Friday, February 28, 2014

Derby-Shelton Rotary gives Dr. Seuss books to first graders


In conjunction with Read Across America and  Dr. Seuss' birthday on March 2, Bill Miller and the Derby-Shelton Rotary Club presented each first grader of St. Mary-St. Michael School in Derby with a copy of one of his most famous books, Green Eggs and Ham. The class is pictured here with their teacher, Nancy Hunt, center, and Principal Linda Coppola. / Contributed photo 

Derby mayor: Police commissioners 'settling in'

Police commissioners being sworn in at Derby City Hall by former state Rep. Vincent Tonucci, right. Pictured from left: Thomas E. DeGennaro, Denise A. Bottone, John Mastrianni, Sr. / Contributed photo



DERBY - It’s been nearly two months since residents Thomas E. DeGennaro, John Mastrianni, Sr., and Denise A. Bottone, were sworn in to office as the city's new police commissioners.
Mayor Anita Dugatto appointed the commissioners in accordance with Derby’s city charter.

Dugatto said in a release: “The focus of our Board of Police Commissioners, in partnership with Derby’s outstanding police force, is to protect our neighborhoods and those that live, work, and play in them. We should strive to create a climate of mutual trust and respect for our laws, and for our officers, who are dedicated to enforcing them.”

During the swearing-in ceremony Jan. 6, Dugatto said each commissioner is uniquely qualified for the job.
“Our new commissioners are committed to partnering with Derby’s police force to protect our neighborhoods," she said.
"Their combined experience will allow them to represent the interests of our city, its citizens, and our police force from many points of view.  I am confident they will make decisions with fairness, openness, and a consideration for those they serve.”

Commissioner Thomas E. DeGennaro, who currently serves as Chairman of the Board of Police Commissioners, was born and raised in Derby, dedicating his career to law enforcement.

DeGennaro joined the Derby Police Department in 1976 and held numerous supervisory positions. After 12 years of police service, he was appointed to the Division of Criminal Justice for the State of Connecticut, Office of the Chief State’s Attorney.
During his 16 years at the Chief State’s Attorney’s Office, he held the rank of Supervisory Inspector and supervised five specialized investigative units.
DeGennaro participated in and directed numerous high profile investigations on organized crime, political corruption, public integrity, white-collar crime, and grand juries. Upon his retirement, DeGennaro was honored by the State of Connecticut for his dedication and efforts to raise the standards of excellence in the Division of Criminal Justice and for his service to the citizens of the State of Connecticut.

Commissioner John Mastrianni, Sr. is also a lifelong resident of Derby and is currently an adjunct instructor of computer science, project and operations management, and engineering economics at the University of New Haven. 
He earned a master’s degree in business administration fom UNH and has worked as a science teacher, production planner, systems analyst, and IT manager in several Connecticut corporations over a 45-year career. 
Mastrianni said, “I emphasize software applications in criminal justice in the computer science course I teach.  I also have experience in cost-benefit analysis, project management, and conflict resolution. “

When asked what he would like to accomplish as a police commissioner, Mastrianni responded, “I am interested in improving communications between the community and the Derby Police Department, as well as coordinating new community programs to facilitate cooperation, crime reduction, and community pride in Derby.
"I am also looking forward to assisting the Chief of Police in evaluating the effectiveness of our efforts to reduce crime and victimization.”

Commissioner Denise Bottone has experience in local government,  having previously served on Derby’s Board of Education.
Bottone grew up in Agawam, Mass. and she moved to Derby in 1995. A working mother, Bottone understands the needs and concerns of today’s modern family.
“I am a fair person with an open mind and will do my best to make decisions in the best interest of the city,” says Bottone.

The Derby Police Commission is a civilian oversight board for the Derby Police Department.
The Commission meets on the second Monday of each month at 6 p.m., unless otherwise noted.

Meetings are held at Derby City Hall, Joan Williamson Aldermanic Chambers, 1 Elizabeth St.


This post is taken from a press release from the mayor's office.


Maple syrup-making is topic at Ansonia center

Nature's Child program

ANSONIA - Children of preschool age accompanied by an adult are invited to join Ranger Wendy at 10:30 a.m. March 7 at the Ansonia Nature and Recreation Center to learn how maple trees make sugar.

Learn how to make maple syrup the old-fashioned way, and taste a sample of real nature center syrup on ice cream.

Tuition is $6 per family, $4 for Ansonia residents and family-level members of the Friends of the Ansonia Nature Center, Inc.

The nature center is at 10 Deerfield Road. To register call 203-736-1053.





This is a press release from the Ansonia Nature and Recreation Center.

Thursday, February 27, 2014

April event in Ansonia to benefit TEAM


This information is from TEAM's Facebook page.

Seymour arts commission to host concert

Band to perform Celtic music
SEYMOUR - Come celebrate St. Patrick’s Day at 7 p.m. March 8 with the Naugatuck Community Band sponsored by the Seymour Culture and Arts Commission.


The band will perform a Celtic Music Concert featuring Irish favorites such as Gaelic Rhapsody and The Rakes of Mallow as well as music from the movie Brave and the Broadway production Lord of the Dance as well as many other Celtic and Irish pieces.

The Naugatuck Community Band is a volunteer, non-profit  organization consisting of musicians from throughout the Valley and beyond.


The Celtic concert will be held at Seymour Middle School, 211 Mountain Road.

The concert is free to the public but those attending are asked to bring a non-perishable item to donate to the local food bank.
Items most needed at this time are pancake mix, syrup, peanut butter, minute rice, applesauce and condiments.

For more information or questions call Kim, 203-888-7880.


This is a press release from the Seymour Culture and Arts Commission. 

Griffin Hospital in Derby to hold talks on digestive health

DERBY - Griffin Hospital is offering two free presentations to help individuals get the “inside tract” 
on digestive health this March. 

Hospital physicians will present “The ‘Ins’ and ‘Outs’ of the Digestive System” at 6 p.m. March 11 and 25 in the hospital’s Meditation and Learning Center, 130 Division St.
They will explain how the digestive system works and discuss the signs, symptoms and causes of common digestive disorders.
The March 11 talk will focus on the upper part of the digestive system, covering topics such as acid reflux, GERD, and gastritis. 
The March 25 presentation will focus on the lower portion, covering topics such as inflammatory bowel disease, celiac, Crohn’s, and colon cancer.

The presentation is part of Griffin Hospital's Healthy U “Tuesday Talks,” a series of free wellness talks featuring Griffin Hospital medical experts and community partners providing trusted health information and answers to questions on a wide range of topics.

All Tuesday Talks are held in Griffin Hospital’s Meditation and Learning Center, 130 Division St.
Light refreshments will be served.
To reserve a spot or for more information, call 203-732-1511 or visit griffinhealth.org/programsevents.


This is a press release from Griffin Hospital.

Ansonia announces fire-prevention poster contest winners

At Mead, Prendergast schools


John C. Mead School winners


John G. Prendergast School winners


ANSONIA - Fire Marshal Ralph Tingley has announced the winners of the annual Fire Prevention Poster Contest for Ansonia Public Schools..
Gift cards were presented to the top three winners in Grades 4 and 5 for Mead and Prendergast Schools.
Superintendent of Schools Dr. Carol Merlone and Assistant Superintendent Michael Wilson joined the building principals for Tuesday's presentation.

Adisa Gjonbalaj, a fifth grader at Mead, is the grand prize winner for the city. Her poster is on display in the state Capitol in Hartford.

The other winners at Mead are as follows: Grade 4, first prize, Kendall Cain; second prize, Hannah Vu; and third prize, Jovi Guevara. Adisa is the first place winner for Grade 5, while Theresa Kardos won second and Gabriella Gjoni took the third prize.

At Prendergast, fourth grade winners are Amani Gonzalez, first prize; Emily Borona, second prize; and Devin Allen, third prize, while the fifth grade winners are Gabriella Morales, first prize; Lily Romanowski, second prize; and Tessa Peluso, third prize.



This is a press release from Ansonia Public Schools. 

Ansonia Nature Center to host tribute to astronomer

ANSONIA - The Ansonia Nature and Recreation Center will host A Tribute to John Dobson at 7 p.m. March 8.

Bob Carruthers, Andy Poniros and other members of the New Haven Astronomical Society will present a program at the center to honor the late astronomer John Dobson.

He was an international figure who died in January at 98 after a life spent doing more to encourage amateur astronomers than anyone else.

Carruthers, who knew Dobson well, said he was a Buddhist monk, who having made a telescope out of recycled materials looked at the moon and was amazed by what he saw.
Carruthers said Dobson vowed that everyone, not just scientists, should be able to experience the night sky.

Dobson founded the "San Francisco Sidewalk Astronomers" and during his lifetime, traveled widely, including going to many national parks to present programs on astronomy.


March 8 has been declared "Sidewalk Astronomy Day." Carruthers will show a film, "A Sidewalk Astronomer," about Dobson's life and work.
After the film, Carruthers, Poniros and other members of the New Haven Astronomical Society who knew Dobson will share memories of him.

Weather permitting, the audience will then go outside to observe the night sky, quite possibly through
Dobsonian telescopes"that Dobson invented.

To register for this free program call 203-736-1053.
The nature center is at 10 Deerfield Road.


This is a press release from the Ansonia Nature and Recreation Center.

Wednesday, February 26, 2014

Bradley School kindergartners in Derby mark fairy tale day



The girls in kindergarten teacher Jenny Ames' class at Bradley School Wednesday enjoy posing as fairy princesses.





Giancarlo Bartone portrays the Big Bad Wolf/Grandma.

 


Twins Dante and Logan Espin both dress as Prince Charming.




Christian Castellini and Kiara Cragwell portray Beauty and the Beast.




Many thanks go out to kindergarten teacher Jenny Ames for the photos.

Ansonia tax board revises workshop schedule


Teen project planned at Derby Public Library

DERBY - The Derby Public Library hosts YA Wednesdays each month from 6-7:30 p.m.

All young adults ages 12 to 17 are invited to join the fun March 19 for a Teen Lego Construction Project.

Light refreshments will be provided.
Registration is requested.

For more information stop by the Library at 313 Elizabeth St., call 203-736-1482 or visit www.derbypubliclibrary.org.


This is a press release from Tony DeLos, Young Adult/Reference Librarian, Derby Public Library.

Crisco takes part in ASPCA day in Hartford



State Sen. Joseph J. Crisco, Jr. , D-Woodbridge, meets Porkchop, a one and a half year old Shar Pei-Pitbull mix available for adoption through the Hartford-based Protectors of Animals,  an animal shelter and rescue.  Crisco joined Porkchop and advocates for the ASPCA's CT Voices for Animals Day in Hartford. / Contributed photo


HARTFORD - State Sen. Joseph J. Crisco, Jr., D-Woodbridge, joined the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, local animal advocates and state lawmakers in Hartford last week for the first-ever Connecticut Voices for Animals Day.
The ASPCA hosted the event to raise awareness of the cruelty inflicted upon dogs in inhumane commercial breeding facilities.

“When we voted last year to create a task force to study these facilities we took a good first step toward ending this disturbing practice,” Crisco said. “I hope that as we continue to raise awareness of these facilities, more public pressure will be placed on lawmakers across the country to take action. It is time for other states to follow Connecticut’s example.”

The ASPCA encouraged lawmakers to support a phase-out of the sale of commercially-bred animals in the state’s pet shops as a way to curb the cruel treatment of dogs in large-scale facilities known as puppy mills.

Protectors of Animals, a Hartford-based rescue group, was on hand with dogs from their shelter to promote adoption as a humane alternative.

In 2013, the legislature called for the establishment of a bipartisan task force to examine the inhumane source of dogs and cats sold in Connecticut’s pet shops.
After several public hearings and meetings, the task force recommended that all new pet shops obtain their dogs from shelters and rescue organizations.

According to a national survey, nearly 80 percent of consumers would not purchase a puppy if they knew it came from a puppy mill. The poll revealed that more than three fourths of all adults nationwide are unaware that most pet store puppies come from puppy mills.


This is a press release from Crisco's office. 

Ansonia Library to host college-planning program

ANSONIA - The Ansonia Library will present "College: Creating Your Own Path" at 5:30 p.m. March 25.
The event is hosted by Brenner LeCompte and Jon Dibble from Morgan Stanley.


Be it public or private, in-state or out, the costs of attending college are higher than ever before.
For many, this price tag makes earning a college degree no more than a dream. 
How prepared is your family to tackle these rising odds and pursue the goal of higher education?

Come sit in on March 25 for a fresh look at the essentials of college planning.
The presentation will address some common myths, explain savings alternatives, and most importantly, provide the information you need to turn your child’s college dreams into reality.
Bring your family, friends, and all others who are interested.

The library is at 53 South Cliff St.

Refreshments will be provided.
For further information call Joyce Ceccarelli, 203-734-6728.


This is a press release from Joyce Ceccarelli, Director, Ansonia Library.

Residents 'generous' in donating to Spooner House in Shelton

Collection surpasses goal
In a press release today, Spooner House executive director Susan Agamy said, "The 12th annual Valley Has a Heart Spooner House food collection held Saturday at three Stop & Shop stores in the Lower Naugatuck Valley proved residents here are generous, despite the rough winter we have all experienced. We were over our goal by more than $1,850."

Stop & Shop, the event's marquee sponsor, along with site sponsors Daniel Jacobs, LLC of Oxford and Dworken, Hillman, LaMorte & Sterczala, PC of Shelton, contributed $2,850.  

The Spooner House Food Bank received 51 shopping cart loads of food from all three Stop & Shop sites and the cash collected was just under $2,000.  Totals were:

Ansonia – 13 carts of food; $439.20

Seymour – 16 carts of food; $530.13

Shelton – 22 carts of food; $988.48


The goal was to gather enough non-perishable food to last for at least two months and $3,000 to use for restocking the shelves as needed during the cold winter months. 
Check out the Spooner House website linked above for a list of the most-needed food items.


Non-profit Area Congregations Together, Inc. was formed in 1979 to help fill gaps in the Naugatuck Valley’s social service network. 
Today, Spooner House is operated by ACT and is a facility that provides food, shelter and support services to approximately 200 men, women and children each year.  More than 6,000 individuals have been served by the Food Bank this past year, comprising more than 130,000 meals. 

Spooner House is recognized as one of the most comprehensive emergency shelter programs in Connecticut and through its food bank provides a week’s supply of groceries each month to participating families throughout the Naugatuck Valley. 
Spooner House is devoted to helping people establish self-sufficiency in an atmosphere of respect and dignity. 


This is taken from a press release from Area Congregations Together, Inc., a partner agency of the Valley United Way.

Sign up now for Seymour spring soccer

SEYMOUR - The Seymour Soccer Association is holding registration for the spring season, which runs from mid-April to mid-June. Deadline for registration is March 8.

The In-House Recreation Program consists of a weeknight practice and a game each Sunday.
The Travel Program consists of two weeknight practices and weekend  games.


Mail registration form to SSA, P.O. Box 397, Seymour, 06483.

In-House Recreation Program fee (Divisions 1 and 2): $85 per child if played in fall, 2013, or $90 per child if did not play in fall 2013.

Travel Program Fee: $130 per child if played in fall 2013, or $135 per child if did not play in fall 2013.

For additional information and a printable registration form, visit www.seymoursoccer.org.
Like us on Facebook at Seymour Soccer Association for instant SSA news.


This is a press release from Seymour Soccer Association.

Seymour Lions seek scholarship applicants

SEYMOUR - The Seymour Lions Club is accepting scholarship applications.

The scholarship is open to all high school students who are residents of Seymour planning to attend any college or course of study.
Two $1,000 scholarships are awarded each year. You can fill out your application  at www.e-clubhouse.org/sites/seymourct, (under the scholarship tab), print it out and then mail the complete application, essay and cover sheet. 

Submit your application to the Seymour Lions Club, 26 George St., Seymour, 06483. 
All applications must be postmarked by April 1 of the current year.

The check will be made payable directly to the college/course of study upon verification of student's acceptance into the college/course of study.



This is a press release from Seymour Lions Club.

Tuesday, February 25, 2014

Maple Festival slated Saturday at Ansonia Nature Center

Event to include tree-tapping demonstration

ANSONIA - The Friends of the Ansonia Nature Center, Inc. will host a daylong Maple Festival Saturday at the center, 10 Deerfield Road.

The running of the sap is one of the earliest signs that spring is on the way.

The day will start with a pancake breakfast from 8-10 a.m.

Other events scheduled between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. include a demonstration of how to identify and tap trees, and a live owl program.   

The Derby Historical Society will have early Colonial and Native American displays depicting how maple sugar was made during Colonial times.


Tim Sotir of Coon Hollow Farm in Oxford and Ansonia resident Greg Karas will demonstrate traditional and modern methods of making maple syrup.

Richard Feher from the Connecticut Maple Syrup Producers Association will give a lecture on equipment, collecting, and storing syrup.
He also will cover tools needed to tap your own backyard trees.

New this year will be Dad's Food Truck from Oxford. Food and beverages with a maple theme will be available all day.
For lunch, Dad will be serving a choice of maple pulled-pork sandwiches, maple butternut and apple soup, burgers with gorgonzola cheese and maple bacon and more.

Visit the Friends' Maple Bake Sale and purchase fresh syrup from Nil Guillet, owner of the Sugar Shack in Oxford.

Special programs for children will include crafts and Ranger Marty's popular pancake-eating contest.

Admission is free, but all proceeds will benefit the wildlife rehabilitation program.

For information call 203-736-1053.



This is a press release from the Ansonia Nature and Recreation Center.

Dinner to benefit Shelton fire company


Info taken from White Hills Fire Company's Facebook page.

Derby Public Library to host book discussion

DERBY - The Derby Public Library has scheduled its next Lunchtime Book Discussion for 12:30 p.m. March 26.

The selected title is the gripping novel The Aviator’s Wife.  Acclaimed novelist Melanie Benjamin pulls back the curtain on the marriage of one of America’s most extraordinary couples, Charles Lindbergh and Anne Morrow Lindbergh.

Despite Anne’s own major accomplishments – she became the first licensed female glider pilot in the United States – Anne is viewed merely as the aviator’s wife.

The author finally takes her out from behind her husband’s shadow and lets her be the heroine in her own story.

Multiple copies of the book are available at the circulation desk.

Participants are asked to bring a sandwich and a friend as they “chat and chew.” Dessert and beverages will be provided.
Registration is requested.

For more information, stop by the Library at 313 Elizabeth St., call 203-736-1482 or visit
www.derbypubliclibrary.org.



This is a press release from Cathy Williams, Director, Derby Public Library.

Lawmakers to discuss impact of cut on mental health clinics

HARTFORD - The Fiscal Year 15 state budget includes a multi-million dollar reduction to the Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services, forcing the department to drastically reduce much of its grant funding for community-based outpatient mental health clinics. 

A Legislative Breakfast will be held at 8:30 a.m. Wednesday regarding a $25.5M cut to DMHAS and its effect on community-based, outpatient mental health and addiction services.

The event will be held in the Old Judiciary Room, third floor, Capitol building.
  
According to a press release from BHcare, a behavioral health organization: "If the state budget remains the same, thousands of Connecticut residents will no longer have access to mental health medication and treatment in their communities."


This post is taken from a press release from BHcare.
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                     


Local history topic of talk at Derby library

DERBY -  The Derby Public Library welcomes back Rob Novak, Jr., local historian, at 6:30 p.m. March 24 to discuss Yesterday’s Headlines.

Novak has specialized in presenting local history in fun, interactive formats for general and specialized audiences for more than 20 years.

He is past director of the Derby Historical Society and City of Shelton’s Municipal Historian.
In addition, he has authored four books through Arcadia Publications, and has been a popular historical columnist.

Participants will be taken back to 1914, 1939, and 1964 to see what was happening locally 100, 75, and 50 years ago in the Valley.
Registration is requested.

For more information, stop by the Library at 313 Elizabeth St., call 203-736-1482, or visit www.derbypubliclibrary.org.




This is a press release from Cathy Williams, Director, Derby Public Library.

Derby Neck Library offers games, history talk, music, more

Ancient games
DERBY - Ancient Games will be offered at 6 p.m. March 4 at Derby Neck Library.

This is a new club that features the lessons and equipment needed to learn some of the earliest of gaming—Mahjong, Chess, Go, Mancala, and Parchisi are featured.

These games will be taught in progression, so that attendees can learn new skills and advance to more strategically skilled games.
Photo taken from library website
No previous experience is needed for you to participate.
Bring a friend and enjoy free instructions.
No registration is required.  

Music and movement
Join Miss Kathi at 6:30 p.m. March 5 for Bedtime Music and Movement. Come in your pajamas and bring a favorite stuffed animal to sing and dance under our indoor stars.
No registration is needed.

Indian Wars talk
At 6:30 p.m. March 6 welcome back Prof. David Koch from Housatonic Community College for another engaging and informative talk on American history.
Join us to learn about Indian Wars in Connecticut.

Koch will describe how these wars affected our earliest state settlers.  His focus will be on the King Philip’s War and the Pequot-Mohegan War, including a fierce battle in Fairfield in 1637 that determined the outcome of the latter tribal conflict.

Bring your questions and comments and engage in a stimulating discussion. No registration is necessary.  Free refreshments.

Writers' Round

Writers’ Round meets twice each month.  Join us at 6:30 p.m.  March 11 for a write-in.  Share a time and space with other authors—we have wi-fi and print capability in the library.
Authors of all genres are invited—poetry, scripts, prose, fiction, and the like.

On March 20 join us once more at 6:30 p.m. for a workshop to share your original works with fellow writers for comments and suggestions. 

Women's Forum
On Mon. March 17 at 12:30 p.m. hosts Women’s Forum, a monthly discussion group that focuses on topics on literature, history, and the arts that are pertinent to women.  This is a luncheon group, so you are invited to bring a light repast.  Free coffee and tea are served.
This month we honor St. Patrick’s Day by discussing Irish poetry, legends, wit, and more.  Bring your ideas. Moderator Patricia Sweeney of the library staff will bring in some relevant materials.

Movie, pizza
All teens and tweens are invited to enjoy the movie “Catching Fire” from the Hunger Games books at 5:30  p.m. March 18.
The film is in high definition blu-ray on a large screen.  Free pizza will also be served.
Bring a friend or two, but remember you must register in advance.

Tech Talks
Tech Talks, a monthly free program, will be held at 10:30 a.m. March 19.  This month we explain how to do scanning and basic photo editing.
You will leave with the knowledge to use a digital scanner and photo editing software allowing you to archive home photos, family documents, and more.  Also, bring your questions for our presenting staffer.

Teen Game Day
From 5-7 p.m. March 27 the library hosts Teen Game Day.  All teens and tweens are invited to enjoy our wi-fi u console and challenge the skills of their friends.
Also available will be board games, dice, and card games—and refreshments. This is a new program that will be recurring in upcoming months. No registration is required.

To register or for information on any program call 203-734-1492. The library is at 307 Hawthorne Ave.


This is a press release from Patricia Sweeney, reference librarian, Derby Neck Library.

Monday, February 24, 2014

Griffin in Derby to teach smoking-cessation methods

'That's It - Learn to Quit' program
DERBY - Griffin Hospital is helping members of the community prepare to quit smoking with a free smoking cessation program.
“That’s It – Learn to Quit” teaches a variety of methods to help individuals quit smoking. The program consists of weekly meetings for five weeks.
Upcoming sessions start on March 4, April 16, and June 3.
“The goal of the program is to help you learn how to quit,” said Carrie O’Malley, RN, a co-coordinator of the program. “There are different methods of quitting and managing nicotine withdrawal. If one method didn’t work for you in the past we’ll help you understand all your options.”
Through group discussion and interactive activities, participants learn how to develop a quit plan that addresses their personal behaviors and habit.
Strategies to manage nicotine withdrawal, behaviors, triggers, urges are all discussed as well as weight control and stress management.
To register for “That’s It – Learn to Quit,” call O'Malley, 203-732-1476.


This is a press release from Griffin Hospital.

Man stabbed, companion robbed in Ansonia

ANSONIA >> Police responded to a report of a stabbing and robbery at about 4:30 a.m. Sunday on Tremont Street, Lt. Andrew Cota said Monday in a release.

A 24-year old male and a 21-year old female were approached by a group of four males after the vehicle the male and female were driving became disabled.

The males approached the vehicle and stole the male victim’s phone and then assaulted him, Cota said.
The male victim was stabbed in the stomach area and was sent to Yale-New Haven Hospital for treatment of non life-threatening injuries.
After the victim was stabbed they also stole the female victim's pocketbook.
The males fled the area. They were described as four black males in their early 20s. They were seen driving in an older model Toyota possibly silver or other light color.

This case is still under investigation and no arrests have been made, 
Cota said.

Derby-Shelton Rotary sponsors Boys and Girls Club

Funds to support teen program
William Miller, Jr., President, Derby-Shelton Rotary Club, recently presents the Rotary’s sponsorship check to Shaye Roscoe, Executive Director of the Boys and Girls Club of the Lower Naugatuck Valley. / Contributed photo



SHELTON - The Boys and Girls Club of the Lower Naugatuck Valley has received a $4,500 sponsorship from the Derby-Shelton Rotary Club to support its teen program for the first quarter of 2014.
The funds are being used for staff, supplies, and activities for teens who attend the Raymond P. Lavietes Clubhouse in Shelton.

“We are deeply grateful to the Derby-Shelton Rotary Club for sponsoring our Teen Room,” said Shaye Roscoe, Boys and Girls Club Executive Director.
 “These kids need us—statistics show again and again that the hours of 3-6 pm are the “danger zone” for unsupervised youth. The Boys & Girls Club offers them a positive alternative to the streets, exposing them to a team committed to their success and programming designed to help them succeed in school and in life.
"We are able to provide this quality programming to our teens because of such civic-minded organizations as the Derby-Shelton Rotary Club.”

For information about the Boys and Girls Club of the Lower Naugatuck Valley, visit www.BGC-LNV.org.


This is a press release from the Boys and Girls Club of the Lower Naugatuck Valley.

Griffin in Derby to host health insurance sessions

DERBY - Griffin Hospital will host two information sessions for individuals interested in enrolling in Access Health CT, the state’s health insurance exchange.

Sessions are scheduled for 3-7 p.m. March 3 in the hospital’s Dining Room Meeting Rooms 1 and 2, and 10 a.m.-3 p.m. March 15 in the hospital’s Meditation and Learning Center.


Certified health insurance assisters will present information about Access Health CT and will be available help individuals enroll in health insurance.
Those interested are asked to RSVP by calling Maggie Sessa, 203-732-1136.
One-on-one enrollment assistance is still available from now until March 31.
Sessa and the Rev. Esther Jones, are available at Griffin Hospital’s Health Resource Center from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. on Mondays and Thursdays and at the Valley United Way, 54 Grove St., Shelton, from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Fridays.
These two assisters can offer guidance when selecting coverage, verify that all paperwork is completed properly, check if an individual qualifies for financial aid, and help complete enrollment.
Interested individuals must make an appointment to receive one-on-one assistance.

Call 203-732-1136 or email msessa@griffinhealth.org to set up an appointment.

The assisters are available to work out a time and date to help those with busy schedules.


This is a press release from Griffin Hospital.  

Show your skills in art contest at Griffin Hospital in Derby

4th annual event benefits breast wellness center
A super “Paint a Duck” entry from last year. / Contributed photo

DERBY - Griffin Pharmacy & Gifts’ 4th Annual “Paint-A-Duck” Contest is under way.
This annual art contest invites members of the community to show off their painting skills and help support The Hewitt Center for Breast Wellness at Griffin Hospital.

Participants can purchase a “Paint-A-Duck” kit at Griffin Pharmacy & Gifts, located on the ground floor of Griffin Hospital at 130 Division St., or at the Boutique at The Center for Cancer Care at Griffin Hospital, 350 Seymour Ave.
The Hewitt Center for Breast Wellness receives $1 for every paint kit purchased.
Participants may decorate their duck using the eight different color paints included in the kit or improvise with their own.
Props and accessories are also allowed.
All entries must be dropped off at Griffin Pharmacy & Gifts by April 14.

Each entry will be displayed inside Griffin Pharmacy & Gifts as they are submitted.
A panel of judges will decide the winning duck in each of the following categories: Best in Show; Most Creative; Best Use of Props; Best Theme; Best Group Effort; Best Senior Entry; Best Children’s Entry (Age 5 & under); Best Children’s Entry (Age 6-10); and Best Children’s Entry (Age 11-14).

Each winning category will receive a $25 Gift Certificate to Griffin Pharmacy & Gifts.

For more information, call 203-732-1490 or email gpg@griffinhealth.org.


This is a press release from Griffin Hospital. 

Saturday, February 22, 2014

Derby kindergartners get healthy lesson from mayor


Derby Mayor Anita Dugatto, a dentist, demonstrates proper brushing technique Friday to Isaiah Pierce in teacher Jenny Ames' kindergarten classroom at Bradley School in Derby. February is National Children's Dental Health Month. / Contributed photo

Friday, February 21, 2014

Crisco backs Malloy's universal pre-K plan

HARTFORD - Calling it a moral responsibility, state Sen. Joseph J. Crisco, Jr. , D-Woodbridge, today added his support to Gov. Dannel P. Malloy’s plan to achieve universal access to pre-kindergarten in Connecticut.

“This is a commitment that Connecticut should have made a long time ago,” Crisco said.
“We know that access to quality early childhood education improves academic and life achievement. I’m thrilled we now have a governor who recognizes the importance of investing in education, and sees that this is one of the best commitments we can make to Connecticut’s future.”

The Governor’s plan calls for full-day pre-K opportunities for 1,020 children for fiscal year 2015, and will expand to serve a total of 4,010 additional children by 2019.
Eligibility will be based on income and will use the existing eligibility requirements for the state’s School Readiness program.

The plan will provide full-day pre-K for approximately 1,000 additional children for each of the first three years and 500 children during each of the last two years of the plan. The additional 1,020 opportunities for the coming year will become available at the beginning of the 2015 school year.

In addition to increasing opportunities, the plan will also increase reimbursement rates for state-funded Child Day Care Centers and School Readiness programs, and provide funding for startup grants for classrooms.

The proposal calls on the Office of Early Childhood to develop a plan regarding universal pre-K access to submit to the Governor by Jan. 1, 2015.

“There will be many intricate, comprehensive arguments made in favor of this proposal in the coming months, but there is a much more basic reason to do it,” Crisco said. “It is simply and undeniably the right thing to do."


This is a press release from Crisco's office.

Kelly to help displaced Sikorsky workers

Company to lay off more than 600  
HARTFORD - State Sen. Kevin Kelly, R-Stratford, released the following statement today regarding the announcement of over 600 layoffs at Sikorsky Aircraft, with a majority of those layoffs happening in Stratford.

Kevin Kelly
“I am extremely disappointed that Sikorsky will be eliminating so many jobs here in Connecticut. Hundreds of families will be negatively impacted by this decision, and my heart goes out to these individuals. Our community will suffer greatly from this loss," he said.
“Right now my top concern is to help the displaced workers. But we also must look at the bigger issues at play. Connecticut’s economy is suffering and our job market is shrinking. When a layoff of this scale occurs, it becomes clear that Connecticut is in trouble. If our employers cannot prosper, neither can our people,” Kelly said.

In an effort to help the community, Kelly will be sending a letter to Department of Labor Commissioner Glen Marshall expressing his concerns and requesting that the department’s Rapid Response Team be dispatched to educate the workers about training opportunities, job search assistance and unemployment benefits.
 
This is a press release from Kelly's office. 

Ansonia mayor reschedules 'night out'

ANSONIA - Mayor David S. Cassetti will hold his first 'Mayor's Night Out' and Block Watch meeting with residents at 6:30 p.m. March  4 at the Ansonia Rescue Medical Services building, 22 W. Main St.

The public is invited.

This event was rescheduled from Feb. 18 due to inclement weather.



This is a press release from the mayor's office.

Ansonia Library, health district to offer meatless Monday program

ANSONIA - Become meatless on Monday with the Naugatuck Valley Health District. Going meatless on Monday is an easy way to help you get on track with your health.

What is the Meatless Monday Campaign?

Going meatless on Monday dates back to World War I.  The idea of going meatless was to conserve food during times of war.

In 2003, Sid Lerner made the Meatless Monday Campaign.
This turned into a global campaign to prevent illness from excessive meat consumption.

Ansonia Library in partnership with the Naugatuck Valley Health District will offer a program on going meatless on Mondays at noon March 14. The library is at 53 S. Cliff St.

For information call Joyce Ceccarelli at Ansonia Library, 203- 734-6728 or the NVHD, 203-881-3255.



This is a press release from Joyce Ceccarelli, Director, Ansonia Library.

Gentile hails manufacturing initiative

HARTFORD - State Rep. Linda M. Gentile, D-Ansonia, today applauded one of Gov. Dannel P. Malloy’s legislative priorities – the creation of an Advanced Manufacturing Fund, which will receive an initial investment of $25 million to help companies modernize and grow, purchase equipment and develop new technologies, and provide access to training and specialized education for workers. 
Linda M. Gentile

“This comes at a critical time because job creation must be our top priority,” Gentile said. 
“The idea helps our manufacturers find trained and educated workers and state-of-the-art equipment to operate on a level playing field with their competitors and help them obtain the capital to grow and expand.”

Historic manufacturing hubs
A key component of the proposal is to give priority to companies that locate in the 42 communities that are historic manufacturing hubs in Connecticut, such as Ansonia and Derby.  
This provision is expected to have a positive impact on local economic development and help lower the high unemployment rates in some of the state’s most distressed communities.

“Incentives like this and a strong network between investors and the state can transform Connecticut into a center of innovation that can be a magnet for entrepreneurs, talented people and great ideas to take root,” said Gentile, House Chair of the Environment Committee.
 “Not only is this initiative sound economic policy, but it most certainly is responsible and balanced environmental policy, as well.  Let's put our previous manufacturing properties back onto our tax rolls, and protect and preserve open space and pristine land.”

According to the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis, Connecticut's manufacturing industry’s annual output rose 5 percent over the last two years and exceeds $24 billion or 10.5 percent of the state’s Gross State Product.
The manufacturing industry employs 159,200 people, representing nearly 10 percent of the state’s total non-farm jobs.


This is a press release from Gentile's office.


Reminder: Saturday is food collection day in the Valley

The 12th annual Valley Has a Heart Annual Food Drive will be held from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday at three Stop and Shop stores in the Valley: Ansonia, Seymour and Shelton. 

The goal is to gather enough non-perishable food to last for at least two months and $3,000 in cash to use for restocking the shelves as needed during the cold winter months.

"Food stocks always get depleted during the holidays and also when storms impact the area, said Susan Agamy, Executive Director of Spooner House.

"We are in need of generous contributions right now for restocking considering the issues of the past few weeks. Providing healthy meals for families is an important topic these days, so I wanted to let our hundreds of donors know that our food bank always tries to be sure each recipient receives a balanced package of food, with the proper mixture of food groups, so they will have sustainable lives."

The Stop and Shop stores where donations can be made are at 100 Division St., Ansonia, 15 Franklin St., Seymour and 898 Bridgeport Ave., Shelton. 
Stop and Shop, marquee sponsor, is joined by site sponsors Daniel Jacobs LLC of Oxford and Dworken, Hillman, LaMorte & Sterczala, P.C. of Shelton.


Volunteers are needed at each location to collect and organize the food. Contact Tony Vellucci at 203-225-0453 if you are able to provide just a few hours of help Saturday. This is a great activity for Scouts, church youth groups, high school students and civic clubs.


Those unable to visit one of the three stores Saturday may make a donation by mailing a check to ACT Spooner House, 30 Todd Road, Shelton, 06484.


Spooner House is operated by ACT. It is a facility that provides food, shelter and support services to approximately 200 men, women and children each year. More than 6,000 individuals have been served by the Food Bank this past year, comprising more than 130,000 meals. 
Spooner House is devoted to helping people establish self-sufficiency in an atmosphere of respect and dignity.


This is a press release from Area Congregations Together, Inc., a partner agency of the Valley United Way.

Democrats to focus on protecting seniors

Crisco prioritizes quality of life  

HARTFORD - Enhancing the quality of life for Connecticut’s seniors through a variety of programmatic and consumer protection proposals will be a top priority for Democrats during the 2014 legislative session, according to state Sen. Joseph J. Crisco Jr., D-Woodbridge.

Crisco recently joined Democratic leaders in the state House and Senate to announce an agenda for seniors that includes a new jobs re-employment program, an Aging in Place initiative, additional protections from door-to-door solicitors, and disclosure requirements for alternative electricity suppliers.

“When we sat down to discuss our agendas for the 2014 session, I made it clear that the quality of life of seniors in my district was a top priority for me,” Crisco said.
 “I’m thrilled that so many of my colleagues agreed, and that we’ll be advocating for such a robust set of programs and consumer protection initiatives. My aim this session is to protect seniors, but most importantly to empower them so they can lead fulfilling lives.”


Reemployment of Older Workers
With older workers more likely to be unemployed longer than younger individuals, barriers such as skill set deficiencies, lack of job search skills, or a negative perception about older workers often must be overcome.
Based on recommendations of the Program Review Committee, Democrats’ proposals would:
Require the Connecticut Employment and Training Commission to coordinate a web-based hiring campaign for older workers.
Prohibit employers from publishing, in print or on the internet, a job vacancy that:
lists current employment as a required qualification;
states unemployed candidates will not be considered.
Enhance and improve existing on-the-job training opportunities.
Coordinate existing job search, education and job training resources into a centralized database that is easily accessible.

Aging In Place
Crisco
Develop more livable communities for seniors through:
A grant program to promote home and service-based support systems, such as transportation, meals, and maintenance to allow individuals to stay in their homes longer.
Incentives for transit oriented development projects targeting senior populations, which may include accessory or in-law apartments, home modifications and home share.

Retrofitting
Being able to continue to live at home can often require certain changes to a house or apartment, so Democrats plan to:
Provide funding for individuals to retrofit and update their homes to accommodate their change in lifestyle.
Based on the Aging in Place Task Force, the Democrats’ plan would also:
Offer opportunities for municipalities to be recognized as “Aging in Place Ready Communities” by meeting certain requirements.

Consumer & Privacy Protections
Seniors are particularly vulnerable to being taken advantage of by unscrupulous businesses and high pressure or misleading sales tactics. These common sense proposals provide transparency, protection and accountability.

Electric Suppliers
With electric market competition has come an increase in high pressure sales tactics, misleading information and a lack of overall transparency about rate comparisons and increases, and renewal policies and processes.
These proposals will arm all consumers with the valuable information they need to make the best choices.
Require additional, prominently printed, information on electric bills, including notification of rate increases, date of auto-renewal, and any cancellation fees.
Print standard offer rate on every bill next to the applicable private supplier rate.
Require online bills to conspicuously display the same information as required on printed bills.
Direct PURA to establish an online marketplace where customers can easily compare all private electric supplier offers and purchase directly through the marketplace.
Door-to-Door Solicitation by Utilities—Seniors are especially vulnerable when it comes to the often high-pressure tactics of door-to-door salespeople who often target areas with high senior populations. Democrats’ proposals would:
Require all offers made by door-to-door salespeople be in writing,
Require that the written offer prominently display a phone number to speak with a customer service representative.
Give the consumer the right to cancel the contract within 30 days of activation for any reason, without penalty, and prominently notify the consumer of this right on the written offer.

Do Not Call List
Unwanted, unsolicited phone intrusions are on the rise and seniors are often the targets of phone scams. There is currently little incentive for businesses to comply with the law. Democrats’ proposals tighten up loopholes in the current law and increase penalties for violators.
Raise the stakes of non-compliance by markedly increasing penalties.
Increase consumers’ awareness of how and where to make complaints of violations by displaying complaint procedures on phone bills.
Include text messaging in the current Do Not Call law.

Prescription Drug Discounts and Privacy of Medical Records
Several large pharmacies now offer prescription drug discount programs, which can be attractive to seniors facing high prescription drug costs.

Most consumers don’t realize that when they sign up for these programs they are often unknowingly signing away their privacy rights to their entire medical record, allowing the pharmacy access to a customer’s health history and the right to sell a customer’s personal health information for marketing and other purposes.

This proposal would ensure that if a customer chooses to participate in these discount programs, that they understand what they are signing away when they do so.

Require pharmacies to clearly define in layman’s terms the privacy rights a consumer is giving away by enrolling in the program on webpages and other promotional materials.

Require larger font and greater prominence of these terms on pharmacy websites and other promotional materials as well as an explicit sign-off by the consumer in the form of a check off box specific to privacy rights prior to final enrollment in the program.


This is a press release from Crisco's office.  

Thursday, February 20, 2014

WWII vet is Ansonia's 'Mayor for the Day'


Alfonso Smith (left), 90, shares a laugh with Mayor David Cassetti (right) as he tries out the mayor’s desk in Ansonia City Hall on 2/20/2014. (Arnold Gold - New Haven Register)





ANSONIA >> It’s not every day that one can take the reins of power and sit behind the mayor’s desk in City Hall.
But lifelong resident Alfonso Smith did just that on Thursday after Mayor David S. Cassetti invited him to serve as “Mayor for a Day.”
Smith, who turns 91 in May, was all smiles as the media took his photo and asked him half-jokingly whether he was ready to make any executive decisions.
Cassetti said he wanted to honor Smith, known to many as “Smitty,” to celebrate Black History Month.
Smith is an Army veteran of World War II, a retired Ansonia letter carrier and a longtime volunteer in the city.
“He’s been on the Recreation Commission for 50 years, and he’s a true Ansonian, and I’m happy to have him (as mayor for a day),” Cassetti said.
First on the agenda Thursday was a meeting about upgrading the city’s website, Cassetti said. “He had comments about it,” he said, referring to Smith.
Smith said even though he doesn’t go online, he knows that if a site “is dull and boring,” people won’t want to read it.
He said he took over as Recreation Commission chairman after the commission’s chairman, Jack Ahearn, became Seymour’s recreation director, a position he still holds.
Smith started on the commission when his children were young, and he never left.
“Ever since I was 9 years old, I loved sports,” he said. “When I came out of the service, we had a semi-pro baseball team (called) Collins Grill. It was a bar and restaurant on Tremont Street.”
Smith said he played second base, shortstop, third base and the infield.
His coaching career started when he took his son to play Little League.
“I was sitting in the stands there, and one of the coaches said he needed help. My son told him ‘my dad is in the stands,’” he recalled.
The coach asked Smith to help, and the rest is history.
“It was the farm league that fed the Little League.”
He started coaching Little League and attending Recreation Commission meetings and soon became a commission member.
He said members stay on the commission for years.
“It’s a good bunch of people. We’ve been very fortunate that we haven’t had many problems,” Smith said. “Our problems are solved in-house.”
Smith said, “The city gives us a budget, which a lot of cities don’t do, so we’re able to finance each season.”
The challenge facing the city’s sports leagues today is “getting kids to come out and play.” Smith is convinced that with all of the technology children have at their disposal, ‘there’s less participation” in sports.
Recreation Director Jeff Coppola said Smith “gets out there and enjoys the kids. He’s a great man.”
In World War II, Smith served for three years in Gen. George S. Patton’s Third Army.
Smith saw combat in five battles, received five battle stars and the Bronze Star Medal. He worked in maintenance and repairs.
“We handled everything from a tent peg to a 105(mm) Howitzer,” Smith said. “Whatever the guys in the front line needed, we would do.”

Have questions, feedback or ideas about our news coverage? Connect directly with the editors of the New Haven Register at AskTheRegister.com.

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