Jessica Dinan, 4, visits with Santa Claus, Mrs. Claus and one of Santa’s helpers during Tuesday’s holiday kickoff celebration. — Melvin Mason photo

Less than 30 days until Christmas and Reggie Meeson knows what that means.
Seeing lights around a tree in front of Stratford Town Hall means a visit from Santa is imminent.

“It means I get presents,” said Reggie, 4, smiling at the thought of opening goodies on the morning of Dec. 25.

But what does he want for Christmas?

“I’d really like a new dune buggy,” Reggie said. “Because I like dune buggies.”

Kids of all ages began thinking of those gifts as they welcomed the start of the holiday season at Town Hall. Dozens of residents and officials kicked off the season with the lighting of the town’s Holiday Tree.

While the skies above Stratford were gray and soggy on Tuesday, folks got into the Christmas mood in the Town Council chambers. The mode was set by the Stratford High School select chorus and a cappella choir and the choir from Wilcoxson Elementary School singing Christmas carols. Visitors also sipped hot cocoa and dined on donuts before visiting with Santa Claus himself, posing for pictures while telling the big man what’s on their gift list.

Mayor John Harkins joined Ninth District Town Councilman Alan Llewelyn and Llewelyn’s daughter Mary Kathryn, 8, in throwing the switch to turn on the lights to the tree, which is stands in front of town hall surrounded by a picket fence.

Stratford’s Holiday Tree was lit up on Tuesday night during the town’s annual holiday celebration at Town Hall. — Melvin Mason photo

“It’s official now,” said Harkins. “It’s very comforting. This time of the year is a time not only to celebrate Christmas and the holidays associated  with it, but also a time to celebrate family and friends.”

Harkins says it’s a joyous occasion despite the damp temperatures that relegated the ceremony indoors for a second straight year.

“We’re a hearty bunch here in Stratford,” the mayor said.

Mary Kathryn Llewelyn, 9, joins Mayor John Harkins, left, and her father, Ninth District Town Councilman Alan Lleweyn after turning on the switch to light the Stratford Town Hall Holiday Tree. — Melvin Mason photo

Mary Kathryn, who turned 9 years old on Wednesday, said throwing the switch to light the tree “freaked me out a little.” Still, she’s ready for the season and hopes to get some Pioneer Woman items for Christmas.

Llewelyn said it feels like Christmas now with Town Hall decked out and poinsettias positioned throughout Council chambers.

“It’s like the holiday season has arrived,” he said.

Amanda Meeson, executive director at Sterling House, enjoyed her family’s first holiday kickoff in Stratford. Along with Reggie, she brought her 11-month-old daughter Quincy to see the tree lit up in holiday brilliance.

“I think the community came out strong despite the weather, which says a lot about Stratford,” Meeson said.

Perhaps some snow will come in a few weeks to make the mood even more festive.

The post Holiday cheer appeared first on Stratford Star.

Baldwin Center calendar

Mondays-Fridays, 8:30-4

1000 West Broad Street

203-385-4050

Friday, Dec. 2 — 9 CARES, zumba, men’s club; 9:30 mahjongg; 11:30 chair yoga; 11:45 lunch; 12:30 Baldwin Players show, cards; 1 pokeno, ping pong, tap, drawing.

Monday, Dec. 5 — 9 CARES; 10 Mitten Tree, laugh therapy, tai chi; 11 qigong; 11:30 Italian; 11:45 lunch; 12:30 quilting; 12:45 bingo; 1 ping pong, card making.

Tuesday, Dec. 6 — 9 CARES, zumba tone; 10 sittercize, Big Loud; 10:30 line dance; 11 Spanish, yoga; 11:45 lunch; 12:30 ladies poker, mahjongg; 12:45/2:30 painting; 1 Golden Tones, pickleball; 2 reiki.

Wednesday, Dec. 7 — 9 CARES, strength; 10 zumba, adult kids, book group; 11 qigong; 11:45 lunch; 12:30 men’s poker, Wii bowling; 1 writing.

Thursday, Dec. 8 — 9 CARES, aerobics; 10 sittercize; 10:30 line dance; 11 yoga; 12:30 Wii bowling; 1 chamber orchestra, ping pong, pickleball, sewing.

Big and Loud therapies

LSVT physical therapists and speech language pathologists will present on the LSVT BIG and LOUD programs Tuesday, Dec. 6, at 10 a.m. These programs are designed for people with Parkinson’s Disease or for those who know someone with Parkinson’s Disease.

LSVT LOUD® is an effective, researched-based voice treatment program for individuals with Parkinson’s Disease and other neurological conditions. The improvements are vast, including volume, articulation, respiration, posture, pitch variation, facial expression, and swallowing.

LSVT BIG® is a research-based exercise program that teaches participants the amount of effort required to produce normal movement to impact changes (i.e. faster walking with bigger steps, posture and balance).

To register, call 203-385-4050.

Communicating with your adult children

Do your adult children sometimes talk to you as if they were your parents? Do you sometimes feel like your kids aren’t really listening to you, or understanding your needs and desires? Are your children making decisions for you, instead of with you? On Wednesday, Dec. 7, at 10 a.m., the public is invited to a discussion about communicating effectively with your adult children. Bring questions. Facilitated by Diane Puterski. Discussion will look at on strategies for talking with family and others.

Chair yoga

Chair yoga will be offered Fridays, 11:30-12:30 through Jan. 6. Fee is $2/class. Registration is not necessary. Chair yoga is a gentle form of yoga that is practiced sitting on a chair, or standing using a chair for support. Chair yoga has helped people with the symptoms of many health issues including: hypertension (high blood pressure), anxiety, chronic fatigue syndrome, arthritis, vertigo (medical), multiple sclerosis, osteoporosis, osteopenia, carpal tunnel syndrome, depression, and chronic pain.

Men’s Club meeting

The Men’s Club meets at 9 a.m. on the first and third Friday of every month at the Baldwin Center. New members welcome; Don Coulson, 203-375-9937.

Qigong

Awaken your vital life-force energy with a combined approach of movement, breathing and relaxation Wednesdays at 11 a.m.

All levels exercise  

Classes include aerobics, zumba, zumba tone, qigong, strength, yoga, tai chi and sittercise. Cardio classes and low impact classes help with balance, coordination and flexibility. Visit the center and pick up a current schedule or try out a class; Lauren Donovan, 203-385-4050.

Strength training

Classes held Mondays, at 10 a.m.  and Wednesdays, at 9 a.m. Strength training in older adults improves flexibility and balance, which may decrease the likelihood and severity of falls. Increased bone density is another benefit. Bring 1-2 lb. hand weights. Registration not necessary. Class fee is $1. Open to the senior community.

Men’s Club seeks members

The Stratford Senior Men’s Club is looking to expand its membership. The group gets together to bowl, play bocce, pinochle, etc. Club meets twice a month at the Baldwin Center. They host speakers that cover topics ranging from hobbies, sports, history, local news, health and more. Information: Don Coulson, 203-375-9937.

Laugh therapy

Laugh therapy can help reduce stress, lower blood pressure and can give an overall feeling of well-being. Laughter increases blood flow just as cardio exercise does with the same benefit. It is the easiest form of meditation and brings instant relaxation. In addition, studies have shown laughter increases immune-boosting antibodies. No experience or physical ability necessary. Instructor (and Baldwin Center member) Mary Torres will have you laughing. Classes are held the first and third Monday of each month. No registration necessary. Fee $2 per class.

CARES program

Stratford Senior Services is accepting new participants for its CARES program. CARES is a social model activities program designed for older adults who may have a memory impairment or are physically too frail to participate in the programs at the Baldwin Center. The program provides seniors with a variety of therapeutic recreational activities within a supervised and structured environment.

The C.A.R.E.S. Program is housed at the Raymond E. Baldwin Center, 1000 West Broad Street. Program hours are Monday-Friday, 9-3:30. Participants are provided with a continental breakfast in the morning, a hot lunch in the afternoon, and snacks. Programming includes music, exercise, trivia and other word games, and activities that help individuals with balance and hand-eye coordination.

Cost to attend the C.A.R.E.S. program is $15/day for Stratford residents, and $20/day for non-Stratford residents. For more information, call 203-385-4050 or 203-385-4055 and ask for Erin or Diane.

Poker anyone?

The men’s poker group that plays on Wednesday afternoons at 1 p.m. is looking for more players. To join, or for more information call Vinnie at 203-335-3623.

Tap dancing

Led by a Stratford Dance Academy Instructor, $4/class. Call for the date of the next six-week session.

Monday bingo

The Baldwin Center offers bingo in the main hall on Monday afternoons at 12:45. Bingo cards are .50 cents per card or three cards for $1. Several different games are played. Any senior age 55 and older may attend.

Dakim BrainFitness

Easy to use, computer-based program designed specifically for adults exercises six essential cognitive domains in every session and self-adjusts the level of challenge for each user in each domain, so everyone receives customized therapy. It is the number one brand of brain fitness in America’s senior living market and has been shown to significantly improve memory, both immediate and delayed, and language skills as it strengthens attention, focus, and concentration. To schedule a session, call Lauren Donovan, 203-385-4050.

Spanish class

Instructor Cindy Brand offers a beginners class which includes speaking and culture, as well as vocabulary and grammar, Tuesdays, 11 a.m., $2, 203-385-4050.

Wii bowling

Play every Wednesday and Thursday, 12:30. Additionally, group competes against other senior centers in the area. No experience required.

Italian classes

Conversational Italian taught by Anna Sincavage Mondays, 11:30, Baldwin Center library. Class fee: $2, 203-385-4050.

Sikorsky Teamsters of Stratford

Meets second Wednesday of the month, 11, Union Hall, 150 Garfield Ave. Bette, 203-375-7313 or 203-243-5633.

Free Internet

Stratford Senior Services offers free wireless connection to the Internet at the Baldwin Center Coffee Shop weekdays, 9-3.

CT Veterans Wartime Service Medal

Established by the 2005 General Assembly, any veteran who served at least 90 days during wartime and was honorably discharged is eligible for the medal. Visit ct.gov/ctvg. Applications also are available at Baldwin Center Main Desk, and can be submitted to the Connecticut Department of Veterans Affairs.

The post Baldwin Center senior calendar: Dec. 2-8 appeared first on Stratford Star.

More than 65 members of the Bunnell High School class of 2006 gathered at Two Roads Brewing Company on Friday, Nov. 25, to celebrate their 10-year reunion.

The post Bunnell class of 2006 celebrate 10-year reunion appeared first on Stratford Star.

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.

Expectant parent classes and tours

Bridgeport Hospital offers classes and tours for new and expectant parents, including Birthplace Tours, Thursdays, Dec. 1, 8, 15, 22 and 29, 6-7 p.m.; Infant CPR Anytime, Thursdays, Dec. 1, 8, 15, 22 and 29, 7:15-8:15 p.m. To register, call 888-357-2396.

Breastfeeding basics

Class covers the benefits of breastfeeding, establishing and maintaining milk supply, latch-on and positioning techniques, how to know if baby is getting enough breast milk, trouble-shooting, debunking myths and fitting breastfeeding into a busy lifestyle Saturday, Dec. 3 and 17, 10-12:30, hospital’s outpatient campus, 5520 Park Avenue, Trumbull. To register, call 888-357-2396, bridgeporthospital.org/events.

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.

Blood pressure screenings

Bridgeport Hospital offers free blood pressure screenings at Fairfield Senior Center, 100 Mona Terrace, Monday, Dec. 5 and 19, 9:30-11:30; Stratford Baldwin Center, 1000 West Broad St., Monday, Dec. 12, 9:30-11:30.

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. 13, 6:30-9:30 p.m., $50 full program, $25 injectables only; Adult, child and Infant CPR/defibrillator two-year certification Wednesday, Dec. 7, 6-9, $65; Pediatric first aid & safety and adult, child and infant CPR/defibrillator training two-year certification, Saturday, Dec. 17, 8:30-5:30, $100 full class or $70 first aid portion only; Basic life support for healthcare providers two-year certification Wednesday, Dec. 21, 6-10 p.m., $90 ($65 for those with an unexpired American Heart Association certification card).

Stroke support

The Griffin Hospital Life after Stroke Support Group will host its next meeting Thursday, Dec. 8, noon-1 p.m., at the Center for Cancer Care at Griffin Hospital, 350 Seymour Ave., Derby.

Open to stroke survivors between the ages of 20 and 65. This group provides information from health experts, resources and support for individuals who have suffered a stroke in the prime of their lives. Caregivers welcome; 203-732-7445.

Substance abuse support

The Community Addiction and Recovery Education & Support (C.A.R.E.S.) Group provides a free, weekly drop-in support group for parents and other concerned family members whose loved ones are using or abusing mind-altering substances. Their mission is to provide education, support, access to resources, and hope for individuals and families struggling with substance abuse or addiction. C.A.R.E.S. meets every Tuesday at Trinity Episcopal Church, 1734 Huntington Tpke., Trumbull, 7-9 p.m. (New location at St. George Orthodox Church, 5490 Main St., Trumbull). For additional locations and information, call 1-855-406-0246 or visit thecaresgroup.org.

Walk for Life

The Watermark at 3030 Park offers Walk for Life exercise program every Monday at 10 a.m. at the retirement community’s fitness center, located at 3030 Park Avenue on the Bridgeport-Fairfield town line; 3030park.watermarkcommunities.com/

Health insurance enrollment help

In an effort to help community members who are among the estimated 14,000 individuals across Connecticut who no longer qualify for Medicaid HUSKY A, Griffin Hospital in Derby is offering free, one-on-one help from a certified Access Health CT assister.

The Rev. Esther Jones, of Griffin Hospital’s Community Outreach and Valley Parish Nursing Program, is available by appointment to offer guidance for selecting health care coverage, verify that all paperwork is completed properly, check for financial aid opportunities, and help complete enrollment. Appointments required: 203-732-1523 or email ejones@griffinhealth.org.

Caregiver support

Sunset Shores Adult Day Health Centers, 720 Barnum Avenue Cutoff, Stratford hosts a caregiver support group the second Monday of the month, 5-6 p.m. Groups help to provide emotional, educational and social support for caregivers. RSVP to Mary Pruzinsky, 203-380-1228.

Support group for caregivers of adult oncology patients group meets Wednesdays, 2-3 p.m., at Park Avenue Medical Center, 5520 Park Ave., Trumbull. Drop-ins welcome. To register: npsolo@bpthosp.org, 203-337-8660.

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.

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.

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.

Fall prevention

The Valley Parish Nurse Program at Griffin Hospital and Griffin Hospital Lifeline will host a free Fall Prevention Program on Friday, Dec. 9, 9-noon, Griffin Hospital, 130 Division Street, Derby. To reserve a seat or for more information, contact Esther at 203-732-1523 or ejones@griffinhealth.org.

Senior driving course

AARP’s Smart Driver course will be offered Saturday, Dec. 10, 9-1, first-floor Administration Conference Room at Bridgeport Hospital, 267 Grant St. $15 AARP members and $20 non-members. To register, call 888-357-2396 or visit bridgeporthospital.org/events.

Free Medicare counseling

St. Vincent’s Medical Center is offering free counseling to help people select the best Medicare plan to meet their needs for 2017 and help them save money. The Medicare Open Enrollment Period runs through Dec. 7. To schedule an appointment or for more information, contact St. Vincent’s Medical Center Volunteer Office at 475)-210-5111 or volunteers@stvincents.org.

Accelerated CNA classes

The Griffin Hospital School of Allied Health Careers, at 300 Seymour Avenue, Suite 206, in Derby, is offering its Accelerated Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) program starting Nov. 28 to help individuals start the journey to a fulfilling career in healthcare.

The CNA course offers students an affordable and condensed six-week schedule with classes Monday-Thursday, 9 a.m.-1 p.m. The CNA clinical experience will be at Griffin Hospital and a long-term care facility from 7 a.m.-3:30 p.m. for 40 hours. After successfully completing the course and clinical experience, students will be qualified to take the State exam for certification as a Nursing Assistant in Connecticut.

For more information or to apply, call 203-732-1276 or visit griffinhealth.org/allied-health.

Stroke support

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

Look Good…Feel Better

Free program helps women with cancer learn beauty techniques to overcome the appearance-related side effects of chemotherapy and radiation treatment Tuesday, Dec. 13, 2-4 p.m., Norma Pfriem Breast Center, 111 Beach Rd., Fairfield. To register, call 203-255-5300.

Young adult cancer support

Free support group for individuals 18-35 living with cancer meets every first and third Tuesday each month at 10 a.m., Park Avenue Medical Center, Integrative Medicine 5520 Park Ave., Trumbull. RSVP to mjvasquezphd@gmail.com or call 203-816-0183.

Cancer support for women

Support group for Young(er) Women with Cancer (all types) is a free group open to any female under the age of 55 with any diagnosis of cancer, either newly diagnosed, in treatment, or out of treatment. Group meets second Tuesday of each month 1:30-3, Norma Pfriem Breast Center, 111 Beach Road, Fairfield, and fourth Thursday of each month, 5-6:30 p.m., at Park Avenue Medical Center Integrative Medicine and Support Services 5520 Park Ave., Trumbull. RSVP to mjvasquezphd@gmail.com or call 203-816-0183.

Bereavement support

St. Mary’s Bereavement Support Group 10-week New Day Program begins Thursday, Sept. 29, 1-3 p.m., St. Mary’s Church Hall, 70 Gulf Street, Milford.

Griffin Hospital is starting new support groups in September for anyone experiencing the loss of a loved one. These groups provide grief education and support to ease the pain of loss as well as encourage healing and growth. Groups meet in a 16-week cycle at the hospital, 130 Division St., Derby. There will be groups meeting on Wednesdays, 6:30-8 p.m., starting Sept. 14, and Mondays, 4-5:30 p.m. starting Sept. 19. Advance registration is required. To learn more or to register, contact Heather Billingham at 203-732-1132 or hbillingham@griffinhealth.org.

A 12-session program over nine months will begin at St Jude’s Parish in Monroe on Sept 14. Group meets Wednesdays, 2:30-4 p.m., in the Social Hall. Sessions will be held twice a month September-November and then once a month the rest of the year concluding in May. Registration is required; 203-261-6404.

Galello-Luchansky Funeral Home, 2220 Main Street, Stratford is sponsoring a free bereavement support group as part of a new initiative sponsored by a group of Stratford agencies that want to reach out to the community. Bi-monthly meetings Tuesdays, at 4:30 p.m. Free and open to anyone who is grieving the loss of a loved one, Patti Galello, 203-378-1819; Diane Puterski, 203-385-4055.

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.

10-week program meets at St. Stephen’s Church, 6948 Main Street, Trumbull, Thursdays, 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.

Breast cancer support

Women living with metastatic breast cancer can get help managing their psychosocial needs by attending a free support group at The Norma Pfriem Breast Center. New support groups begin in September.

Living with Metastatic Disease meets twice each month Thursdays, 12:30-2 p.m.

Living with Cancer (for women with any cancer) meets second Tuesday of the month at 1:30 p.m. in Fairfield and for Young Women with Cancer, the fourth Thursday of the month at 5 p.m. in Trumbull.

4th Thursday support group for Young”er” women to PAMC, 5-6:30; 203-255-5300; bridgeporthospital.org/cancer/breast.

DCIS group

Support group for individuals with Ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS). Connect with others, share common issues, get support and camaraderie from others in similar circumstances. For more information contact Dr. Mary Jo Vasquez, mjvasquezphd@gmail.com, 203-816-0183.

Wellness for Life

Griffin Hospital is helping individuals make the change for a healthier life this fall with its Wellness for Life program, a 12-week, evidence-based lifestyle change program that helps prevent and treat many chronic diseases. Programs starts Tuesday, Sept. 20. Meets Tuesdays, 6-8:30 p.m., Hewitt Ambulatory Pavilion (located in the Center for Cancer Care at Griffin Hospital) at 350 Seymour Ave., Derby; griffinhealth.org; 203-732-7107.

Parkinson’s fitness class

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.

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.

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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The 5% rail rate increase proposed by the state over the summer goes into effect Thursday, Dec. 1

The increase includes all parts of the Metro-North New Haven  commuter line, including the New Canaan, Danbury and Waterbury branches and Shoreline east. On the New Haven line, it would be combined with the 1% increase already scheduled for January, making the increase 6%.

As of Wednesday, Nov. 30, a monthly commuting ticket to Grand Central from Stratford costs $420. As of Thursday, Dec. 1, it goes up to $445. A one-way peak trip to Grand Central currently costs Stratford residents $19.75 if bought at the station. As of Thursday, that will be a $21 trip. That ticket will cost $27 if bought on board. 

The rate increases are part of the plan plan to implement the new fiscal year’s budget that began July 1, which will include both expenditure reductions across the Department’s budget and increased rail and bus fares that will collectively balance the Department of Transportation budget while preserving service, according to a press release from the state.

According to the state, the increase in fare would generate about $5.9 million in revenue. The plan also calls for closing what the state called under-used ticket windows in Greenwich, South Norwalk and Bridgeport.

The plan also calls for decreased highway and bridge maintenance and reduction of staffed hours at seven highway rest areas, which would be closed overnight with allowance for truck parking.

According to the state press release, state Department of Transportation Commissioner James P. Redeker said “the proposal is a responsible plan that ensures a balanced budget in this fiscal year and positions CTDOT for the new economic realities that will be faced in the upcoming biennial budget.”

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Operation Fuel’s statewide winter energy assistance program will start Thursday, Dec. 1, when the nonprofit’s 107 fuel banks begin taking applications. Families and individuals who are struggling financially and need energy assistance should call 211 to find their closest fuel bank.

“This holiday season, we are asking Connecticut residents to consider making a small donation to help ensure that vulnerable households are able to heat their homes and keep their lights and electricity on. Many of the people we help are children and the elderly,” said Karen Adamson, Operation Fuel’s executive director.

This past fiscal year, Operation Fuel provided more than $3.18 million in energy assistance to more than 7,705 households.

For more information on Operation Fuel or to make a donation, go to operationfuel.org. Donations may also be sent to Operation Fuel, 75 Charter Oak Avenue, Suite 2-240, Hartford, CT. 06106.

Operation Fuel is a private, nonprofit program that provides emergency energy assistance year-round through its fuel banks to lower-income working families and individuals, the elderly, and disabled individuals who are in financial crisis. Operation Fuel has received the highest rating possible from Charity Navigator, which is one of the nation’s leading charity evaluators.

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Music for Youth Free Young Persons’ Concert series presents the 2nd annual pre-holiday program featuring the Chamber singers of the Fairfield County Children’s Choir on Saturday, Dec. 10, at 7 p.m., at the Saint Thomas Aquinas Church, 1719 Post Road, Fairfield.

The Fairfield County Children’s Choir (FCCC) is a community-based choral program made up of 300 children in grades 4-12 from communities in and around Fairfield County. The chamber singers are the most advanced choristers in grades 6-12. They have performed in venues in England, Ireland, Austria, Czech Republic, Canada; in New Orleans, San Francisco, and in New York at Carnegie Hall, Lincoln Center, Madison Square Garden and West Point, among others. The group has shared the stage with such artists as Renee Fleming, Charles Strouse, Stephen Schwartz, Augusta Read Thomas, Sam Waterston, Christopher Plummer, Tom Chapin and Ivan Rutherford.

The concert will feature a selection of music from the classical, holiday and gospel repertoire.

Music for Youth’s mission is to foster the love and knowledge of live music in young people. The concert in December is free for adults attending with children, but donations of food or cash for Operation Hope are encouraged. Adults attending without children are asked to make a goodwill donation that helps to sustain future programs.

No tickets or advance registration is required to attend the concert. For information about future concerts, visit musicforyouth.net or email Musicforyouthct@gmail.

Chamber singers of the Fairfield County Children’s Choir

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Operation Hope will hold a food drive  on Saturday, Dec. 3, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., at Saugatuck Sweets, 28 Reef Road in Fairfield.

Non-perishable food items will be collected to benefit area families.

Sen. Tony Hwang, Rep. Laura Devlin, and Rep. Brenda Kupchick are joining with Operation Hope in encouraging residents to help their neighbors in need.

For each food donation, the food donor’s family will receive a free soft serve cone.

Information: OperationHopeCT.org.

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Connecticut is 2016’s 10th Most Vulnerable State to Identity Theft & Fraud, according to an in-depth analysis done by the free credit-monitoring website WalletHub.

To measure the level of susceptibility to such crimes for each state, WalletHub’s analysts compared the 50 states and the District of Columbia across six key metrics. The data set ranges from “identity-theft complaints per capita” to “average loss amount due to fraud.”

Connecticut’s Vulnerability to Identity Theft & Fraud (1=Most Vulnerable; 25=Avg.)

• 1st – Identity-Theft Complaints per Capita
• 27th – Avg. Loss Amount Due to Online Identity Theft
• 24th – Fraud & Other Complaints per Capita
• 12th – Avg. Loss Amount Due to Fraud
• 25th – State Security-Freeze Laws for Minors’ Credit Reports
• 1st – Identity-Theft Passport Program

For the full report, visit wallethub.com/edu/states-where-identity-theft-and-fraud-are-worst/17549/

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Christmas Tea

On Thursday, Dec. 1, at 1 p.m., the annual Christmas Tea will be held, sponsored by the Women’s Fellowship of Unity Hill United Church of Christ, 364 White Plains Road, Trumbull. Entertainment will feature the Festive Ringers Handbell Choir. The church may be contacted for reservations at 203-374-8822. Monetary donations will be accepted for the Center for Family Justice in Bridgeport.

Christmas Fair

Trinity Episcopal Church, 1734 Huntington Tpke., in Trumbull, will hold their Christmas Fair on Saturday, Dec 3, 9 a.m.-2 p.m., featuring baked goods, cookie trays and cakes, and Christmas attic treasures. For more information, call the office 203-375-1503.

Holiday Happening Craft Fair

The Holiday Happening Craft Fair will take place at Long Hill Methodist Church, 6358 Main St., in Trumbull, on Saturday, Dec. 10, from10 a.m.-3 p.m. There will be 24 vendors selling homemade and direct marketing cash and carry holiday gifts. No admission.

Holiday Boutique

Congregation B’nai Torah, 5700 Main St., Trumbull, will be hosting a Holiday Boutique on Sunday, Dec. 11, from 1-5 p.m. Featured will be a wide variety of Christmas and Hanukkah gift items from many vendors, including crafts, jewelry, accessories, home décor, pottery, photography, skin care, clothing, and more.

There will also be a silent auction with extensive goods and services, as well as a raffle for a 50 inch Smart TV, an Xbox, and a Go Pro.

Open to the community. Free admission. For more information, call 203-268-6940 or email office@bnaitorahct.org.

Christmas for Kids Fest

The annual Christmas for Kids Fest will be held at Christ Redeemer Lutheran Church, 2975 Nichols Ave., in Trumbull, across the street from City Line Florist, on Saturday, Dec. 17, from 1-4 p.m. Children ages 3.5 through 11 are invited for an afternoon of games, crafts, some festive singing, snacks and a presentation entitled Joy to the World, as we keep Christ in Christmas. Parents are welcome to stay or have the afternoon free for holiday preparations.

For more information or to register, call 203-378-1270 or register online at christisourcornerstone.org.

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To say that America has been divided since the election of Donald Trump is like saying we might be eating leftovers this week. However, there is much for which to be thankful as we put this election cycle behind us. Regardless of whom we voted for, we learned valuable lessons about our country that will serve us well going forward.

For instance, now we know future presidential candidates will no longer be burdened by inconveniences like experience, credibility, or even a documented interest in civil service. Decorum and respect for others has been rendered unnecessary, as has any effort to outline specific policies for vetting by the voting public before the election. Freed from the chains of accountability and decency, candidates can now focus exclusively on fund raising, glad-handing, and damage control.

We owe both major party candidates a debt of gratitude. By making campaign talk unsuitable for mature folk or children (the result of talking points being dependent on a thorough understanding of the birds and bees), we could tacitly agree to let things go unsaid. Because Grandma wouldn’t let anyone talk politics at the Thanksgiving table, we could all agree to hate the Dallas Cowboys again.

Thank you, Secretary Clinton, for showing the Democratic Party that the country is perfectly capable of voting against something as much as for anything. Thank you for proving that no candidate should ever feel entitled in an era when Southerners vote for a billionaire Yankee game show host incapable of transparency who declared bankruptcy four times because he “speaks for us.”

Thank you, President-elect Donald Trump, for being the flashlight exposing the cockroaches of the “alt right” movement, that merry band of Nazi-saluting white supremacists so beloved of your chief strategist, Steve Bannon. Thank you for opening the windows before the decaying corpse of the Tea Party rendered the Republican Party completely irrelevant. Thanks for alerting me how often men discuss grabbing women by their privates at the gym — I always assumed we were talking about cars. Thanks for letting us know that Access Hollywood’s Billy Bush is a sniveling little toadie. And speaking of toadies, thanks for exposing the press for the nosy little muckrakers they are. When will the Fourth Estate get out of the way and let government work in secret, like we elected it to do?  

Thank you for removing the biggest excuse the NRA had to block common-sense gun regulations as we approach the fourth anniversary of the Sandy Hook Elementary School shootings. (What’s the over/under on how long it’ll take the NRA to claim that Trump is “trying to take our guns away”?)

Thank you both for teaching us that this was never about electing the next president as much as redefining the presidency itself. I’m not sure I’m crazy about this new definition, but I can’t wait to see what’s in store in the coming months. With any luck, Grandma will let us talk politics again by New Year’s. Until then, we’ll make do with the leftover turkey.

You can read more at RobertFWalsh.com, contact him at RobertFWalshMail@gmail.com or follow him on Twitter @RobertFWalsh.

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Stratford Library, 2203 Main Street; Hours: Monday-Thursday, 10-8; Friday-Saturday, 10-5; Sunday, 1-5; 203-385-4162, stratfordlibrary.org.

Library LEGO Club

For children ages 5-12 Saturday, Dec. 3, 1:30.

Classic book discussion

Young readers bring a holiday/seasonal classic to present to the group Sunday, Dec. 4, 1:30.

Holiday concert      

The New England Guitar Society, under the direction of James Baird performs holiday music Sunday, Dec. 4, 2 p.m., Lovell Room. Free and open to the public.

Adults are welcome to experience the latest trend in relaxation, adult coloring books.

Coloring and Coffee

Come and experience the latest trend in relaxation, adult coloring books — Friday, Dec. 9, 10-11:30 a.m.; Monday, Dec. 5 and 12, 6-7:30 p.m., Lovell Room. The library will provide coloring pages and colored pencils. Coffee served and soothing music will play. Participants welcome to bring their own coloring materials. Free; adults only.

Monday Matinees

Free monthly screenings of recent, popular films shown uncut and on widescreen continue Monday, Dec. 5, at noon with Captain America: Civil War.

Preschool yoga

Yoga for ages 3-5 Tuesday, Dec. 6, 10:30; drop in. Bring a mat or a towel.

Kindness club

Children ages 6-12 make holiday gift bags for area children Tuesday, Dec. 6, 4 p.m. Contributions of small toys/candy welcome.

Move ‘n’ Groove

Children ages 2-6 meet Wednesday, Dec. 7, 6 p.m.

Computer coding workshop

Children ages 7-12 participate in this international event and spend an hour learning computer coding Thursday, Dec. 8, 6 p.m.

Digital photo exhibit

A Connecticut Retrospective, a digital photo exhibit by New Haven artist Jim Duffy will showcase a series of digital photos highlighting Connecticut locales. Photos on display in November and December. Photos and note cards of Duffy’s work also will be available for purchase. The exhibit is free and open to the public.

Teens: Youth Review Board                              

Monthly group of middle and high school teens who read, review and recommend books and discuss current teen issues meets Wednesday, Dec. 7, 3:30-4:30, Lovell Room. Next session is Dec. 19.

Teen Anime club

Teens are invited to discuss anime and manga, view movies and share their artwork at this monthly club Wednesday, Dec. 14, 4-5 p.m.

Creative writing

High school and college students who love to write both prose and poetry are invited to this monthly workshop to share their writings and get feedback Monday, Dec. 19, 6:30-8, Board Room. Future workshop: Jan. 23.

Career coach

Free services to low-wage workers and job seekers age 16 and older in Southwestern Connecticut who are unable to get the services at local career centers due to lack of transportation, childcare or employment schedules Mondays, from 10-3, Dec. 19.

Books Over Coffee

Britt-Marie Was Here by Fredrik Backman Wednesday, Dec. 21, noon, Lovell Room. Bring a bag lunch; coffee and tea served.

Library closed

The Library is closed Dec. 24-26 in observance of the Christmas holiday and Dec. 31-Jan. 2, for the New Year’s holiday.

Sunday Afternoon Talks

Sunday Afternoon Talks, a monthly series of informative talks featuring prominent local guest speakers, coordinated by Stratford resident and Library volunteer Charles Lautier:

Jan. 8: The Pennsylvania Station in New York City, From Corporate Jewel to Corporate Vandalism by Richard Abramson

Feb. 12: Leaf Cutter Ants by Dr. Barbara Beitch

March 5: Connecticut Town Greens by Professor Eric Lehman

April 2: Shakespeare: Myth and Reality by Dr. Francis DeStefano

May 7: Newspapers in the Civil War by Professor Hamish Lutris

Fall storytimes

Children’s department offers storytimes throughout the fall which are free and open to the public. School vacation and holiday schedules may vary. Registration is not required. Toddler Time meets Mondays at 10:30 for walkers ages 1-2. Siblings welcome. Preschool Power Hour meets Tuesdays at 10:30 for ages 3 and up. Various stories, activities and crafts. Baby Lapsit meets on Thursdays at 10:30 for babies and young toddlers. Friday Fun meets Fridays at 10:30 for ages 2-5. Move ‘n Groove meets two Wednesdays a month at 6:30 for ages 2-5.

Read Around Stratford

The Children’s Department encourages children to participate in a school year reading program called Read Around Stratford. Sign-ups continue through March 2017. Read 1,000 pages during the school year and come to a special party just for readers. Other prizes and special activities will be offered throughout the year. Read Around Stratford also takes monthly trips to different Stratford places. Both programs are courtesy of the Carol Pieper Memorial Fund.

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Holiday open house

The Stratford Cat Project will be hosting a Holiday Open House at the Star Factory, Paradise Green, 3520 Main Street, Stratford, on Sunday, Dec. 4, from noon-3 p.m. The event will include food, beverages, cat and holiday themed items, and raffle baskets. Meet volunteers; bring photos of your kitties. Bring a donation of canned Friskies or Fancy Feast 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 kitties of SCP; scp4cats@yahoo.com.

Cat adoption events

Stratford Cat Project hosts a cat and kitten adoption and food drive Saturday, Dec. 10 and 17, 11-3, H-3 Pet Supply, 475 Hawley Lane, (Big Y Shopping Center), Stratford. 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.

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With Connecticut’s drought only increasing in severity, Aquarion Water Company is urging customers throughout the southwestern part of the state to cut back on indoor water use by 20%.

From Bridgeport to Greenwich, Aquarion’s reservoirs are between 15 and 60% of capacity. The company has been building temporary pipelines to balance the supply among its reservoirs.

However, no end to the dry weather pattern is in sight, and state authorities are also seeking major reductions in usage. Aquarion is responding by increasing its water conservation communications campaign to focus on simple, proven ways to “defeat the drought” by cutting back on indoor consumption.

These include:

• Fixing all drips and leaks
• Turning off taps while washing hands, shaving and brushing teeth
• Shortening shower times
• Setting correct load levels when washing clothes
• Getting drinking water from a pitcher kept chilled in the refrigerator
• Switching to water-conserving showerheads, faucets, washers and toilets

“We need all customers to assist in this water conservation effort,” said Charles V. Firlotte, Aquarion President and CEO. “It may take months of rainfall before reservoirs and wells return to normal capacity, which is why it’s so important for everyone to find new ways to save water.”

Aquarion has posted more ways to save water, including an interactive water calculator, at aquarionwater.com/conserve.

About Aquarion Water Company

Aquarion Water Company is the public water supply company for more than 625,000 people in 51 cities and towns throughout Connecticut, as well as serving customers in Massachusetts and New Hampshire. It is the largest investor-owned water utility in New England and among the seven largest in the U.S. Based in Bridgeport, Conn., it has been in the public water supply business since 1857. Across its operations, Aquarion strives to act as a responsible steward of the environment and to assist the communities it serves in promoting sustainable practices.

For more information on Aquarion Water Company and its subsidiaries, visit aquarionwater.com or facebook.com/aquarionwater.

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The Connecticut Supreme Court will hear an appeal from families of nine victims of the Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting as they continue their push to gain damages from a group of gun companies.

The state Supreme Court decided Thursday to hear the appeals by the Sandy Hook victims’ families, who filed a civil lawsuit against Remington Arms Company Bushmaster Firearms, Camfour Holding and Riverview Gun Sales of East Winsdor.

The state Supreme Court transferred the case to its own docket, according to a statement from Koskoff, Koskoff & Bieder, the law firm representing the victims families. “We very much welcome the Court’s swift action, particularly as these families approach the fourth painful anniversary of the shooting,” said attorney Josh Koskoff. “Time and again our Supreme Court has recognized the importance of allowing litigants their day in court and the indispensable role of a jury as arbiters of justice.  That is all these families have ever asked for.”

“We are grateful that the Connecticut Supreme Court will hear our case immediately,” said Nicole Hockley, whose son, Dylan, was killed in the Sandy Hook shooting. “Our goal is and always has been to help prevent the next Sandy Hook, and today is an important step in that direction.”

Families of the victim had brought the civil suit in April 2015 against the manufacturer, distributor and seller of the AR-15 rifle used by Adam Lanza on Dec. 14, 2012 at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown. Lanza killed 26 people, including 20 children. Victoria Soto, a Stratford native and teacher at Sandy Hook, was one of the victims. Lanza killed himself during the shooting.

The suit alleges that the AR-15 assault weapon used in the shooting was negligently entrusted to the public, and that the defendants violated the Connecticut Unfair Trade Practices Act (CUTPA) in aggressively and unethically marketing the AR-15 to the public. In their decision to hear the case, the Court accepted the families’ argument that the meaning of certain language in CUTPA must be determined by the state Supreme Court, according to the attorneys’ statement.

The original civil suit was tossed out on Oct. 14 by Superior Court Judge Barbara Bellis. In her 54-page ruling, Bellis said the allegations “do not fit within the common-law tort of negligence entrustment under well established Connecticut law, nor do they come within the PLCAA [Protection of Lawful Commerce in Arms Act]’s definition of negligent entrustment.”

Bellis added that the plaintiffs “cannot avail themselves of the Connecticut Unfair Trade Practices Act (CUTPA) to bring this action within PLCAA’s exceptions allowing lawsuits for violation of a state statute applicable to the sale of marketing of firearms.”

Stay with The Stratford Star and the HAN Network for more on this story. 

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Three men are facing multiple gun charges after being arrested by Stratford Police for their alleged attempted robbery of a deli.

Desmond Hunter

Police charged Dishaun Brown, 39, Desmond Hunter, 26, both of Bridgeport, and Davon Taylor, 22, of Stratford, on Wednesday with first-degree conspiracy to commit robbery, carrying a firearm without a permit, possession of weapons in a motor vehicle, carrying a gun without a permit and altering the identification on a firearm.

Police said the men were involved in an attempted

Davon Taylor

robbery of Checkers Deli, 1976 Barnum Ave. After a short foot pursuit and subsequent motor vehicle stop, all three men were taken into custody. Police said officers recovered a 9mm handgun from inside the vehicle. A loaded magazine for the gun was located on Barnum Avenue near Noble Street where the suspects discarded it.

Dishaun Brown

All three were ordered held on $150,000 bond. All the men are scheduled to appear on Dec. 9 in Bridgeport Superior Court.

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The annual Christmas for Kids Fest will be held at Christ Redeemer Lutheran Church, 2975 Nichols Ave., in Trumbull, across the street from City Line Florist, on Saturday, Dec. 17, from 1-4 p.m. Children ages 3 1/2 through 11 are invited for an afternoon of games, crafts, some festive singing, snacks and a presentation entitled Joy to the World, as we keep Christ in Christmas. Parents are welcome to stay or have the afternoon free for holiday preparations.

For more information or to register, call 203-378-1270 or register online at christisourcornerstone.org.

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The Klein has been granted a $2.6 million state bond for building updates. Updates include an elevator to transport patrons from the lobby to the mezzanine and balcony, upgraded audio and lighting systems, digital projection system, new carpets and safety handrails and an outdoor digital billboard. Earlier this year, The Klein received a $25,000 grant from the Bridgeport Rotary Club, which also will be applied to the purchase of the projection system. All work is expected to be completed by March 2018.

Chief sponsor of the legislation was State Representative Ezequiel Santiago. The bond also was endorsed by Governor Dannel P. Malloy with additional support from Representative Steve Stafstrom, Mayor Ganim’s administration and other members of the Bridgeport state delegation.

“On behalf of our board of directors and staff, all of us at The Klein are extremely grateful to Rep. Santiago and his colleagues, and to Mayor Ganim, who’s team lent us invaluable advice and support. We view this funding not as a gift, but more as an investment from the state. With that comes the responsibility to apply the funds toward the betterment of Bridgeport,” said The Klein’s Executive Director, Laurence Caso.

To read the complete article, click here.

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For all the good food, good company and good times it brings to many, the holiday season can also generate a tremendous amount of stress. Get Healthy CT, the regional wellness coalition serving Fairfield and New Haven counties, provides advice and information on “Managing Holiday Stress” in its December monthly health feature, available online at GetHealthyCT.org.

Featured topics include:

• Heart-Healthy Holiday Gifts
• How Stress Affects Your Health
• Coping with Stress
• Exercise and Stress: Get Moving to Manage Stress
• 15 Surefire Strategies to Stay Fit from Thanksgiving to New Year’s
• MyPlate Holiday Makeover
• Stay Mindful with 4 Tips for Holiday Eating
• How to Fight Off Food Cravings
• Make Healthier Holiday Choices
• Holiday Weight and How to Avoid It
• Monthly Health Challenge: Squat Jump Challenge
• Monthly Recipe: Sweet Potato and Kale Minestrone Soup

The following is excerpted from How Stress Affects Your Health:

“Multiple studies have shown that sudden emotional stresses – especially anger – can trigger heart attacks, arrhythmias and even sudden death. Although this happens mostly in people who already have heart disease, some people don’t know they have a problem until acute stress causes a heart attack or something worse. Reducing your stress levels can not only make you feel better right now, but may also protect your health long-term.

Strategies for reducing stress include:

• Identify what’s causing stress
• Build strong relationships
• Walk away when you’re angry
• Rest your mind
• Get help from a mental health professional

Most information is available in English and Spanish. Direct access is available at http://gethealthyct.org/topic-of-the-month/. An archive of previous monthly features is also available.

Get Healthy CT is a community coalition that works in the greater Bridgeport, New Haven and Greenwich regions, providing information about being healthy and local resources to support healthy eating and physical activity through its website (GetHealthyCT.org) and Facebook page. Printed information packets are available in some area libraries, community centers, regional health departments and other locations.

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Jingle Bell Run — The 27th annual Jingle Bell Run, a 5k road race through Nichols takes place on Saturday, Dec. 3, at 9:15 a.m. More race day information is available at www.niajinglebellrun.com.

Contact Fred Palmieiri at fpalmieri6134@earthlink.net to become a sponsor or to volunteer.

Christmas Tree lighting — The Christmas Tree Lighting on the Nichols Green is at 5 p.m. The Hillcrest Choraleers will sing carols on the steps of the Nichols United Methodist Church rotunda. Santa Claus will make an appearance at the end with the assistance of the Nichols Fire Department.

For more information, visit niatrumbull.org or the NIA Facebook page.

Any Nichols resident who had not joined in 2016 or who is new to Nichols, may become a member now good through 2017.

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