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I hope you were able to get outside this afternoon and enjoy the break of sunshine and blue sky with healthier air conditions as the smoke from the Canada wildfires blow further to our south today. As we move into the weekend and next week, please be aware of air quality conditions and take precautions due to the return of wildfire smoke in our area. You can track real-time updates of our local air quality at www.airnow.gov. In this week's email, you can learn about free summer meals for children 18 and under here in Stratford and the surrounding area, read about a new state law expanding access to solar energy, and find state and local resources. Please reach out if you have any questions, concerns, or if my office can be of assistance to you. Call my office at any time at 860-240-8585 or email me at kaitlyn.shake@cga.ct.gov.
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Celebrating Sheri Szymanski's 20th Anniversary
with Stratford Library |
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This Thursday, Sheri Szymanski was honored with a citation from the Connecticut General Assembly to recognize her for 20 years of service to the Stratford Library.
In 2006, Sheri started her career at Stratford Library as the Head of Information and Technology Services, in charge of not only the technology at the Library but also the cataloging of all library materials. Less than a year later, she was promoted to Assistant Director. For almost 10 years, Sheri worked with the Library Director to guide Stratford Library. When the director retired in 2016, Sheri was promoted again, this time to Library Director.
As director, Sheri has overseen the renovation of the Children's Department, which created a modern, welcoming space for children to learn, create & share. She also vastly improved access to the Library by eliminating of overdue fines. Fines can be a barrier for patrons, and without them, more people feel welcome at the Library.
Under Sheri’s leadership, Stratford Library started and grew uCreate, its makerspace. She navigated offering services to the public while keeping them and her staff safe during the Covid-19 pandemic. And Sheri helped create a celebration of the Library for its 125th anniversary in 2021.
As Stratford Library continues to grow and evolve to empower our diverse community, Sheri‘s leadership allows the library staff to provide access to innovative services, information, and ideas for all Stratford residents.
I was honored to attend the Stratford Library Board of Trustees meeting on Thursday evening to celebrate and thank Sheri for her 20 years of dedicated service. The Stratford Library would not be the great institution it is without you! |
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The Connecticut Burn Center at
Yale New Haven Bridgeport Hospital |
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Did you know that The Connecticut Burn Center is the only burn unit in the entire state of Connecticut? Patients come from all over and from out of state, to receive high quality treatment and care as in-patient and at their out patient clinic on site.
On Tuesday, I was invited to The Connecticut Burn Center at Yale New Haven Health Bridgeport Hospital. During my visit, I had the honor to meet with Dr. Alisa Savetamal, a surgeon who serves as the Medical Director of the Connecticut Burn Center at Bridgeport Hospital and an assistant clinical professor at the Yale School of Medicine. Dr. Savetamal introduced me to the amazing healthcare team of doctors, specialty trained nurses, social workers, OT, PT, respiratory therapists who provide compassionate, life-saving care every day for their critical burn patients. We then proceeded with a full tour of the Burn Center that included: their treatment room, patient rooms, dedicated physical and occupational therapy area, and their family suite.
I also met with Dan Walsh, Vice President of Bridgeport Hospital's Support Services & Facilities, Paul Mounds Jr., Vice President of Community, Corporate and Government Relations at Yale New Haven Health, Susan M. Chudwick, Executive Director of Bridgeport Hospital Foundation, and Rick Reichert from the Bridgeport Hospital Foundation. I’m thankful to have spent the morning meeting their healthcare team and hospital leadership to learn more about how they serve patients from Stratford and all across Connecticut.
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| CEA 2026 Legislative Report Card |
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Some good news to share with you! - I am deeply honored to be 1 of the 3 legislators in the entire Connecticut General Assembly to receive an A+ on my report card from the Connecticut Education Association (CEA) for the 2026 legislative session!
This annual evaluation measures commitment to advancing public education and supporting educators.
My 100% score comes from several factors: My voting record, advocacy, and efforts to advance CEA priorities. CEA priorities include enhancing the teaching profession, protecting pensions and benefits, preserving collective bargaining, and supporting sound education policy that enhances public education.
The score includes a holistic view of the overall support of teachers and public education, advocacy of CEA priorities, and responsiveness to requests to meet with educators and CEA staff.
Read more about my scores and learn more about other legislators here - cea.org/legislator-report-card.
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| Free Summer Meals for Children 18 and Under |
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As our youth enjoy these summer months away from school, don't forget that nutritious meals are available at no cost to all children in the state!
As part of the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Summer Food Service Program, any child 18 and under may receive meals at participating locations - no application, proof of income, or identification required.
You can use the U.S. DAG's Summer Meals Site Finder or call 2-1-1 to find participating meal sites throughout the state. Please confirm the location and meal service times before visiting to make sure you don't miss out.
Stratford Public Schools will be offering FREE Summer Meals at various locations now through August 21st. No registration is required!
All children and teens are welcome to visit any summer meal location. No ID, paperwork, or registration is needed. However, all meals must be eaten on-site. Each child may receive one meal during each meal service. There is no cost to the child or family.
View the flyer below for various site locations and times.
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| Governor Lamont Signs Law Expanding Affordable Solar Battery Storage and Plug-In Solar |
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Governor Ned Lamont has signed Public Act 26-127, expanding access to affordable solar energy and battery storage for Connecticut homeowners, renters, and businesses while prioritizing relief for customers facing high energy costs.The law extends the state's residential, commercial, and community solar programs through 2027, ensuring continued support for clean energy as electricity demand grows. It also encourages responsible solar development by prioritizing projects on rooftops, brownfields, municipal and state buildings, and other developed commercial properties.
The law also extends and modifies the state's solar energy programs to cost-effectively deploy solar systems that pair solar and battery storage, allow for plug-in solar systems, and reduce red tape and costs related to solar permitting. The law aims to ensure that solar energy benefits both the person who installs it on their roof and all ratepayers by providing more clean energy and reducing the costs associated with the transmission and distribution of electricity.
The law also includes permitting reform and authorizes plug-in solar systems, which are smaller systems that can be bought off the shelf and installed relatively easily without permission from the electric utility. These systems are popular with renters and homeowners in Europe because they cost less and can be placed on a balcony or in a backyard. By creating a legal framework for plug-in solar, the law aims to extend the benefits of clean energy to more residents who have not benefited from it historically.
Additionally, the legislation directs more benefits to customers and communities with higher energy burdens, supports battery storage to improve grid reliability, streamlines residential solar permitting, and requires the Connecticut Public Utilities Regulatory Authority (PURA) to limit public benefits charges and ensure the law reduces costs for ratepayers overall.
I am proud to have supported this legislation that will continue to move the State of Connecticut forward on affordable, accessible, renewable energy.
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| CT DoAg and CT DPH Address Cyclosporiasis Concerns |
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The Connecticut Department of Agriculture (CT DoAg) and the Connecticut Department of Public Health (CT DPH) are reminding residents to take precautions with the current Cyclosporiasis outbreak.
While cases of Cyclosporiasis have been reported in Connecticut, at this time, there is no indication that Connecticut farms are the source of this outbreak. With the increase in cyclosporiasis cases, many shoppers are wondering how to stay safe while enjoying fresh summer produce.
One of the best choices you can make is shopping local. CT farms and farmers’ markets offer fruits and vegetables grown and handled by farmers who take pride in feeding their families and their community.
DPH also encourages residents to follow simple steps at home to reduce potential risk:
- Wash all fresh produce under clean running water before eating, even if you plan to peel it.
- Choose whole heads of lettuce instead of pre-washed bagged salad mixes. Remove and discard the outer two to three layers of leaves and wash the inner leaves under running water.
- Wash cilantro, basil, and green onions thoroughly under running water, separating leaves. These items are safest when cooked.
- Cook produce when possible. Heating food to 158°F (70°C) or higher kills Cyclospora.
- Wash hands with soap and water before eating, and clean kitchen surfaces and cutting boards before and after preparing food.
For more information on Cyclospora, visit the FDA webpage.
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| CTDOT Is Reminding Drivers To Slow Down |
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The Connecticut Department of Transportation (CTDOT), in partnership with state and local law enforcement agencies, is reminding drivers to slow down this summer as speed enforcement efforts increase across Connecticut during July.
The statewide effort combines education, awareness, and enforcement to address one of the leading causes of traffic fatalities in the state.
In 2024, the last year of verifiable data, Connecticut recorded 126 fatalities due to speeding and reckless driving, highlighting the urgency of addressing this issue.
As part of this effort, CTDOT has launched its new "Speeding is Killing All of Us" public awareness campaign, designed to encourage drivers to think about the real-life consequences of speeding and make safer choices behind the wheel. Through television, digital, social media, and outdoor advertising, the campaign delivers an urgent message: speeding puts every road user at risk.
Watch the campaign here: Speeding is Killing All of Us
Why slowing down matters:
- A pedestrian struck at higher speeds is significantly less likely to survive.
- Speeding reduces the time drivers must react to unexpected hazards.
- Even familiar roads can become deadly when drivers exceed the speed limit.
- Choosing to slow down protects everyone sharing Connecticut's roads.
For more information about the dangers of speeding, visit nhtsa.gov.
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| AHCT BusinessPlus Platform |
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Access Health CT (AHCT) is expanding health coverage options for Connecticut businesses.
BusinessPlus is a different way for business owners to offer health coverage to their employees, as well as reduce costs and provide more flexibility in selecting a plan.
This is a new platform to help brokers and employers administer Individual Coverage Health Reimbursement Arrangements (ICHRA). This is a type of health benefit where employers can provide employees with pretax dollars to help cover health insurance premiums and qualified medical expenses. With ICHRA, employees can shop, compare, and enroll in one of the 22 Qualified Health Plan (QHP) options offered through AHCT.
If you are a business owner, click here to learn more about the platform and how it could benefit your business and employees. |
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Filing a Consumer Complaint with the
Department of Consumer Protection |
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The Department of Consumer Protection (DCP) Complaint Center helps resolve issues between consumers and businesses. If you have an issue with a business, first try to solve it directly with the business. If that is not successful, consider filing a complaint with DCP for further help.
Here is a list of potential complaints DCP can help with:
- Connecticut-based telemarketers and internet retailers
- Frauds, scams, misrepresentations, and misleading advertisements
- Gasoline and heating fuel issues. (Note: we do not set prices for these products)
- Home improvement contractor
- New home construction
- Packaged or manufactured food or bakery items
- Prescription errors
- Professionals, tradespeople, and contractors who should be licensed or registered with DCP. Review a list of license types
- Real estate agents, brokers, and appraisers
How to File a Consumer Complaint:
To file a consumer complaint against a business, individual, service provider, product maker, or reseller, send your complaint to DCP online, by email, fax, or mail. Online complaints may be submitted anonymously. If you submit an anonymous complaint, DCP will have no way to update you on the status of the complaint, and it may limit DCP’s ability to complete an investigation.
Click here to file a consumer complaint online.
To file a consumer complaint by email, fax, or mail, click here to find the correct form for your complaint.
Email to: mailto:dcp.complaints@ct.gov
Fax to: 860-707-1966
Mail to:
Department of Consumer Protection
450 Columbus Blvd, Suite 901
Hartford, CT 06103
For more information on the process of filing a consumer complaint with DCP and what you can expect after filing a consumer complaint, visit: portal.ct.gov/dcp/file-a-complaint.
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Lake Success Open Detonation:
The open destruction of Munitions and Explosives of Concern found at Lake Success Business Park, the former Remington Park, in Bridgeport, is scheduled to begin July 6th and run through the end of the month. Residents in the area should be aware that there will be periods of loud noises.
Bridge Deck Replacement on Route 15:
The Connecticut Department of Transportation (CTDOT) will complete bridge deck replacements for various bridges, including on Route 15 in Stratford, as a follow-up to pavement preservation, which excluded bridges. The project ensures bridges remain in good repair.
MERRIT PARKWAY LANE CLOSURE/DETOUR INFO
Motorists can expect lane closures at the following locations:
- Route 15 North Exit 33 to Exit 38 in Milford, Stratford, and Trumbull, 7 p.m. to 6 a.m., Monday through Friday
- Route 15 South from Exit 33 to Exit 38 in Milford, Stratford, and Trumbull, 8 p.m. to 6 a.m., Monday through Friday
The project's estimated completion date is November 28th, 2026.
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Noise Barrier Replacement on I-95:
The Connecticut Department of Transportation (CTDOT) has started noise barrier replacement on I-95 between Exits 32-33 in Stratford. This project is expected to be completed next year, in April 2027.
The barrier has reached the end of its useful life and needs replacement. The barrier is being replaced to conform to current standards, which are in accordance with Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) MASH standards. The existing timber noise barriers have wood rot, broken or missing panels in many areas, as well as vegetative overgrowth.
LANE CLOSURE/DETOUR INFO
Motorists can expect lane closures on I-95 northbound at Exits 32 and 33 in Stratford beginning Wednesday. Traffic control personnel and signing patterns will guide motorists through the work zone. Lane closure operations will generally be limited to off-peak and nighttime hours. No lane closures will be permitted during weekday morning and afternoon peak travel periods (6 a.m. to 9 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. to 6 p.m.). During daytime hours, work will primarily consist of shoulder closures only. One lane closure may occur during late morning and evening hours. During the overnight hours, up to two lane closures are permitted, and rolling roadblocks.
The work schedule for this project is from 7 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., Monday to Friday.
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| Stratford Community Updates |
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It is Paradise Green Farmer's Market Season! Every Monday from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. at Paradise Green. This is a great chance to support our local CT farmers and businesses.
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Do you need a Town of Stratford beach sticker? Check the flyer below for everything you need to know!
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| Stratford's Blues on the Beach takes place on Saturday, July 18th, from 12:00p.m. - 9:00p.m. at Short Beach. Only Town Residents will be allowed to park at Short Beach beginning at 10a.m. on Saturday morning. Stratford resident stickers are required to park at Short Beach. Click here for additional event information. |
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Hudson Shakespeare Company is performing Othello at Stratford High School and Stratford Library.
Due to ongoing air quality concerns caused by smoke from the Canadian wildfires, and with the health and safety of the actors, crew, volunteers, and audiences as the top priority, **this Friday (July 17) and Saturday (July 18) performances of OTHELLO have been moved indoors. **NEW LOCATION:** Stratford High School Auditorium (45 North Parade Street) at 7:00 PM both evenings. Click here for tickets.
A FREE performance will take place next weekend, on Saturday, July 25th, at 2 pm, at the Stratford Library.
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The Town of Stratford is hosting a Teen Mental Health and First Aid series at the Birdseye Municipal Complex. The series will take place on July 20th, 22nd, and 24th, from 10 to 11:30 a.m. each day. Attendees must complete all 3 classes to be certified. Contact Chelsea Kordiak at ckordiak@townofstratford.com for more info.
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| The Baldwin Center will hold the Jolly July Market on Friday, July 24th, from 3 to 7 pm. This event will feature a craft fair, activities, and more. Contact cpappas@townofstratford.com for more information. |
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Yours in service,
Kaitlyn Shake
State Representative |
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