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Shelton History ..............................................................5City facts ........................................................................6City/Town Clerk ............................................................6Getting married ..............................................................6Social Services ...............................................................7Voting .............................................................................8City government ............................................................9State, Federal ...............................................................11City Officials ...............................................................15Zoning, Wetlands .........................................................19Schools ........................................................................22Points of Interest Map ........................................... 24-25City taxes .....................................................................30Refuse & Recycling .....................................................32Health services .............................................................32Emergency services .....................................................34Culture & Learning ......................................................36Clubs & Social groups .................................................38Libraries .......................................................................39Shopping & Dining ......................................................39Religious services ........................................................42Pets & Wildlife ............................................................43Parks & Recreation ......................................................45Trails & Conservation ..................................................46
Table of Contents
Published annually by Hersam Acorn Newspapers as a special section of The Huntington Herald.
Copies are also available at real estate offices, town hall and Chamber of Commerce.
For additional copies, call 203-926-2080. Contents are online at HuntingtonHerald.com.
Thomas B. Nash, publisherKate Czaplinski, editor
Mary Anne Hersam, vice president of sales Steve Bizzotto, account executive
Cover photo by Thomas NashCover design by Ian Murren
Map by David Raabe
Please send updates, ideas, or corrections to: [email protected]
©2011 Hersam Acorn Newspapers1000 Bridgeport Avenue, Shelton, Conn., 06484
The fountain at the Huntington Green depicts a horse rider killing a lion with a spear. It was donated in 1882 by Julia Nash in memory of her father, Lewis Curtiss.
September 29, 2011 Shelton Answerbook, Shelton, Connecticut 5
55
What is Shelton's history?Before Europeans arrived, Shelton was the territory of the
Paugussett Native American tribe. Riverview Park is the loca-tion of an old Indian fort. Around 1680, the first white settlers moved from Stratford to the Long Hill neighborhood, naming their settlement Coram. In 1717, settlers in Huntington peti-tioned for a separate parish, calling it Ripton Parish. By 1740, numerous dams and mills were built along the Farmill River. In the late 1700s, shipbuilding industry was established on the Housatonic River. In 1789, Ripton Parish was renamed the Town of Huntington, after Samuel Huntington, a signer of the Declara-tion of Independence.
Up to the Civil War, Huntington was primarily a farming town. The Ousatonic Water Company was formed in 1863, and built the Derby-Shelton dam on the Housatonic River, allowing the establishment of industry in the downtown business district, which was known as Birmingham. By 1900 the Birmingham section was renamed Shelton, and had train and trolley service and 25 factories making “everything from pins to pianos.” In 1919, the town incorporated as the City of Shelton. (Source: Shelton Historical Society sheltonhistoricalsociety.org)
Where does the city's name come from?The downtown business district was established as a borough
in 1882 and named after Edward N. Shelton, founder of the Ousatonic Water Company. When the city was incorporated, it change its name to Shelton.
What are some historic points of interest?Huntington Green, Riverview Park, Indian Well State Park,
Plumb Memorial Library, Veterans Memorial at the Riverwalk, and the Jones Family Farm. The Brownson House, the Wilson Barn and Trap Falls School (one-room schoolhouse) are located at the headquarters of the Shelton Historical Society at 70 Rip-ton Road.
What are the distinct sections of the city?Shelton - the urban, business district, located along the Hou-
satonic River opposite Derby. Huntington - the original town center when it was a farming community, located in the center and west parts of the city. Pine Rock - originally an artist colony and the site of an amusement park, located at the south tip of the city bordering River Road and Long Hill Avenue. Sunny-side - the residential neighborhood near Sunnyside School along River Road. Long Hill - residential neighborhood located on ei-ther side of Long Hill Avenue. White Hills - the rural/residential northern section of the city on either side of Leavenworth Road north of Indian Well. Wells Hollow - originally farmland, now mostly business development, located along Bridgeport Avenue near Old Stratford Road.
What is the statue at the Huntington Green?A watering fountain topped with the sculpture of a horse rider
killing a lion with a spear, donated in 1882 by Julia Nash in memory of her father, Lewis Curtiss.
Shelton history
Are there any historic districts?There are no local historic districts. However, Huntington
Green and its historic churches are listed on the National Regis-try of Historic Places.
Are there any city histories?The Plumb Memorial Library has a collection of Shelton his-
tories in its circulation stacks and a special collection of rare vol-umes that cannot be removed from the library. In addition to the books of history, Plumb Memorial Library also has a 10-volume collection of slides of historical photographs on computer discs that patrons can take home and view on their home computers. The Shelton Historical Society sells a pictorial history of Shel-ton, “Images of America: Shelton,” that can be purchased for $19.99. The Plumb Memorial Library also has histories of Con-necticut and many other cities and towns in the state as well.
Is there a city historian?Rob Novak is the official Shelton historian.
Is there a Shelton Historical Society?The Shelton Historical Society was formed in 1969 and is lo-
cated at 70 Ripton Road near Huntington Center.
Has Shelton ever made the national news?Several times. In 1975, the destruction of the Sponge Rubber
Products factory was the biggest criminal arson case in U.S. his-tory. In 1934, eight children were tragically struck by a train and killed. In 2007, a 75-foot-tall Norway spruce from Soundview Avenue was used as the Rockefeller Center Christmas tree. In December 2009, a chain reaction accident involving more than 50 vehicles made the national news. In May 2011, Shelton High School student James Tate grabbed national headlines when he posted large letters on the side of the school building, asking his friend, Sonali Rodrigues to prom. The gesture got him banned
Huntington Center green is often used for concerts and events.
6 Shelton Answerbook, Shelton, Connecticut September 29, 2011
66
from prom. The school's administration later allowed him to go because media attention and angry phone calls from people around the country caused a disruption at the school. Also in 2011, Shelton High students Kayla Russo, Omar Sobh, Jason Shnipes, James Szabo and Leann Misencik had their science project launched into space aboard the Shuttle Endeavour. It was one of 53 projects chosen, nationwide, and the only from the state.
How old is the Huntington Herald?The Huntington Herald began publication in 1981. It celebrat-
ed its 25th anniversary in 2006. It covers all Shelton news.
Can I read the Herald online?Yes. We post stories, events and breaking news at Huntington-
Herald.com.Community alerts and information are also sent out through e-mail and via Twitter.com/HuntngtonHerald.
How can I subscribe to the Huntington Herald?Call our Circulation Department at (203) 926-2080, extension
304 to subscribe. Or go to our Web site. A subscription costs $19 per year for an address in Fairfield County.
City facts
How big is Shelton?30.57 square miles
What is the population of Shelton?39,559 in the 2010 Census
How does the population break down by age group?Age 0-9: 12.7%; age 10-19: 12.5%; age 20-29: 9.2%; age 30-
39: 15.9%; age 40-49: 16.6%; age 50-59: 13.6%; age 60-69: 8.3%; age 70-79: 6.6%; age 80-over: 4.5%
What is the median household income?$86,134
What is the unemployment rate?Shelton's unemployment rate was reported to be 8.1% in
2010.
How far is Shelton from major cities?Ten miles from Bridgeport, 15 miles from New Haven, and 50
miles from Hartford and New York City.
What is Shelton's climate?Equitable distribution of precipitation in all four seasons; large
ranges of temperatures daily and annually; considerable diversi-ty of weather during relatively short periods of time are possible; measurable precipitation on about 120 days of the year. During the recent past Shelton has experienced destructive hurricanes, thunderstorms with cloud to ground lightning, hail, ice storms, nor'easters, blizzards, frequent snowstorms, extended periods of rain, lengthy cold snaps and heat waves, but also many days of very pleasant weather.
City/Town Clerk
What does the city/town clerk do?The City/Town Clerk's office is the repository for all city re-
cords and vital statistics dating back to the 1700s. These include land records, deeds, maps and mortgages; birth, death and mar-riage certificates; permanent records of city boards and commis-sions; and election results. The office also issues dog licenses, and hunting and fishing licenses.
Where are Shelton property deeds recorded?Yes, at the City/Town Clerk's office.
Are birth, marriage and death records public?The general public is allowed to peruse marriage and death
record indexes and can obtain copies. Restrictions may apply. Birth certificates are confidential. Certified copies of birth cer-tificates will be issued only to the person in question or, in the case of a minor, to their parents or other designated persons.
What is the purpose for legal notices?Legal notices are notifications concerning meetings and ac-
tions of local commissions and boards. Other important town government information, such as proposed budgets, town ordi-nances and invitations to bid on projects or services, also appear in legal notices. Legal notices are required by law to be published in local newspapers having circulation in the city. They may also be viewed at the City/Town Clerk's office in City Hall.
What is the role of a notary public?A notary public is a public official appointed by the Secre-
tary of the State and empowered to witness signatures, certify documents and take affidavits and depositions. Every bank has a notary public on staff. Some real estate agents and public of-ficials are notary publics. Some notaries may charge a small fee to notarize a document.
Getting marriedWho can officiate at weddings?
Beside clergy, a justice of the peace may officiate at a wedding within the state, and federal judges may officiate at weddings anywhere. Contact the Town Clerk's office in City Hall for a list of justices of the peace. A list of justices of the peace is on page 19.
Where may I get a marriage license?At the City/Town Clerk's office in City Hall for a $30 fee. The
marriage license must be obtained in the town where the bride or groom resides or where they plan to marry. Both must appear, present IDs and swear an oath, but no blood test is required. The marriage license will be good for 65 days.
Where may I get a civil union license?At the City/Town Clerk's office in City Hall for a $30 fee. A
civil union is a legal union of two people of the same sex, grant-ing them the same benefits, rights and protections as spouses in a marriage. Connecticut recognizes civil unions. There is no residency requirement or waiting period.
September 29, 2011 Shelton Answerbook, Shelton, Connecticut 7
77
Where can I donate used items?A Goodwill Industries Donation Center is located at the White
Hills Shopping Center, Leavenworth Road. It is open Monday-Saturday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Sunday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.; 203-673-6938.
What is the United Way?The Valley United Way (203-926-9478; valleyunitedway.org)
serves the Lower Naugatuck Valley towns of Shelton, Seymour, Ansonia, Derby and Oxford. It is located at 3 Corporate Drive, Suite 501, Shelton, CT 06484. Its mission is to improve lives of people in the community through fund-raising, volunteerism and collaboration. Several volunteer opportunities are available through United Way.
What services does the Red Cross provide?The Valley Chapter of the American Red Cross (203-735-
9518; valleyredcross.org) serves Shelton, Seymour, Ansonia, Derby and Oxford. It is located at 2A Francis Street, Derby, CT 06418. Its paid and volunteer staff provide education and train-ing in injury and illness prevention and emergency care, and blood and tissue donations. The Red Cross collects blood from volunteer donors to provide to medical patients, and it provides emergency shelter for individuals and families left homeless by fire and natural disasters.
Is there an organization that helps the blind?Voluntary Services for the Blind in Fairfield County assists
visually impaired people with volunteer readers, drivers and friendly visitors. If you need services or would like to volunteer, call Claudette Tallon at 203-324-6611.
Is there a food bank?Area Congregations Together (ACT) organizes the Valley
Food Bank. Its Shelton location is at Spooner House on Todd Road. Its telephone number is 203-225-0453. Its Web site is act-spooner.org/contact.html.
Is there a homeless shelter?Area Congregations Together operates Spooner House, a
homeless shelter, at 30 Todd Road, Shelton; 203-225-0453, act-spooner.org/contact.html.
Where can I get help with my income taxes?The Shelton chapter of AARP provides free volunteer assis-
tance for filing federal and state income tax forms. The assistance program takes place at the Shelton Community Center during tax season, February to April. Inquire at the Shelton Community Center (203-925-8422) during tax season.
What funeral homes are there in Shelton?Riverview Funeral Home, 390 River Road (203-924-6800)James T. Toohey & Son Funeral Home, 92 Howe Avenue
(203-924-9056)
Social Services
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Voting
When can I use an absentee ballot?You can use an absentee ballot for any election, provided you
are unable to vote at the polls on Election Day. You must fill out an application, which may be obtained at the Town Clerk's office or Registrars of Voters office in City Hall, or it can be mailed to you. After you return the application it takes about four weeks for processing and then the absentee ballot will be mailed to your residence two to four weeks before the election. If the ballot is printed and ready, you may fill it out at the Town Clerk's office.
What political parties are there in Shelton?Three parties, the Republican Party, Democratic Party and
Citizens United Party, are presently guaranteed a line on the bal-lot for city elections.
Where do I go to vote in Shelton?In the latest election (the August 10, 2010 primaries), poll-
ing stations were open in Long Hill School, Sunnyside School, Shelton Intermediate School, Elizabeth Shelton School, Mohe-gan School and the Shelton Community Center.
How can I get involved in city government?Contact the mayor's office (924-1555, extension 11) or your
alderman or the party town committees.
What do the registrars of voters do?The Registrars of Voters office records and processes all vot-
er registration records for the city. It hires and assigns election workers for referendums, primaries and elections. It compiles election results and reports them to the Secretary of the State's office in Hartford. It conducts voter registration sessions and a yearly canvass of the city's voters to keep voting records accu-rate and up-to-date.
Who can register to vote?To register as a voter you must be at least 18 years old by
Election Day, a U.S. citizen and a bona fide resident of the city.
How do I register to vote?Register at the Registrars of Voters office or the City/Town
Clerk's office weekdays during City Hall business hours. You may also register by mail; call the Registrars office at 924-1555, extension 21 for a mail-in form. Voter registration forms may also be obtained from the Department of Motor Vehicles and the public library, and they may be downloaded at cityofshelton.org/gengov/elections.htm.
What is the reason for registering with a political party?
Enrollment in a party allows you to participate in primaries and caucuses, and to serve on the local party's town committee.
What are the city's voting districts?In odd-numbered municipal elections, voters vote by Ward.
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by Ward.In even-numbered state and federal elections, voters vote in
six voting districts. Districts 2, 3 and 4 are in state House Dis-trict 113, and Districts 1, 5 and 6 are in state House District 122, which also includes part of Stratford.
Who can vote by absentee ballot?Those who are ill, physically disabled, serving in the military,
those who will be out of town on election day, those providing service as poll worker in polling places other than their own, or those whose religion forbids secular activity on election day.
City Government
Who is the city's chief executive official?Mayor Mark A. Lauretti
Where is City Hall?54 Hill St. It can be reached at 203-924-1555.
Is there a directory of city officials?A directory of city officials is available for the public at the
City/Town Clerk's office. A partial directory is posted on the city Web site.
What city offices are elected?Mayor, city treasurer, Board of Aldermen (by Ward), Board
of Apportionment & Taxation, Planning & Zoning Commission, Board of Education,, Board of Library Directors, registrars of voters.
What city offices are appointed?The mayor appoints members of the Parks and Recreation
Commission, Board of Zoning Appeals, Conservation Commis-sion, Economic Development Commission and Inland Wetlands Commission. The Board of Aldermen appoints members of the Board of Tax Review, public building committees, Public Em-ployees Appeals Board and Water Pollution Control Authority. Members of the Board of Ethics are appointed by the mayor and confirmed by the Board of Aldermen.
How are candidates for city offices, boards and com-missions chosen?
Party town committees select most candidates, but registered voters can also run for elected office by petition.
Does the city government have an official Web site?Yes, at www.cityofshelton.org.
How do I know if a meeting is scheduled?The state Freedom of Information Act requires that meetings
of all town commissions and boards must be open to the public and that public notice of those meetings must be available to the public in advanced and published in advance in a legal notice. Under provisions of the Freedom of Information Act, portions of public meetings for certain specific kinds of business may be
10 Shelton Answerbook, Shelton, Connecticut September 29, 2011
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September 29, 2011 Shelton Answerbook, Shelton, Connecticut 11
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closed to the public, but the meeting cannot be held in secret. Public meetings are posted in City Hall at the City/Town Clerk's office and usually on the city Web site at cityofshelton.org.
The schedule for the regular meetings of a board or commis-sion must be filed each year with the City/Town Clerk's office. Special meetings may be called with a minimum of 24 hours notice. Emergency meetings may be held without notice under special circumstances listed in the Freedom of Information Act, but the board must file the minutes of the emergency meeting at the City/Town Clerk's office within 72 hours.
Can a commission or board meet privately?The state Freedom of Information Act lets a commission or
board meet privately under very specific circumstances, such as to discuss a contract negotiation, personnel matter, public secu-rity preparations or pending legal matter.
What if I think a commission held an illegal private meeting?
Check the meeting agenda and minutes filed in the City/Town Clerk's office and call the Freedom of Information Commission in Hartford: 18-20 Trinity Street, Hartford, CT 06106; 860-566-5682.
Are government records open to the public?Most government records are open to the public. The excep-
tions are employee personnel records, personal health records, public records involving juveniles, and government documents that are specifically listed as exempt under the state Freedom of Information Act.
What if I think city officials are illegally withholding government documents?
Contact the Freedom of Information Commission in Hart-ford.
What does the Ethics Commission do?The Board of Ethics has three members, no more than one of
whom may be from the same political party. The board investi-gates complaints of violations of the city ethics code, including conflicts of interest.
How do I make an Ethics Commission complaint?A complaint about a violation of the city's code of ethics must
be made in writing and signed by the person making the com-plaint. The city's ethics ordinance includes a complaint form that may be obtained at the City/Town Clerk's office in City Hall. Fill out the complaint form, and if necessary include a letter includ-ing the details of the complaint, and return it in a sealed enve-lope to the City/Town Clerk's office or the mayor's office.
The Board of Ethics may request assistance from the Police Department to investigate a complaint. It may hold a hearing if at least two members of the board are present. Persons accused of a violation have a right to cross-examine witnesses and speak on their behalf at the hearing. Following a complaint, the Board of Ethics reports its findings and recommendations to the Board of Aldermen. At the end of the process, the board will also report its findings to the person making the complaint and to the person accused of the violation.
What is the Board of Aldermen?The Board of Aldermen is the legislative body of the city.
Eight aldermen are elected by geographic districts called Wards for two-year terms. There are four Wards and two aldermen are elected from each. The Board of Aldermen approves the city budget and the mill rate, passes ordinances, approves borrow-ing by the sale of municipal bonds, appoints members of some public boards and has the power to conduct investigations con-cerning the city and the public interest. The mayor votes in the event of a tie, and in the absence of the mayor the President of the Board of Aldermen may vote twice to break a tie.
What is the Board of Apportionment and Taxation?Members of the Board of Apportionment & Taxation are
elected by a town-wide vote for two-year terms. It is responsible for establishing, reviewing and monitoring the city budget.
What does the Economic Development Commission do?The EDC is a five-member commission appointed by the
mayor that develops a marketing program to recruit new busi-nesses in Shelton. The commission publishes the city's annual report and the Shelton Life periodical, containing information and news about the city. It also organizes the annual Flag Day community picnic.
What does the Shelton Economic Development Corpo-ration do?
The SEDC is a non-profit corporation that promotes business development within the city. It coordinates activities between city and civic organizations, and promotes collaboration be-tween city officials, local residences and business leaders. It also provides technical expertise to city agencies in order to promote economic development in Shelton. The SEDC is currently work-ing on a multi-phase downtown revitalization program along the Housatonic River that includes infrastructure improvements, brownfield remediation and the development of a recreational riverwalk.
State, Federal
What state offices are elected by Shelton voters?Governor and lieutenant governor, attorney general, comp-
troller, treasurer, secretary of the state, state senator, state repre-sentative, judge of probate
How do I know what state senate, state assembly or congressional district I live in?
Use the Web site of the state General Assembly (cga.ct.gov) or contact the Shelton Registrars of Voters office in City Hall.
How do I contact my state senator or state representa-tive?
State Sen. Kevin Kelly (R-21)Work Address: Senate Republican Office, LOB Room 3400,
Hartford CT, 06106E-mail: [email protected] Phone: (203) 375-1976; Capitol Phone: (800) 842-1421
or (860) 240-8875
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Mayor Mark Lauretti has served as Shelton mayor since 1991.
State Rep. Jason Perillo (R-113)House Republican Office, L.O.B. Room 4200, Hartford, CT
06106Phone: 800-842-1423 (within Connecticut); 860-240-8700;
Fax: 860-240-0207
State Rep. Lawrence Miller (R-122)House Republican Office, L.O.B. Room 4200, Hartford, CT
06106Phone: 800-842-1423 (within Connecticut); 860-240-8700;
Fax: 860-240-0207
Who are Connecticut's senators?Richard Blumenthal and Joseph I. Lieberman
How do I contact my senators?Richard Blumenthal (D-CT)702 Hart Senate Office Building, Washington DC 20510
(202)224-2823, Blumenthal.senate.gov/contact
Joseph I. Lieberman (I-CT)706 Hart Senate Office Building, Washington DC 20510 (202)
224-4041, lieberman.senate.gov/contact/
How can I contact the governor?Gov. Dannel P. Malloy State Capitol, 210 Capitol Avenue,
Hartford, CT 06106 Tel: 860-566-4840; Toll-Free: 800-406-1527; TDD: 860-524-7397
Who represents Shelton in Congress?U.S. Rep. Rosa DeLauro represents the 3rd District and U.S.
Rep. Jim Himes represents the 4th District. Both are Demo-crats.
Shelton is divided between Connecticut's 3rd and 4th Con-gressional Districts. Although Route 8 does not form the district boundary, most of the city on the south and east of Route 8 is in the 3rd Congressional District and most of the city on the north and west of Route 8 is in the 4th Congressional District.
What Congressional District is Shelton in?Part of Shelton (Pine Rock, Long Hill, Sunnyside, half of
downtown) is in the 3rd Congressional District and part (White Hills, Huntington, half of downtown) in the 4th Congressional District. Although Route 8 is not strictly the boundary line, most of Shelton south and east of the highway is in the 3rd Congres-sional District and most of Shelton north and west of the high-way is in the 4th Congressional District.
How do I contact my congressman?U.S. Rep. Rosa DeLauro (D-3rd Congressional District) de-
lauro.house.govMain District Office: 59 Elm Street, New Haven, CT 06510:
203-562-3718; Fax: 203-772-2260Washington, DC: 2413 Rayburn House Office Building,
Washington, DC 20515; 202-225-3661; Fax: 202-225-4890
U.S. Rep. Jim Himes (D-4th Congressional District) himes.house.gov
Bridgeport CT Office: 211 State Street, 2nd Floor, Bridgeport, CT 06604; (866) 453-0028; Fax: (203) 333-6655
Washington DC Office: 119 Cannon House Office Building, Washington, DC 20515; (202) 225-5541; Fax: (202) 225-9629
September 29, 2011 Shelton Answerbook, Shelton, Connecticut 13
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14 Shelton Answerbook, Shelton, Connecticut September 29, 2011
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Transportation
How many miles of roads are there in Shelton?The city of Shelton has over 210 miles of city streets, not in-
cluding the Route 8 highway, Route 714 (Bridgeport Avenue), Route 108 (Shelton Avenue and Nichols Avenue) and Route 110 (River Road, Howe Avenue and Leavenworth Road).
Who maintains city roads?The city Department of Highways and Bridges, 41 Myrtle
Street, 203-924-9277.
Who maintains state roads?The state Department of Transportation, 2800 Berlin Turn-
pike, Newington, CT 06131; 860-594-2000, or ct.gov/dot/site/default.asp.
How do I complain about a pothole?For a pothole in a city road, call the Engineering Department
in City Hall at 203-924-1555, extension 17. For a pothole in a state highway, contact the state DOT.
What are the typical speed limits in Shelton?Speed limits range from 25 miles per hour to 35 miles per
hour, unless when otherwise posted.
What is the fine for speeding?Fines for motor vehicle infractions are set by the state and
published in a booklet available at most public libraries, police departments, and offices of the state Department of Motor Ve-hicles. It is also available online at jud.ct.gov/Publications/In-fractions/infractions.pdf.
Speeding tickets for cars range from $123 for going up to nine miles per hour over the posted limit to $211 for going 23 miles per hour over the posted limit. Fines are higher for speeding in construction, utility and school zones.
Motorists may also get speeding tickets for traveling too fast for conditions during a snowstorm, fog or other hazardous weather conditions, even if they are driving under the posted speed limit.
What is the fine for passing a stopped school bus?Passing a standing school bus with lights flashing carries a
hefty fine of $460 for a first offense.
Where can I park in Shelton?Parking is free on most city streets. Municipal lots are pro-
vided in the downtown business district next to the Shelton Post Office, on Center Street near Howe Avenue, along White Street at the north side of the Derby-Shelton Bridge, and at Cornell Street and Canal Street next to the Riverwalk and the Farmer's Market.
Where can I get a handicapped parking permit to park my car?
Apply for a handicapped permit and disability plates at the Department of Motor Vehicles office at 95 Sylvan Avenue, Bridgeport. Applicants must provide proof of disability with form B-225.
Are there any driving schools in Shelton?Airway Driving School of Shelton, 113 Center Street, 203-
924-9800, offers courses for teenagers, mature adults over 55, training for fleet insurance deductions and driver evaluation, corporate business defensive driving courses, and instruction in several foreign languages.
Allstate Commercial Driver Training, 800-246-9567, offers commercial truck driving and forklift driving courses.
There are other driving schools in nearby cities and towns.
Are there any other restrictions on teen drivers?Yes. A new state law (as of August 2008) prohibits teens under
18 from driving between 11 p.m. and 5 a.m. unless the teen is traveling for employment, school, religious activities or medical necessity.
What is the law regarding driving and cell phone use?A state law bans adults from using handheld cell phones while
driving, and bans all cell phone use by teen drivers age 16 to 17, except to call 911 or other emergency numbers.
Who must wear seat belts?Drivers and front-seat passengers and all rear-seat passengers
four to 16 years old must wear seat belts while riding in a motor vehicle.
Car seats are required for children under age four or less than 40 pounds. A violation is punishable by a $75 fine. Children age four or more than 40 pounds may use seat belts, although boost-er seats are recommended.
What rights do pedestrians have?Pedestrians have the right of way in crosswalks. There is a
crosswalk at every intersection, even if it is not marked by paint-ed lines. A driver must slow or stop and grant the right of way to a pedestrian crossing at a marked or unmarked crosswalk. If the walkway is regulated with a Walk/Don't Walk light, pedestrians must wait for the Walk sign.
What should I do if I see a flashing blue light on a vehicle?
In Shelton that usually means a volunteer firefighter is re-sponding to an emergency call. Motorists must yield to these vehicles, just as they should for police vehicles, fire vehicles, or ambulances.
What should I do if a horse and rider are on the road?Essentially, motorists should treat a horse and rider the same
as a bicyclist. Yield to the horse and rider when safety demands it, and the Shelton Police advise motorists to avoid using their vehicle horns since that might startle the horse and result in an accident.
September 29, 2011 Shelton Answerbook, Shelton, Connecticut 15
1515
City officialsCity/Town Clerk: Margaret DomorodAssistant Clerk: Margaret WeberRecords Clerk: Diana BarryClerk: Sophia Belade
Mayor: Mark A. LaurettiAdministrative Assistant: Thomas Taylor
Board of AldermenWard 1John “Jack” Finn (D), 17 Princess Wenonah Drive, Shelton,
CT 06484 (203) 203-929-0786 [email protected] Simonetti (R), 6 Hayfield Drive, Shelton, CT 06484
203-926-0922 [email protected]
Ward 2Stanley Kudej (R), 43 Plaskon Drive, Shelton, CT 06484 203-
924-2403 [email protected] McPherson (R), 72 Wheeler Street 203-924-5862
Ward 3John Anglace Jr. (R), President of the Board, 676 Long Hill
Avenue, Shelton, CT 06484 203-929-1515 [email protected]
Lynn Farrell (R), 35 Buddington Park, Shelton, CT 06484 203-824-3340 [email protected]
Ward 4John Papa (R), 29 Philip Drive, Shelton, CT 06484 203-929-
6247 Noreen McGorty (R), 30 Wigwam Drive, Shelton, CT 06484
203-926-1638 [email protected]
Board of Aldermen CommitteesFinance Committee (meets fourth Thursday)Public Health & Safety (meets first Wednesday)Street Committee (meets first Tuesday)Public hearings on ordinances (fourth Thursday)
Ethics CommissionMaria Davis, ChairmanByron PetersonBen Winnick
TreasurerFrank C. Pagliaro Jr.
Board of Apportionment and TaxationMark Holden ( R ), 275 Soundview Avenue, Shelton, CT
06484 203-924-6848 Judson W. Crawford (D), 8 Jordan Ave., Shelton, CT (203)
934-1933 Charlotte L. Madar (R), 182 Beardsley Road, Shelton, CT
06484 (203) 929-0363 John "Jay" Zikaras (D), 20 Fawn Hill Road, Shelton, CT
06484 Christopher Besescheck (R), 56 Ojibwa Tr., Shelton, CT
06484 Faith B. Hack (D), 135 Longfellow, Shelton, CT 06484
Finance DirectorLouis Marusic
Tax CollectorDeborah Onderko
Tax AssessorGloria Kovac
Board of Assessment AppealsLinda SchauweckerPatrick CareyPaul Jensen
Registrars of VotersJohn “Jack” Finn (D)Peter Pavone (R)
School SuperintendentFreeman Burr
Board of EducationTimothy Walsh (D), Chairman, 42 L'Hermitage Drive, Shel-
ton, CT 203-926-9963Thomas Minotti, Vice Chmn ( R ), 246 Aspetuck Trail, Shel-
ton, CT 06484 203-929-4184Win Oppel, Chmn (R ). 34 Soundview Avenue, Shelton, CT
06484 203-929-1397Arlene Liscinsky (D), 54 Country Ridge Rd., Shelton, CT
06484 203-925-0628Paula Ellis (D), 49 Jefferson Street, Shelton, CT 06484 203-
924-2246John J. Francino-Quinn (R), 24 Sanford Drive, Shelton, CT
06484Kate Kutash (D), 275 Beardsley Road, Shelton, CT 06484Kathleen T. Yolish (R), 1 Waverly Road, Shelton, CT 06484Mike Pacowta (D), 166 River Road
Planning & Zoning CommissionRuth Parkins (R), Chairman, 21 Meadow Lake Drive, Shel-
ton, CT 06484; 203-924-4313 Virginia Harger (R) 26 Meadow Ridge Drive Shelton, CT
06484; 203-924-0054 (H), 202-924-8611 (W)Anthony S. Pogoda, Jr., Vice Chairman (R), 1 Freedom Way
Shelton, CT 06484; 203-929-3561 (H and Fax) 203-676-5619 (C)
Thomas McGorty, 11 Meghan Ct., Shelton, CT 06484 203-567-0221 (C)
Joseph Sedlock, 123 Mill St., Shelton, CT 06484; 203-929-0116 (H)
Joan Flannery, 8 Partridge Lane, Shelton, CT 06484 203-929-6873
Alternate MembersPatrick Lapera, 67 Rock Ridge Road, Shelton, CT 06484;
203-925-8799 Ext 147 (W) 203-925-8780 (Fax)Ludwig Spinelli, 14 Willard Road, Shelton, CT 06484 203-
926-1327
Zoning Board of AppealsEd Conklin (R)Ralph Matto (U)Gerald L. Glover, Chairman (R)Phillip Cavallaro, Sr (R)Philip Jamison Jones Sr ( D)Alternate Members-Board of Zoning AppealsJack Fitzgerald (D)Robert Harbinson
16 Shelton Answerbook, Shelton, Connecticut September 29, 2011
1616
Linda Adanti (D), Lori Michalak, Clerk
Economic Development CommissionFrederick Ruggio, chairmanKaren Tomko-McGovernDr. Robert BurlisonKatie McNichols-Marks, vice-chairmanPatrick CareyDiane Luther, Secretary
Economic Development DirectorMayor Mark Lauretti serves as the city's economic develop-
ment director.
Shelton Economic Development CorporationJames Ryan, President; Fred Ruggio, Patrick Carey, Anthony
Pogoda Jr., Kenneth Schaible, Martin Coughlin, Aleta Miner, Ralph Matto, David Grant, Michelle Kawalautzki, Norman San-ta and William C. Partington, Ruth Parkins, James Cosgrove.
Housing AuthorityRegina Dinice James Evans Margaret Domorod Peter R. Dicarlo William Lobdell
Inland Wetlands and Water Courses CommissionGary Zahornasky ChairmanCeleste D. Beattie, TreasurerCharles Wilson Jr., Vice ChairmanRobert DunfordRichard Neil Hayes Jr.Kenneth Nappi Jack Goncalves Administrator: John Cook
Conservation CommissionThomas W. Harbinson, Chairman (U) William Dyer (D) Vice ChairmanJames Tate (U)Sheri Maybeck DutkaniczEdward P. McCreery III (R)James Goodman (R)Joseph Welsh (U)Staff: Teresa Gallagher, Conservation Agent, City of Shelton,
54 Hill Street, Shelton, CT 06484; 203-924-1555 x315
Trails CommitteeWilliam Dyer, ChairmanTerrence GallagherJim TaradineLynn ReidRichard SkudlarekSheryl Maybeck DutkaniczTeresa Gallagher, Conservation Agent, City of Shelton, 54
Hill Street, Shelton, CT 06484; 203-924-1555 x315
Water Pollution Control AuthorityG. Michael DeAngelis ChairmanEdwin Hellauer Bronislaw Piotrowski Regis J. Dognin Stephen K. MorsePeter PavoneTodd S. Dowty
Thomas Sym, Sewer AdministratorClerk: Linda Hooper, 61 East Village Road, Shelton, CT
06484, 203-924-1555 ext. 373
Senior Citizen CommitteeWilliam Smarz (U) Joseph Coleman (R)Shirley Keller (R)Jacqueline Bruno (U) James Martin (R)Walter Oko (R)Clerk: Corie Blanck, 77 Dimon Road, Shelton, CT 06484,
203-929-8615
Senior Center DirectorKathy Ramia
Lower Naugatuck Health District98 Bank Street, Seymour, CT 06483Phone 203-881-3255; Fax 203-881-3259; WIC 203-888-
1271Web site: nvhd.org
Library Board of DirectorsShirley Keller (R) Harriet Finn (D) Barbara Glover, Chmn (R) Aleta Miner (R) Joan C Feeley (D) Jean Cayer (D)
Parks and Recreation CommissionJohn Papa, Chairman (R)David Zamba, Vice Chairman (R), Diane Barry (D)Allyson Burke (U)Gary Cahill (D)Joseph DeFilippo ( R )Paul Gabor (R)Stanley Kudej (R)Harold P. Labonda ( R )Michelle Pagliaro Haywood (U)Robert Zuraw (D)
Youth Service BureauJill Chase (U) ChairmanJames Geissler (R) Deborah Zahornacky (D) Secretary Jay Correira, James Guarrera (R)Howard Gura, (D)Dee Kopec, (U)David Munson (D)Robin Skowronski (M)Laura Lee Soncarato, Juvenile Probation ServicesPatricia StanchfieldJohn TrovarelliDenise TurecekNick ZerellaDetective Tom Federowicz, Shelton Police Department
Director of Public WorksPaul DiMauro
Director of Highways and BridgesVacant41 Myrtle Street, Shelton, CT 06484Hours: Monday-Friday 7:00 am - 2:30 p.m.
September 29, 2011 Shelton Answerbook, Shelton, Connecticut 17
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18 Shelton Answerbook, Shelton, Connecticut September 29, 2011
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Sanitation: cityofshelton.org/publicwrks/sanitation.htmHazardous Waste: cityofshelton.org/publicwrks/hazardous.
htmRecycling: cityofshelton.org/publicwrks/recycleprog.htm
Animal Control OfficerSheryl Taylor, Shelton Animal Shelter, 20 Riverdale Avenue,
Shelton
Purchasing OfficialGene Sullivan
Building OfficialVacant
Building Board of AppealsGregory G. Glover (R) Mike D'Amico (D) James P. Rotondo, (U) A. J. Grasso (R) Ed Shalomis (R)
Police ChiefJoel W. Hurliman
Fire ChiefVacant
Board of Fire CommissionersBen McGortyGary FieldJohn SosiniTim Manion
Fire Department Officers CouncilThe Fire Department Officers' Council consists of the fire
chief, the fire marshal, deputy fire marshals, and the assistant chiefs, captains and lieutenants from each fire company. The Of-ficers' Council shall serve to resolve operational problems, hear appeals within the Fire Department, and recommend policy to the Board of Fire Commissioners.
SheriffCarl Sylvester
Fire MarshalJames Tortora, City Hall, 54 Hill Street, Shelton, CT 06484;
203-924-1555, extension 340The fire marshal and his deputies investigate fire, issue per-
mits related with explosives and burning, inspect buildings and properties for fire code compliance, inspect below-ground and above-ground storage tanks, and provide fire prevention educa-tion to the community.
Emergency ManagementShelton's Emergency Management Department is led by Di-
rector John V. Millo, Deputy Director Justin Sabatino and As-sistant Director Daniel E. Bednarsky. The department's task is to coordinate city departments and link the city with other local, regional, state and federal emergency response agencies. In the event of an emergency, the department provides information to Shelton residents through the Huntington Herald and other news media organizations and also posts the information on its Web site at sheltonemergency.com.
September 29, 2011 Shelton Answerbook, Shelton, Connecticut 19
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Corporation CounselThomas J. Welch 375 Bridgeport Avenue, Shelton, CT 06484;
203-925-3000Ramon S. Sous, 159 Main Street, Seymour, CT 06483; 203-
888-0557
Justices of the PeaceEllen Pagliaro, 526 Antelope Trail, Shelton, CT 06484; 203-
929-7100Dominick Mondi, 31 Applewood Drive, Shelton, CT 06484;
203-929-4462Charlotte Madar, 182 Beardsley Road, Shelton, CT 06484;
203-929-0363Susan Finn, 17 Princess Wenonah Drive, Shelton, CT 06484;
203-929-0786Monica Peterson, 10 Brookpine Drive, Shelton, CT 06484;
203-926-0677Deborah Alain, 67 Plaskon Drive, Shelton, CT 06484; 203-
924-2213David S. Zitnay, 29 Birchbank Road, Shelton, CT 06484; 203-
929-0824Anthony F. Simonetti, 6 Hayfield Drive, Shelton, CT 06484;
203-926-0922Charles Sullivan, 36 Birchbank Road, Shelton, CT 06484;
203-735-6417Gary DeFilippo, 43 Perch Road, Shelton, CT 06484; 203-929-
3820Edward Sheehy Jr., 85 Beacon Hill Trail, Shelton, CT 06484;
203-924-8202Karen Tomko-McGovern, 66 Geissler Drive, Shelton, CT
06484; 203-924-4529Joseph Sewack, 31 Rayo Drive, Shelton, CT 06484; 203-929-
7134Stanley Reichlin, 41 Geissler Drive, Shelton, CT 06484; 203-
924-2166Ezio Staffieri, 85 Blacks Hill Rd., Shelton, CT 06484; 203-
924-8494Christopher C. Jones, 42 Crescent St., Shelton, CT 06484;
203-414-5046Win Oppel, 34 Soundview Ave., Shelton, CT 06484; 203-929-
1397Diana Barry, 132 River Road, Shelton, CT 06484; 203-676-
2684Gail Walsh, 42 L'Hermitage, Shelton, CT 06484; 203-926-
9963Joan C. Flannery, 8 Partridge Lane, Shelton, CT 06484; un-
listedJoseph A. Silva, 237 Mohegan Road, Shelton, CT 06484; un-
listed
Zoning, WetlandsWhat does the Planning & Zoning Department do?
The P&Z Department processes permit applications for new construction to make sure they conform to Shelton's zoning regu-lations. In 2008 it issued 406 zoning compliance permits, includ-ing approvals for 20 new single-family houses, six new building lots, 250 new apartment units, and six new cluster housing units. It also issued permit approvals for office buildings, retail stores, parking garages and light industrial buildings.
20 Shelton Answerbook, Shelton, Connecticut September 29, 2011
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What is the Planning & Zoning Commission?The P&Z Commission consists of six regular and two alter-
nate members who are elected to two-year terms. The commis-sion ensures that new development is in the city's best interests and is consistent with the city zoning regulations and the Plan for Conservation and Development.
What does the Building Department do?The Building Department oversees all building construction
to ensure public safety, health and welfare, and make sure that construction complies with the state building codes. The depart-ment is responsible for conducting building code inspections and issuing building and demolition permits and certificates of occupancy. In 2008 the Building Department issued 1,761 per-mits and 431 certificates of occupancy.
What is the Zoning Board of Appeals?The ZBA provides variances from the zoning regulations
when property owners demonstrate a hardship, serves as an ap-peals board for the Planning & Zoning Commission, and serves as the local agency representing the state Department of Motor Vehicles for deciding the suitability of location for motor ve-hicle related facilities.
Who takes care of trees on city property?Tree Warden Dean Cawthra is in charge of trees on city prop-
erty, including the public right of way that extends up to 10 feet from the edge of the street. Property owners must get permission to remove or prune trees or shrubs in the public right of way. Call 924-1555, extension 349.
How do I find out if I can build something, fill or exca-vate on my property?
Grading, excavation and fill often requires a zoning or inland wetlands permit. Contact the Planning & Zoning Department or the Building Department in City Hall to find out.
What is a “builder's acre”?A builder's acre is 40,000 square feet. That is smaller than a
standard acre, which is 43,560 square feet.
What land-use or construction permits are required in Shelton?
Building permits from the Building Department are required to ensure building code compliance for construction, plumbing or electrical work. Inspections and permits from the Fire Mar-shal, the Health Department and the Water Pollution Control Authority might be required. A certificate of zoning compliance from the Planning & Zoning Department and inland wetlands permits from the Inland Wetlands Commission might also be required.
Do I need a permit for landscaping or tree cutting?A permit is usually needed only if the landscaping is exten-
sive or requires excavation. Property owners may check with the Planning & Zoning Department in City Hall to make sure.
What is a wetland?Wetlands are typically swampy areas or land bordering a wa-
tercourse, but they are diverse and not always obvious to the un-trained eye. In Connecticut, they are determined by the chemical and physical characteristics of the top 18 to 24 inches of soil.
Can I fill in a pond or create one on my property?Usually, the city will prohibit filling in a pond. Creating a
pond would require a zoning permit and an inland wetlands per-mit, if it is allowed.
Are permits required for swimming pools?Zoning and building permits are required for installing in-
ground pools.
Are permits required for outdoor decks and patios?Zoning and building permits are required for installing decks,
but not patios unless they require excavation or grading on the property.
How do I avoid digging up utility cables and pipes?Call the Shelton Engineering Department at 924-1555, exten-
sion 17.
May I plant trees or bushes along the road?Not in the public right of way, which extends about 10 feet
from the edge of the road. In some cases, it is allowed with per-mission from the Board of Aldermen and the tree warden.
Can I remove or install an oil tank on my property?Yes, but permits from the Fire Marshal and the Building De-
partment are required.
May I rent an apartment or a room in my house? Yes, but a zoning and building permits are required for a new
rental. Also, the Fire Marshal's office might require a fire code inspection.
Do I need a permit for a home office?Zoning compliance permits are required for all formal home
offices for businesses operating under a trade name, but not for informal home offices, such as where you are writing your mem-oirs or the Great American Novel.
What kinds of businesses may I run out of my home?Typically, the Planning & Zoning Commission allows resi-
dents to run businesses out of their homes only when it will not require customers to visit the residence or parking commercial vehicles in a residential zone.
Do I need a permit to do blasting on my property?Yes. Contact the Fire Marshal's office at 924-1555, extension
340.
What if blasting by someone else damages my house or well?
Contact the Fire Marshal's office in City Hall.
September 29, 2011 Shelton Answerbook, Shelton, Connecticut 21
21
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22 Shelton Answerbook, Shelton, Connecticut September 29, 2011
22
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22
Schools
Shelton Board of Education offices are at 382 Long Hill Ave.
What does the Board of Education do?The Board of Education consists of nine members elected
citywide. The board establishes policies and procedures for the school system and determines how its budget is spent. Major responsibilities of the board include approving curriculum, pur-chasing textbooks, hiring teachers and administrators, and over-seeing maintenance of school buildings and grounds.
When does the Board of Education meet?The Board of Education meetings are regularly scheduled for
the fourth Wednesday of each month. Sometimes, because of holidays or during the summer months or when additional meet-ings are needed, the Board of Education might hold a special meeting. Meetings of the board and its committees are posted at the City/Town Clerk's office in City Hall and on the Shelton schools Web site at sheltonpublicschools.org.
Where is the school district office?382 Long Hill Avenue, Shelton, CT 06848; 203-924-1023
Does the Board of Education have a Web site?Yes, at sheltonpublicschools.org.
What are the public schools in Shelton?Shelton High School, 120 Meadow Street, Shelton, CT; 203-
922-3004Shelton Intermediate School, 675 Constitution Boulevard
North, Shelton, CT; 203-926-2000Perry Hill School, 60 Perry Hill Road, Shelton, CT; 203-924-
2533Booth Hill Elementary School, 544 Booth Hill Road, Shelton,
CT; 203-929-5625Elizabeth Shelton Elementary School, 138 Willoughby Road,
Shelton, CT; 203-929-1330Long Hill Elementary School, 565 Long Hill Avenue, Shel-
ton, CT; 203-929-4077Mohegan Elementary School, 47 Mohegan Road, Shelton,
CT; 203-929-4121Sunnyside Elementary School, 418 River Road, Shelton, CT;
203-922-3021
September 29, 2011 Shelton Answerbook, Shelton, Connecticut 23
2323
How many students attend each school?As of the second week of the 2011-12 school year there were
5,264 students enrolled in Shelton public schools: Booth Hill School 358, Elizabeth Shelton School 476, Long Hill School 455, Mohegan School 381, Sunnyside School 254, Perry Hill School 832, Shelton Intermediate School 935, Shelton High School 1,573.
What are the private and parochial schools in Shelton? St. Joseph School, 430 Coram Avenue, Shelton, CT; 203-924-
4669St. Lawrence School, 503 Shelton Avenue, Shelton, CT; 203-
929-4422
What are the hours when school is in session?Shelton High School 7:30 a.m.-2:00 p.m.Shelton Intermediate School 8:15 a.m.-2:45 p.m.Perry Hill School, 8:25 a.m.-2:55 p.m.Booth Hill Elementary School 9:10 a.m.-3:35 p.m.Booth Hill Kindergarten 9:10-11:58 a.m., 12:48-3:35 p.m.Elizabeth Shelton Elementary School 9:10 a.m.-3:35 p.m.Elizabeth Shelton Kindergarten 9:10-11:58 a.m., 12:48-3:35
p.m.Long Hill Elementary School 9:10 a.m.-3:35 p.m.Long Hill Kindergarten 9:10-11:58 a.m., 12:48-3:35 p.m.Mohegan Elementary School 9:10 a.m.-3:35 p.m.Mohegan Elementary Kindergarten 9:10-11:58 a.m., 12:48
a.m.-3:35 p.m.Sunnyside Elementary School 9:10 a.m.-3:35 p.m.Sunnyside Kindergarten 9:10-11:58 a.m., 12:48-3:35 p.m.
What are the hours for delayed school opening?Shelton High School 9:00 a.m.Shelton Intermediate School 9:45 a.m.Perry Hill School, 9:55 a.m.Booth Hill Elementary School 10:40 a.m.Elizabeth Shelton Elementary School 10:40 a.m.Lafayette Elementary School 10:40 a.m.Long Hill Elementary School 10:40 a.m. Mohegan Elementary School 10:40 a.m.Sunnyside Elementary School 10:40 a.m.If the delayed opening is weather-related, all morning kinder-
garten is canceled.
What are the hours for early school dismissal?Shelton High School 12:10 p.m. (no lunch)Shelton Intermediate School 12:55 p.m.Perry Hill School 1:05 p.m.Booth Hill School 1:45 p.m.Elizabeth Shelton 1:45 p.m.Lafayette Elementary School 1:45 p.m.Long Hill Elementary School 1:45 p.m. Mohegan Elementary School 1:45 p..m.Sunnyside Elementary School 1:45 p.m.If the early dismissal is weather-related, all afternoon kinder-
garten is cancelled.
How can I learn if school is canceled, a delayed open-ing or an early dismissal?
If bad weather or a school emergency forces the cancellation of school for the day or a change in the opening time, announce-ments will be made on radio stations WICC, WELI, WEBE, WEZN, WKCI, WKISS and WPLR, and television stations
WTNH Channel 8 and WVIT Channel 30. Cancellations, de-layed openings and early dismissals are also announced on the Shelton Schools' Web site at sheltonpublicschools.org. Parents will also be alerted of early closings though an automated phone messaging system the district uses.
Is there a PTA?Each school has a PTA or PTO. The district's PTA Coun-
cil, which was composed of members from each school's PTA group, disbanded in 2011.
What are the school holidays and vacations?Labor Day, Columbus Day, Election Day, Veterans Day,
Thanksgiving Recess (Thursday and Friday), Winter Recess (Dec. 24-Jan. 2), New Year's Day, Martin Luther King Jr. Day, February Recess, Good Friday, Spring Recess and Memorial Day.
When do children start school?The 2011-12 school year started after Labor Day.
How do I register a child for school?Contact your child's school for registration information. If you
are unsure which school your child will attend, go online to shel-tonpublicschools.org/contact.php and send an e-mail message to “districting inquiries.”
When should I enroll my child for kindergarten?A child is allowed to enroll in kindergarten during the calen-
dar year when he or she reaches age 5.
How do I register a child for kindergarten?Contact your child's school for kindergarten registration infor-
mation, immunization requirements and necessary forms.
What state standardized tests do Shelton students take?
State law and the federal No Child Left Behind Act require students in grades three to eight to take the Connecticut Mastery Test (CMT) appropriate for their grade. Shelton High School students in grade 10 take the Connecticut Academic Perfor-mance Test (CAPT).
What sports are offered at Shelton High School?Fall sports - football, cross country, boys soccer, girls soccer,
girls swimming, girls volleyball; Winter sports - boys basketball, girls basketball, boys swimming, wrestling, ice hockey, indoor track, cheerleading; Spring sports - baseball, softball, track & field, tennis, girls lacrosse, boys lacrosse, golf, boys volleyball, unified track & field.
What extracurricular activities are offered at Shelton High School?
The Shelton High School Web site lists 49 student activities and clubs, plus the yearbook and the school newspaper.
What sports are offered at Shelton Intermediate School?
Volleyball, basketball, baseball, softball, cross-country, track and field and cheerleading.
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24 Shelton Answerbook, Shelton, Connecticut September 29, 2011 September 29, 2011 Shelton Answerbook, Shelton, Connecticut 25
26 Shelton Answerbook, Shelton, Connecticut September 29, 2011
2626
What extracurricular activities are offered at Shelton Intermediate School?
Marching band, color guard, jazz band.
Is there a participation fee for students to play sports or join extracurricular activities?
In 2010, the Board of Education approved a Pay To Partici-pate policy and began charging fees for students to participate in sports and extracurricular activities that are non-academic, require a paid advisor and meet outside the normal school day. Some parents may be eligible for reduced fees. In 2011, the Board of Education lowered fees by 25% to encourage more participation.
Forms are available on the athletic section of the school dis-trict Web site.
What are the Pay to Participate fees?Families with high school students playing hockey or any
sport that requires an official, pay $300. High school sports that don't require officials cost $225 to participate.
At Shelton Intermediate School, sports that require officials now cost $150 and without officials are $100.
The family cap for those with multiple student athletes is $600.
The fees for extracurricular high school activities, like band, color guard, robotics, pompon and drama will stay the same, at $100. Intermediate school activities including band, colorguard and jazz band also cost $100.
Are there any after-school programs?The Lower Naugatuck Valley Boys & Girls Club offers after-
school programs for local children. See the club's web site at bgc-lnv.org.
Boy Scout and Girl Scout troops, and Cub Scout and Brownie packs meet after school hours.
There are also numerous youth sports leagues and activities offered by the city Parks & Recreation Department or private sports leagues, such as Little League. Contact the Parks & Rec-reation Department for information about them.
Does Shelton have an adult education program?Shelton is part of the Valley Regional Adult Education pro-
gram, which offers courses in Shelton and the other Valley towns for personal enrichment, English language learning and U.S. citizenship, and GED certificates. Students may take some courses online. The Valley Regional Adult Education adminis-trative office is located at 415 Howe Avenue, Shelton; contact the program at 203-924-6651 or vrae.org.
What is the school district's transportation policy?The Shelton Board of Education is responsible for transporta-
tion of students to and from school in a safe, healthy and ef-ficient manner. Students will be picked up and dropped off at their scheduled bus stops. The board expects bus drivers to in-sist on good behavior from students. Any behavior of a student that represents a danger to the health and safety of those riding the bus must be reported immediately to the principal and the bus company. Serious misbehavior may result in suspension of the student's bus-riding privileges, including but not limited to snowball throwing, foul language, fighting, smoking, vandal-ism, refusing the sit down, harassing other students or the use of alcohol or drugs. In the event of school bus problems before and after school hours, First Student may be contacted at 203-
922-1229.
What is the current school budget?The 2010-11 Board of Education budget is $63,700,000.
What is the salary range for teachers?Teacher salaries for the 2009-10 school year range from
$45,000 for a first-year teacher with a Bachelor's Degree, to $82,500 for a teacher with a Master's Degree at the top step level, and to $93,000 for a teacher at the top step level with a doctorate degree.
Who is the Superintendent of Schools?Freeman Burr is the superintendent of schools.
What is special education?Special education is the term for an array of services for ac-
commodating the educational needs of students with physical or developmental disabilities.
How can I tell if my child needs special education?Students suspected of having a disability are evaluated and
those who meet the eligibility criteria are provided with an indi-vidual education plan (IEP).
What nursery schools are open in Shelton?A Child's Garden, 20 Ivy Brook Road, Shelton 203-402-0334Apple Tree Day Care & Preschool Center, 117 Long Hill
Cross Road, Shelton 203-929-8181A Small World Learning Center, 71 Longfellow Road, Shel-
ton 203-929-5498Bright Horizons Family Solutions, 3 Corporate Drive, Shelton
203-926-1398The Hide Out, 49 Mohegan Road, Shelton 203-929-0744Kid's First Learning Center, 216 Long Hill Cross Road, Shel-
ton 203-926-9998Kid's First Learning Center of White Hills, 222 Leavenworth
Road, Shelton 203-926-9326Kidstop Developmental Child Care Center, 215 Bridgeport
Avenue, Shelton 203-924-2737Kindercare Learning Centers, 1 Trap Falls Road, Shelton 203-
944-0104The Little Academy Inc., 250 River Road, Shelton 203-924-
9293Pumpkin Preschool of Shelton, 100 Beard Saw Mill Road,
Shelton 203-926-1800Tutor Time Child Care, 708 Bridgeport Avenue, Shelton 203-
925-0067Wonder Years Learning Center, 188 Rocky Rest Road, Shel-
ton 203-926-0708
What does the School Readiness Council do?The School Readiness Council works with the public school
system to help parents prepare their children during the critical, early educational years. The council's primary goal is to improve communication and partnership among families for children from birth to age five. The council also works with preschool and nursery school providers, elementary schools and commu-nity agencies.
A collaborative team of volunteers work through the council to make sure every child is ready for kindergarten. Their four key objectives are: to increase community awareness of the ben-
September 29, 2011 Shelton Answerbook, Shelton, Connecticut 27
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efits of early childhood education, strengthen the connections between early care and education programs, enhance the kinder-garten transition process in Shelton, and to provide leadership on early childhood issues.
The School Readiness Council is funded by the William Cas-par Graustein Memorial Fund in conjunction with the Shelton Public Schools, the city, Shelton Discovery Project, Shelton PTA Council, Boys & Girls Club of the Lower Naugatuck Val-ley, Valley Even Start, Plumb Memorial Library, TEAM, Valley Regional Adult Education, Health Valley Project, Shelton Eco-nomic Development Commission, Early Child Care Providers, Valley Directors Network and the Valley United Way.
Does the district work with members of the business community?
The district is working on expanding relationships with the many business and community leaders in Shelton. The district is doing so through its STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) curriculum.
Corporations like PerkinElmer have worked with students on projects and allowed them to use facilities. The district has also worked with United Technologies, Sikorsky and others. Distrcit leaders have held some events with local business leaders brain-storming ways to work together in the future.
City taxesWhat is the city tax rate?
The Shelton tax rate is 18.57 mills. That means a taxpayer pays $18.57 for every $1,000 of assessed value of taxable prop-erty.
How are city taxes calculated?Taxes are based on the mill rate (also spelled “mil” rate) times
the assessed property value, divided by 1,000. The easiest way to calculate a tax bill is to take the mill rate, which is currently 18.61, multiply it by .001, which gives you 0.01861, and mul-tiply that times the property assessment. The residential prop-erty assessment is 70% of the fair market value. So if a house sells for $300,000, the assessment is $210,000, and the tax bill is $3,908.10.
How much is the city budget?The 2010-11 Shelton municipal budget is $111.9 million ,
which includes the Board of Education budget. The school bud-get is $63.7 million, which is about 56.9% of the total city bud-get.
What is the city's bond rating?The city has ratings from two credit rating agencies. Moody's
rates Shelton Aa3. Standard and Poor's gives Shelton an AA rat-ing.
What is the city's Grand List?A New England term, the Grand List is the city's tax base and
represents the total of taxable property in the city. That includes residential real estate, commercial real estate, personal property (actually business property such as furniture, computers, etc.) and motor vehicles. It is compiled each October and is used the following May to calculate the tax rate. The latest Grand List, based on property assessments in October 2010, is about $5.3 billion.
Who is the city's biggest taxpayer?Commercial property developer and owner Robert Scinto is
Shelton's biggest municipal taxpayer, with commercial real es-tate valued at $249 million. His total assessment is worth more than four times the second-place taxpayer.
When is city property revalued?State law requires municipalities to revalue taxable real es-
tate and personal property every five years. The last property revaluation was approved for the 2006 Grand List. Real estate in Shelton is assessed at 70% of its fair market value. Shelton is scheduled for another property revaluation this year.
Who determines the assessed value of my home?The appraisal and assessment of residential property in Shel-
ton is the responsibility of the Assessor's office.
September 29, 2011 Shelton Answerbook, Shelton, Connecticut 31
31
917 Bridgeport Avenue • Shelton203-225-7514 ext. 304
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What if I disagree with my home's assessment?A taxpayer who disagrees with his home's tax assessment
should first contact Tax Assessor Gloria Kovacs, because it might be the result of a clerical or calculation error. If the taxpayer still disagrees, he or she may appeal to the Board of Assessment Ap-peals, a three-member board appointed by the Board of Alder-men. The Board of Assessment Appeals meets only in March to hear appeals on assessments certified for the Grand List in Janu-ary. If the assessor receives a one-month extension, the board meets in April instead. If the taxpayer still disagrees with the assessment, he may file an appeal in court.
Where and when do I pay my city taxes?The Tax Collector's office in City Hall collects real estate, mo-
tor vehicle and personal property taxes, sewer use fees, water main assessments and sewer assessments.
What do I pay my taxes for?Taxes support schools, police, road improvements, debt pay-
ments and all other city services. A detailed accounting of how collected taxes are spent is included in the annual town report. Members of the public are also entitled to view the city budget at the City/Town Clerk's office or obtain a copy.
What happens if I don't pay my taxes on time?Taxpayers are charged a penalty of 1.5% each month on the
delinquent balance if they fail to pay their taxes on time. This rate works out to 18% per year. Payment plans may be devel-oped for those having difficulty paying their taxes.
Does the city ever foreclose on a delinquent taxpayer?It has happened, but this action is taken only rarely and in
extreme cases when the taxpayer refuses to work with the city. Usually, the Assessor's office files a tax lien and the taxpayer works out a payment plan to repay his delinquent taxes.
Is anyone eligible for a property tax break?State and local tax relief programs are available for veter-
ans, totally disabled, blind and elderly homeowners and rent-ers. Contact the Assessor's office at 924-1555, extension 14 for information.
Who determines how much I pay for car taxes?They are based on the book value.
If I sell my car, how do I get it off the tax rolls?The Department of Motor Vehicles keeps vehicle ownership
records, which it forwards to the city Assessor's office to main-tain the motor vehicle Grand List. The DMV will continue to send ownership reports to the city on a vehicle until the license plates are turned in. To remove a car from the tax rolls, cancel your registration, return the plates to a DMV office and take the return receipt to the Assessor's office.
32 Shelton Answerbook, Shelton, Connecticut September 29, 2011
3232
Refuse & Recycling
Is there municipal trash collection and recycling?Shelton has municipal trash and recycling collection, regular-
ly scheduled on weekdays. Refuse collection is once a week, and recycling is every two weeks. Material for collection should be left by the curb the evening before the collection day. Garbage cans must be 20 to 35 gallons in capacity and weigh no more than 60 pounds. Refuse must also be packed in plastic sacks that weigh no more than 35 pounds. Complete requirements for trash and recycling collections, the disposal of furniture and appli-ances and other types of bulky waste, hazardous waste and other materials may be found online at cityofshelton.org/publicwrks/sanitation.htm.
Does the city collect yard waste?The city discontinued this service due to lack of interest. Resi-
dents are advised to take yard waste to Greencycle-Grillo, 1183 Oronoque Road, Milford, CT 06460, or mulch and compose it themselves.
Does the city pick up leaves?The city schedules leaf collections twice a year, in the spring
and in the fall. The collections are usually announced in local newspapers and posted on the city Web site at cityofshelton.org.
Does the city collect any other types of waste?The city accepts many other types of household waste if
brought to the Highways and Bridges Department, 41 Myrtle Street, Shelton, or to the Shelton Transfer Station, 866 River Road, Shelton. Complete instructions are found on the city Web site at cityofshelton.org, under the “Public Works” tab.
Can I bring my household refuse to dump myself?Residents can bring their household refuse to the city's trans-
fer station Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. and Sat-urday, 7 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. The transfer station, which is located at 866 River Road, is closed on most holidays.
What else can I take to the transfer station?Christmas trees, corrugated cardboard, construction waste,
furniture, garden furniture, gas grills, mattresses, play sets, and tires (a maximum of four per year per registered vehicle, and no large truck or tractor trailer tires). The Transfer station also has a “Swap Shed” where residents can leave items they no lon-ger need but that might be useful to someone else. Items like a child’s bicycle, desks and more have been left at the shed. The station has a closed recycling container for items like paper, cans and bottles. Tree branches can also be brought to the station to be mulched.
How do I dispose of hazardous materials?Anti-freeze, automobile batteries, dehumidifiers, motor oil,
propane gas tanks and some other types of hazardous materi-als are accepted at the Highways and Bridges Department, 41 Myrtle Street, Shelton. Ammunition is accepted at the Police Department, Wheeler Avenue, Shelton.
Paint, flammable fuels, herbicides, insecticides, mercury ther-mometers, florescent light bulbs, computer equipment and other
types of hazardous materials, which require special handling and disposal, are accepted only during Hazardous Waste Day collections that are scheduled during the year.
Must I notify someone if I rent a container for refuse or construction waste?
Not at the present time, but in the near future the Planning & Zoning may amend the zoning regulations to require a permit.
May I burn leaves on my property?Burning leaves is discouraged, but the Fire Marshal will allow
it in some situations, such as in an agricultural setting.
Health services
Should I have my well water tested?New private water wells or wells that have been repaired,
deepened or altered must be tested by the Health Department in accordance with the public health code to make sure they meet state water quality standards. In Shelton the Health Department is the Naugatuck Valley Health District, 98 Bank Street, Sey-mour, CT; 203-881-3255, FAX 203-881-3259, WIC 203-888-1271.
It is suggested that well water should be tested every five years, or if you suspect the well has been damaged or contami-nated, or if the water has a strange taste, odor or discoloration.
Will the city check my well to see if the water is safe to drink?
The Naugatuck Valley Health District performs water quality inspections for drinking water wells in Shelton.
How can I locate my sewer lines or septic tank?The Naugatuck Valley Health District maintains files of septic
system and well locations.
How do I take care of my septic tank?The health district suggests that you have your septic tank in-
spected by a licensed septic system installer if you suspect that your system may not be operating properly.
What should I do if my neighbor's septic tank is leak-ing on my property?
Contact the Naugatuck Valley Health District at 203-881-3255.
What is radon gas?Radon gas is a colorless, odorless, radioactive gas formed
as a decay product of uranium and other radioactive elements that occur naturally in the subsurface bedrock. Some soil and rock conditions may contain high levels of radon that can enter a house through the foundation or combined with well water. Exposure to high levels of radon increases the risk of developing
September 29, 2011 Shelton Answerbook, Shelton, Connecticut 33
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34 Shelton Answerbook, Shelton, Connecticut September 29, 2011
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lung cancer, especially when combined with smoking or breath-ing second-hand tobacco smoke.
How do I test for radon gas?Test kits for radon are available at hardware stores or depart-
ment stores, or they may be purchased inexpensively by calling the Radon Hotline at 1-800-SOS-RADON.
Emergency services
What kind of public ambulance service does Shelton have?
The Echo Hose Ambulance Service is a volunteer ambulance service
How can I join the ambulance service?Contact the Echo Hose Ambulance Corps, 100 Meadow Street,
Shelton; 203-924-9211, echohoseambulance.org.
When should I dial 911 in the case of an emergency?Only emergency calls should be made to 911, such as to report
a fire, medical crisis, motor vehicle accident, a police emergency such as an intruder, or another life-threatening situation. Do not call 911 for road conditions, routine services or non-emergency occurrences.
Routine calls for the Police Department should be made to 203-924-1544.
Who answers a 911 call in Shelton?Calls in Shelton to 911 for a police, fire or medical emergency
are answered at the emergency dispatch center at Shelton Police Headquarters.
Where are the nearest hospital emergency rooms?The nearest hospital emergency rooms are: Griffin Hospital,
130 Division Street, Derby; Bridgeport Hospital, 267 Grant Street, Bridgeport; and St. Vincent's Medical Center, 2800 Main Street, Bridgeport.
Who runs the city's ambulance service? Paramedic service?
The Echo Hose Ambulance Service, 100 Meadow Street, pro-vides ambulance service in Shelton. The Valley EMS provides paramedic services regionally to Shelton and the other neighbor-ing communities in the Valley.
Where will the ambulance take the patient?The first choice is to Griffin Hospital in Derby. But for very
serious types of injuries or medical conditions, or if Griffin Hospital's emergency room is full, the Echo Hose Ambulance Service will take a patient to St. Vincent's Medical Center, Bridgeport Hospital, Milford Hospital, Yale-New Haven Hos-pital, the Hospital of St. Raphael in New Haven, or the Veterans Administration hospital in West Haven. The cost for ambulance transportation is set by the state, and it increases the longer the distance to the hospital.
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How much does it cost to call an ambulance?Ambulance calls are not cheap. The state has an approved rate
for various types of calls. Any call requiring transportation to a hospital may cost $500 or more. If a paramedic is needed, the fees increase.
How do I join the volunteer ambulance service?The Echo Hose Ambulance Service is always seeking new
members. It requires members to contribute at least 12 hours a month riding shifts. The service provides training, and mem-bers receive free uniforms, apparel, social events and trips. To inquire about joining, contact Assist. Chief Joe Laucella at 924-9211, extension 6, or [email protected].
Who oversees the ambulance service?The Shelton EMS Commission, consisting of five members
appointed by the Board of Aldermen and confirmed by the may-or, oversees the ambulance service.
What kind of Fire Department does Shelton have?A volunteer fire department comprised of the Echo Hose,
Huntington, Pine Rock and White Hills fire companies.
How can I become a volunteer firefighter?Contact your local volunteer fire company. Membership ap-
plications are available at the firehouses and at the fire company Web sites:
Echo Hose Hook & Ladder Company 1, 379 Coram Avenue, echohosefd.com
Huntington Fire Company 3, 44 Church Street, huntington-fire.com
Pine Rock Park Fire Company 4, 722 Long Hill Avenue, pinerockfd.com/2009/main.asp
White Hills Fire Company 5, 2 School Street, whitehillsfireco.org.
Where are Shelton's firehouses?Echo Hose Hook & Ladder Co. 1: 379 Coram AvenueHuntington Fire Co. 3: 44 Church StreetPine Rock Park Fire Co. 4: 722 Long Hill AvenueWhite Hills Fire Co. 5: 2 School Street
When will the Fire Department respond in an emer-gency?
Firefighters will respond to structure, brush and vehicle fires; motor vehicle accidents; water, ice and confined space rescues; hazardous materials incidents; carbon monoxide emergencies, and a variety of other technical rescues.
Who oversees the Fire Department?The Board of Fire Commissioners oversees the policies of the
Fire Department with the assistance of the Officer's Council. The assistant chiefs and line officers oversee the operations of the Fire Department. The Fire Marshal's office is in charge of fire investigations and fire prevention duties.
Will I be billed if I call the Fire Department to put out a fire?
Residents are not billed for calls to the Fire Department. Local property taxes pay for fire coverage. The volunteer fire companies
also conduct annual fund-raising to help purchase equipment.
Is there a fine for false alarms?Not all false alarms are malicious. Some are accidental, re-
sulting from faulty burglar or fire alarms. There is no fine for the first false alarm in a calendar year. The second results in a warning. A fine of $100 each is charged for each additional false alarm. The start of a new calendar year starts this over again. There is also an appeals process if the homeowner or business owner feels he is not at fault.
Who checks businesses, schools and other places for safety?
The Shelton Fire Marshal's office is responsible for inspect-ing businesses, schools, and rental apartments for compliance with the fire code. The Fire Marshal's office also investigates the causes of fires, hazardous materials spills and other emergen-cies, and issues blasting permits.
Who offers fire safety education?The Fire Prevention Bureau, part of the Fire Marshal's office,
provides fire safety education programs for school children, and also conducts an annual poster and essay contest in the local public and parochial schools on fire safety. The Fire Marshal's office also advises homeowners on home escape plans, place-ment and use of smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, and op-eration of fire extinguishers.
Where is the Shelton Police Department?Police Headquarters is located at 85 Wheeler Street.
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Do the police offer fingerprinting services?Yes, at a charge of $5.00 per card. Fingerprinting is free for
the Board of Education, for teachers, tutors, aides and substitute teachers. The charge for fingerprinting is included in the cost for a firearms permit.
Are there special programs to help special needs chil-dren in an emergency?
If the Police Department is notified, a notation can be put in the dispatching computer informing police and firefighters that a special needs child lives in a residence. The notation may also include special instructions for the emergency responders. This may also be done for other persons with medical conditions, such as diabetes.
Is there a city emergency department?The Shelton Office of Emergency Management coordinates
local, regional, state and federal emergency response agencies and other organizations on a local level in the event of a natural, industrial or homeland security emergency.
What should I do if the power goes out in a storm?Stock flashlights and extra batteries, candles, a battery-pow-
ered radio, water, nonperishable food and other supplies for use during a power outage. Don't use a gas stove or charcoal fire indoors for heat or illumination. Unplug or switch off electrical appliances to avoid a power surge when power is restored. Stay away from downed power lines. Call the United Illuminating Company at 499-3333 to report the power outage.
How do I reach poison control?A national number, 1-800-222-1222, will link callers from
anywhere in the country to medical experts at local poison con-trol centers. The telephone number is funded by the federal gov-ernment.
The number for the state poison control center is 1-800-343-2722 and is still operational. The state center is associated with the University of Connecticut Medical Center and will answer questions about poisons found in the house or about spider or snake bites.
When fast medical assistance is needed in an emergency, call 911 and describe the problem to the dispatcher.
Culture & Learning
Where can I take college courses nearby?Norwalk Community College (203-857-7000, nctc.comnet.
edu) and Housatonic Community College (203-332-5200, hcc.comnet.edu) offer two-year degree programs. Southern Connect-icut State University (888-500-SCSU, southernct.edu) in New Haven, Sacred Heart University in Fairfield (203-371-7999, sa-credheart.edu), the University of Bridgeport in Bridgeport (203-576-4552, bridgeport.edu) and Fairfield University in Fairfield (203-254-4000, fairfield.edu) offer graduate and undergraduate degree programs.
Is there an art school nearby?Bob Boroski School of Art, 70 Bridge Street, Shelton, CT
924-6733
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38 Shelton Answerbook, Shelton, Connecticut September 29, 2011
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Is there a dance school nearby?Children's Studio for the Performing Arts, 509-C Howe Av-
enue, Shelton, CT 924-1343Step by Step Dance Academy, 476 River Road, Shelton, CT
922-8178That's Showbiz Dance Theatre School, 59 Bridgeport Avenue,
Shelton, CT 922-9989
Are there any local orchestras?Several orchestras are headquartered nearby: Greater Bridge-
port Symphony (bridgeportsymphony.org), Norwalk Symphony (203-847-8844, norwalksymphony.org), and Greater Bridgeport Youth Orchestra (203-459-4249, gbyo.org)
Are there any free concerts?The Shelton Parks and Recreation Department sponsors a sum-
mer concert series. The series includes a musical performance at the Riverwalk prior to the Shelton fireworks and weekly perfor-mances on the Huntington Green from late-June through August featuring rock, jazz, folk, blues and big band music.
Is there a local live theater company?Center Stage, Lafayette School, 54 Grove St., is run by Gary
and Francesca Scarpa. They also lead the Youth CONNection program, which stages a hit Broadway musical each summer. It can be reached at 203-225-6079.
What museums are in Shelton?The Shelton Historical Society operates the Shelton History
Center, 70 Ripton Road, a half mile from the Huntington Green. The Center includes a collection of historical artifacts and docu-ments from the city's past (“Three Centuries of Shelton: From Farming to Industry and Beyond”), and three restored historic structures - the Brownson House (c. 1820), the Wilson barn (c. 1860) and the Trap Falls School (c. 1872), a one-room school house.
Are there opportunities to do volunteer service?There are many opportunities for volunteering in Shelton.
Children and teenagers can find opportunities through the Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts, at Shelton High School and at the Boys & Girls Club of Lower Naugatuck Valley (One Positive Place, Shelton; 924-7462). The Shelton Anti-Litter Committee runs an all-volunteer city clean-up each April in observance of Earth Day. The Shelton Trails Committee (924-1555, extension 315) needs volunteers to help maintain hiking trails in the city's open space areas. Adults can also volunteer through many civic orga-nizations and churches.
The Valley United Way operates a Volunteer Center (3 Corpo-rate Drive, Suite 501, Shelton, CT 06484; 203-926-9478, [email protected]) to match the skills and interests of adult and youth volunteers with the needs of nonprofit agencies in the Valley.
Clubs & social groups
Are there service clubs in Shelton?The Derby-Shelton Rotary Club (P.O. Box 224, Shelton, CT
06484; 203-567-0252) meets Thursdays at 12:15 p.m. at the Brownson Country Club, 15 Soundview Avenue, Shelton.
Shelton Jaycees (P.O. Box 2334, Shelton, CT 06484) meets the second Tuesday of each month at the Pine Rock Firehouse, 722 Long Hill Avenue, Shelton.
Shelton Community Lions Club 203-925-1777
Is there a Newcomers Club in Shelton?Yes. The Shelton Newcomers and Neighbors Club is a wom-
en's club open to all residents of Shelton, new or longstanding. The group aims to initiate and foster friendships in the commu-nity. Regular meetings include a monthly potluck lunch, couples' game nights and outings, monthly field trips for the tiny tots and more! For more information, email [email protected] or find us on Facebook at Newcomers & Neighbors of Shel-ton.
There is also the The Welcome Wagon of Shelton, President Betsy Hermann, 1 Meghan Lane, Shelton, CT 06484; 929-7434.
Are there women's organizations in Shelton?The Shelton Women's Club, P.O. Box 2123, Shelton, CT
06484.There is also a local chapter of the MOMS Club, a nonprofit
support group specifically for mothers who have chosen to stay home with their children. The group has monthly meetings and plans playdates and outings for families. For more information, contact Kelly Pietro at 203-954-8434, [email protected] or Kadie Conklin at 203-513-2092, [email protected].
Are there gardening clubs in Shelton?The Olde Ripton Garden Club (President Jacqueline Haddock
September 29, 2011 Shelton Answerbook, Shelton, Connecticut 39
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203-926-8467) meets at the Plumb Memorial Library.
Are there veterans' organizations in Shelton?The American Legion, Sutter-Terlizzi Post 16, 295 Bridgeport
Avenue, Shelton, CT 06484; [email protected], 203-924-9887.
Military Order of the Purple Heart, Shelton/Derby Chapter #1, 203-929-3115.
What organizations focus on the environment?Shelton Land Conservation Trust, P.O. Box 2276, Shelton
06484; 203 929-6829
Libraries
One of the many programs offered for free at the Hun-tington Branch Library this year celebrated Polish cul-ture.
Where are the Shelton libraries and when are they open?
The Plumb Memorial Library is the city's main library. It is lo-cated at 65 Wooster Street, at the intersection of Coram Avenue. The main telephone number is 203-924-1580; Reference 203-924-1581; Children 203-924-9461. E-mail: [email protected]. Web site: plumblibrary.org. It is open Monday-Thursday, 9 a.m. to 8:30 p.m., and Friday and Saturday, 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
The Huntington Branch Library is located in the Shelton Com-munity Center, 41 Church Street, in Huntington Center. Tele-phone: 203-926-0111. It is open Monday, noon to 8 p.m., Tues-day-Thursday, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., Saturday 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
What style of architecture is the Plumb Memorial Library?
Built of brownstone in 1894 and designed by architect Charles Beardsley Jr. of Bridgeport, the Plumb Memorial Library is con-sidered to be an outstanding example of Romanesque architec-ture. The modern addition was completed in 1974.
How may I get a library card?Come to either library and bring proof of Shelton residency,
such as your driver's license or your electric bill. Library cards are free.
What services do the libraries offer?With a library card, patrons can borrow books, CDs, DVDs,
videos, magazines and other items in the collection. There are public computers so patrons can surf the Internet or use Micro-soft Office programs. Patrons can also read many local and state newspapers and borrow free passes for a dozen popular destina-tions, such as the Peabody Museum and the Mystic Aquarium.
The library gives patron access to the state library databas-es and the ability to request materials free from other libraries around the state. The library also subscribes to about a dozen paid databases and gives patrons access for free, including Busi-ness Info USA for job seekers, Chilton's Car Repair, language databases to learn nine languages, and test prep courses for the SAT and numerous professional tests. Patrons can also use their home computers to access these services and many other online materials.
What special activities do the libraries have?The libraries have many special programs. There are book
discussion groups for children and adults, craft programs for children and adults, gardening discussions, a writers' group (the South West Connecticut Authors & Publishers Association), a creative writing group for grade 3-4 children, a multiple sclero-sis support group, and many others. Get a copy of the libraries' quarterly newsletter at the circulation desk or online at plumbli-brary.org/Newsletters/Fall%202009%20Newsletter.pdf.
Do the libraries use volunteers?The libraries are supported by the Friends of the Shelton
Libraries organization. The Friends help by conducting fund-raising to add to the collection, support the libraries' budget re-quests, and run programs and activities for patrons. Members receive discounts during book sales. Join online at plumblibrary.org/picts/Friends%20Memb%20Brochure%20final.pdf.
Do the libraries have any book sales?The Plumb Memorial Library has book sales twice a year and
the Huntington Branch Library has book sales monthly, but pa-trons can browse the used books and purchase one anytime. The cost is one dollar for paperbacks and two dollars for hardcover books.
Shopping & Dining
What does the Chamber of Commerce do?The Greater Valley Chamber of Commerce was founded in
1964 to provide leadership and promote economic growth, de-velopment, prosperity and quality of life in the region encom-passing Shelton, Ansonia, Derby, Seymour, Oxford and Beacon Falls. The Chamber has 650 members representing manufactur-ing, retail, service and corporate businesses. Its office is located at 900 Bridgeport Avenue, 2nd floor, Shelton, CT 06484; 203-925-4981.
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Is there a group that helps people find a job?The Plumb Memorial Library has a subscription database to
help job seekers find a job. All you need is a library card, which is free.
Southwestern CTWorks operates two job assistance centers nearby: Valley CTWorks at 33 Elizabeth Street, Derby (203-734-3443), and Bridgeport CTWorks at 2 Lafayette Square, Bridgeport (203-333-5129). CTWorks has a toll-free phone number 866-859-8818, and a Web site at ctworkssw.org/Main-Site/CentersLocation.asp.
Where can I find an office temp?Diversified employment services Inc., 63 Center Street, Shel-
ton (203-924-8364), provides temporary employees in areas including accounting, clerical and general office, customer ser-vice, data entry, secretarial and administration, light industrial and warehouse work.
Manpower Inc., 2 Corporate Drive, Shelton (203-925-1833), provides temporary employees in areas including administra-tive support, business operations, contact center, finance and accounting, healthcare support, human resources, industrial, le-gal support, operations and logistics, sales and marketing, and skilled trades.
What are the hours of the local post office?The Shelton Post Office, 83 Bridge Street (located off Coram
Avenue): Lobby hours Monday-Friday 7 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., Sat-urday 7 a.m. to 1 p.m.; Window hours Monday-Friday 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., Saturday 9 a.m. to noon.
The Huntington Post Office, 41 Church Street (in the Shelton Community Center): Window hours Monday-Friday 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. (closed 1:30-2:30 p.m.), Saturday 9 a.m. to noon.
Where can I buy stamps?The Shell service station at 99 Bridgeport Avenue operates a
U.S. Postal Service Contract Unit, where patrons can buy stamps and mail packages. It is open Monday-Friday 7 a.m. to 6 p.m., Saturday 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., closed Sunday.
Stamps can also be purchased at the customer service centers at local supermarkets and online at the Web site of the United States Postal Service (usps.com).
Is there an online business directory?The Shelton Economic Development Corporation includes
much of this information on its Web site at shelton-ct-life.org/index.html.
The Greater Valley Chamber of Commerce includes a busi-ness directory on its Web site at greatervalleychamber.com.
Where and when can I buy alcoholic beverages?You must be 21 to purchase and possess alcohol in Connecti-
cut. Beer is available at most grocery stores and supermarkets. Wine and liquor are sold at liquor stores. Liquor stores in Shel-ton include:
Adro Liquor Store, 443 River Road (203-924-0272)Cleto's Wine & Spirits, 402 Howe Avenue (203-924-8407)Cork & Keg, 515 Bridgeport Avenue (203-925-1133)Huntington Package, 54 Huntington Street (203-929-0563)Last Call II Wine & Spirits, 813 River Road (203-929-6819)Mega Wine & Spirits, 350 Bridgeport Avenue (203-225-
9001)White Hills Wine & Spirits, 206 Leavenworth Road (203-
925-9463)Hunts’ Wine Castle & Spirits, 528 Shelton Avenue (203-929-
1224)The Wine Emporium, 704 Bridgeport Avenue (203-929-
9600)Wine & Liquor on the River, 495 River Road (203-922-
1825)
Are there any coffee shops in town?Dunkin Donuts, 427 Howe AvenueDunkin Donuts, 484 Bridgeport AvenueDunkin Donuts, 198 Leavenworth RoadHuntington Street Café, 90 Huntington StreetStarbuck's Coffee, 504 Bridgeport AvenuePanera Bread, 850 Bridgeport AvenueBruegger's Bagel Bakery, 817 Bridgeport AvenueDunk This Donut & Coffee, 30 Huntington Street
Where can I find baked goods?Bruegger's Bagel Bakery, 817 Bridgeport AvenueRoyal Bakery, 34 Huntington StreetStockbridge's Gourmet, 509 Howe AvenueShelton Portuguese Bakery, 55 Bridge StreetDunkin Donuts, 427 Howe AvenueDunkin Donuts, 484 Bridgeport AvenueDunkin Donuts, 198 Leavenworth RoadOronoque Farms, 188 Leavenworth RoadPanera Bread, 850 Bridgeport Avenue
What about ice cream or Italian ice?The Ice Cream Shoppe, 59 Bridgeport AvenueWells Hollow Creamery, 656 Bridgeport AvenueAddeo’s Italian Ice, 97 Center St.
September 29, 2011 Shelton Answerbook, Shelton, Connecticut 41
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Where can I find a catering service in Shelton?Amici's, 500 Howe Avenue (203-926-1809)Al Disotto Restaurant, 66 Huntington Street (203-929-6222)Carmine's Ristorante Italiano, 376 River Road (203-922-
1233)David M. Grant Caterers, 458 River Road (203-924-2623)Gourmet Express, 4 Research Drive (203-944-0551)John Matthew Caterers, 11 Courtland Road (203-929-1200)Center Deli, 4 Huntington Street (203-929-0269)Smergalino's, 100 Beard Saw Mill Road (203-225-6002)
What food markets are in town? Do they deliver?Cumberland Farms Food Store, 464 River Road (203-924-
2617)Howe Convenience Food, 456 Howe Avenue (203-924-2444)ShopRite, 875 Bridgeport AvenueStop and Shop, 898 Bridgeport Avenue (203-929-7516)Beechwood Market, 40 Huntington St. (203-929-1212)
Where can I buy farm fresh produce?The Shelton farmers' market is open on Canal Street at the
Riverwalk Park from 9 a.m. to noon each Saturday and on Wednesdays from 3 to 6 p.m. from April to November.
Stone Garden Farm, 83 Saw Mill City Road, Shelton, grows and sells farm fresh produce, and also sells Community Sup-ported Agriculture shares, which entitle the purchaser to a box of produce fresh from the field each week. Visit their Web site at stonegardensfarm.com.
Where can I pick my own fruits and vegetables?The Jones Family Farms on Walnut Tree Hill Road offers sea-
sonal opportunities to pick your own blueberries, strawberries, pumpkins and Christmas trees. The Jones farm, in fact, is very well known for Christmas trees, and attracts Yule tree customers from as far away as New Jersey. Visit their Web site at jones-familyfarm.com.
The Beardsley Cider Mill & Orchard at 278 Leavenworth Road offers seasonal apple picking. It also has apples and baked good for sale in its store. Visit their Web site at beardsleycider-mill.com.
The Fairview Tree Farm at 484 Walnut Tree Hill Road is an-other location for Christmas trees. Visit their Web site at fair-viewtreefarm.com.
Is there a winery in Shelton?Yes. Jones Farms Winery at 606 Walnut Tree Hill Road, offers
award-winning wines made with grapes and fruit grown at the farm.
Is there a bookstore in Shelton?The Written Words Bookstore is located at 194 Leavenworth
Road, in the White Hills Shopping Center.
What malls are in the area?Westfield Trumbull, 5065 Main Street, Trumbull, has about
170 retail stores. The Connecticut Post Mall in Milford and the Danbury Fair Mall in Danbury are two other large shopping malls.
Is there a dry cleaner in Shelton?Simonetti's 1-Hour Cleaners, 70 Center Street (203-924-
42 Shelton Answerbook, Shelton, Connecticut September 29, 2011
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7868)Simonetti's Cleaners, 1 Corporate Drive (203-944-1602)White Hills Cleaners, 214 Leavenworth Road (203-929-
8008)Zoots Corporation, 515 Bridgeport Avenue (203-926-9596)Zoots Corporation, 90 Huntington Street (203-926-0514)
Is there a tailor in Shelton?Center Services, 8 Huntington Street (203-926-9442)
Religious services
Where can I find a house of worship?
BAPTISTFirst Baptist Church, 178 Leavenworth Road, 203-929-7704;
Pastor: Rev. Kenneth Smith; [email protected]; Services: Sunday, 10:30 a.m.
CONGREGATIONALHuntington Congregational Church, 19 Church St., 203-929-
1223; Pastor: Rev. Lucille Fritz W. Collins; [email protected]; huntingtonucc.org; Services: Sunday, 9:30 a.m.
Shelton Congregational Church, 259 Coram Ave., 203-924-5724; Pastor: Rev. Shepard Parsons; [email protected]; shel-toncongregational.org; Services: Sunday, 9:30 a.m.
EPISCOPALSt. Paul's Episcopal Church, 25 Church St., 203-929-1722;
Rector: Rev. Janet Waggoner; [email protected]; stpaulsct.org; Services: Sunday, 8 and 10 a.m.
Church of the Good Shepherd, 186 Coram Ave., 924-8050; Pastor: Rev. Ballard Dorsee; [email protected]; good-shepherdct.org; Holy Eucharist and Healing: Wednesday, noon; Services: Sunday, 10 a.m.
CHARISMATIC EPISCOPALChurch of the Archangels, meets at Trinity Lutheran Church,
183 Howe Ave., 334-4600; Pastor: Fr. Matthew Mirabile; arch-angelschurch.com; Services: Sunday, 3 p.m.
HINDUHindu Cultural Center of Connecticut, a non-profit organi-
zation founded in 2001, meets twice a month at the Unitarian Church, 96 Chapel St., Stratford. Information: hinduculturalcen-ter.org; [email protected]
JEHOVAH'S WITNESSESJehovah's Witnesses, Shelton Congregation, 1 Platt Road,
203-924-9296.
JUDAICConservative - Congregation B'nai Torah, 5700 Main St.,
Trumbull, 203-268-6940; Rabbi Colin Brodie; [email protected]; bnaitorahct.org; Shabbat: Friday, 7:30 p.m.; Saturday, 9:30 a.m.; Sunday, Minyan 8:30 a.m.
Congregational Rodeph Sholom, 2385 Park Ave., Bridgeport, 203-334-0159; Rabbi: David Cantor; [email protected]; Services: Saturday, 9 a.m.
September 29, 2011 Shelton Answerbook, Shelton, Connecticut 43
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Congregation Ahavath Achim, 1571 Stratfield Ave, Fairfield, 203-372-6529; Rabbi: Mitchell Rocklin; [email protected]; ahavathachim.org; Services: Call for times
Reformed - Congregation B'Nai Israel, 2710 Park Ave., Bridgeport, 203-336-1858; Rabbi: James Prosnit; congrenationb'naiisrael.org; Services: Friday, 6 p.m.; Saturday, 8 a.m.
LUTHERANTrinity Lutheran Church, 183 Howe Ave., 203-924-4128; Pas-
tor: Rev. Jack R. Whritenour; [email protected]; trinitylu-theranchurchonline.org; Services: Sunday, 10:30 a.m. (Holy Eu-charist), 11:45 a.m. (fellowship hour); Wednesday, 7 p.m. (Holy Eucharist), 7:45 p.m. (Bible study).
METHODISTFirst United Methodist Church, 188 Rocky Rest Road, 203-
929-3537; Pastor: Heather McClendon Sinclair; [email protected]; gbgm-umc.org/sheltonumc; Services: Sun-day, 9:30 a.m. (worship service with Holy Communion); 10:45 a.m. (fellowship).
Huntington United Methodist Church, 388 Walnut Tree Hill Road, 203-929-5545; Pastor: Rev. Timothy B. Hare; [email protected]; huntingtonumc.org; Services: Sunday, 8:30 a.m. (service of prayer and Communion), 10 a.m. (traditional service)
ROMAN CATHOLICSt. Joseph Church, Parish Office: 50 Fairmont Place, 203-924-
8611; School: 430 Coram Ave., 203-924-4669; Parish Nurse: 50 Fairmont Place, 203-924-7885; Pastor: Msgr. Christopher J. Walsh; [email protected]; sjcshelton.org; Con-fession: Saturday, 3 p.m.; Services: Saturday, 4 and 5:30 p.m.; Sunday, 7:30, 9 and 10:30 a.m., noon (Spanish), 12:15 and 5 p.m.; Monday-Friday, 7 a.m., 12:05 p.m. (no 12:05 p.m. Mass on Tuesday and Thursday during July and August).
St. Lawrence Church, Rectory: 505 Shelton Ave., 929-5355; School: 503 Shelton Ave., 929-4422; Pastor: Rev. Michael K. Jones; [email protected]; diobptstlawrenceparish.net; Ser-vices: Monday-Friday, 7 and 9 a.m.; Saturday, 8 a.m., 4 and 5:30 p.m.; Sunday, 7:30, 9:30 and 11:30 a.m., 5:30 p.m.
St. Margaret Mary Church, 380 Long Hill Ave., 924-4929; Pastor: Monsignor Thomas J. Whalen; [email protected]; bridgeportdiocese.com/shelton.shtml; Confession: Satur-day, 3-3:40 p.m.; Services: Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, 7:30 a.m.; Tuesday and Friday, 5:30 p.m.; Saturday, 4 and 5:30 p.m.; Sunday, 8:30, 10, and 11:30 a.m
NON-DEMONINATIONAL/INDEPENDENTGrace Bible Church, 549 Howe Ave., 922-8211, Pastor: Rev.
Lou Santoro; Services: Sunday, 10:30 a.m.; Thursday, 7 p.m. (prayer ser¬vice).
Harvest Christian Center, 302 Soundview Ave., 924-4655; Pastors: Louis Mauri and James Bair, Elder; Services: Sunday, 10:30 a.m.; Wednesday, 7 p.m. (Bible study)..
The Huntington Chapel, 117 Ripton Road, 929-1222; Pastor: Rev. Douglas Steeves; [email protected]; huntingtonchapel.org; Services: Sunday, 9 and 10:30 a.m.
UNITARIANUnitarian Universalist Church, 96 Chapel St., Stratford, 378-
1020; [email protected]; Pastor: Rev. Julie-Ann Silberman-Bunn; uucgb.org; Services: Sunday, 10:30 a.m.
HIGHER GROUNDThe Huntington Chapel, Non-denominational ministry for
those with problems with alcohol, substance abuse or compul-sive behavior; 177 Ripton Road, Huntington; Mondays, 7:30-9 p.m.
Pets & WildlifeWhere do I get a dog license?
Dog licenses are obtained at the City/Town Clerk's office in City Hall. All dogs at least six months old must have a license. Dog licenses must be renewed in June. You may apply for a dog license in person or by mail.
Do I need to get a license for my cat?No, you don't have to get a license for your cat.
Must my pet be immunized for rabies?A valid rabies vaccination certificate is required for a dog li-
cense.
Am I required to have my dog spayed or neutered?No, but the license fee is only $8 for a spayed or neutered dog,
and $19 for an unaltered dog.
Are there animal hospitals in Shelton?Countryside Veterinary Hospital, 374 Leavenworth Road
(203-929-0500)Huntington Animal Hosital, 194 Mohegan Road (203-929-
6303)Shelton Veterinary Center, 560 Huntington Street (203-929-
7297)Shoreline Veterinary Referral & Emergency Center, 895
Bridgeport Avenue (203-929-8600)
Where can I take my pet in an emergency?Shoreline Veterinary Referral & Emergency Center, 895
Bridgeport Avenue (203-929-8600)
What is the law regarding loose or roaming dogs?City ordinance requires dog owners to keep their dogs on a
leash when off their own private property. Dogs are not permit-ted to roam free off the owner's property. Violators are subject to a fine.
Is there a dog park in Shelton?Yes. The Shelton Dog Park at Shelton Avenue and Nells Rock
Road provides a large, fenced-in area where dogs can go off-leash. It opened in early 2011 and has been a popular place for pets and owners. It is maintained by the city and some volun-teers. The Friends of the Shelton Dog Park regularly hold events and fund-raisers. To learn more, see FOSdogpark.org.
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Are dogs allowed on Shelton municipal trails?Yes, but they should be kept on a leash.
Is there a vicious dog law?A new public ordinance gives local police and the Shelton ani-
mal control officer wider authority to deal with aggressive dogs. Police can now issue violations with penalties up to $250 for dogs that attack other animals, and can order dog owners to take steps to control their dogs.
Is there a pooper-scooper law?There is a so-called “pooper-scooper” ordinance in Shelton,
which says “no owner, keeper or attendant of any dog shall per-mit said dog to defecate on any public or private sidewalk or property of another.” It requires the owner, keeper or attendant to immediately remove said business from said place and dis-pose of it in an appropriate manner. Violators may be fined $25 for a first offense and $50 for each subsequent violation.
If I find a lost dog or cat at my house, whom do I call?Contact the Animal Control Officer at 203-924-2501.
Where can I adopt a dog or cat?The Shelton Animal Shelter offers homeless dogs for adop-
tion. Call 203-924-2501.Compassion for Cats offers homeless cats for adoption. Call
203-929-7909.H3 Pet Supply at 350 Bridgeport Avenue has information
about pet adoptions. Call 203-929-7575.
What do I do if I hit a dog with my car?Call the Shelton Police at 203-924-1544. It is illegal to leave
the animal until help arrives.
What do I do if my dog dies at home?Most veterinarians will assist in sending the dog for burial or
cremation.
Who do I call about a dead animal near my house?The Department of Highways & Bridges picks up dead ani-
mals on town property or roads. To report a dead animal call 203-924-9277.
May I run a kennel from my home?Contact the Planning & Zoning Department in City Hall at
203-924-1555, extension 18.
Is there a limit to the number of pets I can own?No, but an excessive number might create a public health vio-
lation.
May I keep horses, chickens or other livestock?Yes, but you must follow Section 45.8 of the Zoning Regula-
tion.For livestock, you are required to have a builder's acre (40,000
square feet) for your dwelling and an additional builder's acre for your first animal, and half a builder's acre (20,000 square feet) for each additional animal. There are also setback require-
ments for paddocks and barns, and sanitation requirements.Chickens are allow anywhere, but not roosters, which tend to
be noisy and may disturb neighbors.
Are any animals considered illegal pets?Connecticut law prohibits keeping most exotic animals as pets
without special permission.
Is there an emergency wildlife number?The emergency number for the state Department of Environ-
mental Protection, Wildlife Division is 860-424-3333.
Are there any wildlife rehabilitators nearby?Wildlife in Crisis (203-544-9913/wildlifeincrisis.com) helps
rehabilitate orphaned, sick and injured creatures. The organiza-tion is always looking for volunteers and donations. The mailing address is P.O. Box 1246, Weston, CT 06883.
Statewide Wildlife Rescue (877-572-2666, statewidewildlife-rescue.com) is a licensed and insured wildlife rehabilitator.
Also in the area is Back to the Wild Rehabilitation Inc. (203-438-0618), which specializes in birds, primarily raptors (hawks, eagles) and owls. The organization will also work with aban-doned non-wildlife, such as ducks, geese, parrots and peacocks.
Should I be concerned if I see a raccoon during the day?
Sometimes healthy raccoons are active during the day, espe-cially in spring and early summer when they are taking care of their young. If the animal appears to be sick, acting aggressively, stumbling, disoriented or showing signs of paralysis, it might mean it has rabies. Call the local police or animal control officer, do not touch the afflicted animal and keep your pets and chil-dren away from it. If it is an emergency and the police cannot respond, call DEP emergency dispatch at 860-424-3333 to reach a conservation officer.
What should I do if I see a coyote in my yard?Coyotes live and breed in every town across Connecticut.
They are extremely adaptable and comfortable living close to residential areas. They are usually not a threat to humans. Coy-otes may attack pets, however, especially cats and small dogs. Keep dogs on a leash while hiking, and don't pick up your dog if coyotes approach and don't run away. To scare off coyotes, act aggressively toward them, yell and make noise.
Coyotes eat a variety of foods, including rodents, birds, fruit and berries. They will also eat food left out by people, including bird seed and table scraps in compost piles, pet food, or unse-cured garbage. If you live in an area where coyotes have been sighted, do not leave cats or small dogs outdoors unsupervised. Keeping pets indoors or limiting their time outdoors, especially during at night when coyotes are most active, is recommended.
For information about coyotes, call the DEP Wildlife Division at 860-424-8130 or 860-424-3011.
There appears to be an abandoned fawn on my prop-erty. What should I do?
Definitely do not touch it or move it, because your scent will scare off the fawn's mother, which may be hiding nearby or out looking for food. Nearly all fawns people think are abandoned are actually not abandoned. Such fawns have been found by well-meaning people in Shelton, and attempting to help them usually results in their permanent separation from their mother
September 29, 2011 Shelton Answerbook, Shelton, Connecticut 45
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doe.Fawns are born from late May through June. Often, deer give
birth in the middle of the night and leave the fawn during the day, particularly if people are around. The fawn's camouflage helps protect it from predators. The doe will return to the fawn after dark, though it may take the doe as long as 24 hours until it feels safe to do so. For the first five days after birth, fawns will not run when approached. Instead they will lie still. From the seventh day on, they will exhibit flight behavior, but will not venture out to browse with the mother until they are a month old.
If there is a dead doe nearby, the fawn may be orphaned. Call the DEP at 860-424-3011 or Wildlife in Crisis at 203-544-9913.
What should I do if I see a bear?Black bears sightings are becoming more common in this area
every year. Bears are attracted to garbage, pet food, garbage in compost piles, fruit trees and bird feeders. To discourage bears from hanging around your home, the state Department of Envi-ronmental Protection advises people to discontinue use of bird feeders from late March to November, keep garbage cans inside a garage or shed, clean and store barbecue grills after use, don't leave pet food outdoors overnight, and don't add meat or sweets to a compost pile. Above all, don't intentionally feed bears.
Aggression by bears toward humans is very rare. But when hiking, it is a good idea to keep dogs on a leash. A bear may view a roaming dog as a threat. If you see a bear from a distance, make your presence known by making noise and waving your arms. If you surprise a bear, walk away slowly. To report a bear sighting, call the Shelton Police at 203-924-1544, or the DEP at 860-675-8130, or go online to dep.state.ct.us.
What other notable wildlife has been spotted in Shelton?
Bobcats, turtles, snakes, foxes, turkeys, owls and hawks have been spotted. This year, a Mountain Lion was spotted in nearby Milford and later hit by a car. Wildlife authorities said it traveled from South Dakota.
Parks & RecreationDoes Shelton have a Community Center?
Yes, located at 41 Church Street in Huntington Center. Mem-bership is open to Shelton residents and non-residents. The cen-ter offers a wide variety of fitness, recreation and enrichment programs and facilities, and also houses the Huntington Branch Library and the Shelton swimming pool, which is open year-round, seven days a week, except on holidays. Rooms can also be rented for meetings or other activities. Membership costs $150 for families (parents, children 21 and under), $70 for an adult individual, $60 senior citizen, $50 child under 18, $50 handicapped individual, $25 resident college student for June to August. Membership fees for non-residents are 2.2 to 2.5 times the resident fees. Membership fees for non-residents that work in Shelton are about 50% higher than the resident fees. Informa-tion about membership, programs and schedules is available at the Community Center or online at cityofshelton.org/commu-nity/reccenter.htm.
How can I find out if a recreation program is canceled because of inclement weather?
The Shelton Parks and Recreation Department has a cancella-
tion hotline at 203-331-4120. When schools are closed because of the weather, all recreation programs held in the schools are also closed that evening.
What local parks are in Shelton?Indian Wells State Park, Indian Well Road (off Leavenworth
Road)Huntington Green, Huntington CenterShelton Dog Park, Nells Rock RoadEast Village Park, East Village RoadNike Site Recreation Facility, Mohegan RoadCapewell Park, Nichols AvenueNells Rock Reservoir picnic area, Nells Rock RoadConstitution Park, corner of Constitution Boulevard and Long
Hill AvenuePine Rock Park, corner of Long Hill Avenue and Mohawk
TrailRiverview Park, Howe AvenueRiverwalk Park, Canal StreetSunnyside Park and Boat Ramp picnic area, River RoadSouth Bank Park, River Road
Does Shelton have a skateboarding park?Yes, on Riverdale Avenue under the Route 8 overpass adja-
cent to the Riverwalk park.
Does Shelton offer the safe boating course?Yes, state Department of Environmental Protection instruc-
tors give the state safe boating course in March and April at the Community Center.
Where can I go swimming?Swimming is permitted seasonally from Memorial Day to La-
bor Day at Indian Well State Park, off Leavenworth Road.Shelton has a public swimming pool at the Community Cen-
ter with open swimming times available every day of the week. Admission is by the presentation of a Community Center mem-bership card or payment of $4 a day Monday-Saturday, $2 on Sunday. There is no charge for children under age five. Children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult. The schedule of open and adult swim times and rules for swimmers is available at the Community Center office or online at cityofshelton.org/community/reccenter.htm.
Are there any swimming teams?The Shelton-Monroe Swim Team swims at the Shelton Com-
munity Center pool and the Masuk High School pool in Monroe. The team for youth only is a private organization, not sponsored by the city Parks and Recreation Department. It engages in am-ateur swim team competitions. Information is available at the Community Center or online at smstrapids.org.
Who offers youth sports?There are may opportunities for youth sports in Shelton, be-
sides the interscholastic sports at Shelton High School and Shel-ton Intermediate School. Most youth sports organizations are independently run by parents and volunteers, but they receive support services such as field maintenance from the city.
Youth sports include:Little League (Americans: 203-925-9785, 203-929-7104,
sheltonamerican.com; Nationals: 203-924-2403, 203-209-6137, sheltonnational.org)
Babe Ruth Baseball (203-924-2403, sheltonbaberuth.com)
46 Shelton Answerbook, Shelton, Connecticut September 29, 2011
4646
Girls Fast Pitch Softball (203-924-2403)Girls Slow Pitch Softball (203-926-0560)Shelton Youth Soccer Organization (203-926-9808, 203-944-
0011, sysonet.org)Boys Biddy Basketball (cityofshelton.org/community/bid-
dybb)Bob Cousy Basketball (203-929-6215); Girls Basketball (203-
913-7465)Boys Flag Football (sfflonline.org)Pop Warner Football (www.eteamz.com/SheltonPopWarner/,
203-394-2546, 203-513-1115)Pop Warner Cheerleaders (www.eteamz.com/SheltonPop-
Warner/)Shelton Youth Football and Cheer (sheltonyouthfootball.org,)Shelton Youth Lacrosse (203-925-8305, 203-258-0618, shel-
tonyouthlacrosse.com)Rapids Shelton/Monroe Swim Team (203-924-7476, smstrap-
ids.org).
Does Shelton offer adult sports?The Parks and Recreation Department sponsors numerous
adult leagues, including men's and women's softball, men over 35 basketball, men over 18 basketball, men's summer basketball, men's, women's and co-ed volleyball, aerobics, yoga, tai chi and many other recreation programs and leagues. For information call 203-925-8422.
How can I find a list of Parks and Recreation programs online?
Go to huntingtonherald.com, click on “Community” and scroll down for Recreation Notes.
Is there ice-skating in Shelton?The Sports Center of Connecticut, at 784 River Road (203-
929-6500, sportscenterct.com), has an ice skating rink. There are times when individuals can come and skate, ice skating les-sons, figure skating programs, hockey and figure skating sum-mer camps, and a speed skating program.
What public golf courses are there in the area?The Brownson Country Club, 15 Soundview Avenue (203-
929-0555), and the Highland Golf Club, Wooster Street (203-924-9754), are both members-only golf courses.
Stratford, Bridgeport, Trumbull and Fairfield have municipal golf courses.
There are two public other public golf courses in the area:Golf Club at Oxford Greens, 99 Country Club Drive, Oxford
(203-888-1600)
Is there a Nature center nearby?Osbornedale State Park in Derby (take Route 8 to Derby, take
exit 18, take a left on Division Street and drive three-quarters of a mile to the park) is the location of the Kellogg Environmental Center, which offers nature walks, workshops, exhibits, activi-ties and lectures for the general public on birding, wildlife moni-toring, and a variety of other nature and environmental topics.
Where are the nearest movie theaters?Bow Ties Cinema Marquis 16, 100 Quarry Road, Trumbull
(203-365-6500)Regal Cinemas Stratford Stadium 14, 411 Barnum Avenue,
Stratford (203-381-9156)Seymour Cinema 12, 814 Derby Avenue, Seymour (203-734-
2000)Strand Theater, 165 Main Street, Seymour (203-881-5025)Connecticut Post 14 Cinema De Lux, 1201 Boston Post Road,
Milford (203-878-8795)
Where can I go hiking in Shelton?The Paugussett Trail, part of the state “blue dot” trail system
(because they are marked by blue blaze marks), starts at Indian Well State Park and travels 8.7 miles on moderate-to-difficult trails to East Village Road in Monroe.
Shelton has an extensive system of local trails. The most no-table section is the Shelton Lakes Recreation Path. Maps and descriptions of the Shelton trails are available online at Shelton-Trails.org, and at City Hall.
What is the Shelton Trails Committee?The Shelton Trails Committee works to develop and maintain
Shelton's municipal system of hiking trails.The committee has its own Web site at sheltontrails.org, which
contains: information about the location of trails; trail maps; rules for hiking, biking, horse riding and other use of the trails; information about flowers, trees and wildlife along the trails; news about trail development and ongoing projects; opportuni-ties to serve as a trail maintenance volunteer; and hiking social events.
The Shelton Trails Committee also has its own blog, “In the Field,” at sheltontrails.blogspot.com.
Where can I go boating and fishing in Shelton?Canoeing and fishing are allowed on all Shelton waterways
except those reservoirs managed by the Aquarion Water Com-pany (Trap Falls, Means Brook and Isinglass reservoirs). Motor-ized boats are allowed on the Housatonic River.
Popular Shelton fishing locations include Hope Lake on Nells Rock Road and the Farmill River, which runs across Huntington from Monroe to the Housatonic River. Both are stocked with trout for fishing season and also contain bass and sunfish (blue-gills). Pine Lake contains bass and sunfish, and Silent Waters contains pickerel, bass and sunfish.
Where can I go biking?Off-road bicycling is allowed on a 1.25-mile section of the
Shelton Lakes Recreation Path. The path crush stone surface is level and suitable for young children on bicycles or families with bicycles towing child trailers. The Derby Greenway, Pe-quonnock River Greenway in Trumbull, and the Housatonic Rail-Trail in Monroe are other options.
What is the Shelton Community Garden?In 2010, the city opened its first community garden on the
city-owned Klapik Farm property. For a $20 fee, city residents can rent a 20-foot-by-20-foot plot and grow their own vegetables or flowers. The Shelton Community Garden Committee opened second garden at 279 Soundview Avenue in 2011. To add your name to the waiting list for a plot, contact the Conservation Agent, 203-924-1555, extension 315, in City Hall.
Trails & Conservation
September 29, 2011 Shelton Answerbook, Shelton, Connecticut 47
4747
IndexAbsentee ballots ...................................................8After-school programs ........................................26Ambulance ...........................................................34Animal control officer .........................................18Art, dance, music ............................................36,38Blasting ................................................................20Board of Aldermen .......................................11, 15Board of Education .............................................22Bookstore ............................................................41Churches ..............................................................42Clubs, service organizations ...............................38City budget ..........................................................30City tax rate .........................................................30Coffee shops ........................................................40Dog park ..............................................................43Economic development ......................................11Ethics Commission ..............................................11Farm fresh produce .............................................41Federal Government ...........................................12Fire Department ..................................................35Fire marshal .........................................................16Fishing ..................................................................46Governor .............................................................12Food bank ..............................................................7Grand List ............................................................30Greater Valley Chamber of Commerce ..............39Hazardous waste disposal ..................................32Hiking ...................................................................46
Justices of the Peace ...........................................19Kindergarten .......................................................23Libraries ...............................................................39Local parks ...........................................................45Marriage license ....................................................6Mayor ...............................................................9, 15Newcomers’ Club ................................................38Nursery schools ....................................................26Pay to participate fees ........................................26Points of interest ....................................... map, 24Poison Control ......................................................36Police Department ..............................................35Population .............................................................6Public schools ......................................................22Refuse and recycling ...........................................32School hours ........................................................23Shelton Community Center ................................45Shelton history ......................................................5Sports programs, youth and adult ...............45,46State Legislature .................................................11Swimming ............................................................45Transportation ......................................................14United Way .............................................................7Veterinarians .......................................................43Volunteering ........................................................38Voter registration ..................................................8Wildlife ................................................................43Zoning permits ....................................................20
shelton answerbook.11
s h e l t o n a n s w e r b o o k i n d e x o f a d v e r t i s e r s
A.J. Klein Jewelers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3Baybrook Remodelers Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33Benedict’s Home & Garden. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17Brainards Fuel Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42Bridge to Preschool. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18, 31Brownson Country Club . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19Carroll’s Home Improvement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28Center Stage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29DiMatteo Group. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40Downtown Shelton. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28Dr. James Pinke . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13Glen B. Blair . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4Hunan Pan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21Huntington Paint & Wallpaper . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27Il Palio Restaurant . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10J. Cuts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28Kidstop . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48Life Designs. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
Liquid Lunch. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28M&M Transmission . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38The Medicine Shoppe . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30New Day Hair & Skin Salon. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27Pedicare . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7Performing Arts Center of CT, LLC . . . . . . . . . . . . 37Physical Therapy of Southern CT . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41Precision Tune. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29Professional Tire . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34Pumpkin Preschool . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12St. Joseph’sSchool . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2Stockbridges Cheesecakes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29Studio Fitness . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29Ted’s Appliance. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27Trattoria Roma . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35United Methodist/Wesley Village . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36Women’s Health Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22Y.Z. Jewelry . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8, 9
48 Shelton Answerbook, Shelton, Connecticut September 29, 2011
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