News in Brief: 77kids, Family Circle and UI

Trumbull Ranked 7th Best: Family Circle Magazine has named Trumbull the 7th best place for families with a 9 out of 10 (10 is best) ranking for its schools.

First Selectman Timothy M. Herbst said he was "all smiles" upon hearing the news. The strong rating Trumbull received regarding public schools is the direct result of student performance on standardized testing, he said. 

“This is wonderful news for the Town of Trumbull,” Herbst said. “This ranking underscores Trumbull’s strength as a community of choice in Connecticut because of our strong quality of life, strong schools and strong infrastructure. This is also another example of how, despite a tough national and state economy, Trumbull continues to shine, as we weather this storm with tremendous confidence for the future.”

“No one should question the strength of Trumbull’s school system,” Herbst added. “In other communities, we are seeing massive teacher layoffs, school closures and increased class size. Despite a tough economy, for the second year in a row, we have avoided school closures, we have not seen drastic layoffs and we have maintained class size. Family Circle Magazine clearly recognizes this as well and this a reason why our schools and our quality of life have again received national recognition and accolades.” 

The magazine also quoted Town Councilwoman Martha Jankovic-Mark:

"My husband Larry and I have lived in Trumbull since 1987. People often are steered to Trumbull by the better affordability of great Fairfield County schools and recreational facilities. We stumbled upon it via my mom, who was our real estate agent. Prior to this, we had lived in Fairfield, CT, Norwalk, CT and NYC. We chose to live in Trumbull because it is a delightful suburb of NYC, a real jewel in the area. It is a safe, friendly community with great schools, parks and recreational facilities. There is a lot of open, picturesque space. We like to go hiking in the Pequonnock River Valley rails-to-trails and other parks year round. In the summer, we take advantage of the tennis courts and pools. The indoor pool is open year round for swimming. Presently we are not golfers, but friends seem to enjoy the town's 27-hole golf course."

Trumbull has also been listed among the best places to retire in Connecticut by U.S. News & World Report magazine.

United Illuminating Co. to Hold Forum in Bridgeport City Hall: A regional community meeting will take place July 19 at 7 p.m. in Bridgeport City Hall, 45 Lyon Terrace.

Representatives of UIL Holdings Corporation and its subsidiaries, The United Illuminating Company and The Southern Connecticut Gas Company, will give short presentations about electric and gas safety and infrastructure. They will also take questions from customers.

77kids Opening at the : 77kids by American Eagle, the clothing and accessories brand from American Eagle, will hold a grand opening of an interactive store July 20.

For the “Rock77” back-to-school season, stores will also feature a rock stage with real instruments, punk rock hair stations and interactive touch screen kiosks where kids can select virtual outfits or star in their own music video that they can share online in addition to the “Pick Yer Prize” Goodie Bar of free goodies. Parents can also enter the “Be a 77kids Rockstar at Austin City Limits Music Festival” sweepstakes to win a family trip to the festival in September.

"77SWAT Teams" will be available before the opening with razor scooters and "Rad Packs," giving out stickers, tattoos, and flyers with guitar picks inviting people to attend the grand opening in addition to “Scratch and Win!” coupons where consumers can get up to 77 percent off and other music-themed prizes including iPods, headphones, gift cards and jeans.