Rep. Klarides-Ditria Renews Call to Pass School Safety Bill

HARTFORD – State Rep. Nicole Klarides-Ditria submitted testimony last week in support of legislation that seeks to enhance classroom safety and school climate.

Under the bill, H.B. 7110, boards of education would be required to revise their safe school climate plans to include provisions relating to disruptive or injurious incidents that occur in classrooms, to develop and implement a state-wide school climate survey, and to require the Department of Education to provide assistance to school districts relating to school climate.

Rep. Klarides-Ditria said, “It is crucial that we highly prioritize the safety of students and teachers. Giving teachers the ability to remove dangerous students for a short time with the requirement that they follow designated protocols will protect the rights and safety of the child in question, the teacher, and fellow students.

A similar bill was passed by the House and Senate last session but was vetoed by Governor Dan Malloy. For more information about the people or to track legislation visit, cga.ct.gov.

(This is a press release from CT House Republicans)

Tour Ansonia Public Schools

FRIENDS OF ANSONIA EDUCATION INVITES YOU TO

TOUR ANSONIA PUBLIC SCHOOLS

  

WHO:        The Friends of Ansonia Education is coordinating tours at Mead School and Ansonia Middle School and inviting the general public, Ansonia’s elected officials, and local in-district candidates of both parties to attend.

WHAT:      In an effort to assist in advocating for the staff, faculty, parents, and students of Ansonia Public Schools, the Friends of Ansonia Education would like to formally invite you to a public tour of Mead School and Ansonia Middle School on Friday, November 2, 2018. The best way to grasp the challenges the schools are facing right now is to witness these conditions firsthand. Attendees will have the opportunity to speak directly with administrators and teachers about the current circumstances and discuss solutions.

WHEN:      Friday, November 2, 2018

WHERE:  Mead School - 10:30 am to 12:00 pm, 75 Ford Street, Ansonia, CT
Ansonia Middle School - 1:00 pm to 2:30 pm, 115 Howard Avenue, Ansonia, CT

 

Friends of Ansonia Education
Founded in 2018, the mission of the Friends of Ansonia Education is to deliver educational programs and resources that elevate student, educator, and parent success by bridging the gap between needs in Ansonia Public Schools and resources in our community. Our vision is that each and every student in the Ansonia Public Schools will graduate high school prepared and inspired to be a productive member of society.

Seymour Daycare Celebrates End of Summer

SEYMOUR – Teddy Bear Treehouse Learning Center http://www.teddybear-tlc.com/recently held its end of summer celebration with parents, grandparents and children, past and present, with an old-fashioned barbecue at the daycare center.

 

Owners Ann Marie and Dom Violano hosted the celebration, which highlighted many of the children who were leaving the daycare program to embark on the next chapter of their lives: kindergarten.

 

Teddy Bear Treehouse has been in business at 200 South Main St. since 1998, providing quality childcare and programs for children ages 6 weeks to 7 years old.

 

For more information, call 203-888-2900.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Adam's House Names New Board Members

SHELTON - Adam’s House announced the appointment of two new members to the Board of Directors for the nonprofit grief support and education center in Shelton.

Joining the Board are: Sarah Prout, the Director of Finance and Human Resources at The Arc of Litchfield County, Inc. (LARC) in Torrington, CT, and Renata Plonski, who brings over a decade of healthcare management experience to her new position.

Prout and Plonski will join Board President Adam Lewis and seven other board members in providing leadership to Adam’s House, which provides free educational and peer-support programs to grief-stricken children and families in Connecticut.

Adam’s House Founder and Executive Director Allison Wysota said Prout and Plonski have exceptional backgrounds that will certainly be an asset for Adam’s House.

“Sarah Prout and Renata Plonski not only possess outstanding credentials in their respective fields, but both women have a strong community spirit and dedication to helping others,” said Adam’s House Founder and Executive Director Allison Wysota. “We know their education, talents and expertise will help Adam’s House craft valuable strategies and new ideas to enhance our mission. They join Adam’s House at a very exciting time for us as we continue to attract more clients and expand our role in the Valley community.”



(This is a press release from Adam's House)





Prout



Plonski

Something Fishy in Ansonia

Get Help Living with Diabetes

DERBY -The Diabetes Education & Support Group at Griffin Hospital will host two free presentations about living with diabetes on Tues., Jan. 9 at 2:30 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. at the hospital, 130 Division St., Derby.

 

Certified Diabetes Educator Mary Swansiger, BSN, MPH, will lead an open conversation on

“Continuing Your Journey with Diabetes.” Topics discussed will include: The natural course of diabetes; Recognizing the fact that it may become more difficult to keep your blood glucose within target range; The potential long-term complications of diabetes; How to delay or reduce the risk of long-term complications by keeping your blood glucose on target; and The importance of checking for long-term complications and knowing your ABCs.

 

The presentations will be in the hospital’s Childbirth Education Classroom A. There will be free valet parking for the 2:30 p.m. session.

 

The Diabetes Education & Support Group meets September - June on the second Tuesday of each month to discuss the management of diabetes, its challenges, and day-to-day dietary concerns. Individuals with diabetes and their caregivers are welcome to attend.

 

No registration is required. For more information, call Mary Swansiger at 203-732-1137.

 

(This is a press release from Griffin Hospital)

Griffin Hospital to Host Hypnosis and Pain Relief Program

DERBY - The Community Health Resource Center at Griffin Hospital, 130 Division St., Derby, will host a free educational presentation on hypnosis and pain relief on Tues., Jan. 16 at 6:30 p.m.

 

Ryan Jett, of Empowering the Mind Hypnosis, will present “Hypnosis & Pain,” a free discussion of how hypnosis works and how it can help relieve pain, which can help keep individuals from treating pain with unhealthy methods such as drinking and drug abuse.

 

This program is part of a series of free, educational forums hosted by the Community Health Resource Center to help improve the health of the community.

 

To register or for more information, call Kerry or Deborah at 203-732-7399.

 

The Community Health Resource Center at Griffin Hospital is a traditional library that provides an array of medical and health information, including a large collection of easy to read health and lifestyle related materials. The Center is open to the public to educate themselves on ways to enhance their well-being, prevent illness and play an active role in decisions about their health.

 

(This is a press release from Griffin Hospital)

Learn How to Eat Healthy During the Holidays

DERBY - The Diabetes Education & Support Group at Griffin Hospital will host two free presentation about health self-management during the holidays on Tues., Dec. 12 at 2:30 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. at the hospital, 130 Division St., Derby.

 

Certified Diabetes Educator Mary Swansiger, BSN, MPH, will lead “Navigating the Holidays,” a presentation of a holiday meal survival guide and open discussion of strategies for making the holidays happier and healthier.

 

The presentations will be in the hospital’s Childbirth Education Classroom A. There will be free valet parking for the 2:30 p.m. session.

 

The Diabetes Education & Support Group meets September - June on the second Tuesday of each month to discuss the management of diabetes, its challenges, and day-to-day dietary concerns. Individuals with diabetes and their caregivers are welcome to attend.

 

No registration is required. For more information, call Mary Swansiger at 203-732-1137.

 

(This is a press release from Griffin Hospital)

Gentile Applauds Budget Approval

REP. GENTILE LAUDS PASSAGE OF BIPARTISAN BUDGET

 

This afternoon, State Representative Linda Gentile (D-104) praised the partisan state budget ending Connecticut's fiscal crisis and restoring potential cuts for Ansonia and Derby.

 

The budget passed the House of Representatives today in a 126 to 23 vote.

 

“This truly bipartisan budget is a win for both Ansonia and Derby, who were locked in limbo during the budget crisis,” Rep. Gentile said. “In addition to rejecting damaging cuts, this budget does not shift undue financial burdens onto local property taxpayers, invests in job creation efforts along with innovation and manufacturing, protects our community hospitals, and pushes Connecticut in the right direction.”

 

Under the governor’s executive order, both Ansonia and Derby were set to lose a significant amount of funding in municipal aide for the 2017-18 fiscal year. Specifically, Derby was set to lose $1.6 million and Ansonia was set to lose approximately $664,000. Under the bipartisan budget, all of this funding is restored.

 

“I have heard from town officials and residents that the potential cuts under the governor’s proposal would have been damaging to our communities and I am proud to have worked with members across the aisle to successfully restore them,” Rep. Gentile said.

 

Additionally, the budget:

 

• Restores funding for scholarships for low and middle-income students, like the Roberta Willis Scholarship
• Enacts a state spending and bonding cap
• Maintains the property tax credit of $200 for seniors and families with dependents
• Continues investments in job creation programs such as the Small Business Express, Manufacturing Assistance, Innovation Places and Brownfield Remediation

 

The budget will now head to the governor’s desk for approval.

 

(This is a press release from Gentile's office)

Griffin Hospital School of Allied Health Careers to Host Education Assistance Seminars

DERBY - The Griffin Hospital School of Allied Health Careers, 300 Seymour Ave., Suite 206 in Derby, will host two informational sessions about opportunities for education assistance through the Health CareeRx Academy.

 

The seminars will be Mon., June 26 at 6 p.m. and Wed., June 28 at 1 p.m. at the school. The seminars are free and open to the public.

 

The WorkPlace’s Health CareeRx Academy (HCA) is a broad partnership of healthcare providers, educators, trainers, and community-based organizations in Southwestern Connecticut that provide no-cost training and support to help participants obtain a career in the growing healthcare field. Designed with input from employers, HCA’s mission is to meet the current and evolving workforce needs of healthcare employers. The HCA provides occupational training, work readiness, and other supports to individuals who desire to begin or advance a career in healthcare.

 

Occupational skills training offered through the HCA include: Certified Nursing Assistants; Dental Assistants; Home Health Aides; Medical Assistants; Medical Office Management; Medical Records & Health Information Technicians; Patient Care Technicians; Pharmacy Technicians; Radiologic Technologists; Registered Nurses-ASN, BSN/CEIN; and Surgical Technologists. Individuals eligible to enroll are those receiving state assistance or are otherwise low income, and the long-term unemployed. All training by HCA leads to a certificate or degree and prepares individuals to pass a

state or national license exam.

 

The HCA also works with the School of Allied Health Careers to provide tuition assistance for students. The school offers training for individuals interested in becoming Certified Nursing Assistants, Patient Care Technicians, and Phlebotomists. Griffin Hospital's School of Allied Health Careers was one of the first hospital-based schools of its kind to be authorized by the Connecticut Department of Higher Education and offers Phlebotomy and other professional educational programs to provide training, education, and certification in selected health careers.

 

To register for the information session or for more information, call 203-732-1276 or 203-732-7578.

 

(This is a press release from Griffin Hospital)

Emmett O'Brien Teachers Receive Grant

ANSONIA - Fund for Teachers has awarded Emmett O’Brien Technical High School teachers a grant to attend the Omega Institute in Rhinebeck, New York July 23 –July 28^th 2017 to attend a conference called, Mindfulness in Education Teacher Training.

The  $4,800 grant award called “Mindful Teachers” will allow team leader, grant writer Mary Parady, EL & Language Arts Teacher and team members, Francesca Ford, English Teacher and Diane Salmeri, Hairdressing and Cosmetology Teacher the opportunity to learn, explore and research effective techniques into the way of mindful education and to introduce and implement mindfulness into the academic and trade areas. 

Schools worldwide are turning to mindfulness and social and emotional learning as antidotes to rising stress, and attention deficit. Research shows that students and teachers in school systems that have adopted mindfulness are happier, more focused, more compassionate, emotionally regulated and less impacted by stress.

Daniel Rechtschaffen, Morris E. Ervin Jr. and Rachel Brown will lead the conference.  

The teachers attended an orientation dinner at The New Haven Lawn Club on Tuesday May 2, 2017, with 125 Connecticut fellows. The O’ Brien fellows spent the evening with an amazing group of teachers travelling around the world to enrich the lives of their students.

Fund for Teachers supports educators' efforts to develop skills, knowledge and confidence that impact student achievement. By trusting teachers to design unique fellowships, Fund for Teachers grants validate teachers' professionalism and leadership, as well. Since 2001, Fund for Teachers has invested $22 million in nearly 6,000 teachers, transforming grants into growth for teachers and their students.

(This is a press release from Emmett O'Brien)

Sen. Logan, Senate Republicans Unveil Revised CT Budget Fix

 

Sen. George S. Logan (at right) stands with Senate Republicans May 16 to unveil a revised, line-by-line, 57-page state budget alternative plan.  The Senate Republican plan does not raise taxes, continues to protect towns and property taxpayers, provides funding for core social services, increases funding for education to towns and cities.  Left to right: Sen. Paul Formica, Sen. Kevin Witkos, Sen. Len Fasano, and Sen. Logan. 

 

 

Sen. George S. Logan and Senate Republican lawmakers on May 16 released a revised line-by-line

state budget proposal which:

·         Closes the deficit without tax increases.

·         Increases education funding.

·         Preserves funding for services to seniors, the disabled and Connecticut’s most vulnerable residents.

·         Lowers taxes for retirees.

·         Provides for structural budget reforms, like a state government spending cap and a bonding cap.

 

“The Senate Republican plan protects taxpayers from being overburdened by new taxes or policies which would result in significant increases to property taxes,” Sen. Logan said. “We protect hospitals from being hit with more taxes. Bottom line:  We have a plan to get Connecticut back on a path to sustainability, predictability, stability and economic growth.”

 

A full summary of the updated “Confident Connecticut” budget is available at www.SenatorGeorgeLogan.com . 

 

Line-by-line budget details are available at www.ctsenaterepublicans.com.

 

“I urge taxpayers to contact me,” Sen. Logan said.  “I am fighting to get Connecticut out of this mess.  I am fighting against tax hikes.  I am fighting for the property taxpayers of Connecticut, and I will work with Democrats to make this thoughtful, detailed plan a reality.  Together, we can turn our state around.”

 

Logan represents Ansonia, Beacon Falls, Bethany, Derby, Hamden, Naugatuck and Woodbridge.

 

He can be reached at George.Logan@cga.ct.gov and 800-842-1421. 

 

(This is a press release from Logan's office)

   

 

Diabetes Support Group to Discuss Foot Health May 9

DERBY -The Diabetes Education & Support Group at Griffin Hospital will host a free presentations on foot health on Tues., May 9 at 2:30 p.m. at the hospital, 130 Division St., Derby.

 

Podiatrist Dr. Luke Jeffries, of Yale Podiatry Group, will present “Foot Care & Prevention of Foot Complications” in the hospital’s Childbirth Education Classroom A. There is free valet parking.

 

The Diabetes Education & Support Group meets September - June on the second Tuesday of each month to discuss the management of diabetes, its challenges, and day-to-day dietary concerns. Individuals with diabetes and their caregivers are welcome to attend.

 

No registration is required. For more information, call Mary Swansiger at 203-732-1137.

 

(This is a press release from Griffin Hospital)

Become a Certified Nursing Assistant

DERBY - The Griffin Hospital School of Allied Health Careers, 300 Seymour Ave., Suite 206, is offering classes for its spring Certified Nursing Assistant, Patient Care Technician and Phlebotomy programs.

The CNA program starts May 15. The PCT and Phlebotomy programs begins May 16.

The CNA course offers students an affordable and condensed schedule with classes Monday through Thursday from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. 

Course content includes infection control, legal and ethical responsibilities, communications, body mechanics, moving and positioning residents, personal care skills, nutrition, measuring vital signs, and restorative care. 
The program’s clinical experience is at a long-term stay facility and Griffin Hospital from 7 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. for a total of 40 hours. After successfully completing the course and clinical experience, students will be qualified to take the certification exam for a Nursing Assistant in Connecticut. 

The CNA course tuition fee is $1,250 and includes the course book, CPR training, and malpractice insurance coverage for the clinical rotation.

The 16-week PCT program requires students to attend practical training on Mondays and Fridays from 9 a.m.-3:30 p.m., with the option to take the Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday phlebotomy classes either during the day from 9 a.m.-noon or during the evening from 6-9 p.m. The PCT program offers ample hands-on training and opportunities for practical experience in the school's fully equipped mock hospital room and during the 160 hours of clinical experience. The course tuition is $4,395 and includes textbook, malpractice insurance, CPR certification, and national certification costs.

The 13-week Phlebotomy program holds classes on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays with a daytime option of 9 a.m.-noon or an evening option of 6-9 p.m. The tuition is $2,195 and includes a 40-hour internship, national certification costs, lab coats, CPR certification, malpractice insurance and textbook.

 

Anyone 18 years of age or older with a high school diploma or GED may apply for admission. Early application is encouraged for all courses, as space is limited.

For more information or to apply, call 203-732-1276 or 203-732-7578 or visit griffinhealth.org/allied-health.

About the School of Allied Health Careers

Griffin Hospital's School of Allied Health Careers was one of the first hospital-based schools of its kind to be authorized by the Connecticut Department of Higher Education and offers Phlebotomy and other professional educational programs to provide training, education, and certification in selected health careers. 
Classes are taught by certified instructors in the Griffin Hospital Medical Building at 300 Seymour Ave.

(This is a press release from Griffin Hospital)

Learn to Get More Zzzzzzzzs

 

DERBY -The Diabetes Education & Support Group at Griffin Hospital will host two free presentations on sleep health on Tues., April 11 at 2:30 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. at the hospital, 130 Division St., Derby.

 

A. Royce York, Director of Respiratory Services at Griffin Hospital, and Jackie Hoyle, Coordinator of the Sleep Wellness Center at Griffin Hospital, will discuss “Sleep Wellness and Diabetes.” There is a correlation between sleep apnea and insulin resistance, so come to learn how improved sleep may help your diabetes.

 

Both talks will be in the hospital’s Childbirth Education Classroom A. There is free valet parking for the 2:30 p.m. session.

 

The Diabetes Education & Support Group meets September - June on the second Tuesday of each month to discuss the management of diabetes, its challenges, and day-to-day dietary concerns. Individuals with diabetes and their caregivers are welcome to attend.

 

No registration is required. For more information, call Mary Swansiger at 203-732-1137.

 

(This is a press release from Griffin Hospital)

Gov. Malloy to Visit Ansonia Monday, March 6

ANSONIA - Gov. Dannel Malloy will be speaking at the Ansonia Public Library Monday, March 6 at 11 a.m.

He will be joined by Mayor David S. Cassetti, state Rep. Linda Gentile, state Sen. George Logan and Derby Mayor Anita Dugatto.

Monday’s engagement is in response to Mayor Cassetti’s call for a bipartisan effort to support the governor’s proposal to reallocate state spending on public education. The proposal would restore millions of dollars in need-based funding to Ansonia schools, thereby easing local taxpayers’ burden in a tight budget year.

“This year our public schools require $3 million in additional funding due to skyrocketing special education costs and the loss of state grants,” Cassetti said. “That’s three years of education increases at once — and it cannot be supported and sustained without significant budget cuts or a tax increase.”

Cassetti has vowed to fight for fair state education funding to avoid the “worst case scenario” of budget cuts or tax increases. “Our city has been shortchanged on millions in state education dollars for years,” Cassetti said. “Our residents deserve fair treatment from Hartford, and I commend Governor Malloy’s proposal to finally address the inequity that has disadvantaged Ansonia students and taxpayers for years.”

“Ansonia has only been receiving 70 percent of its need-based funding,” Cassetti went on. “At the same time, wealthier communities have received 150 percent to over 200 percent of their funding. That’s not right, and we will fight to change it.”

The governor’s visit will be followed later in the month by a town hall meeting with Rep. Gentile and Sen. Logan. The town hall meeting will take place at Ansonia High School March 13 from 6:30 to 8 p.m.

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

New Music Education/Healing Arts Center Opens in Valley

SHELTON - A new business called SoulSong recently opened its doors at 163 Leavenworth Road in Shelton. 

 

Owner, Suzanne Vick, defines SoulSong as a Music Education and Healing Arts Center. Her

vision is to create an open, supportive community where people can come together for creative

expression, guidance and healing one-on-one from Suzanne and also from each other.

 

This beautiful space has two private session rooms for music lessons and Reiki/energy healing,

as well as an open, spacious waiting room that will double as an area for group sessions which

will include a songwriter circle, sound healing events and a monthly Saturday seminar series

starting on March 18, 2017 with certified Holistic health & nutrition counselor, Sharon See.

 

Suzanne Vick is a music instructor, songwriter, professional performer, certified Reiki Master

Teacher (RMT) and mentor. She has taught voice and vocal performance for over twelve years

and worked with countless individuals, groups, bands and choirs, enabling them to achieve new

levels of confidence and excitement about singing and performing.

 

After teaching and developing a solid clientele at RVP Studios in West Haven for 11 years,

Suzanne started her own teaching practice and expanded her services to include Reiki/energy

healing and mentoring in 2015. With SoulSong, Suzanne sees her dream of creating a safe,

open space for education, expression and healing become reality. She believes what the world

needs most now is healing and is deeply grateful to be able to provide personal growth and

expression through her music and healing services.

 

An Open House Celebration is planned for Saturday, February 25, 2017 from 2-6pm. The public is

welcome. Please visit SoulSongCT.com for more information. 

 

(This is a press release from Suzanne Vick)

 

Sen. Logan Applauds Proposal to Restore Cuts to Local Education

 

Sen. George S. Logan on Feb. 7 applauded the Connecticut Senate and House Republicans’ plan to reinstate nearly $20 million in education funding that was cut midyear to cities and towns throughout the state.

 

The Republican proposal would allow the state to restore Education Cost Sharing funding that was cut by Gov. Dannel P. Malloy’s administration in December and also close the current budget deficit of $11.9 million as estimated by the Office of Fiscal Analysis.

 

“The December cuts to towns were unfair,” Sen. Logan said.  “Local officials should be able to plan on what their state education funding should be.  This is what I hear over and over again when talking to area mayors and first selectmen.  My top priority is to protect Ansonia, Beacon Falls, Bethany, Derby, Hamden, Naugatuck and Woodbridge.  Our Republican plan restores the cuts, and I will continue to fight to protect local education funding and property taxpayers.”

 

The plan can be viewed at www.ctsenaterepublicans.com .

 

Sen. Logan can be reached at George.Logan@cga.ct.gov and at 800 842-1421.  He represents Ansonia, Beacon Falls, Bethany, Derby, Hamden, Naugatuck and Woodbridge. On the web: www.SenatorGeorgeLogan.com. 

 

(This is a press release from Logan's office) 

State Rep. Gentile Gets Leadership Position

State Representative Linda M. Gentile (D-Derby/Ansonia) has her 2017 legislative committee assignments.

 

The committees are: Commerce, Higher Education & Employment Advancement and Planning & Development.

 

“I am looking forward to continuing my work in the area of brownfields and economic development on Commerce,” said Gentile. She added that “I’m excited to be back with P&D where I will seek sensible regional efficiencies

that reduce costs for local cities and towns. And my reappointment to Higher Education gives me the chance to guide the realignment of our community college system, ensuring that our young people are better prepared for the

workplace upon graduation.”

 

In addition to Commerce, Higher Ed. and P&D, Rep. Gentile’s duties include work on the Joint Legislative Management Committee. And, Gentile retains

the title and responsibilities of Deputy House Speaker.

 

House Speaker Joe Aresimowicz and House Majority Leader Matt Ritter

announced the committee assignments.

 

 

Free Cookies and Coffee at Adam's House

SHELTON- Adam’s House, a new grief and loss education center in Shelton, is inviting the community for a “Coffee and Cookies,” tour of the home at 241 Coram Ave. on Wednesday, May 4, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.  

 

“If you would like to know more about Adam’s House, please stop by, enjoy some hot coffee and delicious cookies,and take a tour of our wonderful home,” said Adam’s House Founder Allison Wysota. “We would love to share our plans for helping grieving children and their families in Connecticut.”

 

The Adam’s House “Coffee and Cookies” tour is part of The Great Give® 2016 community-wide giving event being held through giveGreater.org® and taking place for 36 hours, starting at 8 a.m. on May 3^rd and ending at 8 pm on May 4^th. The Community Foundation for Greater New Haven is offering the giveGreater.org® service as part of its mission to strengthen nonprofits serving Greater New Haven by advancing knowledge about their work and increasing giving to their organizations.

 

“If you can’t visit us, Adam’s House is featured on the The Great Give® 2016 website  (https://thegreatgive.org)  for residents to discover our goals and dreams,” Wysota said. “As the ‘new kid on the block,’ literally, Adam’s House needs community support to develop programs that aid grieving children and families. In the future, we also plan to offer valuable grief and loss educational programs for our community.”