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It was a busy week here in Stratford, filled with updates from the CT DOT on the extensive road work and repairs happening around town, to visiting local community organizations, meeting with local leaders, and hosting my summer in district coffee hour at the Blackbirds Nest.
In this email, you will find several updates on state and local announcements that may be of interest to you and your family. The heat continues this week, so please be sure to utilize the Hot Weather 2-1-1 hotline for resources to keep you, your family, and pets safe from the heat! If my office can be of assistance to you or your family, please don't hesitate to contact my office or send me an email. I hope you all have a great weekend, and I hope to see you at some of the great local events happening around Stratford!
Thank you to all of my constituents who joined me on Thursday! We had another great turnout and great discussions regarding state policies and laws about a variety of topics: state road traffic concerns, street takeovers, public safety initiatives, how to keep residents informed and aware of their rights regarding ICE, Veterans Property Tax Exemptions, Affordable Housing, and more. I hope many of you will join me at my next summer 2025 in-district office hour at The Parlor for Pizza and Policy located at 999 Stratford Ave, 5:30 p.m. - 6:30 p.m. on Wednesday, August 20th. |
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This Wednesday, August 13th, the Connecticut Department of Transportation held a press conference alongside Representative Joe Gresko here in Stratford to provide an update on the sinkhole on Route 113. CTDOT estimates the repairs will be completed in mid-October 2025. The DOT said its contractors are working as quickly as possible, up to 20 hours a day, to ensure the project stays on track for being completed in time.
I want to thank the CTDOT for its efforts to address this major issue for our residents and for working tirelessly to repair the sinkhole quickly and safely. |
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This week, I visited two of our food pantries here in Stratford: the Stratford YMCA Community Fridge & Pantry and the Sterling Community Center Food Pantry, and I was greatly concerned to see so many empty shelves. As the price of groceries continues to increase across the country, in addition to the recent tariffs, so does the number of Stratford residents facing food insecurity. I learned that there are hundreds of residents, of all ages, utilizing these two food pantries weekly. Currently, the demand is higher than that during COVID.
In May, the Connecticut Post reported that food insecurity in the state has increased by 40% since the COVID-19 pandemic, affecting approximately 14.3% of the state's population. As we heard in the news earlier this year, the federal government cancelled the Local Food Purchase Assistance (LPFA) program. It allowed food banks and school districts to purchase products from local farmers. In addition, cuts were made to The Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEAFAP), costing Connecticut Foodshare 35 truckloads of food.
I am grateful that here in Stratford, we have strong and compassionate community organizations working hard every week with their staff and dedicated volunteers to ensure they can continue to feed our community, but right now, they need our help. Please join me over the next several weeks in committing to purchasing and donating the food items listed below. |
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Stratford YMCA Community Fridge & Pantry
Location: Stratford YMCA, 3045 Main Street, Stratford, on the James Street side of the building in the shed outside.
Hours:
Monday-Thursday: 5:30 a.m. - 9:00 p.m.
Friday: 5:30 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.
Saturday: 7:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Sunday: 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
It is designed as a “take what you need, leave what you can” program.
Donations:
The Community Fridge & Pantry accepts donations of prepackaged, prepared meals, fresh produce, dairy, non-perishables, snacks, etc.
Sterling Community Center Food Pantry
Location: Sterling Community Center, 2283 Main Street, Stratford
Hours:
Monday: 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Tuesday: 1:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Thursday: 3:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Evening appointments are available upon request, call (203) 378-2606.
On your first visit to the Food Pantry, bring the following:
- Identification
- Reusable bags to carry food/supplies
- Be ready to share household size and ages
Donations:
Pantry donations can be brought to the Sterling Community Center Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
OR
Click here to order from the Food Pantry Wishlist and send your donation directly to Sterling House at 2283 Main St, Stratford, CT 06615
View a complete list and schedule of local food pantries below provided by Stratford EATS!
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| This week, I attended the CT for All Regional Community Meeting at Burroughs Community Center in Bridgeport. It was great to meet with community members and workers from SEIU 1199 New England Healthcare and Homecare, Congress of Connecticut Community Colleges, SEIU L1973, AFSCME Council 4, Husky for All, and CT Domestic Workers Union to hear from them about ways we need to address the wealth inequalities and the struggle of Connecticut's working class in today's economy. One of the polices I and many of my colleagues advocated for this past legislative session was the Capital Gains Income Tax on the top 1% of Connecticut's wealthiest residents, which would be a source of revenue to fund many of our essential services and programs. |
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| Thank you to everyone who came out to my in-district community office hours last week at Blackbird's Nest. One of my favorite parts of this job is sitting down and talking with Stratford residents about the issues impacting their lives the most. Special thank you to Jim, the owner of Blackbird's Nest for hosting us for a great evening. |
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Connecticut's annual Sales Tax-Free Week begins on Sunday, August 17th, and runs through Saturday, August 23rd. It provides a chance to save money, whether it is taking the kids back-to-school shopping or treating yourself or your loved ones.
Highlights of Sales Tax-Free Week
- Sales or purchases of certain items of clothing or footwear costing less than $100 per item are exempt from Connecticut's 6.35% sales tax.
- Sales Tax-Free Week applies to purchases made in-store, online, mail-order, and over the phone.
- This special exemption applies to purchases made from retailers located in Connecticut as well as from online retailers.
- This is Connecticut's 26th Sales Tax Free Week.
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| Click the button below for a list of exempt and taxable items during Connecticut's Sales Tax-Free Week: |
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| Shop smart – and locally whenever possible to support small businesses – to save during Connecticut’s Sales Tax-Free Week! |
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The Connecticut Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection (DESPP) is urging state residents to sign up for the CT Alert emergency notification system as extreme weather incidents continue to increase.
According to DESPP, more than 5,000 residents signed up for CT Alert just over the last month — more than during any one of the last three years, bringing the total to nearly 226,000 people who have signed up for the emergency notifications.
DESPP offered a number of tips on how to prepare for potential severe weather:
- Download the CTPrepares app for your mobile phone so you know how to prepare for any emergency.
- Create an emergency kit to keep in your home so you are ready for any emergency.
- Put together a “go bag” with copies of important documents, prescriptions, a battery-operated radio, and other items such as a cell phone charger.
- Make sure you have an evacuation plan, particularly if you live in a hurricane evacuation zone.
Signing up for the CT Alert system can be done online or by texting "CTALERT" to 888-777.
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| Student Loan Reimbursement Program Reopens |
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The Connecticut Office of Higher Education (OHE) announced that the Student Loan Reimbursement Program (SLRP) will reopen for applications on Friday, August 15th.
The SLRP provides up to $5,000 annually, with a four-year cap at $20,000, to eligible applicants who meet service and income requirements.
Recent changes have expanded eligibility for Connecticut’s student loan relief program, helping it reach more residents burdened by student debt.
The updated criteria now recognize a wider range of educational and volunteer experiences, allowing more individuals to qualify for assistance. Notably, former Stone Academy students may now be eligible for relief following the school's closure. Those who did not receive a tuition refund are now eligible for reimbursement.
According to OHE, these changes are designed to provide a pathway to recover from both educational and financial setbacks, ensuring the program serves those most in need.
The following includes the program’s key eligibility requirements:
- Must be a Connecticut resident for at least five consecutive years
- Must have an outstanding student loan balance and made a qualifying payment in 2024
- Must have graduated from a Connecticut college/university, or attended a program to earn a professional license/certificate
- Income limits: $125,000 for individuals and $175,000 for married applicants
- Must have 50 hours of verified volunteer service since Jan. 1st, 2024, at a qualifying nonprofit, municipal agency, or through military service
- A hardship waiver may be requested in certain cases of degree non-completion
Applicants must create an account, complete the application, and upload all required documents to be considered for approval. Click here to create an account and apply.
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| Save the Date: VA Stand Down 2025 |
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The Connecticut Department of Veterans Affairs’ annual Stand Down event is set for Friday, September 19th, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., with six separate locations in Bridgeport, Southington, Danbury, Norwich, Rocky Hill, and Stamford. This statewide event will provide one-stop access to services and programs offered to veterans by state and federal agencies, veteran-support organizations, and community-based nonprofits. Click here for more details
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| Rite Aid Pharmacy Closures |
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Rite Aid is closing roughly 1,200 pharmacies across the country, including locations in CT and right here in Stratford on Main Street in Paradise Green.
What should you do if your pharmacy is closing?
🔍 Start looking for a new pharmacy as soon as possible.
🏥 Start transferring your prescriptions from your old pharmacy to your new pharmacy right away. This will also give your new pharmacy time to order any medication they may not have in stock.
📁 Get Your Prescription History
📁 Ask the closing pharmacy for a printout of your prescription history. This will help you keep a record of all the medications you regularly use.
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| ACLU Know Your Rights Guide |
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No matter your immigration status, you have rights. You are protected under the U.S. Constitution and Connecticut law, and it is crucial that you know how to exercise those rights.
To help with this, the ACLU of Connecticut has put together an Immigrants' Rights & Resources Guide, which provides important information on how to protect yourself and your loved ones.
If you or someone you know is in need of legal assistance or support, please reach out. Stay informed, know your rights, and remember: you are not alone. Connecticut is your home, and we will continue to fight for you.
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| CT Paid Family and Medical Leave Expansion |
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| This session, I was a proud co-sponsor of legislation that expands Connecticut's Paid Family and Medical Leave coverage to as many as 50,000 public and private school employees, such as paraeducators, library support staff, and custodial and food workers. This change will go into effect later this year on October 1st, 2025. The Connecticut Paid Leave Authority is hosting a series of informational webinars throughout July, August, and September to help school staff prepare. Check the flyer below for upcoming session dates and details. |
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| WBDC August Grant Applications |
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The Women’s Business Development Council (WBDC) announced the next round of its Ignite and Child Care Business Grant Programs.
The Ignite Grant Program is designed to help women-owned businesses grow. The program offers grants of up to $10,000 to women-owned businesses in the state of Connecticut who have been in business for two or more years and have revenues between $25K and $2 million. The application period for this grant runs from August 5th through September 16th, 2025. You can find additional information on Ignite here.
Their Child Care Business Opportunity Fund, offered in partnership with the Connecticut Office of Early Childhood (OEC), provides grants of up to $25,000 to qualified licensed and aspiring child care businesses. The program offers grants targeting different stages of business, from start-ups to those ready to expand. The application period for Child Care Business grants runs from August 1st through August 31st, 2025. You can find more information on our Child Care Business Opportunity Fund grants here.
Information sessions for both grant programs are scheduled throughout the application periods. These sessions will help applicants understand the grant requirements and provide an opportunity for those interested to ask questions about the grants. Interested applicants can register for a live information session here. |
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The Stratford Health Department is offering Immunization & Physical Clinics for school-aged children to help them get ready for the new school year this August! Check the flyer below for clinic dates. Call 203-385-4090 today to schedule an appointment.
Let’s keep our kids healthy and classroom-ready! |
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🎒📚 Stratford Families – Don’t Miss This! 📚🎒
Back to School Community Resource Fair on Saturday, August 16th, from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at Stratford High School Gymnasium!
✅ FREE backpacks with school supplies for registered students!
✅ Health services, community resources, student activities & more!
📲 Scan the QR code on the flyer to pre-register!
Let’s get ready for an amazing school year together — please spread the word to friends, family, and neighbors! 💪 |
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The ShakesBeer Festival is back! This year's festival will feature dozens of breweries, wineries, cideries, and distilleries showcasing their finest libations alongside live music, local food trucks, vendors, and a plethora of games and activities.
A portion of every ticket sold goes towards athletic scholarships for Stratford students, making every sip count towards a brighter future.For more info and tickets, visit: http://shakesbeerct.com
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| Sterling House is getting ready to support our Stratford students with everything they need to head back to school with confidence, and they need the community's help! They are collecting donations for a Back to School Supply Giveaway now through August 15th. The Back to School Giveaway will take place on August 20th from 5-6:30 p.m. at the Sterling Community Center. |
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Sterling House is also accepting school uniform donations now through August 20th.
They are accepting:
-Pants: Dress or Docker style
-Skirts, Jumpers or Skorts: Knee length
-Shorts: Knee length or Docker style
-Shirts: Collard polo shirt or dress shirt
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Stratford Community Services is hosting a free, hands-on training focused on youth development and group engagement on Thursday, August 21st, from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the Baldwin Center. For more information and questions, email mcolon@townofstratford.com.
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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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| Stratford/Trumbull Continuing Education online registration is now open for the Fall 2025 session. The program offers FREE courses for town residents. For more information and to register, visit: https://www.stratfordk12.org/page/continuing-education |
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Yours in service,
Kaitlyn Shake
State Representative |
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