Started in 1983, Madison Youth and Family Services delivers a wide range of services to the town's youths and their families. The goal of the agency is to "foster the healthy development of the children of Madison and their families through progressive programs that offer prevention, community coordination and treatment services." Youth programs offered by the organization include Peer Advocates, Peer Helpers, the AIDS Awareness Project, Safe Rides, Perspectives, Girls Group and School-Based Mentoring. Parenting education classes and school-based programs are offered as well.
Pastor Jim Stoltenberg of Saint John Lutheran Church claims that its affiliated pre-school is the best-known part of his church. Sixty-five children between the ages of three and five years from throughout the area attend Saint John each year. The school has an independent director but the pastor himself participates in the school by providing a monthly story time.
This Episcopal church serves congregation members from Durham and the surrounding communities. Church of The Epiphany has roots in the town dating back to the late 1700s. The current church was consecrated in 1863. The church is now an independent Episcopal parish. Epiphany teaches tolerance, and offers a range of programs aimed at giving back to the community. Sunday services are held at 9:30am and 10:45am.
Located at the end of Waterside Lane, the Clinton Town Beach is a treasure of the town, offering beautiful sandy beaches, great views of Long Island Sound and peaceful scenery. The 1,700-foot-long beach is managed and staffed by the town's Parks and Recreation Department. During the summer season, residents can purchase a yearly pass (there is a reduced fee for seniors); non-residents pay per visit. Buses are welcome and pay per visit, as well. The beach also offers a (new) restroom building and snack shack.
The massive and stately stone of the Christ Episcopal Church has overlooked the Guilford Green for more than 250 years. It houses an active congregation that meets for regular Sunday worship as well as other special services. The church also holds special events including an annual Children's Christmas Pageant and publishes a quarterly newsletter.
Dedicated in September 2000, the Town Campus Playground is designed to be used by children five to twelve years old. The playground was created with the help of the Philip Picard family, in memory of Philip Picard, along with the Madison Newcomers Club, the Corey Erskine Memorial Foundation, the Pre K-Kindergarten PTQ, the Board of Education Modular Pre K-Kindergarten Project, Emily R. Vancil and Lenny and Joe's Fishtale.
The playground is conveniently located next to the town tennis courts, which are reserved for the use of town residents and their guests. Playing time should be limited to one hour when people are waiting.
Edie Rochette began teaching preschoolers in her home in 1967 and the next year, the nursery school moved to the Haddam Congregational Church. Children go on a number of field trips per year to local places, with parents providing transportation. Parents are encouraged to participate in the learning process.
Founded in 1958, the Bethel Assembly of God remains a vibrant spiritual community. Services are held on Sunday, Tuesday, and Wednesday. A variety of ministries focusing on distinct age and interest groups are available, including the Royal Rangers for young boys. The church also sponsors special missions which send adults to the far corners of the world.
The congregation of this multigenerational United Church of Christ prides itself on helping the less fortunate in the community and worldwide and is very active in church groups and charities. The pastor and members follow the teachings of Jesus Christ and welcome those of all faiths and denominations, wherever they are in their spiritual journey.
St. Patrick Church's parish mission statement is: "Called together by God to experience Jesus in His Word, in the Sacraments of the Church and in each other. We are committed to embrace all God's people as witnesses of God's mercy." The clergy is led by Rev. Water Nagle and the congregation has more than 1,400 household members.
The Madison Arts Barn houses the Madison Cable Access Group and a teen center run by Friends of Madison Youth. Neither is a government organization.
The teen center sponsors dances, camps, workshops and after-school activities for the town's youth. It hosts regular Band Nights where local bands show their talent. There is an outdoor skatepark here as well.
The Madison Cable Access Group is a nonprofit, tax-exempt volunteer organization that gives residents the ability to broadcasat non-commercial programs on local channels 18 (public), 19 (education) and 20 (government).
The library's mission is to promote equal access to information and ideas, love of reading and a wide range of community-based educational and cultural programs. According to librarytechnology.org, the library's collection contains 51,190 volumes. The library circulates 101,950 items per year and serves a population of about 12,000 residents.
Card members can access the Encyclopedia Britannica Online by visiting the library's Web site.
One of two public libraries in a town of 8,333 people, the Rathbun Library belongs to the LION Consortium with a 24/7 ocnline atalog, which offers patrons access to more than 800,000 items. The lower level is devoted to children's services, with chapter and picture books, movies on DVD and musical CDs for all ages. There is a very devoted Friends organization, which provides additional services and amenities, including the purchase of a new copier, subscriptions to an array of magazines and funds to secure museum passes to attractions around the state.
The Augusta Curtis Cultural Center is a nonprofit organization that offers a variety of arts and sciences-related lectures, interactive programs and exhibits. It also is available for private events, including weddings and parties. To view a calendar of upcoming events, visit the website provided.