Stratford Recreation Department
Lifetime Activities
All program registrations take place at the Recreation Office at Short Beach Park unless noted in the description. All Programs Subject To Change. Non-residents may take particular classes for an additional $5 fee.
Updated December 30, 2009
Tai Chi for Seniors
A Tai Chi class for residents ages 60 years and older will meet Fridays from 11:15am-12:15pm. The first session is January 15-Febraury 26 with registration through January 15. The second session will take place from March 5-April 23 with registration February 8-March 5. There in no fee for this program.
Blood Pressure Screenings at SECC
This program for seniors is offered in collaboration with the Stratford Health Department and takes place on the 1st and 3rd Wednesday from 10-12 noon in the South End Community Center Multipurpose Room beginning February-June 2010. This program is free. No appointment is necessary.
SECC Community Food Pantry
The South End Community Center offers emergency food pantry services to Stratford residents on Mondays and Wednesdays from 10:00am-12:00pm. Interested individuals must stop by the center to register and show proof of Stratford residency. Emergency food services are also available for those individuals who receive food stamp assistance or come with an agency referral, regardless of residency. Non-perishable canned goods and supermarket gift cards are needed. Call 377-0689 to make a donation.
Coat Closet Program
This program provides hats, coats, gloves, and socks to individuals in need on Mondays and Wednesdays from 10am-12pm from October - March 2010. Interested individuals must stop by the center or get a referral from area agencies to receive merchandise from the Coat Closet. New or slightly used donations are welcome. Call 377-0689 to make a donation.
WIC (Women, Infant and Children)
Offered in collaboration with the Bridgeport Health Department, this is a supplemental nutrition program for women who are pregnant or have children ages birth to five years. Registration must be done at the Bridgeport Health Department WIC Office on 752 East Main Street, Birdgeport. Once registered, Stratford residnets may pick up vouchers at the Center during WIC appointments. For more information call 377-0689.
VITA (Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Program)
The South End Community Center in collaboration with the Internal Revenue Service and other agencies prepare income taxes for individuals and families who earn no more than $49,000 annually is offered. This program also serves as a financial literacy program encouraging participants to get checking and/or savings accounts, repair your credit as well as assist those who qualify with claiming the Earned Income Tax Credit on their returns. This program operates on Mondays at Franklin Elementary School starting February 1 from 4-8 pm and at the South End Community Center on Thursdays from 6-8 pm and Saturday from 9:00-12:00 pm starting February 4. This year the VITA program will also prepare taxes at the Stratford Library on Thursdays from 11:00om-2:00pm. All sites prepare taxes by appointment only until April 17. Responsible community-minded volunteers to be trained to prepare taxes and assist with the operation of the Stratford VITA sites are needed. For more information and to volunteer , call 377-0689.
Fitness Classes
Zumba 524180-Section 04 & 05
This class is a great combination of intervals of Latin dance and weight training that let you burn major calories & develop physical fitness while you are having fun. Zumba class will be held at the Baldwin Center on Monday and Wednesday evenings from February 1-March 25, the next session is April 5-May 26. We are offering a Beginner class from 5:30-6:30pm and an Advanced class from 6:30-7:30pm. The cost of the class is $80 for the sixteen classes. Registration is through January 29 for first session and from March 8-31 for the second session.
W.W.W. Workout with Weights 524180-Section 21, 25, & 26
The class includes flexibility, toning, and strengthening exercises to create a fun total workout. The class meets on Tuesday and Thursday at the Baldwin Center from 5:30-6:30 pm. The fee is $80 for sixteen classes. The next session begins February 2-March 25. Registration is through January 22. The second session is April 13-June 8, with registration March 29-April 9.
Baggy Tâs- Exercise for Everyone 524180 Section 60, 61
This musically driven class combines different exercise types, including low impact aerobics, toning, and flexibility training to create a total body workout. The class uses dumbbells and elastic tubing for resistance. Class meets on Monday and Wednesday from 6:30-7:30 pm at the Baldwin Center. Fee is $80 for 16 classes. The next session begins January 5-February 25 with registration through December 31. The second session begins March 1-May 21 with registration February 8-March 1.
Head to Toe Fitness 524180-Section 34
This class is a one-hour workout that targets all of the 3 important exercise components â cardio, strength and flexibility. It incorporates a low impact cardio warm up, strength training and toning using hand weights and a stretching and cool-down segment. It is recommended for beginner to intermediate fitness levels. The class will be Tuesday and Thursdays from 6:00-7:00 pm at Flood School Aux Gym. Fee is $80 for 16 classes. The class begins January 5-March 4. Registration is through December 31. The second session is March 16-May 6 with registion March 1-15.
Tuesday and Thursday Night Yoga 520200-Section 32,33,34,35 and 41,42,43,44
Improve your concentration and body tone. This 10 week class meets on Tuesday nights beginning September 22 from 6:00-7:30 pm and 7:30â9:00 pm at the Baldwin Center. On Tuesday the 6:00 pm class is for beginners and the 7:30 pm class is for advanced students. The Thursday night 6:00 pm class is for advanced students and the 7:30 pm class for beginners. The first session is January 12-March 9 or 11 with registration through January 8. The second session will be held March 23 or 25-May 25 or 27 with registration March 1-22. The fee is $80.
Adult Spring Tennis Lessons 422360 - Section 41 & 42
Adult lessons will start on Tuesdays May 11-June 8 at the Short Beach Tennis Courts. They will meet from 6:00-7:00 pm for beginners/advanced beginner and 7:00-8:00 pm for low intermediate/intermediate players. Cost is $95 for five weeks. Registration is April 5-April 30 at the Recreation Office. There must be three participants registered for each class to be held.
Adult Summer Tennis Clinic 422360 - Section 13, 14, 51, 52
The 4 week clinic will be held on Tuesdays at Flood Middle School. The beginner/advanced beginner clinics is 6:00-7:00 pm and the low intermediate/intermediate clinic is 7:00-8:00 pm. Fee is $75 per session.
Session I June 22-July 13 Registration May 31-June 11
Session II July 27-August 17 Registration June 14-July 16
Women's Doubles League 422360 Section 22, 33
The Doubles league plays on Tuesday or Thursday nights at Flood Courts from 6-8 pm. Each day is $40 plus a can of tennis balls. The first session is May 11-June 15 and the second session is July 6-August 10. Fee is $40 and a can of balls. Registration is at the Recreation Office at Short Beach two weeks prior to the start of each session.
Stratford Tennis Association
The following are the tentative 2010 Stratford Tennis Association scheduled events:
- Stratford Tennis Association New Member SIgn-Up NIght. Thursday, April 29 from 7:00-8:00pm at the Baldwin Center.
- Mystery Mixed Doubles Social Round Robin on Saturday May 1 at Bunnell Courts 1-4 pm.
- Mystery Mixed Doubles Social Round Robin. Saturday June 5 from 1-4 pm at Bunnell Courts.
- 37th Annual Stratford Town Tennis Tournament. Saturday June 19 to Sunday June 27 at the Bunnell Courts.
- Mystery Mixed Doubles Social Round Robin. Saturday July 10 from 1-4 pm at Longbrook Courts.
- 26th Annual Stratford Clay Court Tennis Tournament. Saturday July 24-August 1 at the Longbrook Courts.
- Mystery Mixed Doubles Social Round Robin. Saturday August 14 from 1-4 pm at Bunnell Courts.
Information and forms are at the Recreation Office at Short Beach Park.
Karate 542580 - Section 01, 02, 03, 12, 14, 18, 22, 42, 43, 44, 45, 55, 56, 61, 62, 63, 64, 65, 66, 67, 68, 72, and 80
Karate class will be on Monday, Wednesday and Friday nights at Franklin School, as well as Saturday mornings at Flood Aux Gym January 4-March 6. Registration for this session is through January 6. The second session will begin March 8-May 8, with registration from February 16-March 5. Both sessions are 8 weeks. You can register at the Recreation Office located at Short Beach Park, or online at www.superiorkarate.net. Third session is May 10-June 30 at Flood gym.
Classes are:
Beginner Class (ages 7-adult)
- Monday, Wednesday from 6:15-7:05 pm, Fridays from 6:30-7:20 pm and Saturday from 9:30-10:20 am
Advanced Class (ages 7-adult)
- Mondays and Wednesdays from 7:15-8:05pm, Fridays from 7:30-8:20 pm and Saturdays from 10:30-11:20 am
Black Belt Class
- Mondays 8:15-9:00pm and Saturdays 11:30am-12:00pm
Leadership Class
Fee is $69 for once per week, $138 for twice per week, and $158 for three times per week.
Dog Obedience Classes 549070 - Section 22, 32, 34, 40, 41, 43, 44, 50, 51, 52, 53
The Recreation Department has contracted with the Refined Canine Company to offer the following classes at Birdseye Municipal Complex:
Puppy Socialization Class
Proper socialization ensures a sound, confident, well-behaved adult dog. In addition to learning some essential obedience exercises, like Sit, Down, Stay, Heel & Come, the class will cover common problems such as chewing, housebreaking and riding in the car, proper nutrition and grooming as well as preventing behavior problems such as aggression. Class is held on Tuesdays from 6:30-7:30 pm.
Basic Obedience for Dogs
Dogs will learn all the basic obedience exercises (Sit, Down, Stay, Heel & Come) in addition to enhancing the dog-owner relationship, teaching the dog how to be part of a human family, good manners and understanding canine communication. Class will be on Tuesdays from 7:45-8:45 pm and Wednesday from 6:30â7:30 pm.
Intermediate Class
This is for dogs who have already completed a basic obedience class and have a clear understanding of walking without pulling (Heel), Come and Stay. The class will focus on refining the exercises, and provides a gradual introduction to off leash obedience. The class is structured to be fun for dogs and owners alike, with games and tricks to enhance the learning experience. Class is on Wednesday from 7:45-8:45 pm.
Classes are once per week for 7 weeks at Birdseye Municipal Complex. First session begins January 12 and 13 with registration through January 8. The second session begins March 9 and 10 with registration February 22-March 5. The third session begins May 4 and 5 with registration April 19-30. The class fee is $75. For further information, please contact "the Refined Canine" at (203) 932-2364 (2DOG). Please do not bring your dog to the first class.
Dogs & Storks 549070 Sections 27, 28
Presented by Michelle Douglas, Certified Dog Behavior Consultant and Certified Pet Dog Trainer, the Dogs and Storks semi private workshop is designed to help families prepare for life with kids and dogs. Siblings have classes why not the dog? We cover canine behavior, and how your dog may respond to infants, toddlers and pre-schooler's behaviors and activities. The fee is $45 per couple. Class meets on Thursday April 8 and Thursday September 30 from 6:30-8:30pm at Birdseye Complex. First registration is March 8-April 7and the second registration is from September 1-29. Please do not bring the dog.
Boating Class 421340 - Section 41 & 42
The Town of Stratford Waterfront and Harbor Management Commission in cooperation with the Recreation Department and the Connecticut Department of Environmental Protection will offer the CT Basic Boating Certification course. The course will be held March 8, 10, and 15 from 6-9 pm at the Baldwin Center with registration February 22-March 5. This three session nine hour course, taught by Professional Marine Education, includes instruction in navigation rules, legal requirements, safety afloat, and other topics that will help participants become sage and knowledgeable boaters. Students successfully completing this course will receive a course completion diploma that satisfies the education requirement for the CT Safe Boating Certificate which is required to operate a personal watercraft, power vessel and sail boats 19.5 feet or larger. Students must attend all classes to qualify. Fee is $45 for residents and $55 for non residents and fee must accompany registration. The class is limited to the first 30 people. A second session will be held May 11, 13, and 18 with registration April 26-May 7. For further information contact the Recreation Department at (203) 385-4052.
Adult Indoor Golf Lessons 222450 - Section 41, 42
The Department will offer adult indoor golf lessons at Birdseye Complex on Wednesdays from 6:00-7:00 pm. The next session will begin March 24-April 21. Registration is March 1-19. Fee is $35.
Ash Creek String Band
The Band will play from 3:00-5:00 pm at the Baldwin Center on Sunday March 7. Admission is free. Snow date is March 14. Come enjoy the music!
Stratford Community Band
The Band meets at Stratford High School from 7:30-9:30 pm on Tuesdays. There are no auditions or fees and the band is open to all area musicians. Throughout the year the band presents concerts at the Baldwin Center, the Jewish Home for the Elderly, the Dinan Memorial Center, a combined concert with the Stratford and Bunnell High School Bands, and a summer concert in Fairfield. It also participates in the Sister Cities Program. Anyone interested is welcome to join. To inquire about membership, please contact us at info@stratfordcommunityband.org
Tentaive Concert Dates: Tuesday June 8 7:00pm at Paradise Green (raindate June 15, 7:00pm)
Tuesday JUly 20 7:00pm at Paradise Green (raindate July 22, 7:00pm)
Nature Programs
Come Join Connecticut Master Wildlife Conservationist, David Wright, for informative spring and summer discovery walks Exploring Natural Stratford - Forest to Shore. Walk Stratford's shore and trails and see them as you have never seen them before. Walks are free and binoculars for up to 6 will be supplied. Get in shape wile enjoying the great outdoors. Advanced registration requested.
Activity 449910
Winter "Wonderland" Walk Section 08
Sunday, January 17 at 9:00 am at Far MIll River. Registration January 4-15.
Winter Marsh Walk Section 10
Sunday, February 21 at 9:00 am at Great Meadows Marsh. Registration February 8-19.
Meet at Duchess Restaurant.
Late Winter Forest Walk Section 07
Sunday, March 28 at 9:00 am at Roosevelt Forest. Registration is March 15-26.
Early Spring Birding Walk Section 06
Sunday April 25 at 8:00 am at Long Beach. Registration is April 12-23.
International Migratory Day Walk Section 09
Sunday May 23 at 8:00 am at Roosevelt Forest. Registration May 10-21.
Shore Bird Walk Section 12
Sunday June 27 at 8:00 am at Short Beach to Point. Registration is June 14-25.
Summer River Walk Section 06
Sunday July 25 at 8:00 am at Far Mill River. Registration is July 12-23.
Warm Marsh Walk Section 14
Sunday Aug 29 at 8:00 am at Great Meadows Marsh. Registration Aug 16-27.
Eagles and More from Shore to Shore
Come join us for a fun filled winter romantic getaway close to home and view America's symbol on the wing and in the air. On Saturday February 13 meet us at the commuter parking lot across from Ryder's Landing at 9:00 am. We'll walk to the Sikorsky Bridge and try to catch a glimpse of any bald eagles in the area. Then, we'll board our town van and travel up the Housatonic River stopping at Lake Zoar to view eagles on the wing of the dam. From Lake Zoar wel'll continue on to Southbury looking for eagles along the way and observing eagles hunting at the Shepaug Dam. We'll be able to locate and observe many other wintering water birds and songbirds on our to and from eagle observation area at Shepaug.
After our visit to the Shepaug Dam, we'll all need some warming so we'll travel to the other side of the Housatonic River and warm ourselves with a wine sampling at the McLaughlin Vineyards in Newtown. Once we're cozy and warm from some romantic red and white liquid cheer at the Vineyard, we'll reboard our van and return to Stratford where we'll enjoy a delightful lunch break at the Grille and Bar of "eagle"itarian portions. Fee is $10, food and drink not included. Registration is January 11-February 9. Children under 18 must be accompanied by an adult. We will return around 1:30 pm.
For more information on the bald eagles of Shepaug Dam, please visit www.shepaugeagles.info
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