Redding Pilot Answerbook 2010

redding
answerbook.2010
the redding pilot special section
september 16, 2010
2 Redding Answerbook, Redding, Connecticut September 16, 2010
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
September 16, 2010 Redding Answerbook, Redding, Connecticut 3
COLDWELL BANKER Residential brokerage

Redding’s Leader Since 1971
Ira Stone, Manager

Peri Bartro Peri Bartro Joanne Joanne
GrassoGrasso Mary
Mary Nagle
Nagle
Mary Lou Bourque Deb Haws Joan O’Neill
Alma Cooke Marybeth Healey Patrice Passaro
Kim Cuniberti Joan Kelly Lisa Pompeo
Barbara Delia Charlie Knoche Anne Schmiedel
Lesley Doscher Marge Lanzara Michele Meehan Seewald
Margi Esten Liz Leonard Marilyn Sloper
Liz Furrer Garner Lester Kim Sloper Soule
Grace Fuschetto Melissa McCarty Webdale Jodi Langford-Talcott
Millicent Good Posie Morgan Kim Taylor
Millicent Good Posie Morgan Kim Taylor
“Redding’s Number One Agency in Connecticut’s Number One Small Town”

CALL OUR REDDING OFFICE FOR A FREE MARKET ANALYSIS
(203) 544-9591
940 Danbury Road, Georgetown, CT 06829
www.coldwellbankermoves.com
For mortgage services, call Joseph Murphy (203) 733-9593
Owned and Operated by NRT Incorporated

Table of Contents
Complete index on pages 62-63
History .................................................................5-7
Demographics ........................................................ 8
redding
Government.......................................................9-17 answerbook.2010
Schools................................................ 18-19, 21-22
Town Officials ....................................................... 20 Published annually by Hersam Acorn Newspapers
Public Services ................................................23-24 as a special section of The Redding Pilot.
Property Issues ...............................................25-28 Copies are also available at real estate offices,
Emergency Services ........................................28-34 town hall and Chamber of Commerce.
Utilities .................................................................. 34 For additional copies, call 203-438-6544.
Map of Greenwich Points of Interest ..............31-33 Contents are online at TheReddingPilot.com.
Religion................................................................. 35
Thomas B. Nash, publisher
Health ..............................................................36-43 Gregg Bartlett, editor
Senior Citizens ................................................44-45 Mary Anne Hersam, vice president of sales
Children & Teens .............................................46-47 Karen Forrest, account executive
Recreation .......................................................50-52 Cover photo by Bryan Haeffele
Cover design by Ian Murren
Entertainment ..................................................53-54 Map by David Raabe
Clubs & Organizations .....................................54-56
Business ............................................................... 57 Please send updates, ideas, or corrections to:
Food & Shopping ................................................. 58 answerbook@acorn-online.com
Transportation ...................................................... 59
Pets & Animals ..................................................... 60
Media.................................................................... 61 ©2010 Hersam Acorn Newspapers
Web Sites ............................................................. 61 16 Bailey Avenue, Ridgefield, Conn., 06877
��
70 West Branchville Road, Ridgefield CT 06877
• Ground Floor Access

• 24 Hour Access Available
• Indoor Vehicle Storage
• Individual Unit Alarms
• Clean, Competitive & Convenient ��
• 5’ x 5’ to 10’ x 35’ ��
• Climate/Non Climate ��
��
• We Sell Boxes & Packing Supplies
��
��
��
��
CALL FOR RATES & AVAILABILITY ��
September 16, 2010 Redding Answerbook, Redding, Connecticut History 5
History
When was the town founded and by whom? that were structurally unsound and all of the Butler-type build-
Redding was not founded in the traditional sense, like ings.
surrounding towns. There is no founder. The southern half The company is now “daylighting” the Norwalk River,
of town became part of Fairfield in 1670. The northern part which had been covered with concrete and buildings during
was regarded as the “unoccupied” lands. Deputy Governor the heyday of the manufacturing company. Infrastructure work
Nathan Gold received a land grant in Umpawaug in 1687, and begins this fall. Once the infrastructure is in place, the project
he established a 300-acre farm about the same time. Several can go vertical.
other farms belonging to prominent Fairfield families were In 1818 Benjamin Gilbert started making horsehair
established by 1700. John Read, Esq., an attorney, acquired sieves and established the Gilbert & Bennett Manufacturing
500 acres by purchasing land grants given to veterans of the Company. In the 1850s his son Edwin started up a new steel
King Phillips War. He later moved to Boston in 1722. In 1723, wire mill operation at the current site, where wire fencing
all the land in the “unoccupied” lands not taken up was sold was made until 1989. In 1998, the company went bankrupt
at auction to Nathan Gold II and Capt. Samuel Couch. Read and Gilbert & Bennett Limited Partnership bought the prop-
unsuccessfully challenged this action in court. Soon after, he erty from the Georgetown Manufacturing Company. In 2002,
petitioned the Colony to establish an Episcopal parish here, but Georgetown Land Development Company purchased the
was turned down for several years until there was support of townʼs tax liens on the property and in March 2003, it secured
the Congregationlists of Fairfield. the note and mortgage on the property. It foreclosed on the
Pootatuck Indian Chief Chicken Warrups lived on 100 acres property and in October 2003, it obtained the mortgage on the
adjacent to Lonetown Manor until 1747, when Col. John Read property.
(son of attorney John Read) exchanged the land for 200 acres
in Scatacook (Kent, CT). Col. John Read wound up owning What about the soldier statue at the entrance of
all of Lonetown and was on hand when Redding was officially Putnam Park and the wolves and bears statue at
incorporated in 1767. Col. Read was one of the Selectmen Huntington Park?
chosen in 1767. Both statues are the work of renowned Redding sculptress
Anna Hyatt Huntington. She completed the statue of General
Where did the name come from? Israel Putnam at the entrance of Putnam Memorial State
Reddingʼs original name was Reading, for John Read Park on Route 58 when she was 94 years old. Dedicated in
(above). The name was spelled Redding or Reding on many 1969, the statue depicts Putnamʼs daring escape from British
records when the town was just a parish. Since most residents dragoons at Horse Neck (now part of Greenwich). Surprised
preferred the “Redding” spelling, town officials listed the there and outnumbered by British troops, Putnam rode his
name that way in the 1767 articles of incorporation. Redding
��
Ridge and West Redding are sections of Redding, with the
former being named because of its location on top of a hill and
the latter for geographical reasons.
The Georgetown section of town is actually at the intersec- ��
tion of four towns: Redding, Ridgefield, Wilton and Weston. ��

According to long- deceased native Georgetown resident Wil-
bur Thompson, it was named after local miller George Abbott,
but this story is suspect since it would have been then custom-
ary to have named it Abbottville or Abbottown. One theory
holds that it was named in honor of King George III due to the
many Loyalists who owned the mills along the Norwalk River
prior to the American Revolution. Another holds that it named
after George Washington as part of local July 4th celebrations
commemorating the countryʼs founding.
What’s the story with the old Gilbert & Bennett

factory off Route 107?
The redevelopment of the former Gilbert & Bennett wire
mill site off Route 107 in Georgetown is moving forward after
a delay while awaiting state permits.
The overall plan is to create a pedestrian-friendly, transit-
oriented village on the site. The residential component of the
plan calls for loft units, townhouses, single-family homes,
��
affordable units for artists, apartments over retail buildings, ��
and subsidized housing for senior citizens. Commercial and
retail development are in the mix, as is a community theater ��
and a new railroad station. The redevelopment includes the ��
environmental remediation of the site. Georgetown Land
��
Development Company, which owns the site, has paid for the ��
expansion of the Georgetown sewer plant to accommodate its ��
development. While the company will renovate about half of ��

the historic buildings on the property, it has demolished those ��
6 History Redding Answerbook, Redding, Connecticut September 16, 2010
horse down 100 steps cut into the face of a steep cliff and the There are some very old churches and public buildings in
British were unable to follow. Other famous works by Anna Redding as well. Christ Church Episcopal was the earliest
Huntington include “Joan of Arc” in Manhattan, and “El Cid” parish in town, founded in 1732. The original building was
in Seville, Spain. replaced in 1750 and it was rebuilt in 1833 at the intersection
of Cross Highway and Route 58.
What are some historic points of interest? The First Church of Christ Congregational on Cross
The 800-acre Putnam Memorial State Park on Route Highway, now next to the Old Town House, was established
58 was used during the Revolutionary War in the winter of in 1733, somewhere on what is now known as “The Green.”
1778-79 as a campsite. About 2,500 to 3,000 bluecoat sol- Before the building was completed, a second building was
diers endured the rigors of the hard winter of 1779 with inad- started at the corner of what is now known as Great Pasture
equate food and clothing. A 42-foot memorial obelisk inside Road and Old Mail Coach. This church was used for about
the park gates was erected in 1888 and a statue of General 20 years, to be replaced by a new edifice across the road and
Israel Putnam (above) guards the entrance. The piles of stone very close to the old cemetery. The present church in Redding
that line the park trail are the remains of the chimneys that Center on “The Green” was built in 1837 by the Methodists.
belonged to the small huts in which the soldiers lived. There is There were a number of immigrant groups in Redding, and
a museum and marked areas where the campsite was. In recent each built their own houses of worship. By about 1850, Irish
years, a Living History Weekend has been held at the part with immigrants began to arrive, many to work on building the rail-
Revolutionary re-enactment groups setting up camps and offer- road. St. Patrick Church in Redding Ridge was built in 1880.
ing demonstrations on colonial trades and crafts. The Swedish built Lutheran churches on Portland Avenue
Gallows Hill Road was the execution site of several Patriot and Weston Road. The Gilbert & Bennett Manufacturing
deserters. General Putnam assembled his 3,000 troops at the Company built a stone church in Georgetown now known as
site to witness their hanging. the Georgetown Bible Church. This church started at the old
The 878-acre Collis P. Huntington State Park on Sunset Miller Hall on South Church Street in 1826 and moved to its
Hill Road was the old stomping grounds of Pootatuck Indian current building on Route 107 in 1902.
Naseco in the 1700s. It was first established as a sheep farm in The Old Town House on the Green was rebuilt in 1834.
the 1690ʼs by Simon Couch. Upon his death in 1712, Couch The original building went up on the site near the intersec-
gave 30 acres of this land and freedom to his slave, Anthony tion of Cross Highway and Lonetown Road in the 1730s. The
Batterson. A man named Luttgen eventually took over the land Town Hall building was built in 1879 as the Hill Academy, a
and built a chain of artificial ponds and a stone lighthouse, and private high school.
cruised the waters in a small paddlewheel steamboat in the
late 19th and early 20th Century. The park is named for Collis Are there any important Revolutionary War historical
Potter Huntington, a railroad tycoon who pushed the Central dates in town?
Pacific across the west. His son, Archer M. Huntington, bought British soldiers, 2,000 strong, marched through town on
the estate in the 1930s and Archerʼs wife, Anna, sculpted the April 26, 1777 on their way to burn Danbury. Sixteen mem-
famous statues of the wolves and bears at the parkʼs entrance bers of the Redding Militia were captured that day and later
(see above). In his will, Archer Huntington bequeathed the imprisoned in New York, where three died from disease. A
property to the state. monument dedicated to their memory is at Cross Highway and
The little red brick schoolhouse on Umpawaug Road, near Black Rock Turnpike. Also, a Redding slave named Ned was
the West Redding Fire Station, is the Umpawaug School, killed in Danbury when the British entered the town later the
built in 1789 and is one of the few brick schoolhouses in same day.
Connecticut still standing. The Redding Historical Society
opens it on occasion and local schools sometimes stage classes Are there any historical re-enactments?
including period costumes and food in the building. The Friends of Putnam Park sponsors its annual Putnam
Park Summer Craftsmen Program in which re-enactors por-
What are the oldest houses in town? traying Colonial era craftsmen demonstrate their livelihood.
The oldest known home was built in 1709, known as the
Hall-Knapp house. It was recently confirmed to have been What are some of the town’s earliest roads?
built at Black Rock Turnpike, at a time when the area was Umpawaug Road and the southern part of Route 107 was
known as Chestnut Ridge. the original Danbury and Norwalk Road established in 1685. It
In 1723, Joseph Sanford built a house for his son that was also known as the Great Road. Black Rock Turnpike was
was later owned by Aaron Barlow. It stands at the corner established sometime prior to 1700.
of Umpawaug Road and Station Road. Mr. Barlowʼs brother, Cross Highway was the main east-west road in early
Joel, a diplomat, often visited and wrote “Columbiad,” a poetic Redding. It marked the northerly boundary of the Town of
spoof of Yale University, at the site. Joel Barlow High School Fairfield from Newtown to Ridgefield.
on Route 58 is named for the writer and diplomat. In the very early period before bridges were constructed,
The Capt. Thomas Nash house, at 175 Umpawaug Road, rivers and streams were often crossed at “fording places,”
was built about 1725 along with the original barn that makes it which were shallow enough for pedestrians and animals to
the oldest barn still standing in Redding. walk through the water. One of the early bridges across the
Thereʼs also the house and barn at 43 Lonetown Road Saugatuck was built near a “fording place” where there was
(Route 107) that is the current home of the Redding also a grist mill. Old Mail Coach Road jogged south from the
Historical Society. The house was built in 1780 for Daniel boundary line of Cross Highway to this bridge. Other sections
and Esther Read Bartlett, John Readʼs granddaughter. of Cross Highway were given names and are now known as
Another 18th-Century house is that at 12 Marchant Road, Seventy Acres, Church Hill and Uncle Johnʼs Road. It is often
known as the Old Stone House. It is a Dutch stone colonial forgotten that the old “highways” may have been no more than
built of granite from Topstone Quarry. The style of the house cart paths.
is unusual for this area; it was very popular in the Hudson
River Valley and Pennsylvania.
September 16, 2010 Redding Answerbook, Redding, Connecticut History 7
What are some mistakes in local history? Are there any historic districts in town?
The late Margaret Wixted, the former town historian who Redding Center was designated a National Register
contributed to this section of the Redding Answer Book, said Historic District in 1992. The district consists of about 55
there are several mistakes due to poor research. acres and includes 39 contributing historic structures and a
Her search, along with the late Ebba Andersonʼs, for the cemetery that dates from the 18th and 19th Centuries.
“horse tavern” is a prime example. The two spent weeks trying Georgetown, which includes parts of Redding, Ridgefield,
to find the structure described in town records as the “horse Wilton and Weston, was designated a National Register
tavern.” They discovered much later in the History of Easton Historic District in 1987. There are 144 properties in the dis-
that a horse tavern was the shallow place in a stream where a trict, including the four-story, red brick factory building (1909)
horse could get a drink. in the Gilbert & Bennett wire factory.
Mrs. Wixted also said people mispronounce Marchant
Road, saying “Mar Chant.” It should be Merchant, but the Is the town doing anything to preserve its historic sites?
clerk who entered the name into the town records misspelled The town has completed a townwide survey of historic and
it. Mrs. Wixted said it was common for clerks to spell pho- archaeological sites. The result is maps pinpointing historically
netically, and over the years some names changed. Merchant and archaeologically sensitive areas in town to aid town plan-
became Marchant and Persons (Lane) became Parsons. ners in decisions concerning long-term development and pres-
Giles Hill Road is another example of a mistake. It should ervation policies and they will complement the townʼs Plan of
have been spelled Guile, Mrs. Wixted said, because it was Conservation and Development.
named for a Mr. Guile, a combmaker who built his home on
this road. Are there any history projects in the making?
The Redding Historical Societyʼs Living History Project
Does the town have a historical society? is producing a series of ongoing video biographies document-
The Redding Historical Society locates, preserves and ing the life and times of colorful Reddingites. Completed pro-
makes available materials that document the history of grams are available for purchase in DVD and VHS formats at
Redding. Residents with historical photographs, documents or the Mark Twain Library.
artifacts may call the societyʼs president Janice Dimon at 203- The Georgetown History Project has produced a film, A
938-8796 or leave a message at 203--938-9095. Georgetown Story, in association with JEM Films. Viewers
The society is headquartered in a house and barn at 43 learn the mystery of the ghost bell, why Main Street was cut
Lonetown Road, called Lonetown Farm. The building in half, and witness the Flood of 1955, among other historical
is a 1780 farmhouse that is open from 2 to 4 on Sundays, facts. Three lifelong residents share their stories of growing
Memorial Day through Labor Day, or by appointment. Call up, working in, and raising families in Georgetown. Copies on
203-938-9095. The barn houses an antique tool museum. In DVD are available. For information, visit georgetownct.org or
addition, the historical society hosts a number of special events call 431-0613. E-mail questions to lynn.hyson@gmail.com.
each year including an antique tractor show and pull the first
weekend of June and an antique car show in early September.
Is there a town historian?

There are two. Charley Couch is the former president of the
Redding Historical Society and assisted in updating this sec-
tion of the Answer Book. Kathleen von Jena is a local archae-
ologist who has helped with several digs in town. She also ��
actively participated in the production of A Georgetown Story
(see below). Brent Colley is the Georgetown historian. � ��
� ��
Are there any town histories? � ��
Charles Burr Toddʼs The History of Redding from Its First
Settlement to the Present Time is available at the Mark Twain
Library on Route 53. The first edition was written in 1880 and
a subsequent edition, including many photos, was published
20 years later. The book, with reprints sometimes found on the
Internet, has information about the townʼs beginnings.
Dan Cruson, a social studies teacher at Joel Barlow High
School and Newtownʼs town historian, produced a historical
pictorial book of Redding and Easton, called A Photographic
Retrospective of Redding and Easton. This book is available
for purchase at the Mark Twin Library and the town clerkʼs
office along with other Redding Historical Society publica-
tions.
Why is April 15, 1993 an important date to the his-

torical society?
Thatʼs when the historical societyʼs Lonetown farmhouse
and barn were listed on the National Register of Historic ��
Places. The date marked the 20th anniversary of the society ��
signing a 99-year lease on the property with the Town of ��
Redding.
8 Demographics Redding Answerbook, Redding, Connecticut September 16, 2010
Demographics
How big is Redding? What is the average price of a house here?
Redding is 31.5 square miles, about five miles from north In 2009, the average price was $664,338, compared to
to south, roughly seven miles from east to west. It encompass- $826,770 in 2005, the height of the local real estate market.
es 4.9% of Fairfield County. Redding took a particularly hard-hit in the severe reces-
The town is bordered on the north by Danbury and Bethel, sion with the average house selling price dropping 19% over
on the east by Newtown and Easton, on the south by Weston four years, according to real estate agents who list homes in
and Easton, and to the West by Ridgefield and Wilton. Redding and Connecticut Multiple Listing Service data from
There are three main sections of Redding: West Redding, this past spring.
Redding Center, and Redding Ridge. Georgetown, an area in Prospects for the Fairfield County real estate market were
the southwestern portion of town, marks the intersection of looking better early in 2010 when sales surged 60% from the
four towns: Redding, Ridgefield, Wilton, and Weston. same period last year, with 352 homes sold in January, com-
Local Zip codes are: West Redding 06896, Redding Center pared to 222 in the first month of 2009.
06875, Redding Ridge 06876, and Georgetown 06829. Redding properties priced at $1 million and higher were also
showing more movement, as four units at that price have sold so
How many people live here? far in the first quarter, compared to one in the entire quarter last
The population for 2009 was tallied at 9,144, according to year. The list price in Redding was $808,580 in 2008, compared
the Connecticut Economic Resource Center Redding Town to $923,983 in 2007 and $990,862 in 2006. The average sale
Profile for 2010, provided on the state Web site (ct.gov or sim- price was $765,128 in 2008, compared to $885,322 in 2007 and
ply go to cerc.com). There were 4,577 males and 4,567 males. $948,290 in 2006.
The population is expected to decline to 8,735 by 2014. As for new construction, Reddingʼs building department
has seen a 28% increase in permit activity in the last two years
What is the median age of Reddingites? since the fiscal year 2007-08 when the local construction mar-
The median age of Reddingites in 2009 was 43. A total of ket had hit a 10-year low.
2,938 Reddingites, or 16%, fall in the age bracket of 25 to 49
years old, with 2,300, or 12.5%, 50 to 64; 1,870, or 10%, 5 to How many households are there?
17; 995, or 5.5%, 65 or older; 601, or 3%, newborn to 4 and In 2009, 3,204 households were counted; down from 3,262
440, or 2%, 18 to 24. in 2008 but up from 2,943 in 2007.
What is Redding’s median household income?

The CERC profile pegged Reddingʼs median household
income at $131,477 in 2009 (up from $128,870 in 2007), com-
pared to $82,184 for Fairfield County and $68,055 for all of
Connecticut.
��
�� What is Redding’s labor force?
According to Connecticutʼs Department of Labor, in July
�� 2010, Reddingʼs labor force totaled 4,780. Of that, 4,485 peo-
�� ple were employed. That resulted in an unemployment rate of
6.2%, compared to about 9.4% for the entire state.
��
��
�� What is the average temperature by season?
The Western Connecticut State University Weather Center
�� says the average winter temperature is 31.8 degrees, spring
47.7, summer 70.1, and fall 52.9.
��
What is the average annual rainfall, compared to
�� other areas of the country?
�� The average precipitation is 48.64 inches of total accumula-
�� tion, which includes 38.2 inches of snow.
��
What is the growing season?
�� The summer growing season is generally defined by the last
�� spring frost and the first fall frost. Gardeners are usually safe
�� to assume the last frost will occur by May 15, and they can
expect the first fall freezing no later than the first or second
��
week of October. Cold weather crops such as broccoli, cab-
�� bage, peas, and leaf lettuce may be planted outdoors four to six
�� weeks before the last spring frost. All other crops can be safely
planted or sown directly in the soil after the last frost date. But
the first and last frosts can be unpredictable in this area, and
many “old-timers” swear that tomatoes should not be planted
until after Memorial Day.
September 16, 2010 Redding Answerbook, Redding, Connecticut Government 9
Town Government
Where are the town offices?
Most town offices are in Redding Town Hall on Route
RAYMOND TREE
107, at the corner of Lonetown and Sanfordtown Roads, or the
Town Hall Annex at 10 Lonetown Road. Town offices have
been on a four-day workweek for the past two years. Offices in
the town hall and community center are open Monday through
COMPANY
Wednesday from 8:30 to 5:30 and Thursday from 8:30 to 6.
Town Hall Annex offices are open Monday through Thursday
from 8 to 3.
All municipal offices are closed Friday, Saturday and
LLC
Sunday. (For recycling center and refuse transfer station hours,
see Property Issues section; hours for other offices are noted
elsewhere.)
For general information, call 203-938-2002. The town Web
site is townofreddingct.org.
We do:
The Parks and Recreation Department and Senior Services
are in the Redding Community Center, 37 Lonetown Road. RAYMOND
Land Clearing, TREE
The Redding Police Department is at 96 Hill Road. It is
Tree Removals,
open 24 hours a day, every day.
Why have the hours of town offices changed?

COMPANY
Stump Grinding and
Redding began a four-day work week in July 2008 to Removals,
try and save money on overhead costs like air condition-
ing and electricity. These hours are indicated throughout the Storm Damage,
Answerbook.
Who is the chief executive of the town?

First Selectman Natalie Ketcham is the townʼs highest
elected official. A Republican, she is serving in her sixth term
as first selectman. She previously served on the Board of
Selectmen. She can be reached at 203-938-2002 or firstselectm
an@townofreddingct.org.
What does the Board of Selectmen do?

The Board of Selectmen is made up of three members — a
first selectman and two selectmen. The selectmen are Donald
Stump Grinding an
Takacs (R), in his fourth term; and Julia C. Pemberton (D),
in her first term. Woodlands Thinning,
The board is responsible for managing the town, appoint-
ing certain commission members, proposing new construction Aerial Truck Services,
projects and budgets, and overseeing town roads. The mem-
bers are elected to two-year terms. The first selectman is sala- Brush Chipping
ried; the selectmen receive a stipend. Woodlands Thinning
and Field Mowing
Does Redding have a town charter? Aerial Truck Service
No. Redding does not have a town charter. It is governed by
its Town Meeting, the Board of Selectmen, and its appointed
and elected boards and commissions.
Is there a directory of town officials?

The townʼs Web site (townofreddingct.org) has a directory
of all elected and many appointed and employed town offi-
cials. The Redding League of Women Voters also produces a
directory that is available at town hall and online at lwvct.org/
redding. Also, a list of major officials appears in The Redding 203203
- 431 - 3617
- 431 - 3617
Answerbook.
Call Call
for aforFree Estimate!
a Free Estimate!
What is the town budget?
In early May voters approved a 2010-11 town budget that
totals $44.7 million, up from $43.9 million in the 2009-10
fiscal year, or almost 2% higher. This includes $20.6 mil-
lion (up from $20.05 million) for Redding elementary and
middle schools and $11.1 million (up from $11.02 million) for FullyFully
Insured
Insured
Reddingʼs share of the Joel Barlow High School budget. The
10 Government Redding Answerbook, Redding, Connecticut September 16, 2010
approved budget for town expenditures is $12.3 million, down ing agency, on its own and not at the townʼs request, lowered
from $12.8 million in the previous year. Debt service was pro- the townʼs credit rating from Aa1 to Aa2, the result of a reca-
jected at $2.1 million, up 3% from 2009-10. libration to a global scale. In May of this year, the rating was
returned to its original Aa1. Barlowʼs bond rating is AAA as
What is the current tax rate in town? well.
Reddingʼs current tax rate is 22.22 mills (up 1.97% from
21.8 mills in the 2009-10 fiscal year), which means for every What is the town’s grand list?
$1,000 of assessed property value, Reddingites pay $22.22 in The grand list is an inventory of all the taxable property
local taxes. in town at its assessed value. It includes real estate, motor
On an average net assessment of $528,118 and with the mill vehicles and businessesʼ personal property. As of Oct. 1,
rate of 22.22, the tax levy will be $11,735, or $227 more than 2009, it stood at $1,993-billion, a $12.1-million increase or
last yearʼs tax bill. 0.61% higher than the previous grand list (which had declined
1.49%).
Where and when do I pay my town taxes? Net real estate assessments totaled $1,826-billion, up
Bills for real estate taxes are sent in June but taxes are due 0.53%. Personal property assessments totaled $70.6 million,
twice each year, on July 1 and Jan. 1. Car taxes are due on up 0.53% Net motor vehicle assessments totaled $82.3-million,
July 1, as are fire district taxes. Residents can either mail in down 0.40%, as there are fewer cars (9,039 motor vehicles,
their payments or pay in person at town hall. Tax Collector compared to 9,145 in 2008).
Patricia Moisio has been on the job since 1979. Her office may
be reached at 203-938-2706. How are my property taxes figured?
Failure to receive a tax bill does not exempt a property Property taxes are figures by multiplying your assessment x
owner from payment of taxes or any penalties or accrued inter- mil rate (.02222). The current mill rate is 22.22 mills or $22.22
est. per thousand dollars of assessed value. For example an assess-
ment of $100,000 x mil rate .02222 = $2,222 in taxes.
What do my taxes pay for? Property is assessed at 70% of fair market value at the
Local taxes pay for schools, roads, a portion of the library, date of the last revaluation, which was Oct. 1, 2007. This lat-
police protection, and all other town services. est revaluation affected tax bills collected in July 2008 and
January 2009.
What happens if I don’t pay my taxes on time? Towns must conduct a revaluation every five years.
Residents are charged 1.5% per month interest on all back Reddingʼs next revaluation is scheduled for Oct. 1, 2012.
taxes owed, which works out to an 18% annual percentage
rate. If back taxes are owed, the town will put a lien on a prop- What are the objectives of a revaluation?
erty, preventing it from being sold before taxes are paid. A revaluation aims to establish a more equitable distribu-
tion of the local tax burden by making assessments current.
Does the town ever foreclose on tax-debtor real Since market value is the basis of assessment and is subject to
estate and have tax sales? change over a period of time due to any number of factors, it
If the town is unable to collect back taxes, it will sell the should be subject to periodic review and adjustment.
property to the highest bidder to recoup taxes owed. If car
taxes are not paid, registration privileges are suspended. Who determines how much my house is worth for
taxing purposes?
Are there any special taxing districts in town? Reddingʼs tax assessor (203-938-2626) is responsible for
Three special fire districts may tax: Georgetown Fire assessing the value of all real estate, personal property, and
District, Redding Fire District #1 (includes Redding Ridge motor vehicles.
and Redding Center), and West Redding Fire District #2. The
taxes for each district are different. Tax Collectors are Wanda How do I find out my house’s assessment?
Mardin (203-544-8933) for Georgetown; Patricia Moisio (203- A field card for each Redding property is available at the
938-3077) for Redding; and Renee Stietzel (203-938-3838) for tax assessorʼs office. The field card, which is part of the public
West Redding. Fire district taxes become due on July 1, and record, shows the value of each property and all structures on it.
must be made by Aug. 1. Payments postmarked on or after
Aug. 2 are considered delinquent and will carry an interest What do I do if I think my assessment is unfair?
penalty of three percent. Fire district taxes may not be paid at The Board of Assessment Appeals meets annually in the
Redding Town Hall. winter to review complaints about real estate assessments. It
The Georgetown sewer district currently encompasses 76 meets in the fall for motor vehicle assessments. For informa-
houses and businesses. For information about which district tion, call the assessorʼs office at 203-938-2626. The assessorʼs
youʼre in, call the tax collectorʼs office, 203-938-2706. Web page on the townʼs Web site offers a Q&A on the real
estate assessment appeals process and a link to an appeals
What is the town’s bond rating? form.
Standard & Poorʼs gave the town an AAA bond rating, its
highest, on a $10.3 million bond issue in July 2010. S&Pʼs Can veterans or the elderly get tax breaks?
cited the townʼs “extremely favorable, stable economic indi- There are two tax breaks available for elderly homeowners.
cators,” which includes a strong, stable property tax base The first one is the Town Benefit for those 65 and older who
supported by high income levels and low unemployment, its have lived in Redding three or more years. It does not have
“good financial position” with a surplus projected for the end any specific income-level requirements. The application period
of the 2010 fiscal year, and its low debt-tomarket ratio, “cou- is Feb. 1 through May 15. Once you are receiving the benefit,
pled with above-average debt amortization and manageable you do not have to reapply.
capital needs.” The second benefit available is offered by the state. You
In December 2009, Moodyʼs Investors Service, another rat- must be 65 or older, and have an income not exceeding
� ��
��
��

��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��

��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��

��
��
� ��
��
��
��
$36,500 if married; $29,800 if single. Social Security income Democratic registrar is Margi Esten. They can be reached in
is included. the office at 938-5012.
There is also an elderly tax renters rebate with the same Registrarʼs office hours are 9 to noon Monday and
income requirements as the state benefit mentioned above. The Thursday but the town clerkʼs office is available for voter
filing period for applications is May 15 to Sept. 15. For an registrarion Monday through Wednesday, 8:30 to 5:30 and
appointment, call Gail Schiron at 203-938-3580. Thursdays, 8:30 to 6.
There is a tax exemption for people who are 100% disabled.
There are also two basic veterans exemptions. The first one What are our political parties and enrollments?
is the regular veterans exemption without income guide limits; Before the August 2010 primary elections, there were 2,175
the second is the Additional Veterans Exemption, with income registered Republicans in Redding and 1,977 Democrats. More
guide limits. than 2,100 Reddingites were unaffiliated (not enrolled in a
For details on any of these exemptions, call the tax asses- political party), plus 30 were members of minor parties.
sorʼs office at 203-938-2626.
Who can register to vote?
What do I do if I get a tax bill for a car I no longer own? Any U.S. citizen living in Redding who is 18 or older. You
The Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) maintains vehi- may register at age 17, as long as you will be 18 by election day.
cle ownership records, which are forwarded to the assessorʼs
office to determine the tax roll for cars owned by Reddingites. Where and when can I register?
If you forgot to turn in the plates of your old vehicle, the Reddingites may register during regular business hours at
DMV will continue to send ownership reports to the town. To the town clerkʼs office or through the mail. Call the town clerk
remove the car from the tax roll, return the plates to any DMV at 203-938-2377 or the registrars of voters at 203-938-5012 for
office — the nearest are in Norwalk and Danbury — and then a registration form. You may also register at any Department
take the DMV return receipt to the tax assessorʼs office. If you of Motor Vehicles office.
still own the vehicle and have registered it in another state,
you will need to show your new registration. Do I need to bring documents when I register?
Some details on motor vehicle assessments and whether a A photo identification such as a driverʼs license is sufficient
credit is warranted are also available at the townʼs Web site via identification. If you do not have a driverʼs license or state ID
an assessorʼs office link. but do have another form of photo ID, land records or mail
addressed to you at a Redding address, that will usually suf-
What do the registrars of voters do? fice.
Duties of the registrars include: registering new voters,
maintaining the list of registered voters, and organizing all Do I need to renew my voting privileges?
elections. The Republican registrar is Liz Furrer and the No, renewal is not necessary. However, if you move, you
will need to re-register in your new town.
��
Where do I vote?
�� There is only one voting location in town: The Redding

Community Center.
��
�� Who can vote by absentee ballot?
Any registered voter who has a valid reason why he or she
is unable to vote in person may use an absentee ballot. Valid
excuses include having a serious illness, being physically
impaired, or being out of town during voting hours or in mili-
tary service.
For what elections can I use absentee ballots?

Absentee ballots may be used for any election or referen-
dum and may be obtained at the town clerkʼs office.
Can an absentee ballot application be mailed?

Absentee ballots may be mailed for any election but not
for a referendum because of the limited time before the vote.
�� However, in both cases, the application may be picked up in
person or by a bona fide representative. Call the town clerk at
�� 203-938-2377 for details.
�� Can a non-resident property owner vote here?
�� Non-resident property owners who are over 18, are citizens,
and hold $1,000 or more taxable property may vote only on
financial matters affecting their taxes.
��
What is a referendum?
�� A referendum is a machine vote on town issues including
�� budgets or major projects. Although the legislative body of
�� Redding is the Town Meeting, the Town Meeting can decide to
send a vote to a referendum if the meeting feels the issue war-
rants a large voter turnout. A referendum may be also called by Where can I apply for a passport?
a petition or by the Board of Selectmen. You may obtain a new passport or renew an expired one by
filling out an application at your local post office. Applicants
When do elections of town officials take place? need two copies of a current passport-size photo. To renew a
Town elections are held biennially in odd numbered years. passport, applicants will need to send the old passport along
Elected officials include members of: The Board of Selectmen, with the application. To obtain a new passport, a birth cer-
Board of Finance, the Planning Commission, the Zoning tificate with a raised seal is necessary. Applications must be
Commission, the Redding Board of Education, the Region 9 signed before the issuing agent. For more information call one
Board of Education, Board of Assessment Appeals, Zoning of the post offices in town.
Board of Appeals, constables, treasurer, tax collector, and town You may also visit the Connecticut Passport Agency at
clerk. The registrars of voters and judge of probate are elected 50 Washington Street in Norwalk. Hours are 9 to 4, but an
in state election years. appointment is required by calling 1-877-487-2778. This is
also where you may obtain visas for foreign travel.
Who can vote in a primary? You may renew your passport by mail if: you have it to
Registered voters who are members of the Democratic or submit, you received it within the past 15 years, you were
Republican party may vote in that partyʼs primary only. over age 16 when it was issued, and you still have the same
name or can legally document your name change. Otherwise,
Can I look up old deeds in the town hall? you must renew in person. Renewal applications are available
Yes, they may be found at town hall. online at travel.state.gov. Donʼt wait to renew. You may have
some trouble if your passport expires in less than six months.
Are birth, marriage and death records public? For complete information, visit the U.S. State Department site
Marriage and death records are public record; birth records at state.gov.
are not. Birth records may be obtained only by the individual
in question or a family member. What does the building department do?
In compliance with the Connecticut State Building Codes,
Besides clergy, who can perform weddings? the building department (203-938-2558) issues permits for all
A justice of the peace or a probate judge can also perform new construction, alterations, remodeling, additions, renova-
weddings in Connecticut. The office of Town Clerk Michele tions, temporary structures, decks, storage buildings, and some
Grande has a list of the justices of the peace. Office hours are repairs. These permits are generally issued after approvals
Monday through Wednesday, 8:30 to 5:30 and Thursdays, 8:30 from the planning, zoning, conservation, and health depart-
to 6:30. Her phone number is 203-938-2377. ments.
The building department is in the Town Hall Annex. Office
Where do I get a marriage license? hours are 7 to noon and 1 to 5:30, Monday through Thursday.
A marriage license may be obtained in the town where the
bride lives, the groom lives, or where the wedding will take
place. No blood test is needed. The fee is $30; the license is
issued immediately and is good for 65 days. Couples are asked ��
to make an appointment when applying for a license. For � ��
details, call the town clerkʼs office (203-938-2377).
As of Nov. 12, 2008, same sex marriage became legal in
Connecticut. The requirements for entering a same sex mar- ��
riage are the same for an opposite-sex marriage. Since 2005,
Connecticut recognized civil unions between two people of the ��
same sex, which granted them the same benefits, rights and ��
protections as are granted to spouses in a marriage. All civil
unions are to be converted into marriage on Oct. 1, 2010. For ��
details, go to Connecticut Public Health section at ct.gov. ��
The ceremony may be performed by a justice of the peace
or a minister. For details, call Ms. Grande at 203-938-2377.
��
Who is the judge of probate? What does he do? ��
Richard L. Emerson, judge of probate since 1979, admin- ��
isters estates and trusts, both with and without a will, appoints
executors and trustees to handle estates and trusts, handles ��
adoptions and conservatorships, commitments for the mentally ��
ill, and name changes. Judge Emerson, a Republican, can per-
form weddings. His office number is 203-938-2326. ��
By January 2011, the local probate court will have a ��
new location and new name. As part of the consolidation of ��
Connecticutʼs probate courts, the state legislature last year
placed Redding, Ridgefield, Bethel and Newtown in a new ��
probate district, Region 4 South. Early this year, the first ��
selectmen from the four towns chose Bethel as the location ��
of the court and agreed on naming it the Northern Fairfield
County Probate Court.
This fallʼs election will decide whom the probate judge will be ��
��
for the new district. Probate judges are elected to four-year terms.
What does the building officer do?

Reddingʼs building official, Jay Hennessey, reviews and
grants all building permits and inspects renovations and new
construction. He issues certificates of occupancy after work
has been inspected and passed.
Mr. Hennessey is retiring on Sept. 30 after being in
charge of the building department for 15 years. The Board of
Selectmen promoted Shaun Donnelly, assistant building offi-
IT’S HERE
cial for 11 years, to succeed Mr. Hennessey.
�� Does the town have a land use coordinator?

Jo-an Brooks (203-938-3721) is the land use coordina-
tor who works with the Planning Commission and the
Conservation Commission. Her office is at the Old Town
House on Cross Highway. Hours are 8:30 to 12:30 Monday
through Thursday.
What does the Planning Commission do?

The Planning Commission regulates subdivisions, prepares
an overall plan for the future development of the town and
approves town programs for land use put forward by other
agencies such as the Board of Education. It also produces the
Redding Town Plan of Conservation and Development. The
�� commission meets the second and fourth Tuesday, or as post-
�� ed, at 7:30 p.m., in the Old Town House. Members, who are
�� elected, are listed under Town Officials.
�� What does the town’s Zoning Commission do?
�� The Zoning Commission determines how commercial
�� and residential land is used in Redding by establishing and
enforcing the townʼs zoning regulations. It is also makes
�� sure all town properties follow the townʼs zoning regula-
�� tions. Meetings take place the second and fourth Wednesday,
�� 7:30 p.m., in the town hall. The office, in the Redding Center
�� Post Office Building, is open from 8 to 3 or by appointment,
Monday through Thursday. Members are listed under Town
�� Officials.
��
�� What is the Zoning Board of Appeals?
The Zoning Board of Appeals reviews applications by
� � � � � � � � � � � residents who want to build or renovate property that is non-
conforming or would be made non-conforming by additional
�� construction. Non-conforming means it does not meet zoning
regulations. Applicants must show a hardship or valid reason
�� why they need to build in a non-conforming way. The most
common applications are for additions, pools, and driveways.
�� Members and alternates, who are elected, are listed under
Town Officials.
��
What does the zoning enforcement officer do?
�� The enforcement officer, Robert Flanagan (203-938-2525),
�� who is also the townʼs wetlands and conservation director,
inspects town properties to make sure they conform with the
�� townʼs zoning regulations. If they donʼt, the officer will bring
�� the non-conformity to the attention of the Zoning Commission.
��
How can I get involved in town government?
The easiest way to get involved is to contact a political
�� party. If you are a Republican, call the Republican Town
�� Committee chairman, Ward Mazzucco at 203-938-9861. The
�� committeeʼs Web site is reddingrepublicans.org.
If you are a Democrat, call Julia Pemberton, chair of the
�� Democratic Town Committee, at 203-938-3013. The commit-
�� teeʼs Web site is reddingdemocrats.org.
You may also call First Selectman Natalie Ketcham, 203-
�� 938-2002. The committees recommend and endorse candidates
for appointed and elected positions. responsible for meeting financial data needs for departments,
and pays employees. Reddingʼs controller is Steve Gniadek.
How are candidates for town boards and commis-
sions chosen? What does the Conservation Commission do?
Candidates for most boards and commissions are recom- The seven-member, appointed Conservation Commission
mended by either the Republican Town Committee or the maintains and preserves the townʼs wetlands and waterways.
Democratic Town Committee. Generally, appointed members It periodically prepares an inland wetlands map and an open
are chosen by the Board of Selectmen, which may or may not space map, and maintains an index of both public and private
follow the recommendation of a town committee. Elected offi- open space land areas. Anyone who wants to build on or near
cials are chosen by the voters. wetlands must appear before the commission. The commis-
sion meets the first and third Tuesdays at 7:30 p.m. in the Old
What boards and commissions have appointed mem- Town House.
bers? Members are David Pattee, chairman; Joseph W. Beres III,
Members of the Water Pollution Control Commission, the Victor DeMasi, William Hill, Wallace G. Perlman, Jeremiah
Conservation Commission, the Commission for the Elderly, Ross and Fred D. Schroeder.
the Park and Recreation Commission, and the Board of Ethics
are appointed, generally by the Board of Selectmen. The What does the Park and Recreation Commission do?
selectmen also appoint the alternate members on the Planning The Park and Recreation Commission maintains
Commission and the Zoning Commission. Topstone Park, and oversees the development of recreational
activities for all ages. The commissionʼs appointed members
What can the Town Meeting do? are: Paul H. Degener, chairman; Todd H. Bennett, Paula D.
The Town Meeting, the legislative body of Reddingʼs local Darlington, Jan H. Dorenbosch, Susan Goldman, Lisa S.
government, approves the townʼs major spending (such as the LeBlanc, Meredith C. McClung, Gary H. Miyashiro; (there
annual budget), new capital projects (such as the renovation is one vacancy). They meet the fourth Monday of the month,
or new construction of schools or town offices), and adopts or 7:30 p.m., in the Redding Community Center.
amends town ordinances. Any registered Redding voter may
participate, which means talk, propose motions, and vote. Any What does the Board of Ethics do?
Redding taxpayer who is at least 18, a U.S. citizen, and has The Board of Ethics, which meets three times a year,
property worth at least $1,000 on the current grand list, may handles any complaints involving the ethics of town officials
also participate and vote. or employees. Its appointed members are Walter C. King II,
chairman; Susan V. Green, Linda J. Koch, Elaine V. Mintz and
When does the Annual Town Meeting occur? Elaine Wyden. Hank Bielawa is an alternate.
The meeting on the first Friday in December sets the date
of the Annual Town Budget Meeting.
Aside from the Annual Town Budget Meeting to approve
the townʼs budget, Town Meetings may be called at any time.
The time and location of all Town Meetings must be posted in
��
the legal notices of the local paper at least five days before the ��
meeting. ��
What does the town clerk do?
Town Clerk Michele Grande maintains all land, birth, death,
and marriage records. She also issues marriage and civil union
licenses as well as fishing, hunting, and dog licenses; swears in
town officials; orders all voting machine materials; and issues
absentee ballots. This is an elected position.
What does the town treasurer do?

The town treasurer, an elected position, is Margaret L.
OʼDonnell. She is responsible for managing all town income
and distributing town funds. ��
��
What does the Board of Finance do? ��
Members of the Board of Finance, elected to six-year ��
terms, review and recommend town budgets to the Town
Meeting. They oversee the fiscal operation of town govern-
ment, set the mill rate, publish the town report, and approve ��
all appropriations. They are responsible for maintaining the ��
financial health of the town, and for borrowing and investing ��
money. Members are listed under Town Officials. ��
The board meets the fourth Monday of the month, or as
posted, at 7:30 p.m. in the Town Office Building.
��
��
Does the town have a controller? ��
The controller, appointed by the Board of Selectmen, pays ��
bills, supervises the budget, maintains financial records, is
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
What does the Commission on Aging do? In Washington, he is at 214 Cannon HOB, Washington, DC
The Commission on Aging supports the social, health, and 20515; 202-225-5541, fax 202-225-9629; Web site: himes.
welfare needs of Redding seniors. It is involved in many pro- house.gov.
grams such as flu shots for seniors, collection of old cell phones
senior can use to call 911, and running the food bank. Its appoint- How do I contact our senators?
ed members are Rosalind Kopfstein, chair; Janet A. Cianci, Senator Christopher J. Dodd, a Democrat, may be
Samuel E. M. Crocker, Florence H. Hayes, Lore S. Handy, Janet reached at 100 Great Meadow Road, Wethersfield, CT
P. Metzger, William F. Morris, Alice B. Pardee and Jean L. 06109, 800-334-5341, or 448 Russell Senate Office Bldg.,
Whitham. They meet the first Wednesday of the month (except Washington, DC 20510, 202-224-2823; Senator@dodd.senate.
August), 9 a.m., in the Redding Community Center. gov. Web site: dodd.senate.gov. He was re-elected to a fifth
term in November 2004, but decided not to seek re-election
What is the Water Pollution Control Commission? this year when the seat is up for election this fall.
The commission oversees the Georgetown Sewer District. Senator Joseph Lieberman, an Independent who caucuses
Appointed members are: John T. Shaban, chairman; Thomas with the Democrats, is at 706 Hart Senate Office Building,
R. Flagg, Patricia K. Moisio, David R. Pattee, Richard A. Washington, DC 20510, 202-224-4041. He also has offices
Regan, Daniel Robinson and Daniel T. Eubanks. Meetings are at 1 Constitution Plaza, 7th Floor, Hartford, CT 06103, 800-
the first Wednesday, 7:30 p.m., at town hall. 225-5605, fax 860-549-8478. He may be e-mailed at senator_
lieberman@lieberman.senate.gov. His Web site is lieberman.
What is a notary public? Where can I find one? senate.gov. His term expires in January 2013.
A notary public is someone legally empowered to witness
signatures, certify documents, and take depositions and affi- How do I reach the governor?
davits. Some may charge a small fee for their service. Every Gov. M. Jodi Rell is at State Capitol, 210 Capitol Avenue,
bank has one on staff. Some real estate agents are notary pub- Hartford, 06106, 860-566-4840. E-mail governor.rell@po.
lics. A notary public is available at the Redding Community state.ct.us.
Center on Thursday afternoons from 2 to 3. Call 938-9725 for
an appointment. Where can I get information about enlisting in one of
the military branches?
What are legal notices? Where can I read them? Several branches of the U.S. military have recruiting offices
Legal notices announce when town meetings and public at 2 White Street Plaza in Danbury: the Air Force, 203-748-
hearings will take place, and usually appear in The Redding 1643; the Army, 203-792-1590; the Marines, 203-748-3430;
Pilot, though they may also appear in The News-Times. Other and the Navy, 203-743-1375. The Connecticut Army National
legal notices advertise the seeking of bids for purchases or Guard has an office at 54 West Street, 203-794-1854.
construction; give notice of lost property; report upcoming For the Connecticut Air National Guard, call 860-292-2502.
elections, primaries or caucuses; list proposed budgets; and
publish the texts of proposed ordinances.
Who is our state senator?
Redding is in the 26th senatorial district, which cov-
ers Redding, Ridgefield, Weston, Westport, Wilton, parts of
New Canaan and Bethel. Our state senator is Republican Toni
Boucher. She may be reached at 5 Wicks End Lane, Wilton ��
06897, 203-762-3232 or at her legislative office at 1-800-842-
1421 or 860-240-0465, or via e-mail at ToniBoucher@cga.ct.gov.
��
The senator has an online page at the Web site senaterepublicans.
��
ct.gov. The state Senate seat is up for election this fall. ��
��
What state house district are we in? ��
Redding encompasses two state house districts, which face
election this fall. Most of Redding is in House District 135, ��
represented by Republican John Stripp, Assistant Republican ��
Leader. Write to Mr. Stripp at 4 Scatacook Trail, Weston, ��
06883 or call 203-227-8917. In Hartford, call 800-842-1423. ��
E-mail him at John.Stripp@housegop.state.ct.us. His Web page
��
is at housegop.state.ct.us.members/stripp.asp.
A strip of Redding to the north is in the 2nd House District, ��
represented by Jason Bartlett, a Democrat. He can be reached ��
at 14 Highview Terrace, Bethel, 06801, or Legislative Office ��
Building, Room 4005, Hartford 06106, 860-240-8585 or 1- ��
800-842-8267, e-mail Jason.Bartlett@cga.ct.gov. His Web ��
page is at housedems.ct.gov/Bartlett/index.asp. ��
��
Who represents us in Congress? ��
Redding is in the 4th Congressional District and is repre-
sented by Jim Himes, a Democrat. The two-year term seat is ��
up for election this fall. ��
His local office is at 888 Washington Blvd., Stamford ��
06901-2927. Local phone numbers are 203-310-7711; fax 203-
��
210-7703
18 Schools Redding Answerbook, Redding, Connecticut September 16, 2010
Schools
Where is the school district office? High School, 7:30 to 2:07.
The central office for the superintendent of schools and the Delayed openings are at 9:40 for Redding Elementary
three boards of education (Redding, Easton and Region 9) is School, 10:30 at John Read Middle School, and 9 a.m. for Joel
at 654 Morehouse Road in Easton (P.O. Box 500/06612). To Barlow High School.
reach the central office by phone, call 203-261-2513 or fx 203- Early dismissals are at noon for Joel Barlow High School,
261-4549 or 203-261-7936. The Web site is er9.org. 12:40 at Redding Elementary School, and 1:30 at John Read
Middle School.
What does the Board of Education do?
Among its jobs, the board proposes a budget to run the
schools, oversees spending, sets policies and rules, hires the What school holidays and vacations are planned?
superintendent, approves administrators, adopts books and For the 2010-11 school year, school opened on Sept.
courses, negotiates staff contracts, and hears citizen appeals. 1. Holidays and vacations include: Sept. 6, Labor Day;
In Redding, the school board oversees Redding Elementary Sept. 9, Rosh Hashanah; Oct. 8, staff day, no school; Oct.
School and John Read Middle School. In Region 9, the 11, Columbus Day; Nov. 24, early dismissal; Nov. 25-26,
school board oversees Joel Barlow High School, which serves Thanksgiving recess; Dec. 24-31, holiday recess; Jan. 14, staff
Redding and Easton. day, no school; Jan. 17, Martin Luther King Jr. Day; Feb. 21,
The Redding Board of Education meets the first Tuesday, Presidents Day; Feb. 22-25, winter recess; April 18-21, spring
7:30 p.m., or as posted, at John Read Middle School. Dr. Jess recess; April 22, Good Friday; and May 30, Memorial Day.
Gaspar (203-938-3847) is chair. The tentative last day for Region 9 students is June 13 and for
The Region 9 Board of Education meets the fourth Tuesday, Redding students is June 14, but may change depending on the
7 p.m., or as posted, at Joel Barlow High School. Mark Lewis number of snow days used.
(e-mail: Mdlewis@mdlewis.com) is chair and Dr. Michael
Cicchetti (203-261-2513, ext. 101/mcicchetti@er9.org) is What is the average class size in our elementary,
superintendent. middle and high schools?
According to the Strategic School Profile for 2006-07, the
average class size is 19 in kindergarten, 21 in second grade, 19
What public schools are in town? in fifth grade, and 20 in seventh grade. Data was not available
Three schools serve Redding children. They are: for Joel Barlow High School, where class sizes vary by subject
Redding Elementary (prekindergarten through fourth matter.
grade), 33 Lonetown Road (203-938-2519, er9.org/res).
Stephanie Pierson Ugol is principal. Web site: reddingelemen- How and when do I register a child for school?
taryps.org. Redding Elementary School sends out a kindergarten regis-
John Read Middle School (fifth through eighth grades), tration packet in November. Registration is usually the first or
486 Redding Road (203-938-2533, er9.org/jrms). Diane Martin second Wednesday in December. At other times, or for other
(dmartin@reddingps.org) is principal. Web site: johnreadps. grades, call the individual school, talk to the secretary, and
org. arrange to fill out the necessary forms.
Joel Barlow High School (ninth through 12th grade), 100 The schools require a birth certificate, proof of address and
Black Rock Turnpike (203-938-2508, er9.org/jbhs). Thomas H. proof of immunization. Transferring students also need copies
McMorran (tmcmorran@region9ps.org) is principal. He is also of their transcripts or report cards.
assistant superintendent of Region 9. Web site: joelbarlow.org.
School mascot: falcon. When can my child enter kindergarten?
Redding is a partner district in the Western Connecticut Any child who turns five on or before Jan. 1 may enter
Academy for International Studies Elementary Magnet kindergarten the following fall. Parents have the option to wait
School (203-778-7462) at 201 University Boulevard, Danbury. a year but should notify the school they are doing so. Parents
This is an inter-district school with a mission to provide a should call the elementary school and discuss any placement
global perspective in its education of area students in kin- concerns with the principal. However, the decision is left up to
dergarten through fifth grade. The application deadline has the parents.
passed, so students names submitted at this point will be added
at the end of the waiting list. Check with the district office or How did students perform on the Connecticut
go online at er9.org (or danbury.k12.ct.us) for more details. Mastery Tests?
The Connecticut Mastery Test was given to third through
eighth graders during the spring of 2010. Following are the
How many children attend each school? scores indicating the percentage of students who scored at or
The official enrollment in each school is taken Oct. 1. As of above goal:
late August, total enrollment for the school district was expect- Grade 3: Math - 88.8%; Reading - 76.1%; Writing - 72.3%
ed to be 3,298 students, with about 325 teachers. The projec- Grade 4: Math - 87.7%; Reading - 82.9%; Writing - 79.8%
tions were 662 children in Redding Elementary School (670 Grade 5: Math - 93.5%; Reading - 83.6%; Writing - 92.3%;
last year); 594 in John Read Middle School (595 last year); Science - 88.4%
and 983 in Joel Barlow High School (959 last year). Grade 6: Math - 94.7%; Reading - 95.9%; Writing - 87.7%
Grade 7: Math - 94.4%; Readng - 97.8%; Writing - 95.2%
Grade 8: Math - 93.4%; Reading - 92%; Writing - 87.1%;
What are the hours of operation at the schools? Science - 83.5%
Redding Elementary School is in session from 8:10 to 2:40,
John Read Middle School from 9 to 3:30, and Joel Barlow
September 16, 2010 Redding Answerbook, Redding, Connecticut Schools 19
What about the CAPTs? Team; Mock Trial; Mosaic (student newspaper); National
The Connecticut Academic Performance Tests, known as Honor Society; One With Nature; Paws for a Cause; Peer
the CAPTs, test for proficiency in math, science, reading, and Mediators; PEERS; Philosophy Club; Photo Club; Ping Pong
writing. The latest scores available are for the tests taken in Club; Reading Club; Sexual Awareness Group; S.O.U.P.
spring 2010 by Joel Barlow High School sophomores. (Serving Our Under Privileged); Sports Conditioning; Student
The percentages of students achieving at or above goal are Council; Tabletop Gaming; and Teen Life Management
as follows: Math - 75.7%; Science - 79%; Reading - 78.8%; Association. See the schoolʼs handbook for more information.
Writing - 90.3%.
How can I find out if school is canceled because of
What is the average SAT score for seniors at the bad weather?
high school? In bad weather, announcements are made between 6 and 8
Students at Joel Barlow High School took the 2009 version a.m. on WLAD 800 AM, WICC 600 AM, WTIC 1080 AM,
of the Scholastic Aptitude Test, which included a writing sec- WEBE 108 FM, STAR 99.9 FM, WTNH Channel 8, WFSB
tion and was based on a perfect score of 2400. The students Channel 3 and Cablevision Channel 12. School closings, early
who took the test averaged a total reading, math, and writing dismissals, and early openings may be found on the Internet at
score of 1725, up from 1685 by the Class of 2008 and 1675 by ctweather.com and district Web site: er9.org.
the Class of 2007. The John Read Middle School offers a service called Voice
The Class of 2009ʼs mean reading score was 571; the mean Reach, in which a recorded message regarding school clos-
math score was 569, and the mean writing score was 584. ings will be telephoned to a home number. Weather-related
Total aveage scores elsewhere: Wilton, 1785; New Canaan, announcements are also available on the middle school voice
1782; Weston, 1778; Greenwich, 1738 and Ridgefield, 1729. mail, 203-938-2533, press 7.
Parents are advised not to call the Redding police or the
Does the school offer SAT prep programs? school offices.
Voluntary classes by a private testing company are offered at
the high school. What is the school system’s policy for providing
school bus service?
Does John Read Middle School have extracurricular The school does not provide door-to-door service. Although
activities? a bus stop may be in front of someoneʼs house, in general
The middle school has intramurals, clubs, student activities, the following rules apply: Students in kindergarten through
a student government, an honor society, a yearbook, music third grade may be required to walk up to 1,200 feet; students
performance groups, annual theater productions, a chorus, and in fourth through eighth grade may be required to walk up to
school store. 2,500 feet; and students in ninth through 12th grade may be
required to walk up to a mile.
Are our children physically fit? Bus routes are available online at the school district Web
Some 59.5% of local students reached the state health stan- site and are password protected. A bus transportation opt-out
dard on all four tests assessing flexibility, abdominal strength form is also available there.
and endurance, upper-body strength, and aerobic endurance,
according to the Strategic Profile for 2007-08. The state aver- What is the current school budget?
age was 36.1%. The Redding Board of Educationʼs 2010-11 budget is
$20.6-million, up about $601,100 or 3.5% from the 2009-10
budget for Redding Elementary School and John Read Middle
What interscholastic sports does the high school School.
offer? Reddingʼs share of the total Region 9 budget is $11.14-mil-
Broken down by season, Joel Barlow High School offers the lion, an increase of about $124,000 or 1.12% over last year.
following varsity, junior varsity, and freshman sports: Easton pays the other portion. Reddingʼs portion of the budget
Fall: boys: cross country (V), football (V, JV), soccer (V, JV); is based on the number of students enrolled at Joel Barlow.
girls: cheerleading (V), cross country (V), field hockey (V, JV), The total Region 9 budget of $21.2-million increased up by
soccer (V, JV), swimming (V), volleyball (V, JV). 2.76%.
Winter: boys: basketball (V, JV, F), ice hockey (V), skiing (V), In mid-July, the school board reported that because of a
wrestling (co-op with Weston); girls: basketball (V, JV), cheer- combination of good management, tight expense controls and
leading (V), skiing (V). other factors, there was an estimated projection of a $120,000
Spring: boys: baseball (V, JV), golf (V), lacrosse (V, JV), ten- surplus in the 2009-10 operating budget.
nis (V), volleyball (V); girls: softball (V, JV), lacrosse (V, JV),
tennis (V), track (V). What is the starting salary for a teacher?
The school colors are black and gold. The school mascot is In Redding, for the 2009-10 school year, the starting salary
the falcon. for a teacher with a B.A. at Step 1 was $43,954 and went up
to $89,716 for a teacher with a Ph.D. at Step 13. For 2010-11,
What extracurricular activities are available? those numbers will increase to $44,992 and $91,835; and in
Joel Barlow has many clubs. These offerings are based 2011-12 the contract stipulates a B.A. at Step 1 earns $46,150
on student interest and are subject to change. They include: and a teacher with a Ph.D. at Step 13 will earn $94,199.
Acapella Choir; AmeriCares; Anti-defamation League; Art At Joel Barlow High School, the starting pay in the past
Club; Barlow Players; Chess Club; CISCO/Graphics Lab; year was $47,644 for a teacher with a B.A. at Step 1 and went
Debate Club; Diversity Club; Fencing Club; Film Club; up to $101,269 for a teacher with a Ph.D. at Step 16. In 2010-
Fishing Club; French Club; Frisbee Club; Future Business 11, the same steps will earn $49,026 and $104,206; and in
Leaders of America; Games (Board) Club; Hackey Sack Club; 2011-12 $50,497 and $107,332.
H.O.P.E. (Helping Other People Everywhere) Club; Hip Hop By state law, all Connecticut public school teachers must have
Club; Intramurals; Latin Club; Literary Magazine; Math a masterʼs degree to teach beyond 10 years.
Town Officials
Board of Selectmen
First Selectman Natalie T. Ketcham (R) 56 Wagon Wheel Road 203-938-2002
Selectman Julia C. Pemberton (D) 159 Umawaug Road 203-938-8603
Selectman Donald Takacs (R) 17 Dorethy Road 203-938-9106
Board of Finance
William E. Alvarez, Jr. (R-ch) 57 Dayton Road 203-938-3677
Francis E. DeSalvo (R) 113 Mountain Road 203-438-4078
Joseph P. Dolan (D) 2 Windy Hill Road 203-938-7465
Rand R. Guffey (R) 127 Peaceable Street 203-544-8408
Ward J. Mazzucco (R) 44 Wood Road 203-938-0158
Nicholas Simeonidis (D) 5 Beck Road 203-938-9222
Redding Board of Education
Jess W. Gaspar (R-ch) 14 Black Rock Turnpike 203-938-3847
James Barickman (D) 3 Churchill Lane 203-938-2403
Lewis Brey (R) 4 Costa Lane 203-664-1252
Lewis Goldberg (R) 55 Dayton Road 203-938-2105
Kathleen M. Joyce-Kirk (D) 222 Redding Road 203-544-9437
David Lewson (R) 86 Drummer Lane 203-938-0479
Edward Miller (D) 19 Lampost Drive 203-938-1919
Region 9 Board of Education
Mark Lewis (D-ch) 11 Highland Avenue 203-544-7061
Chris Hocker (R) 45 Picketts Ridge Road 203-438-3805
Leon J. Karvelis Jr. (D) 42 Umpawaug Road 203-938-3299
Joe Macchio (R) 50 Sport Hill Road 203-938-3639
Planning Commission
Diane F. Taylor (R-ch) Umpawaug Road 203-938-3152
Michael V. Bakanas (R) 90 Gallows Hill Road 203-938-2000
Robert B. Dean (D) 67 Hill Road 203-938-8817
Thomas R. Flagg (R) 23 Old Mailcoach Road 203-938-3088
Nancy E. King (D) 32 Seventy Acres Road 203-438-3398
Zoning Commission
Gerald L. Casiello (R-ch) 152 Gallows Hill Road 203-938-3811
Benjamin L. Gordon (D) 23 Side Cut Road 203-938-9108
G. Marshall Sanford (R) Turney Road 203-938-2424
John T. Shaban (R) 29 Ledgewood Road 203-938-2080
Joseph V. Ventricelli (D) 22 Winding Brook Lane 203-938-4004
Zoning Board of Appeals
Colleen Brown Litof (R-ch) 35 Pine Mountain Road 203-544-8216
Robert A. Morton (D) 274 Poverty Hollow Road 203-938-2992
Henry J. Polio (R) 27 Gallows Hill Road 203-938-8587
Michael Thompson (R) 34 Old Stagecoach Road 203-938-9535
Elizabeth F. Williams (D) 4 Dorethy Road 203-938-0398
Trevor Ernst Furrer (R-alt) 51 Old Stagecoach Road 203-938-3789
Robert Bruce Given (R-alt) 41 Old Stagecoach Road 203-938-3907
Paul R. Scholl (D-alt) 60 Cross Highway 203-938-4881
Board of Assessment Appeals
Greg Stackpole (R-ch) 39 Picketts Ridge Road 203-438-8975
Mary Lou B. Claremont (D) 102 Black Rock Turnpike 203-938-3162
Scott R. Palmer 76 Gallows Hill Road 203-938-2476
Department Heads
Assessor John E. Ford IV assessor@townofreddingct.org 203-938-2626
Building Officer Shaun Donnelly building@townofreddingct.org 203-938-2558
Health Officer Douglas Hartline health@townofreddingct.org 203-938-2559
Highway Superintendent Bruce Sanford highway@townofreddiingct.org 203-938-2801
Land Use Coordinator Jo-An Brooks landuse@townofreddingct.org 203-938-3721
Human Services Director Gail Schiron socialservice@townofreddingct.org 203-938-9725
Police Chief Douglas Fuchs dfuchs@reddingpolice-ct.us 203-938-3400
Probate Judge Richard L. Emerson probate@townofreddingct.org 203-938-2326
Town Clerk Michele Grande townclerk@townofreddingct.org 203-938-2377
Tax Collector Patricia Moisio taxcollector@townofreddingct.org 203-938-2706
Zoning Enforcement Officer Robert Flanagan zoning@townofreddingct.org 203-938-8517
Town Treasurer Margaret OʼDonnell treasurer@townofreddingct.org 203-938-3616
Schools Superintendent Michael Cicchetti mcicchetti@er9.org 203-261-2513
Registrar of Voters Margaret B. Esten (D) 100 Hill Road 203-938-5012
Registrar of Voters Elizabeth A. Furrer (R) 100 Hill Road 203-938-5012
September 16, 2010 Redding Answerbook, Redding, Connecticut Schools 21
Who is the superintendent of schools?

Dr. Michael Cicchetti, who succceeded Dr. Allen May I rent space in a school to give a night course or
Fossbender as superintendent of schools for Redding, Easton a special program?
and Region 9 at the start of 2010, makes a salary of $210,00 Yes, for a charge and under very limited conditions. To
per year. inquire about scheduling and procedures, call John Read
Middle School at 203-938-2533; Redding Elementary School
What is special education? Whom does it help? at 203-938-2519; or Joel Barlow High School at 203-938-
Special education includes a variety of programs designed 2508.
to support children who may have unique learning needs.
Among those helped by special education are children with What nursery or preschools are here or nearby?
learning disabilities, physical handicaps and emotional prob- Nursery schools include: Creative Play, 992 Danbury
lems, and mentally challenged children. Special education is Road, Wilton, 544-7575; Montessori School of Redding, 25
federally mandated, but the town pays about 96% of the cost Cross Highway, 938-9346; Cobble Creek Play School, 32
of programs. Side Cut Road, 938-8788; Christ Church Pre-School, Cross
Highway, 938-1052; Landmark Academy, 20 Portland Avenue,
How can I find out if my child should have special Georgetown, 544-8393; Pinewood Learning Center, 9 Picketts
education? Ridge Road, 894-1777; and Kids Time Preschool, 32 Portland
Talk to your classroom teacher to discuss whether your Avenue, 544-1266.
child may need special education. You may also ask for a
“request for support form” on which you can describe your What private schools are available?
concerns. This form is submitted to the school principal. Housatonic Valley Waldorf School (203-364-1113/wal-
You may also call the following special education admin- dorfct.org) in Newtown offers classes for pre-K through eighth
istrators: Brian Farrell (bfarrell@reddingps.org) or Cheryl grade. Ridgefield Academy (203-894-1800/ridgefieldacad-
Freeston (cfreeston@reddingps.org) at Redding Elementary emy.com) in Ridgefield offers preschool through eighth grade
(203-938-2519) or John Read Middle School (203-938-2533), (203-894-1800/ridgefieldacademy.com). The Wooster School
and at Joel Barlow, Mrs. Roszko at 203-938-2508, ext. 1545 to in Danbury (203-830-3900/woosterschool.org) offers programs
discuss your concerns. You will be advised of your legal rights for kindergarten through 12th grade. Near Wooster School is
should a disagreement continue. Maimonides Academy (203-748-7129/mawcschool.org), a
community Jewish day school for nursery school age through
What special education resources are in the area? fifth grade. Saint Mary Catholic School (203-438-7288/
SPED*NET is the Special Education Network of New smsridgefield.org) in Ridgefield offers full-day and half-day
Canaan, a monthly forum for discussing special education and classes for three-, four- and five-year-olds plus kindergar-
section 504 issues. It is an independent nonprofit. Information ten (full-day) through eighth grade. Our Lady of Fatima
is available on the Web site at spednet.org.
There is also a similar group in Wilton called SPED*NET � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � �
Wilton. The Web site is spednetwilton.org.
We Belong - Inclusion in Fairfield County (IFC) is a
network of individuals interested in inclusive education for
students with disabilities. Six meetings a year are held at ��
Westport Library. Call Eva Greenwald at 203-554-4462 or
visit online at spednet.org/IFC.htm. ��
The Connecticut Birth to Three System helps families ��
meet the developmental and health-related needs of their ��
infants and toddlers who have delays or disabilities. For infor-
mation, call the Child Development Infoline at 1-800-505- ��
7000 or visit online at birth23.org. ��
��
What is the Redding Education Foundation?
Formed by Redding volunteers, the foundation raises pri- ��
vate money to promote opportunities for educational excel- ��
lence. For details, visit reddingeducationfoundation.org, call
��
203-938-1411 or send an e-mail to info@reddingeducationfou
ndation.org.
�
��
��
��
Is there a PTA? What does the PTA do? ��
Each local school has its own Parent Teacher Association; �

the high school has a Parent Teacher Student Association. The
��
PTAs are made up of parents and teachers (and, at the high
school, students) and raise money, support school events and
��
try to further the interests of Redding schools.
There is also a PTA Council of Easton and Redding, ��
which serves as an advisory board for all five PTAs in ��
Redding and Easton.
The Redding Special Education Parent Teacher ��
Association (SEPTA) supports children with special needs and ��
educates others about those needs. For information, call the
district office at 203-261-2513.
22 Schools Redding Answerbook, Redding, Connecticut September 16, 2010
in Wilton (203-762-8100/olfrs.org) is a Catholic school for org) in New Canaan provides year-round art instruction for
three- and four-year-olds and children in kindergarten through adults, youths, and juniors. The Ridgefield Guild of Artists
eighth grade. Fatima has an all-day kindergarten. Fairfield (203-438-8863/rgoa.org) on Halpin Lane off Prospect Ridge
Prep (203-254-4000/prep.fairfield.edu), a boys-only Catholic offers instruction for beginners and advanced students. Thereʼs
high school, is run by Jesuits. Immaculate High School (203- also the Wooster Community Art Center (203-743-6311) in
744-1510/immaculatehs.org) is a coed high school in Danbury. Danbury.
In New Canaan, St. Lukeʼs (203-966-5612/stlukesct.org) has
grades five through 12 and New Canaan Country School Is there a dance school in the area?
(203-972-0771/countryschool.net) kindergarten through ninth The Conservatory of Dance (203-544-8455/conserva-
grade. tory-of-dance.com) is at 19 Main Street, Georgetown. Art of
Dance (203-544-9821/artofdancegtown.com), 991 Danbury
Is there an adult education program here? Road, Georgetown, offers ballet, jazz, tap, and hip-hop. It is
No. Danbury (203-797-4733), Ridgefield (203-431-9995) also home to the Western Connecticut Youth Ballet Company.
and Wilton (203-834-7694) school districts offer extensive The Millennium School of Irish Dance, LLC (203-544-
continuing education programs. Western Connecticut Regional 9868/millennium-school.com) in Ridgefield has a location for
Adult Education (203-797-4731) offers ESL, citizenship, Adult classes in Georgetown.
Basic Education Skill Program, and high school completion
programs. Where is the nearest vocational school?
Henry Abbott Regional Vocational and Technical School
Where can I take college courses nearby? (203-797-4460) on Hayestown Road in Danbury offers an
Western Connecticut State University (203-837-8200/ academic curriculum along with programs in auto repair,
wcsu.edu) in Danbury offers both graduate and undergraduate auto body, electrical, electronics, manufacturing technology,
courses as does the University of Connecticut in Stamford machine drafting, HVAC (heating, ventilation and air condi-
(203-322-3466/stamford.uconn.edu) and Fairfield University tioning), graphic communications, plumbing, hairdressing,
(203-254-4000/fairfield.edu). Norwalk Community College culinary arts, and off-site LPN (licensed practical nurse) train-
(203-857-7000/ncc.commnet.edu) offers a complete degree ing. There is no cost for Redding residents, and bus transporta-
program. tion is provided. Those interested should speak to a guidance
counselor at the school and fill out an application. An eighth
Is there an art school or studio nearby? grade transcript is required. Post graduates and adults inter-
Paint, Draw & More! Studio (203-544-8551/paintdraw- ested in a program may call 203-797-4460, ext. 4427 for infor-
more.com), 25 Old Mill Road, West Redding, offers art classes mation or go online to cttech.org/abbott/.
for children and adults.
Silvermine School of Art (203-966-6668/silvermineart.
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
September 16, 2010 Redding Answerbook, Redding, Connecticut Public Services 23
Public Services
Where’s the library and when is it open? Wi-Fi Internet connection enables patrons to use their lap-
The Mark Twain Library (203-938-2545), at the intersec- tops at the library.
tion of Route 53 and Diamond Hill Road, is celebrating itʼs infoAnytime allows you to ask a question of a reference
102nd anniversary this year. It is owned by the Mark Twain library 24/7.
Library Association. The library is open Monday through Books on CD may be borrowed in the same way as a book,
Wednesday, Friday and Saturday from 10 to 5, and Thursdays and now the library offers many downloadable book options.
from 10 to 8. The library is closed Sundays. The Web site is For these services, visit online at marktwainlibrary.org.
marktwainlibrary.org.
Are there any library activities?
Why is the library named after Mark Twain? The library also offers many regular programs. These
The library was founded by Samuel Clemens — Mark include pre-school story hours, a summer reading program,
Twain — one of Reddingʼs more famous residents. The origi- movies for children, and book discussion groups through its
nal library (1908) was in an unused chapel on Umpawaug youth services department. In addition, several local book
Road. As first president of the library association, Mark Twain discussion groups get their reading lists through the library.
helped build the library collection with many of his own Programs and events for adults are planned monthly. Labor
books. He held a concert at his home to raise money for the Day weekend brings the annual book fair at the Redding
library, and posted a sign in his billiard room, requesting that Community Center. In December, the library sponsors a town-
all guests make a $1 contribution. In 1910, the library received wide art show and sale, one of its major fund-raisers. Frog
a donation from Andrew Carnegie, a personal friend of Mark Frolic is the libraryʼs annual country fair on the first Saturday
Twain, and a library was built on donated land. The library in May. For information call the library at 203-938-2545. Visit
was expanded in 1972 and again in 2000. The library owns marktwainllibrary.org and click the calendar there for upcom-
some memorabilia from Mark Twainʼs former Redding resi- ing special events.
dence (destroyed by fire in 1923), and about 300 books from
his private collection. Does the library use volunteers?
The library always welcomes volunteers. Call 203-938-
What is an association library? 2545. A list of committee chairs is on the Web site.
Many Connecticut libraries are associations, owned and run
by boards of trustees. They are not town departments, although Does the library have a book sale?
they receive town appropriations for operation. The Mark The annual Mark Twain Library Book Fair over the
Twain Library is one of these. It receives approximately 55% Labor Day weekend is one of the biggest book sales in the
of its operating budget through the selectmenʼs budget. The
rest comes from association fund-raising, including member-
ship in the association, the annual book fair (which marked
its 50th year on this past Labor Day weekend), art show and
Frog Frolic, a family carnival. One does not have to belong to
the association to use this free, public library.
��
��
For information on becoming a Friend of the Library, visit
marktwainlibrary.org.
��
��
What is in the library’s collection?
The library collection includes more than 48,000 books, ��
music CDs, DVDs, videos and books-on-tape. It also has ��
museum passes for loan, and offers a downloadable audio ��
books service.
In addition, there are more than 100 periodicals and serial
publications available to the public. The library also offers
local and state history collections, and through its Wixted
Collection patrons may research Redding family and house
histories. The library also offers computers, interlibrary loan,
copy machines, and a community meeting room that may be
rented for meetings.
What other services does the library offer?

The library is a partner in the Bibliomation consortium of
more than 60 public and school libraries. The operating sys-
tem allows patrons to renew and place holds on Mark Twain
Library books from their home computers. Patrons may also
search the catalog of all consortium members and request
books from any of the consortiumʼs member libraries.
The library also offers services through ICONN, which
includes search access to all library catalogs in Connecticut ��
and access to many online databases. Mark Twain Library ��
patrons may also request books from other Connecticut librar- ��
ies and even out-of-state libraries.
24 Public Services Redding Answerbook, Redding, Connecticut September 16, 2010
Northeast and one of the biggest fund-raisers for the library. It Cemetery on Redding Road (Route 53); Redding Ridge
takes place at the Redding Community Center. Donations of Cemetery on Black Rock Turnpike. Because none is regularly
books are accepted year round, except for a few weeks before staffed, the best way to get information about them is to call a
and after the sale. For information, call 203-938-2545. local funeral home.
Does the town have a social worker? What funeral homes serve the town?
Instead of a separate social worker, the town has combined The only funeral home in Redding is the Bouton Funeral
social and senior services into one job — the director of Home at 31 West Church Street, Georgetown (203-544-8461).
human services. Gail Schiron serves in this post and provides However, the Bethel Funeral Home, 215 Greenwood Avenue
general assistance for families and single people who are (203-743-4825), also serves Redding.
without sufficient income or assets. The help she provides can
be medical, financial, food, or energy assistance. If there is a Does the town have a food bank? A clothing bank?
case she cannot handle through her office, Ms. Schiron will The town has a food bank and a clothing bank. For more
also refer people in need to organizations that can help. She information, or to make a donation, call 203-938-9725.
additionally oversees senior services for the town and serves
as its municipal agent for the elderly. For more information, What is the Families in Crisis Fund?
203-938-3580. Overseen by the Redding Department of Social Services,
this fund pays for things for families in need that are not cov-
Where can an abuse victim get emotional support or ered by any local, state or federal program. For information,
counseling? call Gail Schiron at 203-938-3580.
The Womenʼs Center of Greater Danbury has trained
counselors manning two 24-hour hotlines: 203-731-5206 for What thrift shops are in the area?
domestic violence, 203-731-5204 for sexual assault. The center In Georgetown there is the Georgetown United Methodist
offers a number of workshops and support groups for victims Thrift Shop (203-544-8972) on Church Street. It is open
of violence and may also be reached during regular business Thursday and Friday from 11 to 3 and on Saturday from 10
hours at 203-731-5200. The centerʼs Web site is womenscen- to 1. The shop sells, and accepts for donation, clothing, small
terofgreaterdanbury.org. pieces of furniture, household items, costume jewelry, and
To report an actual incident of abuse, call 911 or the shoes. Donations are accepted during shop hours, or call for an
Redding Police at 203-938-2564. appointment. In some cases, pickup is available.
In Ridgefield, The Thrift Shop (203-438-3328) on
Where are burial plots available in town? Catoonah Street is open Monday to Friday, noon to 4,
Burial plots are available in three cemeteries: Umpawaug Saturday, 10 to 1. It accepts clean, usable, and up-to-date
Cemetery on Umpawaug Road, West Redding; Hull clothing, as well as books, records, household items, and small
appliances. Items are accepted during store hours.
How can I donate to the Salvation Army or Goodwill

Industries?
The Salvation Army Thrift Store (203-792-9799), 129
Main Street, Danbury, accepts almost anything except built-in
appliances, and only appliances that work.
Goodwill Industries at 15 Cross Street in Norwalk (203-
840-0361) or 2 Beaver Brook Road, Danbury (203-730-1480),
accepts clothing, small household items, and furniture.
What services are available to military families?

Through the American Red Cross in Danbury (203-792-
8200) families may contact their loved ones in the armed
forces in the event of a family emergency. The Red Cross also
�� offers financial assistance in the event of a personal crisis, as
well as counseling, information, referrals, and other social ser-
vices to military families.
Visit the Connecticut Chapter of the American Red Cross
�� Web site, ctredcross.org, for details on emergency services,
blood donation inquiries, volunteering, first aid training cours-
�� es and others.
�� Where can I get help with my income taxes?

The AARP Tax-Aide program provides IRS-certified
voluntesers who provide free tax counseling and preparation
services to low- and middle-income taxpayers, with special
�� attention to those ages 60 and older. Services are available at
�� the Redding Senior Center from early February through mid-
April. Appointments are required; call 203-938-3361.
�� The Internal Revenue Service has various help lines:
�� Federal tax information, 800-829-1040; recorded tax informa-
�� tion, 800-829-4477; and the Problem Resolution Office, 800-
829-1040; or for the hearing impaired, 800-829-4059.
Property Issues
When do I need a zoning permit? Do I need a permit to have a home business?
People need a zoning permit to change any aspect of a Some home businesses are permitted by right, some by
buildingʼs shape or size and for any new structures more than permit from the Zoning Commission, some not at all. It is best
two square feet. A permit is needed for fences, tag sales, signs, to check with the Zoning Commission as to the category in
or change in a propertyʼs use. which a particular home occupation falls.
What is an historic easement? Are there any rules regarding door-to-door solici-
Redding has had a pilot program for historic easements tors?
through which specific aspects of a property may be preserved All people selling wares door to door in Redding must be
or restored. To qualify, a house must be suitable for designa- registered with the police department and have a valid form
tion on the National Register of Historic Places or be a part of photo identification. It is illegal for anyone over age 16 to
of one of Reddingʼs two National Register historic districts solicit purchases of any goods, including magazines, either
(Redding Center and Georgetown). For information, call the door to door or from the street without first registering for a
first selectmanʼs office at 203-938-2002. permit with police. Police then conduct a background check. If
the solicitor has been convicted of a felony or a violent misde-
meanor, no permit is issued.
Can I rent an apartment in my house?
Yes, but only after obtaining a special use permit from the What garbage collectors serve this town?
zoning department. There are five garbage collectors that serve Redding:
Trojan Horse Sanitation (203-792-2525), Redding
Sanitation (203-938-3391), Country Disposal (203-438-
Can I take in boarders? 9385), LoStocco, (203-743-9940), and Matlock Refuse, (203-
You are allowed to have up to five unrelated people living 365-0380).
in a single-family residence.
Can I take care of my garbage myself?

Can I start a bed and breakfast? Yes, at the Redding Transfer Station and Recycling
Yes, the townʼs zoning regulations allow the operation of a Center (203-938-3026) on Hopewell Wood Road off Route
bed and breakfast, by special permit. 58 (intersection of Hopewell and Beck Roads). Hours are 7:30
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
a.m. to 3 p.m. pm Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday. recycling center and prices are subject to evaluation at dropoff.
Residents must purchase a permit for $25 ($10 for senior For any recycling information call 203-938-3026.
citizens 60 and over). There is an extra charge of $10 ($5 for Redding has increased its recycliing tonnage every year,
seniors) for each additional vehicle permits. Each vehicle must according to the center. The projected rate is averaging about
display a permit. Permits are good for one year, July 1 to June 40%.
30.
The transfer station and recycling center are closed What about disposing of leaves?
Tuesdays, Thursdays, Sundays and on legal holidays. Any Leaves can be dropped at the transfer station/recycling
closings due to weather are announced over WLAD 800 AM center, free for residents, but commercial haulers are charged
and WDAQ 98.3 FM. a fee.
There is no additional charge for most recyclable materi- Wood chips are available there at no charge.
als. Chargeable items include garbage, demolition materials,
metal, bulky waste (sofa, mattress), large appliances and tires,
car batteries. A fee schedule is available at the recycling center What won’t they take at the transfer station?
or at town hall. Annual permits are available at the first select- The transfer station will not accept hazardous or radioactive
manʼs office in town hall or at the transfer station. waste, nor will it accept biohazardous or most medical waste.
It will, however, accept used syringes, only from diabetics
or, by law, from drug addicts. The staff requests that these be
What do I recycle and where do I take it? delivered in a sealed container, like a coffee can, and be prop-
Reddingʼs recycling center has been named to the stateʼs erly identified.
Municipal Recycling Honor Roll after being recognized as
having “an outstanding recycling program” by the Department
of Environmental Protection. How can I dispose of larger items?
The recycling center will accept, free of charge, corrugated For a fee, the townʼs transfer station and recycling center
cardboard, brown grocery bags, newspapers, magazines, mixed (203-938-3026) accepts refrigerators and freezers (take the
office paper, cans and glass containers, plastics #1 through 7, doors off), air conditioners, dehumidifiers, sofas, mattresses
foam packing peanuts, fluorescent lamps, waste oil, oil filters, and box springs, tires, and demolition items. Call about other
antifreeze, car and boat (wet cell) batteries, small dry cell bat- types of furniture. Tree stumps should be taken to the Danbury
teries, clothes and shoes, scrap metal, telephone directories, transfer station.
and nickel cadmium batteries. Residents may also drop off cut
brush and leaves for composting.
The recycling center also household electronics, including Is there anything free at the transfer station?
computers and television sets for a fee. There is a fee list at the Thereʼs a table of items diverted from the trash that are free
Redding Specialist
for 34 years.
for the taking — everything from ice skates and skis to house- written permission of the landowner for the current season on
hold items. Wood chips, too. official DEP forms. A landowner must have a minimum of
10 acres to authorize the use of a rifle for deer hunting. The
Redding Deer Warden Don Hain can help property owners
Is firewood for sale at the transfer station? find a hunter during hunting season. Call 203-948-2844.
An approximate cord of split firewood costs $100.
Reddingites may also buy half-cords or bundles, with cost
determined by size. Unsplit firewood and wood chips are free. Where can I get a burn permit?
It is the policy of the Town of Redding and the state
Department of Environmental Protection to discourage burn-
Where can I get compost? ing wherever environmentally preferable alternatives exist, i.e.
Unscreened compost is sometimes available at the recycling wood chipping or disposal at the townʼs transfer and recycling
center at $15 a yard. This type of compost is good for gardens, station (203-938-3026) on Hopewell Wood Road.
around shrubs, and to fill lawn depressions. The DEPʼs goal is cooperation to help achieve air quality
that would protect the health of the stateʼs citizens.
Where can I dispose of hazardous waste? You can, however, get a permit to burn brush through
Regional household hazardous waste collection days take Redding Fire Marshals Joe Paola (Fire District #1 and
place every fall at the Danbury Public Works Department at Georgetown District), 203-544-8933, or Mickey Grasso (Fire
53 Newtown Road, usually on a Saturday in late September. District #2), or 203-938-2518. Check your fire tax bill to
This year the date is Sept. 25 from 9 to 2. Call the Public determine in which fire district you live.
Works Department (203-797-4539) or watch for notices in You may burn only brush or wood with a diameter of three
The Redding Pilot for details. Or go to hrra.org the Web site inches or less. Burning of leaves, building demolition materi-
for the Housantonic Resource Recovery Authority. als, stumps, grass, etc. is illegal in Connecticut.
Area towns including Redding participate to keep costs
down; the program is free to people in those towns. Proof of Will the town check my well to see if the water is
residency is required. Call the townʼs transfer station (203- safe?
938-3026) for information on how to dispose of non-house- The town health department (203-938-2559) does not have
hold hazardous waste. the facilities to check wells, but it can direct you to laborato-
ries that do. It will also provide bottles needed for testing and
can help interpret the results and do a site assessment to help
What items are considered hazardous waste? solve water problems. For all new wells, tests must be submit-
Items that may be taken to the Hazardous Waste Day col- ted to the health department before the new supply is approved
lection site include paint thinner and strippers, photographic for use.
chemicals, insecticides, herbicides, household and automotive
cleaners, disinfectants, dry cleaning solvents, septic system
cleaners, old gasoline and oil-based paints.
Household batteries are not hazardous waste and may be
recycled at most recycling centers. Likewise, latex paints are
not hazardous waste and should not be brought in. Instead,
either use up all the paint in the can or add cat litter or vermic-
ulite to dry up the paint. The can, once the paint is no longer in
the liquid form, may be mixed in with regular garbage.
��
What is Paper Shredding Day? ��
Thatʼs when a mobile shredder will cross shred residentsʼ ��
old papers, receipts, bank statements, tax returns, medical ��
records and the like while residents watch. The next Paper ��
Shredding Day, free to all residents of Redding, is on ��
Saturday, Oct. 23, 9 to noon, at the transfer station/recycling
center. There is usually a shredding day in the spring, as well. ��
��
��
Can I recycle a cell phone or eyeglasses? ��
Reddingʼs Department of Social Services offers a free cell ��
phone program for senior citizens. The town accepts donations
��
of used cell phones, which are then reprogrammed for 911 ser-
vice only. For details, call Gail Schiron at 203-938-3580. ��
Reddingʼs recycling center has a container that looks like ��
a mailbox to accept donations of eyeglasses and hearing aids. ��
The Georgetown Lions Club collects the donations and sends ��
them to a clearinghouse to be distributed overseas. ��
��
May I invite a hunter onto my property? ��
Yes. Hunting is allowed on private property. All hunters are ��
required to have permission from the landowner when hunt- ��
ing on private lands. Deer and turkey hunters must carry the
How do I take care of my septic system? Emergency Services

You must call private septic system pumping companies.
They will advise you how often to have your septic tank What kinds of calls should be made to 911?
pumped. Dial 911 only for emergencies, such as fires, crimes in
The Norwalk River Watershed Initiative offers a simple, progress, accidents, injuries, and medical emergencies.
non-technical brochure for homeowners called Septic Care & Do not call 911 for informational questions such as direc-
Maintenance for the Homeowner. It is available free online at tions, road conditions, and school closings, or for routine prob-
conservect.org/southwest.htm. Click on the septic care link and lems like reporting barking dogs. For routine police calls, use
then click on the link for the downloadable format. 203-938-3400.
Who answers the 911 line?

Whom do I call if my neighbor’s septic system is A dispatcher at the Redding Police Station takes 911 calls.
leaking onto my property? Dispatchers are on duty 24 hours a day. A statewide mobile
First call your neighbors to notify them of the problem and 911 system enables state police dispatchers to quickly track a
then call the health department at 203-938-2559. cell phone callerʼs location anywhere in the state.
How can residents be alerted to emergencies in

Are there any rules regarding stone walls? town and the state?
The town is particularly concerned about the appearance Text messages and e-mails are a few new ways state and
of stone walls along designated scenic roads. The Redding local public safety officials have planned to get the word out.
Planning Commission has said it wants new stone walls to be The state has an emergency alert system to communicate with
built to match the imprecise style of existing walls, and a set residents during emergencies, the only statewide program
of guidelines is available from the town. Among the guide- of its kind, according to the governorʼs office. Residents are
lines: walls should be two to three feet high, undulating with urged to register online with the state and indicate their pre-
the grade; New England fieldstones should be used; and first- ferred method of notice.
mortar, if used, should not be visible. This summer the town announced that it will use the stateʼs
program to administer local emergency notices. Redding is one
of 169 towns in Connecticut signed on to use the stateʼs exist-
How can I identify invasive plants in my yard? ing 911 database and the additional information being asked
Fifteen common invasive plant species are illustrated on a for from residents.
laminated field guide, which homeowners may borrow from Residents may register with the state at ctalert.gov. The
the Redding Garden Club. There are also copies available at Redding Police Departmentʼs site, reddingpolice-ct.us, also
town hall and the Mark Twain Library. The guide, issued by links to the stateʼs page. The state already has access to a 911
the U.S. Department of Agriculture, is called USDA Invasive database of land lines, but if residents wish to receive notices
Plants Field & Reference Guide. To borrow a copy from the through other devices like cell phones either through a call or
garden club, call Jill Kotch at 203-431-3136. text message, or through an instant message, they need to sign
Other sources for identifying invasive plant species include up.
The Nature Conservancyʼs Web site, nature.org (click on Field
Guide, then Initiatives, and follow links for invasive species) Where is the nearest emergency room?
and the Connecticut Invasive Plant Working Group Web site: The nearest emergency room is at Danbury Hospital, on
hort.uconn.edu/CIPWG/. Locust Avenue, about nine miles from the center of Redding.
Call 203-739-7100. There is also an emergency room in
Norwalk Hospital on Maple Street. Call 203-852-2160.
What is radon gas? How serious is it?
Radon gas is a decay product of radioactive uranium that What kind of ambulance service is available?
cannot be seen, smelled, or tasted. In open air it is harmlessly The town has three volunteer fire departments — Redding
dispersed, however well water passing through soil with high (serving Redding Ridge and Redding Center), Georgetown
levels of the gas may be a significant source of radon in a and West Redding — that cover different sections of town.
home. High levels of radon occur in Connecticut, particularly All have ambulances, staffed by emergency medical techni-
in Fairfield County. cians including some who are EMT intermediates with more
Exposure to radon increases your risk of developing lung advanced training. All ambulances are equipped with defibril-
cancer. According to the U.S. E.P.A., radon causes more can- lators.
cer deaths than any other single air pollutant except tobacco West Redding and Redding share a paid EMS staff to pro-
smoke. When exposure is combined with smoking or inhaling vide ambulance coverage from 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.; volun-
someone elseʼs smoke, the risk increases dramatically. teers are on call the rest of the time. The Georgetown depart-
Radon gas gets into homes through cracks in foundations, ment uses an outside company to provide EMT service from 6
block walls, sump pumps, drains and other openings in cellar a.m. to 6 p.m. weekdays. One of the departmentʼs own EMTs
floors and walls. It can also be released into the air by running is paid to be on duty from 6 a.m. to 4 p.m. p.m. on Saturdays
water from faucets and showers if the source of water is a well and Sundays. Volunteers cover the ambulance calls the rest of
with high levels of radon. the time.
The simplest way to find out if your home has high levels
of radon is through a carbon filter test. Kits are available in Where will the ambulance take me?
stores or may be purchased inexpensively by calling the Radon In an emergency the ambulance will usually take you to
Hotline — 1-800-SOS-RADON — operated by the National Danbury Hospital. If requested or in a non-life-threatening
Safety Council. situation, it may go to Norwalk Hospital.
September 16, 2010 Redding Answerbook, Redding, Connecticut Emergency Services 29
Do we have paramedics and what can they do? on a point system, which determines the amount of tax abate-
Redding is supported by the Danbury Healthcare Systems, ment that would be applied. The maximum tax abatement is
who are stationed in Bethel. Paramedics can provide advanced $1,000 per year.
cardiac life support, intravenous drug therapy, external pace-
makers, advanced trauma procedures and medications that What situations are the firefighters trained to han-
EMTs cannot. dle?
They are trained for many situations including fire fighting,
How much does an ambulance call cost me? fire prevention, emergency medical service, hazardous material
All three fire departments bill for ambulance service based situations, vehicle extrication, and rope and cold water rescues.
on a rate established by the state; however rates may vary due
to Medicare and Medicaid rules. In 2009, the rate for Basic How can I become a volunteer fireman?
Life Support was $501. A Level 1 Advanced Life Support call The best way is to attend a weekly meeting of the depart-
(ambulance plus paramedic) was $858. An Advanced Life ment you are interested in. Each meets at 7 Monday nights.
Support Helicopter Assist was $510. There are also mileage Applications are available at each fire station.
charges and other special fees may accrue. You must be 18 to become a full member of a department,
but all three departments have junior member programs for 16-
Where are the fire stations in town? and 17-year-olds. Junior members need parental consent and
The Redding Ridge Firehouse (which also has a station undergo training.
in Redding Center across from town hall), 203-938-2520, is at They can assist with department activities and respond to
186 Black Rock Turnpike (Route 58). calls but are restricted from certain fire or accident actions
The Georgetown Firehouse, 203-544-8800, is at 6 such as entering a burning building or extricating a crash vic-
Portland Avenue. tim.
The West Redding Firehouse, 203-938-2518, is at 306
Umpawaug Road. If I smell smoke and call the fire department, will I
Residents are protected and taxed according to the fire get billed for services?
district they live in, although firefighters and trucks from any You will not be billed for services.
station in town will respond to fires or emergencies anywhere
in town if necessary. I have an old house. Can I ask the fire department to
inspect my chimney to see if it’s safe?
Who runs the fire departments? The townʼs fire departments do not inspect chimneys due
Joseph Miceli is the chief of the West Redding Volunteer to a lack of proper equipment. A professional chimney sweep
Fire Department. The Redding Volunteer Fire Company #1 is should be called for this service. The fire departments do offer
headed by Bruce Sanford, and the Georgetown Volunteer Fire courtesy inspections for placement of smoke detectors and
Company No. 1 by Mike Heibeck. safety of gas lines and stoves.
The officers of each department oversee operations and
equipment and compile budget requests. Each department also Does the fire department check businesses, schools
has a fire district commission, which sets department policy and other public places for safety?
and collects taxes for the district to pay for fire protection ser- The townʼs fire marshals are required by state law to do
vices. annual inspections of public buildings and property.
The fire marshal for the Georgetown and Redding District
How many volunteer firemen are there and what 1 is Joe Paola (203-544-8933). Mickey Grasso (203-938-2518)
kinds of calls have they handled? is West Reddingʼs (District 2) fire marshal.
Georgetown has about 35 active volunteers (firefighters and
Emergency Medical Technicians), while Redding Ridge has Where is the police department?
about 55. West Redding has over 55. The police department is at 96 Hill Road (Route 107).
The Georgetown Volunteer Fire Company, organized in Douglas Fuchs is chief of police. Call 203-938-3400 for rou-
1928, responded to 341 emergency calls in the past year, tine police calls.
according to the townʼs Web site. Not only fire fighting, fire
prevention and emergency medical service among firefightersʼ What are the town’s police activity statistics?
duty these days, but there are also hazardous material situa- The police responded to more than 19,900 incidents,
tions, vehicle extrication, water rescues and more. according to the townʼs annual report for the 2008 fiscal year.
The Redding Volunteer Fire & EMS Company #1, founded Motor vehicle stops: 2,804; motor vehicle accidents: 289;
in 1915, responded to 175 EMS and 108 fire calls ranging assaults, disturbances and suspicious incidents: 491; burglar-
from structure and brush fires to motor vehicle accidents and ies: 8; larcenies: 44; criminal mischief/arson: 69; narcotics/
medical emergencies. liquor law violations: 7.
The West Redding Volunteer Fire Department, formed in This past spring Connecticut Magazine, in its biennel rank-
1915 and incorporated in 1926, responded to 109 fire calls and ings of the best small towns in the state, ranked Redding as
153 emergency medical calls. The incidents included automat- having the 13th lowest crime rate among 23 communities with
ic fire alarms, carbon monoxide alarms, structure fires, motor populations between 6,500 to 10,000.
vehicle accidents, brush fires and emergency medical requests.
How many policemen does the town have?
Do volunteers get any compensation? Redding has 15 full-time officers, including the chief. The
No, except for those paid for daytime coverage as outlined communications center is manned by four full-time and eight
elsewhere. The firefighters spend their own time meeting part-time dispatchers, all of whom are certified 911 operators.
state-mandated training and certification requirements, drilling,
maintaining equipment, and responding to calls. What is the salary of a beginning police officer?
There is a tax abatement program for the volunteers based The last contract stipulated a starting salary as of July 1,
30 Emergency Services Redding Answerbook, Redding, Connecticut September 16, 2010
2009 at $44,635. For the ensuing three years, starting salaries potential employee need to go to the state police Bureau of
are to be as follows: July 1, 2010 - $45,985; July 1, 2011 - Investigations Fingerprint Division. Call the local police for
$47,375. information at 203-938-3400.
Does the police department offer any special com- Where can I get a copy of a local accident report or a
munity programs? criminal case?
The police department participates in the Child Passenger Reports are available at the police station. Call 203-938-
Safety Program. With an appointment, parents can have a cer- 3400 for details.
tified police officer check the installation of their child safety
seats. The officer will also instruct parents or caregivers on the Is there a sex offender registry?
proper use and installation of their child safety seat. The state contributes information on all sex offenders reg-
The department also participates in the Locator Program istered in Connecticut to the National Sex Offender Public
sponsored by the National Center for Missing and Exploited Registry, which may be accessed at nsopr.gov. The list con-
Children. With a computer and related equipment officers can tains only offenders who have been convicted or found not
quickly disseminate information on missing persons with other guilty by reason of mental disease or defect.
law enforcement agencies. The police also have Child ID kits
available for parents to pick up at police headquarters. What should I do in case of an emergency?
The police are also particularly concerned with speeding Selectman Don Takacs is Reddingʼs Emergency
complaints. Any resident who feels there is a particular speed- Management Director, and he is supported by three deputy
ing problem of which the police are not aware may come into directors. Police Chief Douglas Fuchs is in charge of will
police headquarters and complete a speeding complaint, which grant writing and communication duties, Health Officer Doug
officers will address. Hartline will oversee activities related to bioterrorism, and Fire
The Redding Police Department has purchased Fatal Marshal Joe Paola is in charge of activating the townʼs emer-
Vision Goggles, which simulate being under the influence of gency center.
alcohol. The goggles are used in education programs offered to The town has an emergency management plan in place,
young people. which not only addresses who to be contacted and how and
where emergency shelters are located, but also lists places
I need to be fingerprinted for an application. Will the where pets may be housed.
police do it for me? The town has implemented the Expedite telephone notifica-
Redding police will provide fingerprint service at no charge tion system, which allows town officials to send a prerecorded
to residents or people with commercial businesses in town. message to every home in town to give information and guid-
Call for details. ance during an emergency. The database contains 2,700 local
Commercial businesses that want a records check on a telephone numbers, but does not automatically include unlisted
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
When you call Bethel VNA, an actual
person answers the phone. You and your
family receive individualized information ��
about your comprehensive treatment plan 70 Stony Hill Road, Bethel, Connecticut 06801
and patient rights. Depending on your
needs, services are provided by an
(203) 792-0864 • Fax: (203) 730-8053
individual or team of specialists on a Please visit our website: ��
part-time, intermittent, or hourly basis. for detailed information about Bethel VNA.
�� E-mail: info@bethelvna.org
��
��
��
� ��
� ��
� ��
� � ��
� ��
� ��
� � ��
� ��
� ��
� � ��
� ��
� � ��
� ��
� ��
� ��
��
� ��
� ��
� ��
� ��
��
� ��
� ��
� ��
��
� ��
� ��
� � ��
� ��
� ��
� ��
� ��
� ��
� ��
� ��
� ��
� � ��
� ��
� ��
� ��
��
� ��
� ��
� ��
� ��
��
� ��
� ��
� ��
32 Redding Answerbook, Redding, Connecticut September 16, 2010 September 16, 2010 Redding Answerbook, Redding, Connecticut 33
� � � � � � � � � � � � �
� ��
��
�
� ��
� �
��
��
��
��
��
�
��
�
��
�
� ��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
�
�
��
�
��
��
��
��
��
��
�
��
��
��
��
��
��
� ��
��
� ��
� � ��
� � � �
��
� ��
� ��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
�
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
�
��
��
��
��
�
� � ��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
� � �
� �
��
��
� � ��
��
��
� ��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
�
��
��
� � � � � � � � � �
��
��
��
��
� �
��
��
��
� ��
��
��
��
��
��
��
�
�
��
��
��
� � ��
� �
�
��
��
�
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
�
��
� �
��
�
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
�
��
��
�
��
��
�
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
�
��
�
�
�
��
�
��
��
��
��
�
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
�
��
��
��
��
� ��
��
��
� ��
��
��
�
� ��
��
�
��
��
��
� �
��
��
��
��
� �
� � ��
��
� ��
� �
��
� ��
� �
� � ��
� � �
��
� � �
��
�
��
��
34 Emergency Services Redding Answerbook, Redding, Connecticut September 16, 2010
or cell phone numbers. To have those numbers included, resi-

dents may call the first selectmanʼs office at 203-938-2002 Utilities
or e-mail assistant@townofreddingct.org. You may also have
your number removed from the list. The list will only be used Where does our water come from?
for emergency notification. All properties in Redding are fed by private wells, although
The town is also recruiting volunteers for a Community Aquarion, the regional water company, has a water main from
Emergency Response Team. Volunteers are needed for every- Wilton into the Georgetown area.
thing from helping to set up shelters to providing transporta-
tion to data entry. To volunteer, call Mr. Paola at 203-544-
8933. Who provides electric power?
For emergencies like widespread blackouts or hurricanes, Connecticut Light & Power (CL&P) provides electricity.
you might want to listen to radio station WLAD/800 AM, For customer service — or for downed, burned, or hanging
based in Danbury. wires or if you see a flash or hear a loud noise — call 800-
In the event of a power outage, Connecticut Light and 286-2000 any time (TTY/TDD: 800-842-0010). The utilityʼs
Power offers the following tips: Check medications that need Web site is cl-p.com.
refrigeration. You may want to keep a small cooler handy for
that purpose. Have a supply of canned, non-perishable food
and drinking water that will last a couple of days. Get extra ice Will I have water if my power goes out?
and put it in plastic bags. This will help maintain the tempera- Water pressure in your home is, most likely, powered by an
ture in your refrigerator and freezer. electric pump. If electric power goes out, you will lose water
When you have advance notice, such as with a coming pressure. However, you may be able to draw a few gallons of
storm, set aside water. Fill the bathtub with water for toilets; water before losing pressure completely.
a bucket in the bowl is all thatʼs needed for flushing. You can
buy bottled water for drinking. Be prepared to cook outside,
but donʼt bring grills into the house. What parts of town have sewer service?
Stock up on batteries for a battery-powered radio and flash- Georgetown is the only section of Redding served by sew-
lights, and have extra wood for fireplaces or wood stoves. Fill ers. The Water Pollution Control Commission is the agency
your carʼs gas tank. managing the sewer system.
Unplug sensitive electrical equipment like computers and A permit to hook up to the sewers is required by the town
VCRs. sanitarian. Your plumber may obtain the permit from the
Stay away from downed power lines. Redding Health Department (938-2559).
For larger emergencies, you may want to check the infor- There is also a hookup fee and an assessment fee.
mation at redcross.org.
For information on regional alert status, you may check
online at ready.gov and the Department of Homeland Security What cable television service is available?
Web site dhs.gov. Cable service in Redding is provided by Cablevision of
Those concerned about bioterrorism in particular, may Connecticut, 28 Cross Street, Norwalk, 203-847-6666. The
want to log onto dph.state.ct.us to see how the Connecticut Web site is cablevision.com
Department of Public Health is addressing the concerns and
questions of Connecticut residents.
Does Redding have any cell phone towers?
According to the Connecticut Siting Council (ct.gov/csc),
What should I do if I need to evacuate my home? there are seven telecommunications towers in Redding. Their
An order to evacuate in the event of a natural or other emer- locations and ownership are as follows: 100 Old Redding Road
gency could come from the Redding Police Department, one - Spectrasite; 186 Blackrock Turnpike - Nextel; 4 Dittmar
of the fire departments, the Redding Community Emergency Road - Message Center Management; 80 Lonetown Road -
Response Team, or from the townʼs phone notification system Giannioto & Miller; Mountain Road - CL&P; Peaceable Street
Expedite. - CL&P; 22 Wayside Lane - AT&T.
People would be directed either to a shelter or to get out of Sprint-Nextel is proposing to replace its existing 75-foot
town altogether. Local shelters are Joel Barlow High School tower at the firehouse on Black Rock Turnpike (Route 58)
and Meadow Ridge, where there are emergency generators. with a 120-foot monopole.
A generator is being installed at the Redding Community
Center.
In either case, families should have a disaster plant, specify- Will the town remove my leaves or brush?
ing a location where all can meet and where all can stay if you No, but you may take leaves to the townʼs transfer station
canʼt stay at home. (938-2108) Monday through Saturday from 7:30 to 3.
It is also recommended families have a Grab and Go Kit
with the following essentials: non-perishable food and water
for three days; essential medications; copies of important There’s a dead limb on the tree near the road that
papers including driverʼs license, credit cards, essential phone may fall on lines. Should I call someone?
numbers; a radio with a hand crank to receive NOAA broad- If you think the branches are over the power lines call the
casts; a flashlight and extra batteries; enough cash and coins Connecticut Light and Power Companyʼs toll-free emer-
for a week or two, since ATM machines wonʼt work in a wide- gency and customer service number at 800-286-2000. If the
spread power outage; a first aid kit. branches are hanging over the telephone lines, call the repair
and emergency number, 611. If youʼre not sure which lines are
in jeopardy, call both.
September 16, 2010 Redding Answerbook, Redding, Connecticut Religion 35
Religion
What houses of worship are in town? for all ages Sunday mornings. Call 203-938-1317 for details.
Houses of worship in Redding and Georgetown include: Bethlehem Lutheran Church offers Bible study the first
Benedictine Grange, 45 Dorethy Road (203-938-3689/ct- Sunday of the month at 9. Call 544-8858.
muse.org/grange.htm); Long Ridge United Methodist Church (203-544-8394)
Bethlehem Lutheran Church-ELCA, 44 Portland Avenue, offers small group Bible study monthly and weekly during the
Georgetown (203-544-8858/bethlehem-ct.org); Lenten season.
Calvary Independent Baptist Church, 3 Side Cut Road, Sacred Heart Church offers Bible study. Call 203-544-
West Redding (203-938-1317/cibcRedding.org); 8345.
Christ Church-Episcopal, 184 Cross Highway, at Black Community Bible Study is a nondenominational Bible
Rock Turnpike (203-938-2872/christchurchredding.org); study group at Hope Church in Wilton. For information, call
First Church of Christ-Congregational, 25 Cross 203-762-0706 or go online to HopeChurchCT.org.
Highway (203-938-2004/firstchurchredding.org);
Georgetown Bible Church, corner of North Main Street Are there other religious centers?
and Route 107, Georgetown (203-544-8673/georgetownbible. The Redding Meditation Center, at 9 Picketts Ridge
org); Road, offers insight meditation practice led by Buddhist
Georgetown United Methodist Church, 33 Church Street monks, and yoga and tai chi classes. There is also a meditation
(203-544-8394); garden. For details, call 203-894-1118 or visit online at red-
Long Ridge United Methodist Church, Long Ridge Road, dingmeditationsociety.org.
Redding (203-743-6095/longridgeumc.org); Do Ngak Kunphen Ling, the Tibetan Buddhist Center
Sacred Heart Church, Church Street, Georgetown (203- for Universal Peace offers classes and training in Buddhist
544-8345/SacredHeartGeorgetownCT.org); moral discipline, meditative concentration and transformative
St. Patrickʼs Church, 169 Black Rock Turnpike (203-938- wisdom. There are also yoga retreats and special events. The
2253); center is at 30 Putnam Park Road. For information, call 203-
Temple BʼNai Chaim, 82 Portland Avenue, Georgetown 938-2330 or visit online at dnkldharma.org.
(203-544-8695/tbcct.org).
Are there any religiously oriented volunteer group?
Are there any Bible study groups? Housatonic Habitat for Humanity (203-744-1340/dan-
Georgetown Bible Church (203-544-8673) offers a menʼs buryhabitat.org) is an ecumenical Christian housing ministry
BBible study on Saturday mornings at 7:30. that builds simple, decent, affordable houses with people in
Calvary Independent Baptist Church offers Bible study need. The organization welcomes volunteers.
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
� � ��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
� ��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
36 Health Redding Answerbook, Redding, Connecticut September 16, 2010
Health
How can I find a good family doctor? health aides, home makers, companions and live-ins provide
Both Norwalk Hospital (203-852-2609) and Danbury help with transportation, shopping, light housekeeping, meal
Hospital (203-797-7001) offer physician referrals either preparation and personal care. Geriatric care management,
by phone or online at norwalkhosp.org or danburyhospital. medical social work services, IV therapy, nutritional counsel-
org. There are also published directories at area libraries. ing, wound care, palliative care, travel vaccine consultation/
Sometimes the best references come through word of mouth. immunizations, home telemonitoring, and Lifeline, a Medical
Alert Service, are offered.
Nursing & Home Care (203-762-8958/visitingnurse.net)
Will any doctors take walk-in patients? offers skilled nurses; home health aides; physical, occupation-
There are none in town. In Wilton, there is Wilton Medical al, and speech therapists; live-in help; shoppers; companions;
Walk In Clinic (203-834-8885) at 35 Danbury Road. In dietitians; medical social workers; peer counselors; homemak-
Norwalk, thereʼs Primary Medical Care (203-849-7777/ ers; care managers; a pre-hospice team; and respite services.
pmcc-ohc.com) at 345 Main Avenue. The Bethel Visiting Nurse Association (203-792-0864/
Immediate Medical Care of Monroe (203-459-0191), 388 bethelvna.org) offers skilled nursing, physical and occupatonal
Main Street (Route 25) is affiliated with Bridgeport Hospital. rehabilitation, home care aides, nutritional counseling, social
To access information online, go to bridgeporthospital.org and work services, maternal-child care, home telemonitoring, and
click on Community Services, then Satellite Facilities. terminal and palliative care.
How can I arrange for home care?

What does the health department do? Reddingʼs senior center (203-938-9725) can refer you to
The Redding Health Department (203-938-2559) ensures home health care workers. You may also call the Danbury
the health and safety of the public by providing preventative, Visiting Nurse Association (792-4120), the Bethel Visiting
educational, and regulatory services. Dr. Lawrence Leibowitz, Nurse Association (203-792-0864), the Ridgefield Visiting
town director of health, supervises the health department, but Nurse Association (203-438-5555), or Nursing & Home
works part time. He is usually called only for major public Care (203-762-8958) or have your physician or a friend call.
health issues. For those coming home from the hospital or a rehab facility,
Douglas Hartline, Reddingʼs public health officer and a reg- the hospital case manager or social worker can call a visiting
istered sanitarian, is responsible for managing all public health nurse association to arrange home care.
issues in town and ensuring compliance with state public
health codes. This includes everything from inspecting swim-
ming areas, restaurant kitchens, septic systems and wells, to Is there a clearinghouse of information on home
making sure day-care systems meet state standards. The office health care?
may be reached at 203-938-2559. Hours are Monday through The Connecticut Association for Home Care, Inc. (cahc.
Thursday, 8 to 3 or by appointment. The office is closed on affiniscape.com) offers a comprehensive list of home health
Friday. care agencies that offer services in Redding.
At its Web page on the town Web site, townofreddingct. Home Health Compare allows consumers to see clinical
org, there is information on issues including Lyme disease, information about home health agency quality. The service
tick testing, carbon monoxide poisoning, flu, home emergency is sponsored by the U.S. Department of Health and Human
preparedness, food safety, and bioterrorism. Services. It is available online at medicare.gov.
Are there CPR classes in town? Does any organization check on people who live
The townʼs three fire departments offer courses periodi- alone?
cally, as does the Parks and Recreation Department (203- A list of names to be used if there is a need to contact doc-
938-2551). Often other groups will also offer a class, usually tors, relatives, etc. in case of emergency is kept with Gail
announced in The Redding Pilot. The Red Cross in Danbury Schiron, the townʼs director of human services, and at the
(203-792-8200) has a schedule of classes including CPR and townʼs Communications Center. Any resident 60 or older can
first aid at ctredcross.org. be put on this list. Reddingʼs Department of Social Services
provides seniors with deactivated cell phones capable of
reaching 911. Call 203-938-9725 for information about these
What services do visiting nurses offer? programs or the food pantry, which helps residents in need of
Reddingʼs senior center (203-938-9725) can refer you to emergency food.
home health care workers. For those coming home from the Ms. Schiron (203-938-3580) can connect you with someone
hospital or a rehab facility, the hospital case manager or social from the Volunteer Bureau of Greater Danbury (203-797-
worker can call a visiting nurse association to arrange home 1154), which runs a Friendly Visitor program that establishes
care. You may also have your physician or a friend call. relationships between volunteers and people who live alone.
The Danbury Visiting Nurse Association (203-792-4120/ The Ridgefield Womanʼs Club sponsors Are You OK?,
danburyvna.org) offers skilled nursing, home health aides, which provides a daily phone check to Reddingites over 60 or
nutrition therapists, physical therapists, speech therapists, those who are homebound or medically disabled. For details,
occupational therapists, respiratory therapists, medical social call 203-438-6777.
work, and the HomeMed Monitoring System. The Danbury Visiting Nurse Association (792-4120) will
The Ridgefield Visiting Nurse Association (203-438-5555/ check on residents who are homebound or medically disabled.
ridgefieldvna.org) provides registered nurses, short-term rehab Those who are homebound and medically compromised may
at home with physical, occupational and speech therapy. Home qualify for the Ridgefield Visiting Nurse Associationʼs (203-
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
438-5555) monthly visit program, a free periodic RN assess- Georgetown Business and Professional Center on Route 107,
ment. the only pharmacy in town, is open from 9 to 6 Monday
Lifeline, offered by the Red Cross in Danbury (203- through Friday, and Saturdays, 9 to 1. Pharmacies in
792-8200) as well as the Bethel VNA (203-792-0864) and Ridgefield have Sunday hours: CVS (203-431-8888) open 8
Ridgefield VNA, offers a pushbutton communicator to sum- to 6; Rite Aid (203-438-7378), 9 to 4; Bissell (203-438-6433)
mon help in an emergency. open 9 to 1; and Walgreenʼs, (203-894-8744) is open 9 to 6.
For 24-hour pharmacies, there are CVS (203-847-2351)
at 235 Main Street and Walgreenʼs (203-845-0457) is at 55
Who provides hospice services or palliative care? Westport Avenue, both in Norwalk. There is also a Walgreenʼs
Hospice and palliative care focuses on pain relief, symptom (203-791-0405) at 75-83 Main Street in Danbury.
control, and comfort for terminally ill patients, allowing them
to be cared for where they are most comfortable, usually at Who organizes blood drives? How can I give?
home. The Connecticut Chapter of the American Red Cross
Serving Redding are Mid-Fairfield Hospice, a member (203-792-8200/ct.redcross.org), which has an office at 17
of the Visiting Nurse/VNA Care Network, (203-874-7646); Roberts Avenue in Danbury, organizes blood drives and always
Connecticut Hospice Inc. (203-857-5494) of Norwalk; and needs blood donors. Call to find out when and where a conve-
Regional Hospice of Western Connecticut (203-797-1685/ nient bloodmobile will be. The Red Cross also needs volun-
regionalhospiceCT.org). Services cover medical, psychologi- teers to help run bloodmobiles.
cal, social, nutritional, and spiritual needs. A person must be 17 or older, weigh over 110 pounds, and
The Ridgefield Visiting Nurse Association and Bethel be in good health to give blood. Many questions will be asked
Visiting Association offer palliative care and can answer ques- in order to ensure the donated blood will be safe. The entire
tions about hospice programs. process takes about an hour, including questions, donation, rest
Laurel Ridge Health Care Center (203-438-8226/athena- time, and snacks for the donor. Check the Web site for details
healthcare.com/lr), 642 Danbury Road, Ridgefield, offers in- on blood drive dates and locations.
patient palliative and hospice care.
What help is available for the handicapped? Is there a flu clinic in town?
Gail Schiron, the townʼs director of human services, at 203- The senior center offers flu shots to residents 60 years and
938-9725, can provide information. older and handicapped people of any age. The clinics take
place at the Redding Community Center in October. Call
203-938-9725 for more information.
What pharmacies are in town? The Danbury VNA (203-792-4120), Bethel VNA (203-
The Redding Pharmacy (203-544-8306) in the 792-0864) and Ridgefield VNA (203-438-5555) also offer flu
clinics in the fall.
��
What health-related support groups are there?
Ridgefield Visiting Nurse Association has several sup-
port groups — bereavement and Lyme, Chronic Fatigue and
Fibromyalgia — that meet regularly at the VNA office at 90
��
�� East Ridge Road. Call 203-438-5555 for information.
Danbury Hospital and Norwalk Hospital offer many sup-
port groups.
The Connecticut Self-Help Network offers a Self-Help
Directory of local and statewide support groups. Call 203-624-
6982. Infoline at 211 has a list of statewide support groups
and agencies that provide assistance.
You may also call Director of Social Services Gail Schiron
(203-938-3580) for a referral.
Is there a blood pressure screening in town?

�� A nurse from the Bethel VNA conducts free blood pressure
screenings the second Tuesday of the month from 12:30 to
1:30, at the senior center in the Redding Community Center
�� on Lonetown Road. No appointments are necessary. Call 203-
�� 938-9725 for more information.
Where can I get immunizations for foreign travel?

�� The Ridgefield Visiting Nurse Association (203-438-5555/
ridgefieldvna.org) has a travel health clinic that offers compre-
�� hensive travel consultations/immunizations to travelers age 18
and over.
�� Where can I get help with alcoholism?

�� There are AA meetings in Redding and neighboring towns.
��# ��# �� For a list, call the Alcoholics Anonymous Help Line Central
Office (203-855-0075) in Stamford or go online to ct-aa.org.
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
Call today to schedule your free estimate:

203-244-9505
Schedule online at:
to schedule your free estimate:
www.certapro.com/schedule
9 Golf Court
Ridgefield, CT 06877
203-244-9505
HIC No.to 0620148
Call today schedule your free estimate:
203-244-9505
Schedule online at:
www.certapro.com/schedule
9 Golf Court
203-244-9505
HIC No. 0620148
September 16, 2010 Redding Answerbook, Redding, Connecticut Health 41
Many alcohol abuse hotlines are listed in the phone book. What type of help or counseling is available for the
MCCA (Midwestern CT County Council on Alcoholism) mentally ill and their families in the area?
has its main office at 38 Old Ridgbury Road in Danbury (203- The Community Center for Behavioral Health in
792-4515/mccaonline.com) and offers residential and outpa- Danbury (203-207-5480) offers assessment and evaluation,
tient programs, assessments and referrals. therapy, counseling, and medication monitoring.
Danbury has chapters of Alcoholics Anonymous (203-797- The Ridgefield Visiting Nursing Association (203-438-
2305), Al-Anon (203-743-8967) for families, and Alateen 5555) has a psychiatric nurse who is available to visit those
(203-743-8967) for teenagers. who are ill at their homes.
For more treatment information and referrals, call Infoline Family and Childrenʼs Aid, 75 West Street, Danbury,
at 211. offers a number of services including a mobile emergency
psychiatric service with both over-the-phone crisis help and
treatment workers who can travel to a personʼs home or other
What is the closest drug treatment center? location to manage psychiatric emergencies in children up to
MCCA (mccaonline.com) offers residential and outpatient age 17. In a crisis, call 866-543-2774. For information, call
treatment. The Danbury number is 203-792-4515. There is also 203-748-5689.
a Ridgefield office. That number is 203-438-8680. Family Center Services (203-852-2988) offers services in
Other sources of help are: affiliation with Norwalk Hospitalʼs Department of Psychiatry.
Danbury Hospital Chemical Dependency Services (203- New Heights, a program of Catholic Charities, is a psy-
207-5480/adults; 203-830-6082/adolescents); chosocial rehabilitation program for adults with mental illness.
Silver Hill Hospital in New Canaan (800-899-4455/silver- There is an office at 66 West Street in Danbury. For informa-
hillhospital.org) has inpatient programs for addictive disorders. tion, call 203-748-0819.
St. Vincentʼs Behavioral Health Services, formerly Hall Mental health services are also available through these hos-
Brooke (203-227-1251/hallbrooke.org) has inpatient programs pitals: Silver Hill Hospital in New Canaan (800-899-4455);
at its Westport location. Outpatient services are available at a Four Winds Hospital in Cross River, N.Y. (914-763-8151);
Norwalk location. Danbury Hospital (203-797-7000); and Psychiatric Services
Norwalk Hospital has a wide range of mental health and at Yale, through Yale-New Haven Hospital (800-275-9253).
substance abuse services on both an inpatient and outpatient A regional hotline for crisis intervention, mobile outreach,
basis. Call 203-852-2988. and psychiatric emergency service is 888-447-3339.
Also, just over the state border there is Four Winds For more information call Gail Schiron, the townʼs direc-
Hospital in Cross River, N.Y. (914-763-8151). tor of human services, at 203-938-3580. She is the townʼs
For more information about drug abuse and treatment cen- Housatonic mental health representative.
ters, call Gail Schiron, the townʼs director of human service, at
938-3580.
��
��
��
��
� �
��
��
��
��
��
�� Ages 6 weeks to 6 years
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
for50 years
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
Are there United Way services in the area? Should I worry about Lyme disease here?
Yes. United Way of Western Connecticut focuses on the Lyme disease, spread by ticks, is prevalent. The most effec-
building blocks for a good life: a quality education that leads tive steps every family can take include bathing or showering
to a stable job, enough income to support a family through after outdoor activity, looking for ticks and rashes, applying
retirement, and good health. United Way works to prepare repellents to clothing and skin, spraying the perimeter of the
all children for school and to succeed in life, help families yard and treating pets as the veterinarian recommends.
become and remain financially stable, provide access to qual- Products containing DEET will repel ticks and decrease
ity healthcare and provide links to basic needs services like the chances of a tick bite. Studies suggest that for blacklegged
food and shelter. You can learn more at unitedwaycfc.org. ticks, DEET concentrations around 30% to 40% may be neces-
The area United Way serves a total Redding and 14 other sary for adequate protection. Several products contain 0.5%
towns. There is an office at 85 West Street in Danbury. The permethrin which is for use only on clothing or other fabrics.
phone number is 203-792-5330. Visit uwwesternct.org. Permethrin works primarily by killing ticks on contact and
provides a high level of protection. Safety questions should be
directed to the National Pesticide Information Center at 1-800-
Where can I get help for an eating disorder? 858-7378 or npic.orst.edu. Complete information on tick-borne
Four Winds Hospital in Cross River, N.Y. (914-763-8151), disease prevention and tick management is available online in
offers inpatient and outpatient services with group and indi- the Tick Management Handbook provided by the Connecticut
vidual therapy. Danbury Hospital (203-797-7000), has an Agricultural Experiment Station at ct.gov/caes.
outpatient program. Silver Hill Hospital in New Canaan (800- If you do find a tick on your body, it should be removed
899-4455) also has programs. immediately with a fine tipped tweezers as close to the skin
The Renfrew Center of Southern Connecticut (203-834- as possible. Engorged ticks (those that have been feeding on
5020/renfrew.org) at 436 Danbury Road in Wilton, offers an a person and contain blood) may be submitted at the health
intensive outpatient program as well as nutritional counseling department for free testing by the state. Ticks should be
and support groups . submitted in a zip-lock bag with name and phone number.
Residents are encouraged not to wait for results before con-
Is there any help for victims of domestic violence? sulting with their physician.
The Womenʼs Center of Greater Danbury (203-731- If you notice any questionable or expanding red rash,
5200/womenscenterofgreaterdanbury.org) serves Redding with fatigue, headache, stiff neck, fever and/or chills, muscle and/
counseling, crisis intervention, support groups, workshops, or joint pain or other flu-like symptoms, see a doctor imme-
and preventive programs. The center operates two 24-hour diately. Not all people develop the rash. Timely treatment is
hotlines: 203-731-5204 for sexual assault, 203-731-5206 for important. Left untreated, Lyme disease infection can worsen
domestic violence. The center can also direct women to a shel- and lead to joint swelling, neurological, cardiac and other seri-
ter. ous complications. Tests are most accurate four to six weeks
after infection.
Other infections are also carried by the blacklegged ticks
in this area. Anaplasmosis (formerly known as Human
� �� Granulocytic Ehrlichiosis) symptoms include high fever, head-
ache, chills, malaise, muscle and joint pain, nausea, and vom-
�� iting. Acute weight loss, low platelet count, and a low white
blood cell count can also occur. Babesiosis is a malaria-like
illness with symptoms from mild flu-like illness to severe, life-
�� threatening disease. Symptoms include fever, fatigue, chills,

sweats, headache and muscle pain beginning one to six weeks
after the bite. The disease can be severe or fatal in the elderly,
the immune-suppressed and people without spleens. One tick
�� may carry multiple infections.
��
��
Is there a Lyme disease support group nearby?
�� The Greater Danbury Lyme Disease Support Group is
no longer meeting, however, anyone who needs help may call
�� 203-791-0477 or e-mail pibinquire@aol.com.
The Ridgefield Lyme Disease, Chronic Fatigue and
�� Fibromyalgia Support Group meets the second Thursday of
each month from noon to 1 at the Visiting Nurse Association
�� offices at 90 East Ridge in the Venus Building. For infor-
mation, call Jennifer Reid at 203-431-0462 or e-mail
�� RLDTF@comcast.net. For directions, go to ridgefieldvna.org
and click the About Us tab.
��
��
Where can I get information on Lyme disease?

The Redding Health Department (203-938-2559) has
information on Lyme disease, including an information sheet
online at townofreddingct.org. Click on town departments,
then health department.
September 16, 2010 Redding Answerbook, Redding, Connecticut Health 43
The following Web sites are recommended: ilads.org; 2559.

columbia-lyme.org; cdc.gov. Color pictures of several varia-
tions of the Lyme rash may be viewed at the Lyme Disease
Foundation Web site: lyme.org. Does the town have a mosquito control program?
The Ridgefield Lyme Disease Task Force offers an annual The town participates in the stateʼs mosquito trap testing
spring seminar on Lyme disease. E-mail rldtf@comcast.net for and bird surveillance programs. The town also hires a com-
information. pany to place larvicide (containing Bti) around public grounds,
schools, catchbasins and in road drainage ditches. The aim is
to reduce the number of mosquitoes in these areas. The health
What is rabies? How prevalent is it in this area? departmentʼs brochure on West Nile virus has more details on
Rabies is a fatal disease caused by a virus that travels the townʼs mosquito control program. Call 203-938-2559.
through the body to the brain via the nervous system. Once it To access the stateʼs mosquito trapping results, visit online
reaches the brain, it causes encephalitis, an inflammation of at ct.gov/caes.
the brain, which results in neurological damage and cannot be
treated. In April 1991 the first two cases of rabid raccoons in
Connecticut were confirmed in Ridgefield. Since then, every Where is smoking banned?
city and town in the state has had confirmed cases of rabies, A state law bans smoking in all public buildings, schools,
a total of 5,926 cases through 2007. Raccoons, skunks, and restaurants, bars, health care institutions, retail stores, eleva-
bats are the most common carriers of the rabies virus, however tors, and private businesses.
there was an incident with a rabid woodchuck, also known as a
groundhog, on the Wilton-Weston border.
The best way to protect yourself against rabies is to not How often does the town inspect local restaurants
approach or handle wild animals (dead or alive) or strange pets for health code requirements?
and to keep your own pets vaccinated. State health codes requires restaurant inspections to be done
If you believe you have been exposed to rabies, consult four times a year. Inspections are also done when there is a
a doctor immediately and report the incident to the health major change or opening of a restaurant.
department (203-938-2559) and animal control officer (203- If you think youʼve become ill from eating food in a restau-
938-2525). Because the rabies virus is carried in saliva, the rant, call the Redding health department at 203-938-2559.
wound should be washed thoroughly with soap and water.
This decreases the chance of infection. If possible, the ani-
mal should be captured for testing. The Veterinary Medical
Association suggests trapping the animal under a large box,
but do not try to handle it. Because the testing procedure for
rabies involves dissecting the brain, the animal must be eutha-
nized in order to be tested.
Once rabies has been contracted, it is nearly always fatal. ��
(There have been very few cases of survivors.) However,
prophylactic treatment in the form of a series of injections is ��
available for people who have been exposed to the virus.
What is West Nile virus?

West Nile virus is a mosquito-borne infection that can
cause encephalitis. Although no mosquitoes caught in Redding
have tested positive for West Nile virus this year, mosquitoes
in other parts of the state (including in Bethel, Newtown and
Norwalk) have. In the recent past, mosquitoes in Fairfield
County have also tested positive for Jamestown Canyon ��
virus, relatively new to this area.
Since mosquitoes can breed and reproduce in any stagnant ��
water that lasts more than four days, people can best protect ��
themselves by eliminating any such pools of stagnant water
around their homes, such as birdbaths, old tires, kiddy pools, ��
and clogged gutters. You may want to consider a larvicide with ��
the active ingredient known as Bti. Minimize outdoor activities
between dusk and dawn. Consider the use of mosquito repel- ��
lent. ��
Viral encephalitis may not have any symptoms at all; mild
cases may include a slight fever and/or headache. Severe ��
infections are marked by a rapid onset of a high fever, head ��
and body aches, and usually occur five to 15 days after expo- ��
sure. There is no specific treatment for viral infections, other
than to alleviate symptoms and provide supportive care. Those
who may be most susceptible to encephalitis are infants, the
elderly and people with damaged immune systems.
The townʼs health department has a brochure with more ��
information about the disease. Call the department at 203-938-
44 Senior Citizens Redding Answerbook, Redding, Connecticut September 16, 2010
Senior Citizens
Is there a senior center? The Park and Recreation Department (203-938-2551)
The senior center, known as Heritage Center, is part of the also offers some programs. Seniors may also take classes at
Redding Community Center complex on Lonetown Road. the high school with students.
For activities, see below. The American Association of Retired Persons (AARP)
Gail Schiron, the townʼs director of human services and Ridgefield chapter meets the second Wednesday at 10
municipal agent for the elderly, has her office there. Call her except in July and August. Call membership chairman Anna
between 9:30 and 4:30 at 203-938-9725 for assistance and Cleveland at 203-438-9886 for details. Call the national AARP
services. at 800-424-3410.
What housing is available for retirees? Does the town have Meals on Wheels?
Meadow Ridge (203-544-1000/meadowridge.net), a lifec- The Meals on Wheels program serves Redding. For infor-
are retirement community at 100 Redding Road in Redding, mation, call the Nutrition Center in Danbury at 203-743-5418.
offers a gracious lifestyle with independent living as well as
access to assisted living or skilled nursing.
Ridgefield Crossings (203-431-2255/benchmarkquality. Who provides senior health care?
com) at 640 Danbury Road in Ridgefield offers independent The Geriatric Health Center (203-791-5040) in Danbury
and assisted living. There is also a program for those with offers specialized medical services for older adults. Danbury
memory impairment. Hospital has an office of geriatric psychiatry. Call 203-797-
Regency at Ridgefield is a 73-unit age-restricted condo- 7686.
minium project for independent living at 638 Danbury Road. Waveny Care Center in New Canaan offers the Brown
Units are priced at market rates. For information, call 203-431- Geriatric Evaluation Clinic, which helps families make deci-
1818 or visit tollbrothers.com. sions about community services and housing options for older
A complete list of senior housing available in a 14-town adults. Call 203-594-5200 or visit waveny.org.
region of southwestern Connecticut is available from the Area Norwalk Hospital offers a Geriatric Consultation Service
Agency on Aging (203-333-9288) in Bridgeport. to maximize a patientʼs medical regimen. Call 203-852-3112.
Is there day care for the elderly? What services help seniors remain in their homes?
Although there is no program in Redding, there is Almost The Danbury Visiting Nurse Association (203-792-4120)
Family (203-743-6456) at 52 Federal Road, Danbury. Other and Bethel Visiting Nurse Association (203-792-0864) offer
options include The Village at Waveny Care Center in homemakers and home health aides.
New Canaan (203-594-5200/waveny.org) and Elderhouse in The Ridgefield Visiting Nurse Association (203-438-
Norwalk (203-847-1998/elderhouse.net). 5555) offers a Senior Care Management Program to help
residents maintain independence and live safely in their own
home. RVNA also offers home health aides, home makers,
Is there a nursing home in town? companions and live-ins that provide assistance with transpor-
Meadow Ridge, a skilled nursing facility (203-544-1000), tation, shopping, light housekeeping, laundry and meal prepa-
at 100 Redding Road in Redding offers long-term care and ration and personal care.
short-term rehabilitation. Family & Childrenʼs Aid Homemaker/Companion pro-
Laurel Ridge Health Care Center at 642 Danbury Road, gram, 75 West Street, Danbury, is available to assist the elderly
Ridgefield (203-438-8226/athenahealthcare.com/lr.htm) is a in everyday tasks so they can remain independent in their own
skilled nursing facility offering long-term care and short-term homes. Mature workers help with chores such as meal prepara-
rehabilitation. There is also a program for those with memory tion, housework, grocery shopping, companionship, laundry,
impairment. etc. For information, call 203-748-5689.
There are many nursing homes in Danbury. Quality-related Nursing & Home Care provides Assisted Living at Home
information on nursing homes is available online at medicare. for those who want help maintaining their independence at
gov. home. Services include help with cleaning, dressing, shopping,
bathing and companionship. In addition, Nursing & Home
Care provides wellness programs, such as health screenings,
Are there any clubs or groups for the elderly? immunization programs and health education programs. For
Heritage Center (203-938-9725), at the Redding information, call 203-762-8958 or 1-800-898-HOME or visit
Community Center, is open Monday through Wednesday from visitingnurse.net.
8:30 to 5:30 and Thursdays 8:30 to 6 (closed Fridays) and
offers a slate of daily activities. They include mah-jongg les-
sons, chess and other games, exercise programs, bridge, mov- Is there special transportation for the elderly?
ies, needlepoint, quilting, scrapbooking, billiards, computer Heritage Center has a van, known as the Senior Shuttle,
classes, art, tai chi, and aerobics. The center has five personal available to take Redding seniors, 50 and older, on errands
computers with Internet access and two color printers. They Monday through Thursday, throughout town and to Bethel,
are for instruction and general use. Day trips are offered, and Ridgefield, Newtown and Danbury. Hours of service are 8 to
there is an Out-to-Lunch Bunch. Lunch is served at Heritage 5, Monday through Wednesday; 8 to 4:30 on Thursday. There
Center on Tuesdays ($2) and Wednesdays ($4). Call for a res- is no service on Fridays. Reservations should be made as soon
ervation. Marie Sibilio is the program coordinator. as possible since the van fills up quickly; call 203-938-9725
between 10 and 4.
September 16, 2010 Redding Answerbook, Redding, Connecticut Senior Citizens 45
Can seniors get help with their heating bills? offers information on consumer law, funeral contracts, govern-
Reddingʼs Operation Fuel Program is an emergency fuel ment benefits, health care, housing living wills, nursing homes,
bank available to eligible residents. The Connecticut Energy powers of attorney and other topics pertinent to seniors.
Assistance Program, available to renters and homeown-
ers, helps cover partial payments for winter heating bills. Where can I get consumer help?
Eligibility is based on household income. For information on Senior citizens can get toll-free help by calling the state
either program, call Gail Schiron at 203-938-9725. attorney generalʼs senior advocate hotline. Staffed by senior
volunteers, the program helps those who may have been vic-
timized by scams or who may be suspicious about an organi-
What is the Retired Senior Volunteer Program? zation. The hotline may be called Monday through Thursday,
Sponsored by the Red Cross, RSVP is a network of people 8:30 to 1:30, at 800-660-7787.
55 and older who serve as volunteers in the area. The Danbury The Senior Go To Guide is a free directory of helpful
office, responsible for interviewing and placing volunteers, information for seniors and their families. The publication has
may be reached at 203-792-8200. a lower Fairfield County edition. Go to seniorgotoguide.com
for details.
Does anyone help with insurance forms? Are seniors offered any recreational discounts?
The Norwalk Hospital Volunteer Medicare Information Reddingites 60 years of age and over are entitled to a 50%
Service offers help to anyone interested in Medicare or supple- discount on all Park and Recreation programs, except trips or
mental insurance assistance. Call 203-852-3325 and leave a unless otherwise stated.
name, telephone number, and the best time for a volunteer to Nutmeggers 60 and older can apply for a Charter Oak
return the call. Norwalk Hospital volunteers who are knowl- Pass, which admits them free to state-operated recreational
edgeable in dealing with Medicare and supplemental insurance areas. Apply to the Department of Environmental Protection,
provide this free confidential counsel as a community service. 165 Capitol Avenue, Hartford 06106.
Where can I call if I suspect elder abuse?

Where can I find out about laws that apply specifi- Report elder abuse to the Connecticut Department of
cally to seniors? Social Services Elder Protective Services Division at 800-
The Web site CTElderLaw.org is a good place to start. It 443-9946, or call the Redding Police Department at 203-938-
is a public service of Connecticut Legal Services, Inc., and 3400.
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
46 Children & Teens Redding Answerbook, Redding, Connecticut September 16, 2010
Children & Teens

How do I find a day-care facility for my child? What is there for teenagers to do in town?
For information on child care services in this area, call the The Boys and Girls Club on Cross Highway runs a
Connecticut Child Care Unit Infoline at 800-505-1000 or Keystone Club character and leadership program for 14- to
Infoline at 211. 18-year-olds. The club is also recruiting teens for community
All day-care centers should be licensed by the state and that service projects. For information, call 203-938-3166 or visit
license should be displayed. For information on which facili- rbgc.net.
ties are licensed, call the stateʼs day care licensing office at The Park and Recreation Department offers Middle School
800-282-6063. & High School Open Gyms as well as programs and classes
Child care facilities should also display the fire marshalʼs that appeal to young people. Call 203-938-2551 or visit towno-
inspection certificate and the centerʼs discipline policy and freddingct.org.
complaint procedure.
Are there any musical programs for children?
What kind of permits or certification do day-care The Germantown Ancients is a fife and drum corps for
centers need? “children of all ages” who want to play an instrument or march
Day-care centers fall into three categories: family day-care in a color guard during parades. The corps supplies instru-
homes, group day-care homes and child day-care centers, ments and uniforms. Meetings are at the West Redding Fire
which also include nursery schools. Stringent requirements House on Wednesday nights from 7:30 to 9:30. For informa-
must be met to become licensed, including permits from the tion, call Robert Paradise at 203-938-2490.
state Department of Health Services and zoning, building, fire,
and health permits. To advertise for family day-care, caretakers Is there a Christian outreach program?
must list license numbers. Young Life is a non-denominational Christian organiza-
tion that reaches out to teens. The middle school component is
What before- or after-school activities are there? called WyldLife. There are meetings and special events. For
The Park and Recreation Department offers an after- Danbury Young Life, call 203-981-1899. For Young Life in
school recreation program called Extended Day for children Ridgefield, call Area Director Tim Vickers at 203-417-4186 or
in kindergarten through fourth grade. Registration begins in e-mail tim@ridgefieldct.younglife.org. The Web site is ridge-
March. Call 203-938-2551 for information. The recreation fieldct.younglife.org.
department also offers Afterschool Games Hodgepodge in
the Redding Elementary School gym. Check the fall brochure Is there a list of resources for teens?
for the schedule. Youth Yellow Pages is a free directory of more than 1,000
The Breakfast Club is a before-school program from 7 to area resources available to high school students. It may be
8:10 at Redding Elementary (no breakfast served). On snow- downloaded at ryasap.org, or students may check with the
delayed opening days, the Breakfast Club begins at 8:30. Call guidance counselor at school for a free copy.
203-938-2551.
The Park and Recreation Department offers an after-school
program at John Read Middle School from 3:45 to 6. You What youth sports programs are there?
must register in advance at the Park and Recreation office; Many major sports are offered, including baseball, football,
forms are at the office and online at townofreddingct.org. field hockey, floor hockey, karate, lacrosse, softball, soccer,
The Redding Boys & Girls Club (rbgc.net) offers an gymnastics, Ultimate Frisbee, golf instruction, flag football,
afterschool program for children in first through fourth and cheerleading. Check the recreation departmentʼs brochure
grade until 6 p.m. Children take the school bus from the or call 203-938-2551. Also, keep an eye on the Redding Pilotʼs
Redding Elementary to the club. The club also offers Phoenix sports pages for registration announcements.
Academy Unit weekdays from 2:30 to 6:30 at the old Staples
Middle School in Easton. For information, call 203-938-3166 The Boys and Girls Club runs spring and fall baseball and
or e-mail reddingbgc@aol.com. softball programs. Call 203-938-3166 or visit online at rbgc.
net.
Is there a job clearinghouse for students? Redding-Easton Lacrosse (re-lax.org) serves boys and
Jobs are posted in the guidance office of Joel Barlow High girls in 3rd through 12th grade. There are scrimmages and
School. Visit the office or call 203-938-2508 for more infor- camps in the fall and a regular spring season. Call the Redding
mation. Boys & Girls Club at 203-938-3166 or Mark Cammarota at
The Park and Recreation Department offers a youth 203-938-0295 or e-mail mc1832@att.com or visit online at re-
employment listing service for young people 12 and older lax.org. The lacrosse hotline is 203-938-3166, mailbox 2.
willing to do specific kinds of work such as mowing lawns,
baby sitting, shoveling snow, etc. To list yourself as a worker There are several soccer opportunities. Easton/Redding
or to hire a worker, call 203-938-2551. United offers pre-K-12 fall and spring leagues, in-house,
travel, and premier programs. E-mail Jean Blackwell at jean_
blackwell@bristol2.com (203-733-9758) or go online to red-
At what age may young people legally consume dingsoccerclub.org. The soccer hotline is 203-938-9978.
alcohol? The Park and Recreation Department offers classes for
It is illegal for anyone under 21 to possess alcohol any- grades K-4. Call 203-938-2551.
where in the state, including on private property. It is also ille-
gal for anyone to knowingly allow minors to possess alcohol. The Aspetuck Wildcats offers football and cheerleading
through the American Youth Football and Cheer program. The
September 16, 2010 Redding Answerbook, Redding, Connecticut Children & Teens 47
groupʼs Web site, wildcatsfootball.com, has a list of board Camp Playland, 27 Starrs Ridge Road (203-438-1711/
members and contact information. campplayland.com), offers a traditional summer program.
The Park and Recreation Department (203-938-2551) Transportation is provided.
offers flag, Frisbee, and other types of football for children in Whimsy Brook Farm, 29 Giles Hill Road, offers a sum-
grades 2-4. mer youth riding program. Call 203-938-3760 or visit whim-
sybrookfarm.com.
The Boys and Girls Club (203-938-3166/rbgc.net) offers Paint, Draw & More! at 25 Old Mill Road in West
travel basketball leagues in the fall and a summer hoops pro- Redding offers a Summer Art program. Call 203-544-8551 or
gram, both for boys and girls in 5th through 8th grade. visit paintdrawmore.com.
The Park and Recreation Department (203-938-2551) offers The Mountain Workshop in West Redding offers adven-
an in-house league for third through eighth grade, a travel ture and mountain biking camps. Call 203-544-0555 or visit
league for fifth through eighth grade, and basketball classes mountainworkshop.com.
for grades 1-4.
What playgrounds are there for small children?
The Redding Boys and Girls Club offers fall field hockey There is a playground for small children at Redding
to all Redding girls entering fifth through eight grades. The Elementary School at 33 Lonetown Road (Route 107), avail-
team competes with other local middle school teams. For able after school hours.
information, call 203-938-3166 or go online to rbgc.net. There
is also a prep program for third and fourth grade girls. How can my child find a Scout troop to join?
Usually, letters are sent home through the schools. For Cub
Scouts, visit online at reddingscouts.org. For Boy Scouts, call
Are there any day camps? call Ken Shupp at 203-938-9483.
The Park and Recreation Department runs a variety of Beth Williams is Reddingʼs Girl Scouts organizer. She can
summer day camps for preschoolers and for ages 6-12. All be reached at 203-938-3276.
programs are open and accessible to all children in Redding.
Registration is in the late spring. There are also travel camps
and sports camps focusing on soccer, tennis, basketball, base- Is there a martial arts program?
ball, and wrestling. The department also runs vacation camps Georgetown Martial Arts is at 12 Old Mill Road. Call
during school holidays. Call 203-938-2551. 203-544-6055 or visit georgetownmartialartscenter.com.
The Boys and Girls Club runs sports camps in the summer The Park and Recreation Department offers karate pro-
for baseball, softball and basketball. The camps concentrate grams. Call 203-938-2551 or check online at townofreddingct.
on a specific sport. Call 203-938-3166 for information or visit org.
rbgc.net.
In Real Estate, It’s Experience That Matters
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
�� The Value of Experience Is…
��
Know How...in all market conditions.
��
Results...helping hundreds of clients get from for sale to sold.
Satisfied Clients...who recommend me to their friends.
Trust 25 Years of Experience ��
��
470 Main Street

203.438.9531 x 331
203.731.1679 mobile
nmohler@wpsir.com
48 Recreation Redding Answerbook, Redding, Connecticut September 16, 2010
��
��
��
��
Saugatuck Services LLC ��
Garbage & Recycling Pickup ��
��
Servicing:
Redding, Ridgefield & Wilton � � � � � � � � ��
Residential Weekly
Garbage Pickup
��
At Great Rates!
��
Werks1@optonline.net ��
203.223.2927 Robert Paltauf
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��

��
��
��
��
��
� � � � � � � � � ��
��

��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
� � � � � � ��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
Recreation
What local parks are there? What do they offer? Where is the Park and Recreation Department?
Topstone Park off Topstone Road is the townʼs sole The office is in the Redding Community Center on
municipal park and the only spot for public swimming (see Lonetown Road. The phone number is 203-938-2551. Hours
below for details). There are also many miles of trails, picnic are 8:30 to 5:30 Monday through Wednesday, 8:30 to 6 on
grounds, barbecue stands, tether ball, boats in summer, and a Thursday. To check if a program is canceled, call 203-938-
basketball court. Call the Park and Recreation Department at 5036, ext. 6.
203-938-2551 for more information.
Putnam Memorial State Park (203-938-2285/putnampark. What facilities are at the Redding Community Center?
org) on Route 58 encompasses 800 acres mostly in Redding, As far as recreation facilities are concerned, the center
partly in Bethel. The historic park was a Revolutionary army has a double gymnasium used for volleyball, basketball, and
campsite in the winter of 1778-79. Marked areas show where dance and exercise classes; a community room with a special
the campsite was. There are hiking/biking trails, a pond and floor for exercise classes; three multi-purpose playing fields;
picnic tables. Pets on a leash are permitted in picnic areas and and four tennis courts on property adjacent to the Redding
on hiking trails. The park is open from 8 to sunset and there is Elementary School playground, which is available after school
handicap-accessible parking. Friends and Neighbors of Israel hours. The building is open to groups or individuals for rental,
Putnam Memorial State Park work with the state Department when available. Call 203-938-2551 for details.
of Environmental Protection to benefit the park. The group
meets at 7 p.m. the second Tuesday of each month in the Where can I go hiking?
Visitors Center. For information, call Steve Levine at 203-744- The Book of Trails IV lists many parks and open spaces
4194 or e-mail slevine53@comcast.net. for hiking. They include: Samuel E. Hill Little River
Collis P. Huntington State Park (203-938-2285) on Preserve (92 acres); Joan Plishner Wildlife Preserve (35.6
Sunset Hill Road has more than 900 acres, mostly in Redding, acres); Limekiln Natural Area (157 acres); Bogus Brook
some in Bethel and Newtown. More than 7.5 miles of trails Preserve (36 acres); Putnam Memorial State Park (800
serve hikers, mountain bikers, horseback riders and cross- acres); Huntington State Park (900 acres); Ground Pine
country skiers. There are five ponds in the park and although Sanctuary (54 acres); Yovan Tract (13.8 acres); Gallows Hill
swimming is not allowed for health reasons, fishing is per- Natural Area (72.9 acres); Saugatuck Falls (312.4 acres);
mitted. The park is open from 8 to sunset; it is not handicap Stormfield (161 acres); Peter and Nell Fitzpatrick Preserve
accessible. Pets on a leash are permitted. (5.5 acres); Arthur F. Brinckerhoff Nature Preserve (85.9
The townʼs Parade Path is a community garden in front acres); Daytonʼs Road to Devilʼs Den (2.8 miles of trails);
of town hall dedicated to those who have volunteered their Lucius Pond Ordway Preserve (Devilʼs Den, 1,500 acres);
time for the townʼs benefit. The projectʼs name relates to the Lonetown Marsh Sanctuary (11 acres); Huckleberry
history of the town green, which was a parade ground in the Swamp (Steichen Preserve, 54 acres); Topstone Park (274
18th Century. Plants in the project date from contemporary to acres); and Rock Lot and Mary Evelyn Scott Nature
those that would have been found in town in the 1750s. Each Preserve (213 acres).
plant has a marker giving its name. Major donorsʼ names are Aquarion offers a hiking permit that allows access to the
inscribed on plaques in the garden; other donors are recog- five-mile Saugatuck Nature Trail along the shore of the
nized in the Book of Names in town hall. Gift items in support Saugatuck Reservoir and 35 miles of scenic trails in Redding
of the Parade Path are on sale in town hall and Mark Twain and Weston. Call the watershed management department at
Library. For information on making a donation in support of 203-452-3510.
the Parade Path, call Jill Barberi at 203-938-9892. To volun-
teer, call Georgina Scholl at 203-938-4884. Are there public tennis courts?
Gilbert-Miller Park in Georgetown is a pocket park that Four public tennis courts are near the community center on
links Main Street with present and future development along the right side of Redding Elementary School. Tennis lessons
Route 7. There are park benches along a walkway, a bridge, are held in spring, summer and fall, and residents and their
and a path along Gilbert & Bennett Brook. guests may use the courts for free.
There are several other trails, preserves, natural areas and
watersheds in town where residents may hike, fish or just take Is there an adult softball league in town?
in the beautiful scenery (see list of hiking trails below). For Men and women can play in the Adult Softball League.
more information about state parks or for trail maps, call 860- Call the Park and Recreation Department at 203-938-2551.
424-3200.
Does anyone offer yoga?
What about protected open space? Yoga classes are offered through Park and Recreation. Call
The Redding Land Trust holds, in outright gifts or conser- 203-938-2551.
vation easements, about 1,600 acres of meadow and woodland. Blackbird Yoga (203-587-1221/blackbirdyoga.com) at 28
More than 60 miles of trails criss-cross properties controlled Main Street, Georgetown, offers yoga classes and workshops
by the land trust and the town. They are detailed in the Book and life coaching workshops.
of Trails, a guide to local parks, trails, and natural areas. Itʼs The Yoga Shala (203-544-8811/theyogashalact.com) on
$10 at the town hall, the Mark Twain Library and the Redding Route 7 in Georgetown, offers ashtanga yoga and workshops.
Community Center. The story of Reddingʼs open spaces is told A number of yoga classes, as well as tai chi, are offered
in a 20-minute documentary, A Passion for Place: Reddingʼs at the Redding Meditation Center, 9 Picketts Ridge Road.
Race for Open Space, available as a video or DVD for $5 at Check reddingmeditationsociety.org for details.
the same places the Book of Trails is sold.
Where can I go bowling?
Many people use Brookfield Lanes on Federal Road (Route
September 16, 2010 Redding Answerbook, Redding, Connecticut Recreation 51
7) in Brookfield (203-775-4343). For duckpins try Danbury Mountain biking is allowed in both Huntington State Park
Duckpin Lanes on Hayestown Road (203-744-4504). and Putnam Memorial State Park.
What public golf courses are in the area? Is there a helmet law for bicyclists?
Public golf courses include the Ridgefield Golf Course Children age 15 and under must wear a helmet when bicy-
at 545 Ridgebury Road, Ridgefield (203-748-7008); Richter cling in Connecticut.
Park Golf Course, Aunt Hack Road, Danbury (203792-2550);
and Oak Hills Golf Course, 165 Fillow Street, Norwalk (203- Are there any bicycling clubs in the area?
853-8400). Privately owned courses include Sunset Hill Golf Sound Cyclists runs group rides throughout Fairfield
Club, 13 Sunset Hill Road, Brookfield (203-740-7800) and the County year round. There are special events, a newsletter, and
Candlewood Valley Country Club, Route 7, New Milford members are entitled to discounts at more than a dozen area
(203-354-9359).. bicycle shops. For information, visit soundcyclists.com.
How can I join the local country club? What local health clubs are available?
The Redding Country Club at 109 Lonetown Road (Route One on One Fitness (203-938-2031/reddingfitnesstrain-
107) is the only country club in Redding. Call 203-938-2567 ing.com), 39 Putnam Park Road, offers personal training and
for membership information. group fitness classes.
The Park and Recreation Department offers fitness class-
Where can I go swimming here? es including pilates, yoga, aerobics, dance exercise, and more.
The only public facility in Redding is Topstone Pond on
Topstone Road. The park has a 28-acre pond for swimming Is there a jogging trail here?
and residents may also use canoes there. Swimming passes Joel Barlow High School has a track. Many residents like
must be purchased at the Park and Recreation Department. to run at Huntington State Park off Sunset Hill Road and
Putnam Memorial State Park off Route 58.
Does Park and Recreation have swim lessons?
Yes, check the departmentʼs latest brochure or call the Are there any running clubs in the area?
department at 203-938-2551 to find out about lessons at The Wolfpit Running Club is open to runners and walk-
Topstone Park. ers of all abilities. Its annual half-marathon in October attracts
many of Connecticutʼs top runners. Proceeds are donated to
Are any public beaches on Long Island Sound? worthy causes. The Web site is wolfpitrunningclub.org.
There are Jennings Beach in Fairfield and Calf Pasture The Park and Recreation Department participates in the
Beach in Norwalk. One of the most popular spots is National Hershey Track and Field Program for boys and girls
Sherwood Island State Park in Westport. It has a long beach, 9 to 14 each spring.
changing and eating areas, two large picnic grounds, space
for beach sports and a concession stand in season. The park is Is camping allowed anywhere in town?
open from 8 to sunset. There is a parking fee from Memorial Residents may camp at Topstone Park with a permit.
Day through September. For details, call 203-226-6983. Permits are available at the Park and Recreation Department
(203-938-2551).
Where can I play basketball?
There is a court at Topstone Park for residents, and two Can I rent a field for a company picnic, softball
courts at the Boys and Girls Club but you should call 203- game?
938-3166 about availability of the latter. There also courts The Boys and Girls Club (203-938-3166) on Cross
outside Redding Elementary School and John Read Middle Highway may be rented for activities. Town fields are avail-
School. The Park and Recreation Department runs open gym able for use during certain times of the year. Call parks and
programs for adults and middle and high school students at the recreation at 938-2551.
Redding Community Center. Call 203-938-2551 for informa-
tion such as times and costs. Is there a local recreation guide on programs?
A brochure is published and mailed quarterly to every home
What adult recreation programs are there? and business in town to coincide with the departmentʼs spring,
The Park and Recreation Department (203-938-2551) offers summer, fall, and winter programs. To get on the mailing list
open gym basketball and volleyball, karate, yoga, golf lessons, call 203-938-2551.
tennis lessons, drawing, and a variety of exercise programs.
Are there any nature centers in or near town?
Are there any family-oriented programs? The 102-acre New Pond Farm Education Center at 101
The Park and Recreation Department (203-938-2551) plans Marchant Road in West Redding offers environmental and
a number of events each year including a Halloween party, cultural programs for children and adults, both members and
Christmas tree lighting, family open gym, bingo, family swim non-members (the latter pay a slightly higher fee). The prop-
and skate nights, hikes, and day trips. erty features trails for hiking and cross-country skiing, an
astronomy building with telescopes, and a Native American
Where can I go ice skating? encampment and museum. Membership entitles people to the
Residents may skate at their own risk at Huntington use of the property year-round from dawn to dusk. For infor-
State Park. Popular spots nearby are Lake Mamanasco and mation, call 203-938-2117 or visit newpondfarm.org.
Pierrepont State Park in Ridgefield. Winter Garden (203- The Woodcock Nature Center is at 56 Deer Run Road in
438-4423/wintergardenarena.com) at 111 Prospect Ridge Wilton and Ridgefield (203-762-7280/woodcocknaturecenter.
Road, Ridgefield, is open from October to late May, with pub- org). The nature center building is open to visitors Monday
lic skating, hockey leagues and figure skating. through Friday and most Saturdays from 9:30 to 4. Three
Are mountain bikes allowed in open spaces? miles of publicly accessible woodland trails are open daily
dawn to dusk. The center offers such nature programs as be applied for by mail. Permits for hunting specific animals
moonlight hikes, composting demonstrations, bird seed sales, are extra. For details, consult the Connecticut Hunting and
and its annual wreath decorating festival. Trapping Guide, available free at the town clerkʼs office, call
DEP at 860-424-3011, or visit the Web site at dep.state.ct.us.
Where can I go fishing in town?
Fishing is available in all public ponds and lakes if you Where can I go hunting in town?
have a state fishing license. For privately owned ponds Hunting is strictly forbidden on public lands in town,
and lakes, permission from the owner must be obtained. except for the town-sanctioned managed hunt. (For details, see
Particularly popular is Huntington State Park off Sunset Hill the Animals section of the Redding Answer Book.) Hunting is
Road, which has Starret Pond; the Saugatuck Reservoir off not allowed on land owned by the Redding Land Trust.
Route 53 (a permit is required, see below); the Aspetuck River You may hunt on private property. All hunters are required
off Route 58, and Factory Pond on the Norwalk River (off to have permission from the landowner when hunting on pri-
Route 7 in Georgetown). vate lands. Verbal permission for the hunting of animals other
Aquarion offers fishing permits that allow access to reser- than deer and turkey is sufficient.
voirs in Weston, Redding (including the Saugatuck), Monroe, Deer and turkey hunters must carry the written permission
and Shelton. Call 203-452-3510 for details. of the landowner for the current season on official DEP forms.
A landowner must have a minimum of 10 acres to authorize
What kinds of fish can you catch here? the use of a rifle for deer hunting.
Brook trout, brown trout, rainbow trout, kokanee, large- Aquarion has expanded access to its land for firearms and
mouth bass, smallmouth bass, chain pickerel, northern pike, bow hunting. A special permit is required. For details, visit the
striped bass, white perch, yellow perch, walleye, brown bull- DEP Web site at dep.state.ct.us.
head, channel catfish, and whitefish are typical to the area, For further information on game law issues, bowhunting,
including in Long Island Sound. Check the latest Connecticut or conservation, call the Redding Deer Warden Hotline at
Anglerʼs Guide descriptions of these fish — free copies of the 203-948-2844 or refer to latest issue of the state Hunting and
guide may be found in the town clerkʼs office in town hall. Trapping Guide, available at the town clerkʼs office.
When does fishing season start? What are the hunting seasons here?
You may fish year-round in Long Island Sound but for most Depending on the game, hunting seasons begin and end at
inland locations, the season begins the third Saturday in April different times. Check the latest state Hunting and Trapping
and continues through November. Guide, available in the town clerkʼs office or online at dep.
state.ct.us. Bowhunting deer season on state land in bowhunt-
Where do I get a fishing license? ing only areas is from Sept. 15 to Dec. 31. On private property
Inland fishing licenses are $20 (free to seniors and the the season is Sept. 15-Jan. 31. Check the above Web site for
disabled) and are required for anyone 16 and older. They are shotgun dates. Fall turkey bowhunting on state and private
available at the town clerkʼs office and many tackle shops. land runs from Sept. 15 to Nov. 13 and Dec. 19-31. Fall turkey
Fishing licenses are not needed in the marine district unless firearms season is Oct. 6-31 on state and private land. Spring
you are taking lobsters or menhaden. For details, check the turkey season will be in May. Hunting on Sunday is prohibited
Connecticut Anglerʼs Guide, available free at the town clerkʼs in Connecticut.
office or online at dep.state.ct.us.
Who teaches firearms safety courses?
Where can I go boating, and find a public boat Try firearms dealers or call the stateʼs Conservation Education
launch? Firearms Safety office in Burlington at 860-675-8130.
There is no body of water big enough for boating in
Redding (itʼs not allowed on the reservoir), but you can paddle May I shoot a gun on my property?
canoes at Topstone Park, Huntington State Park or Putnam You may shoot for target practice on your property as long
Memorial State Park. State boat ramps may be found in as the projectile doesnʼt leave the property.
Ridgefield at Lake Mamanasco on Mamanasco Road and Hunting regulations stipulate that hunting, shooting or
Pierrepont State Park on Barlow Mountain Road. There are carrying a loaded firearm within 500 feet of any building
several public launch areas for Candlewood Lake. occupied by people or domestic animals is illegal. Hunting
There is a public boat launch on the Saugatuck River on or shooting from or across the traveled portion of a public
Underhill Parkway off Bridge Street in Westport. It is a paved runway, or from motor vehicles, is also prohibited. Shooting
launch, good for large or small boats. It is a popular spot for toward a person, building or domestic animal when within
canoeists and kayakers to convene. From the launch you can range is illegal.
paddle about a mile north to a dam or you can paddle south to
Long Island Sound. Since the Saugatuck is a tidal river, you Where can a person practice shooting?
might want to check the tide tables. Kayakers report itʼs more There are no shooting ranges in Redding but thereʼs the
fun at high tide. Ramapoo Rifle and Revolver Club in Ridgefield (203-438-
For a statewide list of public boat launches, visit the 2095), and Shooting Sports Limited Indoor Range (203-
Connecticut DEP Web site at ct.gov/dep and click on Boating. 847-2767) in Norwalk. The Wooster Mountain Shooting
Range on Route 7 in Danbury is open for public shooting sea-
What do I need to get a hunting license? sonally. The range phone number is 203-794-9821.
To obtain a hunting license, you must have had a resident
license within the last five years or have proof of success- Does anyone organize outdoor adventure programs?
ful completion of a hunter safety course. A firearms hunting The Mountain Workshop in West Redding organizes out-
license costs $14, $3 for a junior (age 12 to 15) firearms hunt- door adventure summer camps and outdoor skills and team-
ing license. An archery license is $30, $13 for juniors. Hunting building programs for individuals, schools and corporations.
licenses may be purchased at town hall, archery licenses must Call 544-0555 or visit mountainworkshop.com.
September 16, 2010 Redding Answerbook, Redding, Connecticut Entertainment 53
Entertainment
Where are the nearest movie theaters? Salem Presbyterian Church in South Salem, N.Y. Auditions
Redding has no movie theaters but several are in neighbor- take place year-round. E-mail director Kristin Sponheim at
ing towns. In Danbury, thereʼs Loewʼs (203-796-7777), a 10- info@cameratadamici.org. For information, visit camerat-
screen complex at 61 Eagle Road. adamici.org.
Bethel Cinema (203-778-2100), is at 269 Greenwood The Wilton Treblemakers is open to women of all ages
Avenue. and experience who enjoy singing for the love of music.
Edmond Town Hall (203-426-2475) on Main Street, Rehearsals are Mondays at 7 p.m. at Wilton High School. For
Newtown, shows second-run major releases at a lower price information, e-mail anneh-treble@wiltontreble.org or visit wil-
several weeks after the first-run theaters. tontreble.org.
The Ridgefield Playhouse (203-438-5795) is at 80 East
Ridge Avenue. Where can I hear live music while dining?
The Georgetown Saloon (203-544-8003) at 8 Main Street
Are there any theatrical companies in the area? has a small dance floor and live music on many nights and
Companies include the Ridgefield Theater Barn (203-431- holds open mic nights. Call for a calendar of upcoming bands
9850/theaterbarn.org), the Town Players of Newtown (203- and events. Lumberyard Pub (203-544-7287) at 2 Main
270-9144/danbury.org/townplayers/), the Country Players of Street, West Redding, has music on Saturday nights. Redding
Brookfield (203-775-0023) and The Wilton Playshop (203- Roadhouse (203-938-3388) at 406 Redding Road offers live
762-7629/wiltonplayshop.org) on Lovers Lane in Wilton. music and some special events.The Lyrics Coffeehouse series
runs the first Friday of each month from November through
Are there any local or area orchestras? April at 7:30, at the Redding Community Center. Tickets are
The Ridgefield Symphony Orchestra (203-438-3889) $10 in advance, $12 at the door, half-price for seniors and stu-
consists of professional musicians and presents a series of con- dents. Coffee is included; snacks are for sale. For detail, call
certs each year. Visit ridgefieldsymphony.org. park and recreation at 938-2551 or visit the departmentʼs Web
The Western Connecticut Youth Orchestra is open to page on townofreddingct.org.
students in sixth through 12th grade. Audition requirements are There are many other venues in the area. For details, check
available online at ridgefieldsymphony.org. the After Dark listings in the Arts & Leisure section of The
The Danbury Symphony Orchestra is for experi- Redding Pilot.
enced orchestra musicians while the Danbury Community
Orchestra is for teens and adults who wish to develop their What museums are in the area?
skills. The Preparatory String Orchestra, also in Danbury, The Lonetown Farm and Museum is run by the
helps prepare musicians prepare for playing in an orchestra.
Experienced adult vocalists may join the Danbury Concert
Chorus.
�
These Danbury groups perform from September to June.
For more information, call the Danbury Music Centre at 203-
��
748-1716 or go online to danbury.org/musicctr.
Is there any place that offers outdoor concerts?

The free Concerts on the Green series runs from June
through August outside the Redding Town Green on Route
107, sponsored by the townʼs Park and Recreation Department.
There are usually six to eight events each year, featuring ��
local and area folk, rock, and country artists. Concerts are on
Sundays and start at 6, and are financed by private donations.
Call the Park and Recreation office at 203-938-2551 for
more information or to find out how to donate. ��
Schedules and details appear in The Redding Pilot and the ��
recreation departmentʼs brochure, and on the departmentʼs Web ��
page at townofreddingct.org. ��
��
Are there any singing groups I can join?
Known for its repertoire of Broadway show tunes and
popular music, the men and women of the Ridgefield Chorale
perform in a variety of concerts and productions throughout
��
the year. For information, visit online at ridgefieldchorale.org. ��
The Adesso Choral Society performs contemporary ��
music, particularly works by New England composers. The
group rehearses Tuesday nights, 7:30 to 9:30, beginning in
��
September, at Jesse Lee Memorial Church. For information, or ��
to arrange an audition, call Margaret Collins Stoop at 203-438-
2980. ��
Camerata dʼAmici is a 40-voice choral music grou. ��
The repertoire ranges from well-known spirituals to classi-
cal pieces. Rehearsals are Thursday nights at 7:30 at South
54 Entertainment Redding Answerbook, Redding, Connecticut September 16, 2010
Redding Historical Society at 43 Lonetown Road. It is open

Sundays from 2 to 4, Memorial Day through Labor Day, or Clubs & Organizations
by appointment. There is a furnished 1780 farmhouse and
I want to do some volunteer service. Where do I find
antique tool museum in the barn. Call 203-938-9095 or the
out what’s available?
historical society president Colleen McLeod at 938-1118
(coldplaycolleen@aol.com). The opportunities are many. VolunteerSolutions.
There is a museum at Putnam Memorial State Park with org helps volunteers find the non-profits that need their
artifacts from the Revolutionary War soldier encampment on help. Visit volunteersolutions.org or call the Voluntary
park grounds. Call 203-938-2285 for hours. Action Center of Mid-Fairfield at 203-849-1111.
Ridgefield offers The Aldrich Contemporary Art VolunteerSolutions.org is a partner of the United Ways.
Museum (203-438-4519) and the Keeler Tavern Museum The Volunteer Bureau of Greater Danbury (203-
(203-438-5485), both on Main Street.
In Danbury, there are the Charles Ives Birthplace 797-1154) and Infoline of Northwestern Fairfield
Museum (203-778-3540/danburyhistorical.org), 5 County (800-203-1234) help link volunteers and organi-
Mountainville Avenue; the Scott-Fanton Museum and zations that need them.
Historical Society (203-743-5200/danburyhistorical.org), RSVP is a Red Cross program that puts people 55
43 Main Street; the Danbury Railway Museum (203-778- and older into meaningful volunteer work. Call 203-792-
8337/danbury.org/drm), 120 White Street; and the Military 8200.
Museum of Southern New England (203-790-9277/usmili-
tarymuseum.org), 125 Park Avenue.
Where can I find a guide to local organizations?
The Bethel Historical Firefighters Museum (203-794-
Go to the Web site that calls itself Reddingʼs Online
8523), behind the South Street firehouse, has antique firefight-
Resource: redding79.org/organizations.html. There you will
ing equipment and memorabilia, but is open only for special
find lists of non-profit groups, business organizations. Also
occasions or by appointment.
there is a calendar of local events, news, videos and more.
What’s Weir Farm?
Weir Farm — Connecticutʼs only national historic site How can I get involved in a political party here?
— is on Nod Hill Road in Wilton, near the Ridgefield border Call the town chairman of either party. For the
and is run by the National Park Service. The farm was the Redding Republican Town Committee call Ward
home of American painter J. Alden Weir (1852-1919) and Mazzucco at 203-938-9861, e-mail chairman@redding
believed to be a seminal site for the development of American republicans.org, or go online to reddingrepublicans.org.
Impressionism.
For information, call 203-834-1896 or visit nps.gov/wefa. For the Redding Democratic Town Committee, call
Julia Pemberton at 203-938-9700 or go online to red-
dingdemocrats.org.
bring home Where can I get a guide to town government or

community organizations?
the big top. The League of Women Voters publishes a guide to

Reddingʼs elected, appointed, and employed officials.
The guide is posted online at the leagueʼs Web site (lwct.
�� org/redding) It is available at town hall and the Mark
�� Twain Library.
��
Does the town have a garden club?
�� Membership in the Redding Garden Club is open
�� to women and men. Meetings are held from September
�� through June, usually the third Monday, at the Redding
�� Community Center at 11:30 beginning with a light lunch.
Usually there are speakers who talk about gardening,
�� landscaping and other related topics. A panel of experi-
�� enced club members answers questions about gardening
at meetings. The clubʼs Civic Beautification Committee
plants and maintains garden sites around town. The club
conducts an annual plant sale in the spring. A scholarship
fund benefits a Joel Barlow High School senior planning
a career in conservation, horticulture or the environment.
�� The clubʼs Fall Holiday Boutique and Luncheon is in
November.
�� There is a club newsletter. For information, con-
�� tact the membership chair Sarah Cummings at
�� sarahcummings01@yahoo.com. The clubʼs Web site is
reddinggardenclub.org.
September 16, 2010 Redding Answerbook, Redding, Connecticut Clubs & Organizations 55
Does the town have a chapter of the National Founded in 1881, the AAUW is the oldest and largest
Charity League? national organization working for the education and eco-
The Redding area chapter of the National Charity nomic equality of women. It provides money for study
League is a mother-and-daughter philanthropic organiza- and research to American and international women,
tion for girls in grades 7 through 12. The organizationʼs seeks to remove economic and cultural barriers faced by
purpose is primarily to support the mother and daughter women. Local branch meetings are open to the public.
relationship through the teenage years, and to promote Check local listings for times and locations. To find out
a community service attitude in young women. Local more, e-mail Deb Zaic at dezaic@aol.com or visit aauw-
member actively volunteer for many civic groups. For ct-ridgefield.org.
information, call Bonnie Kasiarz at 203-938-2467.
What is the Junior League?
Is there a grange in town? The Junior League of Stamford-Norwalk is a non-
The Redding Grange, founded in 1875 and continu- profit organization of women committed to promoting
ously operating since 1939, has a hall on Newtown voluntarism, developing the potential of women and
Turnpike. The grange is a non-partisan, agricultural fam- improving communities through the effective action and
ily fraternity that builds fellowship, service and member leadership of trained volunteers. The groupʼs purpose is
activities. Redding Grange No. 15 meets the second and exclusively educational and charitable. For information
fourth Monday at the Grange Hall. Annual spring and on joining, call 203-655-4662.
fall fairs are conducted. Call Ronald Gunther, master of
the grange, at 203-748-0463. Do we have any environmental organizations?
The Redding Land Trust, incorporated in 1965, is a
Is there a newcomers organization? non-profit organization that accepts and manages gifts of
Redding Neighbors and Newcomers is a social land. The trust holds 1,600 acres in open space land gifts
and philanthropic organization that helps newcomers and easements in town. These lands will remain as natu-
integrate into the community and meet new people. ral land forever. The trust, which costs $5 to join, spon-
Membership is also open to longtime Reddingites. sors hikes, trail clean-ups, and educational programs. The
Several special interest groups meet through the group, trust also maintains several preserves in town. For more
which also has various social events. To join, e-mail information, send inquiries to P.O. Box 76, Redding
membership@reddingneighborsandnewcomers.org. The 06875; or e-mail: info@reddingctlandtrust.org. The Web
clubʼs Web site is reddingneighborsandnewcomers.org.
JOHN FINDORAK
Membership chair is Jennifer Carello (203-938-8388).
& SONS, INC.

What does the League of Women Voters do?
The League of Women Voters of Redding works to
increase voter awareness and participation in the commu-
nity. If you would like to get involved, contact the mem-
bership chair, Margi Esten, 34 Lonetown Road, Redding.
or visit online at lwvct.org/redding. • Well Drilling
Is there a group for mothers? • Complete Pump &
The MOMS Club of Ridgefield and Redding is a
support group for mothers who stay at home with their
Tank Installations
children, including those who have home-based busi- • Geothermal Wells
nesses and those who work part-time. The club has
divided into two groups. For details go online to http:// • Irrigation Wells
momsclubridgefield.tripod.com. For information, e-mail
momsclubridgefieldredding@yahoo.com. • Well Hydrofracture
What computer users groups are in the area? • Sales & Service
The Danbury Area Computer Society meets on
the first Tuesday of each month in the auditorium at
Danbury Hospital. Meetings are open to the public and
begin at 6:30 p.m. with casual networking followed at 8 CALL US
TO DO THE
by a speaker. Call 203-748-4330 or visit DACS.org.
“HOLE” ��
JOB!
Is there an American Association of University
Women chapter?
The Ridgefield branch of the AAUW serves Redding. with NO SUBCONTRACTING ��
56 Clubs & Organizations Redding Answerbook, Redding, Connecticut September 16, 2010
site is reddingctlandtrust.org. Is there a Daughters of the American Revolution

Save Natural Redding is a small, hardworking chapter in the area?
group dedicated to eliminating invasive plant species in Membership in the Daughters of the American
town. The group has earmarked Saugatuck Falls, across Revolution is open to any woman 18 years or older who
from John Read Middle School, as its first preserva- can trace her ancestry to someone who helped the nation
tion zone in which to control non-native plants. As it achieve independence from Britain between 1775 and
removes invasive species, the group replaces them with 1783, including soldiers, sailors, militiamen, civil ser-
native plants. For information or to help out, call Jill vants, members of the Continental Congress, nurses who
Kotch at 203-431-3136. Fred Schroeder (203-938-9165) aided the wounded, and ministers who gave patriotic
of Reddingʼs Conservation Commission, is head of an sermons. The Drum Hill Chapter, which serves the area,
informal group called the Knotweed Gang, which is meets regularly. Check The Pilot for meeting details. For
dedicated to removing stands of Japanese knotweed, a information, call Mary Bendix at 203-762-1379 or e-mail
particularly noxious invasive species. The Conservation Bendix@optonline.net.
Commission sponsors an annual Invasive Plant
Removal Day each spring. Is there a veterans group here?
Redding is home to the Highstead Arboretum, 127 The Georgetown Area Veterans of Foreign Wars
Lonetown Road (203-938-8809), which is open to the Post 10190. The post espouses a long tradition of hon-
public by appointment or for certain special occasions. oring veterans and embraces all of the efforts of the
Unlike traditional arboretums where land is primarily national VFW. It raises money to benefit veterans and
cultivated for non-native woody plant species in a garden the community. Area residents who fought in any foreign
setting, Highsteadʼs collections are based on “sound eco- war or campaign are invited to attend one of the postʼs
logical principles in which cultivated plants are grown meetings, held the second Wednesday of every month, 8
in harmony with existing plant populations.” Highlights p.m., at the Georgetown Firehouse.
include a 2.5-acre pond, swamp walk, and collections The Bethel American Legion Post 100, 7 Elizabeth
of mountain laurel and native azalea. Memberships are Street, can be reached at 203-748-9400.
available.
Is there a substance abuse prevention group?
Is there a historical society in Redding? The Easton-Redding Community Coalition is
The Redding Historical Society sponsors several dedicated to the belief that parental supervision and
annual community events including an antiques fair, involvement in a teenagerʼs life will help them avoid
a Revolutionary War re-enactment (by DeLanceyʼs the risks of alcohol and drug abuse, premature sexual-
Brigade), Militia Day for third graders, and a Christmas ity, depression, and suicide. Among other things, the
tour at its Lonetown Farm Museum. For more informa- group runs a Family University each spring at Joel
tion, call the societyʼs president Janice Dimon at 203- Barlow High School, and distributes a Safe Homes
938-8796. brochure (to parents of sixth grade through high school
The Redding Preservation Society has its focus students that incorporates a pledge that parents will not
on local historic preservation issues. It works with the knowingly serve alcohol to minors in their homes) and
Connecticut Trust for Historic Preservation and the “Guidelines for Get Togethers” booklet, as well as a
National Trust for Historic Preservation. Call Raymond “Driver Information Manual for Teens and Parents.” For
DʼAngelo, chairman, at 203-938-0240. information, call Bill Gilotti at 203-938-9450 or e-mail
BillG@eastonreddingcc.org. At Joel Barlow High School
Is there a club for children? the contact is Maryanne Pieratti, 203-938-2508, ext.
The Jesse P. Sanford Boys and Girls Club of 1524 (MaryanneP@eastonreddingcc.org). The Web site
Redding is a focal point of youth activities in town. The is EastonReddingCC.org.
clubʼs mission is to provide safe, supervised recreation
to Redding children. It uses volunteer coaches, direc- Are there any special interest groups in town?
tors, and parents. The clubʼs eight-acre facility on Cross Nonpartisan Action for A Better Redding (NABR)
Highway offers baseball, softball, basketball and flag believes schools can be improved while holding tax
football activities, as well as summer sport camps. Call increases in check. For more information, visit betterred-
203-938-3166 for further information or visit the clubʼs ding.org.
Web site at rbgc.net.
Is there a meditation group?
Do we have a Lions Club? The nonprofit Redding Meditation Society pres-
The Georgetown Lions Club has fund-raisers ents meditation classes and workshops led by Buddhist
— including an annual carnival at the Wilton High monks at the Redding Meditation Center, 9 Picketts
School field — to help disabled children, provide free Ridge Road in West Redding. Personal retreats are wel-
eye exams, promote drug awareness, and support the come. Call 203-894-1118 or visit online at reddingmedi-
Diabetes Foundation. Call 203-544-9977. tationsociety.org.
September 16, 2010 Redding Answerbook, Redding, Connecticut Business 57
Business
Is there a chamber of commerce here? Federal Express (800-238-5355) picks up at home for a fee.
The Georgetown business community is part of Wiltonʼs
Chamber of Commerce and works with that organization to Are there any motels, inns or B&Bs here?
promote commercial and retail businesses in the Georgetown Days Inn (203-438-3781/daysinn.com) at 296 Ethan Allen
area, which includes Redding. For more information about the Highway (Route 7) is in Redding. Also in nearby Ridgefield
chamber, call 203-762-0567. The Web site is wiltonchamber. the Stonehenge Restaurant and Inn (203-438-6511/stonehenge-
com. inn-ct.com), just off Route 7 (203-438-6511), the Elms Inn at
500 Main Street (203-438-2541/elmsinn.com), Stone Ridge
Who protects consumers? Manor, 24 Old Wagon Road (203-431-8426), Green Rocks
The local Better Business Bureau is in Wallingford. For Inn, 415 Danbury Road (203-894-8944/greenrocksinn.com)
information, call 203-269-2700 or go online to connecticut. and the West Lane Inn at 22 West Lane (203-438-7323/west-
bbb.org. laneinn.com) have overnight rooms. There are no bed-and-
The Better Business Bureau provides reports on businesses, breakfasts in town.
charity groups, and organizations. It can help resolve consumer
disputes with businesses and promotes ethical business stan- Where can I get help finding a job?
dards. You may file a complaint online at connecticut.bbb.org The Connecticut Works Center (a part of the stateʼs
or call for information. Department of Labor), is at 152 West Street, Danbury. The
Consumers may also file a complaint about a business, by center offers a data bank of jobs as well as listings of support
calling the state Department of Consumer Protection hotline services such as job counseling, resume writing, and training.
at 800-842-2649, or visit state.ct.us/dep. The department will It is open from 8:30 to 4:30, Monday through Friday. Call 203-
investigate cases where consumers feel they were cheated or 731-2929 for more information. Call the Connecticut Job Bank
defrauded. It will also accept written complaints, which can be at 860-344-2044 or check online at ctdol.state.ct.us.
mailed to 165 Capitol Avenue, Hartford 06106.
Can I rent a hall here for a party or a reception?
Does anyone welcome newcomers to town? Redding Roadhouse (203-938-3388) on Route 53 also
Personal Touch Welcome visits families who have relo- handles large groups as does the Redding Country Club
cated to or within town with a basket of helpful information (203-938-2567) at 109 Lonetown Road (Route 107). The
about the community and gifts from local merchants and Georgetown Saloon (203-544-8003) at 8 Main Street is good
professionals. New parents in Redding are congratulated with for smaller parties. You can also look into renting at any of
a gift basket also. For an appointment, call Dee Strilowich at the townʼs three firehouses, some church halls, or the Mark
203-438-0128 or visit personaltouchwelcome.com. Twain Library (203-938-2545).
When are the town’s post offices open?

Redding has four post offices.
The retail services counter of the West Redding Post
Office (203-938-2763) on Simpaug Turnpike in West Redding
Center, is open Monday through Friday from 8 to 5, and ��
Saturday from 9 to noon.
The retail services counter of the Georgetown Post
Office (203-544-8643), off Redding Road (just behind the
Georgetown Firehouse), is open from 9 to 5 Monday to Friday,
��
and from 9:30 to noon on Saturday. ��
The retail services counter of the Redding Center Post
Office, (203-938-2309) at 10 Lonetown Road (directly across
from town hall), is open 8 to 11:30 and 1:30 to 5, Monday to
Friday, and from 8:30 to 11:30 on Saturday.
��
The retail services counter of the Redding Ridge Post
Office (203-938-3337) is open 8 to 1:30 and 2:30 to 5:30
Monday to Friday and 8:30 to 12:30 Saturday.
��
Can I buy stamps without having to go to the post
office?
��
Yes, Anconaʼs Market (203-544-8436) on Route 102 near
Route 7 in Branchville and Caraluzziʼs (203-544-7021) in
Georgetown at Route 7 and 107 sell U.S. postage stamps as
��
do several other retailers in the area. The post office will also
send you stamps by mail. Call any post office for information
on the service. Or you can order stamps by mail at the U.S. ��
Postal Service Web site (usps.com).
Where can I send packages or overnight mail?

The UPS Store (203-438-7200), 54 Danbury Road (Route
��
35) in Ridgefield, will send packages and mailers. UPS (800- ��
742-5877) will pick up at home for a small extra charge.
58 Food & Shopping Redding Answerbook, Redding, Connecticut September 16, 2010
Food & Shopping

What supermarkets are in town? Where can I get local food products?
The Redding Country Store (203-938-9400) at 2 Long Warrups Farm in West Redding (203-938-9403) is an
Ridge Road, West Redding Center. The Redding Ridge organic farm offering pick-your-own flowers, vegetables and
Market at 119 Black Rock Turnpike was closed after a fire pumpkins.
last year and new owners plan to reopen it later this year. New Pond Farm at 101 Marchant Road offers for sale
For supermarket shopping, try Anconaʼs Market (203-544- milk, cheese, and yogurt produced by its herd of eight cows.
8436) at 720 Branchville Road, Ridgefield (Route 102 just In Bethel, there are Blue Jay Orchards (203-748-0119),
west of the Route 7 intersection); Caraluzziʼs Georgetown 125 Plumtrees Street, well-known for its apple- and pumpkin-
Market (203-544-7021), 920 Danbury Road, Wilton; or picking; and Megʼs Flower Farm (203-790-6347, 69 Turkey
Bethel Food Market (203-748-3547) at 98 Greenwood Plain Road (Route 53), which offers pick-your-own vegetables
Avenue. and has a farm stand with jams, jellies, local honey, and fresh
cut flowers.
Where and when can I buy alcoholic beverages? Silvermanʼs Farm in Easton (203-268-0321) offers peach-
Beer, wine, and liquor are sold in package stores (a regional es, apples and nectarines from mid-July to mid-October. There
term for liquor stores). Under state law, they are not sold after is also a farm market, florist, animal park, seasonal cider mill
8 p.m. or on Sundays. Beer (but not wine or liquor) may also and tractor rides.
be purchased in many grocery stores during the same hours.
Local package stores include Georgetown Package Store, What restaurants are in town?
34 Main Street, 203-544-8534, and Redding Wines & Spirits, Clemens Restaurant (203-938-8300/clemensrestaurant.
119 Black Rock Turnpike, 203-938-2131. com), 9 Long Ridge Road, West Redding; Country Diner
(203-431-3561), 199 Ethan Allen Highway; Donna Marieʼs
What farmers’ markets are around? (203-544-7199), 7 Main Street, Georgetown; the Georgetown
Markets open this season include Georgetown (Route 57 Saloon (203-544-8003), 8 Main Street, Georgetown;
and Main Street) open Sundays, 10 to 2; Ridgefield (88-90 Lombardi Pizzeria & Restaurant (203-938-8013), 2 Station
Danbury Road/Route 35), open Fridays, 3-7; Bethel, 67 Road, West Redding Center; Lombardi Pizza Plus II (203-
Stony Hill Road, open Saturdays, 9 to 1; and Weston (Weston 544-9447), 22a Main Street; Lumberyard Pub (203-544-
Historical Society, Route 57 and High Acre Road) open 7287), 2 Main Street, Georgetown; the Olive Market (203-
Saturdays, 9 to noon. For more Connecticut farm market list- 544-8134), 19 Main Street; Rancho Alegre (203-544-9464),
ings, check ctfarmfresh.org. 6 Main Street, Georgetown; Redding Roadhouse (203-938-
3388), 406 Redding Road; the Station House Cafe (203-938-
8933), 3 Side Cut Road; Thali (203-894-1080), 296 Ethan
Allen Highway (Route 7); Toozy Patza Pizza (203-544-9500),
991 Danbury Road; and the Whistle Stop Bakery & Cafe
(203-544-8139), in the Branchville train station building.
Where can I buy gift items?

Olive Home (203-544-8136), 17 Main Street in
Georgetown, offers a selection of home and garden accents
and hostess gifts.
Runway Shoppe at 14 West Branchville Road has an eclec-
tic assortment of clothing and accessories.
��
203-438-4423 Where can I buy a newspaper?
www.wintergardenarena.com The closest thing to a traditional newsstand in the area is
Edʼs Cigar Box (203-748-5718), 279 Main Street, Danbury.
You can also buy newspapers, including The Redding Pilot,
SKATING AND HOCKEY the Redding Country Store, 2 Longridge Road; Station
PROGRAMS FOR ALL AGES House, 3 Sidecut Road; Redding Pharmacy, Route 107; and
��Youth Hockey ��Adult Hockey Mini Vinnyʼs Deli, 12 Old Mill Road, Georgetown.
��Learn to Skate Programs for Ages 4 to Adult
Is there a mall in the area?
��Ice Mice Skating Program for Ages 3 to 6 The Danbury Fair Mall, on the site of the former Danbury
��August Hockey Camps & Fall Clinics Fair at the intersection of Route 7 and I-84, is home to Macyʼs,
Sears, J.C. Penney, and Lord & Taylor as well as more than
PUBLIC SKATING 100 smaller shops and restaurants. The mallʼs food court is
STICK & PUCK SESSIONS also home to a carousel, a reminder of earlier fairground days.
September�May
Are there any delicatessens around?
Deli food is available at Miniʼs Vinnyʼs (203-544-9988), 12
Old Mill Road, Georgetown; Redding Country Store (203-
938-9400), 2 Long Ridge Road; Cafe Cogolulu, (203-544-
Ice Rinks Are Warmer Than You Think! 6000), 991 Danbury Road; and the nearby Sand Wedge Deli
and Catering (203-544-8074) at 1 Ethan Allen Highway.
September 16, 2010 Redding Answerbook, Redding, Connecticut Transportation 59
Transportation
Who maintains the roads in town? road station. There is free parking at the station during holiday
The Redding Highway Department (203-938-2801) periods.
maintains all town roads, including snow and ice removal. The
department is also responsible for bridges, drainage, resurfac- What is the fine for illegal parking?
ing, and trees. State roads are maintained by the Connecticut The fine for parking illegally at the railroad station is $25.
Highway Department. State roads are the ones with numbers: If you park in a permit spot without a permit and do not pay
Routes 7, 53, 58 and 107. the $5 daily parking fee and you get a ticket, the delinquent $5
fee will double every month you donʼt pay it until it reaches a
To whom do I complain about a pothole? maximum of $100.
Notify the police (203-938-3550) or the highway depart- The fine for illegally parking in a handicap parking space
ment (203-938-2801) about potholes or other problems on is $116. For improper parking, such as parking on a traveled
town roads. For state roads, call 203-797-4157. road or within 25 feet of an intersection or stop sign, you can
expect to pay a $60 fine.
Does the town have any scenic roads?
Yes, and the town has a scenic road ordinance. For a road to
become a scenic road, more than 50% of road frontage owners Where are the closest motor vehicle offices?
must sign a petition and present it to the planning commission The nearest motor vehicle departments are in Danbury at
for approval. After a road receive a scenic designation any 2 Lee Mac Avenue, and Norwalk, 540 Main Avenue. They are
changes to the road itself or along the town right-of-way must open Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday, 8 to 4:30; Thursday, 8
be approved by the planning commission. to 7, and Saturday, 8 to 12:30. For information, call 800-842-
Reddingʼs scenic roads include Topstone Road, 8222 or visit dmvct.org.
Umpawaug Road, Poverty Hollow Road, and Mark Twain
Lane. Where can I get a handicapped permit to park?
You may apply for a permit or disability plates at the
Does the town sweep up and reuse road sand? Department of Motor Vehicles at 2 Lee Mac Avenue in
Yes, the town does sweep up and reuse 5% to 10% of road Danbury, 540 Main Avenue in Norwalk, or the satellite office
sand. The reclaimed sand is used as fill for town construction at 888 Washington Boulevard in Stamford. Applicants must
projects. The collected sand is not reused on roads when it is provide proof of disability with form B-225. For more infor-
contaminated with material such as glass, cans and sticks. mation, call Gail Schiron at 203-938-3580.
What are the typical speed limits in town?

Nearly all town roads are 25 miles per hour, and state roads
vary up to 45 miles per hour.
What’s the fine for speeding?

��
All fines for motor vehicle infractions and violations are set
by the state and published in a booklet available in most public ��
libraries, police departments, and DMV offices. It is also avail- ��
able online at jud.ct.gov/Publications/Infractions/infractions.
pdf. ��
Speeding tickets for cars going over 55 miles per hour ��
range from $123 for going one to nine mph over the posted
limit to $211 for 23 mph and over the posted limit. Fines are
higher for construction, utility, and school zones. Traveling ��
unreasonably fast pertains to cars going under 56 mph. The
fines in this bracket range from $103 for one to nine mph over ��
the posted limit to $191 for 23 or more mph over the limit,
again with greater penalties for construction, utility and school
zones. ��
The fine for passing a standing school bus, no matter how
fast or slow you are going is $460 for the first offense. The ��
same offense in a construction or utility zone is $760.
What are the rules regarding school buses? ��

State law requires motorists to stop their vehicles at least ��
10 feet from the front or rear of a school bus with flashing red
lights. Bus drivers may report violators to the DMV. When
a driver is reported, the registered owner of the vehicle will ��
receive a written warning. Reported vehicles are tracked by
computer, and when a second offense is reported, a summons ��
can be issued to the owner.
Is there free municipal parking?

��
All parking in town is free except at the West Redding rail- ��
60 Pets & Animals Redding Answerbook, Redding, Connecticut September 16, 2010
Pets & Animals

What does Redding Animal Control do?
The department deals with domestic animals, specifically Is it legal to allow a dog to relieve itself on public or
dogs, and any wild animal that comes in contact with a domes- private property?
tic animal or person. The department does not do pest control There is no law regarding public property, but it is illegal to
or body removal. Michael DeLuca is the animal control officer. allow any dog to soil anotherʼs private property. Dog owners
He may be reached at 203-938-2525. can be liable for a fine.
Where do I get a dog license? Where is a good place to take a dog for a romp?
The town clerk in town hall sells dog licenses. Dogs should Putnam State Park, at the intersection of Putnam Park
be registered in June; if you neglect to register, there is a $1 Road and Black Rock Turnpike, Huntington State Park on
fine for each month of delinquency. Call the town clerkʼs Sunset Hill Road, and Topstone Park are popular places for
office (203-938-2377) for details. Not licensing your dog can people to bring their dogs. At Topstone, dogs are not allowed
result in a $60 fine. on the beach from May through September. All parks require
Dogs six months and older must be licensed. A current dogs to be on leashes. Dog owners should clean up after their
rabies certificate is required. For a reduced cost, proof of the dogs. The town of Ridgefield offers the Bark Park, just for
animal being spayed or altered must be shown. The cost is $19 dogs, on Prospect Ridge and Hampton Court.
for an animal that has not been spayed or altered, and $8 for
an animal that has. Where can I adopt a dog or cat?
Cats may be adopted through the Animals In Distress
Do I have to have my cat vaccinated? Shelter, Danbury Road, Wilton (203-762-2006).
Yes, Connecticut state law requires that all dogs and cats be Dogs and cats may be adopted at the ROAR Shelter, South
given rabies vaccinations. (Cats do not need licenses.) Street, Ridgefield (203-438-0158); Connecticut Humane
Society, 455 Post Road East, Westport (203-227-4137);
Are there rabies clinics in the area? DAWS-Danbury Animal Welfare Society (203-744-3297/
Redding usually holds a low-cost rabies clinic once a year, daws.org); PAWS-Pet Animal Welfare Society, 504 Main
in April or May, at the West Redding firehouse. Pet owners Avenue, Norwalk (203-750-9572/pawsct.org); SOS-Save Our
should bring their petʼs previous rabies certificate to receive Strays, 1677 Post Road, Westport (203-255-0514); Paws-A-
a three-year rabies certificate; otherwise, they will receive a While in Bethel, 147 Grassy Plain Street (203-790-6511);
rabies certificate for a one-year vaccination. The clinic is spon- Easton Animal Shelter (203-268-9172), 13 Westport Road,
sored by the Connecticut Municipal Animal Control Officers or the Bethel Animal Shelter (203-794-8530) on Route 53.
Association. Call Animal Control Officer Michael DeLuca at Many area shelters list adoptable pets at petfinder.com.
203-938-2525 for details.
My car hit a dog. What should I do?
Are there animal hospitals in town? Do not pick the animal up or try to help it. Injured animals
There are three veterinary hospitals in Redding: The often bite. According to the law, you must report it to the
Redding Ridge Veterinarian (203-938-8018) at 3 Meeker police (203-938-3400) and wait for them to arrive. They will
Hill Road; the Redding Veterinary Hospital (203-438-3761) contact Animal Control.
at 235 Ethan Allen Highway (Route 7); and the Georgetown
Veterinary Hospital (203-544-9098) at 53 Redding Road in Whom may I call if my pet dies at home?
Georgetown. Most veterinarians will assist in sending a pet for burial or
cremation. You may also call All Pets Crematory in Stamford
Is there a dog training school in town? (203-967-4949/allpetscrematory.com), which offers a number
Canine College (203-938-2124), 40 Marchant Road and of services and will come to your house to pick up your pet.
Good Citizen Dog Training (203-938-2951) offer classes in
Redding. Paws Up Positive Dog Training (203-544-9033/ Where can I take my pet in an emergency?
pawsuppdt.com) offers private lessons. The Animal Emergency Clinic of Danbury (203-790-
6383) is at 22 Newtown Road, Danbury. It is open Monday
My dog is lost; where can I get help? through Thursday from 6 p.m. to 8 a.m. and Friday from 6
Call Redding Animal Control at 203-938-2525. You may p.m. to 8 a.m. the following Monday; and 24 hours on most
also want to call the animal control officers in neighboring holidays.
towns, particularly if your dog has been missing more than 24 The Veterinary Referral and Emergency Clinic at 134
hours. West Cedar Street, Norwalk, is open 24 hours. Call 203-854-
9960.
What happens to loose dogs picked up by Animal If your pet has eaten something poisonous and you canʼt
Control? reach your own veterinarian right away, you can call the
They are taken to the Bethel Animal Shelter on Route 53, ASPCA Poison Control Hotline at 800-548-2423. It is staffed
203-794-8530. 24 hours, but there is a charge for services.
What should I do if a loose dog is on my property, Are any animals illegal to keep as pets?
chasing my kids or cats? Generally speaking, people are prohibited from having
Dogs must be confined to oneʼs own property or under con- as pets animals considered wild by the State Department of
trol, such as with a leash or verbal control, if off the property. Environmental Protection. Call 860-424-3011 for more infor-
If a loose dog (not your own) is on your property, call Redding mation.
Animal Control at 203-938-2525.
September 16, 2010 Redding Answerbook, Redding, Connecticut Media/Web Sites 61
Media
What newspapers cover the town? Page one stories, and the top sports stories from the current
The Redding Pilot, a weekly, is the major publication weekʼs issue of The Redding Pilot are available on the paperʼs
that covers our town. The Pilot’s editorial office is at the home page and remain accessible at no charge for several
Hersam Acorn Newspapersʼ main office at 16 Bailey Avenue weeks. The entire content of the newspaper is added to the
in Ridgefield. Office hours are Monday, Tuesday, Thursday archive within about two weeks after publication.
and Friday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Wednesday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. The The Pilotʼs archives are searchable by going to thered-
newsroom phone number is 203-894-3331. The Web site is dingpilot.com and clicking on “Archives” on the left-hand side
TheReddingPilot.com. of the page. Users may then search for information from The
The News-Times in Danbury, a daily, covers some Redding Redding Pilot (as well as its seven sister newspapers) going
events and people. back as far as June 2003. Just enter a keyword or phrase,
choose a time frame (or search all available years), and click
How can I get an announcement in the papers? “search.”.
The best way to submit an announcement to The Pilot is via All obituaries going back to September 2005, an up-to-
e-mail to pilot@thereddingpilot.com. For sports news, e-mail date Whatʼs Up calendar, useful Web links, and the Redding
Sports Editor Rocco Valluzzo at rocco@thereddingpilot.com. Answerbook, as well as access to the Hersam Acorn clas-
You may also mail press releases to The Pilot, P.O. Box 389, sifieds, real estate listings, and the top stories from the Arts
Georgetown, CT 06892. In any case, be sure to include a day- & Leisure section and special monthly supplements are also
time contact phone number. The Pilot does not accept faxed available at no charge on The Pilotʼs Web site. (Send arts
submissions. A free guide to doing news releases is available information at least two weeks in advance to arts@acorn-
online at thereddingpilot.com. online.com or call Arts Editor Sally Sanders at 203-483-1183,
To get news in the Danbury News-Times, call 203-744- ext. 132.)
5100 or fax to 203-792-8730 or e-mail editor@newstimes.
com. What radio stations carry news of Redding?
Redding news, weather, sports and personalities are carried
How may I advertise in the Pilot? by WLAD (800 AM) and WINE (98Q FM) in Danbury.
For classified advertising, call 1-800-372-2790 or e-mail:
Classified@hersamacorn.com. For display advertising, call Are there any public radio, classical or jazz stations
Karen Forrest at 203-894-3324. E-mail: kforrest@acorn- in the area?
online.com. WSHU-FM in Fairfield (91.1 mHz) is a National
For subscriptions: 800-372-2790 or 203-894-3309. Public Radio station and also carries much classical music.
Connecticut Public Radioʼs WEDW-FM in Stamford (88.5
Can I read The Pilot online? mHz) also carries NPR and classical formats, audible in many
Those looking for the latest Redding news can find it on parts of town, while its higher powered but more distant sister
The Pilotʼs online site, thereddingpilot.com; those looking for station, WNPR-FM in Meriden (90.5 mHz), can also be heard
the not-so-latest news can find it in the same place. here. WKCR-FM (89.9 mHz) at Columbia University in New
To sign up for the latest, up-to-the-minute news, sign up York City is a jazz station. WPKN-FM in Bridgeport (89.5
for Breaking News from The Redding Pilot by logging onto mHz) carries a mix that includes much jazz. WMNR-FM
TheReddingPilot.com and clicking on Breaking News in the (88.1 mHz) carries mostly classical music, but Saturdays from
upper right-hand corner. You can also follow town news via 5 till midnight programs music from the 20s through the early
Twitter. Sign up at Twitter.com/ReddingPilot. 50s, including much big band and swing.
Web Sites
Redding sites: Redding-Easton Lacrosse: re-lax.org
Aspetuck Wildcats: wildcatsfootball.com Redding Education Foundation: reddingeducationfounda-
Calvary Independent Baptist Church: cibcredding.org tion.org
Camp Invention: campinvention.org Redding Fire & EMS Co. #1: reddingfire1.org
Christ Church-Episcopal: christchurchredding.org Redding-Georgetown Democratic Town Committee: red-
Easton-Redding Community Coalition: EastonReddingCC. dingdemocrats.org
org Redding history: historyofredding.com
Easton-Redding Schools: er9.org Redding Meditation Society: reddingmeditationsociety.org
First Church of Christ Congregational: firstchurchredding. Redding Neighbors and Newcomers: reddingneighborsand-
org newcomers.org
Georgetown Volunteer Fire Co. #1: fire-ems.net/firedept/ Redding Pilot: thereddingpilot.com
view/georgetown2ct Redding Republican Town Committee: reddingrepublicans.
League of Women Voters: lwvct.org/redding org
Mark Twain Library: marktwainlibrary.org Redding Soccer Club: reddingsoccerclub.org
MOMS Club: momsclubridgefield.tripod.com Sacred Heart Church: SacredHeartGeorgetownCT.org
New Pond Farm: newpondfarm.org Temple B'Nai Chaim: tbcct.org
Nonpartisan Action for a Better Redding: betterredding.org Tibetan Buddhist Center for Universal Peace: dnkldharma.
Putnam Park: putnampark.org org
Redding Boys & Girls Club: rbgc.net Town of Redding: townofreddingct.org
Redding Cub Scouts: reddingscouts.org
Readerʼs Index
911, 16, 24, 28 Compost, 27 Goodwill Industries, 24 Martial arts, 47
AARP, 44 Computer club, 55 Grand list, 10 Meals on Wheels, 44
Accident reports, 30 Concerts, 53 Habitat for Humanity, 35 Mental illness, 41
Activities, library, 23 Congress, U.S., 17 Handicap services, 38 Military enlistments, 17
Activities, school, 19 Conservation Commission, Handicapped parking, 59 MOMS Club, 55
Activities, seniors, 44 14, 15, 56 Hazardous waste, 27 Mosquitoes, 43
Adult education, 22 Counseling, 24, 36, 41 Health care, geriatric, 36, 44 Motels, 57
Adventure programs, 47, 52 Country clubs, 50 Health clubs, 51 Movie theaters, 53
After-school activities, 19 CPR, 36 Health department, 27, 28, Music, live, 53
Alcoholic beverages, 58 Crime statistics, 29 34, 36 Museums, 53
Alcoholism, 38 Danbury Hospital, 28, 36, 38 Heritage Center, 44 National Charity League, 55
Ambulance service, 28 Daughters of the American Highstead Arboretum, 56 Nature centers, 51
American Association of Revolution, 56 Highway department, 59 Newspapers, 61
University Women, 55 Day care, adult, 44 Hiking, 50, 51 Newsstands, 58
American Red Cross, 24, 36, Day care, children, 46 Historian, town, 7 Nonpartisan Action for A
38 Deeds, 13 Historic districts, 7 Better Redding, 59
Animal control, 60 Deer, 27, 52 Historic points of interest, 6 Norwalk Hospital, 28, 36
Animal hospitals, 60 Delicatessens, 58 Histories, town, 7 Notary public, 17
Apartments, 25 Democratic Town Committee, Home businesses, 25 Nursing homes, 44
Assessments, property, 10 14, 54 Home health care, 36, 44 Officials, town, 20
Basketball, 19, 47, 48 DMV, 59 Hospice, 38 Open space, 50
Beaches, 51 Dogs, 60 Hospitals, 28 Orchestras, 53
Bed and breakfast, 25, 57 Domestic abuse, 24, 42 Houses, oldest, 6 Parade path, 50
Better Business Bureau, 57 Drinking age, 46 Houses, sale prices, 8 Park and Recreation
Bible study, 35 Drug treatment, 41 Housing, senior, 44 Commission, 14, 15
Bicycles, 51 Easement, historic, 25 Hunting, 15, 27, 52 Park and Recreation
Blood drives, 38 Easton-Redding Community Huntington Park, 5, 6, 50, 51, Department, 44, 45, 46, 47,
Blood pressure screenings, 38 Coalition, 56 52, 60 48, 50, 51
Board of Education, 13, 18, Eating disorders, 42 Huntington, Anna Hyatt, 6 Parking, 59
20 Elder abuse, 45 Ice skating, 51 Parks, 50, 60
Board of Finance, 13, 15, 20 Elections, 12 Immunizations, 18, 36, 38 Passports, 13
Board of Selectmen, 9, 20 Electric power, 34 Income, household, 8 Permit, burn, 27
Boarders, 25 Emergencies, townwide, 33, Infoline, 41, 46 Permit, handicap parking, 59
Boards, town, 15 34 Inns, 57 Permit, zoning, 25
Boating, 52 Employment, 8 Insurance forms, 45 Pet adoptions, 60
Book of Trails, 48, 50 Employment services, youth, Internet searches, 23, 61 Pharmacies, 58
Bowling, 50 46 Jobs, students, 46 Physicians, 36
Brush removal, 34 Evacuations, emergency, 33, Joel Barlow High School, 18 Planning Commission, 14, 15
Budget, school, 10, 19 34 Jogging trail, 51 Plants, invasive, 28
Budget, town, 9, 12 Families in Crisis Fund, 24 John Read Middle School, 18 Playgrounds, 47
Building department, 13 Farmers' markets, 58 Junior League, 55 Police department, 25, 29,
Building officer, 13 Farms, 58 Lacrosse, 19, 46 30, 59
Buses, 59 Field hockey, 19. 46 Land use, 14 Population, 8
Cable TV, 34 Financial assistance, 24, 42 Laurel Ridge Health Care, 38 Postal services, 13, 57
Calendar of events, commu- Fingerprints, 30 League of Women Voters, Probate judge, 20
nity, 23, 53, 61 Fire departments, 29 54, 55 PTA, 21
Camping, overnight, 51 Firearms, 52 Legal notices, 15, 17 Public records, 10, 13
Camps, day, 47, 52, 56 Firewood, 27 Library services, 23 Putnam Park, 4, 53, 67
Candidates, 14 First selectman, 20 License, day care, 46 Rabies, 60
Cars, 10, 12, 59 Fishing, 15, 52 License, dog, 60 Radio stations, 61
Catering, 58 Flu clinics, 38 License, driver's, 12, 34, 59 Radon gas, 28
Cats, 60 Food bank, 17, 24 License, fishing, 52 Recycling, 26
Cell phone towers, 34 Football, 19, 46, 47, 56 License, hunting, 52 Redding Answerbook, 61
Cell phones, 27, 28, 34, 36 Friends of Putnam Park, 6 License, marriage, 13 Redding Boys & Girls Club,
Cemeteries, 6, 7, 24 Funeral homes, 24 Lions Club, 27, 56 46, 47
Chamber of Commerce, 57 Garbage, 25, 26 Lonetown Farm and Museum, Redding Community Center,
Churches, 35 Georgetown History Project, 7, 53, 56 50
Clubs, senior, 44 7 Lyme disease, 36, 38, 42 Redding Education
Colleges, 22 Gilbert & Bennett, 5 Mark Twain Library, 23, 48, Foundation, 21
Commission on Aging, 16 Gilbert-Miller Park, 50 54, 57 Redding Elementary School,
Commissions, town, 14 Golf, 19, 51 Marriages, 13 18
Redding Garden Club, 54 School, vocational, 22 Substance abuse, 41, 56 Unemployment, 8, 10

Redding Grange, 55 Schools, art, 22 Superintendent of schools, 21 Veterans, 10, 12, 56
Redding Historical Society, 6, Schools, dance, 22 Supermarkets, 58 Visiting nurses, 36
7, 54, 56 Schools, nursery, 21 Support groups, 24, 38 Volunteering, 23, 36, 48, 54
Redding Land Trust, 55 Schools, private, 21, 22 Swimming, 19, 48, 50 Volunteers, senior, 45
Redding Meditation Society, Schools, public, 18, 19 Synagogues, 35 Voter enrollment, 12
35 Scouting, 47 Tax aides, 24 Voting, 12
Redding Neighbors and Seat belts, 59 Tax breaks, 10 Water Pollution Control
Newcomers, 55 Senate, state, 17 Taxes, property, 10 Commission, 15, 17, 34
Redding Pilot, 61 Senate, U.S., 17 Taxing districts, 10 Water, well, 34
Redding Preservation Society, Senior center, 36, 38, 44 Teen activities, 46, 47 Web sites, 61
56 Septic systems, 27, 28 Tennis, 19, 47, 50 Welcome services, 57
Registrars of voters, 12 Sewer service, 34 Tests, school, 18, 19 West Nile virus, 43
Republican Town Committee, Sexual abuse, 24, 42 Theater groups, 53 Womenʼs Center of Greater
14, 54 Singing groups, 53 Thrift shops, 24 Danbury, 42
Restaurants, 43, 57, 58 Social Services, 24, 27, 36, Topstone Park, 15, 48, 50, 51, WyldLife, 46
Revaluation, 10 38, 45 52, 60 Yoga, 50
Roads, scenic, 59 Softball, 19, 46, 47, 51 Town clerk, 7, 12, 13, 52, 60 Young Life, 46
Running, 51 Solicitors, 25 Town Meeting, 15 Youth Yellow Pages, 46
Salaries, police, 29 Special education, 21 Town office hours, 9, 12 Youth sports, 46
Salaries, teacher, 19 Speeding, 59 Town offices, 9 Zoning Board of Appeals, 14
Salvation Army, 24 Sports, school, 19 Transfer station, 9, 25, 26 Zoning Commission, 14, 15,
Save Natural Redding, 56 Sports, youth, 46 Transportation, disabled, 36 25
School buses, 19, 59 State House district, 17 Transportation, senior, 44 Zoning enforcement officer,
School cancellations, 19 Stone walls, 28 Treasurer, 15 14
School district, 18 Stores, package 58 Umpawaug School, 6
��
� � � � � � �
� � � ��
� � � � � ��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��

��
��

��
��
��
��
��
��

��
��
��
��
��
��

Redding Pilot Answerbook 2010

Загружено:

Сведения о документе

Авторское право

Доступные форматы

Поделиться этим документом

Поделиться или встроить документ

Параметры публикации

Этот документ был вам полезен?

Это неприемлемый материал?

Авторское право:

Доступные форматы

Redding Pilot Answerbook 2010

Загружено:

Авторское право:

Доступные форматы

redding

COLDWELL BANKER Residential brokerage

Ira Stone, Manager

“Redding’s Number One Agency in Connecticut’s Number One Small Town”

Owned and Operated by NRT Incorporated

70 West Branchville Road, Ridgeﬁeld CT 06877

• Ground Floor Access

tion of four towns: Redding, Ridgeﬁeld, Wilton and Weston. ���������������������������

What’s the story with the old Gilbert & Bennett

development. While the company will renovate about half of �����������������

Is there a town historian?

Why is April 15, 1993 an important date to the his-

What is Redding’s median household income?

Why have the hours of town offices changed?

Who is the chief executive of the town?

What does the Board of Selectmen do?

Is there a directory of town officials?

������������������������� ����������������������� ���������������������

��������������������������� ��������������������� ������������������������

����� �������������������������� ���������������

����� There is only one voting location in town: The Redding

For what elections can I use absentee ballots?

Can an absentee ballot application be mailed?

What does the building officer do?

��������� Does the town have a land use coordinator?

What does the Planning Commission do?

What does the town treasurer do?

Who is the superintendent of schools?

Each local school has its own Parent Teacher Association; �

What other services does the library offer?

How can I donate to the Salvation Army or Goodwill

What services are available to military families?

���������������������� Where can I get help with my income taxes?

Can I take care of my garbage myself?

How do I take care of my septic system? Emergency Services

Who answers the 911 line?

How can residents be alerted to emergencies in

or cell phone numbers. To have those numbers included, resi-

How can I arrange for home care?

Is there a blood pressure screening in town?

Where can I get immunizations for foreign travel?

�������� Where can I get help with alcoholism?

Call today to schedule your free estimate:

����������� threatening disease. Symptoms include fever, fatigue, chills,

Where can I get information on Lyme disease?

The following Web sites are recommended: ilads.org; 2559.

What is West Nile virus?

Where can I call if I suspect elder abuse?

Children & Teens

In Real Estate, It’s Experience That Matters

470 Main Street

����� ���� ���������� ��� ��������� ����� ��

��� �� �� ��� �������

Is there any place that offers outdoor concerts?

Redding Historical Society at 43 Lonetown Road. It is open

bring home Where can I get a guide to town government or

the big top. The League of Women Voters publishes a guide to

& SONS, INC.

site is reddingctlandtrust.org. Is there a Daughters of the American Revolution

When are the town’s post offices open?

Where can I send packages or overnight mail?

Food & Shopping

Where can I buy gift items?

What are the typical speed limits in town?

tion of four towns: Redding, Ridgeﬁeld, Wilton and Weston. ��

development. While the company will renovate about half of ��

��

��

��

�� There is only one voting location in town: The Redding

�� Does the town have a land use coordinator?

�� Where can I get help with my income taxes?

�� Where can I get help with alcoholism?

�� threatening disease. Symptoms include fever, fatigue, chills,

��

��

What are the rules regarding school buses? ��

��

��

��