Redding Answerbook 2011 - Hersam Acorn Newspapers

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answerbook.2011
the redding pilot special section
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september 22, 2011
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Table of Contents
Complete index on pages 54 History ........................................................................6 Demographics............................................................9 Government.............................................................11 Town Officials ..........................................................18 Schools .....................................................................19 Public Services .........................................................24 Property Issues .........................................................26 Map of Redding Points of Interest ...................28-29 Emergency Services .................................................30 Business ....................................................................34 Utilities .....................................................................34 Senior Citizens .........................................................35 Religion ....................................................................36 Health ......................................................................37 Media .......................................................................42 Children & Teens .....................................................42 Recreation................................................................44 Entertainment .........................................................48 Clubs & Organizations ............................................49 Food & Shopping ....................................................51 Pets & Animals.........................................................52 Transportation .........................................................53 Redding Web Sites ..................................................55
Published annually by Hersam Acorn Newspapers as a special section of The Redding Pilot. Copies are also available at real estate offices, town hall and Chamber of Commerce. For additional copies, call 203-438-6544. Contents are online at TheReddingPilot.com. Thomas B. Nash, publisher Gregg Bartlett, editor Mary Anne Hersam, vice president of sales Karen Forrest, account executive Cover photo by Bryan Haeffele Cover design by Ian Murren Map by David Raabe Please send updates, ideas, or corrections to: answerbook@acorn-online.com
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september 22, 2011
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History
september 22, 2011
When was the town founded and by whom? Redding was not founded in the traditional sense, like surrounding towns. There is no founder. The southern half of town became part of Fairfield in 1670. The northern part was regarded as the unoccupied lands. Deputy Governor Nathan Gold received a land grant in Umpawaug in 1687, and he established a 300-acre farm about the same time. Several other farms belonging to prominent Fairfield families were established by 1700. John Read, Esq., an attorney, acquired 500 acres by purchasing land grants given to veterans of the King Phillips War. He later moved to Boston in 1722. In 1723, all the land in the unoccupied lands not taken up was sold at auction to Nathan Gold II and Capt. Samuel Couch. Read unsuccessfully challenged this action in court. Soon after, he petitioned the Colony to establish a parish here, but was turned down for several years until there was support of the Congregationlists of Fairfield. Indian Chief Chicken Warrups lived on 100 acres adjacent to Lonetown Manor until 1747, when Col. John Read (son of attorney John Read) exchanged the land for 200 acres in Scatacook (Kent, CT). Col. John Read wound up owning all of Lonetown and was on hand when Redding was officially incorporated in 1767. Col. Read was one of the Selectmen chosen in 1767. How did the town come to be called Redding? Naming the town Redding was the result of as a compromise between Episcopalian supporters, regarded as dissenters in Connecticut, of John Read, and the established Congregationalists. The notion that the name Redding came about through mispellings of the Read family name in old town records has been dismissed by historians and historical research of the period such as Richard L. Bushmans book From Puritan to Yankee: Character and the Social Order in Connecticut. Although the elder John Read moved to Boston in 1722, his son, Col. John Read, took over administration of Lonetown Manor, according to the history section of the Town of Redding Web site (www.townofreddingct.org). In 1767, the Connecticut General Assembly incorporated the Town as Redding, which had less than 1,000 inhabitants. Indeed, town officials listed the name as Redding in the 1767 articles of incorporation. Redding Ridge and West Redding are named for obvious geological and geographical reasons. The Georgetown section of town is actually at the intersection of four towns: Redding, Ridgefield, Wilton and Weston. According to long- deceased native Georgetown resident Wilbur Thompson, it was named after local miller George Abbott, but this story is suspect since it would have been then customary 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. It was likely named after George Washington as part of local 50th anniversary celebrations of July 4th, commemorating the countrys founding. Whats the story with the old Gilbert & Bennett factory off Route 107? In 1818 Benjamin Gilbert started making horsehair sieves and established the Gilbert & Bennett Manufacturing Company in Georgetown. In the 1850s his son Edwin started up a new steel wire mill operation at the current site, where wire fencing was made until 1989. In 1998, the company went bankrupt and Gilbert & Bennett Limited Partnership bought the property from the Georgetown Manufacturing Company. In 2002, Georgetown Land Development Company purchased the towns tax liens on the property and in March 2003, it secured the note and mortgage
on the property. It foreclosed on the property and in October 2003, it obtained the mortgage on the property. The redevelopment of the former Gilbert & Bennett wire mill site off Route 107 in Georgetown has experienced a series of delays in recent years. 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 has planned to renovate about half of the historic buildings on the property, it has demolished those that were structurally unsound and all of the Butler-type buildings. What about the soldier statue at the entrance of Putnam Park and the statue of wolves and bears at Huntington Park? Both statues are the work of renowned Redding sculptress Anna Hyatt Huntington. She completed the statue of General Israel Putnam at the entrance of Putnam Memorial State Park on Route 58 when she was 94 years old. Dedicated in 1969, the statue depicts Putnams daring escape from British dragoons at Horse Neck (now part of Greenwich). Surprised there and outnumbered by British troops, Putnam rode his horse down 100 steps cut into the face of a steep cliff and the British were unable to follow. Other famous works by Anna Huntington include Joan of Arc in Manhattan, and El Cid in Seville, Spain. What are some historic points of interest? The 800-acre Putnam Memorial State Park (Connecticuts oldest state park) on Route 58 was used during the Revolutionary War in the winter of 1778-79 as a campsite. About 2,500 to 3,000 bluecoat soldiers endured the rigors of the hard winter of 1779 with inadequate food and clothing. A 42-foot memorial obelisk inside the park gates was erected in 1888 and a statue of General Israel Putnam (above) guards the entrance. The piles of stone that line the park trail are the remains of the chimneys that belonged to the small huts in which the soldiers lived. There is a museum and marked areas where the campsite was. In recent years, living history events have been held in the summer (before and after July 4) at the park with Revolutionary reenactment groups setting up camps and offering demonstrations on colonial trades and crafts and many other activities. Gallows Hill Road was the execution site of two Patriot deserters (one accused as a spy). General Putnam assembled his 3,000 troops at the site to witness their hanging. The 878-acre Collis P. Huntington State Park on Sunset Hill Road was the old stomping grounds of Pootatuck Indian Naseco in the 1700s. It was first established as a sheep farm in the 1690s by Simon Couch. Upon his death in 1712, Couch gave 30 acres of this land and freedom to his slave, Anthony Batterson. In the early 1900s, a man named Luttgen acquired much of the land and built a chain of artificial ponds and a stone lighthouse, and cruised the waters in a small paddlewheel steamboat in the late 19th and early 20th Century. The park is named for Collis Potter Huntington, a railroad tycoon who pushed the Central Pacific across the west. His son, Archer M. Huntington, bought the estate in the 1930s and Archers wife, Anna, sculpted the famous statues of the wolves and bears at the parks entrance (see above). Upon the death of his wife, the property was razed and the land was given to the state.
september 22, 2011
History
The little red brick schoolhouse on Umpawaug Road, near the West Redding Fire Station, is the Umpawaug School, built in 1789. The Redding Historical Society opens it on occasion and local schools sometimes stage classes including period costumes and food in the building. What are the oldest houses in town? The oldest known home was built in 1709, known as the HallKnapp house. It was recently confirmed to have been built at Black Rock Turnpike, at a time when the area was known as Chestnut Ridge. In 1723, Joseph Sanford built a house for his son that was later owned by Aaron Barlow. It stands at the corner of Umpawaug Road and Station Road. Mr. Barlows brother, Joel, a diplomat, often visited and wrote Columbiad, a poetic spoof of Yale University, at the site. Joel Barlow High School on Route 58 is named for the writer and diplomat. The Capt. Thomas Nash house, at 175 Umpawaug Road, was built about 1725 along with the original barn that makes it the oldest barn still standing in Redding. Theres also the house and barn at 43 Lonetown Road (Route 107) that is the current home of the Redding Historical Society. The house was built circa 1780 for Daniel and Esther Read Bartlett, John Reads granddaughter. Another 18th-Century house is that at 12 Marchant Road, known as the Old Stone House. It is a Dutch stone colonial built of granite from Topstone Quarry. The style of the house is unusual for this area; it was very popular in the Hudson River Valley and Pennsylvania. There are some very old churches and public buildings in Redding as well. Christ Church Episcopal was founded in 1732. The second church was built in 1833 at the intersection of Cross Highway and Route 58. The First Church of Christ Congregational on Cross Highway, now next to the Old Town House, was established in 1733, on what is now known as The Green. A second building was constructed at the corner of what is now known as Great Pasture Road and Old Mail Coach. The present church in Redding Center on The Green was built in 1837 by the Methodists and later rebuilt (but burned to the ground in 1945). In the 1920s, as the numbers of Congregationalists and Methodists dwindled, the church was shared by both denominations as the Redding Federated Church. There were a number of immigrant groups in Redding, and each built their own houses of worship. By about 1850, Irish immigrants began to arrive, many to work on building the railroad. St. Patrick Church in Redding Ridge was built in 1880. The Swedish built Lutheran churches on Portland Avenue and Weston Road. The Gilbert & Bennett Manufacturing Company built a stone church in Georgetown now known as the Georgetown Bible Church. This church started at the old Miller Hall on South Church Street in 1826 and moved to its current building on Route 107 in 1902. The Old Town House on the Green was built in 1834. The Town Hall building was built in 1879 as the Hill Academy, a private school. Are there any important Revolutionary War historical dates in town? British soldiers, 2,000 strong, marched through town on April 26, 1777, on their way to burn Danbury. Sixteen members of the Redding Militia were captured that day and later imprisoned in New York, where three died from disease. A monument dedicated to their memory is at Cross Highway and Black Rock Turnpike. Also, a Redding slave named Ned was killed in Danbury when the British entered the town later the same day.
Are there any historical re-enactments? The Friends and Neighbors of Putnam Park sponsors its annual Putnam Park summer program of activities in which re-enactors portraying Colonial era craftsmen demonstrate their livelihood. Events include Revolutionary War Camps with soldiers drilling and marching and demonstrations that include how to load and fire a musket. What are some of the towns earliest roads? Umpawaug Road and the southern part of Route 107 was the original Danbury and Norwalk Road established in 1685. It was also known as the Great Road. Black Rock Turnpike was established sometime prior to 1700. Cross Highway was the main east-west road in early Redding. It marked the northerly boundary of the Town of Fairfield from Newtown to Ridgefield. In the very early period before bridges were constructed, rivers and streams were often crossed at fording places, which were shallow enough for pedestrians and animals to walk through the water. One of the early bridges across the Saugatuck was built near a fording place where there was also a grist mill. Old Mail Coach Road jogged south from the boundary line of Cross Highway to this bridge. Other sections of Cross Highway were given names and are now known as Seventy Acres, Church Hill and Uncle Johns Road. It is often forgotten that the old highways may have been no more than cart paths. What are some mistakes in local history? The late Margaret Wixted, the former town historian who contributed to this section of the Redding Answerbook, said there are several mistakes due to poor research.
History
september 22, 2011
Her search, along with the late Ebba Andersons, for the horse tavern is a prime example. The two spent weeks trying to find the structure described in town records as the horse tavern. They discovered much later in the History of Easton that a horse tavern was the shallow place in a stream where a horse could get a drink. Mrs. Wixted also said people mispronounce Marchant Road, saying Mar Shant. It should be Merchant. Mrs. Wixted said it was common for clerks to spell phonetically, and over the years some names changed. Merchant became Marchant and Persons (Lane) became Parsons. Giles Hill Road is another example of a mistake. It should have been spelled Guile, Mrs. Wixted said, because it was named for a Mr. Guile, a combmaker who built his home on this road. Does the town have a historical society? The Redding Historical Society locates, preserves and makes available materials that document the history of Redding. Residents with historical photographs, documents or artifacts may call the societys president Janice Dimon at 203-938-8796 or leave a message at 203--938-9095. The society is headquartered in a house and barn at 43 Lonetown Road, called Lonetown Farm. The building is a 1780 farmhouse that is open from 2 to 4 on Sundays, Memorial Day through Labor Day, or by appointment. Call 203-9389095. The barn houses an antique tool museum. In addition, the historical society hosts a number of special events 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 section of the Answerbook. Co-historian is Kathleen Von Jena, a local archaeologist who has helped with several digs in town. She is the Planning Commissions cultural resource adviser and also actively participated in the production of A Georgetown Story (see below). Brent Colley is a Georgetown historian. He has designed and compiled a comprehensive history of Redding (and Georgetown) Web site at www.historyof redding.com. We should all be grateful that there are still glimpses of the past around us and work to ensure these glimpses remain, he writes in a welcoming introduction to the extensive Web pages. Are there any town histories? Charles Burr Todds 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 26 years later. The book, with reprints sometimes found on the Internet, has information about the towns beginnings. Dan Cruson, a social studies teacher at Joel Barlow High School and Newtowns 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 clerks office along with other Redding Historical Society publications. A second volume of photography is slated for publication.
september 22, 2011
History
Why is April 15, 1993 an important date to the historical society? Thats when the historical societys 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. Are there any historic districts in town? Redding Center was designated a National Register Historic District in 1992. The district consists of about 55 acres and includes 39 contributing historic structures and a cemetery that dates from the 18th and 19th Centuries. Georgetown, which includes parts of Redding, Ridgefield, Wilton and Weston, was designated a National Register Historic District in 1987. There are 144 properties in the district, including the four-story, red brick factory building (1909) in the Gilbert & Bennett wire factory. Are there any history projects in the making? The Redding Historical Societys Living History Project is producing a series of ongoing video biographies documenting
the life and times of colorful Reddingites. Completed programs are available for purchase in DVD and VHS formats at the Mark Twain Library. The Georgetown History Project has produced a film, A Georgetown Story, in association with JEM Films. Viewers learn the mystery of the ghost bell, why Main Street was cut in half, and witness the Flood of 1955, among other historical facts. Three lifelong residents share their stories of growing up, working in, and raising families in Georgetown. Copies on DVD are available. For information, visit georgetownct.org or send e-mail to info@georgetownct,org. Is the town doing anything to preserve its historic sites? The town has completed a townwide survey of historic and archaeological sites. The result is maps pinpointing historically and archaeologically sensitive areas in town to aid town planners in decisions concerning long-term development and preservation policies and they will complement the towns Plan of Conservation and Development.
Demographics
How big is Redding? Redding is 31.5 square miles, about five miles from north to south, roughly seven miles from east to west. It encompasses 4.9% of Fairfield County. The town is bordered on the north by Danbury and Bethel, on the east by Newtown and Easton, on the south by Weston and Easton, and to the West by Ridgefield and Wilton. There are three main sections of Redding: West Redding, Redding Center, and Redding Ridge. Georgetown, an area in the southwestern portion of town, marks the intersection of four towns: Redding, Ridgefield, Wilton, and Weston. Local Zip codes are: West Redding 06896, Redding Center 06875, Redding Ridge 06876, and Georgetown 06829. How many people live here? The population in 2010 was 9,369 (up from 9,144 in 2009), according to the Connecticut Economic Resource Center Redding Town Profile for 2011, provided on the state Web site (ct.gov or simply go to cerc.com). There were 4,717 males and 4,652 females. Reddings population, which was 8,270 in 2000 and 7,927 in 1990, is expected to grow to 9,420 by 2015. In 2010, Fairfield Countys population was approaching 900,000 and the states was more than 3.5 million. What is the median age of Reddingites? The median age of Reddingites in 2010 was 44. For the state, it was 40. A total of 2,964 Reddingites, or 15.5%, fall in the age bracket of 25 to 49 years old, with 2,401, or 12.5%, 50 to 64; 1,901, or 10%, 5 to 17; 1,050, or 5.5%, 65 or older; 584, or 3%, newborn to 4 and 469, or 2.5%, 18 to 24. What is the median price of a house here? The median sales price for homes in Redding for the better part of this past summer was $657,500, according to Multiple Listing Service data. This figure represented an increase of 22%, or $118,500, compared to the previous quarter and an increase of 10.5% compared to the previous year. The average listing price for Redding homes for sale was $877,046 for the week ending Aug 31, up 5.7%, or $47,233, compared to the prevous week and a decline of 6.7%, or
Demographics
september 22, 2011
$63,166, compared to the week ending Aug 10. Average price per square foot was $219, down 6.4% compared to the same period last year. In 2009, the average price was $664,338, compared to $826,770 in 2005, the height of the local real estate market. Redding took a particularly hard-hit in the severe recession with the average house selling price dropping 19% over four years, according to real estate agents who list homes in Redding and Connecticut Multiple Listing Service data. How many households are there? The count was 3,294 in 2010. In 2009, 3,204 households were counted, down from 3,262 in 2008 but up from 2,943 in 2007. What is Reddings median household income? The CERC profile pegged Reddings median household income at $119,788. It was $131,477 in 2009, up from $128,870 in 2007, In 2010, the median household income in Fairfield County was $77,620 and for all of Connecticut, it was $65,686. What is Reddings labor force? According to Connecticuts Department of Labor, as of the end of July 2011, Reddings labor force totaled 4,748. Of that, 4,466 people were employed. That resulted in an unemployment rate of 5.9% (down from 6.2% at the end of July 2010). The state unemployment rate was 9.2% in July 2011, compared to about 9.4% a year earlier. It was 8.2% in 2009.
What is the average temperature by season? The Western Connecticut State University Weather Center (www.wcsu.edu/weather/) 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 accumulation, which includes 38.2 inches of snow. The Danbury area set records of misery (in the words of an ode to the winter of 2010-11 posted at the weather center site), when a series of storms dumped 60 inches of snow from the day after Christmas through Groundhog Day. 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, cabbage, 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 22, 2011
Town Government
Where are the town offices? Most town offices are in Redding Town Hall on Route 107, at 100 Hill Road 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 three years. Offices in the town hall and community center are open Monday through 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. The town owns the annex, also home to the Redding Center post office, which leases space from the town. By late January, the towns health department and zoning office moved from the annex to new quarters in the town hall. The registrars of voters still have an office in town hall but a new one since last year. The reshuffling of town office space came about because of the relocation of the local probate court office out of the town hall to the new Northern Fairfield Country Probate District Court at Bethel Town Hall that serves not only Redding but three other neighboring towns. (See probate judge question/ answer in this section for more details.) All municipal offices are closed Friday, Saturday and 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. The Parks and Recreation Department and Senior Services are in the Redding Community Center, 37 Lonetown Road. The Redding Police Department is at 96 Hill Road. It is open 24 hours a day, every day. Why have the hours of town offices changed? Redding began a four-day work week in July 2008 to try and save money on overhead costs like air conditioning and electricity. These hours are indicated throughout the Answerbook. Who is the chief executive of the town? First Selectman Natalie Ketcham is the towns highest elected official. A Republican, she is serving in her sixth term as first selectman. Endorsed this summer for a seventh term, Ms. Ketcham is running unopposed. She previously served on the Board of Selectmen. She can be reached at 203-938-2002 or firstselectman@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 Takacs (R), in his fourth term and endorsed for a fifth; and Julia C. Pemberton (D), in her first term and endorsed for a second. Both are running unopposed. The board is responsible for managing the town, appointing certain commission members, proposing new construction projects and budgets, and overseeing town roads. The members are elected to two-year terms. The first selectman is salaried; the selectmen receive a stipend. Does Redding have a town charter? 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 towns Web site townofreddingct.org has a directory of all elected and many appointed and employed town officials. The Redding League of Women Voters also produces
a directory that is available at town hall and online at lwvct. org/local-leagues.html. Look for Voter Resources link and then click on They Represent You. Also, a list of major officials appears in the Redding Answerbook. What is the town budget? In early May voters approved a 2011-12 town budget that totals $45.7-million, a 2.34% increase, or slightly more than $1 million more than the 2010-11 budget. Last years $44.7-million budget increased by almost 2% from the year before. The current budget includes $21,353,543 (up more than $703,000 or 3.41% over spending in 2010-11) for Reddings school board budget for the elementary and middle schools plus $11,251,450 (up more than $104,000, an increase of below 1%) for Reddings share of the Region 9 school district budget for Joel Barlow High School that the town finances with Easton. For 2011-12, the selectmens budget is $13,164,089, up almost $239,000 or 1.85% more. Also included is $548,000 for the capital reserve fund. A total of $366,700 was designated for a boiler replacement project at John Read Middle School and for water system improvements at the middle school and Redding Elementary School.
Reddings current tax rate is 22.74 mills (up 2.3% from 22.22 mills in the 2010-11 fiscal year), which means for every $1,000 of assessed property value, Reddingites pay $22.74 in local property taxes.
This mill rate means taxes on an average assessment in Redding of $529,273 has increased by $276.
What is the current tax rate in town?
for50 years
Town Government
september 22, 2011
Where and when do I pay my town taxes? Bills for real estate taxes are sent in June but taxes are due twice each year, on July 1 and Jan. 1. Car taxes are due on July 1, as are fire district taxes. Residents can either mail in their payments or pay in person at town hall. Tax Collector Patricia Moisio has been on the job since 1979. Her office may be reached at 203-938-2706. Failure to receive a tax bill does not exempt a property owner from payment of taxes or any penalties or accrued interest. What do my taxes pay for? Local taxes pay for schools, roads, a portion of the library, police protection, and all other town services. What happens if I dont pay my taxes on time? Residents are charged 1.5% per month interest on all back taxes owed, which works out to an 18% annual percentage rate. If back taxes are owed, the town will put a lien on a property, preventing it from being sold before taxes are paid. Does the town ever foreclose on tax-debtor real estate and have tax sales? If the town is unable to collect back taxes, it will sell the property to the highest bidder to recoup taxes owed. If car taxes are not paid, registration privileges are suspended. Are there any special taxing districts in town? Three special fire districts may tax: Georgetown Fire District, Redding Fire District #1 (includes Redding Ridge and Redding Center), and West Redding Fire District #2. The taxes for each district are different. Tax Collectors are Wanda Mardin (203-544-8933) for Georgetown; Patricia Moisio (203-
938-3077) for Redding; and Renee Stietzel (203-938-3838) for West Redding. Fire district taxes become due on July 1, and must be made by Aug. 1. Payments postmarked on or after Aug. 2 are considered delinquent and will carry an interest penalty of three percent. Fire district taxes may not be paid at Redding Town Hall. The Georgetown sewer district currently encompasses 76 houses and businesses. For information about which district youre in, call the tax collectors office, 203-938-2706. What is the towns bond rating? Standard & Poors gave the town an AAA bond rating, its highest, on a $10.3 million bond issue in July 2010. S&Ps cited the towns extremely favorable, stable economic indicators, which includes a strong, stable property tax base supported by high income levels and low unemployment, its good financial position with a surplus projected for the end of the 2010 fiscal year, and its low debt-to-market ratio, coupled with aboveaverage debt amortization and manageable capital needs. In December 2009, Moodys Investors Service, another rating agency, on its own and not at the towns request, lowered the towns credit rating from Aa1 to Aa2, the result of a recalibration to a global scale. In May of last year, the rating was returned to its original Aa1. Barlows bond rating is AAA as well. The towns AAA credit rating from Standard & Poors should not be affected by S&Ps recent downgrade of the U.S. credit rating from AAA to AA+ with a negative outlook, town finance officials said in mid-August. The credit rating companys downgrade of the U.S. government was not expected to have any effect on Redding. What is the towns grand list? The grand list is an inventory of all the taxable property in town at its assessed value. It includes real estate, motor vehicles and businesses personal property. The towns net taxable grand list as of Oct. 1, 2010, decreased by 0.16%. The total signed/legal net list for 2010 real estate, personal property and motor vehicles on the net grand list is $1,990,241,898, a $3,092,855 decrease. The net grand list is the gross grand list minus exempt property and exemptions, such as for the elderly and veterans. But the grand list would have increased by 0.25% without the loss of an assessment penalty on a private retirement community on the previous list, according to the assessors office. Besides the removal of the assessment penalty and the minimum growth in housing, another reason these assessments were down is because the town settled 10 of the 18 real estate cases from the 2007 revaluation. Real estate assessments make up the bulk of the grand list, and are figured at 70% of Oct. 1, 2007, real market value, when the last property revaluation was conducted in town. Net real estate assessments total $1,833,698,548, a $6,642,034 reduction in assessed value, down 0.36%. Personal property assessments totaled $70,299,184, and also declined, going down $350,107 from the previous list, a 0.50% decrease. Personal property includes commercial and industrial furniture, fixtures and machinery, and unregistered motor vehicles. These assessments are generally based on 70% of depreciated acquisition costs. While there was a decline in real estate and personal property assessments, motor vehicle assessments increased. These assessments totaled $86,244,166, a $3,899,286 increase, or 4.74% more than on the previous list. Motor vehicle assessments are based on 70% of average retail value. On Oct. 1, 2009, Reddings grand list stood at $1.993-billion, a $12.1-million increase or 0.61% higher than the previous
september 22, 2011
Town Government
grand list (which had declined 1.49%). Net real estate assessments had totaled $1,826-billion, up 0.53%. Personal property assessments had totaled $70.6 million, up 0.53% Net motor vehicle assessments had totaled $82.3-million, down 0.40%, as there were fewer cars (9,039 motor vehicles, compared to 9,145 in 2008). How are my property taxes figured? Property taxes are figures by multiplying your assessment x mill rate (.02274). The current mill rate is 22.74 mills or $22.74 per thousand dollars of assessed value. For example an assessment of $100,000 x mill rate .02274 = $2,274 in taxes. Property is assessed at 70% of fair market value at the date of the last revaluation, which was Oct. 1, 2007. This latest revaluation affected tax bills collected in the past four years. Towns must conduct a revaluation every five years. Reddings next revaluation is scheduled for the coming year and will be reflected in assessments for the Oct. 1, 2012 grand list. What are the objectives of a revaluation? A revaluation aims to establish a more equitable distribution of the local tax burden by making assessments current. Since market value is the basis of assessment and is subject to change over a period of time due to any number of factors, it should be subject to periodic review and adjustment. By state mandate, another revaluation will take place in 2012 and will be an update. The methodology is the same but there is no physical inspection. Who determines how much my house is worth for taxing purposes? Reddings Town Assessor John Ford (203-938-2626) is responsible for assessing the value of all real estate, personal property, and motor vehicles. His e-mail address is assessor@townofreddingct.org. How do I find out my houses assessment? A field card for each Redding property is available at the assessors office. The field card, which is part of the public record, shows the value of each property and all structures on it. What do I do if I think my assessment is unfair? The Board of Assessment Appeals meets annually in the winter to review complaints about real estate assessments. It meets in the fall for motor vehicle assessments. For information, call the assessors office at 203-938-2626. The assessors Web page on the towns Web site offers a Q&A on the real estate assessment appeals process and a link to an appeals form. Can veterans or the elderly get tax breaks? There are two tax breaks available for elderly homeowners. The first one is the town benefit for those 65 and older who have lived in Redding three or more years. It does not have any specific income-level requirements. The application period is Feb. 1 through May 15. Once you are receiving the benefit, you do not have to reapply. The second benefit available is offered by the state. You must be 65 or older, and have an income not exceeding $36,500 if married; $29,800 if single. Social Security income is included. There is also an elderly tax renters rebate with the same income requirements as the state benefit mentioned above. The filing period for applications is May 15 to Sept. 15. For an appointment, call Gail Schiron at 203-938-3580. E-mail: socialservices@townofreddingct.org. There is a tax exemption for people who are 100% disabled.
There are also two basic veterans exemptions. The first one is the regular veterans exemption without income guide limits; the second is the Additional Veterans Exemption, with income guide limits. For details on any of these exemptions, call the assessors office at 203-938-2626. What do I do if I get a tax bill for a car I no longer own? The Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) maintains vehicle ownership records, which are forwarded to the assessors office to determine the tax roll for cars owned by Reddingites. If you forgot to turn in the plates of your old vehicle, the DMV will continue to send ownership reports to the town. To remove the car from the tax roll, return the plates to any DMV office the nearest are in Norwalk and Danbury and then take the DMV return receipt to the tax assessors office. If you still own the vehicle and have registered it in another state, you will need to show your new registration. Some details on motor vehicle assessments and whether a credit is warranted are also available at the towns Web site via an assessors office link. What do the registrars of voters do? Duties of the registrars include: registering new voters, maintaining the list of registered voters, and organizing all elections. The Republican registrar is Liz Furrer and the Democratic registrar is Margi Esten. They can be reached in the office at 203-938-5012. Registrars office hours are 9 to noon Monday and Thursday but the town clerks office is available for voter registration Monday through Wednesday, 8:30 to 5:30 and Thursdays, 8:30 to 6.
Town Government
september 22, 2011
What are our political parties and enrollments? As of November 2010, there were 6,841 registered voters in Redding, of whom 2,220 were Republicans and 2,020 Democrats. Most Reddingites, 2,568, were unaffiliated (not enrolled in a political party), plus 33 were members of minor parties. Who can register to vote? Any U.S. citizen living in Redding who is 18 or older. You may register at age 17, as long as you will be 18 by election day. Where and when can I register? Reddingites may register during regular business hours at the town clerks office or through the mail. Call the town clerk at 203-938-2377 or the registrars of voters at 203-938-5012 for a registration form. You may also register at any Department of Motor Vehicles office. Do I need to bring documents when I register? A photo identification such as a drivers license is sufficient identification. If you do not have a drivers license or state ID but do have another form of photo ID, land records or mail addressed to you at a Redding address, that will usually suffice. 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 military service. For what elections can I use absentee ballots? Absentee ballots may be used for any election or referendum and may be obtained at the town clerks 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 warrants a large voter turnout. A referendum may be also called by a petition or by the Board of Selectmen. When do elections of town officials take place? Town elections are held biennially in odd numbered years. Elected officials include members of: The Board of Selectmen, Board of Finance, the Planning Commission, the Zoning Commission, the Redding Board of Education, the Region 9 Board of Education, Board of Assessment Appeals, Zoning Board of Appeals, constables, treasurer, tax collector, and town clerk. The registrars of voters and judge of probate are elected in state election years. Who can vote in a primary? Registered voters who are members of the Democratic or Republican party may vote in that partys primary only. Can I look up old deeds in the town hall? Yes, they may be found at town hall. Are birth, marriage and death records public? Marriage and death records are public record; birth records are not. Birth records may be obtained only by the individual in question or a family member. Besides clergy, who can perform weddings? A justice of the peace or a probate judge can also perform weddings in Connecticut. The office of Town Clerk Michele Grande has a list of the justices of the peace (there are 16 with two vacancies). Office hours are Monday through Wednesday, 8:30 to 5:30 and Thursdays, 8:30 to 6:30. Her phone number is 203-938-2377. Where do I get a marriage license? 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 clerks office (203-938-2377).
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september 22, 2011
Town Government
As of Nov. 12, 2008, same sex marriage became legal in Connecticut. The requirements for entering a same sex marriage 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 were 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? The office of probate judge, an elected position, is currently held by Judge Joseph A. Egan Jr. He administers 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 Egan, a Republican, can perform weddings. The chief clerk, Jacqueline Buckle, is available on a daily basis and the judge by appointment. Call 203-794-8508. Fax: 203-778-7517. Office hours are Monday through Friday from 8:30 to 4:30 in the Clifford J. Hurgin Municipal Center, One School Street, Bethel 06801. By January 2011, the local probate court has had a new location and new name. As part of the consolidation of Connecticuts probate courts, the state legislature in 2009 placed Redding, Ridgefield, Bethel and Newtown in a new probate district, Region 4 South. 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. Last fall Judge Egan was elected the probate judge for the new district. Probate judges are elected to four-year terms. Reddings last local probate judge was Richard L. Emerson, who had served from 1979 to 2010. Where can I apply for a passport? You may obtain a new passport or renew an expired one by filling out an application at your local post office. Applicants need two copies of a current passport-size photo. To renew a passport, applicants will need to send the old passport along with the application. To obtain a new passport, a birth certificate with a raised seal is necessary. Applications must be signed before the issuing agent. For more information call one of the post offices in town. Retired Probate Judge Daniel OGrady is an official passport agent and has opened a passport office at 235 Greenwood Avenue, Bethel. The phone number is 203-798-1009, ext. 12. You may also visit the Connecticut Passport Agency at 50 Washington Street in Norwalk. An appointment is required by calling 1-877-487-2778. This is also where you may obtain visas for foreign travel. You may renew your passport by mail if: you have it to submit, you received it within the past 15 years, you were over age 16 when it was issued, and you still have the same name or can legally document your name change. Otherwise, you must renew in person. Renewal applications are available online at travel.state.gov. Dont wait to renew. You may have some trouble if your passport expires in less than six months. For complete information, visit the U.S. State Department site at state.gov. What does the building department do? In compliance with the Connecticut State Building Codes, the building department (203-938-2558) issues permits for all new construction, alterations, remodeling, additions, renovations, temporary structures, decks, storage buildings, and some
repairs. These permits are generally issued after approvals from the planning, zoning, conservation, and health departments. The building department is in the Town Hall Annex. Office hours are 7 to noon and 1 to 5:30, Monday through Thursday. What does the building officer do? Reddings building official, Shaun Donnelly, former assistant building official for 11 years, reviews and grants all building permits and inspects renovations and new construction. He issues certificates of occupancy after work has been inspected and passed. Does the town have a land use coordinator? Jo-an Brooks (203-938-3721) is the land use coordinator 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 posted, at 7:30 p.m., in the Old Town House. Members, who are elected, are listed under Town Officials. What does the towns Zoning Commission do? The Zoning Commission determines how commercial and residential land is used in Redding by establishing and enforcing the towns zoning regulations. It is also makes sure all town
Town Government
september 22, 2011
properties follow the towns zoning regulations. Meetings take place the second and fourth Wednesday, 7:30 p.m., in the town hall. The office moved to the town hall early this year, down the hall from the town clerks office. It 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 nonconforming 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 towns wetlands and conservation director, inspects town properties to make sure they conform with the towns zoning regulations. If they dont, 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 committees 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-
tees Web site is reddingdemocrats.org. You may also call First Selectman Natalie Ketcham, 203-9382002. The two major parties town committees recommend and endorse candidates for appointed and elected positions. How are candidates for town boards and commissions chosen? Candidates for most boards and commissions are recommended by either the Republican Town Committee or the Democratic Town Committee. Generally, appointed members are chosen by the Board of Selectmen, which may or may not follow the recommendation of a town committee. Elected officials are chosen by the voters after the parties made their nominations and endorsements at caucuses and party town committee meetings. What boards and commissions have appointed members? Members of the Water Pollution Control Commission, the Conservation Commission, the Commission for the Elderly, the Park and Recreation Commission, and the Board of Ethics are appointed, generally by the Board of Selectmen. The selectmen also appoint the alternate members on the Planning Commission and the Zoning Commission. What can the Town Meeting do? The Town Meeting, the legislative body of Reddings local government, approves the towns major spending (such as the annual budget), new capital projects (such as the renovation or new construction of schools or town offices), and adopts or amends town ordinances. Any registered Redding voter may participate, which means talk, propose motions, and vote. Any Redding taxpayer who is at least 18, a U.S. citizen, and has property worth at least $1,000 on the current grand list, may also participate and vote. When does the Annual Town Meeting occur? 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 towns 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. How about the other Town Meetings that arent the annual budget session? Because Redding has a town meeting form of government and since it has no charter, it operates under state statues so any expenditure outside the annual budget operations goes to a Town Meeting. However, there is a provision in the statutes that allows for citizens to petition for a Town Meeting decision to be moved to a machine vote, which people typically call a referendum. The opportunity to go to a machine vote rests solely with the public. Any citizen may circulate a petition to move one or more items from a town meeting agenda to a machine vote. Official petition forms are available from the town clerks office. The petition must contain the validated signatures of at least 200 Redding residents to force the machine vote, plus the petition must be submitted to the town clerk 24 hours before the town meeting. If an item on the Town Meetings agenda is moved to a machine vote, it may still be discussed at the meeting, but the meeting moderator adjourns voting to the machines. The Town Meeting sets the date of the machine vote.
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september 22, 2011
Town Government
What does the town clerk do? Town Clerk Michele Grande maintains all land, birth, death, and marriage records. She also issues marriage 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. ODonnell. 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 government, 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 responsible for meeting financial data needs for departments, and pays employees. Reddings controller is Steve Gniadek. What does the Conservation Commission do? The seven-member, appointed Conservation Commission maintains and preserves the towns wetlands and waterways. It periodically prepares an inland wetlands map and an open space map, and maintains an index of both public and private open space land areas. Anyone who wants to build on or near wetlands must appear before the commission. The commission meets the first and third Tuesdays at 7:30 p.m. in the Old Town House. Members are David Pattee, chairman; Joseph W. Beres III, Victor DeMasi, Stuart H. Green, William Hill, Wallace G. Perlman, Jeremiah K. Ross Jr. What does the Park and Recreation Commission do? The Park and Recreation Commission maintains Topstone Park, and oversees the development of recreational activities for all ages. The commissions appointed members are: Paul H. Degener, chairman; Todd H. Bennett, Paula D. Darlington, Jan H. Dorenbosch, Susan Goldman, Gordon Loery, Meredith C. McClung, Gary H. Miyashiro and Scott R. Palmer. They meet the fourth Monday of the month, 7:30 p.m., in the Redding Community Center. What does the Board of Ethics do? The Board of Ethics, which meets three times a year, handles any complaints involving the ethics of town officials or employees. Its appointed members are Walter C. King II, chairman; Susan V. Green, Linda J. Koch, Elaine V. Mintz and Elaine Wyden. Hank Bielawa is an alternate. What does the Commission on Aging do? The Commission on Aging supports the social, health, and welfare needs of Redding seniors. It is involved in many programs such as flu shots for seniors, collection of old cell phones senior can use to call 911, and running the food bank. Its appointed members are Rosalind Kopfstein, chair; Janet A. Cianci, Samuel E. M. Crocker, Florence H. Hayes, Lore S.
Handy, Janet P. Metzger, William F. Morris, Alice B. Pardee and Jean L. Whitham. They meet the first Wednesday of the month (except August), 9 a.m., in the Redding Community Center. What is the Water Pollution Control Commission? The commission oversees the Georgetown Sewer District. Appointed members are: Richard A. Regan, chairman; Daniel (Todd) Eubanks, Thomas R. Flagg, Natalie Ketcham, David R. Pattee and Daniel Robinson. Meetings are the third Wednesday, 7:30 p.m., at town hall. What is a notary public? Where can I find one? A notary public is someone legally empowered to witness signatures, certify documents, and take depositions and affidavits. Some may charge a small fee for their service. Every bank has one on staff. Some real estate agents are notary publics. A notary public is available at the Redding Community Center on Thursday afternoons from 2 to 3. Call 938-9725 for an appointment. Who is our state senator? Redding is in the 26th senatorial district, which covers 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 1-800-8421421 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 in the fall of 2012.
Town Government
september 22, 2011
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 (which also includes parts of Weston and Easton), represented by John Shaban, a Redding Republican elected to his first time last November. He serves on the Finance, Environment and Judiciary committees. Write to Mr. Shaban at House Republican Office, L.O.B. Room 4200, Hartford, CT 06106 or call 1-800842-1423. In Redding: 29 Ledge wood Dr., Redding, CT 06896; phone 203-664-1015. His Web site is at repshaban.com. A strip of Redding to the north is in the 2nd House District (which also includes parts of Bethel and Danbury), represented by Daniel Carter, a Bethel Republican elected last fall. He serves on the Public Health, Energy and Technology and Bank committees. He can be reached at House Republican Office, L.O.B. Room 4200, Hartford, CT 06106 or call 1-800-8421423. In Bethel: 4 Rector Street, Bethel, CT 06801; phone: 203-798-0776. His Web site is at repcarter.com. Who represents us in Congress? Redding is in the 4th Congressional District and is represented by Jim Himes, a Democrat from Greenwich who was elected to a second, two-year term last fall. His local office is at 888 Washington Blvd., Stamford 069012927. Local phone numbers are 203-310-7711; fax 203-2107703 In Washington, he is at 214 Cannon HOB, Washington, DC
20515; 202-225-5541, fax 202-225-9629; Web site: himes. house.gov. Who are Connecticuts senators? Junior senator, Richard Blumenthal, a former attorney general for the state, joins senior senator Joseph Lieberman. Write to or visit Senator Blumenthal, a Democrat, at 30 Lewis Street, Suite 101, Hartford CT 06103, call 860-258-6940. His office in the nations capital is at G55 Dirksen Senate Office Building, Washington, D.C. 20510, phone: 202-224-2823. Email: Blumenthal@senate.gov. Web site: blumenthal.senate. gov. Senator Lieberman, an independent who caucuses with the Democrats, may be reached at 706 Hart Senate Building, Washington, D.C. 20510, 202-224-4041; or 1 Constitution Plaza, 7th Floor, Hartford 06103, 800-225-5605, fax 860-5498478; or e-mail Senator_Lieberman@Lieberman.senate.gov. Web site: lieberman.senate.gov. He has announced that he will not seek re-election in 2012. How do I reach the governor? Write to Gov. Dannel P. Malloy at State Capitol, 210 Capitol Avenue, Hartford 06106, call 800-406-1527, or 860-5664840. The govenors Web site is ct.gov/malloy. Mr. Malloy, a Democrat and a former Stamford mayor, was elected to his first four-year term in November 2010.
Town Officials
Board of Selectmen
First Selectman Natalie T. Ketcham (R) Selectman Julia C. Pemberton (D) Selectman Donald Takacs (R) 56 Wagon Wheel Rd. 159 Umawaug Rd. 17 Dorethy Rd. 203-938-2002 203-938-8603 203-938-9106 G. Marshall Sanford (R) Joseph V. Ventricelli (D) Vacancy (R) Turney Rd. 22 Winding Brook Ln. 203-938-2424 203-938-4004
Board of Finance
William E. Alvarez, Jr. (R-ch) Francis E. DeSalvo (R) Joseph P. Dolan (D) Rand R. Guffey (R) Ward J. Mazzucco (R) Kim Yonkers (D)
Zoning Board of Appeals

Michael P. Thompson (R-ch) Colleen Brown Litof (R) Robert A. Morton (D) Henry J. Polio (R) Elizabeth F. Williams (D) Trevor Ernst Furrer (R-alt) Robert Bruce Given (R-alt) Paul R. Scholl (D-alt)
57 Dayton Rd. 113 Mountain Rd. 2 Windy Hill Rd. 127 Peaceable St. 44 Wood Rd. Goodrich Rd.
203-938-3677 203-438-4078 203-938-7465 203-544-8408 203-938-0158 203-938-2587
34 Old Stagecoach Rd. 35 Pine Mountain Rd. 274 Poverty Hollow Rd 27 Gallows Hill Rd. 4 Dorethy Rd. 51 Old Stagecoach Rd. 41 Old Stagecoach Rd. 60 Cross Hwy
203-938-9535 203-544-8216 203-938-2992 203-938-8587 203-938-0398 203-938-3789 203-938-3907 203-938-4881
Redding Board of Education

Jess W. Gaspar (R-ch) James Barickman (D) Lewis Brey (R) Lewis Goldberg (R) Kathleen M. Joyce Kirk (D) David Lewson (R) Edward Miller (D)
14 Black Rock Tnpk 3 Churchill Ln. 4 Costa Ln. 55 Dayton Rd. 222 Redding Rd. 86 Drummer Ln. 19 Lampost Dr.
203-938-3847 203-938-2403 203-664-1252 203-938-2105 203-544-9437 203-938-0479 203-938-1919
Board of Assessment Appeals

Greg Stackpole (R-ch) Mary Lou B. Claremont (D) Scott R. Palmer
39 Picketts Ridge Rd. 102 Black Rock Tnpk. 76 Gallows Hill Rd.
203-438-8975 203-938-3162 203-938-2476
Other Officials
Region 9 Board of Education

Mark Lewis (D-ch) Chris Hocker (R) Leon J. Karvelis Jr. (D) Joe Macchio (R)
11 Highland Ave. 45 Picketts Ridge Rd. 42 Umpawaug Rd. 50 Sport Hill Rd.
203-544-7061 203-438-3805 203-938-3299 203-938-3639
Planning Commission
Diane F. Taylor (R-ch) Michael V. Bakanas (R) Robert B. Dean (D) Thomas R. Flagg (R) Nancy E. King (D)
Umpawaug Rd. 90 Gallows Hill Rd. 67 Hill Road 23 Old Mailcoach Rd. 32 Seventy Acres Rd.
203-938-3152 203-938-2000 203-938-8817 203-938-3088 203-438-3398
Assessor John E. Ford IV assessor@townofreddingct.org Building Ofcer Shaun Donnelly building@townofreddingct.org Health Ofcer Douglas Hartline health@townofreddingct.org Highway Super Bruce Sanford highway@townofreddiingct.org Land Use Coordinator Jo-An Brooks landuse@townofreddingct.org Human Services Director Gail Schiron socialservice@townofreddingct.org Police Chief Douglas Fuchs dfuchs@reddingpolice-ct.us Probate Judge Joseph A. Egan Jr. 1 School Street, Bethel Town Clerk Michele Grande townclerk@townofreddingct.org Tax Collector Patricia Moisio taxcollector@townofreddingct.org Zoning Enfnt Ofcer Robert Flanagan zoning@townofreddingct.org Town Treasurer Margaret ODonnell treasurer@townofreddingct.org Schools Superintendent Bernard Josefberg bjosefberg@er9.org Registrar of Voters Margaret B. Esten (D) 100 Hill Road Registrar of Voters Elizabeth A. Furrer (R) 100 Hill Road
203-938-2626 203-938-2558 203-938-2559 203-938-2801 203-938-3721 203-938-9725 203-938-3400 203-794-8508 203-938-2377 203-938-2706 203-938-8517 203-938-3616 203-261-2513 203-938-5012 203-938-5012
Zoning Commission
Gerald L. Casiello (R-ch) Benjamin L. Gordon (D)
152 Gallows Hill Rd. 23 Side Cut Rd.
203-938-3811 203-938-9108
september 22, 2011
Schools
Where is the school district office? The central office for the superintendent of schools and the three boards of education (Redding, Easton and Region 9) is at 654 Morehouse Road in Easton (P.O. Box 500/06612). To reach the central office by phone, call 203-261-2513 or fax 203-2614549 or 203-261-7936. The Web site is www.er9.org. 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 superintendent, approves administrators, adopts books and courses, negotiates staff contracts, and hears citizen appeals. In Redding, the school board oversees Redding Elementary School and John Read Middle School. For Region 9, theres a school board that oversees Joel Barlow High School, which serves Redding and Easton. The Redding Board of Education meets the first Tuesday, 7:30 p.m., or as posted, at John Read Middle School in the Community Room there unless posted otherwise. Dr. Jess Gaspar (203-938-3847/e-mail: jgaspar@reddingps.org) is the chairman. The Region 9 Board of Education meets the third Tuesday, 7 p.m. in the Joel Barlow High School library/media center unless otherwise noted when agendas are posted. Mark Lewis (e-mail: Mdlewis@mdlewis.com) is chair, and Dr. Bernard Josefsberg, who has been in education for 35 years, began the new school year as the new superintendent of schools. He succeeded Dr. Michael Cicchetti, who retired on June 30. Dr. Josefsberg may be reached at 203-261-2513, ext. 101, or via e-mail to bjosefsberg@er9.org.
What public schools are in town? Three schools serve Redding children. They are: Redding Elementary (prekindergarten through fourth grade), 33 Lonetown Road (203-938-2519). (Ms.) Stephanie Pierson Ugol is principal. E-mail: spierson@reddingps.org. Web site: reddingelementaryps.org or er9.org/res. John Read Middle School (fifth through eighth grades), 486 Redding Road (203-938-2533). (Mrs.) Diane Martin (dmartin@reddingps.org) is principal. Web site: johnreadps.org or er9.org/jrms. Joel Barlow High School (ninth through 12th grade), 100 Black Rock Turnpike (203-938-2508, er9.org/jbhs). Thomas H. McMorran (tmcmorran@region9ps.org or 203-938-2508, ext. 1501) is principal. Web site: joelbarlow.org. School mascot: falcon. Redding is a partner district in the Western Connecticut Academy for International Studies Elementary Magnet School (203-778-7462) at 201 University Boulevard, Danbury. This is an inter-district school with a mission to provide a global perspective in its education of area students in kindergarten through fifth grade. The application deadline has passed, so students names submitted at this point will be added at the end of the waiting list. Check with the district office or go online at er9.org (or danbury.k12.ct.us) for more details. How many children attend each school? The official enrollment in each school is taken Oct. 1. As of late August, the enrollment at Redding Elementary School was expected to total 588 students, down from 661 last year and lower than the anticipated 609. In 2009, there were 670.
Schools
september 22, 2011
Total enrollment of 588 was also the expectation at John Read Middle School, six more students than last year and four more than anticipated by projections. In 2009, there were 595. Joel Barlow High School was expected to start the new year with its largest student population in many years. In late August, the enrollment was estimated at 1,015, up from 974 last year and five short of 1,020 projected, but late registrations were expected. In 2009, there were 959. The school district has about 325 teachers. What are the hours of operation at the schools? Redding Elementary School is in session from 8:10 to 2:40, John Read Middle School from 9 to 3:30, and Joel Barlow High School, 7:30 to 2:07. Delayed openings are at 9:40 for Redding Elementary School, 10:30 at John Read Middle School, and 9 a.m. for Joel Barlow High School. Early dismissals are at noon for Joel Barlow High School, 12:40 at Redding Elementary School, and 1:30 at John Read Middle School. What school holidays and vacations are planned? Tropical Storm Irene postponed plans to open schools on Aug. 31; instead they opened after Labor Day. Holidays and vacations include: Sept. 29, Rosh Hashanah; Oct. 7, staff day, no school for K-8; Oct. 10, Columbus Day; Nov. 23, early dismissal; Nov. 24-25, Thanksgiving recess; Dec. 26-30, holiday recess including Christmas Day; Jan. 2, New Years Day observed; Jan. 13, staff day, no school for K-8; Jan. 16, Martin Luther King Jr. Day; Feb. 20, Presidents Day; Feb. 21-24, winter recess; April 6, Good Friday; April 16-20, spring recess; and May 28, Memorial Day. The tentative last day for Region 9 students was June 12 for JBHS students and for Redding K8 students, it was June 13, but the late start to the school year will change that. The end of the school year also depends on the number of snow days used. A plan is in effect to consider using vacation days as potential makeup days. Check the calendar posted at the school districts Web site. How and when do I register a child for school? Redding Elementary School sends out a kindergarten registration packet in November. Registration is usually the first or second Wednesday in December. At other times, or for other grades, call the individual school, talk to the secretary, and arrange to fill out the necessary forms. The schools require a birth certificate, proof of address and proof of immunization. Transferring students also need copies of their transcripts or report cards. When can my child enter kindergarten? Any child who turns five on or before Jan. 1 may enter kindergarten the following fall. Parents have the option to wait a year but should notify the school they are doing so. Parents should call the elementary school and discuss any placement concerns with the principal. However, the decision is left up to the parents. How did students perform on the Connecticut Mastery Tests? The Connecticut Mastery Test was given to third through eighth graders during the spring of 2011. Following are the scores indicating the percentage of students who scored at or above goal: Grade 3: math - 89.1%; reading - 78.2%; writing - 84.3% Grade 4: math - 90.1%; reading - 80.7%; writing - 82.1% Grade 5: math - 93.4%; reading - 87.9%; writing - 90.2%;
science - 82.9% Grade 6: math - 94.9%; reading - 83.6%; writing - 83.6% Grade 7: math - 95.9%; reading - 97.9%; writing - 88.1% Grade 8: math - 93.8%; reading - 98.6%; writing - 89.9%; science - 87.2% What about the CAPTs? The Connecticut Academic Performance Tests, known as the CAPTs, test for proficiency in math, science, reading, and writing. The latest scores available are for the tests taken in spring 2011 by Joel Barlow High School sophomores. The percentages of students achieving at or above goal are as follows: math - 85%; science - 79.6%; reading - 82.1%; 91.9% writing. (Last years scores: math - 75.7%; science - 79%; reading - 78.8%; writing - 90.3%). The Region 9 District finished first in its District Reference Group in writing on the 2011 CAPT. (Besides Easton and Redding, the group includes Darien, New Canaan, Ridgefield, Westport, Weston and Wilton). Region 9s largest increase on the CAPT was in mathematics, where the score improved by 9.3 percentage points over last years score; however, it finished sixth in the DRG in math. Region 9 finished fourth in reading in the DRG. The smallest increase for Region 9 was in science, which inched up 0.6 percentage points, having finished third in the DRG. The state averages: math, 49.6%, science, 47.2%, reading, 44.8% and writing, 61.3%. What is the average SAT score for seniors at the high school? Students at Joel Barlow High School took the 2011 version of the Scholastic Aptitude Test, which included a writing section and was based on a perfect score of 2,400. The Class of 2010s averaged a total math, reading and writing score of 1,712. The mean math score was 561, the mean reading score was 571 and the mean writing score was 580. Total average scores for some area suburban school districts: New Canaan, 1,796; Weston, 1,793; Darien, 1,780; Westport, 1,777; Wilton, 1,768; Ridgefield, 1,734. Barlow students who took the test last year averaged a total score of 1,725, up from 1,685 by the Class of 2008 and 1,675 by the Class of 2007. Does John Read Middle School have extracurricular activities? The middle school has intramurals, clubs, student activities, a student government, an honor society, a yearbook, music performance groups, annual theater productions, a chorus, and school store. What interscholastic sports does the high school offer? Broken down by season, Joel Barlow High School offers the following varsity, junior varsity, and freshman sports: Fall: boys: cross country (V), football (V, JV), soccer (V, JV); girls: cheerleading (V), cross country (V), field hockey (V, JV), soccer (V, JV), swimming (V), volleyball (V, JV). Winter: boys: basketball (V, JV, F), ice hockey (V), skiing (V), wrestling (co-op with Weston); girls: basketball (V, JV), cheerleading (V), skiing (V). Spring: boys: baseball (V, JV), golf (V), lacrosse (V, JV), tennis (V), volleyball (V); girls: softball (V, JV), lacrosse (V, JV), tennis (V), track (V). The school colors are black and gold. The school mascot is the falcon.
september 22, 2011
Schools
What extracurricular activities are available? Joel Barlow has many clubs. These offerings are based on student interest and are subject to change. They include: Acapella Choir; AmeriCares; Anti-defamation League; Art Club; Barlow Players; Chess Club; CISCO/Graphics Lab; Debate Club; Diversity Club; Fencing Club; Film Club; Fishing Club; French Club; Frisbee Club; Future Business Leaders of America; Games (Board) Club; Hackey Sack Club; H.O.P.E. (Helping Other People Everywhere) Club; Hip Hop Club; Intramurals; Latin Club; Literary Magazine; Math Team; Mock Trial; Mosaic (student newspaper); National Honor Society; One With Nature; Paws for a Cause; Peer Mediators; PEERS; Philosophy Club; Photo Club; Ping Pong Club; Reading Club; Sexual Awareness Group; S.O.U.P. (Serving Our Under Privileged); Sports Conditioning; Student Council; Tabletop Gaming; and Teen Life Management Association. See the schools handbook for more information. How can I find out if school is canceled because of bad weather? In bad weather, announcements are made between 6 and 8 a.m. on WLAD 800 AM, WICC 600 AM, WTIC 1080 AM, WEBE 108 FM, STAR 99.9 FM, WTNH Channel 8, WFSB Channel 3 and Cablevision Channel 12. School closings, early dismissals, and early openings may be found on the Internet at ctweather.com and district Web site: er9.org. The John Read Middle School offers a service called Voice Reach, in which a recorded message regarding school closings will be telephoned to a home number. Weather-related announcements are also available on the middle school voice mail, 203-938-2533, press 7. Parents are advised not to call the Redding police or the school offices. What is the school systems policy for providing school bus service? The school does not provide door-to-door service. Although a bus stop may be in front of someones house, in general the following rules apply: Students in kindergarten through third grade may be required to walk up to 1,200 feet; students in fourth through eighth grade may be required to walk up to 2,500 feet; and students in ninth through 12th grade may be required to walk up to a mile. Bus routes are available online at the school district Web site and are password protected. A bus transportation opt-out form is also available there. What is the current school budget? The Redding Board of Educations 2010-11 budget is $20.6million, up about $601,100 or 3.5% from the 2009-10 budget for Redding Elementary School and John Read Middle School. Reddings share of the total Region 9 budget is $11.14-million, an increase of about $124,000 or 1.12% over last year. Easton pays the other portion. Reddings portion of the budget is based on the number of students enrolled at Joel Barlow. The total Region 9 budget of $21.2-million increased up by 2.76%. In mid-July, the school board reported that because of a combination of good management, tight expense controls and other factors, there was an estimated projection of a $120,000 surplus in the 2009-10 operating budget. What is the starting salary for a teacher? In Redding, for the 2009-10 school year, the starting salary 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, those numbers will increase to $44,992 and $91,835; and in
2011-12 the contract stipulates a B.A. at Step 1 earns $46,150 and a teacher with a Ph.D. at Step 13 will earn $94,199. At Joel Barlow High School, the starting pay in the past year was $47,644 for a teacher with a B.A. at Step 1 and went up to $101,269 for a teacher with a Ph.D. at Step 16. In 2010-11, the same steps will earn $49,026 and $104,206; and in 2011-12 $50,497 and $107,332. By state law, all Connecticut public school teachers must have a masters degree to teach beyond 10 years. Who is the superintendent of schools? Dr. Bernard Josefsberg is the new superintendent for the tri-school district in this new school year. Formerly the superintendent in Leonia, N.J., he has worked in education for 35 years and has an undergraduate degree in English from Columbia University and a graduate degree from the University of Chicago. He earned his doctorate in 1993 from Teachers College at Columbia University. The former superintendent, Dr. Michael Cicchetti, who had announced his decision to depart last November, retired on June 30. The superintendents salary is $210,000 per year with a $20,000 annuity. Assistant superintendent for curriculum and instruction is Marie McPadden (203-261-2513, ext. 103; e-mail: mmcpadden@er9.org.) What is special education? Whom does it help? Special education includes a variety of programs designed to support children who may have unique learning needs. Among those helped by special education are children with learning disabilities, physical handicaps and emotional problems, and men-
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Schools
september 22, 2011
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How can I find out if my child should have special edu
tally challenged children. Special education is federally mandated, but the town pays about 96% of the cost of programs.
What special education resources are in the area? SPED*NET is the Special Education Network of New Canaan, a monthly forum for discussing special education and section 504 issues. It is an independent nonprofit. Information 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 net work 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 information, call the Child Development Infoline at 1-800-505-7000 or visit online at birth23.org.
tors: Brian Farrell (bfarrell@reddingps.org) or Cheryl Freeston (cfreeston@reddingps.org) at Redding Elementary (203-9382519) or John Read Middle School (203-938-2533), and at Joel Barlow, Mrs. Roszko at 203-938-2508, ext. 1545 to discuss your concerns. You will be advised of your legal rights should a disagreement continue.
What is the Redding Education Foundation? Formed by Redding volunteers, the foundation raises private money to promote opportunities for educational excellence. For details, visit reddingeducationfoundation.org, call 203-938-1411 or send an e-mail to info@reddingeducationfoundation.org.
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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 f generations)ceip A( to further the interests of Redding schools. (A piecentoitcherish for hsirehc ot e )s o areneg ro There is also a PTA Council of Easton and Redding, which serves as an advisory board for all five PTAs in Redding and Also, save ,s naB gnid Wedding Bands, evas ,osl Anniversary Bands,Easton. Stud Earrings, Diamond aiD ,sdnaB yrasrevinnA dnomaiDondDiamond deW dnomaiD noDiamondA The Redding Special Education Parent Teacher Association aiD htiw tes sgnirraE dnaDiamondtePendants,eNecklaces,tnadneP dnomaiDand Earrings set with Diamonds, Emeralds, sgniR ,s lecarB ,s calkceN ,s Bracelets, Rings (SEPTA) supports nots esool fo noitceles egraL Rubies randirSapphireserihallapricearanges. Large selection of loose stones, gem quality children with special needs and educates oth.segna ec p lla ni s in pp S dn seibuR sapphires, dna seib r ,sdla and ,serihppa to etirovaf nwo ruoy ngised ot ,etinaznatemeralds,urubies remetanzanite, s design your own favorite about those needs. For information, call the district office at ers piece of jewelry. 203-261-2513.
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431 Post Road East, Westport, Compo Shopping Center Suite 18, Second Floor (Above Cohen Optical)
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What nursery or preschools are here or nearby? Nursery schools include: Creative Play, 992 Danbury Road, Hours: Tues-Sat 10-5pmyror ih a saappointment by h . .S xe dna sdnomaid ytilauq enif htiS.Z.rhasoasuc gniylofpsupplyingscustomersZwith fine quality diamonds and excellent service. w s em t history p us fo ot Wilton, 203-544-7575; Montessori School of Redding, 25 Cross Highway, 203-938-9346; Cobble Creek Play School, 32 Side
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May I rent space in a school to give a night course or a special program? Yes, for a charge and under very limited conditions. To inquire about scheduling and procedures, call John Read Middle School at 203-938-2533; Redding Elementary School at 203-938-2519; or Joel Barlow High School at 203-938-2508.
september 22, 2011
Schools
one-of-a-kind pieces of jewelry. Buy from the What private schools are available? .eceip yreve ot nevig era liated ot noitnetta andsluxury. Consummate sskill mmusnoC .ydirectna attention to detail are giv gni imorpmocnu dna llik eta and uncompromising ruxul d manufacturer at truly wholesale prices and SAVE! Housatonic Valley Waldorf School (203-364-1113/waldorfct.org) in Newtown offers classes for pre-K through eighth grade. Ridgefield Academy (203-894-1800/ridgefieldacademy. As a diamond cutter and manufacturer, we com) in Ridgefield offers preschool through eighth grade (203guarantee and accompany each diamond 894-1800/ridgefieldacademy.com). The Wooster School in Danbury (203-830-3900/woosterschool.org) offers programs with a certicate of authenticity from GIA for kindergarten through 12th grade. (Gemological Institute of America). The most Maimonides Early Education (formerly Maimonides widely recognized laboratory in the world, Academy of Western Connecticut in Danbury/mawcschool. org), which has an early childhood program, has relocated to used extensively by the diamond industry. Ridgefield at Temple Shearith Israel, at 46 Peaceable Street, (203-748-7129; e-mail NaavaMEE@aol.com) this fall. It is the only Jewish day school in northern Fairfield County. You can reach Temple Shearith at 203-438-6589. Saint Mary Catholic School (203-438-7288/smsridgefield. org) in Ridgefield offers full-day and half-day classes for three, four- and five-year-olds plus kindergarten (full-day) through eighth grade. Our Lady of Fatima in Wilton (203-762-8100/ olfrs.org) is a Catholic school for three- and four-year-olds and children in kindergarten through eighth grade. Fatima has an allday kindergarten. In Wilton there is also Connecticut Friends School on Route 106 (203-762-9860/ctfriendsschool.org), a Round Radiant Princess Quaker School that offers kindergarten through eighth grade classes. Fairfield Prep (203-254-4000/prep.fairfield.edu), a boys-only Catholic high school, is run by Jesuits. Immaculate High School (203-744-1510/immaculatehs.org) is a coed high school in Danbury. In New Canaan, St. Lukes (203-966-5612/ stlukesct.org) has grades five through 12 and New Canaan Country School (203-972-0771/countryschool.net) kindergarten through ninth grade. Emerald Ascher Cushion
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Cut Road, 203-938-8788; Christ Church Pre-School, Cross Highway, 203-938-1052; Landmark of Ridgefield Academys Redding campus, 20 Portland Avenue, Georgetown, 203-5448393 (Web site: LandmarkPreschool.org); Pinewood Learning . yrle Kids sece -fo-e only place to purchase manufacture one-of-a-kind pieces We caf diamonds and mdiamond Center, 9 Picketts Ridge Road, 203-894-1777;..and wej foTimeip dnik-aThe no erutcutunam dna sdnoa aid tuc eWis at YZ Preschool, 32 Portland Avenue, 203-544-1266. !evaS dna secirP elaselMfg. ylurTBuydiamondsTruly manufacture and Save ohW We cut tceriD yatB and Wholesale Prices ta Direct u Jewelry
Is there an adult education program here? No. Danbury (203-797-4733), Ridgefield (203-431-9995) and Wilton (203-834-7694) school districts offer extensive continuing education programs. Western Connecticut Regional Adult Education (203-797-4731) offers ESL, citizenship, Adult Basic Education Skill Program, and high school completion programs.
Where can I take college courses nearby? Western Connecticut State University (203-837-8200/ wcsu.edu) in Danbury offers both graduate,sandraE dutS dnomaiD ,sdnaB yrasrevinnA dnomaiDondDiamond deW dnomBands,oDiamondA Also, save ,s naB gnid Wedding aiD n evas ,osl Anniversary Bands, Diam gnir undergraduate courses as does the University of ConnecticutemE ,Stamfordtiw tes sgnirraE dnaDiamondtePendants,eNecklaces,tnadneP dnomaiDand Earrings set with Diam ,sdlar in sdnomaiD h sgniR ,s lecarB ,s calkceN ,s Bracelets, Rings (203-322-3466/stamford.uconn.edu) and FairfielduqUniversityesool fo noitceles egraL Rubies randirSapphireserihallapricearanges. Large selection of loose stone ytila meg ,senots .segna ec p lla ni s in pp S dn seibuR sapphires, dna seib r ,sdla em ,serihppa to .yrlewej f College (203-254-4000/fairfield.edu). Norwalk Communityo eceip etirovaf nwo ruoy ngised ot ,etinaznatemeralds,urubies randetanzanite, s design your own favorite p (203-857-7000/ncc.commnet.edu) offers a complete degree .smeG dna sdnomaiD tuoba noitacude etelpCome visit evigweiw ewgive tyou a moC moc a uoy us, ll will ,su isiv e complete education about Diamonds program.
Also save on diamond wedding bands, diamond anniversary bands, diamond stud earrings, Handcrafted n dnomaid dna andhdiamond 1 detfarcdnaH ecalkce 18Kt sapphire eri ppas tK8 necklace diamond with o eulb rewnecklaces, meg htiw tes rings set pendants, olfcornflower q bracelets, lav gem quality nroc ytilau blue oval and earringsstset.2with tdiamonds,c0emeralds, rubies sapphires 1 2 dna hgweighttot .st22.10cts. ppas . c0 50cts. total iew la and 5 serih total weight aiddiamonds. .s nom in ni t ranges. and sapphires indall pricehgiew latot Come visit (A piecentoitcherish for generations) eip A( )s o areneg rof hsirehc ot ec us, well give you a complete education about diamonds and gems.
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431 Post Road East, Westport, Compo Shopping Center Suite 18, Second Floor (Above Cohen Optical)
Is there an art school or studio nearby? Paint, Draw & More! Studio (203-544-8551/paintdrawmore.com), 25 Old Mill Road, West Redding, offers art classes for children and adults. 431 Post RoadtneC gWestportoCompotroptseW ,tCenteroR tsoP 134 re East, nippohS pmoC Shopping saE da Silvermine School of Art (203-966-6668/silvermineart.org) in New Canaan provides year-round art instruction for adults, Suite 18, SecondtpO nehoC evoCohen olF dnoceS ,81 etiuS )laci Floor (Above bA( ro Optical) youths, and juniors. The Ridgefield Guild of Artists (203(203) 222-18941or 22 ro 4981-222 )302( 034 -1 221-1430 438-8863/rgoa.org) on Halpin Lane off Prospect Ridge offers Hours: Tues-Sat 10-5pmyror ih a saappointment .ec res tnelle e dna w s em t history p us fo ot by h . .S instruction for beginners and advanced students.ivTherescxalso sdnomaid ytilauq enif htiS.Z.rhasoasuc gniylofpsupplyingscustomersZwith fine quality diamonds and exc the Wooster Community Art Center (203-743-6311) in
Its Worth a Trip From Anywhere
203-222-1894
Schools
september 22, 2011
Danbury. Is there a dance school in the area? The Conservatory of Dance (203-544-8455/conservatoryof-dance.com) is at 19 Main Street, Georgetown. Art of Dance (203-544-9821/artofdancegtown.com), 991 Danbury Road, Georgetown, offers ballet, jazz, tap, and hip-hop. It is also home to the Western Connecticut Youth Ballet Company. The Millennium School of Irish Dance, LLC (203-544-9868/millennium-school.com) in Ridgefield has a location for classes in Georgetown. Where is the nearest vocational school? Henry Abbott Regional Vocational and Technical School
(203-797-4460) on Hayestown Road in Danbury offers an academic curriculum along with programs in auto repair, auto body, electrical, electronics, manufacturing technology, machine drafting, HVAC (heating, ventilation and air conditioning), graphic communications, plumbing, hairdressing, culinary arts, and off-site LPN (licensed practical nurse) training. There is no cost for Redding residents, and bus transportation is provided. Those interested should speak to a guidance counselor at the school and fill out an application. An eighth grade transcript is required. Post-graduates and adults interested in a program may call 203-797-4460, ext. 4427, for information or go online to cttech.org/abbott/.
Public Services
Wheres the library and when is it open? The Mark Twain Library (203-938-2545), at the intersection of Route 53 and Diamond Hill Road, is celebrating its 103nd anniversary this year. It is owned by the Mark Twain Library Association. The library is open Monday through Wednesday, Friday and Saturday from 10 to 5, and Thursdays from 10 to 8. The library is closed Sundays. The Web site is marktwainlibrary.org. Why is the library named after Mark Twain? The library was founded by Samuel Clemens Mark Twain one of Reddings more famous residents. The original library (1908) was in an unused chapel on Umpawaug Road. As first president of the library association, Mark Twain helped build the library collection with many of his own books. He held a concert at his home to raise money for the library, and posted a sign in his billiard room, requesting that all guests make a $1 contribution. In 1910, the library received a donation from Andrew Carnegie, a personal friend of Mark Twain, and a library was built on donated land. The library was expanded in 1972 and again in 2000. The library owns some memorabilia from Mark Twains former Redding residence (destroyed by fire in 1923), and about 300 books from his private collection. What is an association library? Many Connecticut libraries are associations, owned and run by boards of trustees. They are not town departments, although they receive town appropriations for operation. The Mark Twain Library is one of these. It receives approximately 55% of its operating budget through the selectmens budget. The rest comes from association fund-raising, including membership 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 librarys 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 growing Bibliomation consortium of more than 60 public and school libraries. The operating system 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 consortiums 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 libraries and even out-of-state libraries. Wi-Fi Internet connection enables patrons to use their laptops at the library. infoAnytime allows you to ask a question of a reference library 24/7. Books on CD may be borrowed in the same way as a book, and now the library offers many downloadable book options. Visitors to the librarys Web site can download ebooks and audio books. WOWbrary is a relatively new service available at the librarys Web site. It gives updates each Wednesday on whats new in the librarys collections. Visitors can sign up for library e-communications such as newsletters and announcements, inclucing alerts on the new stuff. For these services, visit online at marktwainlibrary.org. Are there any library activities? The library also offers many regular programs. These include pre-school story hours, a summer reading program, movies for children, and book discussion groups through its youth services department. In addition, several local book discussion groups get their reading lists through the library. Programs and events for adults are planned monthly. Labor Day weekend brings the annual book fair at the Redding Community Center. In December, the library sponsors a town-wide art show and sale, one of its major fund-raisers. Frog Frolic is the librarys annual country fair on the first Saturday in May. For information call the library at 203-9382545. Visit marktwainllibrary.org and click the calendar there for upcoming special events.
september 22, 2011
Public Services
Does the library use volunteers? The library always welcomes volunteers. Call 203-938-2545. A list of committee chairs is on the Web site. Click on Support the Library for Volunteers link. Does the library have a book sale? The annual Mark Twain Library Book Fair over the Labor Day weekend is one of the biggest book sales in the Northeast and one of the biggest fund-raisers for the library. It takes place at the Redding Community Center. Donations of books are accepted year round, except for a few weeks before and after the sale. For information, call 203-938-2545. Does the town have a social worker? Instead of a separate social worker, the town has combined social and senior services into one job the director of human services. Gail Schiron serves in this post and provides general assistance for families and single people who are without sufficient income or assets. The help she provides can be medical, financial, food, or energy assistance. If there is a case she cannot handle through her office, Ms. Schiron will also refer people in need to organizations that can help. She additionally oversees senior services for the town and serves as its municipal agent for the elderly. For more information, 203-938-3580. Where can an abuse victim get emotional support or counseling? The Womens Center of Greater Danbury has trained counselors manning two 24-hour hotlines: 203-731-5206 for domestic violence, 203-731-5204 for sexual assault. The center offers a number of workshops and support groups for victims of violence and may also be reached during regular business hours at 203-731-5200. The centers Web site is womenscenterofgreaterdanbury.org. To report an actual incident of abuse, call 911 or the Redding Police at 203-938-2564. Where are burial plots available in town? Burial plots are available in three cemeteries: Umpawaug Cemetery on Umpawaug Road, West Redding; Hull Cemetery on Redding Road (Route 53); Redding Ridge Cemetery on Black Rock Turnpike. Because none is regularly staffed, the best way to get information about them is to call a local funeral home. What funeral homes serve the town? The only funeral home in Redding is the Bouton Funeral Home at 31 West Church Street, Georgetown (203-544-8461). However, the Bethel Funeral Home, 215 Greenwood Avenue (203-743-4825), also serves Redding. Does the town have a food bank? A clothing bank? How can I contribute or get help? The town has a food bank and a clothing bank. For more information, or to make a donation, call 203-938-9725. What is the Families in Crisis Fund? Overseen by the Redding Department of Human Services, this fund pays for things for families in need that are not covered by any local, state or federal program. For information, call Gail Schiron at 203-938-3580. What thrift shops are in the area? In Georgetown there is the Georgetown United Methodist Thrift Shop (203-544-8972) on Church Street. It is open Thursday and Friday from 11 to 3 and on Saturday from 10
to 1. The shop sells, and accepts for donation, clothing, small pieces of furniture, household items, costume jewelry, and shoes. Donations are accepted during shop hours, or call for an appointment. In some cases, pickup is available. In Ridgefield, The Thrift Shop (203-438-3328) on Catoonah Street is open Monday to Friday, noon to 4, Saturday, 10 to 1. It accepts clean, usable, and up-to-date 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. Donations may be made during store hours, Monday through Saturday, 9 to 5. Store hours are 9 to 5:30, Monday through Saturday. Goodwill Industries at 15 Cross Street in Norwalk (203840-0361) or 2 Beaver Brook Road, Danbury (203-730-1480), accepts clothing, small household items, and furniture in good condition (no major appliances). Both stores store are open Monday through Saturday, 9 to 8, Sunday, 10 to 6. Donations are accepted Monday through Saturday, 10 to 5, Sunday, 11 to 4. There are manned Goodwill Donation Centers at 231 Ethan Allen Highway in Ridgefield (203-438-6710), open Monday through Saturday from 9 to 6, and Sunday from 10 to 4; and 45 Grassy Plain Street in Bethel (203-797-8750) open Monday through Saturday from 9 to 6, and Sunday 11 to 4.
70 West Branchville Road, Ridgeeld CT 06877

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24 Hour Access Available
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Public Services
september 22, 2011
What services are available to military families? Through the American Red Cross in Danbury (203-7928200) 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 services to military families. Visit the Connecticut Region of the American Red Cross Web site, ctredcross.org, for details on emergency services, blood donation inquiries, volunteering, first aid training courses 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 Feb. 1 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 information, 800829-4477; and the Problem Resolution Office, 800-829-1040; or for the hearing impaired, 800-829-4059. Where can I get a list of support groups? Call Infoline, a service that links volunteers and people in need with social and support groups in Fairfield County, at 800203-1234 or 211 or go online to infoline.org. You may also call Gail Schiron, director of human services, at 203-938-3580.
Property Issues
When do I need a zoning permit? People need a zoning permit to change any aspect of a buildings shape or size and for any new structures more than two square feet. A permit is needed for fences, tag sales, signs, or change in a propertys use. What is an historic easement? Redding has had a pilot program for historic easements through which specific aspects of a property may be preserved or restored. To qualify, a house must be suitable for designation on the National Register of Historic Places or be a part of one of Reddings two National Register historic districts (Redding Center and Georgetown). For information, call the first selectmans office at 203-938-2002. E-mail: firstselectman @townofreddingct.org. Can I rent an apartment in my house? Yes, but only after obtaining a special use permit from the zoning department. Can I take in boarders? You are allowed to have up to five unrelated people living in a single-family residence. Can I start a bed and breakfast? Yes, the towns zoning regulations allow the operation of a bed and breakfast, by special permit. Do I need a permit to have a home business? Some home businesses are permitted by right, some by permit from the Zoning Commission, some not at all. It is best to check with the Zoning Commission as to the category in which a particular home occupation falls. Are there any rules regarding door-to-door solicitors? All people selling wares door to door in Redding must be registered with the police department and have a valid form of photo identification. It is illegal for anyone over age 16 to solicit purchases of any goods, including magazines, either door to door or from the street without first registering for a permit with police. Police then conduct a background check. If the solicitor has been convicted of a felony or a violent misdemeanor, no permit is issued. What garbage collectors serve this town? There are five garbage collectors that serve Redding: Trojan Horse Sanitation (203-792-2525), Redding Sanitation (203938-3391), Country Disposal (203-438-9385), LoStocco, (203743-9940), and Matlock Refuse, (203-365-0380). Can I take care of my garbage myself? Yes, at the Redding Transfer Station and Recycling Center (203-938-3026) on Hopewell Wood Road off Route 58 (intersection of Hopewell and Beck Roads). Hours are 7:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. pm Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday. Residents must purchase a permit for $25 ($10 for senior citizens 60 and over). There is an extra charge of $10 ($5 for seniors) for each additional vehicle permits. Each vehicle must display a permit. Permits are good for one year, July 1 to June 30. The transfer station and recycling center are closed Tuesdays, Thursdays, Sundays and on legal holidays. Any closings due to weather are announced over WLAD 800 AM and WDAQ 98.3 FM. There is no additional charge for most recyclable materials. 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 or at town hall. Annual permits are available at the first selectmans office in town hall or at the transfer station. What do I recycle and where do I take it? Reddings recycling center has been named to the states Municipal Recycling Honor Roll after being recognized as having an outstanding recycling program by the Department of Environmental Protection. The recycling center will accept, free of charge, corrugated cardboard, brown grocery bags, newspapers, magazines, mixed office paper, cans and glass containers, plastics #1 through 7, foam packing peanuts, fluorescent lamps, waste oil, oil filters, antifreeze, car and boat (wet cell) batteries, small dry cell batteries, clothes and shoes, scrap metal, telephone directories, and nickel cadmium batteries. Residents may also drop off cut brush and leaves for composting. The recycling center also accepts household electronics, including computers and television sets for a free if they are separated from other recyclables. The following also incurr no charge but must be separated: antifreeze, bulbs, rechargeable batteries, cardboard, brush/branches, (under three inches, hardwood over three inches, cut to fireplace length), magazines, including advertising received in the mail, newspapers, drained waste oil and filters, white and color office paper, phone books. Co-mingled recyclables (these can be dropped off free of
september 22, 2011
Property Issues
charge un-separated): cans food and beverage, aluminum and tin, aluminum foil-rinsed clean; glass food and beverages, brown, blue, clear, green- rinsed clean; plastics food and beverage #1 thru #7 rinsed clean, styrofoam peanuts in tied bags. No Styrofoam or plastic bags but they may be disposed in bulk for a fee. Theres a Goodwill box on the premises for clothing and a Lions Club box for eyeglasses. There is a fee list at the recycling center and prices are subject to evaluation at dropoff. For any recycling information, call 203-938-3026. Redding has increased its recycliing tonnage every year, according to the center. The projected rate is averaging about 40%. What about disposing of leaves? Leaves can be dropped at the transfer station/recycling center, free for residents, but commercial haulers are charged a fee. Wood chips are available there at no charge. What wont they take at the transfer station? The transfer station will not accept hazardous or radioactive 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 delivered in a sealed container, like a coffee can, and be properly identified. How can I dispose of larger items? For a fee, the towns transfer station and recycling center (203-938-3026) accepts refrigerators and freezers (take the doors off), air conditioners, dehumidifiers, sofas, mattresses and box springs, tires, and demolition items. Call about other types of furniture. Tree stumps should be taken to the Danbury transfer station. Is there anything free at the transfer station? Theres a table of items diverted from the trash that are free for the taking everything from ice skates and skis to household items. Wood chips, too. Is firewood for sale at the transfer station? 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 compost? Unscreened compost is sometimes available at the recycling center at $15 a yard. This type of compost is good for gardens, around shrubs, and to fill lawn depressions. Where can I dispose of hazardous waste? Regional household hazardous waste collection days take place every fall at the Danbury Public Works Department at 53 Newtown Road, usually on a Saturday in late September. This year the date was set on Sept. 24 from 9 to 2. Call the Public Works Department (203-797-4539) or watch for notices in The Redding Pilot for details. Or go to hrra.org the Web site for the Housantonic Resource Recovery Authority or call HRRA at 203-775-6256, ext. 304. The spring collection date is Saturday, May 19, 2012, from 9 to 2, at the Newtown Public Works facility at 4 Turkey Hill Road Area towns including Redding participate to keep costs down; the program is free to people in those towns. Proof of residency is required. Call the towns transfer station (203-938-3026) for
information on how to dispose of non-household hazardous waste. What items are considered hazardous waste? Items that may be taken to the Hazardous Waste Day collection site include paint thinner and strippers, photographic 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 vermiculite 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? Thats when a mobile shredder will cross shred residents 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. 15, 9 to noon, at the transfer station/recycling center. There is usually a shredding day in the spring, as well. Staples and paper clips are OK in what you bring to shred, but binder clips and file hangers are not. Bring proof of residency. Can I recycle a cell phone or eyeglasses? Reddings 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 service only. For details, call Gail Schiron at 203-938-3580. Reddings 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 hunting on private lands. Deer and turkey hunters must carry the written permission of the landowner for the current season on 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 find a hunter during hunting season. Call 203-948-2844. Where can I get a burn permit? It is the policy of the Town of Redding and the state Department of Environmental Protection (Department of Energy and Environmental Protection or DEEP as of July 1, 2011) to discourage burning wherever environmentally preferable alternatives exist, i.e. wood chipping or disposal at the towns transfer and recycling station (203-938-3026) on Hopewell Wood Road. The DEEPs goal is cooperation to help achieve air quality that would protect the health of the states citizens. You can, however, get a permit to burn brush through Redding Fire Marshals Joe Paola (Fire District #1 and Georgetown District), 203-544-8933, or Mickey Grasso (Fire District #2), or 203-9382518. Check your fire tax bill to determine in which fire district you live. You may burn only brush or wood with a diameter of three inches or less. Burning of leaves, building demolition materials, stumps, grass, etc. is illegal in Connecticut.
september 22, 2011
september 22, 2011

Churches, Religious Centers

1. Benedictine Grange 2. Bethlehem Lutheran Church 3. Calvary Independent Baptist Church 4. Christ Church (Episcopal) 5. First Church of Christ, Congregational 6. Georgetown Bible Church 7. Georgetown United Methodist Church 8. Long Ridge United Methodist Church 9. Sacred Heart Church Rectory 10. St. Patricks Church Rectory 11. Temple Bnai Chaim
Historical Sites
12. Collis P. Huntington State Park 13. Little Red Schoolhouse 14. Putnam Memorial State Park 15. Redding Historical Society 16. Redding Roadhouse 17. The Spinning Wheel Inn 18. Warrups Farm
Miscellaneous
Public and Government Facilities

19. Branchville Railroad Station 20. Georgetown Volunteer Fire Department 21. Mark Twain Library 22. Redding Center Post Oce 23. Redding Center Firehouse 24. Redding Community Center 25. Redding Town Hall 26. Redding Police Department 27. Redding Ridge Firehouse 28. Redding Ridge Post Oce and Market 29. West Redding Post Oce 30. West Redding Firehouse 31. West Redding Railroad Station 32. Devils Den Nature Preserve 33. Hoyt Scout Reservation 34. New Pond Farm 35. Topstone Park 36. Boys and Girls Club 37. Redding Country Club 38. Redding Grange
Parks and Open Spaces
Recreation and Social Clubs
Schools
Senior Citizens
39. Joel Barlow High School 40. John Read Middle School 41. Landmark Academy 42. Redding Elementary School 24. Heritage House Senior Center 43. Meadow Ridge Lifecare
Property Issues
september 22, 2011
Will the town check my well to see if the water is safe? The town health department (203-938-2559) does not have the facilities to check wells, but it can direct you to laboratories that do. It will also provide bottles needed for testing and can help interpret the results and do a site assessment to help solve water problems. For all new wells, tests must be submitted to the health department before the new supply is approved for use. How do I take care of my septic system? You must call private septic system pumping companies. They will advise you how often to have your septic tank pumped. The Norwalk River Watershed Initiative offers a simple, non-technical brochure for homeowners called Septic Care & Maintenance for the Homeowner. It is available free online at conservect.org/southwest.htm. Whom do I call if a septic system is leaking onto my property? First call your neighbors to notify them of the problem and then call the health department at 203-938-2559. Are there any rules regarding stone walls? The town is particularly concerned about the appearance of stone walls along designated scenic roads. The Redding Planning Commission has said it wants new stone walls to be built to match the imprecise style of existing walls, and a set of guidelines is available from the town. Among the guidelines: walls should be two to three feet high, undulating with the grade; New England fieldstones should be used; and firstmortar, if used, should not be visible. Will the town remove my leaves or brush? No, but you may take leaves to the towns transfer station (938-2108) Monday through Saturday from 7:30 to 3.
How can I identify invasive plants in my yard? Fifteen common invasive plant species are illustrated on a laminated field guide, which homeowners may borrow from the Redding Garden Club. There are also copies available at town hall and the Mark Twain Library. The guide, issued by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, is called USDA Invasive Plants Field & Reference Guide. To borrow a copy from the garden club, call Jill Kotch at 203-431-3136. Other sources for identifying invasive plant species include The Nature Conservancys Web site, nature.org (click on Field Guide, then Initiatives, and follow links for invasive species) and the Connecticut Invasive Plant Working Group Web site: hort.uconn.edu/CIPWG/. What is radon gas? How serious is it? Radon gas is a decay product of radioactive uranium that cannot be seen, smelled, or tasted. In open air it is harmlessly dispersed, however well water passing through soil with high levels of the gas may be a significant source of radon in a home. High levels of radon occur in Connecticut, particularly in Fairfield County. Exposure to radon increases your risk of developing lung cancer. According to the U.S. E.P.A., radon causes more cancer deaths than any other single air pollutant except tobacco smoke. When exposure is combined with smoking or inhaling someone elses smoke, the risk increases dramatically. Radon gas gets into homes through cracks in foundations, block walls, sump pumps, drains and other openings in cellar floors and walls. It can also be released into the air by running water from faucets and showers if the source of water is a well with high levels of radon. The simplest way to find out if your home has high levels of radon is through a carbon filter test. Kits are available in stores or may be purchased inexpensively by calling the Radon Hotline 1-800-SOS-RADON operated by the National Safety Council.
Emergency Services
What kinds of calls should be made to 911? Dial 911 only for emergencies, such as fires, crimes in progress, accidents, injuries, and medical emergencies. Do not call 911 for informational questions such as directions, road conditions, and school closings, or for routine problems like reporting barking dogs. For routine police calls, use 203938-3400. Who answers the 911 line? A dispatcher at the Redding Police Station takes 911 calls. Dispatchers are on duty 24 hours a day. A statewide mobile 911 system enables state police dispatchers to quickly track a cell phone callers location anywhere in the state. How can residents be alerted to emergencies in town and the state? Text messages and e-mails are a few new ways state and local public safety officials have planned to get the word out. The state has an emergency alert system to communicate with residents during emergencies, the only statewide program of its kind, according to the governors office. Residents are urged to register online with the state and indicate their preferred method of notice. This summer the town announced that it will use the states program to administer local emergency notices. Redding is one of 169 towns in Connecticut signed on to use the states existing 911 database and the additional information being asked for from residents. Residents may register with the state at ctalert.gov. The Redding Police Departments site, reddingpolice-ct.us, also links to the states page. The state already has access to a 911 database of land lines, but if residents wish to receive notices through other devices like cell phones either through a call or text message, or through an instant message, they need to sign up. Where is the nearest emergency room? The nearest emergency room is at Danbury Hospital, on Locust Avenue, about nine miles from the center of Redding. Call 203-739-7100. The emergency room at Norwalk Hospital is on Maple Street. Call 203-852-2160. And theres Stamford Hospital at 30 Shelburne Road, Stamford. Call 203-2761000. What kind of ambulance service is available? The town has three volunteer fire departments Redding (serving Redding Ridge and Redding Center), Georgetown and West Redding that cover different sections of town. All have ambulances, staffed by emergency medical technicians includ-
september 22, 2011
Emergency Services
ing some who are EMT intermediates with more advanced training. All ambulances are equipped with defibrillators. West Redding and Redding share a paid EMS staff to provide ambulance coverage from 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.; volunteers are on call the rest of the time. The Georgetown department uses an outside company to provide EMT service from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. weekdays. One of the departments own EMTs is paid to be on duty from 6 a.m. to 4 p.m. p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays. Volunteers cover the ambulance calls the rest of the time. Where will the ambulance take me? In an emergency the ambulance will usually take you to Danbury Hospital. If requested or in a non-life-threatening situation, it may go to Norwalk Hospital. Do we have paramedics and what can they do? Redding is supported by the Danbury Healthcare Systems, who are stationed in Bethel. Paramedics can provide advanced cardiac life support, intravenous drug therapy, external pacemakers, advanced trauma procedures and medications that EMTs cannot. Where are the fire stations in town? The Redding Ridge Firehouse (which also has a station in Redding Center across from town hall), 203-938-2520, is at 186 Black Rock Turnpike (Route 58). The Georgetown Firehouse, 203-544-8800, is at 6 Portland Avenue. The West Redding Firehouse, 203-938-2518, is at 306 Umpawaug Road. Residents are protected and taxed according to the fire district they live in, although firefighters and trucks from any station in town will respond to fires or emergencies anywhere in town if necessary. Who runs the fire departments? The Redding Volunteer Fire Company #1 is headed by Bruce Sanford, and the Georgetown Volunteer Fire Company No. 1 by Mike Heibeck. Joseph Miceli is the chief of the West Redding Volunteer Fire Department. The officers of each department oversee operations and equipment and compile budget requests. Each department also has a fire district commission, which sets department policy and collects taxes for the district to pay for fire protection services. How many volunteer firemen are there and what kinds of calls have they handled? Georgetown has about 35 active volunteers (firefighters and Emergency Medical Technicians), while Redding Ridge has about 55. West Redding has over 55. The Georgetown Volunteer Fire Company, organized in 1928, responded to 341 emergency calls in the past year, according to the towns Web site. Not only fire fighting, fire prevention and emergency medical service among firefighters duty these days, but there are also hazardous material situations, vehicle extrication, water rescues and more. The Redding Volunteer Fire & EMS Company #1, founded in 1915, responded to 175 EMS and 108 fire calls ranging from structure and brush fires to motor vehicle accidentsand medical emergencies. The West Redding Volunteer Fire Department, formed in 1915 and incorporated in 1926, responded to 109 fire calls and 153 emergency medical calls. The incidents included automatic fire alarms, carbon monoxide alarms, structure fires, motor vehicle accidents, brush fires and emergency medical requests. Do volunteers get any compensation? No, except for those paid for daytime coverage as outlined
elsewhere. The firefighters spend their own time meeting state-mandated training and certification requirements, drilling, maintaining equipment, and responding to calls. There is a tax abatement program for the volunteers based on a point system, which determines the amount of tax abatement that would be applied. The maximum tax abatement is $1,000 per year. What situations are the firefighters trained to handle? They are trained for many situations including fire fighting, fire prevention, emergency medical service, hazardous material situations, vehicle extrication, and rope and cold water rescues. How can I become a volunteer fireman? The best way is to attend a weekly meeting of the department you are interested in. Each meets at 7 Monday nights. Applications are available at each fire station. You must be 18 to become a full member of a department, but all three departments have junior member programs for 16and 17-year-olds. Junior members need parental consent and undergo training. They can assist with department activities and respond to calls but are restricted from certain fire or accident actions such as entering a burning building or extricating a crash victim. If I smell smoke and call the fire department, will I get billed for services? You will not be billed for services. I have an old house. Can I ask the fire department to inspect my chimney to see if its safe? The towns fire departments do not inspect chimneys due to a lack of proper equipment. A professional chimney sweep should
Emergency Services
september 22, 2011
be called for this service. The fire departments do offer courtesy inspections for placement of smoke detectors and safety of gas lines and stoves. Does the fire department check businesses, schools and other public places for safety? The towns fire marshals are required by state law to do annual inspections of public buildings and property. The fire marshal for the Georgetown and Redding District 1 is Joe Paola (203544-8933). Mickey Grasso (203-938-2518) is West Reddings (District 2) fire marshal. Where is the police department? The police department is at 96 Hill Road (Route 107). Douglas Fuchs is chief of police. Call 203-938-3400 for routine police calls. How many policemen does the town have? Redding has 15 full-time officers, including the chief. The communications center is manned by four full-time and eight part-time dispatchers, all of whom are certified 911 operators. What is the salary of a beginning police officer? The last contract stipulated a starting salary as of July 1, 2009 at $44,635. For the ensuing three years, starting salaries are to be as follows: July 1, 2010 - $45,985; July 1, 2011 - $47,375. Does the police department offer any special community programs? The police department participates in the Child Passenger Safety Program. With an appointment, parents can have a certified police officer check the installation of their child safety
seats. The officer will also instruct parents or caregivers on the proper use and installation of their child safety seat. The department also participates in the Locator Program sponsored by the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children. With a computer and related equipment officers can quickly disseminate information on missing persons with other law enforcement agencies. The police also have Child ID kits available for parents to pick up at police headquarters. The police are also particularly concerned with speeding complaints. Any resident who feels there is a particular speeding problem of which the police are not aware may come into police headquarters and complete a speeding complaint, which officers will address. The Redding Police Department has purchased Fatal Vision Goggles, which simulate being under the influence of alcohol. The goggles are used in education programs offered to young people. I need to be fingerprinted for an application. Will the police do it for me? Redding police will provide fingerprint service at no charge to residents or people with commercial businesses in town. Call for details. Commercial businesses that want a records check on a potential employee need to go to the state police Bureau of Investigations Fingerprint Division. Call the local police for information at 203-938-3400. Where can I get a copy of a local accident report or a criminal case? Reports are available at the police station. Call 203-938-3400 for details.
september 22, 2011
Emergency Services
Is there a sex offender registry? The state contributes information on all sex offenders registered in Connecticut to the National Sex Offender Public Registry, which may be accessed at nsopr.gov. The list contains only offenders who have been convicted or found not guilty by reason of mental disease or defect. What should I do in case of an emergency? Selectman Don Takacs is Reddings Emergency Management Director, and he is supported by three deputy directors. Police Chief Douglas Fuchs is in charge of will grant writing and communication duties, Health Officer Doug Hartline will oversee activities related to bioterrorism, and Fire Marshal Joe Paola is in charge of activating the towns emergency center. The town has an emergency management plan in place, which not only addresses who to be contacted and how and where emergency shelters are located, but also lists places where pets may be housed. The town has implemented the Expedite telephone notification system, which allows town officials to send a prerecorded message to every home in town to give information and guidance during an emergency. The database contains 2,700 local telephone numbers, but does not automatically include unlisted or cell phone numbers. To have those numbers included, residents may call the first selectmans office at 203-938-2002 or e-mail assistant@townofreddingct.org. You may also have your number removed from the list. The list will only be used for emergency notification. The town is also recruiting volunteers for a Community Emergency Response Team. Volunteers are needed for everything from helping to set up shelters to providing transportation to data entry. To volunteer, call Mr. Paola at 203-544-8933. What steps should I take to prepare for a hurricane? In the event of a power outage, Connecticut Light and Power offers the following tips: Check medications that need 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 and put it in plastic bags. This will help maintain the temperature in your refrigerator and freezer. When you have advance notice, such as with a coming storm, set aside water. Fill the bathtub with water for toilets; a bucket in the bowl is all thats needed for flushing. You can buy bottled water for drinking. Be prepared to cook outside, but dont bring grills into the house. Stock up on batteries for a battery-powered radio and flashlights, and have extra wood for fireplaces or wood stoves. Fill your cars gas tank. Unplug sensitive electrical equipment like computers and VCRs. Stay away from downed power lines. For larger emergencies, you may want to check the information at redcross.org. For information on regional alert status, you may check online at ready.gov and the Department of Homeland Security Web site dhs.gov. What should I do if I need to evacuate my home? An order to evacuate in the event of a natural or other emergency could come from the Redding Police Department, one of the fire departments, the Redding Community Emergency Response Team, or from the towns phone notification system Expedite. People would be directed either to a shelter or to get out of town altogether. Local shelters are Joel Barlow High School and Meadow Ridge, where there are emergency genera-
tors. A generator is being installed at the Redding Community Center. In either case, families should have a disaster plan, specifying a location where all can meet and where all can stay if you cant stay at home. 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 papers including drivers license, credit cards, essential phone numbers; a radio with a hand crank to receive NOAA broadcasts; a flashlight and extra batteries; enough cash and coins for a week or two, since ATM machines wont work in a widespread power outage; a first aid kit. What should I do in the event of a major storm? Severe storms are the most common disasters in this area and Connecticut Light and Power (800-286-2000) offers the following tips. Check medications that need 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 and put it in plastic bags. This will help maintain the temperature in your refrigerator and freezer. Set aside water. Fill the bathtub with water for toilets; a bucket in the bowl is all thats needed for flushing. You can buy bottled water for drinking. Be prepared to cook outside, but dont bring grills into the house. Stock up on batteries for a battery-powered radio and flashlights, and have extra wood for fireplaces or wood stoves. Fill your cars gas tank. Unplug sensitive electrical equipment like computers and VCRs. Stay away from downed power lines.
Door and Operator Company
Business
september 22, 2011
Is there a chamber of commerce here? The Georgetown business community is part of Wiltons Chamber of Commerce and works with that organization to promote commercial and retail businesses in the Georgetown area, which includes Redding. For more information about the chamber, call 203-762-0567. The Web site is wiltonchamber.com. Who protects consumers? The local Better Business Bureau is in Wallingford. For information, call 203-269-2700 or go online to bbb.org. The Better Business Bureau provides reports on businesses, charity groups, and organizations. It can help resolve consumer disputes with businesses and promotes ethical business standards. You may file a complaint online at bbb.org or call for information. Consumers may also file a complaint about a business, by calling the state Department of Consumer Protection hotline at 800-842-2649, or visit state.ct.us/dep. It will also accept written complaints, which can be mailed to 165 Capitol Avenue, Hartford 06106. Does anyone welcome newcomers to town? Personal Touch Welcome visits families who have relocated to or within town with a basket of helpful information about the community and gifts from local merchants and professionals. New parents in Redding are congratulated with a gift basket also. For an appointment, call Dee Strilowich at 203-438-0128 or visit personaltouchwelcome.com. When are the towns 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, Anconas Market (203-544-8436) on Route 102 near Route 7 in Branchville and Caraluzzis (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. 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 (800742-5877) will pick up at home for a small extra charge. Federal Express (800-238-5355) picks up at home for a fee. Are there any motels, inns or B&Bs here? Days Inn (203-438-3781/daysinn.com) at 296 Ethan Allen Highway (Route 7) is in Redding. Also in nearby Ridgefield the Stonehenge Restaurant and Inn (203-438-6511/stonehengeinn-ct.com), just off Route 7 (203-438-6511), the Elms Inn at 500 Main Street (203-438-2541/elmsinn.com), Stone Ridge Manor, 24 Old Wagon Road (203-431-8426), Green Rocks Inn, 415 Danbury Road (203-894-8944/greenrocksinn.com) and the West Lane Inn at 22 West Lane (203-438-7323/westlaneinn. com) have overnight rooms. There are no bed-and-breakfasts.
Utilities
Where does our water come from? All properties in Redding are fed by private wells, although Aquarion, the regional water company, has a water main from Wilton into the Georgetown area. Who provides electric power? Connecticut Light & Power (CL&P) provides electricity. For customer service or for downed, burned, or hanging wires or if you see a flash or hear a loud noise call 800-2862000 any time (TTY/TDD: 800-842-0010). The utilitys Web site is cl-p.com. Will I have water if my power goes out? Water pressure in your home is, most likely, powered by an electric pump. If electric power goes out, you will lose water pressure. However, you may be able to draw a few gallons of water before losing pressure completely. What parts of town have sewer service? Georgetown is the only section of Redding served by sewers. The Water Pollution Control Commission is the agency managing the sewer system. A permit to hook up to the sewers is required by the town sanitarian. Your plumber may obtain the permit from the Redding Health Department (938-2559). There is also a hookup fee and an assessment fee. What cable television service is available? Cable service in Redding is provided by Cablevision of Connecticut, 28 Cross Street, Norwalk, 203-847-6666. The Web site is cablevision.com. Several Internet and satellite TV options exist these days. Does Redding have any cell phone towers? According to the Connecticut Siting Council (ct.gov/csc), there are seven telecommunications towers in Redding: 100 Old Redding Road - Spectrasite; 186 Blackrock Turnpike - Nextel; 4 Dittmar Road - Message Center Management; 80 Lonetown Road - Giannioto & Miller; Mountain Road - CL&P; Peaceable Street - CL&P; 22 Wayside Lane - AT&T. Sprint-Nextel plans to replace its existing 75-foot tower at the firehouse on Black Rock Turnpike (Route 58) with a 120-foot monopole. Theres a dead limb on the tree near the road that may fall on lines. Should I call someone? If you think the branches are over the power lines call the Connecticut Light and Power Companys toll-free emergency and customer service number at 800-286-2000. If the branches are hanging over the telephone lines, call the repair and emergency number, 611. If youre not sure which lines are in jeopardy, call both.
september 22, 2011
Senior Citizens
Is there a senior center? The senior center, known as Heritage Center, is part of the Redding Community Center complex on Lonetown Road. For activities, see below. Gail Schiron, the towns director of human services and municipal agent for the elderly, has her office there. Call her between 9:30 and 4:30 at 203-938-9725 for assistance and services. What housing is available for retirees? Meadow Ridge (203-544-1000/meadowridge.net), a lifecare retirement community at 100 Redding Road in Redding, offers a gracious lifestyle with independent living as well as access to assisted living or skilled nursing. Ridgefield Crossings (203-431-2255/benchmarkquality. com) at 640 Danbury Road in Ridgefield offers independent and assisted living. There is also a program for those with memory impairment. Regency at Ridgefield is a 73-unit age-restricted condominium project for independent living at 638 Danbury Road. Units are priced at market rates. For information, call 203-431-1818 or visit tollbrothers.com. A complete list of senior housing available in a 14-town region of southwestern Connecticut is available from the Area Agency on Aging (203-333-9288) in Bridgeport. Is there day care for the elderly? Although there is no program in Redding, there is Almost Family (203-743-6456) at 52 Federal Road, Danbury. Other options include The Village at Waveny Care Center in New Canaan (203-594-5200/waveny.org) and Elderhouse in Norwalk (203-847-1998/elderhouse.net). Is there a nursing home in town? Meadow Ridge, a skilled nursing facility (203-544-1000), at 100 Redding Road in Redding offers long-term care and shortterm rehabilitation. Laurel Ridge Health Care Center at 642 Danbury Road, Ridgefield (203-438-8226/athenahealthcare.com/lr.htm) is a skilled nursing facility offering long-term care and short-term rehabilitation. There is also a program for those with memory impairment. There are many nursing homes in Danbury. Quality-related information on nursing homes is available online at medicare. gov. Are there any clubs or groups for the elderly? Heritage Center (203-938-9725), at the Redding Community Center, is open Monday through Wednesday from 8:30 to 5:30 and Thursdays 8:30 to 6 (closed Fridays) and offers a slate of daily activities. They include mah-jongg lessons, chess and other games, exercise programs, bridge, movies, needlepoint, quilting, scrapbooking, billiards, computer classes, art, tai chi, and aerobics. The center has five personal computers with Internet access and two color printers. They are for instruction and general use. Day trips are offered, and there is an Out-toLunch Bunch. Lunch is served at Heritage Center on Tuesdays ($2) and Wednesdays ($4). Call for a reservation. Marie Sibilio is the program coordinator. The Park and Recreation Department (203-938-2551) also offers some programs. Seniors may also take classes at the high school with students. The American Association of Retired Persons (AARP), Ridgefield chapter, meets the second Wednesday at 10 at the Ridgefield Recreation Center, except in July and August. Call membership chairman Anna Cleveland at 203-438-9886 or Al
Ryff at 203-438-5737 for details. Call the national AARP at 800-424-3410. Does the town have Meals on Wheels? The Meals on Wheels program serves Redding. For information, call the Nutrition Center in Danbury at 203-743-5418. Who provides senior health care? The Geriatric Health Center (203-791-5040) in Danbury offers specialized medical services for older adults. Danbury Hospital has an office of geriatric psychiatry. Call 203-7977686. Waveny Care Center in New Canaan offers the Brown Geriatric Evaluation Clinic, which helps families make decisions about community services and housing options for older adults. Call 203-594-5200 or visit waveny.org. Norwalk Hospital offers a Geriatric Consultation Service to maximize a patients medical regimen. Call 203-852-3112. Also, theres Stamford Hospital, 30 Shelburne Road, Stamford, (203-276-1000/stamfordhospital.org.) What services help seniors remain in their homes? The Danbury Visiting Nurse Association (203-792-4120) and Bethel Visiting Nurse Association (203-792-0864) offer homemakers and home health aides. The Ridgefield Visiting Nurse Association (203-438-5555) 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, companions and live-ins that provide assistance with transportation, shopping, light housekeeping, laundry and meal preparation and personal care.
Senior Citizens
september 22, 2011
Family & Childrens Aid Homemaker/Companion program, 75 West Street, Danbury, is available to assist the elderly in everyday tasks so they can remain independent in their own homes. Mature workers help with chores such as meal preparation, housework, grocery shopping, companionship, laundry, etc. For information, call 203-748-5689. Visiting Nurse & Hospice Care of Fairfield County (formerly Nursing & Home Care) provides Assisted Living at Home for those who want help maintaining their independence at home. For information, call 203-762-8958 or 1-800-898HOME or visit visitingnurse.net. Is there special transportation for the elderly? Heritage Center has a van, known as the Senior Shuttle, available to take Redding seniors, 50 and older, on errands Monday through Thursday, throughout town and to Bethel, Ridgefield, Newtown and Danbury. Hours of service are 8 to 5, Monday through Wednesday; 8 to 4:30 on Thursday. There is no service on Fridays. Reservations should be made as soon as possible since the van fills up quickly; call 203-938-9725 between 10 and 4. Can seniors get help with their heating bills? Reddings Operation Fuel Program is an emergency fuel bank available to eligible residents. The Connecticut Energy Assistance Program, available to renters and homeowners, helps cover partial payments for winter heating bills. Eligibility is based on household income. For information on either program, call Gail Schiron at 203-938-9725. Does anyone help with insurance forms? The Norwalk Hospital Volunteer Medicare Information Service offers help to anyone interested in Medicare or supplemental insurance assistance. Call 203-852-3325 and leave a
name, telephone number, and the best time for a volunteer to return the call. Norwalk Hospital volunteers who are knowledgeable in dealing with Medicare and supplemental insurance provide this free confidential counsel as a community service. Where can I find out about laws that apply specifically to seniors? The Web site CTElderLaw.org is a good place to start. It is a public service of Connecticut Legal Services, Inc., and offers information on consumer law, funeral contracts, government benefits, health care, housing living wills, nursing homes, powers of attorney and other topics pertinent to seniors. Where can I get consumer help? Senior citizens can get toll-free help by calling the state attorney generals senior advocate hotline. Staffed by senior volunteers, the program helps those who may have been victimized by scams or who may be suspicious about an organization. The hotline may be called Monday through Thursday, 8:30 to 1:30, at 800-660-7787. The Senior Go To Guide is a free directory of helpful information for seniors and their families. The publication has a lower Fairfield County edition. Go to seniorgotoguide.com for details. Are seniors offered any recreational discounts? Reddingites 60 years of age and over are entitled to a 50% discount on all Park and Recreation programs, except trips or unless otherwise stated. Nutmeggers 60 and older can apply for a Charter Oak Pass, which admits them free to state-operated recreational areas. Apply to the Department of Environmental Protection, 165 Capitol Avenue, Hartford 06106.
Religion
What houses of worship are in town? Houses of worship in Redding and Georgetown include: Benedictine Grange, 45 Dorethy Road (203-938-3689/ctmuse.org/grange.htm); Bethlehem Lutheran Church-ELCA, 44 Portland Avenue, Georgetown (203-544-8858/bethlehem-ct.org); Calvary Independent Baptist Church, 3 Side Cut Road, West Redding (203-938-1317/cibcRedding.org); Christ Church-Episcopal, 184 Cross Highway, at Black Rock Turnpike (203-938-2872/christchurchredding.org); First Church of Christ-Congregational, 25 Cross Highway (203-938-2004/firstchurchredding.org); Georgetown Bible Church, corner of North Main Street and Route 107, Georgetown (203-544-8673/georgetownbible.org); Georgetown United Methodist Church, 33 Church Street (203-544-8394); Long Ridge United Methodist Church, Long Ridge Road, Redding (203-743-6095/longridgeumc.org); Sacred Heart Church, Church Street, Georgetown (203544-8345/SacredHeartGeorgetownCT.org); St. Patricks Church, 169 Black Rock Turnpike (203-9382253); Temple BNai Chaim, 82 Portland Avenue, Georgetown (203-544-8695/tbcct.org). Are there any Bible study groups? Georgetown Bible Church (203-544-8673) offers a mens Bible study on Saturday mornings at 7:30. Calvary Independent Baptist Church offers Bible study for all ages Sunday mornings. Call 203-938-1317 for details. Bethlehem Lutheran Church offers Bible study the first Sunday of the month at 9. Call 544-8858. Long Ridge United Methodist Church (203-544-8394) offers small group Bible study monthly and weekly during the Lenten season. Sacred Heart Church offers Bible study. Call 203-544-8345. Community Bible Study is a nondenominational Bible study group at Hope Church in Wilton. For information, call 203-7620706 or go online to HopeChurchCT.org. Are there other religious centers? The Redding Meditation Center, at 9 Picketts Ridge Road, offers insight meditation practice led by Buddhist monks, and yoga and tai chi classes. There is also a meditation garden. For details, call 203-894-1118 or visit online at reddingmeditationsociety.org. Do Ngak Kunphen Ling, the Tibetan Buddhist Center for Universal Peace offers classes and training in Buddhist moral discipline, meditative concentration and transformative wisdom. There are also yoga retreats and special events. The center is at 30 Putnam Park Road. For information, call 203-938-2330 or visit online at dnkldharma.org.
september 22, 2011
Health
How can I find a good family doctor? Norwalk Hospital (203-852-2609), Danbury Hospital (203797-7001) and Stamford Hospital (203-276-1000) offer physician referrals by phone or online at norwalkhospital.org, danburyhospital.org or stamfordhospital.org. There are also published directories at area libraries. Sometimes the best references come through word of mouth. What does the health department do? The Redding Health Department (203-938-2559) ensures the health and safety of the public by providing preventative, educational, and regulatory services. Dr. Lawrence Leibowitz, town director of health, supervises the health department, but works part time. He is usually called only for major public health issues. Douglas Hartline, Reddings public health officer and a registered sanitarian, is responsible for managing all public health issues in town and ensuring compliance with state public health codes. This includes everything from inspecting swimming areas, restaurant kitchens, septic systems and wells, to making sure day-care systems meet state standards. The office, which was moved from the annex into new quarters at the town hall early this year, may be reached at 203-938-2559. Hours are Monday through Thursday, 8 to 3 or by appointment. The office is closed on Friday. At its Web page on the town Web site, townofreddingct.org, there is information on issues including Lyme disease, tick testing, carbon monoxide poisoning, flu, home emergency preparedness, food safety, and bioterrorism. Are there CPR classes in town? The towns three fire departments offer courses periodically, as does the Parks and Recreation Department (203-938-2551). Often other groups will also offer a class, usually announced in The Redding Pilot. The Red Cross in Danbury (203-792-8200) has a schedule of classes including CPR and first aid at ctredcross.org. What services do visiting nurses offer? Reddings senior center (203-938-9725) can refer you to home health care workers. For those coming home from the hospital or a rehab facility, the hospital case manager or social worker can call a visiting nurse association to arrange home care. You may also have your physician or a friend call. The Bethel Visiting Nurse Association (203-792-0864/ bethelvna.org) offers skilled nursing, physical and occupatonal rehabilitation, home care aides, nutritional counseling, social work services, maternal-child care, home telemonitoring, and terminal and palliative care. The Danbury Visiting Nurse Association (203-792-4120/ danburyvna.org) offers skilled nursing, home health aides, nutrition therapists, physical therapists, speech therapists, occupational therapists, respiratory therapists, medical social work, and the HomeMed Monitoring System. The Ridgefield Visiting Nurse Association (203-438-5555/ ridgefieldvna.org) provides registered nurses, short-term rehab at home with physical, occupational and speech therapy. Home health aides, home makers, companions and live-ins provide help with transportation, shopping, light housekeeping, meal preparation and personal care. Geriatric care management, medical social work services, IV therapy, nutritional counseling, wound care, palliative care, travel vaccine consultation/ immunizations, home telemonitoring, and Lifeline, a Medical Alert Service, are offered. Visiting Nurse & Hospice Care of Fairfield County (for-
merly Nursing & Home Care) may be reached at 203-762-8958/ visitingnurse.net. It offers skilled nurses; home health aides; physical, occupational, and speech therapists; live-in help; shoppers; companions; dietitians; medical social workers; peer counselors; homemakers; care managers; a pre-hospice team; and respite services. How can I arrange for home care? Reddings senior center (203-938-9725) can refer you to home health care workers. You may also call the Bethel Visiting Nurse Association (203-792-0864), the Danbury Visiting Nurse Association (792-4120), , the Ridgefield Visiting Nurse Association (203-438-5555), or the Visiting Nurse & Hospice of Farfield County (203-762-8958) or have your physician or a friend call. For those coming home from the hospital or a rehab facility, the hospital case manager or social worker can call a visiting nurse association to arrange home care. Is there a clearinghouse of information on home health care? The Connecticut Association for Home Care, Inc. (cahc. affiniscape.com) offers a comprehensive list of home health care agencies that offer services in Redding. Home Health Compare allows consumers to see clinical information about home health agency quality. The service is sponsored by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. It is available online at medicare.gov. Does any organization check on people who live alone? A list of names to be used if there is a need to contact doctors,
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Health
september 22, 2011
relatives, etc. in case of emergency is kept with Gail Schiron, the towns director of human services, and at the towns Communications Center. Any resident 60 or older can be put on the list. Reddings human services (social services) department provides seniors with deactivated cell phones capable of reaching 911. Call 203-938-9725 for information about these programs or the food pantry, which helps residents in need of emergency food. Ms. Schiron can connect you with someone with the Volunteer Bureau of Greater Danbury (203-797-1154), which runs a Friendly Visitor program that establishes relationships between volunteers and people who live alone. The Ridgefield Womans Club sponsors Are You OK?, which provides a daily phone check to Reddingites over 60 or those who are homebound and medically disabled. For details, call 203-438-6777. The Danbury Visiting Nurse Association (203-792-4120) will check on residents who are homebound or medically disabled. Such persons may also qualify for the Ridgefield Visiting Nurses Associations monthly visit program, a free R.N. assessment. Call 203-438-5555. Lifeline, offered by the Red Cross (203-792-8200) in Danbury, as well as the Bethel VNA (203-792-0864) and Ridgefield VNA offers a pushbutton communicator to summon help in an emergency. Who provides hospice services or palliative care? Hospice and palliative care focuses on pain relief, symptom control, and comfort for terminally ill patients, allowing them to be cared for where they are most comfortable, usually at home. Serving Redding are Mid-Fairfield Hospice, which partnered with Visiting Nurse & Hospice Care of Fairfield County (800-898-HOME/203-762-8958/visitingnurse.net) in 2010; Connecticut Hospice Inc. (203-857-5494) of Norwalk; and Regional Hospice of Western Connecticut (203-797-1685/ regionalhospiceCT.org). Services cover medical, psychological, social, nutritional, and spiritual needs. The Ridgefield Visiting Nurse Association and Bethel Visiting Association offer palliative care and can answer questions about hospice programs. Laurel Ridge Health Care Center, at 642 Danbury Road, Ridgefield, (203-438-8226), offers both palliative care and hospice that is focused on pain management, symptom control and quality of life for residents. Visit the Web site athenahealthcare. com/lr. What pharmacies are in town? The Redding Pharmacy (203-544-8306) in the Georgetown Business and Professional Center on Route 107, the only pharmacy in town, is open from 9 to 6 Monday through Friday, and Saturdays, 9 to 1. English Apothecary (formerly English Drug) at 140 Greenwood Avenue in Bethel is open on Sunday, 9 to 1, as well as Monday through Friday, 9 to 7, and Saturday, 9 to 5. Pharmacies in Ridgefield have Sunday hours: CVS (203-4318888) open 8 to 6; Rite Aid (203-438-7378), 9 to 4; Bissell (203-438-6433) open 9 to 1; and Walgreens, (203-894-8744) is open 9 to 6. For 24-hour pharmacies, there are CVS (203-847-2351) at 235 Main Street and Walgreens (203-845-0457) is at 55 Westport Avenue, both in Norwalk. There is also a Walgreens (203-791-0405) at 75-83 Main Street in Danbury. Who organizes blood drives? How can I give? The Connecticut Chapter of the American Red Cross (203792-8200/ct.redcross.org), which has an office at 17 Roberts
Avenue in Danbury, organizes blood drives and always needs blood donors. Call to find out when and where a convenient bloodmobile will be. The Red Cross also needs volunteers to help run bloodmobiles. A person must be 17 or older, weigh over 110 pounds, and be in good health to give blood. Many questions will be asked in order to ensure the donated blood will be safe. The entire process takes about an hour, including questions, donation, rest time, and snacks for the donor. Check the Web site for details on blood drive dates and locations. Is there a flu clinic in town? In the fall, flu shots and flu mist are available for all ages at the Redding Community Center. For dates and more information, call the Bethel Visiting Nurse Association at 203-792-0864 or visit BethelVNA.org. The Danbury VNA (203-792-4120), and Ridgefield VNA (203-438-5555) also offer flu clinics in the fall. What help is available for the disabled? Gail Schiron, the towns director of human services, at 203938-9725, can provide information. Is there a rehabilitation facility nearby? Laurel Ridge Health Care Center at 642 Danbury Road, Ridgefield, (203-438-8226), offers short-term recovery and rehabilitation programs following a full range of surgical procedures and medical diagnoses. What health-related support groups are there? Ridgefield Visiting Nurse Association has several support 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, Norwalk Hospital and Stamford Hospital offer several support groups. The Connecticut Self-Help Network offers a Self-Help Directory of local and statewide support groups. Call 203-6246982. Infoline at 211 has a list of statewide support groups and agencies that provide assistance. You may also call Director of Human 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 at the Bethel Senior Center, 1 School Street, Bethel, on the second Friday of each month from 10:30 to 11:30. 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 comprehensive 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. Many alcohol abuse hotlines are listed in the phone book. MCCA (Midwestern CT County Council on Alcoholism) has its main office at 38 Old Ridgbury Road in Danbury (203792-4515/mccaonline.com) and offers residential and outpatient programs, assessments and referrals. Danbury has chapters of Alcoholics Anonymous (203-7972305), Al-Anon (203-743-8967) for families, and Alateen (203-743-8967) for teenagers.
september 22, 2011
Health
For more treatment information and referrals, call Infoline at 211. What is the closest drug treatment center? MCCAlcoholism (mccaonline.com) offers residential and outpatient treatment. The Danbury number is 203-792-4515. There is also a Ridgefield office. That number is 203-4388680. Other sources of help are: Danbury Hospital Chemical Dependency Services (203207-5480/adults; 203-830-6082/adolescents). Visit danburyhospital.org. Silver Hill Hospital in New Canaan (800-899-4455/silverhillhospital.org) has inpatient programs for addictive disorders. St. Vincents Behavioral Health Services, formerly Hall Brooke (203-227-1251/hallbrooke.org), has inpatient programs at its Westport location. Outpatient services are available at a Norwalk location. Norwalk Hospital has a wide range of mental health and substance abuse services on both an inpatient and outpatient basis. Call 203-852-2988 or visit norwalkhospital.org. And so does Stamford Hospital (203-276-1000/stamfordhospital.org). Also, just over the state border there is Four Winds Hospital in Cross River, N.Y. (914-763-8151). For more information about drug abuse and treatment centers, call Gail Schiron, the towns director of human service, at 203938-3580. What type of help or counseling is available for the mentally ill and their families in the area? The Community Center for Behavioral Health in Danbury (203-207-5480) offers assessment and evaluation, therapy, counseling, and medication monitoring. The Ridgefield Visiting Nursing Association (203-4385555) has a psychiatric nurse who is available to visit those who are ill at their homes. Family and Childrens Aid, 75 West Street, Danbury, 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 persons home or other location to manage psychiatric emergencies in children up to age 17. In a crisis, call 866-543-2774. For information, call 203-748-5689. Family Center Services (203-852-2988) offers services in affiliation with Norwalk Hospitals Department of Psychiatry. New Heights, a program of Catholic Charities, is a psychosocial rehabilitation program for adults with mental illness. There is an office at 66 West Street in Danbury. For information, call 203-748-0819. Mental health services are also available through these hospitals: Silver Hill Hospital in New Canaan (800-899-4455); Four Winds Hospital in Cross River, N.Y. (914-763-8151); Danbury Hospital (203-797-7000); and Psychiatric Services at Yale, through Yale-New Haven Hospital (800-275-9253). A regional hotline for crisis intervention, mobile outreach, and psychiatric emergency service is 888-447-3339. For more information call Gail Schiron, the towns director of human services, at 203-938-3580. She is the towns Housatonic mental health representative. Are there United Way services in the area? Yes. United Way of Western Connecticut focuses on the building blocks for a good life: a quality education that leads to a stable job, enough income to support a family through retirement, and good health. United Way works to prepare all children for school and to succeed in life, help families become and
remain financially stable, provide access to quality healthcare and provide links to basic needs services like food and shelter. You can learn more at unitedwaycfc.org. The area United Way serves Redding and 14 other surrounding towns. There is an office at 85 West Street in Danbury. The phone number is 203-792-5330. Visit uwwesternct.org. Where can I get help for an eating disorder? Four Winds Hospital in Cross River, N.Y. (914-763-8151), offers inpatient and outpatient services with group and individual therapy. Danbury Hospital (203-797-7000), has an outpatient program. Silver Hill Hospital in New Canaan (800-899-4455) also has programs. The Renfrew Center of Southern Connecticut (203-8345020/renfrew.org) at 436 Danbury Road in Wilton, offers an intensive outpatient program as well as nutritional counseling and support groups . Is there any help for victims of domestic violence? The Womens Center of Greater Danbury (203-7315200/womenscenterofgreaterdanbury.org) serves Redding with counseling, crisis intervention, support groups, workshops, and preventive programs. The center operates two 24-hour hotlines: 203-731-5204 for sexual assault, 203-731-5206 for domestic violence. The center can also direct women to a shelter. Should I worry about Lyme disease here? Lyme disease, spread by ticks, is prevalent. The most effective steps every family can take include bathing or showering after outdoor activity, looking for ticks and rashes, applying repellents to clothing and skin, spraying the perimeter of the yard and treating pets as the veterinarian recommends. Products containing DEET will repel ticks and decrease the
september 22, 2011
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september 22, 2011
Health
chances of a tick bite. Studies suggest that for blacklegged ticks, DEET concentrations around 30% to 40% may be necessary for adequate protection. Several products contain 0.5% permethrin which is for use only on clothing or other fabrics. 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 1-800858-7378 or npic.orst.edu. Complete information on tick-borne disease prevention and tick management is available online in the Tick Management Handbook provided by the Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station at ct.gov/caes. If you do find a tick on your body, it should be removed immediately with a fine tipped tweezers as close to the skin as possible. Engorged ticks (those that have been feeding on a person and contain blood) may be submitted at the health department for free testing by the state. Ticks should be submitted in a zip-lock bag with name and phone number. Residents are encouraged not to wait for results before consulting with their physician. If you notice any questionable or expanding red rash, fatigue, headache, stiff neck, fever and/or chills, muscle and/or joint pain or other flu-like symptoms, see a doctor immediately. Not all people develop the rash. Timely treatment is important. Left untreated, Lyme disease infection can worsen and lead to joint swelling, neurological, cardiac and other serious 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, headache, chills, malaise, muscle and joint pain, nausea, and vomiting. 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.
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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 203791-0477 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 information, 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. The following Web sites are recommended: ilads.org; columbia-lyme.org; cdc.gov. Color pictures of several variations of the Lyme rash may be viewed at the Lyme Disease Foundation Web site: lyme.org. The Ridgefield Lyme Disease Task Force offers an annual spring seminar on Lyme disease. E-mail rldtf@comcast.net for information.
Media
september 22, 2011
What newspapers cover the town? The Redding Pilot, a weekly, is the major publication that covers our town. The Pilots news office is at the Hersam Acorn Newspapers main office at 16 Bailey Avenue in Ridgefield. Office hours are Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Wednesday 9 to 3. The newsroom phone number is 203-894-3331. The Web site is TheReddingPilot.com. The News-Times in Danbury, a daily, covers some Redding events and people. How can I get an announcement in the papers? The best way to submit a general news announcement to The Pilot is via e-mail to pilot@thereddingpilot.com. Editor is Susan Wolf. For sports news, e-mail Sports Editor Rocco Valluzzo at rocco@thereddingpilot.com. You may also mail press releases to The Pilot, P.O. Box 389, Georgetown, CT 06892. In any case, be sure to include a daytime contact phone number. The Pilot does not accept faxed submissions. A free guide to doing news releases is available online at thereddingpilot.com. To get news in the Danbury News-Times, call 203-744-5100 or fax to 203-792-8730 or e-mail editor@newstimes.com. How may I advertise in the Pilot? For display advertising, call Karen Forrest at 203-894-3324. E-mail: kforrest@acorn-online.com. For classified advertising, call 1-800-372-2790 or e-mail: Classified@hersamacorn.com. For subscriptions: 800-372-2790 or 203-894-3309. Can I read The Pilot online? Those looking for the latest Redding news can find it on The Pilots online site, thereddingpilot.com; those looking for the not-so-latest news can find it in the same place. To sign up for the latest, up-to-the-minute news, sign up for Breaking News by logging onto TheReddingPilot.com. You can also follow town news via Twitter. Sign up at Twitter.com/
ReddingPilot. Find us on Facebook at Facebook.com/Redding Pilot. Page one stories, and the top sports stories from the current weeks issue of The Redding Pilot are available on the papers home page and remain accessible at no charge for several weeks. The entire content of the newspaper is added to the archive within about two weeks after publication. The Pilots archives are searchable by going to thereddingpilot.com and clicking on Archives on the left-hand side of the page. All obituaries going back to September 2005, an upto-date Whats Up calendar, useful Web links, and the Redding Answerbook, as well as access to the Hersam Acorn classifieds, real estate listings, and the top stories from the Arts & Leisure section and special monthly supplements are also available at no charge on The Pilots Web site. (Send arts information at least two weeks in advance of publication to arts@acorn-online.com or call Arts Editor Sally Sanders at 203-483-1183, ext. 132.) What radio stations carry news of Redding? Redding news, weather, sports and personalities are carried by WLAD (800 AM) and WINE (98Q FM) in Danbury. Do any specialty publications cover our area? Fairfield County Weekly (203-382-9666/fairfieldweekly. com) covers activities, arts and news in the county and state and is free. Connecticut Magazine (203-830-6600/connecticutmag.com) is a general interest magazine. Fairfield County Business Journal (914-694-3600/fairfieldcbj.com), published weekly, contains business news of the county. Is there a community calendar of events? The town clerks office has a calendar of all board, committee, and commission meetings, as well as some community activities. The Redding Pilot prints a column, Whats Up, listing community events, and posts events on its Web site at thereddingpilot.com. Town activities are listed online at townofreddingct.org.
Children & Teens

How do I find a day-care facility for my child? For information on child care services in this area, call the Connecticut Child Care Unit Infoline at 800-505-1000 or Infoline at 211. All day-care centers should be licensed by the state and that license should be displayed. For information on which facilities are licensed, call the states day care licensing office at 800282-6063. Child care facilities should also display the fire marshals inspection certificate and the centers discipline policy and complaint procedure. What kind of permits or certification do day-care centers need? Day-care centers fall into three categories: family day-care homes, group day-care homes and child day-care centers, which also include nursery schools. Stringent requirements must be met to become licensed, including permits from the state Department of Health Services and zoning, building, fire, and health permits. To advertise for family day-care, caretakers must list license numbers. What before- or after-school activities are there? The Park and Recreation Department offers an afterschool recreation program called Extended Day for children in kindergarten through fourth grade. Registration begins in March. Call 203-938-2551 for information. The recreation department also offers Afterschool Games Hodgepodge in the Redding Elementary School gym. Check the fall brochure for the schedule. The Breakfast Club is a before-school program from 7 to 8:10 at Redding Elementary (no breakfast served). On snowdelayed opening days, the Breakfast Club begins at 8:30. Call 203-938-2551. The Park and Recreation Department offers an after-school program at John Read Middle School from 3:45 to 6. You must register in advance at the Park and Recreation office; forms are at the office and online at townofreddingct.org. The Redding Boys & Girls Club (rbgc.net) offers an afterschool program for children in first through fourth grade until 6 p.m. Children take the school bus from the Redding Elementary to the club. The club also offers Phoenix Academy Unit weekdays from 2:30 to 6:30 at the old Staples Middle School in Easton. For information, call 203-938-3166 or e-mail reddingbgc@aol.com. Is there a job clearinghouse for students? Jobs are posted in the guidance office of Joel Barlow High School. Visit the office or call 203-938-2508 for more information.
september 22, 2011
Children & Teens
The Park and Recreation Department offers a youth employment listing service for young people 12 and older willing to do specific kinds of work such as mowing lawns, baby sitting, shoveling snow, etc. To list yourself as a worker or to hire a worker, call 203-938-2551. At what age may young people legally consume alcohol? It is illegal for anyone under 21 to possess alcohol anywhere in the state, including on private property. It is also illegal for anyone to knowingly allow minors to possess alcohol. What is there for teenagers to do in town? The Boys and Girls Club on Cross Highway runs a Keystone Club character and leadership program for 14- to 18-year-olds. The club is also recruiting teens for community service projects. For information, call 203-938-3166 or visit rbgc.net. The Park and Recreation Department offers Middle School & High School Open Gyms as well as programs and classes that appeal to young people. Call 203-938-2551 or visit townofreddingct.org. Are there any musical programs for children? The Germantown Ancients is a fife and drum corps for children of all ages who want to play an instrument or march in a color guard during parades. The corps supplies instruments and uniforms. Meetings are at the West Redding Fire House on Wednesday nights from 7:30 to 9:30. For information, call Robert Paradise at 203-938-2490. Is there a Christian outreach program? Young Life is a non-denominational Christian organization that reaches out to teens. The middle school component is called WyldLife. There are meetings and special events. For Danbury Young Life, call 203-981-1899. For Young Life in Ridgefield, call Area Director Tim Vickers at 203-417-4186 or e-mail tim@ridgefieldct.younglife.org. The Web site is ridgefieldct. younglife.org. Is there a list of resources for teens? Youth Yellow Pages is a free directory of more than 1,000 area resources available to high school students. It may be downloaded at ryasap.org, or students may check with the guidance counselor at school for a free copy. What youth sports programs are there? Many major sports are offered, including baseball, football, field hockey, floor hockey, karate, lacrosse, softball, soccer, gymnastics, Ultimate Frisbee, golf instruction, flag football, and cheerleading. Check the recreation departments brochure or call 203-938-2551. Also, keep an eye on the Redding Pilots sports pages for registration announcements. The Boys and Girls Club runs spring and fall baseball and softball programs. Call 203-938-3166 or visit online at rbgc. net. Redding-Easton Lacrosse (re-lax.org) serves boys and girls in 3rd through 12th grade. There are scrimmages and camps in the fall and a regular spring season. Call the Redding Boys & Girls Club at 203-938-3166 or go to the RELAX Web site (relax.org) for committee contact information. The lacrosse hotline is 203-938-3166, mailbox 2. There are several soccer opportunities. Easton/Redding 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 erunited.org. The soccer hotline is 203-938-9978. The Park and Recreation Department offers classes for grades K-4. Call 203-938-2551. The Aspetuck Wildcats offers football and cheerleading through the American Youth Football and Cheer program. The groups Web site, wildcatsfootball.com, has a list of board members and contact information. The Park and Recreation Department (203-938-2551) offers flag, Frisbee, and other types of football for children in grades 2-4. The Boys and Girls Club of Redding (203-938-3166/rbgc. net) offers travel basketball leagues in the fall and a summer hoops program, both for boys and girls in 5th through 8th grade. The Park and Recreation Department (203-938-2551) offers an in-house league for third through eighth grade, a travel league for fifth through eighth grade, and basketball classes for grades 1-4. The Redding Boys and Girls Club offers fall field hockey to all Redding girls entering fifth through eight grades. The team competes with other local middle school teams. For information, call 203-938-3166 or go online to rbgc.net. There is also a prep program for third and fourth grade girls. Are there any day camps? The Park and Recreation Department runs a variety of summer day camps for preschoolers and for ages 6-12. All
Children & Teens
september 22, 2011
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, baseball, and wrestling. The department also runs vacation camps during school holidays. Call 203-938-2551. The Boys and Girls Club runs sports camps in the summer for baseball, softball and basketball. The camps concentrate on a specific sport. Call 203-938-3166 for information or visit rbgc.net. Camp Playland, 27 Starrs Ridge Road (203-438-1711/ campplayland.com), offers a traditional summer program. Transportation is provided. Whimsy Brook Farm, 29 Giles Hill Road, offers a summer youth riding program. Call 203-938-3760 or visit whimsybrookfarm.com. Paint, Draw & More! at 25 Old Mill Road in West Redding offers a Summer Art program. Call 203-544-8551 or visit paintdrawmore.com. The Mountain Workshop in West Redding offers adventure and mountain biking camps. Call 203-544-0555 or visit mountainworkshop.com.
What playgrounds are there for small children? There is a playground for small children at Redding Elementary School at 33 Lonetown Road (Route 107), available after school hours. 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, visit the Connecticut Yankee Council of the Boy Scouts of America Web site at ctyankee.org or call Ken Shupp at 203-938-9483. Visit the Girl Scouts of Connecticut Web site at gsofct.org. Beth Williams is Reddings Girl Scouts organizer. She can be reached at 203-938-3276. Is there a martial arts program? Georgetown Martial Arts is at 9 Ethan Allen Highway in the Branchville part of Ridgefield, across Route 7 from the train station there. Call 203-544-6055 or visit georgetownmartialartscenter.com. The Park and Recreation Department offers karate programs. Call 203-938-2551 or check online at townofreddingct. org.
Recreation
What local parks are there? What do they offer? Topstone Park off Topstone Road is the towns sole municipal park and the only spot for public swimming (see below for details). There are also many miles of trails, picnic grounds, barbecue stands, tether ball, boats in summer, and a basketball court. Call the Park and Recreation Department at 203-9382551 for more information. Putnam Memorial State Park (203-938-2285/putnampark. org) on Route 58 encompasses 800 acres mostly in Redding, partly in Bethel. The historic park, the oldest state park in Connecticut. was a Revolutionary army campsite in the winter of 1778-79. Marked areas show where the campsite was. There are hiking/biking trails, a pond and picnic tables. Pets on a leash are permitted in picnic areas and on hiking trails. The park is open from frpm Memorial Day to Veterans Day from 8 to sunset and there is handicap-accessible parking. The musuem there is open 10 to 5. Friends & Neighbors (FANs) of Israel Putnam Memorial State Park work with the state Department of Environmental Protection to benefit the park. The group meets at 7 p.m. on the second Monday of each month in the Visitors Center. For more information, send e-mail to fansofputnampark@att.net or visit the parks Web site. Collis P. Huntington State Park (203-938-2285) on Sunset Hill Road has more than 900 acres, mostly in Redding, some in Bethel and Newtown. More than 7.5 miles of trails serve hikers, mountain bikers, horseback riders and cross-country skiers. There are five ponds in the park and although swimming is not allowed for health reasons, fishing is permitted. The park is open from 8 to sunset; it is not handicap accessible. Pets on a leash are permitted. The towns Parade Path is a community garden in front of town hall dedicated to those who have volunteered their time for the towns benefit. The projects name relates to the history of the town green, which was a parade ground in the 18th Century. Plants in the project date from contemporary to those that would have been found in town in the 1750s. Each plant has a marker giving its name. Major donors names are inscribed on plaques in the garden; other donors are recognized in the Book of Names in town hall. Gift items in support of the Parade Path are on sale in town hall and Mark Twain Library. For information on making a donation in support of the Parade Path, call Jill Barberi at 203-938-9892. To volunteer, call Georgina Scholl at 203-938-4884. Gilbert-Miller Park in Georgetown is a pocket park that links Main Street with present and future development along Route 7. There are park benches along a walkway, a bridge, and a path along Gilbert & Bennett Brook. There are several other trails, preserves, natural areas and watersheds in town where residents may hike, fish or just take in the beautiful scenery (see list of hiking trails below). For more information about state parks or for trail maps, call 860424-3200. What about protected open space? The Redding Land Trust holds, in outright gifts or conservation easements, about 1,600 acres of meadow and woodland. More than 60 miles of trails criss-cross properties controlled by the land trust and the town. They are detailed in the Book of Trails, a guide to local parks, trails, and natural areas. Its $10 at the town hall, the Mark Twain Library and the Redding Community Center. The story of Reddings open spaces is told in a 20-minute documentary, A Passion for Place: Reddings Race for Open Space, available as a video or DVD for $5 at the same places the Book of Trails is sold. Where is the Park and Recreation Department? The office is in the Redding Community Center on Lonetown Road. The phone number is 203-938-2551. Hours are 8:30 to 5:30 Monday through Wednesday, 8:30 to 6 on Thursday. To check if a program is canceled, call 203-938-5036, ext. 6. What facilities are at the Redding Community Center? As far as recreation facilities are concerned, the center has a double gymnasium used for volleyball, basketball, and dance and exercise classes; a community room with a special floor for
september 22, 2011
Recreation
exercise classes; three multi-purpose playing fields; and four tennis courts on property adjacent to the Redding Elementary School playground, which is available after school hours. The building is open to groups or individuals for rental, when available. Call 203-938-2551 for details. Where can I go hiking? The Book of Trails IV lists many parks and open spaces for hiking. They include: Samuel E. Hill Little River Preserve (92 acres); Joan Plishner Wildlife Preserve (35.6 acres); Limekiln Natural Area (157 acres); Bogus Brook Preserve (36 acres); Putnam Memorial State Park (800 acres); Huntington State Park (900 acres); Ground Pine Sanctuary (54 acres); Yovan Tract (13.8 acres); Gallows Hill Natural Area (72.9 acres); Saugatuck Falls (312.4 acres); Stormfield (161 acres); Peter and Nell Fitzpatrick Preserve (5.5 acres); Arthur F. Brinckerhoff Nature Preserve (85.9 acres); Daytons Road to Devils Den (2.8 miles of trails); Lucius Pond Ordway Preserve (Devils Den, 1,500 acres); Lonetown Marsh Sanctuary (11 acres); Huckleberry Swamp (Steichen Preserve, 54 acres); Topstone Park (274 acres); and Rock Lot and Mary Evelyn Scott Nature Preserve (213 acres). Aquarion offers a hiking permit that allows access to the fivemile Saugatuck Nature Trail along the shore of the Saugatuck Reservoir and 35 miles of scenic trails in Redding and Weston. Call the watershed management department at 203-452-3510. Are there public tennis courts? Four public tennis courts are near the community center on the right side of Redding Elementary School. Tennis lessons are held in spring, summer and fall, and residents and their guests may use the courts for free. Is there an adult softball league in town? Men and women can play in the Adult Softball League. Call the Park and Recreation Department at 203-938-2551. Wheres the nearest batting cage? There are several in the area. The nearest are Frozen Ropes Training Center (203-205-0174/frozenropes.com), 69 Kenosia Avenue, Danbury; and Baseball Plus (203-438-4131/baseballplusct.com) at 88 Sugar Hollow Road (Route 7), Danbury. Does anyone offer yoga? Yoga classes are offered through Park and Recreation. Call 203-938-2551. Blackbird Yoga (203-587-1221/blackbirdyoga.com) at 28 Main Street, Georgetown, offers yoga classes and workshops and life coaching workshops. The Yoga Shala (203-544-8811/theyogashalact.com) at 49 Ethan Allen Highway, Ridgefield (corner of Route 7 and Branchville Road), offers ashtanga yoga and workshops plus enhanced spaces for Ayurveda and therapeutic massage. E-mail: info@theyogashalact.com. A number of yoga classes, as well as tai chi, are offered at the Redding Meditation Center, 9 Picketts Ridge Road. Check reddingmeditationsociety.org for details. Where can I go bowling? Many people use Brookfield Lanes on Federal Road (Route 7) in Brookfield (203-775-4343). For duckpins try Danbury Duckpin Lanes on Hayestown Road (203-744-4504). What public golf courses are in the area? Public golf courses include the Ridgefield Golf Course at 545 Ridgebury Road, Ridgefield (203-748-7008); Richter
Park Golf Course, Aunt Hack Road, Danbury (203792-2550); and Oak Hills Golf Course, 165 Fillow Street, Norwalk (203853-8400). Privately owned courses include Sunset Hill Golf Club, 13 Sunset Hill Road, Brookfield (203-740-7800) and the Candlewood Valley Country Club, Route 7, New Milford (203354-9359). Are there any miniature golf courses here? Not in town, but nearby. The Golf Performance Center, formerly Belmonts Golf complex, at 824 Ethan Allen Highway (203-790-4653/belmontsgolf.com) in Ridgefield, has both miniature golf and a driving range. Golf Quest (203-775-3556) in Brookfield has a putting and chipping area and practice bunkers, as well as miniature golf. It is open year-round. In Bethel, the Stony Hill Long Drive (203-778-2777) is on Stony Hill Road. The Wilton YMCA at 404 Danbury Road (203-762-8384) has a miniature golf course How can I join the local country club? The Redding Country Club at 109 Lonetown Road (Route 107) is the only country club in Redding. Call 203-938-2567 for membership information. Where can I go swimming here? The only public facility in Redding is Topstone Pond on Topstone Road. The park has a 28-acre pond for swimming and residents may also use canoes there. Swimming passes must be purchased at the Park and Recreation Department. Does Park and Recreation have swim lessons? Yes, check the departments latest brochure or call the department at 203-938-2551 to find out about lessons at Topstone
Recreation
september 22, 2011
Park. Are any public beaches on Long Island Sound? There are Jennings Beach in Fairfield and Calf Pasture Beach and Shady Beach in Norwalk (with admission fees charged to out-of-town residents). One of the most popular spots is Sherwood Island State Park in Westport. It has a long beach, changing and eating areas, two large picnic grounds, space for beach sports and a concession stand in season. The park is open from 8 to sunset. There is a parking fee from Memorial Day through September. For details, call 203-226-6983. Where can I fly a kite? You can fly in any public parks and fields, such as those found at the schools. Be careful about obstacles, including power lines, buildings, trees and bird nests. Where can I play basketball? There is a court at Topstone Park for residents, and two courts at the Boys and Girls Club but you should call 203-9383166 about availability of the latter. There also courts outside Redding Elementary School and John Read Middle School. The Park and Recreation Department runs open gym programs for adults and middle and high school students at the Redding Community Center. Call 203-938-2551 for information such as times and costs. What adult recreation programs are there? The Park and Recreation Department (203-938-2551) offers open gym basketball and volleyball, karate, yoga, golf lessons, tennis lessons, drawing, and a variety of exercise programs. Are there any family-oriented programs? The Park and Recreation Department (203-938-2551) plans a number of events each year including a Halloween party, Christmas tree lighting, family open gym, bingo, family swim and skate nights, hikes, and day trips. Where can I go ice skating? Residents may skate at their own risk at Huntington State Park. Popular spots nearby are Lake Mamanasco and Pierrepont State Park in Ridgefield. Winter Garden (203438-4423/wintergardenarena.com) at 111 Prospect Ridge Road, Ridgefield, is open from October to late May, with public skating, hockey leagues and figure skating. Are mountain bikes allowed in open spaces? Mountain biking is allowed in both Huntington State Park and Putnam Memorial State Park. Is there a helmet law for bicyclists? Children age 15 and under must wear a helmet when bicycling in Connecticut. Are there any bicycling clubs in the area? Sound Cyclists runs group rides throughout Fairfield County year round. There are special events, a newsletter, and members are entitled to discounts at more than a dozen area bicycle shops. For information, visit soundcyclists.com. What local health clubs are available? One on One Fitness (203-938-2031/reddingfitnesstraining. com), 39 Putnam Park Road, offers personal training and group fitness classes. The Park and Recreation Department offers fitness classes including pilates, yoga, aerobics, dance exercise, and more.
Is there a jogging trail here? Joel Barlow High School has a track. Many residents like to run at Huntington State Park off Sunset Hill Road and Putnam Memorial State Park off Route 58. Are there any running clubs in the area? The Wolfpit Running Club is open to runners and walkers of all abilities. Its annual half-marathon in October attracts many of Connecticuts top runners. Proceeds are donated to worthy causes. The Web site is wolfpitrunningclub.org. The Park and Recreation Department participates in the National Hershey Track and Field Program for boys and girls 9 to 14 each spring. Is camping allowed anywhere in town? Residents may camp at Topstone Park with a permit. Permits are available at the Park and Recreation Department (203-9382551). Can I rent an athletic field for a company picnic and softball game? The Boys and Girls Club (203-938-3166) on Cross Highway may be rented for activities. Town fields are available for use during certain times of the year. Call the towns recreation office at 203-938-2551. Does the local recreation department publish a program of its offerings? A brochure is published and mailed quarterly to every home and business in town to coincide with the departments spring, summer, fall, and winter programs. To get on the mailing list call 203-938-2551. Are there any nature centers in or near town? The 102-acre New Pond Farm Education Center at 101 Marchant Road in West Redding offers environmental and cultural programs for children and adults, both members and non-members (the latter pay a slightly higher fee). The property features trails for hiking and cross-country skiing, an astronomy building with telescopes, and a Native American encampment and museum. Membership entitles people to the use of the property year-round from dawn to dusk. For information, call 203-938-2117 or visit newpondfarm.org. The Woodcock Nature Center is at 56 Deer Run Road in Wilton and Ridgefield (203-762-7280/woodcocknaturecenter. org). The nature center building is open to visitors Monday through Friday and most Saturdays from 9:30 to 4. Three miles of publicly accessible woodland trails are open daily dawn to dusk. The center offers such nature programs as moonlight hikes, composting demonstrations, bird seed sales, and its annual wreath decorating festival. Where can I go fishing in town? Fishing is available in all public ponds and lakes if you have a state fishing license. For privately owned ponds and lakes, permission from the owner must be obtained. Particularly popular is Huntington State Park off Sunset Hill Road, which has Starret Pond; the Saugatuck Reservoir off Route 53 (a permit is required, see below); the Aspetuck River off Route 58, and Factory Pond on the Norwalk River (off Route 7 in Georgetown). Aquarion offers fishing permits that allow access to reservoirs in Weston, Redding (including the Saugatuck), Monroe, and Shelton. Call 203-452-3510 for details.
september 22, 2011
Recreation
What kinds of fish can you catch here? Brook trout, brown trout, rainbow trout, kokanee, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, chain pickerel, northern pike, striped bass, white perch, yellow perch, walleye, brown bullhead, channel catfish, and whitefish are typical to the area, including in Long Island Sound. Check the latest Connecticut Anglers Guide descriptions of these fish free copies of the guide may be found in the town clerks office in town hall. When does fishing season start? You may fish year-round in Long Island Sound but for most inland locations, the season begins the third Saturday in April and continues through November. Where do I get a fishing license? Inland fishing licenses are $20 (free to seniors and the disabled) and are required for anyone 16 and older. They are available at the town clerks office and many tackle shops. Fishing licenses are not needed in the marine district unless you are taking lobsters or menhaden. For details, check the Connecticut Anglers Guide, available free at the town clerks office or online at dep.state.ct.us. Where can I go boating? There is no body of water big enough for boating in Redding (its not allowed on the reservoir), but you can paddle canoes at Topstone Park, Huntington State Park or Putnam Memorial State Park. State boat ramps may be found in Ridgefield at Lake Mamanasco on Mamanasco Road and Pierrepont State Park on Barlow Mountain Road. There are several public launch areas for Candlewood Lake. There is a public boat launch on the Saugatuck River on Underhill Parkway off Bridge Street in Westport. It is a paved launch, good for large or small boats. It is a popular spot for canoeists and kayakers to convene. From the launch you can 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 might want to check the tide tables. Kayakers report its more fun at high tide. For a statewide list of public boat launches, visit the Connecticut DEP Web site at ct.gov/dep and click on Boating. What do I need to get a hunting license? To obtain a hunting license, you must have had a resident license within the last five years or have proof of successful completion of a hunter safety course. A firearms hunting license costs $14, $3 for a junior (age 12 to 15) firearms hunting license. An archery license is $30, $13 for juniors. Hunting licenses may be purchased at town hall, archery licenses must be applied for by mail. Permits for hunting specific animals are extra. For details, consult the Connecticut Hunting and Trapping Guide, available free at the town clerks office, call DEP at 860424-3011, or visit the Web site at dep.state.ct.us. Where can I go hunting in town? Hunting is strictly forbidden on public lands in town, except for the town-sanctioned managed hunt. (For details, see the Animals section of the Redding Answer Book.) Hunting is not allowed on land owned by the Redding Land Trust. You may hunt on private property. All hunters are required to have permission from the landowner when hunting on private lands. Verbal permission for the hunting of animals other than deer and turkey is sufficient. Deer and turkey hunters must carry the written permission of the landowner for the current season on official DEP forms. A landowner must have a minimum of 10 acres to authorize the
use of a rifle for deer hunting. Aquarion has expanded access to its land for firearms and bow hunting. A special permit is required. For details, visit the DEP Web site at dep.state.ct.us. For further information on game law issues, bowhunting, or conservation, call the Redding Deer Warden Hotline at 203-9482844 or refer to latest issue of the state Hunting and Trapping Guide, available at the town clerks office. What are the hunting seasons here? Depending on the game, hunting seasons begin and end at different times. Check the latest state Hunting and Trapping Guide, available in the town clerks office or online at dep.state.ct.us. Bowhunting deer season on state land in bowhunting only areas is from Sept. 15 to Dec. 31. On private property the season is Sept. 15-Jan. 31. Check the above Web site for shotgun dates. Fall turkey bowhunting on state and private land runs from Sept. 15 to Nov. 13 and Dec. 19-31. Fall turkey firearms season is Oct. 6-31 on state and private land. Spring turkey season will be in May. Hunting on Sunday is prohibited in Connecticut. Who teaches firearms safety courses? Try firearms dealers or call the states Conservation Education Firearms Safety office in Burlington at 860-675-8130. The Ramapoo Rifle and Revolver Club in Ridgefield (203-4382095) offers pistol permit courses. Visit the Web site at ramapoo.com.
Entertainment
september 22, 2011
Where are the nearest movie theaters? Redding has no movie theaters but several are in neighboring towns. In Danbury, theres Loews (203-796-7777), a 10-screen complex at 61 Eagle Road. Bethel Cinema (203-778-2100), is at 269 Greenwood Avenue. Edmond Town Hall (203-426-2475) on Main Street, Newtown, shows second-run major releases at a lower price several weeks after the first-run theaters. The Ridgefield Playhouse (203-438-5795/ridgefieldplayhouse.org) is at 80 East Ridge Avenue. Are there any theatrical companies in the area? Companies include the Ridgefield Theater Barn (203-4319850/theaterbarn.org), the Town Players of Newtown (203270-9144/danbury.org/townplayers/), the Country Players of Brookfield (203-775-0023) and The Wilton Playshop (203762-7629/wiltonplayshop.org) on Lovers Lane in Wilton. Are there any local or area orchestras? The Ridgefield Symphony Orchestra (203-438-3889) consists of professional musicians and presents a series of concerts each year. Visit ridgefieldsymphony.org. The Western Connecticut Youth Orchestra is open to students in sixth through 12th grade. Audition requirements are available online at ridgefieldsymphony.org. The Danbury Symphony Orchestra is for experienced orchestra musicians while the Danbury Community Orchestra is for teens and adults who wish to develop their skills. The Preparatory String Orchestra, also in Danbury, 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 towns 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 departments brochure, and on the departments 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 in Ridgefield. For information, or to arrange an audition, call Margaret Collins Stoop at 203438-2980. Camerata dAmici is a 40-voice choral music grou. The repertoire ranges from well-known spirituals to classical pieces. Rehearsals are Thursday nights at 7:30 at South Salem Presbyterian Church in South Salem, N.Y. Auditions take place year-round. E-mail director Kristin Sponheim at info@cameratadamici.org. For information, visit cameratadamici.org. The Wilton Treblemakers is open to women of all ages and experience who enjoy singing for the love of music. Rehearsals
are Mondays at 7 p.m. at Wilton High School. For information, e-mail anneh-treble@wiltontreble.org or visit wiltontreble.org. Where can I hear live music while dining? The Georgetown Saloon (203-544-8003) at 8 Main Street has a small dance floor and live music on many nights and holds open mic nights. Call for a calendar of upcoming bands and events. Lumberyard Pub (203-544-7287) at 2 Main Street, West Redding, has music on Saturday nights. Redding Roadhouse (203-938-3388) at 406 Redding Road offers live music and some special events. The Lyrics Coffeehouse series runs the first Friday of each month from November through April at 7:30, at the Redding Community Center. For details, call the recreation office at 203-938-2551 or visit the departments Web page on townofreddingct.org. There are many other venues in the area. For details, check the After Dark listings in the Arts & Leisure section of The Redding Pilot. Whats new among the areas entertainment venues? This past spring the Gilbert & Bennett Community Cultural Center made its debut in the old Gilbert & Bennett School in Georgetown. Located at the corner of Routes 107 and 7, the Beaux Arts building carries the street address of 49 New Street, Wilton, but is located in what many refer to as Georgetown. In addition to offering various music, dance and art classes and special events, the facility can be rented for artistic, social or business events. For more information, call director Pat Hegnauer at 203-544-1049. What museums are in the area? The Lonetown Farm and Museum is run by the Redding Historical Society at 43 Lonetown Road. It is open Sundays from 2 to 4, Memorial Day through Labor Day, or by appointment. There is a furnished 1780 farmhouse and antique tool museum in the barn. Call 203-938-9095 or the historical society president Colleen McLeod at 938-1118 (coldplaycolleen@aol. com). Putnam Memorial State Park has a museum with artifacts from the Revolutionary War soldier encampment on park grounds. Built in 1921, the museum houses artifacts found in archaeological digs in the park and also items donated by families and the state. The state park is also the first state archeological preserve. It was a Revolutionary War encampment during the winter of 1778 and 1779 and is known as Connecticuts Valley Forge. At the intersection of Routes 107 and 58, Putnam Park is open from Memorial Day to Veterans Day 8 a.m. to sundown. The museum is open from 10 to 5. For more information, call 203-938-2285. Visit the Web site at putnampark.org and also check out news about events there at the section devoted to Friends & Neighbors (FANs) of Putnam Park. Ridgefield offers The Aldrich Contemporary Art Museum (203-438-4519) and the Keeler Tavern Museum (203-4385485), both on Main Street. In Danbury, there are the Charles Ives Birthplace Museum (203-778-3540/danburyhistorical.org), 5 Mountainville Avenue; the Scott-Fanton Museum and Historical Society (203-7435200/danburyhistorical.org), 43 Main Street; the Danbury Railway Museum (203-778-8337/danbury.org/drm), 120 White Street; and the Military Museum of Southern New England (203-790-9277/usmilitarymuseum.org), 125 Park Avenue. Whats Weir Farm? Weir Farm Connecticuts only national historic site is
september 22, 2011
Entertainment
on Nod Hill Road on the Wilton-Ridgefield town line and is run by the National Park Service. The farm was the summer home of American painter J. Alden Weir (1852-1919) and believed to be a seminal site for the development of American Impressionism. There are guided tours of the property, rotating art and history exhibitions, and visitors may follow a self-guided painting sites trail. Lectures and art classes are often offered. The Weir House, Weir Studio, and Young Studio have been undergoing restoration. For information, call 203-834-1896 or visit nps.gov/wefa. Weir Farm Art Center at 735 Nod Hill Road (203-761-9945) is a private, non-profit organization and the cooperating association of the Weir Farm National Historic Site. Adjacent to Weir Farm is the Weir Preserve, owned by The Weir Farm Art Center, which provides art-related programs at the farm and elsewhere. Weir Preserve offers 110 acres of hiking trails through fields and woodlands. There are also special programs throughout the year. For information, visit weirfarmartcenter.org.
Can I get a guide to interesting places to go? The Redding Pilot publishes a guide called 100 Things to Do that lists activities and places to visit within an hour or so of Redding. (Free copies are available at our offices or call 203438-6544 to order.) Can I rent a hall here for a party or a reception? Redding Roadhouse (203-938-3388) on Route 53 also handles large groups as does the Redding Country Club (203-9382567) at 109 Lonetown Road (Route 107). The Georgetown Saloon (203-544-8003) at 8 Main Street is good for smaller parties. A new venue is the Gilbert & Bennett Community Cultural Center (203-544-1049). You can also look into renting at any of the towns three firehouses, some church halls, or the Mark Twain Library (203-938-2545).
Clubs & Organizations

I want to do some volunteer service. Where do I find out whats available? The opportunities are many. VolunteerSolutions.org helps volunteers find the nonprofits that need their help. Visit volunteersolutions.org or call the Voluntary Action Center of MidFairfield at 203-849-1111. VolunteerSolutions.org is a partner of the United Ways. The Volunteer Bureau of Greater Danbury (203-797-1154) and Infoline of Northwestern Fairfield County (800-203-1234) help link volunteers and organizations that need them. RSVP is a Red Cross program that puts people 55 and older into meaningful volunteer work. Call 203-792-8200. Where can I find a guide to local organizations? Go to the Web site that calls itself Reddings Online Resource: redding79.org/organizations.html. There you will find lists of nonprofit groups, business organizations. Also there is a calendar of local events, news, videos and more. A link to this Web page can be found on the towns Web site. How can I get involved in a political party here? Call the town chairman of either party. For the Redding Republican Town Committee call Ward Mazzucco at 203938-9861, e-mail chairman@reddingrepublicans.org, or go online to reddingrepublicans.org. For the Redding Democratic Town Committee, call Julia Pemberton at 203-938-9700 or go online to reddingdemocrats.org. Where can I get a guide to town government or community organizations? The League of Women Voters publishes the They Represent You directory to Reddings elected, appointed, and key employed officials. The guide is posted online at the leagues 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 May at the Redding Community Center. Meetings are usually held with luncheons. speakers and special guests. Check the calendar of events for details at the clubs Web site at reddinggarden club.org. The clubs 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 clubs Fall Holiday Boutique and Luncheon is in November. There is a club newsletter. Membership and contact information is available at reddinggardenclub.org. Does the town have a chapter of the National Charity League? The Redding area chapter of the Redding Area National Charity League is a mother-and-daughter philanthropic organization for girls in grades 7 through 12. The organizations
Clubs & Organizations
september 22, 2011
purpose is primarily to support the mother and daughter relationship through the teenage years, and to promote a community service attitude in young women. Local member actively volunteer for many civic groups. Visit nationalcharityleague.org. Is there a grange in town? The Redding Grange, founded in 1875 and continuously operating since 1939, has a hall on Newtown Turnpike. The grange is a non-partisan, agricultural family fraternity that builds fellowship, service and member activities. Redding Grange No. 15 meets the second and fourth Monday at the Grange Hall. Annual spring and fall fairs are conducted. Call Ronald Gunther, master of the grange, at 203-748-0463. Is there a newcomers organization? Redding Neighbors and Newcomers is a social and philanthropic organization that helps newcomers integrate into the community and meet new people. Membership is also open to longtime Reddingites. Several special interest groups meet through the group, which also has various social events. To join, e-mail membership@reddingneighborsandnewcomers.org. The clubs Web site is reddingneighborsandnewcomers.org. For membership inquiries, call Sarah Cummings (203-664-1474). What does the League of Women Voters do? The League of Women Voters of Redding works to increase voter awareness and participation in the community. If you would like to get involved, contact the membership chair, Margi Esten, 34 Lonetown Road, Redding. or visit online at lwvct. org/redding. Is there a group for mothers? The MOMS Club of Ridgefield and Redding is a support group for mothers who stay at home with their children, including those who have home-based businesses and those who work part-time. The club has divided into two groups. For details go online to http://momsclubridgefield.tripod.com. For information, e-mail momsclubridgefieldredding@yahoo.com. What is the Junior League? The Junior League of Stamford-Norwalk is a non-profit organization of women committed to promoting voluntarism, developing the potential of women and improving communities through the effective action and leadership of trained volunteers. The groups purpose is exclusively educational and charitable. For information on joining, call 203-655-4662. Do we have any environmental organizations? The Redding Land Trust, incorporated in 1965, is a nonprofit organization that accepts and manages gifts of land. The trust holds 1,600 acres in open space land gifts and easements in town. These lands will remain as natural land forever. The trust, which costs $5 to join, sponsors hikes, trail clean-ups, and educational programs. The trust also maintains several preserves in town. For more information, send inquiries to P.O. Box 76, Redding 06875; or e-mail: info@reddingctlandtrust.org. The Web site is reddingctlandtrust.org. Redding is home to the Highstead Arboretum, 127 Lonetown Road (203-938-8809), which is open to the public by appointment or for certain special occasions. Unlike traditional arboretums where land is primarily cultivated for non-native woody plant species in a garden setting, Highsteads collections are based on sound ecological principles in which cultivated plants are grown in harmony with existing plant populations. Memberships are available.
Is there a historical society in Redding? The Redding Historical Society sponsors several annual community events including an antiques fair, a Revolutionary War re-enactment (by DeLanceys Brigade), Militia Day for third graders, and a Christmas tour at its Lonetown Farm Museum. For more information, call the societys president Janice Dimon at 203-938-8796. The Redding Preservation Society has its focus on local historic preservation issues. It works with the Connecticut Trust for Historic Preservation and the National Trust for Historic Preservation. Call Raymond DAngelo, chairman, at 203-9380240. Is there a club for children? The Jesse P. Sanford Boys and Girls Club of Redding is a focal point of youth activities in town. The clubs mission is to provide safe, supervised recreation to Redding children. It uses volunteer coaches, directors, and parents. The clubs eight-acre facility on Cross Highway offers baseball, softball, basketball and flag football activities, as well as summer sport camps. Call 203-938-3166 for further information or visit the clubs Web site at rbgc.net. Do we have a Lions Club? The Georgetown Lions Club has fund-raisers including an annual carnival at the Wilton High School field to help disabled children, provide free eye exams, promote drug awareness, and support the Diabetes Foundation. For information, call 203-544-9977. Is there a Daughters of the American Revolution chapter in the area? Membership in the Daughters of the American Revolution is open to any woman 18 years or older who can trace her ancestry to someone who helped the nation achieve independence from Britain between 1775 and 1783, including soldiers, sailors, militiamen, civil servants, members of the Continental Congress, nurses who aided the wounded, and ministers who gave patriotic sermons. The Drum Hill Chapter, which serves the area, meets regularly. Check The Pilot for meeting details. For information, call Mary Bendix at 203-762-1379 or e-mail Bendix@optonline.net. Is there a veterans group here? The Georgetown Area Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 10190. The post espouses a long tradition of honoring veterans and embraces all of the efforts of the national VFW. It raises money to benefit veterans and the community. Area residents who fought in any foreign war or campaign are invited to attend one of the posts meetings, held the second Wednesday of every month, 8 p.m., at the Georgetown Firehouse. Is there a substance abuse prevention group? The Easton-Redding Community Coalition is dedicated to the belief that parental supervision and involvement in a teenagers life will help them avoid the risks of alcohol and drug abuse, premature sexuality, depression, and suicide. The group runs a Family University each spring at Joel Barlow High School, and distributes a Safe Homes brochure (to parents of sixth grade through high school students that incorporates a pledge that parents will not knowingly serve alcohol to minors in their homes) and Guidelines for Get Togethers booklet, as well as a Driver Information Manual for Teens and Parents. For information, call Bill Gilotti at 938-9450 or e-mail BillG@eastonreddingcc. org. At Barlow High School the contact is Maryanne Pieratti, 203-938-2508, ext. 1524. Web site is EastonReddingCC.org.
september 22, 2011
Food & Shopping
What supermarkets are in town? The Redding Country Store (203-938-9400) at 2 Long Ridge Road, West Redding Center. The Redding Ridge Market at 119 Black Rock Turnpike was closed after a fire and new owners plan to reopen it later this year. For supermarket shopping, try Anconas (203-544-8436) at 720 Branchville Road, Ridgefield (Route 102 just west of the Route 7 intersection); Caraluzzis Georgetown Market (203544-7021), 920 Danbury Road, Wilton; or Bethel Food Market (203-748-3547) at 98 Greenwood Avenue. Where can I buy specialty foods? The Olive Market (203-544-8134/olivemarket.com), 19 Main Street, offers all sorts of gourmet food items. Cafe Cogolulu (203-544-6000), 991 Danbury Road, Georgetown, offers homemade gelato along with its coffee, sandwiches and baked goods. Where and when can I buy alcoholic beverages? Beer, wine, and liquor are sold in package stores (a regional term for liquor stores). Under state law, they are not sold after 8 p.m. or on Sundays. Beer (but not wine or liquor) may also be purchased in many grocery stores during the same hours. Local package stores include Georgetown Package Store, 34 Main Street, 203-544-8534, and Redding Wines & Spirits, 119 Black Rock Turnpike, 203-938-2131. What farmers markets are around? Markets open this season include Georgetown (Route 57 and Main Street) open Sundays, 10 to 2; Ridgefield (new location is behind 27 Governor Street, on lawn near Governor Street municipal parking lot and Boys and Girls Club), open Fridays, 2 to 6 (203-894-8690/ridgefieldfarmersmarket.org); Bethel, 67 Stony Hill Road, open Saturdays, 9 to 1; and Weston (Weston Historical Society, Route 57 and High Acre Road) open Saturdays, 9 to noon. For more Connecticut farm market listings, check ctfarmfresh.org. Where can I get local food products? Warrups Farm in West Redding (203-938-9403/warrupsfarm.com) at 11 John Read Road is an organic, family farm offering pick-your-own flowers, vegetables and pumpkins. The farm makes its own maple syrup, too. New Pond Farm at 101 Marchant Road offers for sale milk, cheese, and yogurt produced by its herd of eight cows. In Bethel, there are Blue Jay Orchards (203-748-0119), 125 Plumtrees Street, well-known for its apple- and pumpkin-picking; and Megs Flower Farm (203-790-6347, 69 Turkey Plain Road (Route 53), which offers pick-your-own vegetables and has a farm stand with jams, jellies, local honey, and fresh cut flowers. Silvermans Farm in Easton (203-268-0321) offers peaches, apples and nectarines from mid-July to mid-October. There is also a farm market, florist, animal park, seasonal cider mill and tractor rides. What restaurants are in town? Pearl Restaurant & Lounge (203-544-1206) opened last summer in the heart of historic Georgetown at 7 Main Street; Georgetown Saloon (203-544-8003), 8 Main Street, Georgetown; Lombardi Pizzeria & Restaurant (203-9388013), 2 Station Road, West Redding Center; Lombardi Pizza Plus II (203-544-9447), 22a Main Street; Lumberyard Pub (203-544-7287), 2 Main Street, Georgetown; the Olive Market (203-544-8134), 19 Main Street; Rancho Alegre (203-544-
9464), 6 Main Street, Georgetown; Redding Roadhouse (203-938-3388), 406 Redding Road; New Station House (formerly Station House Cafe) at 3 Side Cut Road (203-9388933); 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 eclectic assortment of clothing and accessories. Swirl Ice Cream & Treats (203-544-7057/swirltreats.com) at 19 Main Street offers creative gifting ideas and a variety of retail items. Where can I buy a newspaper? You can also buy newspapers, including The Redding Pilot, at the Redding Country Store, 2 Longridge Road; Station House, 3 Sidecut Road; Redding Pharmacy, Route 107; and Mini Vinnys Deli, 12 Old Mill Road, Georgetown. Are there any delicatessens around? Deli food is available at Minis Vinnys (203-544-9988), 12 Old Mill Road, Georgetown; Redding Country Store (203-938-9400), 2 Long Ridge Road; Cafe Cogolulu, (203544-6000), 991 Danbury Road; and the nearby Sand Wedge Deli and Catering (203-544-8074) at 1 Ethan Allen Highway (Route 7).
Transportation
september 22, 2011
Who maintains the roads in town? The Redding Highway Department (203-938-2801) maintains all town roads, including snow and ice removal. The department is also responsible for bridges, drainage, resurfacing, and trees. State roads are maintained by the Connecticut Highway Department. State roads are the ones with numbers: Routes 7, 53, 58 and 107. Redding has approximately 97.5 miles of asphalt and 8.6 miles of dirt town-owned roads. State highways total 30 miles. To whom do I complain about a pothole? Notify the police (203-938-3550) or the highway department (203-938-2801) about potholes or other problems on town roads. For state roads, call 203-797-4157. 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 must sign a petition and present it to the planning commission for approval. After a road receive a scenic designation any changes to the road itself or along the town right-of-way must be approved by the planning commission. Reddings scenic roads include Topstone Road, Umpawaug Road, Poverty Hollow Road, and Mark Twain Lane. 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 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. Where are the closest motor vehicle offices? The nearest motor vehicle departments are in Danbury at 2 Lee Mac Avenue, and Norwalk, 540 Main Avenue. They are open Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday, 8 to 4:30; Thursday, 8 to 7, and Saturday, 8 to 12:30. For information, call 800-842-8222 or visit dmvct.org.. At what age may a person begin driving? A student must be 16 years old to take driving lessons. For those under 18 who do not attend a state-licensed driving school or drivers education program, a Home Training Certificate must be issued at least one month before the drivers exam. There is a mandatory five-hour program covering safe driving practices. Call 800-842-8222 for more information. For drivers ed information, call 800-732-8090. Drivers 16 and 17 years old are subject to graduated licensing regarding passengers. For information, visit ct.gov/dmv. Are there any other restrictions on teen drivers? Yes. A state law prohibits teens under the age of 18 from driving between midnight and 5 a.m. unless it is for school, a job, religious activities or a medical necessity. Can I drive and talk on my cell phone? A state law bans the use of hand-held cell phones by adult drivers. It bans all cell phone use by teen drivers 16 and 17 years old except to call 911 or other emergency numbers.
Who must wear seat belts? Drivers and front-seat passengers, and all rear-seat passengers 8 to 16 years old, must wear seat belts when riding in a motor vehicle. Car seats are required for children younger than 6 or less than 60 pounds. Children must travel in rear-facing car seats until they are a year old and weigh at least 20 pounds. What should I do if I see a flashing blue light on a vehicle? Flashing blue lights may only be used by volunteer firefighters on their way to an emergency. As with police vehicles, fire trucks, or ambulances, you must yield to these vehicles. What should I do if a horse and rider are on the road? Horseback riders are protected by the rules of the road. They must ride single file near the right edge of the road. When approaching a horse on a public road, you must reduce your speed or stop, if necessary, to avoid striking, endangering, or frightening the horse. When approaching a horse being ridden or led along a road, you must drive at a reasonable speed and stay a reasonable distance. It is illegal to sound your horn when approaching or passing a horse. What rights do bicyclists have on the road? In Connecticut a bicycle has the same rights and responsibilities as a car on the road. A bicyclist may use the left lane when turning, and when a road is too narrow for cars and bikes to ride side by side, the bicyclist may ride near the center of the lane. Drivers must yield to bicyclists in a bicycle lane or on a sidewalk before turning across the bicycle lane or sidewalk. Failure to yield right-of-way to a bicyclist will result in a fine being doubled. Is there an emissions testing program? Yes. You will be notified by mail of your test days. Vehicles must be tested every other year. New vehicles less than five years old or more than 25 years old are exempt. If you do not have your vehicle tested, it does not pass, or has not been granter a waiver, DMV will not renew your registration. For information and testing stations, call 1-888-828-8399 or visit online at ctemissions.com. Where can I get rid of an old car? Some auto wreckers will pick up an old car and take it away for free. Dells Auto Wrecking (203-743-6779) advertises it wants junk cars. Some area fire departments use cars for training. Some charity groups accept old cars as charitable contributions, including The National Kidney Foundation (800441-1280), the American Diabetes Association (888-212-9990), Jewish Childrens Fund (800-527-3863), Mothers Against Drunk Driving (203-386-0049), American Lung Association (800-LUNG-USA), Boys and Girls Clubs of Connecticut (800246-0493), and Prevent Blindness Connecticut (800-860-4150). Where are the nearest train stations? Reddings only station is the Redding station on Long Ridge Road, a couple of minutes from Route 53. It is 58.5 miles to Grand Central Terminal. It has full ADA access, but no ticket machines or windows. One-way peak fare to Grand Central is $14.25, one-way off-peak is $10.75, monthly commutation is $308. An annual parking permit is $250; the daily fee is $5. Annual parking permits (as available) can be purchased Monday through Thursday and Saturday at the recycling center or ordered at the town clerks office during regular business hours. Call 203-938-3026 for information. The Branchville station on Portland Avenue.
september 22, 2011
Pets & Animals
What does Redding Animal Control do? The department deals with domestic animals, specifically dogs, and any wild animal that comes in contact with a domestic animal or person. The department does not do pest control or body removal. Michael DeLuca is the animal control officer. He may be reached at 203-938-2525. Where do I get a dog license? The town clerk in town hall sells dog licenses. Dogs should be registered in June; if you neglect to register, there is a $1 fine for each month of delinquency. Call the town clerks office (203-938-2377) for details. Not licensing your dog can result in a $60 fine. Dogs six months and older must be licensed. A current rabies certificate is required. For a reduced cost, proof of the animal being spayed or altered must be shown. The cost is $19 for an animal that has not been spayed or altered, and $8 for an animal that has. Connecticut state law requires that all dogs and cats be given rabies vaccinations. (Cats do not need licenses.) Are there rabies clinics in the area? Redding usually holds a low-cost rabies clinic once a year, in April or May, at the West Redding firehouse. Pet owners should bring their pets previous rabies certificate to receive a three-year rabies certificate; otherwise, they will receive a rabies certificate for a one-year vaccination. The clinic is sponsored by the Connecticut Municipal Animal Control Officers Association. Call Animal Control Officer Michael DeLuca at 203-938-2525 for details. Are there animal hospitals in town? There are three veterinary hospitals in Redding: The Redding Ridge Veterinarian (203-938-8018) at 3 Meeker Hill Road; the Redding Veterinary Hospital (203-438-3761) at 235 Ethan Allen Highway (Route 7); and the Georgetown Veterinary Hospital (203-544-9098) at 53 Redding Road in Georgetown. My dog is lost; where can I get help? Call Redding Animal Control at 203-938-2525. You may also want to call the animal control officers in neighboring towns, particularly if your dog has been missing more than 24 hours. What happens to loose dogs picked up by Animal Control? They are taken to the Bethel Animal Shelter on Route 53; 203-794-8530. What should I do if a loose dog is on my property, chasing my kids or cats? Dogs must be confined to ones own property or under control, such as with a leash or verbal control, if off the property. If a loose dog (not your own) is on your property, call Redding Animal Control at 203-938-2525. Is it legal to allow a dog to relieve itself on public or private property? There is no law regarding public property, but it is illegal to allow any dog to soil anothers private property. Dog owners can be liable for a fine. Where is a good place to take a dog for a romp? Putnam State Park, at the intersection of Putnam Park Road and Black Rock Turnpike, Huntington State Park on Sunset Hill Road, and Topstone Park are popular places for people to
bring their dogs. At Topstone, dogs are not allowed on the beach from May through September. All parks require dogs to be on leashes. Dog owners should clean up after their dogs. The town of Ridgefield offers the Bark Park, just for dogs, on Prospect Ridge and Hampton Court. Where can I adopt a dog or cat? Cats may be adopted through the Animals In Distress Shelter, Danbury Road, Wilton (203-762-2006). Dogs and cats may be adopted at the ROAR Shelter, South Street, Ridgefield (203-438-0158); Connecticut Humane Society, 455 Post Road East, Westport (203-227-4137); DAWSDanbury Animal Welfare Society (203-744-3297/daws.org); PAWS-Pet Animal Welfare Society, 504 Main Avenue, Norwalk (203-750-9572/pawsct.org); SOS-Save Our Strays, 1677 Post Road, Westport (203-255-0514); Paws-A-While in Bethel, 147 Grassy Plain Street (203-790-6511); Easton Animal Shelter (203-268-9172), 13 Westport Road, or the Bethel Animal Shelter (203-794-8530) on Route 53. Many area shelters list adoptable pets at petfinder.com. My car hit a dog. What should I do? Do not pick the animal up or try to help it. Injured animals often bite. According to the law, you must report it to the police (203-938-3400) and wait for them to arrive. They will contact Animal Control. Where can I take my pet in an emergency? The Animal Emergency Clinic of Danbury (203-790-6383) is at 22 Newtown Road, Danbury. It is open Monday through Thursday from 6 p.m. to 8 a.m. and Friday from 6 p.m. to 8 a.m. the following Monday; and 24 hours on most holidays. The Veterinary Referral and Emergency Clinic at 134 West Cedar Street, Norwalk, is open 24 hours. Call 203-854-9960. If your pet has eaten something poisonous and you cant reach your own veterinarian right away, you can call the ASPCA Poison Control Hotline at 800-548-2423. It is staffed 24 hours, but there is a charge for services. How about livestock? Residents may keep up to five goats, sheep, or pigs on one two-acre building lot, and may add one more for each 0.4 acre of additional property. In addition, up to 50 poultry birds (ducks, turkeys, chickens, etc.) may be kept on a lot; 10 more may be added for each 0.2 acre of additional property. Check with the health department (203-938-2559) on maintaining proper sanitary conditions. Where can I take riding lessons? In Redding, call Sunset Hill Farm, 160 Sunset Hill Road (203-938-8709/sunsethillfarmct.com) or Whimsy Brook Farm (203-938-3760/whimsybrookfarm.com), 29 Giles Hill Road. The Park and Recreation Department (203-938-2551) offers lessons in conjunction with Sunset Hill Farm. People are allowed to ride horses inside Huntington State Park. Are there any good places for birding here? Jack Sanders BirdNotes column in The Pilot offers information on birding sites. Wildlife preserves in the area include the Woodcock Nature Center on Deer Run Road in Wilton, 203-762-7280; Devils Den Preserve, Pent Road, Weston, 203-226-4991; Connecticut Audubon Center at Fairfield, 203259-6305; New Canaan Nature Center on Oeneke Ridge Road, 203-966-9577; Ward Pound Ridge Reservation in Cross River, 914-763-3993. Some 285 species have been seen at Sherwood Island State Park, Westport (203-226-6983).
Readers Index
Commissions, town, 16 Compost, 27 Concerts, 48 Congress, U.S., 18 Conservation Commission, 15, 17 Counseling, 25, 39 Country clubs, 45 CPR, 37 Danbury Hospital, 30, 35, 37 Day care, adult, 35 Day care, children, 42 Deeds, 14 Democratic Town Committee, 16, 49 DMV, 52 Dogs, 53 Domestic abuse, 25, 39 Drug treatment, 39 Easement, historic, 26 Easton-Redding Community Coalition, 50 Eating disorders, 39 Elections, 13, 14 Emergencies, townwide, 33 Employment services, youth, 42, 43 Families in Crisis Fund, 25 Farmers markets, 51 Farms, 51 Field hockey, 20, 43 Financial assistance, 25 Fingerprints, 32 Fire departments, 30, 31 Firearms, 47 Firewood, 27 First selectman, 11, 18 Fishing, 44, 46 Flu clinics, 38 Food bank, 25 Football, 20, 43, 50 Friends & Neighbors of Putnam Park, 7, 44, 48 Georgetown History Project, 9 Gilbert & Bennett, 6 Gilbert-Miller Park, 44 Golf, 20, 45 Goodwill Industries, 25 Governor, 18 Grand list, 12 Hazardous waste, 27 Health care, geriatric, 35, 36 Health department, 11, 15, 30 Heritage Center, 35 Highstead Arboretum, 50 Highway department, 52 Hiking, 44, 45 Historic points of interest, 6, 7 Histories, town, 8, 9 Home health care, 37 Hospice, 38 Hospitals, 37 Houses, oldest, 7 Houses, sale prices, 9 Housing, senior, 35 Hunting, 47 Huntington Park, 6, 44, 45, 46, 53 Huntington, Anna Hyatt, 6 Ice skating, 46 Immunizations, 20, 37, 38 Income, household, 10 Infoline, 39, 42, 49 Inns, 34 Insurance forms, 36 Jobs, students, 42 Joel Barlow High School, 19 Jogging trail, 46 John Read Middle School, 19 Junior League, 50 Lacrosse, 20, 43 Land use, 15 League of Women Voters, 49, 50 Library services, 24 License, day care, 42 License, dog, 53 License, drivers, 52 License, fishing, 53 License, hunting, 53 License, marriage, 15 Lions Club, 27, 50 Lonetown Farm and Museum, 8, 48 Lyme disease, 37, 38, 39 Mark Twain Library, 8, 9, 23, 24, 44, 49 Martial arts, 44 Meals on Wheels, 35 Mental illness, 39 Military families, services, 26 MOMS Club, 50 Motels, 34 Movie theaters, 48 Music, live, 48 Museums, 48 National Charity League, 49 Nature centers, 46, 53 Newspapers, 42 Newsstands, 34 Norwalk Hospital, 30, 35, 37 Notary public, 17 Nursing homes, 35 Officials, town, 18 Open space, 44 Orchestras, 48 Parade path, 44 Park and Recreation Commission, 16, 17 Park and Recreation Department, 35, 42, 43. 44 Parks, 44, 45, 46 Passports, 15 Permit, burn, 27 Permit, zoning, 26 Pet adoptions, 53 Pharmacies, 38 Physicians, 37 Planning Commission, 14, 15 Plants, invasive, 30 Playgrounds, 44 Police department, 26, 32 Population, 9 Postal services, 34 Probate judge, 15 PTA, 22 Putnam Park, 6, 36, 46, 48, 53 Rabies, 53 Radon gas, 30 Recycling, 26 Redding Boys & Girls Club, 42, 43 Redding Community Center, 44, 46, 48, 49 Redding Education Foundation, 22 Redding Elementary School, 19 Redding Garden Club, 49 Redding Grange, 50 Redding Historical Society, 7, 8, 50 Redding Land Trust, 44, 50 Redding Neighbors and Newcomers, 50 Redding Pilot, 42 Redding Preservation Society, 50 Registrars of voters, 13, 18 Republican Town Committee, 16, 49 Restaurants, 51 Roads, scenic, 52 Running, 46 School cancellations, 21
september 22, 2011
911, 30, 32, 38, 52 AARP, 26, 35 Activities, library, 24 Activities, school, 20, 21 Activities, seniors, 35 Adult education, 23 After-school activities, 21, 43 Alcoholic beverages, 51 Alcoholism, 38 Ambulance service, 30 American Red Cross, 26, 37, 55 Animal control, 53 Animal hospitals, 53 Annual Town Meeting, 16 Apartments, 26 Assessments, property, 12, 13 Basketball, 20, 43 Beaches, 46 Better Business Bureau, 34 Bible study, 36 Bicycles, 46, 52 Blood drives, 38 Blood pressure screenings, 38 Board of Education, 14, 18, 19 Board of Finance, 14, 17, 18 Board of Selectmen, 11, 14, 18 Boarders, 26 Boards, town, 16 Boating, 47 Book of Trails, 45 Bowling, 45 Brush removal, 30 Budget, school, 11, 21 Budget, town, 11 Building department, 15 Building officer, 15 Buses, 52 Calendars of events, community, 42 Calendar, schools, 20 Camping, overnight, 46 Camps, day, 45 Candidates, 16 Cats, 53 Cell phones, 34, 38, 52 Cemeteries, 9, 25 Chamber of Commerce, 34 Churches, 36 Clubs, senior, 435 Colleges, 23 Commission on Aging, 17
School, vocational, 24 Schools, art, 23 Schools, dance, 24 Schools, private, 23 Schools, public, 19 Scouting, 44 Senate, state, 17, 18 Senate, U.S., 18 Senior center, 35, 37, 38 Septic systems, 27, 37 Sewer service, 34 Sexual abuse, 25 Singing groups, 48 Social services, 25, 26, 38. 39 Softball, 20, 43, 44, 45, 50 Solicitors, 26 Special education, 22 Sports, school, 20 Sports, youth, 43 Stamford Hospital, 30, 35, 37 State House district, 18 Stone walls, 30 Stores, package 51 Substance abuse, 50 Superintendent of schools, 21 Supermarkets, 51 Support groups, 25, 26 Swimming, 20, 44, 45 Synagogues, 36 Tax aides, 26 Tax breaks, 13 Taxes, property, 11, 12 Tennis, 20, 44, 45, 46 Tests, school, 20 Theater groups, 48 Thrift shops, 25 Topstone Park, 7, 44, 45, 46, 47, 52, 53 Town clerk, 8, 15, 17 Town Meeting, 16 Town office hours, 11 Transfer station, 11, 26, 27 Transportation, senior, 36 Treasurer, 17 Umpawaug School, 7 Veterans, 50 Visiting nurses, 37 Volunteering, 49 Voter enrollment, 14 Voting, 14 WyldLife, 43 Yoga, 45 Young Life, 43 Youth Yellow Pages, 43 Zoning Board of Appeals, 14, 16, 18
september 22, 2011
Redding Web Sites
Redding sites: Aspetuck Wildcats: wildcatsfootball.com Calvary Independent Baptist Church: cibcredding.org Camp Invention: campinvention.org Christ Church-Episcopal: christchurchredding.org Easton-Redding Community Coalition: EastonReddingCC.org Easton-Redding Schools: er9.org Easton Redding United Soccer Club: erunited.org First Church of Christ Congregational: firstchurchredding.org Georgetown Volunteer Fire Co. #1: fire-ems.net/firedept/view/georgetown2ct League of Women Voters: lwvct.org/redding Mark Twain Library: marktwainlibrary.org MOMS Club: momsclubridgefield.tripod.com New Pond Farm: newpondfarm.org Nonpartisan Action for a Better Redding: betterredding.org Putnam Park: putnampark.org Redding Boys & Girls Club: rbgc.net Redding Cub Scouts: reddingscouts.org Redding-Easton Lacrosse: re-lax.org Redding Education Foundation: reddingeducationfoundation.org Redding Fire & EMS Co. #1: reddingfire1.org Redding-Georgetown Democratic Town Committee: reddingdemocrats.org Redding history: historyofredding.com Redding Meditation Society: reddingmeditationsociety.org Redding Neighbors and Newcomers: reddingneighborsandnewcomers.org Redding Pilot: thereddingpilot.com Redding Republican Town Committee: reddingrepublicans.org Sacred Heart Church: SacredHeartGeorgetownCT.org Temple BNai Chaim: tbcct.org
Tibetan Buddhist Center for Universal Peace: dnkldharma.org Town of Redding: townofreddingct.org Area sites: American Red Cross, Connecticut: ctredcross.org Bethel Visiting Nurse Association: bethelvna.org Connecticut General Assembly: cga.ct.gov Connecticut State Government: ct.gov Danbury Area Computer Society: dacs.org Danbury Hospital: danburyhospital.org Danbury Visiting Nurse Associaton: danburyvna.org Department of Motor Vehicles: dmvct.org Infoline (211): infoline.org National Sex Offender Public Registry: nsopr.gov Northwest CT Convention & Visitors Bureau: litchfieldhills.com Norwalk Hospital: norwalkhospital.org Norwalk Transit: norwalktransit.com Nursing & Home Care: visitingnurse.net Regional Hospice of Western Connecticut: regionalhospiceCT.org Ridgefield Visiting Nurse Associaton: ridgefieldvna.org Sound Cyclists: soundcyclists.com Stamford Hospital: stamfordhospital.org State of Connecticut: ct.gov State Rep. Daniel Carter: repcarter.com State Rep. John Shaban: repshaban.com State Senator Toni Boucher: senaterepublicans.ct.gov/sen_info/boucher.aspx United States Postal Service: usps.com U.S. Representative Jim Himes: himes.house.gov U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal: blumenthal.senate.gov U.S. Senator Joseph Lieberman: lieberman.senate.gov Womens Center of Greater Danbury: womenscenterofgreaterdanbury.org
redding
answerbook.11
ABC A Man with a Van. . . . . . . . .40 Able Painting & Restoration . . . . .40 BBM Home Improvement . . . . . .40 Bethel Visiting Nurse Association. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10 Branchville Oil Company . . . . . . .35 Branchville Self Storage . . . . . . . .25 Cabrera Landscaping . . . . . . . . . .40 Caraluzzis Market . . . . . . . . . . . .56 Castelli Construction & Landscape, Inc . . . . . . . . . . . .40 Cesars Services . . . . . . . . . . . . . .40 Coldwell Banker Real Estate. . . . . .3 Exteriors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9 Georgetown Package Store . . . . . .2 Gregory & Adams, P.C. . . . . . . . . .32 Georgetown Veterinary Hospital . .13 Kane Funeral Home . . . . . . . . . . .45
redding answerbook index of adver tisers

Rainproof Roong, LLC . . . . . . . .40 Redding Nursery. . . . . . . . . . . . . .17 Ridgeeld Academy . . . . . . . . . . . .4 Ridgeeld Roong . . . . . . . . . . . .49 Ridgeeld Visiting Nurse Assocation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .43 Roni Agress/William Pitt Sothebys International Realty. .14 Services Guide . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .40 Swirl . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .16 Team Redding/William Pitt Sothebys International Realty. . .5 Temple Bnai Chaim . . . . . . . . . . .15 Town & Country Door Company . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .33 Y.Z. Jewelry . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .22, 23 Yankee Doodle Stove . . . . . . . . . .47
Kim Cuniberti/Coldwell Banker Real Estate. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12 Landmark of Ridgeeld Academy . .4 Laurel Ridge Health Care Center . .41 Little Pub . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .39 Lock Install of Ridgeeld, LLC . . . .7 Lucci Electric . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 Margi Esten & Joanne Grasso/ Coldwell Banker Real Estate . . .19 Marilyn Sloper/Coldwell Banker Real Estate. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .31 Millicent Good/Coldwell Banker Real Estate. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8 M. Lato Excavating & Tree . . . . . .40 Natures Temptations . . . . . . . . . .51 Nita Mohler/William Pitt Sothebys International Realty. .21 Nutmeg Livery Service . . . . . . . . .37
september 22, 2011

Redding Answerbook 2011 - Hersam Acorn Newspapers

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2011 Hersam Acorn Newspapers 16 Bailey Avenue, Ridgefield, Conn., 06877

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Local Expertise. Global Exposure.

Team Redding. Like No Other.

Roni Agress 203.733.2656

Ginny Beasley 203.482.4938

Margot Ciolino 203.733.9821

Nick Davis 203.733.7338

Deborah Durkee 203.417.4983

Eveline Kubick 203.733.2435

Michael McKee 203.249.9565

Nita Mohler 203.731.1679

Kristi Vaughan 203.733.6469

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What is the current tax rate in town?

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Zoning Board of Appeals

203-938-3677 203-438-4078 203-938-7465 203-544-8408 203-938-0158 203-938-2587

203-938-9535 203-544-8216 203-938-2992 203-938-8587 203-938-0398 203-938-3789 203-938-3907 203-938-4881

Redding Board of Education

203-938-3847 203-938-2403 203-664-1252 203-938-2105 203-544-9437 203-938-0479 203-938-1919

Board of Assessment Appeals

203-438-8975 203-938-3162 203-938-2476

Region 9 Board of Education

203-544-7061 203-438-3805 203-938-3299 203-938-3639

203-938-3152 203-938-2000 203-938-8817 203-938-3088 203-438-3398

152 Gallows Hill Rd. 23 Side Cut Rd.

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In Real Estate, Its Experience That Matters

The Value of Experience Is

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How can I find out if my child should have special edu

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70 West Branchville Road, Ridgeeld CT 06877

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