Community Corner

Quotes of the Week, Sept. 26 - Oct. 2

A weekly review posted every Sunday that puts the spotlight on who's saying what in Stratford.

"Their representation was misleading and incorrect."

Speaker: Stratford EMS director Philip Onofrio

Background: Earlier this week, an open letter undersigned by four EMS volunteer officers said a new "management structure more common in the private commercial ambulance industry" would soon be implemented at Stratford EMS, and cause volunteers to lose their spot in the lineup. However, Onofrio said the new system won't result in any internal cuts.

Read more about how Onofrio is trying to "revitalize the volunteer component of the EMS" by clicking here.

***

"Even if it takes forever, I'm getting his job back."

Speaker: Jason Potter

Background: Potter is soliciting signatures for a petition to reinstate his recently fired godfather at Stratford High School. Potter said his godfather, David Greenberger, a substitute at Stratford High, was wrongfully discharged after a student overreacted when Greenberger tapped him on the shoulder with some papers to tell him to get back to work.

to watch a video of Potter explaining his movement, and read about what students and school officials have to say about the incident.

***

"I was very shocked and happy."

Speaker: Stratford High School senior soccer player Zach Zurita

Background: This was Zurita's reaction after he was asked to be featured on the fall cover of MSG Varsity, a magazine that highlights high school sports stars in the New York Tri-State area. Zurita was recognized by the publication a year after he set the single-season scoring record at Stratford High with 33 goals in 2010.

to learn how Zurita's father was a key influence in his soccer career.

***

"This is like putting a piece of duct tape on a screen door."

Speaker: Stratford Mayor John A. Harkins

Background: The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) released a report Wednesday approving a proposal to construct a runway safety area at Sikorsky Airport that would involve reconstruction of Main Street. Though the FAA said the proposed project poses "minimum to no adverse impacts" on human or environmental life, Mayor Harkins said the plan doesn't address flooding issues, blighted buildings and decomposing grounds.

You can read the FAA's report in full by going to .

***

"The $1,000 is a catalyst that says we believe in this town."

Speaker: Danielle Hawthorne of the Brinkman Charitable Foundation

Background: The South End Community Center received a $1,000 check from the Brinkman Charitable Foundation this week to invest into repairs and upgrades at its computer lab. Two out of the nine 4-year-old computers are out of service and Christine Dina, the chair of the South End Community Council of Stratford, doesn't know why.

To read more about the fundraising effort, including Council member Stephanie Philips' contribution, .

***

"I had nothing to fall back on to feed my family."

Speaker: Stratford artist Ricardo Murillo

Background: In 2009, Murillo lost his job and was faced with the difficult decision of how to pay for the essentials for his two sons and longtime girlfriend. Murillo said that was when he bought his first camera and starting taking photos of street culture and posting them on the Internet. Now, Murillo is a respected and successful photographer.

One of Murillo's photos, along with the Stratford resident's face and name, will soon be on a billboard in Times Square. to find out how that came to be.


Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here