Bond Commission OKs $1.75 million for Farrell Corp. in Ansonia

 

 

By Jean Falbo-Sosnovich

Register Correspondent

ANSONIA >> One of the city’s longest-standing businesses, Farrel Corp., got a big boost from the state this week to help expand its headquarters here.

According to a press release from state Rep. Linda Gentile, D-Ansonia/Derby and state Sen. Joe Crisco Jr., D-Woodbridge, the state Bond Commission approved a $1.75 million loan to the Farrel Pomini Co., which will be forgiven if the company makes good on its promise to retain and create jobs.

The company will retain 79 jobs, and plans to create five new ones when the expansion to the Fountain Lake Commerce Park is complete later this year.

“I want to thank the governor for his continued commitment to manufacturing in the Naugatuck Valley,” Gentile said. “He understands the importance of this once, very vibrant industry and appreciates not only the economic impact of maintaining this company in our community, but also the historical significance of keeping this industry where its’ origin is.

Read more here.

Hands-On Cupcake Decorating Session, Tech Time at Derby Public Library

Hands-On Cupcake Decorating Session
Monday, May 18 at 6:30 p.m.
The Derby Public Library will host a Hands-On Cupcake Decorating Session on Monday, May 18 at 6:30 p.m. Maria Bruscino Sanchez, owner of Sweet Maria’s in Waterbury, will demonstrate decorating techniques. Then each participant will get two cupcakes to decorate and take home. Cupcakes, frosting, and toppings will be provided. This class is for ages 18 and over. Registration is required.

Tech Time – Bring Your Tech-Related Questions!
Wednesday, May 20 at 6:30 p.m. and Thursday, May 21 at 10 a.m.  
The Derby Public Library offers monthly Tech Time sessions. Every third Wednesday of the month at 6:30 p.m. and every third Thursday of the month at 10 a.m. a staff member will be on hand to answer all your tech-related questions and concerns. Whether you are having trouble downloading e-books, searching databases, completing online job applications, scanning/sending documents and photos, etc., your problems will be addressed. May sessions will be held on Wednesday, May 20 at 6:30 p.m. and Thursday, May 21 at 10 a.m. No registration is needed.

These are press releases from Library Director Cathy Williams. For more information, stop by the library at 313 Elizabeth St. or call 203 736-1482 or visit www.derbypubliclibrary.org. 

Derby Public Library accepting submissions for annual scholarship prize

The Derby Public Library is accepting submissions for its Annual Scholarship Prize of $500. It is open to all high school seniors living in Derby who are planning to further their education, regardless of where they go to school. The Library Board of Directors will choose the winner based on an essay explaining the role of libraries in their life. The award will be presented at the Library Board of Directors meeting on June 17. In addition to the monetary prize, the winner’s name will be added to the Scholarship Prize Plaque located in the Young Adult Department. High School seniors may submit their entry directly to the library director now through June 1.  

This is a press release from Library Director Cathy Williams. For more information, stop by the library at 313 Elizabeth St. or call 203-736-1482.

Derby Public Library's Young Adult events in May

Teen Chess Club
Mondays in May from 6:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.
The Derby Public Library Teen Chess Club invites all young adults ages 12 to 17 to meetings Mondays in May (excluding holidays) from 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.. All skill levels are welcome. Participants will learn how the game is played as well as defensive/offensive strategies. Mr. Julio Maldonado provides superb expertise from a life-long love for the game. Registration is requested.

YA Wednesdays
Wednesdays in May from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
The Derby Public Library hosts YA Wednesdays every month from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. All young adults ages 12 to 17 are invited to join the fun each Wednesday in May as Nintendo Wii, board games, and Legos will be available. Light refreshments will be provided. Registration is requested.

Teen Social Media Issues
Thursday, May 7, from 3:30 PM – 4:30 PM
The Derby Public Library invites young adults ages 12 to 17 and parents to discuss current issues regarding social media on Thursday, May 7, from 3:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. Presented by Roger Mayers of Connecticut Public Safety Police, participants will gain understanding & learn to avoid pitfalls that negatively impact on teens using social media.

Teen Watercolor Workshop
Thursdays, May 14 & 21, from 4:00 PM to 5:30 PM
The Derby Public Library invites all young adults ages 12 to 17 to a Teen Watercolor Workshop, Thursdays, May 14 & 21, from 4 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. This two-session workshop will be led by Valley Arts Councilmember Rich DiCarlo. All materials will be provided. Registration is requested.

The information above was provided by Young Adult/Reference Librarian Tony DeLos. For more information stop by the library at 313 Elizabeth St., call 203-736-1482 or visit www.derbypubliclibrary.org.

May events at Derby Public Library

The Great Give – Derby Public Library
May 5 & 6
The Derby Public Library is participating in The Great Give for the first time this year. This 36-hour community online giving event for non-profits begins at 8 a.m. on May 5 and lasts until 8 p.m. on May 6.  Any charitable donation received will make the library eligible for thousands of dollars in grant prizes provided by The Community Foundation for Greater New Haven, The Valley Community Foundation, and other generous community sponsors. Visit www.thegreatgive.org anytime during the 36-hour giving drive, search for “Derby Public Library” and click on “Donate Now.” The Library will also have a dedicated “Great Give” computer available during the event with Library “helpers” available to assist you with your “giving.” Various matching prizes will also be available to the Library during the event, such as, most money raised and greatest number of individual donors.  Your donation will go a long way in helping the Derby Public Library provide needed services to the community.

Wednesday Movie Matinees (ages eighteen and over)
Every Wednesday at 1:00 PM
The Derby Public Library continues its weekly Wednesday Movie Matinees series for ages eighteen and over.  Newly released DVDs will be shown every Wednesday at 1:00 PM.  Light snacks will be provided.  Registration is requested.  For a list of featured films, stop by the library or call.

Resume “Right-ing”
First Wednesday of the at 6:30 PM
The Derby Public Library is now offering Resume Workshops on the first Wednesday of each month at 6:30 p.m. During these sessions, participants are welcome to either start from scratch or bring copies of their existing resumes, cover letters as well, for review and optimizing. Often times a new resume can be created simply by making a number of subtle tweaks versus a whole new change.  The May class will be held on Wednesday, May 6 at 6:30 p.m. Registration is not required.

Local History Information Sessions – Navigating PastPerfect
Tuesdays from 6 p.m. -7:30 p.m. & Wednesdays from 10 a.m. – noon
The Derby Public Library holds weekly Local History Information Sessions on Tuesdays from 6 p.m. to 7:30 PM and on Wednesdays from 10 a.m. to noon. Along with offering research assistance, the library’s local history coordinator also offers information on monthly highlighted topics. May’s topic will be Navigating PastPerfect. Visitors will also be invited to explore this software program that enables users to search the library’s progressively updated local history database. Assistance will also be available for research on topics such as genealogy, prominent local figures, major area events, and more.

Sports Talk Series
Every Thursday morning at 10 a.m. throughout the baseball season
The Derby Public Library is now in its tenth season of Sports Talks. These informal sessions are held every Thursday morning at 10 a.m. throughout the baseball season. They are facilitated by radio talk show host, author, and Major League Baseball Rules Consultant, Rich Marazzi. Each session includes trivia contests, videos, lively conversation and more. All ages, from rookies through veterans, are invited to join Rich and his group of Silver Sluggers. No registration is necessary.

The information above was provided by Library Director Cathy Williams. For more information on any of these events, stop by the library at 313 Elizabeth St. or call 203-736-1482 or visit www.derbypubliclibrary.org.

Prendergast School Assistant Principal Honored

ANSONIA – A testimonial honoring Sherrod McNeill, the 2015 Connecticut winner of the National Distinguished Elementary Assistant Principal award, was held at Ansonia High School on April 29, with more than 75 family, friends and colleagues in attendance. Mr. McNeill is in his third year as assistant principal of Prendergast School.

He was nominated for the honor by Prendergast Principal Joseph Apicella, who presented Mr. McNeill with a book of congratulations from the entire staff, many of whom were in attendance at the program. In addition to the testimonial program hosted by the Ansonia Board of Education, Mr. McNeill will be honored by the Connecticut Association of Schools in a recognition event in October 2015. 

Dr. Carol Merlone, Superintendent of Schools, served as Master of Ceremonies. Ansonia Mayor David Cassetti presented a proclamation, while State Sen. Joseph Crisco and State Rep. Linda Gentile presented a citation from the Connecticut General Assembly. Ansonia Middle School Co-Principal Terri Goldson and William Nimons, president of the Board of Education, also offered their congratulations. Diane Stroman, a member of the Valley Community Foundation Board of Directors, announced that a $250 award would be made in Mr. McNeill’s name to the non-profit of his choice. 

“When I speak of Sherrod,” Dr. Merlone said, “I think of the words of Eric Harvey, president and founder of Walk the Talk: ‘For every person in every organization, there comes a moment when he or she must have the courage to step forward and meet the needs of the time. Regardless of whether your time is now or in the future, you must be prepared and willing to seize the moment as a courageous leader.’

“Mr. McNeill is this leader. He seizes the moment every time it presents itself, within the school setting or out in the community,” Dr. Merlone continued. “At Prendergast School, Mr. McNeill lives his dream of making a difference in the lives of both students and teachers.”

A reception was held in the high school atrium, in conjunction with the testimonial. In addition to the speakers, Mr. McNeill also thanked several others who were in attendance, includeing: Aldermen Lorie Vaccaro and Charles Stowe,  retired teacher Marvin Franks, and his family.

This is a press release from Ansonia Public Schools

Ansonia High School Wins $500

 
ANSONIA – The Ansonia High School Class of 2015 has won $500 in the 8^th Annual Your Skin Is In pledge drive. A total of 73% of the senior class took a pledge of “no tanning” as part of their senior class events. The announcement was made on April 29, and today (May 1) is the date of the senior prom.

This is the third year that Ansonia High has been selected as a winner in the pledge drive.

The contest is sponsored by the Melanoma Foundation of New England, a non-profit organization that works to reduce the incidence of melanoma in the New England region. The foundation provides a variety of free education programs targeting the prevention of skin cancer for children, teens and Adults. The Foundation reports that melanoma is the second most common cancer in teens and young adults ages 15-29.

Ansonia High was one of four schools in Connecticut to win the award. The funds will be used to offset the costs of senior class events.

This is a press release from Ansonia Public Schools