Friday, April 29, 2016

Free Cookies and Coffee at Adam's House

SHELTON- Adam’s House, a new grief and loss education center in Shelton, is inviting the community for a “Coffee and Cookies,” tour of the home at 241 Coram Ave. on Wednesday, May 4, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.  
 
“If you would like to know more about Adam’s House, please stop by, enjoy some hot coffee and delicious cookies,and take a tour of our wonderful home,” said Adam’s House Founder Allison Wysota. “We would love to share our plans for helping grieving children and their families in Connecticut.”
 
The Adam’s House “Coffee and Cookies” tour is part of The Great Give® 2016 community-wide giving event being held through giveGreater.org® and taking place for 36 hours, starting at 8 a.m. on May 3rd and ending at 8 pm on May 4th. The Community Foundation for Greater New Haven is offering the giveGreater.org® service as part of its mission to strengthen nonprofits serving Greater New Haven by advancing knowledge about their work and increasing giving to their organizations.
 
“If you can’t visit us, Adam’s House is featured on the The Great Give® 2016 website  (https://thegreatgive.org)  for residents to discover our goals and dreams,” Wysota said. “As the ‘new kid on the block,’ literally, Adam’s House needs community support to develop programs that aid grieving children and families. In the future, we also plan to offer valuable grief and loss educational programs for our community.”

Thursday, April 28, 2016

Free Lunch for Valley Employers


ANSONIA- BHcare will host its 22nd annual salute to Valley employers on May 4.
 
Employers from Oxford, Seymour, Ansonia, Derby and Shelton are invited to a complimentary
luncheon from noon to 1:30 p.m. at Molto Bene Restaurant, located on Wakelee Avenue in Ansonia.
 
The event is being sponsored by the Greater Valley Chamber of Commerce and BHcare Business Advisory Council. The keynote speaker will be Attorney Leonard McDermott and the topic will be Protecting Employer Rights. He will speak about the new labor laws, discrimination and reasonable accommodation. Awards for Employer of the Year will be given to J & B Auto Body of Shelton for the Valley and Lowes of Orange for the Shoreline.
 
Seating is limited and those interested in attending can R.S.V.P. to John Yeager 203-736-2601, ext 1412 or email: jyeager@bhcare.org.
 

Tuesday, April 26, 2016

Something Awesome Coming to the Valley


Valley Lawmakers Hail Passage of Bill to Combat Opioid Crisis

State Representative Theresa Conroy (D-Seymour, Beacon Falls, Derby), Rep. Linda M. Gentile (D-Ansonia, Derby) and Sen. Joseph J. Crisco, Jr.  (D-Woodbridge) praised passage of legislation that will impact the state’s opioid crisis. The House of Representatives today approved HB 5053, An Act Increasing Access To Overdose Reversal Drugs.
 
The legislation will improve access to Naloxone, often known as Narcan, a medication that is used to treat opioid overdose; cap first-time painkiller prescriptions to a 7-day supply; strengthen the prescription monitoring program; and release health care professionals and good Samaritans from liability when they administer an opioid antagonist, such as Narcan, to treat an overdose.
 
“Heroin and prescription drug overdoses are claiming more lives in Connecticut every year,” Rep. Conroy, an APRN, said. “Expanding access to Narcan is an important step in this public health crisis. Allowing more first responders to carry Narcan will save lives.”
 
The 7-day cap on painkillers applies to first-time adult prescriptions and all prescriptions for minors, with exceptions for certain medical conditions.
 
“There are very few families who have not been touched in some way by the devastating impact of an opioid overdose,” Rep. Gentile said. “It is a public health epidemic that affects every socio-economic class, every ethnic background and every age.” 
 
The bill requires that local emergency medical services are equipped with and trained in the use of Narcan. It also allows doctors to write prescriptions for the overdose reversal drug without first getting permission from a patient’s health insurer.
 
“The world has awoken to the public health emergency that is prescription opioid addiction and the havoc it is wreaking on our friends and families,” Sen. Crisco said today. “This bill contains multiple provisions to help alleviate some of the pain and suffering caused by these addictions.”  
 
Public Health Committee House Chair, Rep. Matt Ritter (D-Hartford) said, “This bipartisan legislation acts on two fronts by making it easier for those currently struggling with opioid addiction to access Narcan and preventing new cases of addiction by capping first-time pain killer prescriptions. We have a responsibility to all those who have lost a loved one to this deadly addiction to address Connecticut’s opioid epidemic, and today we took an important step forward.”

Monday, April 25, 2016

Budding Young Chefs Create Healthy Recipes at Seymour Middle School

Seymour Middle School's Chefs left to right:  Arlinda Peraj, Seymour’s winning Chef with her Healthy Cinnamon Apple Waffles; Destiny Opotzner created the Egg White and More Omelet; Victoria Caiza and her Ezekiel Bread French Toast; Gina DeBlasi made Zucchini Eggs; Michaela Roach made an Omelet in a Bag. Student Jonathan Forte – not in photo, out sick, submitted Jonathan’s Smoothie.
 
SEYMOUR = Students at Seymour Middle School recently cooked up a storm for a chance to compete in a Valley-wide healthy cooking challenge. 
 
As a way to promote healthy eating habits among teens and tweens, the school district's Director of Nutrition Services, Cindy Brooks, recently staged the school's annual "Healthy Recipe Challenge."
 
Six student chefs were chosen to compete in the final round, with the middle school's winning chef, Arlinda Peraj, taking home bragging rights with her Healthy Cinnamon Apple Waffles. 
 
Brooks said her role, along with the School Nutrition Association of Connecticut and Valley Initiative to Advance Health and Learning in Schools, or VITAHLS, is to get kids thinking about healthy eating habits at a young age.

The young chefs worked with assistance from the cafeteria staff to create their healthy dishes.
 
Arlinda now moves on to compete with other Valley students in the final VITAHLS competition, scheduled for May 17 at Griffin Hospital in Derby.







 
 
 


 




 

Ansonia Residents: Vote in Tuesday's Presidential Primary

Presidential Preference Primary
                                   
ANSONIA - Registered DEMOCRATS and REPUBLICANS in Ansonia may participate in Tuesday’s Presidential Preference Primaries.  Ansonia polls will be open from 6AM through 8PM on Tuesday April 26.
Ansonia’s poll locations will be:

Ward 1 – Ansonia Armory, 5 State Street  - best access is from North Cliff St.

Ward 2 – Ansonia Armory, 5 State Street – best access is from North Cliff St.

Ward 3 – Holy Rosary Church hall – 3 Father Salemi Drive

Ward 4 – Ansonia Middle School gym – best access is rear of building off Day Street.

Ward 5 – Ansonia Middle School gym – best access is rear of building off Day Street.

Ward 6 – Prendergast School gym, 59 Finney Street

Ward 7 – Mead School Art Room, 75 Ford Street.
 
Ansonia registrars remind electors that only those properly enrolled DEMOCRATS and REPUBLICANS may participate in the primary.  Unaffiliated electors and electors registered with other political parties may not vote in these primaries.  Electors can check their polling location and their party affiliation online by visiting the Connecticut Secretary of the State at:   http://www.dir.ct.gov/sots/LookUp.aspx.  Ansonia electors are also welcome to call the Ansonia Registrar of Voters Office at 203-736-5970.
(This is a press release from Ansonia Registrar of Voters' Office)

Monday, April 18, 2016

Veterans Appreciation Concert April 30th




The Ct Hurricanes support the Seymour / Oxford Food Bank

The Connecticut Hurricanes Drum & Bugle Corps Presents:

Veterans Appreciation Concert 2016

Emil Senger American Legion Post 10 and VFW Post 12084

Saturday April 30, 2016 – 6:30 PM

Seymour Middle School Auditorium

211 Mountain Rd, Seymour, CT

Admission is $10.00 - Tickets available at:

BALANCE, 1 Klarides Dr., Seymour, CT (203)888-8983

Emil Senger American Legion Post 10, Seymour, CT – George Bashura (203)305-3821

VFW Post 12084, Seymour, CT – Al Yagovane (203)736-7981

St. Michael’s Catholic War Veterans Post 1562, Derby, CT (203) 734-9748

Featuring:

Connecticut Hurricanes Drum & Bugle Corps, Seymour, CT

Connecticut Alumni Drum & Bugle Corps, Seymour, CT

Westchester Brassmen Drum & Bugle Corps, Harrison, NJ

Connecticut Valley Field Music Fife and Drum Band, Middletown, CT

Lancraft Fife & Drum Corps, Est. 1888, North Haven, CT

Gaelic Highland Pipe Band, New Haven, CT
 
Special Performance by: Seymour Middle School Band

 
For Ticket information contact Tom Gabianelli at tgabs@att.net or 203-231-2682

Kindly bring a non-perishable food item for the Seymour / Oxford Food Bank

Thursday, April 14, 2016

Local Knights of Columbus Help Feed Needy





Father James Sullivan (far left) of Assumption Church in Ansonia joins Deacon Larry Yergeau (far right) with members of the Knights of Columbus, who recently held a food drive during Lent where more than 500 cans of food was collected. The food will be delivered to the S. Vincent DePaul Food Bank to help those in need.

Wednesday, April 13, 2016

SchmoozaPalooza is Coming!

SchmoozaPalooza 2 Coming to Shelton on Thursday, April 21st

Keynote Speaker: Peter Burki, Co-Founder, Chairman & CEO of LifeCare

April 11, 2016, Shelton, CT…The Greater Valley Chamber of Commerce is pleased to present SchmoozaPalooza 2: 15th Annual Valley Business Expo and After Hours on Thursday, April 21st at 2 Armstrong Road in Shelton. In addition to more than 50 area businesses showcasing their products and services, this year’s Keynote Speaker will be Peter Burki, Co-Founder, Chairman & CEO of LifeCare. SchmoozaPalooza runs from 2:30 pm – 6:30 pm, is free to attend and open to everyone.
 
A true entrepreneur, Peter and his partners launched LifeCare as a start-up in 1984 to help
employees manage their child care needs. Under Peter's leadership, LifeCare has grown to become the leader in Productivity and Employee Loyalty Solutions, serving thousands of employers and millions of members worldwide! The Recipient of the 2015 Work Life Legacy Award, Peter's Keynote Address is entitled "Improving Employee Productivity and Loyalty is Good Business” and is guaranteed to inform & inspire the Chamber’s audience.

Following the keynote address the Expo Floor will open up to give people the opportunity to preview the latest products and services from exhibitors in a fun and casual networking environment. The evening will also include music, networking, food tastings, cash bar, door prizes and more. Visit http://bit.ly/gvccexpo16 to pre-register to attend and save time at the door.

SchmoozaPalooza 2 is presented by the Greater Valley Chamber of Commerce with support from Frontier Communications, Ion Bank, Rugby Realty, Cushman & Wakefield of Connecticut, Allegra Print & Imaging, Star 99.9 FM and 99.1 WPLR FM.

(This is a press release from the Greater Valley Chamber of Commerce)
 

Tuesday, April 12, 2016

Town-Wide Tag Sale Coming to a Neighborhood Near You

SEYMOUR - It is time to sign up for the Seymour Town Wide Tag Sale to be held on the Saturday, May 14th (Raindate May 21st).

The listing fee of $15 should be made payable to, “Seymour Town Wide Tag Sale,” and dropped off or sent to Lizzie’s Corner Home Consignment and Gifts, 19 Bank St., Seymour, CT 06483. Please include your street address, phone number, and your email address so we can contact you if necessary. Your address will be added to a map for shoppers. Maps will be available the day of the event starting at 7:30 am at Lizzie’s Corner. Maps are free.

The event is open to Seymour residents, businesses and organizations. Out of towners are welcome to set up at Great Hill United Methodist Church. Please contact patandreana@aol.com to reserve a spot at the Church. They are asking for a $15 donation to participate.

All proceeds from registration will be used for advertising, signage, balloons and any other costs associated with the Town Wide Tag Sale.

Why Participate in the Seymour Town Wide Tag Sale? The Seymour Town Wide Tag Sale gives buyers the opportunity to go to one area and spend the day visiting multiple tag sales. It’s a way to have a concentration of sales at a convenient destination. For professional dealers, it’s an efficient way to shop to replenish their inventory. Seymour residents and businesses who wish to have a sale get the benefit of traffic volume that is rarely seen in town.

For less than the cost of a single classified ad, you get the benefit of traffic volume that you could not hope to achieve on your own! So far, we have several homes, Great Hill United Methodist Church, Seymour Congregational Church, The Historical Society, and the Great Hill Fire House signed up.

For more information contact Elizabeth Pisano at 203-415-4387 or emirabella2006@yahoo.com

(This is a press release from Elizabeth Pisano)

Monday, April 11, 2016

Bingo Fundraiser at Foxwoods


DERBY -St. Mary-St. Michael School is hosting a bingo/casino bus trip to Foxwoods Casino on Saturday, June 18.

The bus will depart the school, 14 Seymour Ave., Derby at 7:30 a.m. and return around 6:30 p.m. The trip will provide attendees plenty of time to play bingo or enjoy other games and attractions at the casino.

The cost is $30 per person and includes a free $15 KENO play coupon and a free $10 food coupon. There will be bingo on the bus.

Proceeds will support the St. Mary-St. Michael Home School Association, which supports the needs of the school.

For reservations or more information, contact Gene at 203-893-9663 or Christian at 203-520-1480. Or send your reservation to: St. Mary-St. Michael School, 14 Seymour Ave, Derby, CT 06418. Please make checks payable to “St. Mary-St. Michael HSA.”

(This is a press release from St. Mary-St. Michael School)


Friday, April 8, 2016

Seybridge Pharmacy to Prescribe and Dispense Narcan


SEYMOUR - Seybridge Pharmacy announced that it will begin prescribing and dispensing Narcan to patrons seeking the drug. Narcan, also known as Naloxone, is used in the event of a suspected opioid overdose. Opioids include prescription pain medications and heroin.

“With overdoses on the rise throughout the state, it’s important to let all concerned parties know Naloxone emergency kits are readily available,” said Peter Przybylski.
In Connecticut, pharmacists are able to prescribe and dispense Narcan after completing training and being issued a certificate. Pharmacists dispensing Narcan are required to educate the patient or caregiver receiving the medication on how to administer the drug in the event of a suspected overdose, and may also provide information about addiction treatment and recovery resources. Narcan is covered by most insurance plans as well as Connecticut Medicaid.
Having Narcan on-hand to administer to somebody in the event of a suspected opioid overdose can be life-saving. In the event of a suspected overdose when Narcan is used, medical treatment should still be sought and 911 should be called.
Treatment works and recovery is possible. In March 2016, the Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services launched a statewide toll-free number connecting residents seeking treatment and services for opioid addiction to local walk-in assessment centers.
People interested in seeking opioid addiction treatment and services for themselves or a loved one can call 1-800-563-4086.
For more information about obtaining Narcan at Seybridge Pharmacy, contact Peter Przybylski at 203-888-0073.

Wednesday, April 6, 2016

Derby High School's Athletic Hall of Fame Banquet Scores Big

The Class of 2015
DERBYIt started with a dream.  The desire to succeed burned deep within.  Years of hard work and commitment helped make it a  reality.  With over 125 years of sports history, Derby High School inexplicably had been without an athletic hall of fame - until now.  
 
Much like those honored at the inaugural DHS Athletic Hall of Fame induction, committee members labored tirelessly for almost two years nominating, researching and - finally - electing the first class.  After much debate and discussion, the committee, led by President Mike Cannici, selected the following for enshrinement in the class of 2015:        
 
George Budzinak, a multi-sport standout, earned All-State honors in football twice and still holds school records for interceptions and points scored (season and career for both).  In addition to his gridiron exploits, George excelled in basketball, baseball and track, often participating in both spring sports on the same day (he reportedly ran the 100-yard dash in his baseball uniform, then returned to the diamond to finish the game).
 
Coach Lou DeFilippo was considered one of the premier football coaches in Connecticut high school history.  His Red Raider squads won 9 Housatonic League banners and were 2-time Register State Champs.  Five of DeFilippo's teams finished unbeaten, and his 116-30-8  overall record is still among the best ever at DHS.  In 1997, the football field at Ryan Sports Complex was dedicated in DeFilippo's name.            

One of DeFilippo's standout performers on the field, Vince Greco, was commonly referred to as one of the best lineman in the state.  As a matter of fact, Greco was voted the #1 all-time center in Connecticut by the Register.  As anchor of the Derby line for three years, Greco earned All-State honors twice, and the Red Raiders went undefeated each year he started.  He was also a four-year starter in baseball, and led the basketball team to two tournament wins during his All-Valley senior campaign.  Vince embarked on a successful college career at Wake Forest, where he excelled for the Demon Deacons.        
 
Walt "Buster" Jadach is the only member of the induction class still active in his chosen field - or should I say arena?  Jadach has amassed an unthinkable 600+ wins in 36 years as Derby's wrestling coach, inspiring countless champions along the way. As his incredible numbers continue to grow, what's more impressive is his connection to his wrestling family.  Many who are now in their thirties and forties still come back every chance they get to pay homage to the mentor who helped forge them into the men they are today.  Though several won titles on the mat, the lasting relationships they have maintained with Buster and his family is the greatest testament to his impact on Derby sports.       
One of Buster's top performers over the years was Mike Marcucio, a three-time Register All-Area wrestler and two-time MVP.  Marcucio averaged 36 wins a year during his storied career at DHS.  His dominant junior season (44-0) was capped off with a New England Championship.  His overall win streak surpassed the 60-match mark, extending well into his senior year. Marcucio went on to a standout career at Trinity, earning All-New England accolades three times.       
 
Bob Orchano, still the only State MVP in Derby's illustrious football history, established several new records during his career.  He rushed for 218 yards to set the single-game mark, and his 1,191 yards for a season in 1981 set the new standard for DHS running backs - even though he only played in 9 games that year. Among his many highlights were a 5-TD domination of Valley rival Seymour and his Silver Turkey-winning performance against Shelton.  All told, "Orch" scored 20 TD's that year, including at least one in each game he played.   
 
The DHS Athletic Hall of Fame Committee
Before Orchano could break any records, someone had to set them.  John Pagliaro, while leading Derby to back-to-back undefeated marks in 1972 and '73, set the bar high for future generations of Red Raiders.  In leading the Big Red Machine to the #1 ranking in '73, Pagliaro took his rightful place atop the rushing list in terms of yardage and scoring in school history.  His exceptional collegiate career with the Yale Bulldogs was capped off by two Ivy League Player of the Year awards and All-American honors in 1977, prompting Derby to retire his #44 game jersey.  As if that weren't enough, his exploits on the track as a sprinter yielded a record time of 9.9 seconds in the 100-yard dash - one Derby standard that has not been broken all these years later.       
 
The mid-1960's saw a resurgence in the football program at Derby High School, and veteran quarterback Tony Passander was a big reason why.  Under new coach Ron Carbone, the Red Raiders embarked on a prolonged run of excellence.  Passander, a three-year starter, is still the only Derby signal-caller to earn All-State honors (1965).  During his induction speech, he joked that the only reason classmate George Budzinak made All-State that year was because of him, but later conceded that it was really the other way around.  Clearly the two had a positive impact on each other - and on the long-term success of the Derby program.  After graduation, Passander headed to the Citadel, a suitable choice for a seasoned field general.  His illustrious career continued to the professional ranks, where he won a Grey Cup with the CFL's Montreal Alouettes.  
 
Diane Potkay is among the youngest in the inaugural induction class, but also among the most accomplished.  Her career at DHS was actually preceded by a dominant performance in the nutmeg games BEFORE her freshman year.  Competing against older and more experienced competition, Diane earned gold in both the discus and shot put.  Her high school career saw more of the same - much more.  She won the State Open all four years in the shot put, and each of the three years she competed in discus, and was New England Champ in each event once.  Diane enjoyed success at Yale, where she continued her winning ways.
 
Rounding out the Class of 2015 is Leo F. Ryan, for whom the sports complex at Derby is named.  Ryan coached football, basketball and baseball for over 20 years, setting a standard for excellence in all three.  The football team won several Housatonic Leauge titles and were State Champs on two occasions.  The 1937-38 basketball team, known as "The Moxie Gang," earned its nickname for its spirited play and never-say-die attitude.  The Moxie Gang made it all the way to the semi-finals that year, before losing to eventual State and New England Champs, Manchester.  An article written about Ryan after his retirement referred to him as a "developer of champions."  Anyone who looks closely at his accomplishments would have to agree.         
 
Committee members also presented a service award to Bill Pucci, who covered Derby sports several years as beat writer and editor of The Evening Sentinel, The Valley Drummer and The Valley Times.  Through Pucci's efforts over the past 40+ years, the Albarella Awards Committee, which holds Derby's annual football banquet, has not only survived, but continued to thrive.  Future service awards will be given  Pucci's name.        
 
In addition to Cannici, Hall of Fame Committee members include: Ray Silvernale, Jenn Moffatt, Steve Owen, Dan Shea, Brent Cavallaro, Bob Ahearn, Walt Biesalecki, Cory Bartone, and Jack Walsh, who also served as the evening's master of ceremonies.  The committee wishes to thank all who helped out in various ways, especially Sarah Jadach for working so hard behind the scenes, and the staff at Molto Bene for being wonderful hosts.  It was truly a night to remember.  

"This is a town, with a rich tradition," said Cannici. "History can never be erased, these legendary inductees deserve to be recognized for everything they did as athletes. We as a committee could not be prouder then we were this past Saturday evening, a new tradition has begun. The Derby Athletic Hall of Fame is here to stay. Nothing is given in this town, everything we get we earn."
 
(This is a press release from DHS Athletic Hall of Fame Committee President Mike Cannici and Committee Member Ray Silvernale, who wrote the biographies for each inductee)

Salvation Army Recognition Breakfast


 
Tickets are $35 each, or $200 for a table of eight.
 

Tuesday, April 5, 2016

Prom Safety Awareness Forum Tonight

Griffin Hospital to Host Prom Safety Awareness Night
TONIGHT, April 5 5:30-7:30 PM
 
WHAT:       The Greater Valley Substance Abuse Action Council and Griffin Hospital will host the 6th Annual Prom Safety Awareness Night from 5:30-7:30 p.m. on Tuesday, April 5 at Griffin Hospital, 130 Division Street in Derby. This event invites juniors and seniors of Lower Naugatuck Valley high schools and their parents to an open conversation to encourage safe behaviors and decrease questionable decisions in regards to driving, texting, drugs and alcohol.
 
WHEN:       TONIGHT, APRIL 5, 5:30-7:30 P.M.
 
WHERE:    Griffin’s Hospital’s Dining Room, 130 Division Street, Derby
 
WHO:          Representatives from Shelton Youth Service Bureau, Ansonia Youth Service Bureau, Valley Parish Nurse Program, Safe Kids Greater Naugatuck Valley and Griffin Hospital.
 
(This is a press release from Griffin Hospital)

Monday, April 4, 2016

Laugh for A Good Cause

Treasured Time invites the community to a hilarious dinner theatre show fundraiser on Saturday, May 21 from 6-9 p.m. at the Brownson Country Club, 15 Soundview Ave., Shelton.

“For Better & For Worse” is unpredictable and spontaneous performance that immerses the audience in an interactive theatre experience that takes all the elements of a typical over-the-top Italian American wedding and exaggerates them with hilarious results. Participants are invited to wear their favorite bridesmaid, gangster, or movie star outfit.

“We're very excited to be doing our production for this fantastic organization. Treasured Time has touched many lives and we hope people will come out and support this cause. It’s a complete night of entertainment. You’ll dance, dine, and be delighted,” said Janice Luise-Lutkus, Founder and Executive Director of AspenDream Production.

The event will also feature a silent auction of fun wedding themed packages.

Tickets for dinner and the show are $60 per person, $100 per couple or $400 for a table of eight. There is a cash bar available.

Proceeds support Treasured Time, a not-for-profit organization that grants wishes of parents with life-threatening illnesses who want to create lasting memories with their children.

To reserve your tickets, call Jenn at 203-446-1068 or visit treasuredtime.org.

Valley Community Foundation Awards $170,000 in Scholarships

    Valley Community Foundation Awards $170,000 from Scholarship Funds to Support Educational Pursuits of Local Students   DERBY, CT (Octobe...