Pets Helping People

Connecticut firearms board sued over returning Derby man’s pistol permit

By Ed Stannard
Register Staff

The commissioner of the state’s public safety department has filed suit against the state Board of Firearms Permit Examiners and a Derby man, appealing the return of the man’s pistol permit in what a state prosecutor had called “a nothing case.”
Scott Lazurek, 36, of 21 Burtville Ave., was a security guard who had had his permit revoked by West Haven police in June 2013. Police had stopped him and a friend on the city boardwalk as they carried their loaded pistols in the open.
Lazurek refused to show his permit, which he was later found to have with him. His friend willingly showed his permit.

Read more here.

Local band helps Ansonia restaurant celebrate opening

My husband Ralph and I enjoyed listening to The Mike and Mike Band perform Saturday at a block party hosted by The Pantry, a new breakfast and lunch restaurant at 384 E. Main St., Ansonia.

The party held to celebrate the restaurant's grand opening featured a car show, a bike show, and a pig roast.

The musicians are from left, Robert Liptrot of New Haven, Laurie Rios of Stratford, Omar Sanchez of New Haven, and West Haven residents and band founders Michael Martone and Michael Molyneux.

Reminder: Bike Night tonight in Derby to benefit West Haven girl

Local musicians play at benefit in Shelton

Ansonia resident Matt Miklus, left, and West Haven resident Pat Haddon, two of the three members of The Nameless Trio, play Sunday at the third annual In Love and Chocolate event at Courtyard by Marriott in Shelton. 
Ansonia resident Morgan Morse, the third member of the trio, was not in attendance.
Stay tuned for a story this week in the New Haven Register.

Wheel-A-Thon rolls out awareness, raises funds

To benefit advocacy organization in West Haven

It was a beautiful morning for the Center for Disability Rights' 8th annual Wheel-A-Thon Sunday at Savin Rock in West Haven.

Wheelchairs wait for riders.

West Haven Mayor John Picard, right, addresses the group prior to the start of the event.

Participants listen to remarks before getting ready to roll.

And they're off ...

Able-bodied volunteers try manual wheelchair ambulation. 

Message on sign along route: "Did you know only 10 percent of young adults with learning disabilities make it past the second year in college? Your donations help CDR to help students succeed in college."

Nothing stopped this flower ...  it reminded me of the members and staff at CDR.

I don't know how much was raised to benefit programs for youths with disabilities. CDR executive director Marc Anthony Gallucci said the goal was $20,000; about $16,000 was raised last year.

But just as important as the funds raised by the event is the awareness raised of the challenges faced by those who live with a disability.

Kennedy supports West Haven nonprofit

Branford resident Ted Kennedy Jr., center, son of the late Massachusetts Sen. Edward M. Kennedy, speaks Sunday at the eighth annual Wheel-A-Thon sponsored by the Center for Disability Rights at the Savin Rock Conference Center in West Haven. 
Kennedy lost his right leg to bone cancer when he was 12 and is an advocate for the disabled. 

Pictured at left is Marc Anthony Gallucci, executive director, Center for Disability Rights. Charles Smyth, president, CDR membership committee, is on the right.





Stay tuned for more photos from the event.

'Training' for walks in West Haven, Seymour and Derby

Local non-profits will benefit

I admit I'm using the term 'training,' rather loosely.
I'm kinda-sorta exercising to survive through three upcoming walks ... the first one is Sunday morning.

The Center for Disability Rights in West Haven is holding its eighth annual Wheel-A-Thon.

It will start at 9 a.m. at the Savin Rock Conference Center, 5 Rock St., West Haven. More than 90 percent of the funds raised go to programs and scholarships for area teens with disabilities.

Teams have been formed but CDR Executive Director Marc Anthony Gallucci invites individuals to "c'mon down" and join in the event. It's always a fun time.

It costs $25 to register and for that you get breakfast, camaraderie, and the knowledge you are helping to improve the life of a young person who is facing challenges.  

Next up is the fourth annual Pounding the Pavement for Pink to benefit Seymour Pink, Inc., a grass roots initiative to promote awareness of breast cancer and financially support local survivors deal with the disease.

The walk/run will start at 9 a.m. Oct. 5 from the Seymour Community Center, 20 Pine St., Seymour. 

And on Oct. 12 it's the fifth annual Griffin 5K WalkRun. That also kicks off at 9 a.m., from the parking lot of the Center for Cancer Care at Griffin Hospital, 350 Seymour Ave., Derby.

If you haven't signed up for any of these walks, please consider joining in ~ you'll be glad you did.

Reposting: Event in Derby Monday to help area family

Thursday, August 1, 2013

West Haven child will melt your heart

Benefit planned in Derby

Eva Grace Kelly tries out her new wheels at the MDA Clinic in New Haven. / Contributed photo

I recently wrote a story about an upcoming fund-raiser for little Eva Grace Kelly of West Haven, who is living with spinal muscular atrophy.   

I visited the Kelly family at their West Haven home last week. Eva's big brother Noah, almost 8, made sure to introduce me to family felines Ruby and Max.
But I was unable to officially meet Eva the Diva, as mom Missy Kelly likes to call her daughter. That's because she was sleeping the entire time I was there. Her bedroom was decorated in a way that can only be described as fit for a princess.

Missy Kelly told me Eva loves Disney princesses, and was thrilled to meet them all during a recent family vacation to Disney World funded by Baking Memories for Kids, a New York nonprofit. 

I'm posting this today as a reminder of the Derby benefit - a Bike Night from 6-9 p.m. Aug. 19 at the Valley Diner, 565 New Haven Ave., Derby. Rain date is Aug. 20.
The funds raised will go toward a handicapped-accessible van for the family.

The event will feature music, vendors, friendly folks and an opportunity to meet Eva Grace.
And you can decide for yourself whether this adorable little girl is a diva or not! 

  In addition to Disney princesses it appears Eva loves Minnie Mouse too!

West Haven child will melt your heart

Benefit planned in Derby

Eva Grace Kelly tries out her new wheels at the MDA Clinic in New Haven. / Contributed photo

I recently wrote a story about an upcoming fund-raiser for little Eva Grace Kelly of West Haven, who is living with spinal muscular atrophy.   

I visited the Kelly family at their West Haven home last week. Eva's big brother Noah, almost 8, made sure to introduce me to family felines Ruby and Max.
But I was unable to officially meet Eva the Diva, as mom Missy Kelly likes to call her daughter. That's because she was sleeping the entire time I was there. Her bedroom was decorated in a way that can only be described as fit for a princess.

Missy Kelly told me Eva loves Disney princesses, and was thrilled to meet them all during a recent family vacation to Disney World funded by Baking Memories for Kids, a New York nonprofit. 

I'm posting this today as a reminder of the Derby benefit - a Bike Night from 6-9 p.m. Aug. 19 at the Valley Diner, 565 New Haven Ave., Derby. Rain date is Aug. 20.
The funds raised will go toward a handicapped-accessible van for the family.

The event will feature music, vendors, friendly folks and an opportunity to meet Eva Grace.
And you can decide for yourself whether this adorable little girl is a diva or not! 

  In addition to Disney princesses it appears Eva loves Minnie Mouse too!

                                  

Ziti dinner slated in Derby to benefit firefighter

DERBY - A ziti dinner to honor John Conte, Brother Member of R.K.F.F.M.C. Battalion 2, North End Hose Company No. 3, West Haven Fire Department, and Hilltop Hose Company No. 5, Ansonia, will be held 4-8 p.m. Dec. 15.

The benefit will be held at the Catholic War Veterans Post 1562 building, 112 Derby Ave. (Route 115).

Tickets are $10, adults; $5, children; free for children under 4. There will be raffle prizes and a 50/50 raffle will be held. (Raffle prizes also will be accepted at the door)
Contact a member of the RKFFMC for tickets. Tickets also will be available at the door.

Additional parking will be provided at the old Housatonic Lumber Co. lot on Water Street, off of Main Street. A shuttle will provide transportation to the CWV Post home.

Check out the RKFFMC Battalion 2 website: http://www.renegadeknightsffmcbat2.com.
Information is also available on the Facebook Invite Page: https://www.facebook.com/events/559093154104197/

Please come out to help John, as he has been battling cancer for the past several months. 
He has been involved with the North End Hose Company, the West Haven Fire Explorers and Hilltop Hose Company No. 5 for many years. He is also a past employee of AMR Bridgeport.

This information was taken from a release from Joseph J. "Izzy" Navin II, Mashantucket Pequot Fire Department  - IAFF Local 4746, Charters Hose Company No. 4 - Ansonia.

West Haven Wheel-A-Thon raises $16G to aid disabled youth

Music, fun, sun accompany 7th annual event 

Marc Anthony Gallucci, executive director, Center for Disability Rights, leads the way Sunday at Savin Rock. 

My daughter and I were two of the able-bodied people who took part in the 1.5-mile walk/roll event Sunday morning along the West Haven shoreline.
My husband Ralph, who uses a wheelchair, has been involved with the nonprofit Center for Disability Rights for many years and I can attest to the fact it's a great organization.

Sunday was a picture-perfect weather day, which added to the festive, upbeat atmosphere. After a complimentary breakfast walkers and rollers started down the sidewalk along the beach, then through the parking lot and out to the sidewalk along Capt. Thomas Boulevard.
Some who don't need wheelchairs tried them out to learn firsthand about the daily difficulties faced by the disabled.

Entertainment throughout the morning was provided by five talented teens in a rock band called "Up in Arms."

Members include: Joe Famiglietti of East Haven, lead guitarist; Joe Caruso of East Haven, singer and keyboardist; Kyle Cifarelli of East Haven, bass guitarist; Dan Durazzo of East Haven, drummer; and Matt Zingarello of Guilford, rhythm guitarist.

Executive Director Marc Anthony Gallucci said at least $16,000 had been raised, with more funds pledged. He said more than 90 percent of the money raised goes to scholarships for disabled young people who are headed to college or technical school. "You can feel good about that," Gallucci said.

I do feel good about being a part of this great event. And judging by the many smiling faces that were there I know I'm not alone.

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.

Program brings special needs children closer to nature

Gone fishin' at Colony Pond in Ansonia

 

Kyle Scarpulla, 10, of West Haven, fishes Saturday at Colony Pond in Ansonia. Assisting him is Jordan Hamuka, 14, of Naugatuck, a junior ranger at the Ansonia Nature and Recreation Center. Patricia Villers/Register

ANSONIA - A group of special needs children and their families spent Saturday morning having a fine time fishing at Colony Pond.
They were taking part in a program co-sponsored by the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection, the Ansonia Nature and Recreation Center, and the Connecticut Aquatic Resources Education Program, said Martin Wigglesworth of Ansonia.
Wigglesworth is a park ranger at the nature center.
The children are members of a West Haven-based group called The Children with Special Needs Program, said Karen Muro, project coordinator. She said families do not have to be West Haven residents to join the group.  
She said the children regularly participate in activities such as bowling, karate, and fitness classes. They also are planning trips to Lake Compounce in Bristol and a Bluefish baseball game in Bridgeport, among other activities this summer.



Their visit Saturday to Colony Pond in Ansonia was a first. Assisting Wigglesworth with the fishing supervision were Ansonia residents Russ Zelanin and Dave Connelly. "To watch these kids (enjoying themselves) is just awesome," Wigglesworth said, smiling broadly.

Viola Waldo of West Haven, whose grandson Kyle Scarpulla, 10, was one of the children who was clearly enjoying Saturday's fishing trip, said that being in nature relaxes him. She has started a Facebook page, and has dedicated it to Kyle.

My husband and I were moved to see that something as simple as catching and releasing fish at a local pond could have such a positive impact on children with special needs.

BHcare honors Greater New Haven employees, employers in Ansonia

By Patricia Villers
Register Staff
ANSONIA — A West Haven native who has worked for more than a year at The Original Antonio’s Restaurant on Main Street was honored Wednesday as BHcare’s Employee of the Year at its 18th annual Employment Salute luncheon at John J. Sullivan’s Restaurant.
Michelle Bernier, a 2008 culinary graduate from Platt Technical High School in Milford, received an award from community job developer John Yeager.
BHcares’ Business Advisory Council sponsors the Employment Salute. More than 70 people attended. BHcares, a behavioral health care provider, serves the Valley, Greater New Haven and the Shoreline. Birmingham Group Health Services in Ansonia merged last year with Harbor Health Services in Branford to form BHcare.
Bernier’s employer, The Original Antonio’s Restaurant, received the Employer of the Year Award.
Bernier thanked the organization for the opportunity. Her BHcare counselor, Linda Cline, was beaming with pride. “I’ve never seen anyone grow so much, both in employment and socially,” she said.
Yeager presented an inspirational achievement award to James McGrath, who has worked in BHcare’s enclave at the W.E. Bassett Co. in Shelton for many years.

Read the full story here.

Derby library aide to tell of local ties to Titanic

By Phyllis Swebilius
Register Staff
DERBY — If not for a Derby woman’s refusal to get into a lifeboat without her brother, he would have been lost when the RMS Titanic hit an iceberg and sank April 15, 1912, in the North Atlantic.
A West Haven man, Adolf Dyker, was not so fortunate.
Dyker died, but not before giving his wife, who survived, a small satchel containing two gold watches, two diamond rings, a sapphire necklace and 200 Swedish crowns, said Mary Bisaccia, local history coordinator at Derby Public Library.
Dyker’s last words to his wife were: “‘I’ll see you later,’” Bisaccia said Monday.
Bisaccia tonight will be exploring the people and the circumstances of that fateful first voyage of the world’s biggest and most glamorous passenger ship, Titanic, which left Southampton, England, for New York City.
Bisaccia’s PowerPoint presentation begins at 6:30 p.m. in the meeting room of the Derby Public Library, 313 Elizabeth St.

Read the full story here.

Ansonia teen wins full ride to University of New Haven through business contest

By Susan Misur
Register Staff
WEST HAVEN — College students aren’t your typical business owners, but the University of New Haven thinks four incoming students, including an Ansonia resident, already show entrepreneurial promise — so much so that the students are getting a free ride.
The school Tuesday announced that four students enrolling next fall will receive full-tuition scholarships for winning a business plan contest, the College of Business Dean’s Scholarship Challenge. That means the university will cover four-year tuition costs of $121,000 for each of the four students, according to Karen Grava, director of media relations.
One of the chosen ideas belongs to Daniel Kiley, 18, of Ansonia. It outlines the development of a combination sports center and resort.
“I was shocked. I’m still shaking and I can’t believe it,” Kiley said Tuesday after winners were announced. “The idea just kind of came to me one day. I’ve always been into sports since I was a little kid. I thought of it on a broader scale. What’s better than a sports complex and resort?”
The contest, which drew more than 100 entries, was open to incoming freshmen or transfer students who have been accepted into the school’s College of Business.

Read the full story here.

Feds to require students to buy fruit, vegetables with school cafeteria lunches

By Brian McCready
Milford Bureau Chief
Beginning next school year, students across the country may be in for a shock when they purchase their lunch in the cafeteria.
In an effort to fight childhood obesity and diabetes, the federal government is requiring students of all ages who buy school lunch to purchase  at least one serving of fresh fruit or vegetable. Even if they toss the produce into the garbage.
Fresh fruit and vegetable portions will double next year. “Some students don’t take one now, but they will have to,” Eileen Faustich, Milford’s food services director, said Friday. “We can’t let a child go by the cashier without a fruit or vegetable on their tray.”
There’s more, a lot more, in the Healthy Hunger Free Kids Act.
Next year, students can buy only nonfat flavored milk or 1 percent white milk. Half of the grains must be “whole” next year.
In 2013-14, all products must be whole grain. School cafeterias must offer green and orange leafy vegetables, and drastically reduce sodium use over the next three years. Trans-fats are banned.
If a student refuses to take the fruit or vegetable, the cafeteria employees will have to charge an a la carte fee, which typically is higher because the lunch will not be reimbursable under federal guidelines.

Read the full story here.

West Haven man pleads not guilty in death of Ansonia baby

By Brian McCready
Milford Bureau Chief
MILFORD — The 35-year-old West Haven man accused of violently shaking an infant to death in Ansonia last year pleaded not guilty Thursday to manslaughter and assault charges.
Angel Luis Santiago, 35, of Center Street, appeared before Superior Court Judge Richard Arnold shortly before 1 p.m. Public Defender David Egan entered the “not guilty” plea. Santiago was arrested in December on a warrant in the death of Kyle Robinson.

Read the full story here.

Wildcat Swim Club members recognized

Wildcat Swim Club members show off trophies at West Haven pool. / Contributed photo


On Sunday eight members of the Wildcat Swim Club participated in their first Connecticut Yankee League 8/under  Swimming Championships in West Haven hosted by the West Haven Wizards.
This competitive swim league also includes the Oxford Razors, Bristol Splash, Newtown Torpedoes, Watertown Warriors, Plainville Blue Dolphins, Naugatuck Thunderfish and the New Milford Barracudas.
Several Wildcat Swim Club swimmers took  home ribbons, medals and trophies.
Highlights included 6-year old McKenna Haynes winning both the 25 yard Freestyle (21.41) and the 25 yard Backstroke (24.04) in the 6/under division. Madelynn Orosz, also 6, placed ninth in the 25 yard Backstroke (38.33).
In the 7/8 year old division, Jasmine Thorpe placed 4th in the 25 yard Freestyle (18.77) and 10th placed in the 25 yard Backstroke (24.69); Elaina Angelucci placed 31st in the 25 yard Freestyle (26.42) and 20th in the 25 yard Backstroke (27.96), Kaitlyn McCluskey placed 5th in the 25 yard  Freestyle (19.03) and 9th place in the 25 yard Backstroke (24.21), Sarah Gagaza placed 3rd in the 25 yard  Backstroke (22.14) and 9th place in the 25 yard Freestyle (20.02),  Kelti  Johnson placed 9th in the 25 yard Butterfly (25.31) and 20th in the  25 yard Freestyle (23.37) and Dominique Pierre, the only boy that qualified from the Wildcat Swim Club 8/under team placed 22nd in the 25 yard Freestyle with a time of 30.31.
Two relay teams also placed very well with the team of Jasmine Thorpe, Sarah Gagaza, McKenna Haynes and Kaitlyn McCluskey they placed 4th overall in the 100 yard Freestyle Relay with a time of 1:21.17 and  Kelti Johnson and Elaina Angelucci teamed up with Sarah Gagaza and Jasmine Thorpe to  place 6th overall  in  the 100 yard Medley Relay with a time of 1:36.53.

The Wildcat Swim Club is coached by Jen DeBlasio, Missy Orosz, Dan Walsh, and Kelly Weiler.
The program is open to any Valley youth aged 5 through 17. They train at the Seymour High School pool. If interested in joining, e-mail us at wildcatswim@gmail.com.

The photo and information in this post were contributed by Missy Orosz, one of the team's coaches.