Stories

Off the Streets Bridgeport applied to the Stratford Rotary Club for a grant to continue their programs to help the homeless find a place to live. The grant was approved and Gerard Agoglia was presented a check for $500.00 by Sharon Palumberi at the noontime luncheon at Acapulco's Restaurant in Stratford.

Their Mission is: To Help the Homeless Off The Streets, One-Person-at-a-Time. Off The Streets Bridgeport (OTSB) provides support to the homeless and those at risk of becoming homeless in the Bridgeport, Connecticut – Fairfield County area.

Operating with:

• 100% volunteers – no paid staff
• No Office Space
• 95% of funding goes directly to supporting the homeless

Thank you Elliot Sloyer for your informative presentation on the Wheel It Forward program.

Our Vision

To change the way people from all socio-economic backgrounds think about the availability, use, and reuse of durable medical equipment - thereby improving quality of life, saving hundreds of millions of dollars, and keeping billions of pounds of DME out of landfills. To create, template and operate a branded lending library where people who need durable medical equipment (DME) can borrow it, and where people who have lightly used DME can conveniently donate it to benefit others, and the environment.

Wheel It Forward combines technology - systems templates and tools, with community engagement volunteers, to operate a branded library where people can seamlessly donate and borrow DME. We attract lightly used DME through various channels and employ best practices to sanitize, repair (when needed) and efficiently lend out DME to those who need it. We generate demand by reaching out to the medical community to raise awareness for this resource.

Our District Governor, Christene Freedman, was our guest speaker after a rousing rendition of the National Anthem by Dominic Mantuano.  We now have a real flag.  Christene spoke very eloquently about the Rotary Foundation and the District Managed Grants.  When she was at the Wilton YMCA, she was able to obtain a DMG to teach swimming.  Those classes greatly impacted Jordan's life; he went from deathly afraid of the water to a lifeguard.  DMG grants have made a difference in our club as well. 

She also discussed the theme for this year's RI President, Mental Health.  A committee has been formed at the District level.  She discussed her father, Charlie, and his fight with depression and his family not realizing it.

In addition, she talked about next year's theme for District Governor Robert Friend: Peace.  Something with special meaning today.  Thank you to all who attended.

Thank you Aliah Curry for you excellent presentation at todays luncheon.

Her presentation centered mainly around seniors and some of the issues that may affect them in later years such as balance, leg and foot issues like neuropathy. Also dangers around the home, throw rugs being a major cause of falls. She handed out pamphlets showing exercises that can be done safely in the home. Ms. Curry, a Stratford Rotarian, owns Oasis Physical Therapy at 3380 Main St, Stratford, CT 06614-4860.

Services offered are physical therapy with the intent to fix your unique problem with a specific solution. And to give you the opportunity through health, to generate wealth, and maximize relationships with your loved ones." Orthopedic, neurological, and all functional movement disorder diagnoses Certification in LSVT BIG & PWR for people with Parkinsons' Vestibular Rehabilitation Vertigo (BPPV) Dizziness Concussion Rehabilitation Sports Rehabilitation Post-Surgical Worker's Compensation Injury Instrument-assisted Soft-tissue Mobilizations/Cupping COVID-19 Recovery.

Thank you Jeffrey Fletcher for your information presentation on the newly opened Black History Museum here in Stratford.

The exhibit is a collection of artifacts that reflect decades of turbulent times for African Americans in the United States during the period of slavery and the Civil Rights movement. It brings visitors up close and personal which is an experience that many have only read about in history books or seen in movies.

The exhibit embraces the teachings of tolerance, diversity, unity, and educating people that there was a time when imagery played a significant role in how African Americans were perceived. The artifacts and memorabilia may seem to be difficult to view but they are a part of African American history that needs to be told just as much as the triumphs which were made by African American pioneers and trailblazers. 

The exhibit is an opportunity to begin honest conversations regarding a rich and strong history which has historically been maligned. The Images of America exhibit is an experience that will leave lasting impressions and memories.   

The Coastal Arts Guild of CT was created to support and foster the growth of the arts, education and cultural experiences in the Stratford, CT region. We do this through collaborations among professional and emerging artists artists of all all mediums, patrons of the arts, businesses, schools and community organizations and through advocacy for the arts. Our belief is that a community’s appeal, economic vibrancy and quality of life are enriched by the support of a diverse and thriving arts and cultural scene. We provide a sense of place, where residents and businesses can be enriched through engagement with the arts.We recognize that collaboration with surrounding organizations expands outreach and increases overall community assets. Our advocacy for the arts provides opportunities for members to learn and share their art for the community’s benefit.

After the presentation there was a Q&A.

Anyone wishing more information please visit their website at, https://www.coastalartsguildct.org/

Proceeds from this year's event will benefit two wonderful sustainable projects.  

The Stratford Historical Society - to purchase Historical document digitization equipment that will be used to preserve Stratford's priceless historical documents.  These original historical documents are irreplaceable and quite valuable.  Historical document digitization is an effective way of preserving these unique pieces of Stratford's past. By digitizing our local historical records, the Stratford Historical Society will be able maintain the integrity of the original documents while making  them electronically accessible for future generations of history seekers.

The Stratford Fire Department – to purchase carbon monoxide and smoke detectors to save lives.  The majority of fatal home fires happen at night when people are asleep.  Contrary to popular belief, the smell of smoke may not wake a sleeping person. The poisonous gases and smoke produced by a fire can numb the senses and put you into a deeper sleep.  The Stratford Rotary Club is excited to help support and promote the Fire Department's Fire Safety Program by purchasing a significant number of units to be installed free of charge, in Stratford homes.  

Thank you Jennifer Paradis, Executive Director of the Beth El Center in Milford, for your very informative presentation about the services your group provides.

The Beth-El Center is a 501c3 nonprofit organization that provides support services and advocacy to those experiencing homelessness and hunger within the Greater Milford community. Through our 34 bed homeless shelter, food service programs and outreach and engagement efforts, we offer individuals, families and veterans long-term solutions to help them reclaim their lives

Our experienced and knowledgeable staff works to provide the tools and resources our residents need in order to lead independent lives. We strive to help each person secure a place to live, sustainable income and support services in order to return to self-sufficiency.

Shelter Program
Through on-site services and community partnerships, our residential program helps individuals obtain independence through stable housing, gainful employment, education and/or training. Our compassionate case managers provide one-on-one support to all residents to develop personal goals and a plan to return to self-sufficiency.

Admission to the Beth-El Center, Inc. Shelter Program for Individuals is facilitated through 2-1-1 Coordinated Entry. All individuals in need of shelter must contact 2-1-1 via phone or online for assistance: www.211ct.org

Family Program
Singles or couples with children reside at the Beth-El Center while receiving the support and assistance needed to achieve self-sufficiency utilizing intensive case management services.

Admission to the Beth-El Center, Inc. Shelter Program for Families is facilitated through 2-1-1 Coordinated Entry. All families in need of shelter must contact 2-1-1 via phone or online for assistance: www.211ct.org

Supportive Housing
Our Permanent Supportive Housing Case Manager provides supportive services to the residents of Liberty Point apartments to help them access resources necessary to maintain their housing and independence.

No Freeze Shelter
We provide warmth, food and shelter to those in need during cold winter nights. Users of our No Freeze shelter are connected with Center case managers to help support them in engaging in other long-term shelter and housing options.

Soup Kitchen
Supported through individual volunteers and community groups, Beth-El Center, Inc. is able to offer nutritious hot meals to shelter residents as well any community members in need. We serve a meal weekdays from 11:30am to 1:00pm and most weekends. Please refer to the monthly Meals Calendar for more information.

More information can be found at the Centers website, http://www.bethelmilford.org/

The Stratford Rotary Club held its 60^th Anniversary Celebration on May 4, 2018 at the Oronoque Country Club, which was attended by 75 current and past Rotarians their family and guests.

A contribution will help ensure PAL’s ability to help support the young people, approximately 95 at this time, who are currently involved in the following programs:

• Police Explorer Program [Link: click here] 
• PAL Rifle League [Link: click here] 
• Pop Warner Football and Cheerleading [Link: click here] 
• Baseball: Stratford Little League, American Legion, Cal Ripken,
  Babe Ruth and Stratford Titans [Link: click here] & [Link # 2: click here] 
• Girls Softball 
• Stratford United Soccer [Link: click here] 

Stratford PAL is a registered 501c(3) nonprofit by the Internal Revenue Service, which makes your donation to PAL tax-deductible. And please remember that 100% of your donation will go directly to support PAL programs. Your donations can be made by check or through the official Stratford Police Department website via a secure Paypal link.

The Annual Main Street Festival, sponsored by Milford Bank and Hosted by The Stratford Rotary Club, was held on Saturday June 3rd. The weather was beautiful, breezy but mostly clear and sunny. A total of 127 food, craft and informational vendors participated. There was something for the kids in the way of inflatable’s and a bounce house and the Roaming Railroad. Other entertainment was a dunk tank, a trick bicycle demonstration, a magician, a demonstration of Falconry and music from several groups throughout the day at the two stages on site. 20 food vendors participated serving a variety of foods. There was something for every taste. Thousands of people attended this year’s event and it is thought to be the largest turnout since Rotary took over hosting the event.
Stratford Rotary would like to thank this year’s sponsors. The Milford Bank, Stratford Mayors Golf Tournament and Bridgeport Fittings. Also, Big “Y”, Home Depot, ShopRite, Stop & Shop and Walmart for their support.
We’re all looking forward to next year’s Festival.

• Alyssa Moore
• Max Jakele
• Saira Ordonez
• Isabella Puzzo
• Carissa DiCicco
• Abbas Harris
• Alexis Awad
• Chadwick Schroeder
• Hannah McLaughlin
• Justin Almonte
• Magnus Ordner
• Also in attendance was Dr. Nancy Dowling, Principal at Bunnell H.S., and Christina Alves, Student Advisor and Kirsten Hardy, Teacher

Thank you to Jane E. Ferreira, CEO of the Mercy Learning Center for her informative presentation about the Center. The mission of Mercy Learning Center (MLC) is to provide basic literacy and life skills training to low-income women using a holistic approach within a compassionate, supportive environment. All women are welcome without regard for race, religion, color, creed, sexual orientation or national origin. MLC offers a range of flexible programs to meet the needs of their diverse students. Part-time and full-time academic programs are offered at the Center along with a range of support services. All programs and services are offered in a recently renovated building at 637 Park Avenue.  MLC is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization and all programs and services are offered at no cost to participants.

Thank you to todays speaker, visiting Rotarian Dave Winters, who gave a recap on the extremely successful RYLA event his Rotary Club promoted in New York. His club sponsored 30 youths.

For those not familiar with RYLA it stands for Rotary Youth Leadership Awards (RYLA) is a program that originated with Rotary International. RYLA encourages servant leadership in youth by recognizing and rewarding deserving 11th grade students who are chosen to attend RYLA as an "award" for their past and present leadership and service activities. These select young people attend an all-expenses-paid camp where they are inspired by a diverse group of exceptional speakers, make life-long friends through fellowship activities, and discuss the ethical and social issues of today. These activities are conducted in an atmosphere of trust and respect. The result is that these students return to their schools and communities motivated to take on additional leadership roles and to find additional ways to serve.

RYLA's intent is to encourage students to be more effective servant leaders. RYLA is not a camp intended to teach leadership skills (it is assumed that the students in attendance already possess those skills), however the following topics naturally arise in the course of RYLA activities and discussions:

Fundamentals of leadership
Ethics of positive leadership
Qualities of a "servant leader"
Importance of communication skills in effective leadership
Conflict management and problem solving
Building self-esteem and self confidence
Elements of community and global citizenship
Rotary's purpose of service to the community and world

Dave passed around several letters from the young attendees. Reading these letters and the effect this program has had on these youths is extremely gratifying. RYLA is preparing our leaders of tomorrow in a positive way.