New Development Director for Valley United Way

SHELTON- Following months of strategic planning and then working with the community on Coronavirus Relief, Valley United Way is excited to announce the hiring of a new part time Development Director, Brian Mezzi of Clinton, CT.

Mr. Mezzi also currently works at United Way of Greater New Haven (UWGNH) as their Assistant Development Director.  Hearing of the good work he was accomplishing there, Interim President/COO of Valley United Way, David Kennedy, approached UWGNH to consider a work share scenario that would enable Mr. Mezzi to work for the Valley part time.  

“The shared services agreement we have entered into with UWGNH is the best of so many worlds,” Mr. Kennedy said. “We have been able to bring a very talented United Way development professional onto our team, while he continues to support corporate partnerships and United Way of Greater New Haven’s workplace campaign.”

With 10 years of non-profit experience, primarily with United Ways in Connecticut, Mezzi has spent most of that time cultivating and creating relationships with workplaces that are looking to contribute to local needs. Last year, Mezzi worked with a diverse portfolio of local businesses to successfully raise over $1 million for the greater New Haven community.

He is also no stranger to giving back to the community.  An avid fencer, Mezzi is the former Head Coach for the North Haven Fencing team and is the Co-Chair of the CT High School Fencing Association.  He has won awards for his roles in service and leadership through organizations like Americorps and the Corporation for National and Community Service.

Though relatively new to the Valley community, Mezzi notes, “I look forward to engaging with individuals and partners throughout the Valley. I make it my goal to inspire others, both in and out of the workplace, to give and get involved in their community. I look forward to working together in a ‘United Way’ to change what's possible for the Valley. “

As Valley United Way is still working remotely due to Coronavirus, it was not the typical “orientation” for the new employee.  Brian Mezzi started at Valley United Way on Monday, July 13^th and will continue working remotely, along with other VUW staff until further notice.  

For any questions related to Development and Workplace Giving for Valley United Way, Mezzi can be contacted at:  Brian.Mezzi@valleyunitedway.org.

(This is a press release from Valley United Way)

Valley United Way Elects New Officers

 Newly Elected VUW Chairman Michael Gnibus 

SHELTON - Despite Valley United Way not being able to hold its planned public Annual Meeting on April 30, its Board recently elected new officers to serve until its next Annual Meeting and thanked a number of long-time directors whose terms have ended.

Members whose terms have ended include Jimmy Tickey, who served as Board Vice Chair; Jennifer Bull, CPA, (PKF O’Connor Davies, LLP); Peter Dagostine (First Group America); Michael Duncan (Edgewell Personal Care); Fred Ortoli (Ortoli Photography); Ramon Peralta (Peralta Design) and Janice Sheehy (Webster Bank).

On his departure, Tickey remarked, “The Valley United Way has made a real difference for people in our community. It has been a pleasure to serve on the Board for 10 years and lead our community campaign for 3 of those years - working to raise substantial funds to support the programs and agencies that thousands of families rely on in the Lower Naugatuck Valley.  I know the Valley United Way will continue to focus on preparing youth to succeed, strengthening families, and helping people in crisis."

David Kennedy, Interim President and COO, commented, “Valley United Way has been gifted with decades of exceptional service from these Directors.  It was very hard to say “thanks” to them in a non-public forum for their care for the Valley through United Way. However, we look forward to doing that at our rescheduled Annual Meeting, whenever that will be.”

At its April 22 board meeting, directors elected the following officers for terms ending at the next Annual Meeting:  Chair, Michael Gnibus (Armstrong Teasdale); Vice Chair, Karen Stockla (Prudential Financial); Secretary, Dominick Thomas, Esq. (Cohen & Thomas) and Treasurer, Gregory DeStefano, CPA (Cherubino & Company, PC).

Gnibus is an intellectual property attorney and partner in the New York office of the St. Louis based law firm of Armstrong Teasdale. Before working there, he spent 10 years at the General Electric office in Shelton where he led the GE United Way campaign and multiple service projects that were run through VUW. He has served on the Valley United Way Board for ten years and has provided leadership support to the United Way’s Youth Leadership program.

“It is with mixed emotions that I acknowledge the United Way’s departing Board members,” Gnibus remarked.  “On behalf of Valley United Way I want to thank the departing Board members for their many years of service. We are grateful for their collective, tireless commitment to ensuring that Valley United Way’s support aligned with and met the evolving needs of area residents.  Although they will not be active on the Board going forward, I am pleased to let you know that many of the departing Board members have committed to remaining active by supporting our committees. I am looking forward to leading our dedicated Board, and continuing to evolve the organization to ensure that we maximize Valley United Way’s positive impact on the community.”

Board members continuing to give leadership to Valley United Way include Patrick Charmel (Griffin Hospital); Joy DeMarchis (DeMarchis Family Holdings);  Brian Diehl (Pitney Bowes); Jill Johnson (Iroquois Pipeline); John McFarland (Hubbell Incorporated); Mary Ann Miskowicz (Better Packages); Bill Purcell (Greater Valley Chamber of Commerce); Jeffrey Tracey (Mutual Security Credit Union) and Michael Wilson (Seymour Public Schools).

As a leading philanthropic organization in Lower Naugatuck Valley, Valley United Way improves lives by mobilizing the caring power of the community through philanthropy, volunteerism, and collaboration. For more information about the organization, visit its website at www.valleyunitedway.org or contact David Kennedy, Interim President/COO at 203-538-6341.

(This is a press release from Valley United Way)

A Holiday Spectacular

Valley Dentist Helps Brighten Holidays

SHELTON- Dr. Bruce Sofferman of Smile Dental Center, 1000 Bridgeport Ave., and his family held their 33rd frozen turkey and canned food drive Nov. 20 to benefit the Spooner House and its Valley Food Bank. The donations will be made into food baskets for more than 600 Valley families in need so they can enjoy a hearty Thanksgiving.

Festival of Trees Nov. 23 & 24

SHELTON-  TEAM, Inc. www.teaminc.org will present its 16^th Annual Festival of Trees to benefit TEAM Elderly Services from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Nov. 23 and Nov. 24 at the Shelton Senior Center, 18 Wheeler St.

Festival of Trees is a magical weekend that includes more than 25 vendors, other activities for families and adults, and raffle tickets to lucky winners that includes more than 30 prizes: fully decorated Holiday Trees, Wreaths, Baskets, and a new TV. 

In addition, TEAM’s 16^th Annual Festival of Trees kicks off the magic of the holiday season including pictures with Santa as well as Minnie Mouse. 

Admission is free and the public is welcome. Attendees can purchase raffle tickets ($10/ book) and win your very own holiday tree, wreath, gift basket, and/or television. More than 25 vendors will be on hand to help with holiday shopping.

TEAM is committed to maximizing opportunities for the independence and wellbeing of our Valley seniors most in need – programs include Meals on Wheels & Elderly Nutrition, Medical Transportation, Volunteer Caregiving & Homemaking, and other basic needs supports and assistance for our region’s seniors. In addition to raising public awareness of TEAM’s services for seniors, this event raises funds in support of TEAM’s Elderly Services that made a meaningful impact for more than 700 seniors in the last year alone.

(This is a press release from TEAM)

Stuff a Truck to Benefit Spooner House

SHELTON – The Rabine Family Dentistry will be holding a special Stuff a Truck filled with non-perishable items on Saturday, November 16 from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. at 865 River Road in Shelton.  

This will be an important food drive since many state budgets have been cut, therefore more people than ever are in need of meal support in the lower Naugatuck Valley to obtain all the ingredients necessary for satisfying holiday meals.

The Rabine Family Dentistry Center will also be collecting frozen turkeys and non perishable food items. 

Visit www.actspooner.org for other donation locations and updates for the holiday season.  Also check for updates and pictures on the ACT Spooner House Facebook page. Spooner House is asking everyone to be as generous as possible and thanks you in advance for any help you are able to provide. 

Health & Safety Fair

Join Valley United Way for Martinis, Music and More

Save the Dates

Derby Historical Society Gets New Leader

DERBY- The Derby Historical Society announces the transition of leadership from Paula J. Norton, who after serving the DHS for over 9-years is passing the baton to Daniel L. Bosques. 

As executive director, Daniel, who has also been involved with the DHS for 9-years will continue in the legacy of serving the lower Naugatuck Valley towns of Ansonia, Derby, Oxford, Seymour and  Shelton. 

Paula and Daniel are pictured here alongside some of the docents who help make the David Humphreys House come to life with their award-winning A Day in 1762 school program, as well as during numerous open houses and events; this will be the 39th-year that the Derby Historical Society offers this field trip to students from all over Connecticut. 

Stop by the David Humphrey House, located at 37 Elm St., Ansonia, CT on Saturday, July 20^th from 10 am – 1 pm for an Open House. You can reach the DHS with inquiries at Dan@derbyhistorical.org or by calling 203-735-1908.

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

Derby Mayor Thanks Fireworks Donors

DERBY - Mayor Richard Dziekan would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to the businesses who donated to this year’s Independence Day Fireworks.

Because of overwhelming generosity, Wednesday (July 3) night’s fireworks were fully funded through contributions by local businesses and corporate partners.

Every year, Derby shares the cost of the fireworks with Shelton, and this year each municipality was responsible for $13,600 plus our own fire watch.

The Mayor’s office sent out letters in April seeking donations and we are thrilled to announce that for the second year in a row there was no expense to the taxpayer.

All additional money raised above this year’s costs will be set aside for next year.

Below is a list of all the donors that helped make the firework display on July 3 such an amazing experience.

We are so grateful for your support.

A Quick Pick Crane

Aetna

All American Waste

Aquarion Water Company

Arthur J. Gallagher & Co.

Arum & Associates

Bad Sons Beer Co.

Barnum Engineered Systems

Barretta Enterprises

Beirne Wealth Consulting

Bradley Pond

Calvert Safe & Lock

Catholic War Veterans

City Carting & Recycling

Civitella & Associates

Cohen and Wolf

Decarlo & Doll

Dew Drop Inn

Dominick J. Thomas, Jr.

Espo’s Ace Realty

Frank Pepe Construction

Griffin Hospital

Hancock Pharmacy

John M. Rak

McDonald’s

Retro Grub & Pub

Salerno Inc./Italian Pavilion

Sons of Italy

Sovita Chiropractic

Sunflower Dental

T.H.C. The Hops Company

Tipsy Tomato

Tracy’s Garage Inc.

United Cigar

USI Insurance

Vincent Guardiano

Weston & Sampson

(This is a press release from Mayor Dziekan's office)

5K Run/Walk for Drug Awareness

  

Shelton, CT (June 2019) Fight Against Drugs Everywhere (FADE) will hold its fifth annual drug awareness 5k run/walk on June 27 at 5:30 pm at the Shelton Pavilion & Riverwalk. All proceeds will benefit the BHcare’s Alliance for Prevention and Wellness (APW).

This year’s event will feature guest speaker John Lally and the “Today I Matter Project.” The event will conclude with a candlelight remembrance ceremony. Names will be read of loved ones lost to overdose. People can submit names at the event to be read aloud. 

Drug overdoses and drug overdose deaths continue to rise at an alarming rate. More than 120 people die every day in the U.S. from an opioid overdose. Both prescription painkillers and heroin are contributing to this phenomenon. The overall drug deaths in Connecticut have nearly tripled over the past seven years, from 357 in 2012 to 1,018 in 2018. 

FADE 5k run/walk is being held to raise awareness of the opioid epidemic and overdoses, acknowledge and support the grief felt by families and friends who have lost a loved one, provide hope to families who have a loved one struggling with a substance use disorder, and to provide local prevention and treatment resources. Register today at https://bit.ly/FADE2019.

The Alliance for Prevention & Wellness, a program of BHcare, is the Regional Behavioral Health Action Organization (RBHAO) for the DMHAS Region II service area. APW’s mission is to foster positive mental health by preventing substance misuse and other health-risk behaviors, and by building resources that promote wellness. For more information, please visit www.APW-CT.org

Fundraiser to Benefit Shelton Intermediate School

Shelton Firm Donates Big to Project Purple

           

SEYMOUR - Staff members at Dworken, Hillman, LaMorte and Sterczala, P.C. (DHL&S) in Shelton took it upon themselves to support Project Purple, a Seymour-based nonprofit, by naming the charity as the recipient to its 2018 Jeans for Charity Fundraiser.

 

The staff was encouraged to donate to a fund which was matched by the firm every Friday, in exchange for being allowed to wear jeans. DHL&S raised more than $4,805 for Project Purple as part of its annual campaign.

 

DHL&S, which specializes in accounting, tax, auditing, and business consulting, has raised more than $58,905 for local charities with its Jeans for Charity campaign since 2004.

 

“Fundraisers like this are so important for spreading awareness and sharing our mission,” said Project Purple CEO Dino Verrelli.

 

Project Purple is a national charity that paid out $100,000 in patient financial aid to 152 patients and families who were fighting pancreatic cancer in 2018, while donating $1.38 million in research grants last year.

 

This cause is near and dear to the DHL&S office staff, as some of its members have been impacted personally by the disease.

 

“We are proud to support such a worthy organization,”  DHL&S said in a Facebook post.

 

(This is a press release from Project Purple)