Autumn Open Hearth Event Nov. 9 in Derby

DERBY - Please join us for Derby Historical Society’s Autumn Open Hearth event on Saturday, November 9, 2019, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.  We will be raffling off an American Girl Wellie Wisher, courtesy of Heather’s Korner, and a set of four tickets to the Friday, November 22 Huskies vs Providence Hockey Game at the XL Center in Hartford! 

There will be tours of our circa 1698 museum house, Dutch oven baking, and we have a great gift shop filled with little treasures, including handmade clothes for all of your American Girl Doll needs. 

Suggested donation is $5 per adult/children under the age of 5 are free. Call 203-735-1908 for information or visit our website at www.derbyhistorical.org Program made possible through the generous sponsorship of the Valley Community Foundation. 

The Derby Historical Society is a regional historical society dedicated to preserving, maintaining and celebrating the rich and varied history of the Lower Naugatuck Valley. The Derby Historical Society welcomes all visitors and is also available to support researchers, school or other program needs.  Our staff offices are located at the Sarah Riggs Humphreys House, 37 1/2 Elm Street, Ansonia, CT.  For more information, visit www.derbyhistorical.org

(This is a press release from the Derby Historical Society)

Walk, Run & Jog for a Good Cause

Calling all walkers, runners, and joggers!
Every year supporters of Spooner House gather together to walk the Derby Greenway in support of the hunger and homeless initiatives at Spooner House.
Join us this year on May 20th for our 20th year of this tradition!

You can choose to form your own team, join a team, or register as an individual.

Registration is $20.
Once registered, participants can set up their own fundraising pages.
The first 200 people to register will receive an event t-shirt and goodie bag.
All participants will be entered into a drawing to win prizes.

The registration page is now open!

Register now
and click "Set Up Your Fundraiser" to join a team or form your own.

Prizes will be awarded for:
-Team with most participants
-Team that raises the most money
-Individual that raises the most money

By joining the Walk for the Hungry and Homeless you are supporting your neighbors in need in the Lower Naugatuck Valley receive food, shelter and support services with the goal of establishing a self-sufficient living situation.

Spooner House food collection will provide over 3,317 meals to Lower Naugatuck Valley residents

Photos courtesy of Spooner House

SHELTON >> During the month of September, 4,976 non-perishable food items were collected during Hunger Action Month to provide over 3,317 meals to Lower Naugatuck Valley residents, Spooner House said in a press release.

Spooner House said it reached its Week 4 goal of 2,000 items and surpassed it to receive 2,099 items donated the last week of the month alone.

The organization thanks everyone who donated or held a food drive on its behalf, and says it couldn't have done it without the community's support. 

The "Virtual Food Drive" raised $535, double the goal. Spooner House operates the largest food pantry in the Lower Naugatuck Valley. In 2013, Spooner House served 135,000 meals through the Valley Food Bank and 30,000 meals through the shelter.

Spooner House also gives special thanks to: Naugatuck Valley Savings & Loan; Better Packages, Inc.; Unilever; The Managing Agency Group; Webster Bank Shelton employees; St. Mary-St. Michael School; Chaves Bakery - Shelton; Julia's Bakery - Orange; Royal Bakery - Shelton; The Ice Cream Shoppe; Walmart - Shelton; OEM Controls, Inc.; Prestige Industrial Finishing Co.; Pier 1 Imports Employees; Altair Global Relocation; Aspetuck Village Community; Energizer Personal Care; Seymour United Methodist Church; Trinity Lutheran Church; Riverside Community Church; Flowers de Jardin; David Grant Caterers; Matthew S.'s confirmation project; Stop & Stop in Ansonia for their Food for Friends program on Spooner House's behalf; Stop & Shop in Seymour for letting Spooner House host a food drive; Adam's Hometown Market in Shelton for letting Spooner House host a food drive; and all the anonymous individuals who donated.

The above information was provided in a press release from Spooner House.

Cupcake event in Branford to benefit BHcare

BRANFORD -  A Shoreline benefit for BHcare featuring Cupcake War 2014 will be held from 5:30-9:30 p.m. May 15 at The Owenego Beach and Tennis Club. 

The evening will feature a full menu, silent auction, music, a beautiful view of  Long Island Sound, and delectable cupcake desserts.

Five local bakeries are participating in the cupcake war. They are: JCakes (North Branford), Marjolaine Pastry Shop (New Haven), Meriano’s Bakery & Cannoli Truck (Madison), Pastry Fusions (North Branford), and Take the Cake (Guilford).

 

The committee, chaired by Charlotte Mattei, Senior Vice President, Webster Bank, and a BHcare board member, is seeking event sponsors and ad sponsors.  

Event sponsorships range from $250-$1,000 and ad book space is available for as little as $50.

Tickets are currently on sale for $50 each and are selling quickly.  Any persons or businesses interested in sponsorship or tickets are asked to call Debbie Soulsby,  203-736-2601, ext. 1321 or visit www.bhcare.org.

Decreases in state and federal funding coupled with increases in demand for services make fund-raising events such as this benefit critical to sustaining services for those at risk and in need.  

The BHcare Shoreline Benefit is sponsored by Guilford Savings Bank, as well as by Connecticut Mental Health Center, Rose & Kiernan, and VNA Community Healthcare. 

Media partner is Shore Publishing.

BHcare is a regional community provider of behavioral health, addiction prevention, and domestic violence services for the Lower Naugatuck Valley, Greater New Haven and Shoreline communities. 

For more information, visit www.bhcare.org.

This is a press release from BHcare. 

Valley Chamber recognizes community leaders

Patricia Tarasovic presents the 2012 Platinum Award to Liz Kennard. / Contributed photo

  The Greater Valley Chamber of Commerce and approximately 200 members and friends recently gathered to recognize five individuals and their outstanding achievements in the community. 

The Chamber presented five awards: the Silver Medal Award, three Gold Seal Awards, and the Platinum Award to the region’s business and community leaders who exemplify the spirit of selflessness and volunteerism. These awards are among the most prestigious and time-honored community service awards in the Valley. 
Alan Tyma, 1999 Gold Seal recipient, served as master of ceremonies.
 

The Silver Medal Award has only been presented 24 times and was first awarded in 1986.  The Chamber has presented the award to recognize volunteer groups or partnerships that have made extraordinary contributions to the community or to recognize an individual’s dedicated service and assistance to the community.

This year’s Silver Medal Award recipient was Commodore Hull Thanksgiving Day 5K Road Race.  This annual road race unites the communities of the Valley, while simultaneously raising money for organizations and remembering a Great War hero.

This event has raised approximately $100,000 for the Boys & Girls Club and has attracted people from across the nation to run and visit the Valley.

The Gold Seal Award has been presented to 143 individuals since 1971. This award is given annually by the Chamber to a recipient who demonstrates outstanding community service through dedicated and effective leadership.  

The Gold Seal Award this year was presented to Barbara Casagrande, Joseph A. Pagliaro, Jr., and Anthony San Angelo.

Casagrande has been an active member of the Valley for many years, leaving an imprint on the lives of many.  Most recently she started and is Co-Director of The Hope Center, providing job training primarily focused on computer skills, GED preparation as well as 1-on-1 teaching. 

Pagliaro exhibits extensive dedication to his community; currently he is a Board Member of the Valley United Way, Co-Chair of BG Healthcare Bowl-to-Benefit, and Board Member of the Valley Community Foundation.  

San Angelo has been involved with the community since 1979; he has donated his time and energy illustrating what it means to be a community leader, beginning his efforts as the President of the Beacon Falls Jaycees, and for a number of years has been the Chairman of the Economic Development Commission, Board Secretary of Birmingham Health Services, and Chairman of the Birmingham Group Foundation to name a few.

In 2001, in honor of the 30^th Anniversary of the Gold Seal Awards, the Chamber introduced the Platinum Award. 
Only 12 individuals have received the Platinum award and it is presented to a past Gold Seal recipient of at least 10 years who is still dedicated to volunteering their time and resources on behalf of the Valley Community.
The year’s Platinum Award honoree was M. Elizabeth Kennard, who won the Gold Seal Award in 1998. Her talents and efforts are continually recognized for having a great impact on the community.  Liz is one of the founding members and former Chair of the Valley Community Foundation; she is active in the Women Making a Difference Committee and is an annual presenter for Leadership Greater Valley. 

The combined efforts of all recipients, past and present, have resulted in lasting contributions in the communities of Ansonia, Beacon Falls, Derby, Oxford, Seymour, and Shelton.


This information was taken from a press release from the Greater Valley Chamber of Commerce.

Valley food drives slated this month

Increase seen in need for assistance
 
SHELTON - The Spooner House annual frozen turkey and fixings drive has begun and will feature a variety of locations and methods for everyone to donate through Nov. 18. 
Additional locations for donations this year include the Huntington Hose Fire Co. in Shelton  and Seybridge Pharmacy in Seymour. 
The Housatonic Council, Boy Scouts of America, Scouting for Food program will be collecting food Saturday.

 

More people than ever in the Lower Naugatuck Valley are in need of support to obtain all the ingredients necessary for satisfying holiday meals, so Spooner House officials are asking residents to be as generous as possible.

 

“More than 6,000 individuals have been served by the Food Bank this past year, comprising over 153,000 meals, 92,000 more than just four years ago when 61,000 meals were served,” Executive Director Susan Agamy said in a release. 
“Our supplies have virtually disappeared this week because of recent requests for local aid following the visit to Connecticut by storm Sandy.”

 

Smile Dental Center owner, Dr. Bruce Sofferman, along with his wife Deborah Sofferman and their daughter, Sophia Sofferman, will be wearing traditional Pilgrim and Native American costumes and they will be joined by a turkey mascot as they attempt to flag down drivers to drop off turkeys and fixings.
They will be collecting from 7-10 a.m. Nov. 14 at 318 Oxford Road (Rt. 67) and again from 7-10 a.m. Nov. 15 at the R.D. Scinto Corporate Park, One Corporate Drive.

 

Sofferman’s Smile Dental Centers at 318 Oxford Road, Oxford and 61 Elizabeth St., Derby will be collecting frozen turkeys and fixings uring regular business hours from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Nov. 12-16.

Only locations with an asterisk below will be collecting frozen turkeys, the others are only collecting non-perishable items for holiday food baskets. 

 

Boy Scouts Scouting for Food

Saturday - Fill bag Scouts left at door last Saturday and leave at door for pickup

 

Huntington Hose Fire Co.

Nov. 11 and 18 from 8:30 a.m. - noon

44 Church St., Shelton

 

Seybridge Pharmacy

Now through Sunday

37 New Haven Road, Seymour

* Smile Dental Center in Oxford

  Nov. 14, 7- 10 a.m. 

  318 Oxford Road (Route 67)

* R.D. Scinto Corporate Park

  Nov. 15, 7-10 a.m.

  One Corporate Drive, Shelton in parking lot of the Scinto Towers

 

* Seymour Middle School, 221 Mountain Road, Seymour
  accepting only frozen turkeys, no other food 

  Saturday, Nov. 17, 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.

  Sponsored by the Eighth Grade Gold Team

If these dates and times are not convenient, you may drop food items at Spooner House, 30 Todd Road, Monday through Friday from 9 a.m-5 p.m. and Saturdays from 1-5 p.m.
Contact avellucci@actspooner.org or call 203-225-0453.

 

Spooner House helps clients establish self-sufficiency in an atmosphere of respect and dignity. Area Congregations Together, Inc. is a partner agency of the Valley United Way.

 

HOLIDAY “BASKET” LIST 1 box instant potatoes 2 packages of gravy 1 box/or bag Stuffing mix 4 cans vegetables any choice corn/peas/asparagus/ yams/carrots Pie crust mix Pie filling, choice 1 jar pickles 2 cans olives 1 can evaporated milk Coffee Tea Powdered juice mix Canned fruit:mixed fruit, peaches, fruit   cocktail, pineapple  Extras: napkins, sugar, brownie mix, cornbread mix

Please place your items in a sturdy box or bin.

  

The above information is taken from a press release from Spooner House.

Valley residents taking a wait and see attitude

 

Ansonia resident Bob Bialek, a member of Ansonia Rescue Medical Services, shows the sanitized cots that are available to evacuees seeking shelter in the Ansonia High School gym. Patricia Villers/Register


By Patricia Villers
Register Staff
and Jean-Falbo-Sosnovich
Register Correspondent


Naugatuck Valley residents took a wait and see attitude concerning Hurricane Sandy.
As of late Monday morning just one senior citizen was staying in the emergency shelter the city had opened at 8 a.m. at Ansonia High School.

Beverly Favreau, who lives in the Ansonia Housing Authority’s Central Street Apartments complex, was reading as she sat on a cot in the gymnasium.

“I just was concerned when I saw on the TV that parking lots in Stratford were flooded,” Favreau said, and she decided to evacuate. Her sister gave her a ride to the shelter, she said.
Favreau was 11 when the Flood of ’55 devastated the Valley, and she said she has vivid memories of the devastation.

“You can’t trust the Naugatuck River,” she said.

Favreau was living on Maple Street in Seymour at the time and remembers that her church, Seymour Congregational on Broad Street, sustained a lot of damage. “I hope my church is going to be OK,” she said.

Ansonia Rescue Medical Services’ member Bob Bialek, of Ansonia, gave a visitor a tour of the shelter. He said boys’ locker room facilities are being used for men, and girls’ locker room facilities are available for women.

Bialek said the city has made accommodations to have Valley Transit District buses and buses from Emmett O’Brien (Technical High School) available “to use if a mass evacuation is needed.”

The high school is at 20 Pulaski Highway. Ansonia Rescue Medical Services’ personnel stationed there said they were there for the duration of the storm.

“We’re prepared to be here as long as necessary,” Bialek said. Drinking water is available there, as are 150 sanitized cots and blankets from Federal Emergency Management Agency, he said.

EMT Terry Godfrey, of Ansonia, said cafeteria employees were there preparing lunch for workers and shelter clients.

She had her 15-year old twins, Andrew and Jenn, with her to help at the shelter. “They’re Junior Corps members,” Godfrey said, and have been involved with the organization for many years.

Godfrey said last year during Hurricane Irene three people, parents with a child, sought shelter at the high school.

Major Theresa Burkholder from the Ansonia-based Greater Valley Salvation Army arrived at the shelter to offer her agency’s assistance.

“We’re available if there’s a need,” Burkholder said. “We can provide meals, and we have blankets, toiletries, diapers, and other supplies,” she said.

Burkholder said she would deliver items to Ansonia High School if requested.

The above story is also at www.nhregister.com. Check back for updates.

Update: Derby Mayor Anthony Staffieri said that at 2 p.m. he had just returned from areas of the city near the Housatonic River.

He said McConney’s Grove off Roosevelt Drive and O’Sullivan’s Island were “still in great shape. There were no significant water problems.”

Staffieri said he expected heavy wind could cause problems later today.

“Wind could knock down trees which could down power lines,” he said.

Staffieri said he held several meetings with department heads Monday.

“Their equipment is in good working order, and the flood gates have been closed,” he said.

If it’s necessary the city will open Derby Middle School as a shelter, with Bradley School as a secondary location if needed, he said.

“We have food and water, we’re prepared.”

Staffieri said it appeared that City Hall would be closed tomorrow.

“We encourage people to call the police department, the fire department, or public works,” he said. “Right now they are waiting for a call. Hopefully there won’t be any calls. That means that there were no problems.”  

Clinic teaches child safety, distributes car seats

Safe Kids, Valley parish nurses host event

Easton Police Officer Mark Pastore secures Charlize Wallace into her new car seat. / Contributed photo

 

More than 75 children from the Valley will be traveling safer thanks to a car seat clinic Thursday.

 

Safe Kids Greater Naugatuck Valley and Griffin Hospital Valley Parish Nurse Program hosted the car seat clinic at the Head Start TEAM Early Care and Education Center at 80 Howard Ave., Ansonia. Combining grants from BJ’s Charitable Foundation and Safe Kids USA, they were able to have a complete child safety education program that culminated in the distribution of 76 car seats.

“With the money from BJ’s and Safe Kids, we were able to have an entire educational program for the parents here which included pedestrian safety as well as car safety,” said Cathi Kellett, Coordinator for Safe Kids Greater Naugatuck Valley and Special Programs Coordinator for Griffin Hospital Valley Parish Nurse Program. 
“To be eligible for a car seat, parents had to go through all of the classes and complete a post-test on all of the safety information. Today, we are able to give out 76 car seats to families in need.”

Car seat recipient Nicole Souza wasn’t aware her 4-year-old daughter Charlize Wallace still needed to be in a car seat until she was recently pulled over by local police. 

“Thankfully they gave me a warning, and I was able to participate in this program,” Souza said. “[Charlize] hasn’t been in a car seat since she outgrew her old one about a year ago.”

Kellett, along with school staff, gathered information from the parents ahead of time such as the children’s height and weight so they could have the correct seats prepped for installation at the clinic. The seats were installed by Certified Child Passenger Safety Technicians, who undergo continuous training to maintain their title.

“We go through about 40 hours of training and have to recertify every two years,” said Mary Swansiger, Outreach Coordinator for Griffin Hospital Valley Parish Nurse Program. “During that two-year period, we have to work at various community events to keep our skills up, and have to practice on all five types of car seats.”


This information is taken from a release from Griffin Hospital. 

Book highlights remarkable lives of Valley natives

On Saturday my husband and I attended a reception marking the release of a new book, "Notable Valley African Americans."

The festive atmosphere we encountered at Molto Bene Italian Kitchen at John J. Sullivan's restaurant in Ansonia was certainly contagious.
The group celebrating the book release included those who are featured in the book as well as their friends and family members.
 

The book offers insight into accomplished Valley natives.

The 112-page, soft-cover publication is the brainchild of Ansonia resident Elezena Anderson. She deserves plaudits for her dedication as she turned her concept into a reality.

Anderson humbly said everyone involved is an "author," since the book contains a collection of biographies and photos submitted by the honorees or their families.
Individuals featured in the book include clergy members, doctors, nurses, postal workers, teachers and politicians, to list just a few.

Anderson also told me she was relieved that it was done. That's certainly understandable, since the project took several years to complete. The project was funded through a $3,000 grant from the Community Foundation for Greater New Haven.  

Anderson, a founding member of the Julian A. Taylor Scholarship Committee, said she will donate all profits from sale of the $10 book to the Julian A. Taylor Scholarship Fund.

Taylor was pastor of Macedonia Baptist Church in Ansonia for 42 years. After he died at age 79 in 1981 the scholarship fund was established in his memory.

Each July the top-ranking black students from Ansonia High School receive college scholarships at an awards dinner. High-achieving students in grades three through 11 in Ansonia also receive cash awards at the event.

Below is a photo of those who were honored at the reception for their work behind-the-scenes on the project. 

Pictured from left are Evelyn Lindsey, Jackie Blount, Sheena Graham, Wilhelmenia Christon, Patricia Reynolds, Pamela Potter, Elezena Anderson, and Diane Stroman. Photo by Patricia Villers

Anderson said copies of the book will be donated to: Ansonia High School, Ansonia Middle School, Emmett O’Brien Technical High School in Ansonia, Ansonia Library, and the Derby Historical Society in Ansonia.

To purchase a copy contact Anderson, 203-735-0421. It is well worth the $10 pricetag, and the money benefits a good cause.

Gentile hails rehab funding

HUD grant to subsidize upgrades to 10 properties in Ansonia 

State Rep. Linda M. Gentile, D-104, joined Gov. Dannel P. Malloy Wednesday in welcoming funds for housing rehabilitation in Ansonia. 

A U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s Small Cities Community Development Block Grant will subsidize renovations to 10 properties in Ansonia. 

The $300,000 grant, administered through Connecticut’s Department of Economic and Community Development, will be used for lead testing and abatement, energy efficiency upgrades, code enforcement, electrical and plumbing improvements and window and door replacements.

“These subsidized projects create and retain local jobs that are critical to improving the distressed city of Ansonia and the local economy. I want to thank Governor Malloy for his support for local property upgrades that help protect public safety, people’s health and also keep neighborhoods livable,” Gentile said. “Projects such as this are one of the best ways Connecticut can reinvest in the community.”

“I’m very excited about the housing rehabilitation project in Ansonia, where this grant will not only underwrite energy efficiency upgrades and electrical and plumbing repairs, but also lead testing and remediation as necessary, to better protect residents from that potential environmental hazard,” state Sen. Joseph J. Crisco, D-Woodbridge, said. “This seems to be a very cost-effective and creative use of public funding to help residents attain and enjoy a higher quality of life by making better housing available to them.”

“Expanding access to affordable housing is critical to strengthening the statewide economy and a major focus of my administration,” said Malloy said. “Over the next 10 years, the state will invest $500 million to revitalize and expand affordable housing options so that our cities and towns will be a better place to live, raise a family and do business.  These grants from the U.S. Department of Housing will go a long way to help us realize our goals, and we are appreciative of their recognition.”

A total of 31 Connecticut towns have been awarded a total of $10,987,840 through the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s Small Cities Community Development Block Grant program. 

The Small Cities Block Grant Program, administered by Connecticut’s Department of Economic and Community Development, funds economic development, affordable housing, and other community revitalization projects. 

FRIDAY FIVE: A recap of this week in the Valley

Here are some of the stories that made headlines in the Valley over the past week.

They are written by Register reporters Phyllis Swebilius and Patricia Villers, and Register Correspondent Jean Falbo-Sosnovich, and are listed in no particular order.

OSHA probing propane gas explosion in Shelton. 

Oxford driver charged in fatal accident.

Archbishop blesses addition to mausoleum at Mount St. Peter's Cemetery in Derby.

Valley nonprofit holding diaper drive in Seymour. 

Connecticut STEP UP program focus of event at Ansonia Armory.

Valley Arts Council to host magical show in October

DERBY - The Valley Arts Council will host its newest art show and sale, entitled “Magic & Mysticism: The Art of Believing,” with an opening reception from 6-9 p.m. Oct. 13.

The event will be held at Gallery@37, at 37 Elizabeth St., gallery manager BillieJo Scharfenberg said. The public is invited.

The show runs from Oct. 13 through Nov. 3.  

Artists who are members of the Valley Arts Council will display works-for-sale inspired by a variety of magical themes, from stage magic and the art of illusion, to the magic and mysticism integral to many of the world’s long-established and more recently emerged religious traditions.

Scharfenberg said visitors may even find art inspired by the sorts of magic conjured up by the entertainment industries, such as might be found in popular fiction, films, and video games. 

The celebrity guest judge for the show will be the inimitable Rose Red, an experienced tarot card reader and magical lady. She will also do tarot card readings for interested visitors on opening night, at a special event rate of just $15 for 15 minutes or $25 for 30 minutes. 

For information on how to enter as an artist, or to attend the show, contact Scharfenberg at galleryat37@gmail.com, 203-558-7591, or Valley Arts Council President Rich DiCarlo, at studiochid@sbcglobal.net, 203-906-4343.

Health fair, carnival slated Sunday in Shelton

SHELTON - A free family carnival will give parents some valuable information as they have fun with their children.

The event will run from 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Sunday at the Boys & Girls Club of the Lower Naugatuck Valley, 1 Positive Place.  It combines the Club's 'Day for Kids' and the 11th annual Children's Health & Safety Fair.

It is sponsored by Griffin Hospital's Valley Parish Nurses, the Boys & Girls Club of the Lower Naugatuck Valley and Griffin Hospital Faculty Practice: Primary Care.

Activities will include carnival games, moon bounce, touring fire engines and rescue vehicles, a safe house demonstration and more.

Free bicycle helmets will be given to the first 300 children who attend.  

There will be health and wellness interactive displays including CHIP (child identification program), and a car-seat safety clinic.

Community chips in to help with Back to School

Shelton businesses collect supplies for needy kids

 

Pictured from left: Frank Yaworowski, President, Shelton Community Lions Club; Jennifer Sneider, Owner, J Cuts; Jennifer DeLeon, Boys & Girls Club of the Lower Naugatuck Valley and Scharletta Samuel, TEAM, Inc. of Derby. / Contributed photo

SHELTON - When it comes to children in need, the Valley never lets them down!

For the sixth year in a row, the Annual Book Bag & School Supply drive has been a great success. More than 110 book bags and an abundance of back to school supplies were collected.

This drive, originally started by the owners of Luther's Garage, which is now closed, continues on an annual basis through J Cuts, 505 Howe Ave.

Jennifer Sneider, owner of J Cuts, was the main collection location for supplies such as book bags, book covers, rulers, pens, pencils, erasers, notebooks, binders, glue, crayons, calculators, pencil sharpeners, paper and folders.
"The outpouring kindness of the community always warms my heart," Sneider said. “So many people stop by to drop off donations. Many of my customers do not hesitate to hand me five or 10 dollars so I can pick up what we are falling short on.  It is amazing how it all balances out for children in need!”

Minuteman Press at 427B Howe Ave. was a collection location again this year.

For the second year in a row, Dave Haddad of the Shelton Lions Club, led his organization on a weekly collection during the summer concerts on the Huntington Green. As a result, they were able to contribute greatly to the drive.

This year, as the collection came closer to an end, coordinators realized there might be a shortage of book bags.  At the last minute, Peter Cantone, CEO of Spray Foam Nation, headquartered in West Haven, came through by donating 50 book bags.

“Although we are a national company, we believe it is important to give on a local basis, especially when it concerns children in great need,” Cantone said. “I don’t think we can ever do enough to help take care of the world’s children.”

Spray Foam Nation shared a portion of the donations with the West Haven Youth & Family Services program. Bob Morton, director of this program, stopped by last week to pick up book bags and school supplies. 

"The majority of our families are single parents, with low to moderate income,” Morton said. “They have one or more children who have a clinical diagnosis (autism, ADHD, OCD, etc.)  Any financial assistance that these families receive is extremely helpful. To be able to get school supplies might mean the difference between putting food on the table, paying a bill or putting gas in the car to get their children to doctor or therapy appointments.”

Headquartered in West Haven, Spray Foam Nation was founded to provide spray foam contractors with premium products and services. The company is dedicated to providing solutions which help create the most energy efficient structures.  In addition to an online store at www.SprayFoamNation.net, Spray Foam Nation has a full service training facility to certify and support spray foam contractors. The company's mission is to provide a one-stop-shop for all spray foam products, services, support, training, and repair needs.

Additional children receiving donations this year are served by TEAM, Inc. of Derby and the Boys and Girls Club of the Lower Naugatuck Valley.  

J Cuts will be the main collection location beginning Jan. 1 for the seventh annual Monkey Love Valentine Drive.  Although this community drive officially kicks off on Jan.1, donations will be accepted at any time. Donations must be new, stuffed monkeys.

This drive benefits the same groups of children in need as the Back to School Book Bag & School Supply Drive. The more stuffed monkeys collected, the more the donations will be spread to additional agencies for children.
Any group, business or organization is welcome to join in the Annual Monkey Love Valentine Drive. Call Jennifer Sneider, 203-924-4107 for details.

The above information was taken from a press release.