in the “Take 10 for Your Ticker” box.

For those without access to the Internet, a free printed copy of the quiz, with an explanation of results, is available by calling 1-888-357-2396.

Help for new movers

Bridgeport Hospital’s free Newcomer Concierge Service helps new residents of Bridgeport and surrounding towns locate physicians to meet personal and family health needs. Service also provides information on health-related events and activities. To reach the Newcomer Concierge Service, call 203-330-7462, Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays or Fridays, 9-3.

Caregiver support

Atria Stratford Assisted Living, 6911 Main St., offers a support group for family caregivers of persons with Alzheimer’s disease, or related dementia, living at home or in an extended care facility. Group meets first Wednesday of the month, 6-7; 203-380-0006.

Grasmere By The Sea: One Post Road, Fairfield, offers open discussion about Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias, first Thursday of month, 4 p.m.; 203-365-6470.

Jewish Family Service, 2370 Park Ave., Bridgeport, offers support group for family members or friends helping with the care of adults over 60, meets first Wednesday of month, 6-7:30 p.m. RSVP: 366-5438, Ext. 219.

Sunset Shores Adult Day Health Center, 720 Barnum Avenue Cut Off, Stratford, offers a support group for people caring for a loved one with Alzheimer’s disease or a related dementia. Meetings are the second Wednesday of the month, 4-5; 380-1228.

St. Vincent’s SWIM family support group meets first Tuesday of each month, 4-5:30 p.m., Elizabeth Pfriem SWIM Center for Cancer Care at St. V’s, 2800 Main St., Bridgeport. No reservations required; 203-576-6158; tmclaugh@st.vincents.org.

Prostate cancer survivors

St. Vincent’s SWIM Prostate Cancer Survivors Educational Lecture Series and Support Group meets at Elizabeth Pfriem SWIM Center for Cancer Care, at St. V’s, 2800 Main St., Bridgeport. Call 203-576-6158 or e-mail tmlaugh@stvincents.org for dates and times of lectures. No reservations required.

Breast cancer wellness

St. Vincent’s Breast Cancer Survivor Wellness program, intended for women who have recently undergone breast cancer surgery and those further along in their recovery, 4:30-5:30, Elizabeth Pfriem SWIM Center for Cancer Care at St. V’s, 2800 Main St., Bridgeport. No reservations required. For dates, call 203-576-6158.

Breast cancer stories

Bizymoms.com has helped many women with whatever information it is they may be seeking about breast cancer. A panel of cancer experts, women, wives, and mothers are waiting to share their expertise and stories while learning about yours. Visit bizymoms.com/cares/breastcancer.

Cancer boutique

St. Vincent’s partners with Saxon-Kent Lingerie of Orange to provide special products for women battling cancer. Boutique hours: Monday-Friday, 10-4. Fitting hours for wigs, prosthesis, mastectomy bras, lymphedema sleeves etc: Tuesdays, 2-4; Wednesdays, 10-noon; or by appointment; 203-576-6158; tmclaugh@stvincents.org. Boutique hours: 10-4.

Breast cancer support

Woman-to-Woman, an American Cancer Society sponsored support group for women who have had breast cancer or who have been newly diagnosed, meets monthly, 2-4 p.m., Cambridge Manor, 2428 Easton Tpke., Fairfield; 800-889-3340.

Cancer resource library

St. Vincent’s SWIM Cancer Resource Library is open Monday-Friday, 9-5, Maureen Ringel Cancer Resource Library, Elizabeth Pfriem SWIM Center for Cancer Care, St. V’s. Medical Center, 2800 Main St., Bridgeport. A representative is available to assist visitors with navigation of web-based searches, cancer clinical trial searches and direct patient referrals to a variety of free resources Monday-Friday, 9-1.

MS support

Trumbull MS support group meets third Tuesday of each month, 6:30-8, Trumbull Library, 33 Quality St. Ed, 445-0118; 1-800- FIGHT MS; ctfightsMS.org.

Scleroderma support

The American Society For Scleroderma Research has formed a support group for all afflicted by this disease. The group meets every second Thursday, 6:30-7:30, St. Vincent Medical Center, Main Street, Bridgeport; Aimee Turiano or Joy LoSchiavo, 203-273-2034.

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Stratford town offices will be closed on Thursday and Friday in observance of the Thanksgiving holiday. This includes all town buildings, including schools.

All town offices will close at 2:30 p.m. Wednesday in advance of the holiday.

Trash collection will be on a holiday schedule and the town’s transfer station on Watson Boulevard will be closed on Thursday, but open on Friday from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. and Saturday from 8 a.m. to noon.

Thursday refuse, recycling and yard waste will be collected on Friday and Friday’s route will be collected on Saturday.

Town Hall will reopen on 8 a.m Monday for its regularly scheduled hours.

The Stratford Star offices will be closed on Thursday and Friday in observance of Thanksgiving.

Visit our Twitter account @StratfordStar for updates on the Stratford High vs. Bunnell High Thanksgiving Day football game.

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Stratford Recreation Department, Birdseye Complex, 468 Birdseye Street, 203-385-4052, townofstratford.com/recreation.

Canadian Rockies & Glacier National Park

Seven day trip featuring Calgary, Waterton Lakes National Park, Glacier National Park, Banff, Columbia Icefield departs Aug. 15, 2016 and returns Aug. 21, includes nine meals with six breakfasts and three dinners and will fly out of a New York Airport. Book before Feb. 15, 2016 and save $50.

Flood Pool schedule

The pool will be closed Nov. 25-28; Dec. 8, 15, 23 and Jan. 4. Open swim and lane laps, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday, 6-7 and 7-8 p.m. Adult swims, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday, 8-9 p.m. and Saturday, 1-2, 2-3 and 3-4 p.m. Adults, $2; youth under 18 and seniors 62 and over $1.

Yoga

Beginner yoga classes at the Baldwin Center run Tuesday, Dec 1-Feb 16, 6-7:30; Intermediate yoga runs Thursday, Dec 3-Feb 18, 6-7:30 p.m. $90 for 10 classes. Register through Nov. 30.

Dogs allowed on beaches

The Town of Stratford announces as of Dec. 1 dogs are allowed on beaches during the off-season only (designated as December-March).  Dogs or other animals must be under the control on a leash in accordance with Town Ordinances. Persons accompanying dogs or other pets are responsible for the removal and disposal of all litter and failure to do so will result in a fine.

Northern California trip

Tour the wineries and treasures of Northern California including San Francisco, Yosemite National Park, Sacramento, Lake Tahoe, Sonoma Wine country, Winery tour and the Napa Valley Wine Train April 24-May 2, 2016. Nine days, 23 meals, group transportation from central location to and from New York, round trip air from New York, hotel transfers all included, 203-385-4052.

Old Sturbridge Village trip

Bus trip to Old Sturbridge Village Dec. 12. Roundtrip transportation, a sleigh ride (weather permitting), Gingerbread House contest, and a 4-course Christmas turkey dinner, $129. Bus picks up passengers at the Stratford Hotel, 225 Lordship Blvd., around noon and returns about 11 p.m. Registration ends Nov. 30 or until bus is full.

Stratford Point nature walk

The next in the series of Stratford Recreation Department sponsored Nature Walks is Sunday, Dec. 13, 9-11 a.m., from Short Beach Pavilion #1 to Stratford Point. Meet our Connecticut Master Wildlife Conservationists for an informative walk and greet the fall shore birds. Free, but registration is required. Registration is through Dec. 11.

NY Jets vs New England Patriots

Bus trip to MetLife Stadium Sunday, Dec. 27. Round trip transportation, ticket for the 1 p.m. Jets vs. Patriots game, and a catered tailgate party at the bus, $195. Bus picks up passengers at the Stratford Hotel, 225 Lordship Blvd., in the morning and returns later the same day. Registration ends Dec. 13.

UConn Women at MSG

See the UConn Women play Maryland in the Maggie Dixon classic at Madison Square Garden Monday, Dec. 28. Round-trip transportation and entrance to the 8:30 p.m. game. Seats are in Section 301, $79. Special gift certificates can be issued for those who would like to give this trip as a gift. Bus picks up passengers at the Stratford Hotel, 225 Lordship Blvd., in the morning and returns later the same day. Registration ends Dec. 14.

Karate

Classes for ages 4 to adult for residents and non-residents classes. Superior Karate offers a family discount and also teaches in Orange, Trumbull and Monroe. For more information contact Chris Sansonetti, 203-556-8154, superiorkarate.net.

Birdseye after school recreation center

The Stratford recreation Department After School Program at the Birdseye Complex is a free program for children in grades 3-8 and runs Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday. It closes on school half days, holidays and weather-related closings.

Children can do homework, activities such as pool, board games, cooking, crafts and special events. Activities will be held in gymnasium, cafeteria and games room.

Children must be registered prior to attending. Children may leave at any time.

Men’s open gym

Open gym basketball for adults runs Tuesday nights 7:30-9, Birdseye Complex. Adults must be Stratford residents and registered to participate.

Birthday parties

Stratford recreation offers a variety of themed private birthday parties at various locations throughout the town. Parties serve children from ages 2-12. Call the recreation office or visit townofstratford.com/recreation for more details.

Movie tickets for regal Cinemas

Discounted movie tickets for regal Cinemas are on sale for $7.50 at the rec. Dept. office at Short Beach Park Monday-Friday, 8-4:30 and Saturday, 9-2.

St. Mary Lake in Glacier National Park, Montana.

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Metro-North Railroad will offer additional trains leading up to and during the Thanksgiving Day weekend.

Historically, the day before Thanksgiving is the heaviest travel day of the year for Metro‐North

customers. On Wednesday, there will be 18 early getaway trains that depart Grand Central Terminal during the mid‐day. The extra service includes ten extra trains on the New Haven Line between 12:58 p.m. and 4 p.m. Due to the heavier mid‐day travel patterns, some evening trains may be cancelled or combined.

On Thanksgiving Day, Metro‐North will provide additional inbound morning service for customers heading to the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, which kicks off at 9 a.m. at 81st Street and Central Park West and ends in front of Macy’s at Herald Square (34th Street). There is also expanded outbound service starting in the late morning and continuing through mid‐afternoon. If you’re leaving New York after the parade, customers must show a ticket before boarding trains at Grand Central or Harlem‐125th Street Station. Last Thanksgiving, over 30,000 customers departed Grand Central between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. Finally, there will be extra trains in the evening for customers returning to New York City after their Thanksgiving dinners.

On Friday, Metro‐North will operate on a Saturday schedule with additional inbound service in the morning and outbound service in the afternoon to accommodate the Friday workforce and Black Friday shoppers.

Metro‐North will round out the holiday weekend schedule with extra trains and additional cars

on existing trains. Service on Saturday features outer New Haven Line Shoppers’ Special service. Regular half‐hour service to and from Stamford on the New Haven Line and to/from North White Plains on the Harlem Line will operate all day. On Sunday, trains run on a normal half‐hourly schedule featuring outer New Haven Line Shoppers’ Specials.

For more information, visit the Metropolitan Transportation Authority’s website at mta.info.

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SHS class of ’85 reunion

Stratford High School class of 1985 holds 30-year reunion Saturday, Nov. 28, 6-10 p.m., Two Roads Brewery, Stratford. If you’re interested in attending, please go to http://stratfordhs1985.myevent.com/ to purchase tickets online. For more information see the SHS Class of 1985 link on Facebook, email ceplavcan@optonline.net, or call 203-685-1522.

THS class of ’85 reunion

Trumbull High class of 1985 30th reunion Saturday, Nov. 28, 7-midnight, Testo’s Restaurant, Bridgeport. Dinner, open bar, music. They are still looking for classmates. Connect on Facebook page “THS Class of 85 or email thsclassof85@gmail.com. Ticket information and purchase: classof85ths.myevent.com.

Christmas Fair at Lordship Community Church

Holiday wreath sale to benefit animals

The Stratford Animal Rescue Society (STARS) will hold a holiday wreath sale to benefit animals Saturday, Dec. 5, 11-3, Stratford Animal Control, 225 Beacon Point Road. Holiday wreaths, kissing balls and cemetery pieces available for purchase. Attendees may also visit the many animals available for adoption at the shelter, stratfordanimalrescue.org.

Holiday cookies sale

The Unitarian Universalist Church of Greater Bridgeport will conduct its annual Holiday Cookie Café and Sale Saturday, Dec. 5, 10-noon, Fellowship hall, 275 Huntington Road, Stratford. Shoppers are invited to select their favorite homemade cookies from a wide variety and fill tins. Gluten free and vegan choices available. Tins in varying sizes may be purchased or brought to fill. Coffee and sampling plates of cookies may be purchased at the Café, 203-378-1020, uucgb.org.

Pet photos with Santa

Stratford Cat Project will host a fund-raiser at H-3 Pet Supply, 475 Hawley Lane (Big Y Shopping Center) Saturday and Sunday, Dec. 5 and 6, 10-4. Bring in your pets for a photo with Santa. Receive a printed photo (which can be picked up at H3 Pet Supply the following weekend) for $15 or a digital file (which will be emailed within a few days) for $10. 100% of the proceeds will go to rescue groups (Stratford Cat Project and Thank Dog Rescue), scp4cats@yahoo.com.

St. Joe’s Christmas fair

A Christmas craft and vendor fair will be held at St. Joseph’s of Stratford Church, 1300 Stratford Road, Dec. 5, 9-3. More than 20 area crafters and home show vendors. Free admission and parking. Bake sale and lunch menu available for purchase as well as many raffle prizes.

Christmas craft fair

Lordship Community Church, 179 Prospect Drive hosts its annual Christmas Craft Fair Saturday, Dec. 5, 9-3. Annual church quilt exhibit, handcrafted treasures including jewelry, nautical items, pottery, and knitted & crocheted pieces from local artisans. Ice cream & sorbets, and baked goods available. Cabot cheese and wreaths available for pre-sale and while quantities last. Information/vendor inquiries: 203-377-6568 or lordshipchurch@sbcglobal.net.

Holiday craft fair and plant sale

Trumbull Agriscience Center hosts their annual holiday craft fair and plant sale Saturday, Dec. 5 and Sunday, Dec. 6, 10 a.m.-4 p.m., at the Trumbull Agriscience Center at Trumbull High School, 536 Daniels Farm Road. The event showcases a variety of arts and craft vendors from the local area, as well as holiday plants and wreaths grown by the students in the Agriscience greenhouses.

Holiday cat adoption events

Stratford Cat Project hosts a cat and kitten adoption and food drive Saturday, Dec. 5, 12, and 19, 11-3, H-3 Pet Supply, 475 Hawley Lane (Big Y Shopping Center). The Dec. 19 event is hosted by the Northshore Animal League and includes a holiday fair. SCP desperately needs food/supply donations of Friskies and Fancy Feast Cat Food, Friskies Surfin Turfin Dry Food, Purina One Dry Food; paper towels, Lysol/bleach wipes, scoopable litter, latex gloves, copy paper and gift cards to H3 Pet Supply, WalMart, Staples or Stop and Stop; scp4cats@yahoo.com.

Free holiday band concerts

The Stratford Community Concert Band will present its annual Holiday Concert Sunday, Dec. 6, 2 p.m., Baldwin Senior Center, 1000 West Broad Street. Wayne Hiller will direct the band in a swing-themed musical program of familiar holiday music specially arranged for the Band by Hiller. Ample parking is available and the concert is free, 203-556-4097,  footdoc7777@gmail.com. The Band will present the same program Sunday, Dec. 13, at 2 p.m., South Community Building of Oronoque Village.

Holiday fair

The Women’s Fellowship Ways and Means Committee of First Baptist Church Stratford is having a Holiday Fair Dec. 12, 8-4, 1301 Stratford Avenue. Holiday gifts, baked goods, crafts, Avon products, jewelry, books, children’s toys, crochet items, Mary Kay and more. Table reservations are $20 donation, 203-449-9947.

Holiday open house

Stratford Cat Project will be hosting a holiday open house at the Star Factory, Paradise Green, 3520 Main Street, on Sunday, Dec. 13, noon-4. Food and beverages, a large array of cat and holiday themed items, jewelry, raffle baskets and a money tree. Meet our volunteers, bring photos of your kitties. Bring a donation of canned Friskies cat food, scoopable litter, paper towels, black garbage bags, hand sanitizer or gift cards to WalMart or Petco and receive a free raffle ticket. Special guest appearances by some wonderful kitties of SCP, scp4cats@yahoo.com.

Caregiver’s support

Sunset Shores Adult Day Health Centers hosts a Caregiver’s Support Group the second Monday of the month, 5-6 p.m., 720 Barnum Avenue Cutoff, Stratford. The group helps to provide emotional, educational and social supports for caregivers. It can also assist in developing methods and skills to solve problems associated with caregiving responsibilities. Open to the public. RSVP to Mary Pruzinsky, 203-380-1228.

Compassionate Friends meeting

The Bridgeport Chapter of The Compassionate Friends holds its meetings at the Sterling House Community Center, 2283 Main Street, every second Tuesday of each month, 6:45-8:45 p.m. Bring a canned good or nonperishable food item to the meeting for Sterling House’s Food Pantry. The Bridgeport Chapter of The Compassionate Friends is a non-denominational support group for parents, grandparents, and adult siblings who are grieving the death of their child or grandchild, tcfbridgeport.org, 475-882-9695.

Train society open house

Boothe Memorial Train Society will host an open house Saturday, Dec. 19, 1-4, 5800 Main Street. Layouts will be uniquely decorated for the fall to winter holiday season. Four operating train layouts from “N,” “HO,” “O” and “G” scale will be on display; free, bmrailways.com.

Bingo

Stratford Knights of Columbus St. James Council #2370 holds weekly bingo Mondays at their council hall, 2252 Main St., across from Sterling House. Doors open at 5 p.m., first game at 6:45. Progressive jackpot. Snacks and beverages available. No smoking.

Wednesdays, 6:30 p.m., St. John’s Orthodox Church, 600 Silver Lane. Free beverages and snacks. Information: Carole, 203-375-2621; or on Wednesday evenings, call 203-386-8889.

Retirees Friendship Club

The Sikorsky Retirees Friendship Club meets the second Friday of each month at St. Joseph’s National Catholic Church, 1300 Stratford Road, Lordship. Coffee and pastry at every meeting, and throughout the year, lunches, a picnic and a Christmas partyAll Sikorsky retirees and spouses welcome. Information: Alton R. Donofrio, 203-380-1940.

Looking to the skies

The Boothe Memorial Astronomical Society meets for observing the first and third Friday of each month, and at posted times for special events. Details may be found at bmas.org or the group’s Facebook page. The group may be contacted by email at info@bmas.org or by calling Mark Holden at The Holden Agency, 203-261-2521.

Art League seeks members

Monthly meetings in Shelton feature local artists and demonstrations. For more information email Diane Napolitano at napolitanj@comcast.net.

Divorced Catholics support

“Journey of Hope” program for separated and divorced catholics meets every Saturday, from 10-11 a.m., Holy Family Parish Office, 700 Old Stratfield Road, Fairfield, 203-336-1835.

Dog obedience

Trap Falls Kennel Club offers AKC Puppy STAR, targeting dogs under 12-months old in focusing and obedience; Canine Good Citizen (CGC) Prep Class; Family Manners Class for beginner and intermediate/advanced. All classes are held in Shelton at Pawz for Wellness. Call 203-450-9485 or email tfkctraining@gmail.com.

Al-Anon meetings

Al-Anon is a resource for family members and friends affected by alcoholism. More than 14,000 Al-Anon Family Groups meet every week throughout the U.S. and Canada. There are no dues or fees to participate. For information about groups in Connecticut, call 1-888-825-2666. For more information about Al-Anon, visit ct-al-anon.org. A free publication is available at Al-AnonFamilyGroups.org.

Yoga

Mindful Flow yoga class series offered Fridays, 9:30-10:30 a.m., 2505 Main St., Suite 224, Stationhouse Square. Class provides a foundation in learning yoga postures while incorporating mindfulness — ‘meditation in motion.’ Instruction on both inner and outer practices of yoga (postures, breathing, meditation) and is appropriate for beginner and intermediate level students; naturesourcecare.com/yoga; 203-895-5534; info@naturesourcecare.com.

Toastmasters

The Park City Toastmasters Club meets every Tuesday at 7:30 p.m. at Lord Chamberlain Nursing Facility, 7003 Main St., Stratford. The club helps people become effective communicators, building on presentation and impromptu speaking skills. John, 203-918-3092; Anna, 203-258-5627.

Nutmeg Stamp Club

The Nutmeg Stamp Club meets the second and fourth Wednesdays of each month at 7 p.m. in the all purpose room at Atria Stratford, 6911 Main Street. A small auction and presentation usually occur. Refreshments are served. Dues of $10 per year will be collected for anyone who would like to become a member. Ed Corfini. 203-384-8197.

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The Connecticut Audubon Society along with with Massachusetts Audubon and the Audubon Society of Rhode Island have been awarded a U.S. Environmental Protection Agency grant to collaborate on an education initiative, called Building Climate Action Communities, designed to make climate change science a routine part of outdoor nature programs.

Climate change is already an important component of Connecticut Audubon’s award-winning Science in Nature school education program. The grant, for $69,632 divided among the three Audubon Societies, will help staff educators incorporate climate change science into their regular schedule of nature walks and programs for the general public. The Connecticut Audubon Society will implement the program at its Center at Fairfield and Center at Glastonbury.

The Connecticut Audubon Society, Massachusetts Audubon and the Audubon Society of Rhode Island are among the original environmental organizations in the country, with strong connections to their local communities and rich histories of environmental conservation and stewardship. All three are independent of and do not receive support or funding from the National Audubon Society.

The Audubon societies will also collaborate on a climate science manual for environmental educators, including educators at other organizations. To expand the reach, CAS staff will train educators at five other non-profit environmental education groups throughout Connecticut.

“Awareness of climate change and how it is affecting the wildlife and natural areas we enjoy is absolutely essential to building support for action and learning how to adapt,” said Alexander Brash, president of the Connecticut Audubon Society. “People who take part in our hikes and bird walks will learn not only about bird migration, habitat diversity and wetlands functions but also about how climate change is affecting those areas and others.”

Among the many climate change impacts that concern conservationists are the timing of spring bird migration to the availability of insects for food, the change in the composition of forests as southern species replace northern species, the spread of invasive plants and pests, and the long-term viability of tidal marshes and undeveloped beaches.

The last example is of particular concern in Connecticut. Rising sea levels are expected to inundate tidal marshes, which are crucial habitat not just for birds but for fish, invertebrates and mammals. Because in Connecticut and elsewhere most of the land adjacent to marshes is developed, there is little room for marshes to expand and colonize higher ground as the water rises.

Among the birds that are likely to be extirpated from Connecticut as a result are Seaside Sparrow, Piping Plover, Roseate Tern, Saltmarsh Sharp-tailed Sparrow, and Black Rail.

The education reach of the three Audubon societies is large. Their combined base of members and supporters approaches 130,000, and over one million people visit their 28 nature centers and 150 sanctuaries and refuges. Tens of thousands of people attend their public programs and events annually.

Though operating independently, the three Audubons focus on similar conservation, education, and advocacy issues, and are leaders in their states on environmental issues, education, and policy.

Through this grant, the three Audubons will be putting into place more than 40 pilot programs across the region focused on integrating climate literacy into existing informal environmental educational programs that reach nearly 1,000 people. Community organizations will be putting in place about 30 programs expected to reach nearly 600 people.

Founded in 1898, Connecticut Audubon Society is the state’s original and independent Audubon society. The organization uses the charismatic nature of birds to inspire this generation of conservationists, and the next. Based in Fairfield, CAS conserves Connecticut’s environment through science-based education and advocacy focused on the state’s birds and habitats.

People who participate in the Connecticut Audubon society’s birding trips, like this recent trip to look for shore birds, will learn how climate change is anticipated to alter local wildlife habitats.

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St. Joseph’s of Stratford will hold a Christmas Craft Fair Saturday, Dec. 5, from 9 a.m.-3 p.m., 1300 Stratford Road, Stratford.

The event features a unique showcase by crafters and artisans.

Handmade items include jewelry and fashion accessories, knitted and quilted crafts, photography, home décor and many more. A display of bakers’ talent at the bake table for dessert lovers, raffle prizes, St. Joseph’s home made lunch menu, and a free door prize.

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Members of the Stratford IGIP Guides and Princesses program drop off food collected for the Sterling House Thanksgiving food drive. — Contributed photo

More than 200 Stratford families who might have had a hard time fixing a Thanksgiving dinner will enjoy holiday meals after all, thanks to donations from the community.

Sterling House Community Center was busy over the last weekend before Thanksgiving, distributing packages with frozen turkeys and other holiday staples to families in need as part of the center’s annual Thanksgiving food drive.

Several businesses and community organizations have worked in recent weeks to collect food for needy families and then assemble gift baskets. Saturday was one of the first distribution days as more than 130 gift baskets were given over the weekend. More than 100 more were set to be handed out on Monday, just three days before the big feast.

The packages include a frozen turkey, stuffing mix, canned vegetables, mashed potatoes, cranberry sauce, gravy, and fruit cocktail.

Among the groups taking part were the Stratford Rotary Club, Stratford IGIP Guides and Princesses, the Sterling House STROBE Youth Volunteer Group, Stratford Public Schools, Our Lady of Grace Church, Ameriprise, J.N. Philips Autoglass, Sikorsky Aircraft, the First Congregational Church, Perry House Foundation, Kitchen Brains, and local Boy Scout troops.

Jeanette Sten, communications coordinator for Sterling House, said the need for meals this year is about the same as last year. About 240 meals were distributed by Sterling House and its volunteers in 2014.

Sten said people began dropping off non-perishable foods at the beginning of the month. The turkeys were collected over recent days, as Sterling House did not have much refrigerated space to hold the frozen birds.

Sten said the food drive is an important aspect of what the group does to assist people in need. And the families who receive the Thanksgiving baskets are indeed thankful to be able to give their loved ones a holiday meal.

“I think they’re grateful and relieved. Otherwise they wouldn’t be able to have dinner with their families,” Sten said. “Many people take it for granted. It takes a lot to serve a Thanksgiving dinner. A lot of people rely on us.”

Sten said the people who give are equally pleased, knowing they are helping to keep people from being hungry over the holidays.

“The turkeys are between 12 and 14 pounds. They’ll feed a family of six, even,” Sten said. “There are people who have down times in their lives with certain circumstances. This is where we can step in.”

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Stratford resident Celida Rossillo and ESPN anchor Nicole Briscoe had never talked publicly about their experiences with cancer before but each had a message of hope and gratitude to share at the 20th annual St. Vincent’s SWIM Across the Sound Breast Cancer Luncheon. The sold-out audience raised over $102,000 to help the St. Vincent’s Elizabeth M. Pfriem SWIM Cancer Center provide breast cancer screenings, education, holistic support, and financial assistance to underinsured women in the greater Bridgeport region.

“I’m a Chicago Cubs fan so I’m loving that they’re in the pennant race… I’m happily married with a beautiful daughter… and we went to Disney World and had an incredible time together,” Briscoe began. “Why am I telling you this? Because when I was 21, I heard the three scariest words you can hear: You have cancer. But that was immediately followed up with: You’re going to beat it because we caught it early. Early detection is our greatest weapon and that’s why I’ve been able to live my life and fully experience so many amazing moments.”

Nicole Briscoe became a SportsCenter anchor and studio show host in early 2015 after working in various roles in ESPN’s NASCAR coverage from 2008-2014. In addition to anchoring SportsCenter, Briscoe also contributes to ESPN’s Baseball Tonight: Sunday Night Countdown and X Games coverage as a reporter.

“I remember having to choose between buying my college books, paying my rent, or buying my medication,” Briscoe shared. “These are choices that so many people don’t have to make thanks to the SWIM Across the Sound.”

Last year, the St. Vincent’s Mobile Mammography Coach visited 37 sites and screen approximately 300 women, targeting those who are un- and underinsured, high risk, and elderly. All donations raised from the Luncheon will be used to fund programs to increase access to mammography and prevention services for women at risk in our community. The SWIM also provides wigs, prostheses, medical assistance, free transportation to treatments and appointments, day-care scholarships, and support groups and services. Thanks to the money raised, more women will receive financial assistance during a time of significant hardship.

Celida Rossillo, of Stratford, found St. Vincent’s Medical Center Foundation at a very difficult time in her life. She was diagnosed with Stage 3B breast cancer in November 2013. Following her diagnosis, she lost her job and struggled to make ends meet.

“The SWIM became a lifeline that allowed me to keep a roof over my kids’ heads and keep the lights on during our darkest days,” she explained. “What amazes me the most is all the people who come out for the SWIM Across the Sound… people I don’t even know… helped me. All of you helped me keep my home for my babies. I cannot thank you enough.”

Following the emotional experiences Briscoe and Rossillo shared, Dianne Auger, president and CEO of St. Vincent’s Medical Center Foundation, addressed the gathering of survivors and supporters. “Your strength, power, and grace inspire us to do all we can to lift the burdens that you, and hundreds of individuals like you, live with as you battle cancer. Every week, the SWIM office responds to individuals and families, each with their own multifaceted stories of struggle and survival. It is our sincere hope that we are so successful today that we put ourselves out of business.”

This year’s luncheon would not have been possible without the generous support of Presenting Sponsor William and Gloria Paul; Platinum Sponsor The Fortin Family; Gold Sponsors Elizabeth M. Pfriem, The Whittingham Family Foundation and U.S. Trust; and Silver Sponsors AMR, Bill Mitchell, and Walmart, as well as a gift made in loving memory of Anthony and Vivian Maresco.

Stratford resident Celida Rossillo

ESPN anchor Nicole Briscoe

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Pet photos with Santa — Stratford Cat Project will host a fund-raiser at H-3 Pet Supply, 475 Hawley Lane (Big Y Shopping Center) in Stratford on Saturday and Sunday, Dec. 5 and 6, from 10-4. Bring in your pets for a photo with Santa. You can receive a printed photo (which can be picked up at H3 Pet Supply the following weekend) for $15 per photo or a digital file (which will be emailed within a few days) for $10 per photo. 100% of the proceeds will go to rescue groups (Stratford Cat Project and Thank Dog Rescue). For more information, email scp4cats@yahoo.com.

Holiday wreath sale to benefit animals — The Stratford Animal Rescue Society (STARS) will hold a holiday wreath sale to benefit animals Saturday, Dec. 5, from 11-3, at Stratford Animal Control, 225 Beacon Point Road. Holiday wreaths, kissing balls and cemetery pieces available for purchase. Attendees may also visit the many animals available for adoption at the shelter. Order in advance by Nov. 24 for discounts. To order in advance, visit stratfordanimalrescue.org.

Holiday cat adoptions/food drives — Stratford Cat Project hosts a cat and kitten adoption and food drive Saturday, Dec. 5, 12, and 19, 11-3, H-3 Pet Supply, 475 Hawley Lane (Big Y Shopping Center). The Dec. 19 event is hosted by the Northshore Animal League and includes a holiday fair. SCP desperately needs food/supply donations of Friskies and Fancy Feast Cat Food, Friskies Surfin Turfin Dry Food, Purina One Dry Food; paper towels, Lysol/bleach wipes, scoopable litter, latex gloves, copy paper and gift cards to H3 Pet Supply, WalMart, Staples or Stop and Stop; scp4cats@yahoo.com.

Holiday open house — Stratford Cat Project will be hosting a Holiday Open House at the Star Factory, Paradise Green, 3520 Main Street, Stratford, on Sunday, Dec. 13, from noon-4. Visitors may enjoy food and beverages, a large array of cat and holiday themed items for gift giving, jewelry, raffle baskets and a money tree. Meet our volunteers, bring photos of your kitties. Bring a donation of canned Friskies cat food, scoopable litter, paper towels, black garbage bags, hand sanitizer or gift cards to WalMart or Petco and receive a free raffle ticket. Special guest appearances by some wonderful kitties of SCP. For more information, email scp4cats@yahoo.com.

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The Stratford Chamber of Commerce, an affiliate of the Bridgeport Regional Business Council invites the public to attend a rescheduled Ribbon Cutting at Advance Auto Parts located at 1350 Barnum Avenue in Stratford on Friday, Dec. 4, at 10 a.m. Advance Auto Parts is the largest automotive aftermarket parts provider in North America, serving both professional installer and do-it-yourself customers. Company officials said they chose Stratford because it is convenient to where their customers live and shop as well as the garages where they take their vehicles for repair.

Customers can order online at www.advanceautoparts.com and pick up in the new store in 30 minutes.

For more information call 203-583-8782 and ask for the General Manager Lauren Belline. As part of the commitment to the community, a $1000 check has been donated by Advance Auto Parts to Building Homes for Heroes.

If you are interested in attending contact Mary Dean, executive director of the Stratford Chamber of Commerce at 203-335-3800 or dean@brbc.org.

The mission of the Stratford Chamber of Commerce is to initiate positive change for the benefit of the business community, thereby, enhancing the quality of life in Stratford through advocacy and action in the areas of economic development, education, transportation, and the environment.

Bridgeport Regional Business Council is a 1,000-member voluntary organization

Of businesses within the Bridgeport region working together to create an environment for business expansion, retention and recruitment that will result in jobs and tax base growth. The BRBC includes five affiliates – the Bridgeport Chamber of Commerce, the Stratford Chamber of Commerce, the Trumbull Chamber of Commerce, Leadership Greater Bridgeport and the Women’s Leadership Council.

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Senator Kevin Kelly (R-Stratford) joined U.S. Senator Chris Murphy (D-Conn) and Commissioner on Aging Elizabeth Ritter at a roundtable discussion on issues impacting older Americans, their families, caretakers and service providers on Tuesday, Nov. 24, at the Baldwin Senior Center in Stratford. The discussion included an audience of care managers and health care providers.

“In Connecticut, our population of seniors is rapidly growing,” said Senator Kelly. “As baby boomers continue growing older our senior population is set to increase dramatically in the next few years. This ‘silver tsunami’ makes it all the more important that we address the needs of older citizens and their families now. Connecticut has been a national leader on many fronts when it comes to aging issues. But we can still do better. I’m committed to advancing legislation here in our state that protects and empowers seniors to access the care and support they need as they age, and that provides family members with the tools they need to care for their loved ones.”

“Too many family members are on double duty, caring for children and elderly parents. While our loved ones want to age at home, time and money constraints make that increasingly difficult. We need to make sure that family caregivers have the support and services they need. Thank you to all the state and local leaders, family members, providers, and advocates who came to my roundtable today. I look forward to working with everyone as I bring lessons learned to Washington to help shape better policies for families and seniors,” said Senator Chris Murphy.

Topics of discussion included new federal legislation such as the Recognize, Assist, Include, Support and Engage (RAISE) Family Caregivers Act and the CARE (Caregiver Advise, Record and Enable) Act. The CARE Act, while a national initiative, also passed in a bill before the Connecticut General Assembly this year.

Lawmakers praised the state’s passage of the CARE Act which requires hospitals to:

• Provide each patient with the opportunity to designate a caregiver upon the patient’s admission to the hospital;
• Notify the designated caregiver if the patient is to be discharged to another facility or back to his or her home, and;
• Provide the caregiver with instructions on how to perform medication management, wound care, injections or other medical tasks for the patient when the patient returns home.

According to the Legislative Council on Aging, there are more than 500,000 Connecticut residents who provide care every day to their loved with tasks such as bathing, dressing, finances, transportation, and medical care. The total economic impact of this unpaid care is estimated to be $5.8 billion.

Senator Kelly also expressed his support for expanding the state’s long term care ombudsman to also oversee protections for community based services. Currently, the ombudsman only handles complaints reported within nursing homes.

“Our state is making strides to ensure that everyone has the opportunity to age in place and stay in their own communities. To do that, we need strong community based services that have proper protections and oversight in place,” said Sen. Kelly.

Those who could not attend the roundtable may contact Sen. Kelly with their questions at 800-842-1421 or at Kevin.Kelly@cga.ct.gov.

 

Sen. Kelly addresses the audience at the roundtable discussion at the Baldwin Center, joined by Sen. Murphy and Commissioner Ritter.

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The Gathering of the Vibes, which for some two decades has brought a long summer weekend of music to Bridgeport, will not return for 2016

Founder and operator Ken Hays wrote in a letter posted online on Friday, Nov. 27, 2015, that festival organizers hope to return for 2017.

“Producing the Vibes as an independent promoter is an [sic] challenging endeavor, and after 20 years we need a time out,” Hays wrote.

Hays, a Weston resident, first “gathered the vibes” in 1996 for a festival named Deadhead Heaven: A Gathering of the Tribe to honor the life and music of Jerry Garcia and the Grateful Dead.

The Gathering of the Vibes Music, Arts, and Camping Festival in Seaside Park in Bridgeport had grown from 3,500 participants to the more than 25,000.

Hays grew up in Greenwich as a self-proclaimed Grateful Dead aficionado. He spent many nights as a young man frequenting their shows, and making friends within the Deadhead community, and especially “having fun right out of college.”

In a 2012 HAN Network article, Hays said he had always been inspired by bringing communities together in “the spirit of music,” and realized that he wanted to honor the fellowship felt by so many Grateful Dead fans by planning a memorial show for Jerry Garcia.

In 1996, he and a few friends began planning Deadhead Heaven on the campus of SUNY Purchase, which had agreed to the show without realizing it would be a Jerry Garcia memorial concert.

The festival subsequently was held on 370 acres of land next to the University of Bridgeport, originally donated to Bridgeport by then-Mayor P.T. Barnum.

Christopher Burns contributed to this story.

Crowds won’t gather in Seaside Park in Bridgeport for the Gathering of the Vibes next summer, as they did in 2015. The 2016 festival has been called off by promoters, who expressed hope of returning in 2017. – Audra Napolitano photos

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Talking Transportation is a bi-weekly column written by Jim Cameron.

With the holidays upon us, let’s review some money-saving tips for riding Metro-North into the city for commuters and day-trippers alike:

TransitChek — See if your employer subscribes to this great service, which allows workers to buy up to $130 per month in transit using pre-tax dollars. If you’re in the upper tax brackets, that’s a huge savings on commutation. A recent survey showed that 45% of all New York City companies offer TransitChek, which can be used on trains, subways and even ferries.

Go off-peak — If you can arrive at Grand Central weekdays after 10 a.m. and can avoid the 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. peak return hours, you can save 25%. Off-peak is also in effect on weekends and holidays. These tickets are good for 60 days after purchase.

Buy tickets in advance — If you buy your ticket on the train you’ll pay the conductor a $5.75-$6.50 “service charge,” a mistake you’ll make only once! (Seniors: Don’t worry, you’re exempt and can buy on-board anytime without penalty.) There are ticket machines at most stations, but the cheapest tickets are those bought online. And go for the 10-trip tickets (peak or off-peak) to save an additional 15%. They can be shared among passengers and are good for six months.

Kids, family and senior fares — Buy tickets for your kids (ages 5-11) in advance and save 50% over adult fares. Or pay $1 per kid on board (up to four kids traveling with an adult, but not in morning peak hours). Seniors, the disabled and those on Medicare get 50% off the one-way peak fare. But you must have proper ID and you can’t go in the morning rush hours.

Free station parking — Even stations that require weekday parking permits usually offer free parking after 5 p.m. on nights and weekends. Check with your local town.

MetroCards — Forget about the old subway tokens. These nifty cards can be bought at most stations (even combined with your Metro-North ticket) and offer some good deals. Put $5.50 on a card (bought with cash or credit or debit card) and you get a 5% bonus. Swipe your card to ride the subway and you’ll get a free transfer to a connecting bus, or vice versa. You can buy unlimited-ride MetroCards for a week ($31) or a month ($116.50).

But is it cheaper to drive? — Despite being a mass transit advocate, I’m the first to admit that there may be times when it’s truly cheaper to drive to Manhattan than to take the train, especially with three or more passengers. You can avoid bridge tolls by taking the Major Deegan to the Willis/Third Avenue bridge, but I can’t help you with the traffic you’ll have to endure. Check out www.bestparking.com to find a great list of parking lots and their rates close to your destination. Or drive to Shea Stadium and take the No. 7 subway from there.

The bottom line is that it isn’t cheap going into “the city.” But with a little planning and some insider tips, you can still save money.

Happy Holidays!

Jim Cameron is founder of the Commuter Action Group, and a member of the Darien RTM. The opinions expressed in this column are only his own. You can reach him at CommuterActionGroup@gmail.com. For a full collection of “Talking Transportation” columns, see www.talkingtransportation.blogspot.com.

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