To mark World Down Syndrome Day on Friday, March 21st, Mayor Hoydick of Stratford, has issued a proclamation to Amber Lehrman, her parents Melody and Phil, Councilman Alan Llewelyn, his daughter Mary Kathryn, and Gabby Brice encouraging residents to celebrate the achievements of individuals with Down syndrome. Mayor Hoydick presented the proclamation to Amber Lehrman, a student at Stratford High School and a member of the Down Syndrome Association of Connecticut (DS ACT).
March 21st is a global day of celebration and awareness, observed by the United Nations since 2012 to raise public awareness of Down syndrome and promote the inclusion of people with Down syndrome.
With support from the Down Syndrome Association of Connecticut, families around the state have sought proclamations from the towns and cities where they live. Many will also be “Rocking Their Socks” throughout the day – wearing mismatched socks to trigger conversations about Down syndrome and the power of individual differences.
“We’re challenging stereotypes of people with Down syndrome by offering factual information and we’re having conversations that celebrate what individuals with Down syndrome bring to their community,” said Shanon McCormick, DS ACT executive director.
The proclamation presented by Mayor Hoydick explains that Down Syndrome is a lifelong condition in which a person has an extra twenty-first chromosome, affecting 6,000 babies in the US annually. It also describes the many ways that improved medical care and educational practices have dramatically improved the outlook for individuals born with Down syndrome.
All people with Down syndrome experience cognitive delays, but the effect is usually mild to moderate and is not indicative of the many strengths and talents that each person possesses. With planning and support, people who have Down syndrome are able to live and work in the community. Many people feel it will be possible to improve, correct or prevent many of the problems associated with Down syndrome through genetic therapies.
DS ACT is a private, 501(c)3 organization committed to increasing opportunities for individuals with Down syndrome. It offers programs that include support of new and expectant parents and siblings of children with Down syndrome; mentoring in education advocacy for parents; a support group for teens and young adults with Down syndrome, and one for their parents; literacy assessment and tutoring for individuals with a Down syndrome learning profile; summer camp grants for children and adults with Down syndrome; and an annual conference in best practices for families and professionals. Down syndrome occurs in approximately 1 of every 700 births. In Connecticut 40 to 50 children are born with Down syndrome each year, most to women under 35 years of age. The most common physical traits include low muscle tone, small stature, an upward slant to the eyes, and a single deep crease across the center of the palm.
STRATFORD — Mayor Laura R. Hoydick today announced that the Town of Stratford will host this year’s annual Veterans Breakfast on Wednesday, May 21, 2025. The annual event, which has provided breakfast for more than 1,800 veterans since 2012, is scheduled to start at 9 a.m., and will be held at Vazzano’s Four Seasons in Stratford. There is no charge for veterans or their guest, who will receive a fully-served breakfast. In addition to breakfast, the Town is planning a program which includes key note speakers, recognition of Stratford Veterans and a traditional performance from the Stratford High School Select Choir. The deadline to register is Wednesday, May 14, 2024. Veterans and non-veterans who are interested in attending may register by calling (203) 385-4029. Please ask to register for the Veterans Breakfast. Additional details of the event, and online registration, is available at https://www.stratfordct.gov/page/veterans. Please note: general seating is first-come, first served. If you or your guest require special accommodations, please advise upon registration.
On March 27, 2025, Narcotics, Vice, and Intelligence Detectives observed Nicholas Chiarantano, 37, conduct a suspected drug transaction in a Stratford parking lot. After he entered a GMC Yukon, detectives stopped the vehicle and found both Chiarantano and the driver in possession of approximately 8 grams of heroin/fentanyl. Chiarantano was charged with illegal sales of a narcotic substance. He was held on a $5,000 bond and given a court date of April 4, 2025.
The driver, Chester Chambers, 74, was also arrested during the same stop. In addition to the heroin/fentanyl, detectives found Chambers was illegally carrying a firearm. He was charged with carrying a pistol without a permit, illegal possession of a weapon in a motor vehicle, illegal transfer of a firearm, and illegal possession of a narcotic substance. He was held on a $5,000 bond and given the same April 4 court date.
On April 1, 2025, detectives executed two search warrants at 95 North Bishop Avenue in Bridgeport—one for the home and another for Dwayne Upchurch, 31. While watching the home, officers saw Upchurch approach a 2015 Aston Martin and appear to conduct a drug transaction. Detectives intervened and seized 59.2 grams of fentanyl, $1,142 in cash, two phones, and the Aston Martin. Upchurch was charged with conspiracy and possession with intent to sell over one ounce of heroin. He was held on a $50,000 bond and issued an April 11 court date.
Dean Williams, 45, was the driver of the Aston Martin and is also a convicted felon. He was charged with conspiracy and possession with intent to sell over one ounce of heroin. He was held on a $50,000 bond and given the same April 11 court date.
On April 10, 2025, detectives stopped Ricky Upchurch, 60, on Wiklund Avenue in Stratford as part of a narcotics investigation. Search warrants were executed on his person, home, and 2013 Nissan Altima. Detectives recovered 518 grams of fentanyl, 29 grams of crack cocaine, 231 grams of powder cocaine, $8,000 in cash, and the vehicle. Upchurch was charged with operating a drug factory, possession with intent to sell over one ounce of heroin, possession with intent to sell over half an ounce of cocaine, and possession with intent to sell narcotics (third offense). He was held on a $500,000 bond and given a court date of April 24, 2025.
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.
