Shelton Woman Battling Cancer to Swim Across the Sound

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Shelton Resident Kim Adler Will SWIM Across the Sound While Battling Cancer BRIDGEPORT, Connecticut - July 19, 2017. On August 5, 2017, Shelton resident Kim Adler and her team will join approximately 200 swimmers, accompanied by a fleet of 100 boats, and take turns swimming 15.5 miles from Port Jefferson, New York, across Long Island Sound to Captain's Cove Seaport in Bridgeport. All are participating in the St. Vincent's 30th Anniversary SWIM Across the Sound marathon to raise money for cancer patients. Adler -a Clinical Nurse Educator, Perioperative Services, at St. Vincent's Medical Center - is a member of the "Sink or Swim" six-person relay team. The money they raise from pledges goes to St. Vincent's SWIM Across the Sound, which helps cancer patients and their family deal with the non-medical challenges that cancer brings and that insurance does not cover.   Adler's own battle with cancer began in 2011, when the then 47-year old was diagnosed with stage 3B colon cancer. Her treatment required a colon resection followed by six months of chemotherapy. Around July 2012, Adler found out that the cancer had metastasized to her liver and underwent a liver resection and four more months of chemotherapy. Throughout the following year, she faced more medical procedures at St. Vincent's Medical Center. "Throughout my fight with cancer, during the radiation treatments, and working through my chemotherapy, I realized that working at St. Vincent's has been such a blessing," said Adler. "Not only did they work around my schedule when I had to have the treatments done, but everyone was very supportive and it showed me how family oriented the St. Vincent's environment truly is."    After Kim's initial diagnosis, she didn't work for six months. She approached the SWIM, filled out the application and the SWIM paid her mortgage for a month. Right before the SWIM marathon in 2016 - in which Adler participated - her doctors found a spot in her lung; however, treatment didn't begin until the end of August. In September, special markers were placed in her lungs and she had three doses of radiation.    Adler's story continues to this day as she is still fighting cancer, although the radiation therapy seems to be working. As a nurse at St. Vincent's Medical Center, Adler shares her story with patients who need the comfort and understanding another survivor can provide. "I have always been the glass is half full kind of girl instead of half empty," Adler said. "You can't sweat the small stuff because life's too short."    Come and cheer on Kim and all the swimmers on Saturday, August 5, at Captain's Cove in Bridgeport.    Help others like Kim who continue to fight the most important battle of their lives by supporting the Swim Across the Sound. Donations can be made at swimacrossthesound.org/ marathon2017. About St. Vincent's SWIM Across the Sound St. Vincent's SWIM Across the Sound is a charitable not-for-profit 501(c)(3) organization run by the St. Vincent's Medical Center Foundation of Bridgeport, CT. Founded in 1987 and celebrating its 30th Anniversary this year, the SWIM has had a unique niche helping individuals and families struggling through the difficult changes that cancer brings with it. The SWIM serves approximately 30,000 people annually by providing over 45 programs, including cancer education, screening, prevention and support programs at low- or no-cost for the uninsured and underinsured. In addition, the SWIM helps individual cancer patients on a case-by-case basis with specific financial assistance, funding of wigs and prostheses, medication assistance, free transportation to treatments and appointments, day-care scholarships, support groups and more. For more information, contact the St. Vincent's Medical Center Foundation at (203) 576-5451 or visit www.SwimAcrossTheSound.org.

Treasured Time of Seymour seeks softball players for marathon

The nonprofit Treasured Time gives families with parents facing life-threatening illness a chance to create lifetime memories.

This marathon sounds like a fun event. Exhausting, but fun!

Kudos to Seymour resident Suzanne Rothman Major, founder of Treasured Time, for all she does to help others in the community.

Credit union names branch manager at Seymour location

Bridgeport resident Josie Ponce

SEYMOUR - Sikorsky Credit Union announced the promotion of Josie Ponce to the position of Seymour Branch Manager.   

Ponce has been with Sikorsky Credit Union since 2006, and has previously worked in the Milford and Shelton offices. 

She started at the Credit Union as a teller, and over the past eight years was promoted to positions with increased levels of responsibility. 

Ponce will report to Mike Shirling, Vice President of Retail Delivery.
“What really stands out with Josie is her genuine enthusiasm for providing outstanding service and commitment to find the right solution for our members," Shirling said. "I welcome everyone to stop in and meet Josie and her staff.”

Ponce is excited about this new opportunity. She said, “I am looking forward to taking my skills to a new level, and getting to know those who live and work in the Seymour and Oxford community.”

Ponce resides in Bridgeport with her husband and young son. 

In her spare time, Josie enjoys spending quality time with her family and planning kid-friendly events.

Founded in 1948, Sikorsky Credit Union (www.sikorskycu.org) is the 4th largest credit union in Connecticut with more than 50,000 members and over $700 million in assets.   Sikorsky Credit Union branches are located in the towns of Stratford, Shelton, Seymour, Milford and Danbury. 

The Credit Union also operates branches in Oxford, Stratford and Seymour High Schools, as well as branches inside Sikorsky Aircraft plants in Stratford and Bridgeport, along with West Palm Beach, FL. As a state chartered credit union, membership is open to anyone who lives, works or worships in Fairfield, New Haven or Hartford County.  Deposits are insured by the National Credit Union Administration, an agency of the U.S. Government.

This post is taken from a press release from Sikorsky Credit Union. 

Aquarion to clean water mains in Seymour

BRIDGEPORT - Aquarion Water Co. today announced a water main-cleaning project in Seymour from Monday through June 6. The work will be performed between 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m.

The water main cleaning project is being undertaken to ensure that customers continue to receive high quality water.

The Seymour water main cleaning project is estimated to last approximately three weeks.
 During that time customers may notice some discoloration in their water. This discoloration results from the temporary disturbance of the water flow, which stirs up naturally occurring minerals that settle in water mains.  

Aquarion recommends customers store water in their refrigerators for drinking and cooking.  Customers should also refrain from washing laundry if water is discolored. 

Prior to resuming use, customers should run their cold water faucets until the water appears clear.

Seymour residents can stay informed on the status of the water main cleaning in two ways.
First, residents can receive an automated phone call notification through Code Red, Aquarion’s reverse 911 system.
If they haven’t already signed up for Code Red, residents mayan be added to the call list by going to Aquarion’s website at www.aquarionwater.com and clicking on the “Code Red” link on the homepage.
Additionally, Aquarion will be posting weekly updates of the streets that will be affected by the cleaning under the “Alerts & Outages” link on the homepage.

Aquarion appreciates its customers’ understanding and patience.  For questions, call Aquarion’s Customer Service Department at 1-800-732-9678.

 

The streets that will be affected on week one (May 19-22) include:

 

•     Beecher Place

•     Bellevue Terrace

•     Bryan Circle

•     Bryson Avenue

•     Castle Lane

•     Chickadee Lane

•     Colony Road

•     Colony Street Extension

•     CT-115 South Main Street

•     CT-313 Maple Street

•     Glenbrook Drive

•     Halsey Street

•     Hickory Lane

•     Hickory Lane Extension

•     Hine Street

•     Hull Place

•     Jay Lane

•     Lane Street

•     Maple Street

•     Marie Drive

•     Moss Avenue

•     Oakwood Drive

•     Omar Street

•     Oriole Lane

•     Patton Avenue

•     Pearl Street

•     Pheasant Drive

•     Reservoir Manor
•     Rimmon Road

•     Robin Road

•     Rosko Street

•     Summer Hill Road

•     Union Street

•     Walnut Street

•     Warren Drive

•     Washington Avenue
•     Westerman Avenue

•     Whippoorwill Lane

•     Wild Duck Road

•     Willow Street

•     Woodcrest Road

•     Wooster Street

•     Wycliffe Terrace

 

About Aquarion Water Company

 

Aquarion Water Co. is the public water supply company for more than 625,000 people in 49 cities and towns throughout Connecticut, as well as serving customers in Massachusetts and New Hampshire.

It is the largest investor-owned water utility in New England and among the seven largest in the U.S.  Based in Bridgeport, it has been in the public water supply business since 1857.  

Across its operations, Aquarion strives to act as a responsible steward of the environment and to assist the communities it serves in promoting sustainable practices.  

For more information on Aquarion Water Co. and its subsidiaries, visit http://www.aquarionwater.com/ or www.facebook.com/aquarionwater.

This post is taken from a press release from the company.

 

Derby Middle School student wins 5K in Bridgeport

Derby Middle School eighth grader Sara Gerckens was the first overall female finisher in the Beardsley Beast 5K road race Saturday in Bridgeport. Seventh grader Ryan Callaghan and teacher/coach Jenny Ames placed first in their age groups. / Contributed photo

Church in Ansonia to host program honoring King

           ANSONIA - The Ansonia Branch #2000 of the NAACP will celebrate the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. at noon Monday with a program at the Evangel Temple Church of God in Christ, 38 Jackson St.

            The Rev. Kenneth Moales, Jr. will be keynote speaker. Moales is the pastor of the Cathedral of the Holy Spirit in Bridgeport. 

Elder Edward Barnes, pastor of Evangel Temple, will conduct the service and the Rev. Valerie Manness of Clinton A. M. E. Zion Church in Ansonia will participate.

All who honor the ideals of Dr. King are welcome to join the celebration. 

Light refreshments will follow in the church hall.

This post is taken from a press release.

Team Anthony gathers at bone marrow drive in Stratford

Members of Team Anthony pose at a bone marrow drive in December in Stratford. The group also worked at a bone marrow drive Saturday at Hilltop Hose Company 5 firehouse in Ansonia to benefit former Ansonia resident Anthony Mabery, 10. He has been battling acute lymphoblastic leukemia since he was 2. Anthony's aunt, Team Anthony organizer Shantana Hazel of Bridgeport, is pictured second from left. / Contributed photo

Students, residents of Shelton facility work to benefit veterans

A Housatonic Community College student works with a resident of Bishop Wicke Health and Rehabilitation Center in Shelton. / Contributed photo

SHELTON - Residents from Bishop Wicke Health and Rehabilitation Center partnered with students from Housatonic Community College in Bridgeport to benefit Home for the Brave, a transitional home and shelter for female veterans in Bridgeport.

The students, part of the Occupational Therapy Assistant Program at the college, have been working with Bishop Wicke residents throughout the fall as part of their clinical field work requirement.
As a way to celebrate the upcoming end of the semester, residents hosted a bingo game and worked with the students to create a handmade fleece blanket that would be delivered to a female veteran at the shelter.
Residents also proudly signed a card with well wishes for the recipient of the blanket and sent their love to the veterans, along with both the card and blanket, which the students will be delivering to Home of the Brave.


Relationship-centered approach
Bishop Wicke is proud to model a relationship-centered approach to care and partners with area colleges and universities to provide educational experiences for students in the healthcare field.

In addition to Housatonic Community College, Bishop Wicke currently works with Certified Nursing Assistant students from Griffin Hospital in Derby and will be partnering with nursing students from Fairfield University in the future.


For more information about Bishop Wicke Health and Rehabilitation Center at Wesley Village, visit www.wesleyvillage-ct.org.


This is a press release from United Methodist Homes.

Derby, Shelton veterans among DAV honorees

Top photo, left side of vehicle: Vic Carrol, Burke Ross, Lauren Cust (twice), Senna Punancy, Joe Wargo; bottom photo, right side: Ed Michaud, Maj. Betsy Walsh, Buffert Brooks, Ashley Kenyon, Frank Dlugokinski, Steve Frank, and Josh Phillips. Inset, rear of van: Capt. Dean White. / Contributed photo

Ten area veterans were honored for their dedication in assisting other veterans by being selected to have their service picture displayed on a new Disabled American Veterans Local Veterans Assistance Program van. 

 

The honorees were Capt. Dean White, Derby; Vic Carroll, Stamford; Burke Ross, Shelton; Lauren Cust, Shelton; Senna Punancy, Bridgeport; Joe Wargo, Trumbull; Ed Michaud, Stratford; Maj. Betsy Walsh, Milford; Buffert Brooks, Stamford; Ashley Kenyon, Waterbury; Frank Dlugokinski, Torrington; Steve Frank, Naugatuck; and Josh Phillips, Derby. 

 

They were selected from the list of hundreds of dedicated Connecticut veterans being considered for the honor.

The DAV and the AMVETS have partnered in the effort to purchase vans for the DAV created LVAP, which provides day trips to veterans in homeless shelters, hospitals, nursing homes, and veterans who are “shut-ins.”

The LVAP vans also have been used for Operation Gift Cards. Operation Gift Cards has presented over $719,000 in post exchange (military department store) gift cards and other donated items to the wounded troops at the Walter Reed National Military Medical Hospital in Bethesda, Md. during its 99 visits over the last eight years. 

Sixty-eight groups have co-sponsored the program.

 

CT Heroes on Wheels is another major program which benefits by the use of the LVAP vans. CT Heroes on Wheels provides free electric wheelchairs, electric scooters and other medical equipment to needy veterans and their families.

 

The DAV and AMVETS are collecting donations for the purchase of at least one additional LVAP van. 

Anyone interested in making a donation for the LVAP van may contact Al Church (DAV State Treasurer) (860) 529-1759 or church_al@yahoo.com. 

For information about the DAV or AMVETS programs contact Al Meadows (203) 929-3357 or al.meadows@snet.net.

 

 

This is a press release from Al Meadows of Shelton. 

Water company plans project in Seymour

BRIDGEPORT - Aquarion Water Co. today announced a water main cleaning and relining project on Silvermine Road in Seymour.

Scheduled to begin Sept. 16, the work is expected to be completed in six to eight weeks. 

During this project, existing water mains will be taken out of service and temporary above ground water lines and fire hydrants will be installed in the roadway shoulders to serve customers.  Short scheduled water outages will occur when customers are connected to temporary water lines, and again when customers are reconnected to the newly lined water main.

Due to construction, customer should expect minor traffic delays and detours during the working hours of 7:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. 

“We greatly appreciate residents’ patience during this project,” said George Logan, Aquarion’s Director of Engineering & Planning.  “We will work closely with our customers, contractors and local officials to coordinate the work and minimize disruption.”

John J. Brennan Construction, Luch’s Consulting Engineers, and Heitkamp, Inc. were chosen as contractors for this water main relining project.

Customers with project-related questions may contact Steve Glowa, Aquarion’s Pipeline Program Coordinator, at (203) 362-3061. 

For service or water-related issues, contact Aquarion Customer Service at 1-800-732-9678.

About Aquarion:

Aquarion Water Co. is the public water supply company for more than 625,000 people in 47 cities and towns throughout Connecticut, as well as serving customers in Massachusetts and New Hampshire.

It is the largest investor-owned water utility in New England and among the seven largest in the U.S.  Based in Bridgeport, it has been in the public water supply business since 1857. 

Across its operations, Aquarion strives to act as a responsible steward of the environment and to assist the communities it serves in promoting sustainable practices.  

For more information visit http://www.aquarionwater.com/ or www.facebook.com/aquarionwater.


This is taken from a press release.

 

Shelton artist exhibits work; reception Friday

An opening reception will be held from 5:30-7:30 p.m. Friday at Framemakers Picture Framing and Art Gallery, 3004 Fairfield Ave.,  in the Black Rock section of Bridgeport.

'In Plein View' is about seeing what is always before us and divining the extraordinary within the ordinary. These new works will be on exhibit at Framemakers through the month of September.
 
Hours are 8:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday and evenings by appointment.

For information call 203-388-0332.

This is a press release from Jill Nichols. 

Missing West Haven student's mother keeps issue alive

By Patricia Villers
pvillers@nhregister.com / Twitter: @nhrvalley

Corinna Martin

ANSONIA — West Haven resident Corinna Martin, mother of Alyssiah Marie Wiley, who has been missing since April 20, continued her search here Wednesday.

Martin and several volunteers were interviewed by the media in the parking lot of the Big Y supermarket on Main Street. They passed out fliers and talked about Wiley, 20, who was last seen in the Bridgeport area.

“We’re asking people in the community to keep their eyes and ears open,” Martin said. “This is our fourth trip to Ansonia. The police told me to talk to neighbors on Hubbell Avenue,” Martin said, which she did.

“We want to keep awareness heightened,” she said. “Fortunately for us, when we talk to people it jogs memories.”
Volunteer Kathleen Ceccarelli said a private volunteer search and rescue organization Tuesday brought search dogs to Coe Pond, which is behind Hubbell Avenue.

Family and friends have also searched in Bridgeport.

Martin said at 4:30 p.m. Saturday there will be an awareness prayer march starting at the Beardsley Park entrance behind the zoo.

The march will proceed in the Beardsley Park neighborhood.

Refreshments will be provided courtesy of Gateway Community College, she said.

Martin said Winkle Bus Co. will provide transportation. A bus will leave at 3 p.m. from the Elks Club in New Haven, she said, and from Shop-Rite supermarket, 1131 Campbell Ave., West Haven, at 3:30 p.m.
“I have 103 confirmed and I expect at least 150 or more as the word gets out,” she said.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Connecticut State Police Missing Person Clearinghouse at 860-685-8190.

“The family is offering a substantial-sized reward for accurate information on her whereabouts that leads to her safe return home,” Martin said.

She was joined by Hamden resident Lashay Saunders, who has been helping with the search and distributing fliers, Ceccarelli and her daughter, Kate Ceccarelli, a former college roommate of Wiley.

Saunders said although she doesn’t know Wiley, “I’ve grown very close to her mom.”

Derby runners place first and second in Bridgeport 5K race

Akshar Patel, Grade 8

BRIDGEPORT - The Derby Middle School Running Club captains ran the Beardsley Beast 5K in Bridgeport Saturday.

Rachel Fleischer and Akshar Patel finished first in their age group and Tristan Pruzinsky and Nicole Rizzo placed second.

Congratulations to all on their athletic achievements! 

Nicole Rizzo, left, and Rachel Fleischer, both Grade 7

Tristan Pruzinsky, Grade 7

A big thank you goes out to Derby resident April Pruzinsky for contributing these photos.  



This information is from a press release from Jenny Ames, kindergarten teacher at Bradley School, Derby.

Ansonia police seek witnesses to New Year's morning shooting

ANSONIA — Police are looking for witnesses to a shooting Tuesday in the early morning hours in the Ansonia Commons parking lot.

Police were called to the lot at 3 a.m. when a large fight was reported among patrons who had been at the Asylum Café on Main Street.

There was a report of gunshots, but officers checked the area and were unable to locate a victim. Officers located a small amount of blood on the ground and a shell casing in the area in the alley way between Asylum and the Ansonia Commons parking lot.

A short time later Ansonia Police received a call from the New Haven Police stating that they had a victim who reported that he had been shot in Ansonia. The victim, Marcus Heredia, 24, of Bridgeport was treated at the Hospital of Saint Raphael in New Haven. Heredia received a gunshot wound to the stomach area from a small caliber handgun. No information was given or available on the assailant, police said.
Anyone who may have witnessed the incident or has any information is asked to contact the Ansonia Police Department Detective Division at 203-736-2040.

Valley agency grateful to toy drive supporters

The Parent Child Resource Center, leading provider of behavioral health services to children and families in the Valley, was delighted to be a chosen agency of this year’s WPLR Toy Drive Dec. 7 at the Webster Arena in Bridgeport.

The Parent Child Resource Center is one of nine agencies chosen to receive the generosity of WPLR’s listeners and supporters who donated enough toys for PCRC to support 43 of its deeply appreciative families.

Dedicated volunteers supporting PCRC’s mission of “Saving lives by passionately caring for children, families and community” donated their time and effort from 4:30 a.m. and volunteered with the toy drive event until 11:30 a.m. Dec. 7 to help ensure children were able to receive gifts for Christmas.

CEO Michael Wynne said: “Our staff and families are very grateful to WPLR for organizing this fabulous effort that allowed our kids and families to have a super Christmas. Organizations like WPLR give hope to families in need.”

The above was taken from a press release from the Parent-Child Resource Center. 

Cell phone stop leads to drug arrest for Ansonia man

By The Associated Press

BRIDGEPORT — State police pulled over an Ansonia man for using a cell phone while driving, but ended up arresting him on drug charges.
The Connecticut Post reports that Glenn Hines faces charges of possession of a controlled substance, possession of narcotics with intent to sell and possession of narcotics outside the proper container.
Police say he was stopped on Route 25 near exit 5 at about 4 p.m. on Thursday because a trooper saw him using his cell phone. They say he also was driving with a suspended license.
He’s due in Bridgeport Superior Court on May 31.

Connecticut law targeting scrap metal theft ignored by some dealers; Register investigation exposes loopholes (video, photos)

Sims Metal Management in North Haven "is not your grandfather's scrapyard." This is the ferrous metal yard. Mara Lavitt/Register

By Michelle Tuccitto Sullo
Investigations Editor
mtuccitto@nhregister.com / Twitter: @nhrinvestigate

On an afternoon in March, two New Haven Register reporters drove a Ford Freestyle SUV carrying a newspaper honor box into the lot of a Derby scrap metal business, M. Jacobs & Sons on Factory Street.
We wanted to see if the staff would ask for identification, or ask if we had permission to sell the large, metal, coin-operated Register honor box. The boxes are on streets and in plazas across the region and have been targeted by thieves and sold for scrap metal.
An employee asked us what we were selling, and we were truthful. The employee glanced in the window and told us to drive around back to dump it.

We unloaded the box and were paid $6 cash for it. No one ever asked us for any identification. We were not asked whether we worked at the Register or had any right to sell it.
The Derby business’ performance was the worst in a recent undercover sting operation in which Register reporters sold scrap metal to businesses in the region to see if they would follow the law.
To try to make it easier for police to catch metal thieves, lawmakers have created rules for scrap metal businesses to follow, like asking for identification from sellers.

Read the full story here.

Presentation to focus on American Revolution

    DERBY -The Derby Neck Library, 307 Hawthorne Ave., will host a presentation by David Koch on the beginnings of the American Revolution, from 6:30-7:30 p.m. Thursday.
    Koch is an assistant professor of history at Housatonic Community College in Bridgeport.
    The presentation is planned to commemorate the anniversary of the Battle of Lexington and Concord.
    The program is appropriate for high school students and adults.
    For information call 203-734-1492.

Shelton police have leads in brutal attack on street

By Register Staff

SHELTON — Detectives have “people of interest” in the investigation of the weekend beating of a city man.
Police responded at about 12:15 a.m. Sunday to the Coram Avenue and Kneen Street area on a report of a person lying in the road. 

Jason Chevrier, 32, was unconscious and appeared to be the victim of an assault.
He was taken by Shelton EMS to Bridgeport Hospital, where he was admitted in surgical critical condition. Monday afternoon, he was in the intensive care unit, a hospital spokeswoman said.
Chevrier was found between two parked cars, with his feet in the travel portion of the road, Detective Sgt. Kevin F. Ahern said.

Police don’t think he was hit by a car, but believe he was struck on the head and face with a blunt object.
The area is a mix of residential and commercial buildings.
Chevrier was found across the street from Good Shepherd Church.
Detectives are following up on information. Anyone who may have been in the area at the time or might have leads can call police at 203-924-1544.
All calls will be kept confidential, Ahern said.

Police investigate apparent assault in Shelton; victim in critical condition

SHELTON – Police are investigating an apparent assault, after finding a person lying unconscious in the road early Sunday.
According to a release by the Police Department, officers responded to the area of Coram Avenue and Kneen Street around 12:15 a.m. Sunday after getting a report of a person lying the road.
Police found Jason Chevrier, 32, who was unconscious and appeared to be the victim of an assault, according to the release. He was taken to Bridgeport Hospital by Shelton EMS and was admitted in critical condition.
Police continue to investigate. Anyone who was in the area at that time or has information is urged to call police at 203-924-1544. All calls will be kept confidential.