The Stratford Library Board of Trustees will present its annual fundraiser for the library on Saturday, April 26, beginning at 6:30 pm.
The 20th annual gala event, entitled “Mardi Gras Magic”, will be held at the Blackhawk Country Club, 385 Oronoque Lane in Stratford and will raise crucial funds for collections, programs, and services to the community.
“Mardi Gras Magic” is an unforgettable evening dedicated to making a lasting impact, featuring a performance by local singing sensation Cidalia Kettles. Guests will enjoy an open bar for wine and beer, a cash bar for cocktails, a passed appetizer reception, a gourmet dinner buffet, a strolling magician, and a crowd-pleasing DJ for dancing.
Guests are encouraged to dress for Mardi Gras, and original, hand-crafted masks will be available for purchase. For added excitement, there will be a silent online auction, local treasures drawings, and a 50/50 raffle. Those unable to attend the benefit may support the Library by participating in the silent auction online, which closes the night of the Gala.
Tickets & Reservations
Tickets for the event are $80 per person and include dinner and entertainment. Discounts of up to $65 off are available for a table of 8 people.
For further information about the silent auction or ticket reservations for “Mardi Gras Magic”, call the Stratford Library at 203.385.4166 or visit: https://stratfordlibrary.org/gala-2025/
The Stratford Library Children’s Dept. offers weekly storytimes for children.
Schedule:
Mondays – Toddler Time for ages 0-2
Tuesdays – Preschool Storytime for ages 3-5
Thursdays – Baby Lapsit for babies 0-18 months
Fridays – Friday Fun with stories and songs for ages 1-5
Storytimes meet at 10:30 am. Enjoy early literacy activities and meet other families.
Spring Storytimes end April 11.
📍 To register: Visit stratfordlibrary.org, then choose Events. 📞 For more information: Call 203.385.4165 or visit stratfordlibrary.org/kids.
2. LEGO Club
The Stratford Library Children’s Dept. will offer LEGO Club on Thursday, April 3 at 4:00pm.
For ages: 5-12
Location: Children’s Program Room
Activity: Build LEGO creations with friends!
📍 To register: Visit stratfordlibrary.org, then choose Events. 📞 For more information: Call 203.385.4165 or visit stratfordlibrary.org/kids.
3. Preschool Art
Join the Stratford Library Children’s Dept. for some creative fun!
📅 Date: Saturday, April 5 at 11:00am 👦 For ages: 3-7 📍 Location: Children’s Program Room
📍 To register: Visit stratfordlibrary.org, then choose Events. 📞 For more information: Call 203.385.4165 or visit stratfordlibrary.org/kids.
4. Around The World with The Hungry Caterpillar: Slovakia
Join the Stratford Library Children’s Dept. for “Around the World with The Hungry Caterpillar”!
📅 Date: Monday, April 7 at 4:00pm 👦 For ages: 4-12 📖 Activity: Listen to The Very Hungry Caterpillar by Eric Carle in English and Slovak. 🌍 Learn about: Slovak culture, food, and more!
📌 Registration is required.
📍 To register: Call 203.385.4165 or visit stratfordlibrary.org/kids.
5. Science Club
Join the Stratford Library Children’s Dept. for our new Science Club, featuring different activities every month!
📅 Date: Tuesday, April 8 at 6:00pm 👦 For ages: 7-12 🧪 April’s session:uCreate Fun!
📌 Registration is required.
📍 To register: Visit stratfordlibrary.org, then choose Events. 📞 For more information: Call 203.385.4165 or visit stratfordlibrary.org/kids.
6. Kids Lego Robotics Club
Join the Stratford Library Children’s Dept. for a Lego Robotics workshop!
📅 Date: Wednesday, April 9 at 4:00pm 👦 For ages: 7-12 🤖 Activity: Build and code using LEGO Spike Essential kits (thanks to a grant from the Stratford Rotary Club). 📍 Location: Children’s Program Room
📌 Registration is required.
📍 To register: Visit stratfordlibrary.org, then choose Events. 📞 For more information: Call 203.385.4165 or visit stratfordlibrary.org/kids.
7. Sew A Circle Skirt
Join the Stratford Library Children’s Dept. for a sewing class to make your own Circle Skirt!
📅 Start Date: Thursday, April 10 at 4:00pm 🧵 Sessions: Continues weekly on Thursdays until finished (2-4 sessions based on progress). 👦 For ages: 8 to adult 📍 Location: Library
🪡 What you’ll learn:
How to make your own pattern
How to sew a Circle Skirt
🎨 Supplies: Bring your own fabric; other materials will be provided.
📌 Registration is required.
📍 For more information: Call 203.385.4165 or visit stratfordlibrary.org/kids.
8. Book Scientists
The Stratford Library Children’s Dept. will offer Book Scientist kits for children!
📅 Themes: 📖 April 11 – Earth Day 📖 April 25 – Language
👦 For ages: 3-12 📦 Each kit includes: Books and activities (books must be returned, but you keep everything else!).
📌 Registration is required.
📍 To register: Visit stratfordlibrary.org, then choose Events. 📞 For more information: Call 203.385.4165 or visit stratfordlibrary.org/kids.
9. Seed Library Grab ‘n’ Go
Pick up free seed kits from the Stratford Library Children’s Dept.!
📅 Flower Seeds: 🌼 April 14 – Zinnias 🌸 April 28 – California Blue Bells
📅 Vegetable Seeds: 🥕 April 4 – Radishes 🥬 April 18 – Lettuce
📦 Each kit includes: Seeds and planting instructions.
📌 Registration is required, but drop-ins are welcome as supplies last.
📍 To register: Visit stratfordlibrary.org, then choose Events. 📞 For more information: Call 203.385.4165 or visit stratfordlibrary.org/kids.
10. Pet Care 101 with the CT Humane Society
Join the Stratford Library Children’s Dept. and the CT Humane Society for a Pet Care 101 program!
📅 Date: Tuesday, April 15 at 1:00pm 👦 For ages: 8-12 🐾 Learn about:
The basics of pet care
Costs associated with pet ownership
How to choose the right pet for your family
📌 Registration is required.
📍 To register: Visit stratfordlibrary.org, then choose Events. 📞 For more information: Call 203.385.4165 or visit stratfordlibrary.org/kids.
11. Learn to Crochet
The Stratford Library Children’s Dept. is offering beginner crochet lessons!
📅 Date: Wednesday, April 16 at 6:00pm 👦 For ages: 9 to adult 🧶 What you’ll learn: Basic crochet skills 📦 Supplies: Provided by the library
📌 Registration is required.
📍 To register: Visit stratfordlibrary.org, then choose Events. 📞 For more information: Call 203.385.4165 or visit stratfordlibrary.org/kids.
12. Kids Podcasting Club
Join the Stratford Library Children’s Dept. for a Podcasting Club and start recording your own stories!
📅 Date: Thursday, April 17 at 2:00pm 👦 For ages: 7-13 (with a parent/guardian) 🎙 What you’ll do: Record stories, book recommendations, and insights with guidance from librarians and uCreate volunteers.
📌 Registration is required.
📍 To register: Visit stratfordlibrary.org, then choose Events. 📞 For more information: Call 203.385.4165 or visit stratfordlibrary.org/kids.
13. Piano with Friends
The Stratford Library Children’s Dept. will offer Piano with Friends: Music Basics!
📅 Date: Saturday, April 19 at 2:30pm 👦 For ages: 7-12 🎵 What you’ll learn:
Basic music notes
How to find keys on a music keyboard
📍 Location: Children’s Program Room 📌 Note: This class does not replace professional piano lessons.
📌 Registration is required.
📍 To register: Visit stratfordlibrary.org, then choose Events. 📞 For more information: Call 203.385.4165 or visit stratfordlibrary.org/kids.
14. Nutmeg Book Group
Join the Stratford Library Children’s Dept. Nutmeg Book Group for a discussion on April’s book pick:
📖 Book:Anybody Here Seen Frenchie? 📅 Date: Monday, April 21 at 6:00pm 👦 For Grades: 4-6 📍 Location: Children’s Program Room
📦 Books are provided to registered participants courtesy of the Carol Pieper Memorial Fund.
📌 Registration is required.
📍 To register: Visit stratfordlibrary.org, then choose Events. 📞 For more information: Call 203.385.4165 or visit stratfordlibrary.org/kids.
15. Ready for Kindergarten Grab ‘n’ Go
The Stratford Library Children’s Dept. is offering a Grab ‘n’ Go activity kit to help preschoolers get ready for kindergarten!
📅 Pick-Up Begins: Wednesday, April 23 👦 For ages: 3-5 🎒 What’s included: A new activity each month to support kindergarten readiness.
📌 Registration is required.
📍 To register: Visit stratfordlibrary.org, then choose Events. 📞 For more information: Call 203.385.4165 or visit stratfordlibrary.org/kids.
16. Junior Scientists Grab ‘n’ Go: Grass Heads
The Stratford Library Children’s Dept. will offer a Junior Scientists Grab ‘n’ Go activity for kids to experiment with growing grass in a cup!
📅 Pick-Up Begins: Thursday, April 24 👦 For ages: 4-7 🔬 Activity: A hands-on science experiment with adult assistance.
📌 Registration is required.
📍 To register: Visit stratfordlibrary.org, then choose Events. 📞 For more information: Call 203.385.4165 or visit stratfordlibrary.org/kids.
17. Math Grab ‘n’ Go
The Stratford Library Children’s Dept. is offering a math Grab ‘n’ Go kit focused on multiplication!
📅 Pick-Up Begins: Wednesday, April 30 👦 For ages: 6-10 ➗ Activity: A fun and educational way to practice multiplication skills.
📌 Registration is required.
📍 To register: Visit stratfordlibrary.org, then choose Events. 📞 For more information: Call 203.385.4165 or visit stratfordlibrary.org/kids.
4/8: 3:00-4:30 pm: Candy Sushi Make “sushi” out of candy and other sweet treats! Location: Teen Department. Grades: 6-12. No registration required.
4/9: 4:30-5:30 pm: Bedazzle the Bank April is Financial Literacy Month. To celebrate the importance of saving money, come decorate your very own piggy bank. Come prepared with your coolest designs so you can proudly drop your coins and dollars at home. Location: Lovell Room. Grades: 6-12. No registration required.
4/10: All Day: Let’s Get Loud for Your Library It’s National Library Week & we want to let our elected officials know just how much our library means to us! Stop by & write your personal note & we will get it in the mail. Every voice should be heard. Location: Teen Department. Grades: 6-12. No registration required.
4/14: 4:30-5:30 pm: Express Yourself: Black Out Poetry Words are POWERFUL! They can be used in positive or negative ways. Let’s create some poetry magic with pages from other works of art. Not into poetry? That is ok! Create a story based on what you would like to express. Location: Lovell Room. Grades: 9-12. Registration required.
4/21: 3:30-5:00 pm: DIY Make Your Own Pillow We’re celebrating National Pillow Fight Day by learning how to stuff & sew your own pillow. Maybe we can go outside & have a pillow fight to see how our creations hold up! Location: Lovell Room. Grades: 6-12. Registration required.
4/23: 3:30-4:30 pm: Open Art Calling all artists! Join us in the Teen Department to draw, paint, or sculpt whatever you like! We’ll provide all the supplies, you bring your artistic inspiration! Location: Teen Department. Grades: 6-12. No registration required.
4/28: 4:30-5:30 pm: Express Yourself: Emoji Painting Sometimes life can be an emotional roller coaster! Come express yourself artistically while we discuss positive ways to deal with emotions. All supplies provided. Location: Lovell Room. Grades: 9-12. Registration required.
The Stratford Police Department’s Narcotics, Vice, and Intelligence (NVI) Unit conducted multiple prostitution sting operations at local motels in February and March. These operations stemmed from a 2024 armed robbery incident in which a man attempting to solicit prostitution was targeted. That investigation led to the arrests of two men and a woman.
Based on intelligence gathered from the 2024 case, police determined that prostitution was prevalent at certain motels in Stratford. The recent sting operations confirmed these findings, resulting in the arrest of 15 individuals, all charged with Patronizing Prostitution. Among those arrested were Artan Ismaili, Marcin Kazmierczak, Daniel Matias, David Alterio, Leuris Pena-Perez, Jamel Michael, Rochelle Smith, Ruben Guaman-Pomavilla, George Lawrence, Charles Sosa, David Diaz, Julio Dacruz, Gary Robert Martino, Suvav Woodward, and Hector Doval.
Due to the ongoing nature of the investigation, police have not disclosed the names of the motels involved.
STRATFORD – Stratford’s Town Planner, Susmitha Attota, will take over as the Planning and Zoning Administrator, effective immediately. With almost 25 years of experience in municipal planning, Susmitha brings a comprehensive understanding of long-range, strategic planning and zoning knowledge to the role. Before becoming Town Planner for Stratford in 2018, she worked in several communities, including municipalities in southeast Florida, upstate New York, and Connecticut.
Susmitha has a Master’s Degree in City and Regional Planning, and a Bachelor’s Degree in Architecture. She is certified with the American Institute of Certified Planners and the Connecticut Association of Zoning Enforcement Officials.
In her role as Town Planner for Stratford, Susmitha managed a variety of long-range plans for the town, including the development of the most recent update of the Town’s Plan of Conservation and Development, the planning and ongoing implementation of Complete Streets, and the development of coastal resiliency plan updates, all in addition to pursuing grant funding for the implementation of coastal resiliency projects. She has also served as primary staff to the Town’s Planning Commission, Architectural Review Board, and Greenways and Complete Streets Committee.
Mayor Laura R. Hoydick stated, “Susmitha’s keen understanding of Stratford ensures that she will successfully, and responsibly, help navigate the development of our Town. We are fortunate to have a consummate professional within our existing team who is willing and excited to take on this new role, and I look forward to continuing to work with Susmitha and the Planning & Zoning team.”
When asked about her thoughts on moving from Town Planner to Planning & Zoning Administrator, Susmitha remarked, “It has been an absolute honor to serve the Stratford Community as the Town Planner for the past seven years. I will continue to serve with utmost dedication and hard work in my new role to promote responsible development and enhance the quality of life for residents.”
The Stratford Library will host Connecticut writer Patrick Scalisi and Connecticut artist Valerie Ruby-Omen for a special “Meet-the-Authors” program on Monday, March 31 at 7 pm. The authors will discuss their new local history book, Connecticut Cryptids: A Field Guide to the Weird and Wonderful Creatures of the Nutmeg State. The program is free and open to the public.
Over three years, Scalisi and Ruby-Omen did extensive research on creature folklore from throughout the state to compile a definitive survey of Connecticut “cryptids”, that is creatures that are believed to exist (like Bigfoot or the Loch Ness Monster) but never proven to exist. In doing so, they learned that cryptids have been part of Connecticut culture and history from as far back as the 1600s to as recently as the 2020s. There’s even a fantastic story from Stratford about lighthouse keeper Judson and the mermaids! The program starts by introducing the audience to the concepts of “cryptids” and “cryptozoology” and followed by a storytelling session from the book. A Q&A session will follow.
“Meet-the-Authors: Pat & Val” will be held in the Stratford Library Lovell Room beginning at 7 pm on March 31. The authors will have autographed copies of their book available for purchase following the program. For further information visit the Library website: www.stratfordlibrary.org or call: 203.385.4162.
Stratford firefighters were called to a fully involved garage fire on Glenfield Avenue. A classic truck was destroyed in the fire. There were no reported injuries. Unconfirmed radio reports indicated that the structure is unsafe and needs to come down immediately.
Report of a motor cycle versus car crash by 1606 Barnum Ave in Stratford in front of the Wallgreens. First responders are on scene reporting minor injuries.
Following a two-month investigation, Stratford Police have arrested 42-year-old Xavier Rivera-Concepcion for allegedly selling crack cocaine in the Success Avenue corridor on the Stratford-Bridgeport line. Police say Rivera-Concepcion was operating out of his apartment in the Dogwood Condominiums at 250 North Bishop Avenue, Bridgeport.
On March 13, officers executed two search and seizure warrants, leading to his arrest. Rivera-Concepcion has been charged with Operation of a Drug Factory and Illegal Possession with Intent to Sell a Narcotic Substance. Police seized 43.7 grams of crack cocaine and $2,148 in cash as evidence. He is being held on a $100,000 bond and is scheduled to appear in court on March 24, 2025.
Storytimes The Stratford Library Children’s Dept. offers weekly storytimes for children. Storytimes meet at 10:30 am. On Mondays, Toddler Time meets for ages 0-2. On Tuesdays, Preschool Storytime meets for ages 3-5. Baby Lapsit meets on Thursdays for babies 0-18 months. Friday Fun offers stories and songs for ages 1-5. Enjoy early literacy activities and meet other families at Library storytimes. Registration is required. To register, visit the website at stratfordlibrary.org, then choose Events. For more information about Library programs and services for children, call 203.385.4165 or visit stratfordlibrary.org/kids.
LEGO Club The Stratford Library Children’s Dept. will offer LEGO Club on Sunday, March twenty-third at 2:00pm. Children ages five through twelve are welcome to register. Come build some LEGO creations with friends. LEGO Club will meet in the Children’s Program Room. Registration is requested. To register, visit the website at stratfordlibrary.org, then choose Events. For more information about Library programs and services for children, call 203.385.4165 or visit stratfordlibrary.org/kids.
Seed Library Grab ’n’ Go The Stratford Library Children’s Dept will offer a Seed Library Grab ‘n’ Go for pick up on Mondays starting in March; Butterfly Milkweed on March seventeenth and Penstemon on March thirty-first. You will receive both the seeds and instructions on how to plant. Registration is required. To register, visit the website at stratfordlibrary.org, then choose Events. For more information about Library programs and services for children, call 203.385.4165 or visit stratfordlibrary.org/kids.
Book Scientists The Stratford Library Children’s Dept. will offer Book Scientist kits for children ages three through twelve. Each kit includes books and activities. Books are selected based on the age of the child participating. This month the themes will be: On The Farm on March fourteenth and Green Books on March twenty-eighth. Return the Library books when they are due and keep everything else! Registration is required. To register, visit the website at stratfordlibrary.org, then choose Events. For more information about Library programs and services for children, call 203.385.4165 or visit stratfordlibrary.org/kids.
Treehouse Science The Stratford Library Children’s Dept. will offer a Treehouse Science program with Perler beads on Friday, March fourteenth at 3:30pm and 3D pens on Friday, March twenty-eighth at 3:30pm. Children ages seven through twelve are welcome to join us for either program! Registration is required. To register, visit the website at stratfordlibrary.org, then choose Events. For more information about Library programs and services for children, call 203.385.4165 or visit stratfordlibrary.org/kids.
Read To a Therapy Dog The Stratford Library Children’s Dept. will be offering the chance to read to a therapy dog on Saturday, March fifteenth from 11:00am to 11:45am. Children ages six through twelve may sign up for a fifteen-minute time slot, and can choose a favorite book to read to Ollie the dog. Time slots are on a first come first serve basis. Registration is required. To register, visit the website at stratfordlibrary.org, then choose Events. For more information about Library programs and services for children, call 203.385.4165 or visit stratfordlibrary.org/kids.
Kids LEGO Robotics Club Join the Stratford Library Children’s Dept. for a LEGO Robotics workshop on Wednesday, March seventeenth at 4:00pm for children ages seven through twelve. Thanks to a grant from the Stratford Rotary Club, the Library now owns a LEGO Spike Essential kit, which combines LEGO building with some coding fun! This program will meet in the Children’s Program Room. Registration is required. To register, visit the website at stratfordlibrary.org, then choose Events. For more information about Library programs and services for children, call 203.385.4165 or visit stratfordlibrary.org/kids.
Ready for Kindergarten Grab ‘n’ Go The Stratford Library Children’s Dept. will offer a grab ‘n’ go activity kit to prepare preschoolers for Kindergarten. This kit is available for children ages three through five. Pick up is available beginning Wednesday, March nineteenth. Each month will be a different activity. To register, visit the website at stratfordlibrary.org, then choose Events. For more information about Library programs and services for children, call 203.385.4165 or visit stratfordlibrary.org/kids.
Piano with Friends The Stratford Library Children’s Dept. will offer Piano with Friends: Irish Music class on Thursday, March twentieth at 4:00pm for children ages seven through twelve. Piano Basics class is a prerequisite to sign up for this class. Learn to play some fun Irish tunes. Class does not replace professional piano lessons. Piano with Friends will meet in the Children’s Program Room. Registration is required. To register, visit the website at stratfordlibrary.org, then choose Events. For more information about Library programs and services for children, call 203.385.4165 or visit stratfordlibrary.org/kids.
Treefort Science: Ed Emberley Drawing The Stratford Library Children’s Dept. will offer a Treefort Science program for children ages five through seven on Friday, March twenty-first at 3:30pm. Have some fun drawing in the style of Ed Emberley. Registration is required. To register, visit the website at stratfordlibrary.org, then choose Events. For more information about Library programs and services for children, call 203.385.4165 or visit stratfordlibrary.org/kids.
Preschool Art Join the Stratford Library Children’s Dept. for some creative fun on Saturday, March twenty-second at 11:00am for children ages three through seven. Preschool Art will meet in the Children’s Program Room. Registration is required. To register, visit the website at stratfordlibrary.org, then choose Events. For more information about Library programs and services for children, call 203.385.4165 or visit stratfordlibrary.org/kids.
Nutmeg Book Group The Stratford Library Children’s Dept. is offering a Nutmeg Book Group for readers in grades four to six. March’s pick will be “Falling Short.” Read the book, then join us for a book discussion on Monday, March twenty-fourth at 6:00pm in The Children’s Dept, program room. Books are provided to registered participants courtesy of the Carol Pieper Memorial Fund. Registration is required. To register, visit the website at stratfordlibrary.org, then choose Events. For more information about Library programs and services for children, call 203.385.4165 or visit stratfordlibrary.org/kids.
Science Club Join the Stratford Library Children’s Dept. for our new Science Club with different activities every month. March’s session will be Solar System Models! Class meets Tuesday, March twenty-fifth at 6:00pm for ages seven through twelve. Registration is required. To register, visit the website at stratfordlibrary.org, then choose Events. For more information about Library programs and services for children, call 203.385.4165 or visit stratfordlibrary.org/kids.
Math Grab ’N’ Go Kit The Stratford Library Children’s Dept. will offer a Math grab ‘n’ go kit for children ages six through ten. This month’s theme will be Number Lines. Each kit will come with informational lessons and activities about the topic. Pick up for the kits will begin on Wednesday, March twenty-sixth. Registration is recommended. To register, visit the website at stratfordlibrary.org, then choose Events. For more information about Library programs and services for children, call 203.385.4165 or visit stratfordlibrary.org/kids.
Junior Scientists Grab‘n’Go The Stratford Library Children’s Dept. will offer a Junior Scientists grab ‘n’ go activity for children ages four through eight with pick-ups starting on Thursday, March twenty-seventh. Children can enjoy a science experiment with the help of an adult. This month’s topic will feature Wind. Registration is required. To register, visit the website at stratfordlibrary.org, then choose Events. For more information about Library programs and services for children, call 203.385.4165 or visit stratfordlibrary.org/kids.
Braiding With Seed Beads The Stratford Library Children’s Dept invites you to join us in learning how to braid with seed beads on Sunday, March thirtieth at 2:00pm. Patrons ages eight to adult are welcome to sign up. Participants should be comfortable working with small beads, and younger children may need a parent’s assistance. Registration is required. To register, visit the website at stratfordlibrary.org, then choose Events. For more information about Library programs and services for children, call 203.385.4165 or visit stratfordlibrary.org/kids.
