January 2016 - Town of Stratford
Transcription
January 2016 - Town of Stratford
JA N U A R Y 2016 E D ITION 2016 Stratford Winter Carnival February 11 to 15, 2016 Official opening ceremony, pancake breakfast, family skate, casino night, crokinole games, sleigh rides... Watch for more details on the Town’s website, Facebook page and on Twitter! Stratford Summer Day Camp The Stratford Recreation, Culture, & Events Department are very excited to offer a summer day camp. Healthy eating, theater, arts and crafts, sports, nature based programs, and lots of free imaginative time. 1 Winter Recreation Program Registration OPEN Registration is OPEN for Stratford Recreation 2016 Winter Programs Registration begins January 4, 2016. TownTalk B uil ding the best community possible w w w . to w n o f s t r atfo r d . c a J ANU ARY 2 0 1 6 E D IT ION A New Year, filled with opportunity. JA N U A R Y 2016 E D ITION 3 Mayor’s Message Happy New Year! The busy Christmas season is over and we have started into a new year with new hopes and aspirations for a successful 2016. January usually marks the real beginning to our winter season with the arrival of snow and colder temperatures. Let’s hope we don’t see the amount of snow we received last winter. Nevertheless, our PEI winters can be a very enjoyable time for many of us with outdoor activities such as skating, snow shoeing and skiing, and for many of our younger residents, hockey, basketball and ringette. I encourage everyone to get outdoors and enjoy all the benefits of winter. Fresh air and exercise can be a prescription for a healthier lifestyle. If the weather does not cooperate, please take advantage of our walking track and gym facilities at our Town Hall. Many of our residents have found that our gym/ walking track comes in handy when it is very cold or icy outside. Stay active and stay healthy! Our recreation staff have organized some excellent activities for residents to enjoy during this winter season. Check out that section of our newsletter or visit our website to see the many exciting programs that are offered by the Town of Stratford. If you have any ideas on other programs you feel we should offer, please let us know. Town Council has just completed a busy year with many initiatives. In 2015, we passed a Cosmetic Pesticide Bylaw which came into effect on January 1, 2016. We will continue to work with our residents on environmental and sustainable methods of maintaining a healthy lawn. We will continue to have more information on this important topic as we move into the spring season. Under Deputy Mayor Cooper’s leadership, we are preparing our 2016 Town and Utility budgets. We have received excellent feedback from our residents and we are well on our way to having our 2016 budgets ready for approval at our February Council Meeting. Our goal is always to take a fair and “balanced” approach with our budgets. The Town will be starting a “Support Local” campaign during the first few months of 2016. Stay tuned for more details on this initiative. Our local businesses provide much needed employment to our area while providing services for our residents. When possible, please support our local businesses to ensure their continued success. Stratford has a great team assembled within the town. Our Council and staff continue to work together on many important issues. As well, our residents have played a key role in building our community. With residents, staff and Council all working together, we will continue to build the Best Community Possible. Thanks for all your efforts in making Stratford the great community it is today. Mayor David Dunphy CO U NC I L W ARD 1 - K e l l y ’ s C o v e Councillor Gail MacDonald Councillor Keith MacLean (H) 902-569-3521 (H) 902-367-9578 [email protected] [email protected] W ARD 2 - S T E W AR T C OVE (H) 902-370-1995 [email protected] Infrastructure Update 3 4 Planning, Development and Heritage 6 Mayor’s Message Crossroads Community Fire Department Stratford Area Watershed 7 8 RESPECT Traffic Safety – Pace Car Pledge 9 Waste Water Treatment Plant Update Cosmetic Pesticide Bylaw Global Governance Project TOWN Mayor David Dunphy INSIDE T HIS ISS UE Councillor Steve Ogden Councillor Diane Griffin (H) 902-569-3377 (H) 902-569-2343 [email protected] [email protected] Recreation, Culture & Events Volunteers of the Year RCMP in Stratford James Aylward, MLA Seniors College of Prince Edward Island Stratford & Area Lions Club Stratford Public Library Health & Wellness W ARD 3 - T EA H ILL Councillor Gary Clow Deputy Mayor Randy Cooper Community Groups (H) 902-569-3945 (H) 902-569-2514 Telephone Directory [email protected] [email protected] 10 12 13 14 19 20 21 22 23 24 26 28 30 4 B ui ld in g t h e b e st c om m u n ity p os s ible w w w .tow n ofs tr a tford. ca Infrastructure Update > Utility Completed Projects Stay up to date on all the news, events and programs happening in the Town of Stratford. Sign up for the Town of Stratford’s bi-weekly email newsletter. To join our mailing list go to www.townofstratford.ca and click the Sign up for our EMAIL NEWS link in the Quick Links list. Like us on Facebook townofstratford Follow us on Twitter @StratfordPEI Island Waste Management Corporation In the event that cart and/or blue bag collections are delayed or cancelled due to inclement weather, information on the alternative collection date will be available on local radio stations during public service announcements, through the IWMC prerecorded phone message service at 1-888280-8111 or online at www.iwmc.pe.ca Be A Snow Angel While we all hope that we won’t have another winter like last year, even a small amount of snow can be hard to clear for seniors or someone with a disability or injury. This winter let’s all be mindful of our neighbours and lend a hand when we can. The Town of Stratford is creating a list of people in our community who are willing to help out someone this winter and a list of those who need some help. We will act as the intermediary to connect those who need help (on a one-time basis) with those who are able to help. For more information or to sign up, please contact Wendy at wwatts@ townofstratford.ca or (902) 569-1995. You don’t need to sign up to be a Snow Angel – just go out and help your neighbours! The Utility completed several projects in 2015 including the Bellevue Road Sewer which was completed in September. Deficiencies were completed in Phase II of the Stratford Business Park which means this section of the Stratford Business Park is now open for commercial development. The Utility will soon take over the sewer and water system in the subdivision extension in Clearview Estates just off Brookside Drive. The new street is named McGregor Drive and the extension is open for development. > 2016 Water & Sewer Projects The replacement/rehabilitation of the Aptos sewer lift station and upgrades to the Zakem’s lift station will take place in 2016. Funding has been approved for the Rankin Water project and if tenders are within budget, work will begin in the spring. With new governments in place, the Utility is currently exploring funding to continue upgrades to our Waste Water Treatment Plant and extensions to our water and sewer systems. > Safety Services Street Lighting Maritime Electric will continue their ten year street light replacement program in 2016 where they replace a number of existing mercury and sodium lights each year with more efficient LED lighting. At the same time the Town will continue adding street lights throughout the Town to keep up with the guidelines set out in our street light policy. > Maintenance Contractors recently completed construction of a new storage building at Stratford Town Centre. The installation of the new Town Centre back-up generator has also been completed with final start up and details taking place this month. Public Works staff have been busy taking down Christmas decorations throughout the town, clearing snow and salting Town owned properties. Public Works will spend the next few months on general indoor maintenance. Aside from their everyday schedules, staff are conducting seasonal maintenance on machinery and equipment. > Sidewalks Bike Lanes & Ditch Infill Contractors began work last fall on the Georgetown Road to fill in the ditch and extend sidewalks and bike lanes from the community center to Kennedy Road. This is a shared project between the Town and the Province of PEI. Work will continue this spring. JA N U A R Y 2016 E D ITION Infrastructure Update > Snow Clearing On Roads/ Sidewalks &Trails As you may be aware, all roads and streets in the Town of Stratford are owned and cleared by the Province of P.E.I. If you have any issues with the clearing of snow off streets, please direct them to Department of Transportation, Infrastructure & Energy at (902) 368-4770 or (902) 368-4750. This includes issues with storm water drainage that occur during heavy rain or melt events where ditches and storm water catch basins are overwhelmed or covered. At this time trails in Stratford are not cleared of snow unless they are along the public right of way and lead to public services or are groomed for skiing by the Recreation department. Please note that, like every community on the Island, there will be times when one operator covers another’s work. Workers make every effort to keep things tidy, however, some mess cannot be helped as provincial snow plow operators and private contractors clear snow from streets, parking lots and driveways at different times. Your understanding is appreciated. Fullerton’s Creek Trail Extension 5 Street Lights Street lights which are burnt out or not working properly get reported to Maritime Electric. Please provide the pole tag number (located on the pole) to (902) 629-3799. FULLERTON’S CREEK TRAIL The second of two trail walks organized by the Active Transportation Committee was held on October 17 in Fullerton’s Creek Park. As trees along the route were at their peak, it was themed as the Fall Colours Walk. Ken Mayhew, a forester with the provincial Forestry Branch led the walk, stopping frequently to identify individual tree species, foliage colours, Acadian forest, species succession into adjacent fields, tree diseases, and even effects of global warming on individual species in the future. There were lots of questions from the group of approximately 75 participants of all ages. Trails in Stratford continue to grow. The Confederation Trail route has been connected from the east end of Shakespeare Drive up to William’s Gate and Mason Road, a short distance from Hollis Drive where trail was finished in 2014 over to Reeves Estates. Another section of trail is currently under construction within Fullerton’s Creek Park. It is in the form of two loops off the northwest side of the main trail, partially in woodland and partially along field edges. These trails connect to the middle and to the end of the existing 1.5 kilometre trail near Fullerton’s Marsh. The new sections add more than two kilometres of trail within the park. Other initiatives this year include a 400 metre extension of the cycling lanes along the Georgetown Road and the start of a perimeter walking trail off Hollis Drive around the Forest Hills Subdivision. We are pleased to continue to extend the trail system at Fullerton’s Creek. An additional 2 kms of trail was opened this past fall. 6 B ui ld in g t h e b e st c om m u n ity p os s ible Thank you! Prior to our Remembrance Day Ceremony we invited w w w .tow n ofs tr a tford. ca Planning, Development and HeritagE > Development Activity residents to get to know some of Stratford’s very own veterans by taking notice of the bus shelters around Town. The bus shelters featured local The planning department has issued a total of 90 development permits up to November 30, 2015, which represents an estimated value of $11.4 million and approximately $28,000 in revenue for the Town. veterans from WWI, WWII, the Korean War, and Afghanistan mission. S u m m a r y o f D e v e l o p m e n t P e r m i ts January 1 to November 30, 2015 PermitsEstimated Value Single family residential We would like to thank the following com- 25 8,132,318 Semi-detached/duplex/ 2750,000 Apartments/Condos & Town Houses 2 1,250,000 Residential additions or renovations 10 314,,000 Accessory buildings 28 243,450 Accessory structures (pools, decks, etc.) 22 201,000 Other (signage, demolition, etc.) 3 52,700 Commercial (new/renovations/alterations) 3 245,500 Institutional (new/renovations/alterations) 1 235,000 Totals 9011,423,968 panies for generously donating their bus shelter advertisement space for the duration of the Stratford Heroes display: • Jason MacKay at Century 21 Colonial Realty • Cooke Insurance Group • The Egg Producers of PEI • FastSigns > ZONE STRATFORD WILL BEGIN IN 2016 Why does the town need a zoning bylaw? How is Zoning, Subdivision and Development handled in the Town? The primary tool for implementing Imagine Stratford is the legislation that addresses zoning, subdivision and development, which in the Town is contained in one bylaw. To review this bylaw in comprehensive manner, a formal process called Zone Stratford is being initiated by the Town. The approach being proposed for Zone Stratford is to review and update the current general provisions, zones and permitted uses to reflect current realities and trends in the Town. • McDonald’s Restaurants • Tim Horton’s • Maritime Bus and Maritime Bus Courier Express. The Town of Stratford’s Official Plan, called Imagine Stratford, and the Zoning and Subdivision Control Bylaw combine to guide how the Town may develop over time. As the Town’s key land use planning document, the development of Imagine Stratford allowed residents and stakeholders to assume a direct role in shaping the Plan’s contents. This collaborative process will continue in 2016 as Zoning and Subdivision Control Bylaw now requires review as required under the provincial Planning Act. JA N U A R Y 2016 E D ITION Planning, Development and HeritagE ? Do you Need a Permit? Call the Town of Stratford > What are the key objectives of Zone Stratford? to be safe. Staff can assist and advise The Town intends to: project – big or small – begins! 1. To modernize community development standards to utilize best practices in place of existing standards, some of which date to the original community plan. 2. To conform to Imagine Stratford and implements new zones that corresponds to incoming Provincial Land Use Policies. 3. To allow for a more balanced mix of land uses. 4. To minimize residential expansion into greenfield and rural areas, particularly where resource-related uses predominate. 5. To create opportunities for intensification in core areas and a greater mix of housing types, affordability and density. 6. To incorporate architectural and site design in core area development. 7. To adopt and implement key directions in the Town’s Master Transportation Plan, Stormwater Management Plan and Climate Change Adaptation Plan. 8. To create a more user-friendly document and streamline the development approvals process for predictability and clarity. you of the requirements before your What Are You Flushing? Residents are reminded not to use their toilet as a garbage can. Not only does it waste a huge amount of water but it also causes damage and extra maintenance at the Waste Water Treatment Plant. Did you know that wipes should never be flushed down the toilet? Even those that say disposable or flushable are not compatible with treatment plants and should never be flushed down the toilet. How can I be involved? The Town will be circulating public notice of all public consultations and opportunities for input throughout 2016. Specifically, we hope to gain your input on any aspect of the Bylaw or Official Plan in whatever format suits you best. Ahead of this, we do encourage you to contact the Planning Department at your convenience to learn more or even provide your comments ahead of the review process. > Crossroads Fire Department: Message from Chief Ron Young Winter is fast approaching. And if this year is anything like last, homeowners may find that home heating exhaust points become filled with ice and snow, causing dangerous carbon monoxide to enter the home. So, when you’re out clearing the driveway, don’t forget to clear any snow or ice build-up from heat exhaust points. Carbon monoxide is an odorless, colorless, and tasteless gas that can have deadly consequences. Early symptoms include nausea, fatigue, headache, dizziness, confusion and irritability. Later stages and prolonged exposure may lead to vomiting, loss of consciousness and eventual death. In addition to smoke detectors, you should also have a carbon monoxide detector in your home. If you experience signs and symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning or your detector goes off, exit the premises immediately and then contact 9-1-1 right away. 7 Building Inspector Should you have any questions relating to building permits or the National Building Code, please contact Joshua Collins via [email protected] or (902) 569-6255. 8 B ui ld in g t h e b e st c om m u n ity p os s ible Become a Member! Memberships are only $10/ year for Individuals, $20/year for Families and $100/yr for a Business Corporate Membership. Pick up a membership form at Town Centre, call Kelley Arnold at (902) 367-3605 or find it online at sawig.wordpress.com photo: Winston Maund Snow Clearing All roads and streets in the Town of Stratford are owned and cleared by the Province of P.E.I. If you have any issues with the clearing of snow off streets, please direct them to Department of Transportation at (902) 368-4770 or (902) 368-4750. This includes issues with storm water drainage that occur during heavy rain or melt events where ditches and storm water catch basins are overwhelmed or covered. w w w .tow n ofs tr a tford. ca Stratford Area Watershed Improvement Group The Stratford Area Watershed Improvement Group has been very active this fall! We hosted several public events in September, including our Community Orchard Berry Patch Planting Day and Fall Tree Giveaway. We participated in the annual Stratford Community Expo on September 26th and were delighted with the turnout for our “Paint a Birdhouse” event held the same morning. SAWIG is proud to announce that funding has been granted by the PEI Wildlife Conservation Fund to continue with our Building EVEN Better Backyards for Birds series. We have been working with the Town of Stratford to erect an osprey nesting platform in Pondside Park which is anticipated to be put in place by the end of 2015. Please stay tuned for upcoming birding activities throughout the winter! Keep up-to-date by visiting Facebook (Stratford Area Watershed), Twitter (@StratfordWater) or http://sawig. wordpress.com. Also feel free to contact Kelley Farrar Arnold, Watershed Coordinator, at (902) 367-3605 or at [email protected] Pondside System Update – Stratford Area Watershed Improvement Group In 2011, the Stratford Area Watershed Improvement Group developed a long-term plan for the restoration and enhancement of various areas within the Pondside sub-watershed system. The water runs from behind the former Home Hardware property off the Kinlock Road to Stewart’s Cove off Aptos Drive. In 2012, SAWIG partnered with Dalhousie University students to perform research throughout the Pondside sub-watershed to develop baseline information on the condition of this system. Particular focus was paid to Moore’s Pond, located on Stratford Road. The watershed group very recently received final recommendations on how to move forward within the Pondside system based on the student analysis. Recommendations were made and will be highlighted in future newsletters; additionally, the full report will be available to the public in the near future. SAWIG is committed to the formulation and delivery of a comprehensive education program to help the community better understand the research and restoration steps that lie ahead. SAWIG holds in its vision the idea that community members will work together to “sustain the quality and quantity of fresh water available for the benefit of future generations.” Please stay tuned for updates in the Stratford e-newsletter! JA N U A R Y 2016 E D ITION RESPECT Traffic Safety – Pace Car Pledge In November the Town launched a new component to the RESPECT traffic safety campaign, the Pace Car program. Through the program residents are encouraged to take a pledge to be a Pace Car driver and commit to driving respectfully and within the speed limits. The Town of Stratford is one of 5 designated Canadian communities to launch the Pace Car program, an initiative of Parachute, a national charity focused on injury prevention and keeping Canadians safe. To participate residents can visit the Town of Stratford website and take the Pace Car Pledge (included below). Once the pledge is submitted residents will receive a decal to their commitment to drive the posted speed limit, with courtesy and respect to other drivers, and be aware of, and courteous to, other road users. Pace Car Drivers pledge to: • Recognize the importance of showing respect for my neighbours and all residents of Stratford when on the road. • Agree to drive the posted speed limit on all roads. • Stop to let pedestrians cross and be courteous to bicyclists and other road users. • Minimize my car use by using active transportation (walking, cycling, etc.), using transit, car-pooling, and combining car trips whenever possible. • Display my Pace Car sticker on the back of my vehicle and encourage others to take the pledge. 9 10 B ui ld in g t h e b e st c om m u n ity p os s ible Blue Frog System The Blue Frog system works by producing the correct biological environment in which sludge can be digested in in the lagoon, eliminating expensive costs associated with dredging. The Blue Frog System is a proven, tested, affordable solution designed to meet the needs of diverse applications, including municipal wastewater, and specially designed to digest sludge in the lagoon, reduce and eliminate odours and lower chemical and other solids and pathogens. The system was in operation for approximately 11 months when it began to experience some difficulties with the treatment process. We asked the supplier of the system to do an assessment on the first year performance of the system. The following key factors were what are believed to have contributed to the odour and poor effluent quality during June 2015: Waste Water Treatment Plant Update The Town of Stratford owns and operates a sewer utility which serves approximately 90% of the households and businesses in the Town. The sewer that is collected is treated at the Town’s Waste Water Treatment Plant (WWTP). The WWTP was fully upgraded in 1997 to a secondary treatment plant with the addition of a Rotating Biological Contactor (RBC), UV Disinfection and Static Tube Aerators. In recent years, the WWTP has not consistently been able to comply with the sewer effluent quality (or level of treatment) parameters approved for the plant. The Town has undertaken a number of significant upgrades to the WWTP in the past number of years including adding additional aeration, removal of sludge, installation of curtain walls, installation of an additional Rotating Biological Contactor, introduction of chemicals etc. Even with all of these measures, the WWTP was still not consistently meeting the effluent quality parameters. Given the struggles with the Stratford WWTP and the forecast continued growth of the Town, a report was commissioned in 2010 to look at long term options for the upgrade or replacement of the existing WWTP. ADI won the contract for the review and they delivered a report with four options: Influx of cold peak flow of water during late January 2015 and heavy snow melt and rain during the spring of 2015. The root cause of this issue is that storm water is getting into the system through manholes, leaking pipes and illegal sump pump connections causing the system to be over- w w w .tow n ofs tr a tford. ca • Upgrade the lagoon system • Construct a new Activated Sludge Plant • Construct a new Membrane Bioreactor Plant Given the track record with the existing plant, Council dismissed the option of upgrading the lagoon and chose to focus on two options – 1) replacing the plant with a new Mixed Membrane Bio-Reactor Plant or 2) Pumping our wastewater to the Charlottetown Plant. New Mixed Membrane Bio-Reactor Plant The activated sludge and mixed membrane options are about the same cost and efficacy but the mixed membrane is more modular and takes a smaller footprint. The preliminary capital cost of this option is in the 12 million dollar range. Pumping Wastewater to the Charlottetown Plant The costing for the last option in the ADI report was identified simply as the bulk-metered rate that Charlottetown uses for large customers. To have a closer look at this option, Stratford commissioned the designer of the Charlottetown Plant (CBCL Limited) and the City’s audit Firm (ABCE Chartered Accountants) to review the impact and cost of treating Stratford’s wastewater at the City plant. The review indicated that the option of shipping Stratford’s sewer to the Charlottetown CPCP was potentially beneficial for both parties. The capacity analysis indicates that capital upgrades will be required in two main areas due to the increased loads from Stratford. The preliminary capital cost of these upgrades is somewhere in the order of 4-5 million dollars. whelmed. The town is currently completing an Inflow and Infiltration Study to identify this problem and provide solutions. (Following next page) • Transmit our Wastewater to the Charlottetown Sewer Treatment Plant (CPCP). In addition, Stratford would be responsible for the delivery system to get the sewer to the Charlottetown Plant. The preliminary capital cost of the delivery system is in the order of $7 million dollars. JA N U A R Y 2016 E D ITION Waste Water Treatment Plant Update > Interim Solution > Next Steps Due to the lack of ready infrastructure funding in 2014, Stratford had to identify and implement an interim solution to bring its’ effluent quality consistently within the parameters of the plant operating permit. We have approached provincial officials to seek funding for either long term option. The province, Charlottetown and Stratford decided that the first step would be to update the capital cost estimates and that work is underway now. Once the estimates are firmed up, infrastructure funding will be sought and the Charlottetown City Council will be asked to review and approve the preliminary agreement between the two municipalities. The agreement was negotiated by staff and is based on a proportional flow with surcharge model, for Stratford to ship its’ sewer to the Charlottetown Treatment Plant. The interim solution, the Blue Frog System, is intended to bring the plant into compliance with effluent quality regulations, minimize odour and allow for the continued growth of the Town while a long term solution is pursued. The Blue Frog System did not perform as well as we expected in the spring of 2015 and a number of steps have been taken to ensure that the Blue Frog system functions well until the permanent solution can be implemented. 11 Continued: Blue Frog System Exhilarated sludge digestion during the initial operation of the system. Through review it was found that the frogs were digesting sludge faster than anticipated causing odours and poor effluent quality. The digestion rate is stabilizing, which will minimize odours and optimize the effluent quality over the next year and beyond. Damage to the transfer pipe between the two lagoon cells and the discharge pipe. During a mapping conducted by a diver a leak in the pipe was found, which put a high concentration of effluent into the system. The pipes have been repaired and quality has improved. Once final cost numbers are known, residents will be provided with cost and technical information on both long term options, the rate impact of each and the pros and cons of each to get feedback on the preferred option. What do we expect in 2016: • Less intense turnover during the spring that should minimize odours and improve effluent quality; • More stable sludge digestion and improved effluent quality; and • Less in-organic waste in the system as a result of the new screening equipment. In addition to the above, the developers of the Blue Frog System will monitor things very closely in the spring and make any required adjustments to the system to ensure the system operates as intended. 12 B ui ld in g t h e b e st c om m u n ity p os s ible w w w .tow n ofs tr a tford. ca Cosmetic Pesticide Bylaw On January 1st, 2016 the Town of Stratford’s new cosmetic pesticide bylaw came into full effect. This bylaw was approved after much investigation, research and consultation with residents. While lawn care may not be happening right now, it is important to take some time to review the bylaw and learn about other options available for maintaining lawns and gardens. What does the bylaw cover? The bylaw applies to the application of non-domestic pesticides for the control of pests on all properties within the Town except golf courses, inside or on buildings or agricultural and forestry land which the Town of Stratford has not been granted the authority to regulate by the Province of PEI. “Non-domestic pesticides” refers to all pesticides applied by a commercial applicator, not those purchased in store and applied by individual homeowners. How will it be enforced? Similar to other Stratford bylaws we will enforce through education and by responding to complaints received. Town staff and the bylaw officer will be responsible for educating and responding to complaints. Are there any exceptions? What if there is an infestation an infestation? The bylaw provides an exception for extreme infestations. These rare incidents would be required proven and meet a standard for level of infestation before being granted permission to use pesticides on that area. Residents can view the full bylaw on the our website at TownofStratford.ca/Cosmetic-Pesticide-Bylaw/ Tips for a Healthy Pesticide Free Lawn • Corn gluten meal is natures weed & feed! It prevents many weed seeds from germinating and benefits grasses by adding valuable nitrogen to the soil. you will keep seeds from spreading and eventually starve the taproot, which kills the weed. Google “Dandelion Terminator” to make the job easy! • A large part of the food that your lawn needs can be supplied by leaving your grass clippings on the lawn – mulch those grass clippings. • Aerate your lawn every couple of years to eliminate thatch and to allow air, nutrients, and water to penetrate deep into the root zone. • If possible, do not mow when the lawn is wet. The result will be a very uneven cut. • Clover in the lawn is NOT all bad. It is drought tolerant, stays green, fixes nitrogen from the air (which helps feed grasses) and earthworms love it. • Use an organic, slow-release fertilizer to feed your lawn and the soil. These materials break down slowly, feeding your grass over a longer period of time. • Keep your lawn mowed high and mulch your lawn clippings to prevent most crabgrass seed from germinating. A healthy application of corn gluten meal applied in the spring will also help. • Be persistent with dandelions. By repeatedly removing their leaves and flowers, • Thatch will not form from grass cuttings. Instead, the clippings will attract earthworms, which break down thatch, aerate the soil, and reduce compaction • Keep your mower blade sharp. This will not only make mowing easier, it will reduce tearing the blades of grass, which can promote lawn diseases. JA N U A R Y 2016 E D ITION Global Governance Project > Global Governance Project Update, January 2016 On July 6, 2015 the Town of Stratford launched a new initiative to improve governance locally, regionally and globally. The Global Governance Project is designed to address the reality that we are a global community in almost every way except the one that counts the most – governance. Our communication, transportation and economic networks facilitate the regional and global movement of people, goods and money. We are part of a larger global community - we affect what happens elsewhere and what happens elsewhere affects us. The impact of human activity is disrupting the earth’s natural systems. The nitrogen cycle and the carbon cycle have been altered, the oceans are being acidified, and species are going extinct at an alarming rate. There is currently no effective method for the global community to make common, global decisions on common, global issues. Continuing the current fractured global governance system, with 195 independent nations and millions of companies looking out for their own interests first, means continued war, poverty, terrorism, inequity, climate change and environmental degradation. Humanity needs to find a more effective way of making decisions globally. The Town of Stratford created the One Governance Foundation to respond to this need. The Global Governance Project is a proposal to leverage the information and communication technology at our disposal a create better global governance model; anchored by a Governance App that is designed to codify best practices in governance into the government decision making process. The project builds on the town’s effort to build the best community possible here in Stratford and it recognizes that there are regional and global issues that affect residents of the town and beyond that are not being effectively solved within the current governance model. 13 Stratfords of the World The App is designed to improve the decision making process in each and every government jurisdiction by programming best practices in governance into the process. The Town of Stratford will pilot the use of the app to demonstrate how it can be used to improve decision making in Stratford. The adoption of the App will make participating governments more accessible and transparent; enable citizens, experts and other stakeholders to be engaged in decision making; and result in better, more informed decisions. Then, by virtue of it being one App, citizens, exerts and legislators, across government jurisdictions, can use the app to come to consensus on regional and global issues. At the end of the day, a global approach to governance is the only sure way to achieving global peace, harmony and ecological balance. Since the launch of the project, we have reached out to UPEI and the local development community and are planning a series of hack-a-thons in 2016 to begin to build the Governance App. We have also reached out to some subject matter experts in the international community to build partnerships to advance the project. To learn more or to get involved, please visit the One Governance Foundation at www.1gov.org. Stratfords of the World Reunions often result in lasting friendships. This summer Rosemary Martin Hayduk and her husband, Lani Hayduk, from Stratford, CT visited PEI. Stratfordians Daphne Campbell, Pam Ing and David Ing acted as tour guides, which included a stop at our Town Centre. They will all meet again at the next Reunion in Stratford-uponAvon, UK in April of 2016. There are 19 delegates from PEI registered for this reunion. Opportunity for Video Services The Town of Stratford is creating a list of community members interested in providing ad hoc videographer services to the Town. While full details are yet to be determined it may include recording and editing services at our events, Town Council meetings, and more! If you are interested in learning more or providing this service, please contact Wendy Watts with your questions or rate information at (902) 569-6921 or One world, one people, one voice. [email protected] 14 B ui ld in g t h e b e st c om m u n ity p os s ible Online Program Registration Visit our website to see upcoming programs and registration dates. You can even create a personal account to register and pay for programs online at www.townofstratford.ca Squiggle Brush Stories Story, arts and crafts for pre-school children each Tuesday from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. at the Stratford Library beginning January 5, 2016. There is no cost to attend with the program sponsored by the Town of Stratford. w w w .tow n ofs tr a tford. ca Preschool Programs > Stratford Playschool Stratford Playschool is a three hour playschool program for ages three to four years old. The program is designed to encourage children to develop their imagination and learn by play and hands-on exploring. We believe that child’s play is the foundation for learning. Children must be three years old as of December 2015. This program will involve a number of activities such as; arts and crafts, games, story time, show and tell, finger plays, yoga, gardening, and other special events. Our mission is to meet each child’s developmental needs by providing a safe and nurturing learning environment. Children learn by doing, adding pieces of information to their understanding of the world around them through play. Storm Closure Policy Playschool instructor Marjane Sanayie is a teacher with 14 years working experience with children in childcare/kindergarten setting. She has received various certificates in Early Childhood Education. Marjane is fluent in both English and the Farsi/ Persian language. > C.H.A.N.C.E.S. Drop In and Play This program is held each Friday in the Stratford Town Gym. It is an ongoing, weekly program from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. for children from birth to age six. The C.H.A.N.C.E.S. family resource centre hosts this weekly playtime for caregivers and children. Make new friends and discover all sorts of fun things to do together! No fee or registration necessary. Call (902) 8928744 for more information. When winter storms arrive and you are unsure whether > Mike Pendergast, Lively Songs for Little People (Music Man) the Stratford Town Centre Gymnasium and Fitness Centre is open for public use, please be aware that we follow the Provincial Government Offices in Charlottetown delay and cancellation decisions. When a delay or closure is announced the Stratford Town Centre meeting rooms, gymnasium and fitness area will be closed. We will also notify local Island radio stations of these delays or cancellations. Since cancellation notices are often reported by media later than when the doors to the recreation centre are normally open to the public, we urge you to call the recreation office at (902) 569-2535 for a recorded message with the latest update on closures and cancellations and check the Town’s Facebook and Twitter accounts. The program start date is January 5, 2016 at the MacNeill Community Centre and runs for fifteen weeks. The fee is $325. The Tuesday/Thursday group operates from 9:00 a.m. to noon. The minimum enrollment is six per class and the maximum enrollment is eight per class. If numbers permit we will offer a Monday/Wednesday class. The fun for preschoolers continues in the new year at the Town Centre on Thursday mornings resuming on January 7. The program runs 10:45 a.m. to 11:45 a.m. in the Stratford Town Centre. The cost is a drop in rate of $5.00 per family. A delightful and funny musical experience with the “Music Man” for youngsters and their caregivers. Just drop in any Thursday with your child. JA N U A R Y 2016 E D ITION Youth Programs The Stratford Youth Centre offers youth in Grades 4-12, a safe and supportive environment for participating in social and recreational activities, various clubs, and special events to engage youth which encourages social growth and helps develop self-confidence and skills to prepare youth for their future. The Centre guides members to focus on volunteering, empowerment and community engagement and provides youth with an opportunity to voice their concerns about the community and show that they can really make a difference. Stratford Minor Basketball Stratford Youth Centre members will receive a membership card and are allowed to sign in one guest per visit at the Drop In Centre and at some select events. Members are also eligible to earn special prizes and awards for their volunteer service with the Stratford Youth Centre. We are always looking for new youth members and adult volunteers. If you would like to become a Stratford Youth Centre Member, volunteer or if you have any questions, please contact Duane at (902) 367-3294 or by email at [email protected] Membership allows access to the Youth Centre, numerous clubs and events, as well as an opportunity to participate in regular weekly member meetings. There is no cost for youth to join the Stratford Youth Centre. All members must help out with regular fundraising and volunteer opportunities within the community, to maintain their membership. Parents are strongly encouraged to become involved with the Youth Centre and attend regular parent meetings. Members are asked to commit to a minimum of 10 volunteer hours with the Stratford Youth Centre every 6 months to maintain their membership. This may include working at an event, assisting nonprofit organizations and fundraising. All volunteer hours members collect are recorded and can be used on a resume as valuable life experience as they approach adulthood. Upcoming volunteer opportunities will be included in parent emails and weekly member meetings. 15 > Stratford Youth Centre Clubs The Stratford Youth Centre has a number of great clubs for youth to join. The clubs are open to Youth Centre members and are free of charge. Current clubs include: Drama Club, Art Club, Sports Club, Dungeons and Dragons Club, Vintage Video Game Club, Outdoor Adventure Club and Leadership Club. For more information about these clubs or to become a Stratford Youth Centre member, stop into the Youth Centre or contact Duane Pineau at (902) 367-3294 or by email at [email protected] We are a non-profit volunteer organization with a mission to provide opportunities for youth ages 6 to 15 years, to play basketball at recreational and competitive levels; we presently have 150 players enrolled in the program. Our teams have had much success in our short history, winning several provincial championships. Many of our former and current players are playing on their junior high, high school and Provincial teams. We have excellent coaches in all divisions. For more information please go to our website www.stratfordfoxes.ca or contact Nicole Manuel at (902) 569-6250. Permission to Use Town Facilities The Town of Stratford owns and operates a number of parks, playgrounds, playing fields and facilities. Groups and individuals who want to use Town facilities for any reason must fill out an application and obtain permission from the recreation department. Town parks include all neighborhood parks and playgrounds, as well as our major parks; Tea Hill Park, Pondside Park, Kinlock Park, and Robert L. Cotton Memorial Park. Town facilities include the Stratford Town Centre, MacNeill Community Centre, Bunbury Rink Building, and Cotton Park buildings. Town facilities are available to groups or individuals on a priority basis. Free Skating at Pownal Arena We are pleased to provide monthly FREE skates at the Pownal Arena, 145 Pownal Road. There will be three events this winter: January 23, February 13 and March 19. Please join us from 3:20 p.m. to 4:20 p.m. 16 B ui ld in g t h e b e st c om m u n ity p os s ible Stratford Youth Centre Drop In Schedule Youth Members are welcome to stop in and hangout during their allotted Drop In times. Drop In Centre activities include Video Games in our Game Cave, Computers, Board Games, Arts and Crafts, Movies, Pool Table, teen lounge area and much more! Mondays Grade 4 – 6 (2:45pm – 5:15pm) Grade 7 – 12 (5:30pm – 7:30pm) Wednesdays Grade 4 - 6 (2:45pm – 5:15pm) Grade 7 – 12 (5:30pm – 7:30pm) Thursdays Grade 4 – 6 (2:45pm – 5:15pm) Grade 7 – 12 (5:30pm – 7:30pm) Youth Drop In times only apply to school days. If there is no school or school is cancelled due to weather, the Youth Centre will be closed. This schedule is subject to change. w w w .tow n ofs tr a tford. ca Stratford Youth Centre > Family Fun Day The Stratford Youth Centre would like to invite the families of Stratford to our regular monthly Family Fun Day. One Saturday each month, you can drop by the Youth Centre anytime between 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. to participate in a number of family related activities. Enjoy some hot chocolate and cookies. Dress appropriately for the weather as some activities may take place outdoors. There is no charge for this program and no registration is required. Family Fun Days are planned for the following dates: January 23, February 20, March 19, and April 23. For more information, please contact Duane at (902) 3673294 or by email at [email protected] > Stratford Youth Council For more information, contact Duane at (902) 367-3294 or by email at [email protected] Stratford Summer Day Camp The Town of Stratford is very excited to offer a summer day camp. This 9 week program can be reserved on a weekly basis or for the full 9 weeks and is available for youth between the ages of 8 and 12 years. We can only accept a maximum of 30 youth per week. Each week youth will experience various different activities: healthy eating, theater, arts and crafts, sports, nature based programs, and lots of free imaginative time. Registration begins January 4, 2016. The fees are $125 per week or $900.00 for the full summer. The Stratford Youth Centre is looking for youth in Grades 6—12 to become members of the Stratford Youth Council. The Youth Council meets regularly to discuss youth topics within the community. Council members will help plan and create youth programs, events and fundraising campaigns providing valuable volunteer experience for those who participate. For further information, please contact Duane Pineau at (902) 367-3294 or by email at dpineau@ townofstratford.ca > Birthdays at the Stratford Youth Centre The Stratford Youth Centre is available for Birthday Party bookings. Book the Youth Centre for your party and feel free to use any of the equipment in the Centre, including the Game Cave. A staff person will be on site to help you with any issues. Two Hour Rental (minimum): $60.00 Each Additional Hour: $20.00 Includes an additional 15 minutes before and after for set up and tear down. To book the Stratford Youth Centre for your event, please contact the Town of Stratford at (902) 569-1995. > Family Movie Day – Sunday Matinee The Stratford Youth Centre would like to invite the families of Stratford to our regular monthly Family Movie Day. One Sunday each month, you can come and watch a family appropriate movie. The movie starts at 2:00pm sharp. Feel free to bring your own snacks, pillows and blankets. There is no charge for this program and no registration is required. Arrive early as seating is limited. A canteen service is available which includes popcorn. Family Movie Days are planned for the following dates: January 24, February 21, March 20, and April 24. Children must be accompanied by an adult. For more information, please contact Duane at (902) 367-3294 or by email at dpineau@ townofstratford.ca > Drama Program The Stratford Youth Centre is looking to start a Drama program in 2016. We are currently looking for volunteers to help run the program. If you are interested in participating / volunteering, or want more information, please contact Duane at (902) 367-3294 or by email at [email protected] JA N U A R Y 2016 E D ITION Stratford Youth Centre > March Break Day Camp The Stratford Youth Centre will be hosting a Day Camp for the week of March Break, March 18 to 24 (Friday to Thursday) 8:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.. The Camp is open to youth in grades 4 to grade 6. Each day will have a special theme. Cost is $125.00 for the week which includes a morning and afternoon snack. Campers will need to bring their own lunch. The camp must have a minimum of 6 registered with a maximum of 20. To register, or for more information, call (902) 569-1995. 17 Stratford Gymnasium Walking / Running Track Direction and Rules The inside lane of the walking track is for walking and is the lane closest to the bleachers. Because we change directions each day, the direction to walk will be posted by the top of the stairs. The direction CREATIVE CLASSES > Art Club The Art Club meets on Thursdays from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. in the Art Centre (Old Library Building) in the Robert L. Cotton Park, 57 Bunbury Road. Artist Kate Sharpley leads the Art Club with weekly instruction. Each month a Guest Instructional Artist visits to share their special talents and skills with the group. The winter session begins Thursday, January 7 running to March 10 (10 weeks). Cost $40.00 per person for the 10 weeks. Drop In fees are $10.00 for a regular class and $15.00 for a drop in with a guest instructional artist. Pre-registration and payment are required in advance as space is limited to 18 participants. Available to those ages 16+. You can register on line at www.town ofstratford.ca or by calling the Town at (902) 569-1995. > Art Classes For Children and Youth Winter Session begin Saturday, January 9 until March 5, 2016 (9 weeks) Kinder Art Ages 2-5 years Saturdays 11:00 a.m. to 11:50 a.m. Parents are requested to attend with their child. Cost $90.00: for 9 weeks will always be opposite of the running lane. We ask that people do not walk more than Art 1 Ages 6-8 years Saturdays 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. Cost: $100.00 for 9 weeks. two wide in the walking lane and that fast- Art 2 Ages 9-12 years Saturdays 1:00 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. Cost: $125.00 for 9 weeks. The outside lane is for running and this is Art 4 Ages 6-8 years Saturdays 3:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. Cost: $100.00 for 9 weeks. er walkers pass in the outside lane when traffic allows. the lane closest to the fitness area. Like the walking track, the direction is changed daily and is posted by the top of the stairs. We ask that people do not run in pairs, as the running lane is wide enough for one person only. The walking lane may be used for passing when traffic allows. *Pre-registration and payment is required in advance and space is limited to 11 participants per class. Young children MUST be directly super- You can register on line at www.town ofstratford.ca or by calling the Town at (902) 569-1995. Learn more at: www. squigglebrush.com or www.facebook. com/SquiggleBrush is restricted to those 15 years and older. > Interactive Public Art Unveiling Recreation staff can assist you with an On a rainy Sunday in early November residents joined members of council and the artists to walk along the trail at Robert L. Cotton Memorial Park, 57 Bunbury Road, and experience the three newly installed interactive art pieces. The artists provided insight into their pieces and encourage attendees to get up close and experience each of the art pieces. Call Rachel at (902) 569-6924 vised by an adult if using the gymnasium track. The fitness area (equipment only) Introduction to Fitness Centre introduction to the Town Centre fitness equipment free of charge. to set up an appointment. 18 B ui ld in g t h e b e st c om m u n ity p os s ible w w w .tow n ofs tr a tford. ca Stratford Adult Programs > Men’s Recreational Basketball > Co-Ed Recreational Volleyball cated to teaching beginners the basic skills required. Every ability from age 16+ is welcome to try it out! Sundays at Stratford Town Centre Cost is $15.00 January 3 to April 24 8:15 p.m. - 9:45 p.m. Mondays in the Stratford Town Gym Cost is $15.00 January 4 - April 25 8:15 p.m. - 9:45 p.m. Registration fee for the full year is only $20 (running from Jan. – Dec. 2016) Recreational basketball league everyone is welcome to come and play. All levels encouraged in this “for fun” league! Register with the recreation department before January 31. For more information contact Troy Gauthier at [email protected] Recreational volleyball for adults. Register with the recreation department before January 25 or at the first session. For more information contact Diane Lidstone at (902) 367-5694. Most of the year play takes place at the Town Centre gymnasium, play moves to the Bunbury outdoor rink for the summer months (weather permitting). > Adult Co-Ed Badminton For more information or to register please contact Garth Matthews [email protected] or (902) 3670974 > Adult Co-ed Indoor Soccer Wednesdays in the Stratford Town Gym Cost is $15.00 October 2015 to April 27 8:15 p.m. - 9:45 p.m. Recreational indoor soccer for adults. Register at the next session or call Pat Martel at (902) 569-3830 for more information. Gymnasium Hours of Operation Tuesdays in the Stratford Town Gym 8:15 p.m. - 9:45 p.m. Thursdays in the Glen Stewart School Gym 7:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. Cost is $15.00 January 5 to April 28 Recreational badminton league for adults. Register with the recreation department before January 25. For more information contact the recreation department at (902) 569-6924. Sunday to ThursdayFriday and Saturday 5:30a.m. to 10:00p.m. 5:30a.m. to 9:00p.m > PickleBall The Stratford Town Centre is open for Stratford residents to use seven days a week. The centre is equipped with a gymnasium, walking track, fitness centre, multipurpose meeting rooms, change rooms, stage, and kitchen. Residents are welcome to use the fitness centre and walking track any time the building is open. Monday & Wednesday 10:00 a.m. - noon Friday 1:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m. Residents are also welcome to use the gymnasium any time there are no programs or bookings scheduled. Schedules are posted weekly on the bulletin board, as well as being posted on Twitter and Facebook daily. To book any of the meeting rooms or gymnasium for private use, contact the recreation office at (902) 569-2535. When you enjoy our beautiful facility please sign in and out at the front door. Pickleball is a growing racquet sport that’s like playing table tennis on a badminton court! The basic equipment (ball & net) is provided by the Town of Stratford and for people just starting up paddles are provided as well. All you need are your runners and your energy! Beginners are welcome to come and try the program. For the month of January Mondays from 10:00 - 11:00 a.m. will be dedi- > PEI Wildfowl Carvers Mondays 7:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. Old library building, Robert L. Cotton Park Membership: $20.00 Anyone interested in carving is encouraged to attend and experience carving to see if you’re interested in this hobby (attend one night at no cost). If you enjoy carving or think you might, join the PEI Wildfowl Carvers Association and enjoy learning to carve as well as the camaraderie of fellow carvers. We have a great time! Contact Moe Wood at (902) 569-3591. > Wheelchair Basketball Sundays in the Stratford Town Gym 9:00 a.m. - 10:30 a.m. “Hoop It Up!” with the PEI Mustangs Wheelchair Basketball Club. Instruction and equipment will be provided. This program is free and open to the general public. Contact Sarah Gillis at [email protected] JA N U A R Y 2016 E D ITION 19 Call for Nominations > Volunteers of the Year Awards Volunteers are, and always will be, an essential part of our community. These awards acknowledge and reward a volunteer citizen who has made an outstanding contribution to his or her community. The recipient will receive prizes determined by Town Council as well as having their name added to the existing plaque displayed at Town Centre to honour each year’s Volunteers of the Year. Volunteering is the act of people being involved in the improvement of their surroundings. Volunteer acts can occur within a structured organization (ex. volunteering at your library) or in an informal setting (ex. raking leaves for your elderly neighbor). Those eligible to receive these awards include any individual who performs volunteer act/acts (as defined above) within the Town of Stratford. The purpose of this award is to focus on recognizing individual citizens, however the judging committee will also accept a submission that nominates two or more people together. The Town of Stratford will oversee the awards and the way in which they are presented. A committee under the direction of the Town’s Recreation, Culture & Events Committee will select the winners. Nomination forms may be picked up at Stratford Town Centre, 234 Shakespeare Drive. Completed nomination forms may be forwarded to the Town of Stratford’s Recreation, Culture and Events Department at the address below. All submissions must be signed. The annual deadline for submissions for the Volunteer of the Year Award and Youth Volunteer of the Year Awards is May 31 and both are presented annually at the Town of Stratford’s Canada Day celebrations. The annual deadline for submissions for the Senior Volunteer of the Year Award is January 29 and presented annually at the Town of Stratford’s Winter Carnival pancake breakfast. Nominations should be submitted to: Town of Stratford - Recreation, Culture, and Events Department Stratford Town Centre 234 Shakespeare Drive Stratford, PE C1B 2V8 2015 Volunteer Award Winners Follow us on social media: Like us on Facebook townofstratford Follow us on Twitter @StratfordPEI StratChat Signup on Stratchat and join the discussions. Create, share or vote on ideas from other residents - stratchat.ca Drinking Water Tips Do you buy bottled water because of the chlorine taste? Chlorine is added to municipal water as a safety precaution. This causes the water to have a slight chlorine taste, but there is a simple fix for this. Simply fill a jug with water from your tap and allow it to sit for short period of time. The chlorine evaporates and the taste is gone. Place a jug of water in the fridge or use a water cooler with a refillable water jug. Having cold water at hand will prevent the need to run the tap until the water gets cold – conserving water every time you get a glass! 20 B ui ld in g t h e b e st c om m u n ity p os s ible Citizens on Patrol – Now Recruiting Volunteers w w w .tow n ofs tr a tford. ca RCMP in Stratford > RCMP welcomes “Town Talk” The theme of the community newsletter, Town Talk, aligns perfectly with the theme of community policing in Stratford. RCMP in the area are encouraging conversations with police and community members to assist with the deterrence of crime. Citizens on Patrol Stratford is a volunteer program that was established in 2008 where residents help to keep the Talk. Talk to RCMP by phone or email. Talk to P.E.I. Crimes Stoppers anonymously if it’s more comfortable to do so. But talk. Your police and your community council members need to know what’s happening in your area and the information you might have to stop people from disrupting our way of life in Stratford. Contact: Stratford RCMP @ (902) 566-9300 or (902) 566-7112; P.E.I. Crime Stoppers 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS) online www.peicrimestoppers. com or text “TIP162”. community safe by volunteering to patrol We all have a right to live in a safe and enjoyable community and we all have a responsibility to help each other, and ourselves, by talking about those that do not value the law and put others at risk. the community and provide an “extra set of eyes and ears” for the RCMP. The program is funded in part by the Town of Stratford and works closely with the RCMP. Citizens on Patrol volunteers observe and report suspicious events to the RCMP – they do not intervene in any way to ensure their safety. If you would like to learn more or go for a ride along with volunteers to try it out for an evening, call Harry at (902) 628-9814. Follow them on Twitter @COP_Stratford and on Facebook www.facebook.com/ copstratford Leave the phone alone while driving! $500 minimum fine & five demerit points. If you suspect a motor vehicle you are following has an impaired driver call 911 when you can safely do so. Talking is key to keeping everyone in Stratford and surrounding areas aware and responsible. What seems odd to one person might seem perfectly normal to another but with recent reports of break and enters to homes and vehicles and the even more alarming incidents of cars passing stopped school busses, we all need to do our part to stop these illegal and dangerous acts. On another note, RCMP were very honoured to take part in the 2015 Remembrance Day ceremonies at the Stratford Town Hall memorial site on November 11th. We are fortunate to be part of this community, as police and as neighbours, and we were honoured to stand among you to show our thankfulness for all those who have served, and presently serve, to keep our country safe and our rights secure. JA N U A R Y 2016 E D ITION 21 James Aylward, MLA Happy New Year to all Residents of Stratford! It is hard to believe that yet another year has come and gone and that we have just celebrated the arrival of 2016. Hopefully the winter of 2016 will not be a repeat of what Mother Nature so generously supplied us with last year! • Recognition of the 140th Anniversary of the PEI Regiment I was honoured to Move a Motion in the Legislative Assembly recognizing the dedication and service of the members of the PEIR and the history of the Regiment. Centre: Mondays 3-6 p.m. or by appointment Home: (902) 569-1615 E: [email protected] Do you have a new business in Stratford? from left to right: Chief Warrant Officer Doug MacDonald MLA, James Aylward Lieutenant Colonel Steven Wynne Sergeant Mary Jane Murphy Captain Tom Hamilton As government proposes changes to our Education System and Democratic Renewal, I will continue to press government to ensure that Islanders have a say in these changes and that any amendments will be in the best interest of all Islanders. I encourage all residents to attend any scheduled public meetings on these issues or to contact me with your thoughts, questions and or concerns. • Stratford & Area Annual Food Drive This past year, a record amount of food was collected for the Upper Room Food Bank. In excess of 16 pallets of food was donated by our generous residents and collected by many dedicated volunteers. Office Hours, Stratford Town T: (902) 368-4355 Upon reflection, there are a couple of memorable events that took place in 2015 that I feel deserve notable recognition. • 35th Anniversary of the formation of the Cross Roads Fire Department These dedicated individuals deserve our extreme gratitude for their time and commitment to the safety and protection of our community. James Aylward’s Stratford A New Year offers us a fresh change, new beginnings of sorts. I look forward to meeting as many of you as possible as the year progresses along. Finally, as always, if you have any issues, concerns or comments you wish to discuss with me, please do not hesitate to contact me: Email [email protected]; Office telephone: (902) 368-4355 Home telephone: (902) 569-1615 James Aylward, MLA Let us know so we can add you to our online business directory and send you a welcome package. ? Did you know… All Stratford businesses are encouraged to provide brochures and promotional items for our Resident Welcome Packages program. Contact Audra for more information at (902) 569-1995. Support Local! Watch for our annual resident survey arriving in your inbox or at your door over the coming weeks – this is your chance to be heard and we continue to have strong support from our community. Thank you for taking the time to complete this survey and showing your dedication to your community. 22 B ui ld in g t h e b e st c om m u n ity p os s ible Essential oils for a better winter experience The smell of bread fresh from the oven or a favorite meal simmering on the stove has the power to transport us to a different state of mind and being. Scents have the ability to alter our mood and change our thinking patterns, both of which are important as we head into another winter season. An essential oil is oil that has been distilled or extracted from a plant source. It takes a large quantity of plant material to produce 1 oz of essential oil which is why they can be expensive. That said, it takes only a few drops in a diffuser to spread the aroma throughout the house, so a bottle will last you a long time. So if I could pick only three essential oils to get through the winter months, what would I choose? The first one is easy, eucalyptus oil, specifically eucalyptus globulus oil. It helps to sooth any chest irritation, keep the lungs clear and is very calming to the mind. It boosts the immune system and provides comfort when confounded with a cold. The second choice would be lavender essential oil. Lavender is so very soothing and relaxing. A couple of drops in a diffuser in the bedroom can help you sleep and the added bonus is that you can mix eucalyptus and lavender and create a new mix that both calms and clears your mind. The third choice is citrus oil. As the days get shorter and the snow piles up outside, many of us can get a case of the winter blues. Like fresh air it clears away the cobwebs and lifts the heart. w w w .tow n ofs tr a tford. ca Seniors College of Prince Edward Island > Stratford Seniors Embrace Fun Learning Through Seniors College of PEI Seniors College of Prince Edward Island offers seniors, over the age of 50, the opportunity for lifelong learning, with seventy-five courses offered over three semesters. Join in any of the three semesters: winter, spring or fall and pay a yearly membership fee of only $160 per year for any number of courses. To see a full list of what is offered in the winter or spring of 2016 visit www.seniorscollege.ca to view the courses. Upcoming courses include ones that encourage older adults to ‘Look at the World Around Them’ through subjects such as Spanish for Travellers, Mozart in Vienna, Mere Christianity, and the Realities and Fallacies of Aging. ‘Learning More About . . .’ courses have a variety subject areas and explore Children’s or Irish literature. Learn how to take your own pictures in Digital Photography I or II or how to get better at editing pictures in the Advanced Photo Editing class. When starting out with essential oils, keep it simple, start with what you know and what brings about a positive effect for you and your body. Our sense of smell is a strong ally in maintaining our overall health. Anne-Marie Rolfe Now ‘n Zen Yoga Studio Members of Seniors College Hiking Class. Nature buffs should check out the “Birds of PEI” courses being offered at Stratford’s Cotton Centre in the spring. The winter and spring can be long on PEI, so residents can use this time to explore a potential talent or sharpen one that has been ignored for a while. For those with an interest in singing, dancing, painting, stage performance, or needlework, there is at least one course in each of these areas and in some cases two or three options. Choral Singing is offered winter and spring, as is art studio, painting and drawing. If needlework or stage performance always has been an interest, people should check out Japanese Temari Balls or On Stage Performance II. If residents desire something more active, they can get moving in the Old Time Square Dancing Course. Residents can enhance their well being by learning something new in their own town, meeting neighbours and making new friends while having a fun learning experience. Visit the website, email [email protected], or contact Coordinator Martha Ellis at (902) 894-2867 to learn more. JA N U A R Y 2016 E D ITION 23 Stratford and Area Lions Club > Another Busy Fall Completed for the Lions Club Warm January greetings from all of the Stratford and Area Lions Club members and our families to all of your families. We recently hosted our annual seniors dinner in December which was another great success. We wish to thank our local army cadets for their help in setting up the tables and serving the meals. They did a great job as always! A quick recap of our fall activities which included holding our annual apple pie and bagged apple sale which was another success and a big thanks goes to all who support it year after year. We also hosted a pancake breakfast for the Glen Stewart Primary and Stratford Elementary Schools. We served 875 breakfasts in 3 hours! All of the proceeds went directly to the schools and we once again thank you for the support. From this event, Glen Stewart received $2139.60 and Stratford Elementary received $1541.60. Tuesday of each month with a great lineup of local talent and a light lunch served. Our weekly crib night is held on Thursday’s, you may be the big winner with the best hands that night! Both of these events take place at the Robert L. Cotton Center. > Find us on Facebook, Stratford and Area Lions Club, and like our page to check out what we have going on. We also can be reached by email: [email protected] Stratford Elementary: Kenny MacDougall, Principal Layton Docherty Bob Bruce Michaela Doucette Kate Ramsay > Message to Cat Owners: A number of residents call the Town each year to report neighbourhood cats defecating in their gardens and lawns, damaging their screens and leaving paw prints or scratches on Our next pancake breakfast will be held during Winter Carnival next month. We will be on the go before the crack of dawn getting the prep done to be ready for all of you to take a break and enjoy breakfast prepared by us. their vehicles. At present the Town of Stratford does not require cats to be licensed, tagged or leashed however we strongly encourage all cat owners to ensure their pets have identifying tags in the event they are lost or Our motto is ‘ WE SERVE ‘. So if you or someone you know needs assistance in the Stratford area, please feel free to contact any lions member or email us at: stratford.area.lions@ hotmail.com injured. We ask that cat owners be aware of these issues that your cat might be causing to those around you. Please respect the property of others by Glen Stewart Primary: Layton Docherty Charlotte Bryand, Principal Bob Bruce Sophie Casford Nathan McQuillan We are now on Facebook . Please like our page, Stratford and Area Lions, to keep updated on the activities and projects we are involved with. We will have it up to date with ceildh information which take place every third Being the start of a new year, let helping others and your community be your New Year’s resolution. Consider being a Lion! The overwhelming feeling of generosity and pride within will grow knowing how much you can make a difference. Respectively submitted, Mae Bovyer, Lion Secretary cleaning up after your cat and keep them away from areas where they are being a nuisance or damaging property. The Town will monitor calls and hope that neighbours will respect each other. Thank you for your cooperation. 24 B ui ld in g t h e b e st c om m u n ity p os s ible Stratford Public Library 25 Hopeton Rd, Stratford, PE T: (902) 569-7441 W: www.library.pe.ca E: [email protected] Tuesday: 9:30 a.m. - 5:30 p.m. Wednesday: 9:30 a.m. - 8:00 p.m. Thursday: 9:30 a.m. - 5:30 p.m. Friday: 9:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. 1:00 p.m.- 5:30 p.m. Saturday: 9:30 a.m. - 5:30 p.m. Sunday & Monday: Closed Want to stay up to date with our winter programs? Like us on Facebook! www. facebook.com/StratfordPublicLibraryPEI w w w .tow n ofs tr a tford. ca Stratford Public Library > Adult Book Clubs Second Friday of each month at 2 p.m. starting January 8. Last Wednesday of each month at 6:30 p.m. starting January 27. > Adult Non Fiction Book Club First Tuesday of the month at 2 p.m. starting January 5. > E-Book Assistance Bring your device in and let us help you get connected to Overdrive, the library’s free eBook and eAudiobook service. Overdrive is accessible 24/7, and you’ll never have late fines with automatic check in. Check it out today! Wednesdays from 1:00 - 4:30 p.m. Remember, all library programs are from all over Atlantic Canada to great Canadian books and authors. Join us for a snack and discuss your favourite books with other readers. Ages 9 to 12 can join in on the second Wednesday of each month at 4 p.m. > Bedtime Storytime Snuggle up with your teddy and get ready for cozy stories. Families can join in on Wednesdays at 5:30 p.m. starting January 6. > Baby/Toddler Lapsit Join us for songs, action rhymes and felt board stories targeted to those from 0 to 36 months. Every Thursday at 10 a.m. starting January 7. > Literacy Connection completely free of charge! > Squiggle Brush: Stories and Art Ages 3 to 5 years old are invited to stop in for stories and fun! Thursdays at 10:30 a.m. starting January 7. Looking to learn a new language? Bring your preschooler and join local artist Kate Sharpley for a story followed by art based on the illustrations. Every Tuesday at 10 a.m. starting January 5. > Zentangles and Adult Colouring Try Rocket Languages in our Online Databases! Rocket Languages is a Web-based language learning service that is ideal for beginners and travellers. Your library card gives you access to 14 self-paced foreign language courses, including Egyptian Arabic, Mandarin Chinese, French, German, Hindi, Italian, > Ukulele for Beginners and Advanced Wednesdays at 1:30 p.m. starting January 6. Japanese, Korean, Portugese, Spanish, American Sign Language, advanced English (for EAL learners), English for Japanese speakers, and English for Spanish speakers. Mobile apps are available for iOS and Android. > Pizza and Pages: Hackmatack Book Club The Hackmatack Children’s Choice Book Award is back for its 17th year! This exciting reading program for children in Grades 4, 5 and 6 introduces thousands of young readers Pop in for some quiet time - colouring sheets and tea provided. Fridays at 11 a.m. starting January 8. > Yarn Crafts Drop In Knit, crochet, or craft with good company on Thursdays at 1 p.m. starting January 7. > Early Morning Lego Saturday mornings all ages are invited to join in the Lego fun from 9:30 - 11:30 a.m. starting January 2. JA N U A R Y 2016 E D ITION Stratford Public Library Computer Assistance > Saturday Stories > March Break MakerSpace Need a hand with setting up an email Saturdays at 11:30 a.m. starting January 9 all ages can join in story time. March 22, 23, & 24 at 2 p.m. Ages 6 to 9 . working your way around a computer? > Teen Space Drop in Drawing and Zentangles Saturdays at 1 p.m. starting January 9. > Do You Want to Build a Snowman? Frozen Sing-a-long, Story and Craft Meet Elsa at the library, dress up and get a photo with your favourite Ice Queen! Saturday, January 30 at 11:30 a.m. > Pigeon Party! Celebrate Mo Willems’ Birthday Saturday, February 13 at 11:30 a.m. Families/All ages. > Leap into Literacy! Leap Day Stories and Games Saturday, February 27 at 11:30 a.m. Families/All ages. > Follow the Rainbow: A St. Patrick’s Day Scavenger Hunt Saturday, March 12 at 11:30 a.m. Families/All ages. address, figuring out Facebook, or just Call the library to book a time with one of our volunteers. By appointment only. > National Poetry Month April Celebrate National Poetry Month all month long with the following events. Black Out Poetry: Saturday, April 9 at 1 p.m. Hooray for Haikus: Saturday, April 16 at 1 p.m. Poetic License (Book Art): Wednesday, April 20 at 6 p.m. Spine Label Poetry: Saturday, April 23 at 1 p.m. > Blind Date with a Book Pick up a book any time from February 2 to 13. Families/All ages. 25 Artist of the Month The Library Art Gallery wants to display your art! Drop in today for an application, or to view the current artist’s work. Join us the last Thursday of each month at 2:30 p.m. to meet the artist. Did you know? > Resume Workshop Wednesday, May 18 at 4 p.m. Prince & Princess Tea Party Saturday, May 7 at 11:30 a.m. Families/All ages. Islanders with a library card can browse from a catalogue of thousands of eBooks and eAudiobooks which can be downloaded to eReaders, smartphones, iPods and MP3 players. Check out the library website for more details, or call to book an appoint- > Get Wild for Summer! Summer Reading Club Launch Party Wednesday, June 29 at 2 p.m. Families/All ages. ment to get one-on-one assistance setting up your device. 26 B ui ld in g t h e b e st c om m u n ity p os s ible Storm Closure Policy When winter storms arrive and you are unsure whether the Stratford Town Centre Gymnasium and Fitness Centre is open for public use, please be aware that we follow the Provincial Government Offices in Charlottetown delay and cancellation decisions. When a delay or closure is announced the Stratford Town Centre meeting rooms, gymnasium and fitness area will be closed. We will also notify local Island radio stations of these delays or cancellations. Since cancellation notices are often reported by media later than when the doors to the recreation centre are normally open to the public, we urge you to call the recreation office at (902) 569-2535 for a recorded message with the latest update on closures and cancellations and check the Town’s Facebook and Twitter accounts. New Business Open in Stratford Goodwin Naturopathic Medicine is home to Stratford’s licensed Naturopathic Doctor, Cassandra Goodwin who graduated from UPEI, and then continued her studies at the Boucher Institute of Naturopathic Medicine, in New Westminster, BC. “I’m passionate about working together with Islanders to help them thrive in their everyday lives. We get to the root cause of your symptoms and treat the whole body with the least invasive methods possible,” says Dr. Cassandra. You can find Goodwin Naturopathic Medicine at 17A Glen Stewart Drive in Stratford. She is offering free “Meet and Greets”, which are 15-minute introductory meetings to allow patients to ask any questions about naturopathic medicine and how Dr. Cassandra can fit into your health care team. Appointments can be made online at www.drcassandragoodwin.com, or by calling (902) 370-2106. w w w .tow n ofs tr a tford. ca Health & Wellness > Returning Classes at Stratford Town Centre Varacalli Fitness is a small business run by Joan Varacalli who lives and works in the Town of Stratford offering private training at her boutique studio as well as teaching group fitness and Yoga classes at Stratford Recreation Centre. Sign up for winter and spring sessions by contacting Joan at (902) 213-6187 or [email protected]. Yoga Each Tuesday 12 noon to 1 p.m. Session 1: Jan 5 – Feb 23/16 Session 2: Mar 1 – Apr 26/16 Sweat & Pump Each Thursday 12 noon to 1 p.m. Session 1: Jan 7 to Feb 25/16 Session 2: Mar 3 to Apr 28/16 > Island Karate Club The Island Karate Club Winter registration is January 11 to February 14, 2016 for our winter session which runs from January until the end of May. We are a Tsuruoka Karate Club with a Shotokan base and have been located in the Stratford area for over 20 years. Classes are at the Our Lady of Assumption Parish Hall, 145 Stratford Road on Monday and Thursday nights. Check out our website www.islandkarate.com to learn more or contact us. > Dance Stars Academy Registration opens November 15. To register online, please visit our website: http://www.DanceStarsAcademy. com, or call 940-4702. > Home Care Services Andrews of Stratford is excited to announce that we are now offering home care services for area seniors. There has been increasing demand for these services for seniors who are living independently but can use a helping hand with day to day tasks to keep them safe and comfortable in their homes. Andrews of PEI has been caring for seniors for over 25 years offering community care, nursing beds, day programs and short term stays. The addition of home care services allows them to offer full continuity of care bringing the superior care of Andrews of to the comfort of people’s homes. Short and long term support services offered include: • Personal Care & Support: - Bathing and dressing - Personal grooming - Certified foot care • Companionship • Meal planning and preparation • Light housekeeping • Nurse and pharmacist consultation services Dance Stars Academy offers dance classes for kids ages 3 - 12 years old children. Boys and Girls are welcome to try classes in Ballet, Tap, Jazz, and Hip Hop. Session dates from January 4 – May 23. • Home safety assessments and recommendations for mobility aids and safety equipment JA N U A R Y 2016 E D ITION Health & Wellness • Compression stocking fittings, ostomy supplies and would care products • Transportation to and from appointments and shopping For a free consultation, please contact: (902) 368-2790 or homecare@ andrewsofpei.com > INNERGYZE Continues in the New Year Join Certified Group Fitness Leader, Kim MacDonald in a fitness class that covers it all and has options for hi/low impact. Every Monday & Thursday from 4:45 p.m. - 5:30 p.m. at the Stratford Town Hall Gym with 2016 classes beginning Monday, January 4th. To find out more or to contact Kim directly:http://innergyzefitness. wordpress.com or innergyzefitness@ outlook.com Contact the Town of Stratford at (902) 569-1995 to find out more about the variety of fitness classes taking place each week – there’s something for everyone! 27 Go!PEI A community-based program that encourages Islanders to get active and eat healthy! Go!PEI provides programming in all 16 partnered communities across Prince Edward Island to support Islanders in making a healthy lifestyle change. The five main pillars of Go!PEI include Walking, Running, Biking, Hiking and Healthy Eating. We are hoping to help improve the overall health of Islanders for the long-term, by offering barrier-free, community-based programs! We are currently recruiting volunteers who wish to get involved with GO PEI in program delivery in Stratford. Please contact Rachel Arsenault, [email protected] for more information Adult Line Dancing Class Free adult line dancing classes are held every Tuesday from 6:30 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. at the Stratford Town Centre stage. Wear comfortable shoes and clothes and come join us for some fun! Contact: Micheline (902) 368-3416 Karate Classes in Stratford Classes are continuing throughout the witner with a trial period running until January 16th. Classes take place at 161 Stratford Road within a private karate facility. Keep your children active and engaged while learning self-defense throughout the school year, learning from some of the best instructors in the province. Find out more at peikarateclub.com 28 B ui ld in g t h e b e st c om m u n ity p os s ible Seeking Interest in Stratford Roots and Shoots Youth Environmental Group Plans are in motion for a weekly after school youth environmental group in the Town of Stratford for ages 11-13 beginning in 2016. Dr. Jane Goodall’s Roots and Shoots youth programs are taking action on issues related to people, animals and the environment in 140 countries worldwide, and this year, Stratford, PEI has an opportunity to join the initiative. All parents/ guardians of interested youth ages 11-13 are asked to contact Stratford Roots and Shoots co-coordinator Cara Mansour at [email protected] for more info on start dates and registration. And for more info on Jane Goodall’s Roots and Shoots, visit www.rootsandshoots.org Stratford Community Choir Starts New Season The Stratford Community Choir meets weekly in the Activities Room at Andrews of Stratford, 355 Shakespeare Drive. The choir is under the direction of Kay Linkletter with accompanist Leah Inman. Choir rehearsals are held weekly on Tuesday evenings between 7:00 and 9:00p.m. Individuals with an interest in singing are welcome to join the choir. For more information please contact Larry MacDonald, president, at (902) 393-3353. Make a difference – be an In-School Mentor! Whoever said one person can’t change the world couldn’t have been a mentor. Share your wisdom and life experience with a child who needs a friend. Sign up to be an In-School Mentor today! Spend an hour a week with a child at Stratford Elementary School. Besides having fun, you’ll help a child reach his or her full potential just by being a friend. When you create possibilities, good things happen. For more information, call (902) 569-KIDS (1-877411-3729) or visit www.bbbspei.ca w w w .tow n ofs tr a tford. ca Community Groups > Bowl for Kids Sake Teams Needed! Participating in Big Brothers Big Sisters Bowl for Kids Sake on March 5th & 6th is a fun way to help local kids today and make our community stronger for tomorrow. Register your team today! As a thank you for your fundraising efforts, we will be providing a free Fun in the Sun themed bowling party. Everyone who raises $125 or more will receive a BFKS T-shirt and a chance to win 2 tickets to any Air Canada destination in North America (including Hawaii, Mexico, and the Caribbean). For more information or to register a team, please call 902569-KIDS, or e-mail [email protected] > Canadian Tire Jump Start Canadian Tire Jump Start is a charitable program created by the Canadian Tire Jump Start Charities to help kids in need (ages 4 to 18), participate in organized sport and recreation programs. This program is national in scope, but local in its focus. Canadian Tire Jump Start helps by providing funds to help offset the cost of registration fees and equipment for recreation like swim passes, bowling passes, dance lessons, Scouts and Girl Guides, etc. To apply please contact one of the following organizations: Kidsport PEI at (902) 368-4110, or Recreation PEI at (902) 892-6445. > Definitely Not The Symphony (DNTS) A fun group of people with a variety of levels of musical skill who enjoy playing in an orchestra. All levels of ability and suitable instruments are welcome. The orchestra is sounding better all the time and would like to encourage aspiring musicians to take up an instrument, or to dig out their almost forgotten instruments (especially their clarinets, flutes, and brass winds) that they played in high school, and come and enjoy playing music again. Practices are held on Saturday mornings at 10:00 a.m. in the activities room at Andrews of Stratford, 355 Shakespeare Drive. To learn more please visit www.dnts pei.blogspot.ca or call Chris at (902) 569-3818. > Special Olympics PEI Special Olympics PEI is a non-profit, charitable, sport organization. We provide year-round opportunities for individuals with an intellectual disability to participate in sport. Programs are available for athletes of all ages (starting as young as 2 years old) and abilities in either the Community Sport Program stream (non-competitive) or the Competitive Sport Program stream (various sports offered). If you or someone you know is interested in getting involved as an athlete, coach or volunteer, or for more information, contact us at our Charlottetown office at (902) 368-8919 or by email at [email protected] or check out our website at www.sopei.com > Cadets from 20 (Stratford) RCACC meet weekly at Stratford Town Centre on Thursday’s at 6:30p.m. If you are between the age of 12 and 18 and you would like to learn more about Army Cadets you are encouraged to check us out between 6:30 and 9:00p.m. on Thursday eve- JA N U A R Y 2016 E D ITION Community Groups nings when we parade. There is no cost to join!! We participate in orienteering, sports, marksmanship, leadership, citizenship, community service, geocaching, hiking, canoeing, abseiling, and more! > Inaugral Meeting of the Buddhist Alliance of PEI The Buddhist Alliance of PEI, primarily based in the Stratford area, recently registered as a non-profit community and cultural organization under the PEI Companies Act. The purposes of the organization are to disseminate the study and practice of Lord Buddha’s teachings, in accordance with the Theravada Buddhist Tradition by: a) Facilitating Buddhist cultural community activities for moral development of the members; b) Promoting the THERAVADA Buddhist traditions by sponsoring literacy , meditation, educational and awareness raising activities, spiritual development, and loving kindness among culturally diverse community groups and mainstream communities; c) Promoting world peace for the benefit and happiness of mankind; d) Organizing and conducting regular and special religious activities, meditation sessions, Buddhist festivals and ceremonies and functions enabling all lay people who wish to attend and participate; e) Organizing and conducting weekly/ monthly meditation and mindfulness development sessions, Buddhist rituals, and Dhamma programs; f) Meeting with Buddhist monks and lay friends with similar ideas, engage in useful discussions and exchange ideas to live a peaceful and successful life and help each other g) Managing and maintaining a Buddhist Vihara premises as a charitable organization dedicated to Dhamma and spiritual & mind development. The group held their inaugural meeting on Octpber 10 at the Seniors Room in Cotton Centre. The Board of Directors and Executive Committee were also selected at the meeting. 29 Community Access & Inclusion Expo Wednesday, May 11, 2016 This event is FREE and open to EVERYONE! Join us anytime between 5:00pm and 8:00pm on Wednesday, May 11th, 2016 at the Stratford Town Hall for the 2016 Community Access & Inclusion Expo, hosted by the English Language School Board. Each year, inclusive agencies and service providers from across PEI gather at the Expo to provide information about the opportunities they offer, such as: • Assistive technology • Inclusive recreation options • Life skills • Day programs • Employment options • Post-secondary education • Training opportunities • Advocacy & support • Respite care • Housing • Funding options • Transportation • And other inclusive programs Anyone interested in learning more about options available in these areas is welcome to browse through the booths, attend information sessions, and/or participate in fun activities! Snacks and refreshments will also be provided. L-R : Asoka Gunawardena (Board member), Gayani Gunathilake, (Treasurer) Thilak Tennekone (Vice President) Bhante Jinananda (President and Chief Advisor), Nayani Hettiarachige (Board members) Purnima Liyanage (Secretary) Udyoga Amarasinghe (Board Member). For further information contact: Shelley Nelson, Community Access Facilitator, at [email protected], Alison Campbell, Inclusive Education Consultant, at [email protected], Lorna Champion, Inclusive Education Consultant, at [email protected], or the English Language School Board at (902) 368-6990. 30 B ui ld in g t h e b e st c om m u n ity p os s ible w w w .tow n ofs tr a tford. ca Stratford Community Telephone Directory PRESCHOOL PROGRAMS: SUPPORT PROGRAMS: Drop In & C.H.A.N.C.E.S (902) 892-8744 Canadian Tire Jump Start (902) 892-6445 Stratford Playschol (902) 569-2535 KidSport Fund (902) 368-4110 Tiny Tot Gym (902) 569-2535 ParaSport & Recreation PEI (902) 368-4540 Intro To Sports (902) 569-2535 Queens County Residential (902) 566-4470 Dance Stars Academy (902) 940-4702 FAMILY PROGRAMS: YOUTH PROGRAMS: Community School: Kim Stewart (902) 569-4258 After School Programs (902) 569-2535 Table Tennis: Najam Chishti (902) 368-2360 Girl Guides of Canada (902) 894-4936 Cricket: Ross Dwyer (902) 817-4404 Dance Stars Academy (902) 940-4702 Family Fitness Fun Night (902) 569-2535 Stratford Youth Centre (902) 367-3294 Stratford Minor Basketball [email protected] STRATFORD RECREATION FACILITIES: Stratford Soccer Club [email protected] Bunbury Rink Hall (902) 569-1278 Art Programs (902) 569-6925 Cotton Centre Youth Room (902) 569-3305 Stratford Minor Baseball [email protected] Cotton Centre Seniors Room (902) 569-3424 Instructional Ice Hockey (902) 569-2535 Stratford Recreation Centre (902) 569-2535 Pownal Minor Hockey (902) 676-2182 MacNeill Community Centre (902) 569-4987 Pownal Can Skate (902) 569-5866 Speed Skating PEI (902) 569-2498 TOWN ADMINISTRATION: Red Cross Water Safety (902) 628-6262 Reception Desk (902) 569-1995 Scouts Canada (Stratford) (902) 569-2353 Chief Administration Officer (902) 569-6251 Flag Football (902) 368-4262 Infrastructure (902) 569-4662 Stratford Army Cadets (902) 569-4699 Finance (902) 569-6254 Utility Billing Inquires (902) 367-3228 ADULT PROGRAMS: Planning, Development & Heritage (902) 569-6255 55+ Co-Ed Fitness Class: Dagmar Cepica (902) 569-1306 Recreation, Culture & Events (902) 569-2535 Badminton (902) 569-2535 Carpet Bowling: Shirley Cleveland (902) 569-3306 SCHOOLS: Co-Ed Soccer: Pat Martel (902) 569-3830 Glen Steward Primary School (902) 569-0550 Co-Ed Volleyball: Dianne Lidstone (902) 892-3784 Stratford Elementary School (902) 569-7750 Intro to Fitness Centre (902) 569-2535 Stonepark Junior High School (902) 368-6085 Recreational Basketball (902) 569-2535 Charlottetown Rural High School (902) 368-6905 Crossroads & Area Lion’s Club (902) 569-2409 Mayflower Seniors Club (902) 569-2732 STRATFORD RECREATION STAFF: Crokinole: Eldon Acorn (902) 569-2564 Joanne Weir, Director (902) 367-4288 PEI Wildfowl Carvers Club: Moe Wood (902) 569-3591 Rachel Arsenault, Recreation Coordinator (902) 569-6924 Wheelchair Basketball: Stephen Farquharson (902) 894-4495 Tanya Craig, Recreation Program Leader (902) 569-6925 Zumba Fitness Patti Garcia [email protected] Nicole Manuel, Recreation Administrator (902) 569-6250 Move It Fitness Classes: Jenepher Reynolds (902) 940-3992 Duane Pineau, Youth & Family Coordinator (902) 367-3294 Yoga/Sweat & Pump - Varacalli Fitness (902) 213-6187 Jason Hughes, Recreation Maintenance (902) 626-6834 Stratford Area Watershed Improvement Group (902) 367-3605 Wesley Lund, Recreation Maintenance 2016 Stratford Winter Carnival February 11 to 15, 2016 E K A PANACKFAST BRE H G I E L S DES RI Y L I M FAKATE S OFFIC OPEN IAL CERE ING MONY Watch for more details on the Town’s website, Facebook page and on Twitter! CASINO NIGHT E L O IN S K O CRGAME Photo Credit: W. P. Maund Photography Is your New Year’s Resolution to take transit? Make 2016 the year! T3 Transit Prices Monthly Passes: Adult - $65.00 Student - $45.00 Senior - $45.00 (60+) *Passes are valid for one calendar month. Cash Fares: One Way: $2.25 Children 5 & under: Free Children 6-11 years: $1.00 (if travelling with an adult) Tickets: Sheet of 10 tickets $20.00 Sheet of 6 tickets (Senior) $10.00 Passes and sheets of 10 tickets can be purchased at any of the following locations: Murphy’s Pharmacies, Shoppers Drug Mart & T3 Transit Office (7 Mount Edward Road, Charlottetown). *Senior Tickets can only be purchased at T3 Transit Office (7 Mount Edward Road). For More Information: Call: (902) 566-9962 or Email: [email protected]