Physical therapist to speak at Beacon Falls center

 Physical Therapist Nancy Corvigno of Griffin Hospital Rehabilitation Services

Griffin Hospital Lifeline is hosting a free talk on incontinence at noon April 17 at the Beacon Falls Senior Center.

Physical Therapist Nancy Corvigno of Griffin Hospital Rehabilitation Services will present “Don’t Make Me Laugh,” a lively discussion on incontinence and ways you can help take back control.

A registered physical therapist with more than 14 years' experience, Corvigno has extensive training in the field of women’s health and pelvic floor physical therapy and has assisted individuals in a variety of healthcare settings, including in-patient hospital based care, out-patient, neurologic and home care.

A light lunch will be provided.

Advance registration is requested by signing up at the Senior Center or by calling Sue Mis at 203-560-1586.

This is a press release from Griffin Hospital.

Editor to hold community conversation at Ansonia Library

 ANSONIA - Join New Haven Register Community Engagement Editor Shahid Abdul-Karim April 30 at the Ansonia Library for a community conversation on “Ask the Register,” an always-on live chat offering readers direct access to editors.

The “Ask The Register” online site allows the community to chat with New Haven Register editors any time, or to ask questions or comment on news coverage using the live blog. 

The community conversation will be held from 5:45-7 p.m. April 30 at the Ansonia Library, 53 South Cliff St.


This is a press release from Joyce Ceccarelli, Director, Ansonia Library. 

Boys & Girls Club in Valley receives nearly $13K

Donation is part of $500,000 contribution to 35 clubs in U.S.

Standing behind club members are, from left: Shaye Roscoe, Executive Director of the LNV Boys & Girls Club, Richard Carroll, Toyota Financial Services, Shelton, Joe Kuzmano, Toyota Financial Services, Shelton, and Bill Alston,Toyota Financial Services of Massachusetts.   

ANSONIA - Toyota Financial Services has partnered with four auto remarketing firms, ADESA (www.adesa.com), Manheim (www.manheim.com), DAA Northwest (www.daanorthwest.com), and Norwalk Auto Auctions (www.norwalkautoauction.com), to provide a donation of $12,857 to Boys & Girls Clubs of the Lower Naugatuck Valley. 

This is part of a larger contribution of $500,000 from Toyota Financial Services to Boys & Girls Clubs of America that will be divided equally among 35 Boys & Girls Clubs across the country currently running Diplomas to Degrees (d2D), the organization’s college readiness program.

Launched in 2012, d2D is a program supported by Toyota that provides tools, resources, and training for thousands of Club teens to help prepare them to successfully transition from high school to college graduation. 

“Our partnership with Toyota allows us to continue combating the high school dropout crisis locally and prepare our teens for successful futures in college,” said Shaye Roscoe, executive director, Boys & Girls Club of the Lower Naugatuck Valley.
“But the support doesn’t stop there, from Toyota employees volunteering as mentors, to the tremendous fundraising collaboration with the re-marketing firms; we appreciate Toyota’s commitment to impacting the lives of our nation’s youth.”

The funding provided will help Boys & Girls Clubs of The Lower Naugatuck Valley maintain its commitment to academic success for all Club members with programs that help youth continue to learn over the summer, introduce them to college-going experiences, facilitate exposure to diverse career opportunities and increase their proficiency in technology.

For every vehicle purchased from Nov. 1- Dec. 2, 2013, TFS pledged a $50 donation and the four participating remarketing firms pledged an additional $15 to $25 per vehicle. 
This marks the third consecutive year TFS and its auction partners have joined together to raise funds for Boys & Girls Clubs of America.  Last year, 19 Clubs shared donations totaling $464,425.

The Boys and Girls Club of the Lower Naugatuck Valley celebrated the donation received from TFS Wednesday at the Joel E. Smilow Clubhouse in Ansonia at a check presentation event with participation by local TFS employees and Boys & Girls Clubs members.

About Toyota Financial Services

TFS is the finance and insurance brand for Toyota in the United States, offering retail auto financing and leasing through Toyota Motor Credit Corporation (TMCC) and Toyota Lease Trust, and extended service contracts through Toyota Motor Insurance Services (TMIS).


This is a press release from Mike Cotela, Unit Director, Joel E. Smilow Clubhouse in Ansonia.

Church in Seymour to sponsor 'Way of the Cross' program

SEYMOUR - Great Hill United Methodist Church will again sponsor an interpretive meditation center based on “The Way of the Cross.”

This program is based on 13 scripture readings from the gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John. 

The 12 stations represent Jesus’ journey to the Cross from his arrest, trial, persecution, death, and finally, the empty tomb. 

The meditation center features a series of displays, based on each of the readings. 
Visitors will receive a guide booklet of scriptures. 
They will proceed through the exhibits, reading the scriptures, viewing images or objects which reflect the theme of the scripture, and reading a series of personal meditation questions in the booklet. 
A meditation area allows time for reflection while soft music plays. 

The program is free and open to the public in the Educational Building at the church, 225 Great Hill Road. 
Doors open 9 a.m.-1 p.m. and 4-8 pm April 14; 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. April 15; 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 4-8 p.m. April 16; 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. April 17, Maundy Thursday; 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. April 18, Good Friday.

Area residents are invited to experience this journey through “The Stations of the Cross.” 

For more information, contact Joyce Mikita at joycemikita@hotmail.com or 203-881-1463. 


This is a press release from Great Hill United Methodist Church.

Griffin Hospital in Derby to host Live Well Workshops

Pictured clockwise from front left: Dr. Janey Peterson, assistant professor of clinical epidemiology in medicine at Weill Cornell Medical College, Daun Barrett, director of Community Outreach and Parish Nursing at Griffin Hospital, Diane Betkoski, of Griffin Hospital Lifeline, and Erin Soli, of the Connecticut State Department on Aging, recently hosted a training session for the Live Well Workshop. / Contributed photo

DERBY - A free workshop series at Griffin Hospital aims to help individuals with an ongoing health condition or those caring for a loved one with an ongoing health condition get their lives back.

Sponsored by the Connecticut Department of Social Services Aging Services Division, Connecticut Department of Public Health and Griffin Hospital, the Live Well Workshop will be held from 9-11:30 a.m. April 16, 23, 30, and May 7, 14, 21 at the hospital, 130 Division St. 

The workshops will provide health information and strategies to help those with chronic conditions like diabetes, depression, heart disease, arthritis, pain, and anxiety increase their energy and take control of their health issue.

To register for this self-management workshop, call Daun Barrett, 203.732.7584.

This is a press release from Griffin Hospital.

Games, movies, music slated in April at Derby Neck Library

DERBY - Ancient Games will be offered at 6 p.m. Tuesday at Derby Neck Library, 307 Hawthorne Ave.  

Photo taken from library website

This is a new club that features the lessons and equipment needed to learn some of the earliest of gaming—Mahjong, Chess, Go, Mancala, and Parchisi are featured.
These games will be taught in progression, so that attendees can learn new skills and advance to more strategically skilled games.  

No previous experience is needed to participate. Bring a friend and enjoy free instructions.
No registration is required.  

Movie and pizza

At 5:30 p.m. April 3 all adults ages 18 and older, are invited to Dinner and a Movie.
This month’s feature on high definition blu-ray is “American Hustle.” Free pizza will be served. 
No registration is required; just drop in and enjoy a big-screen movie.

Music and movement 
At 6:30 p.m. April 9 join Miss Kathi for Bedtime Music and Movement. Children are urged to come in their pajamas and bring a favorite stuffed animal to sing and dance under our indoor stars. 
No registration is needed.

Writers' Round

Writers’ Round meets twice each month at the Library. Join us at 6 p.m. April 8 for a write-in.  
Share a time and space with other authors—we have wi-fi and print capability in the library. Authors of all genres are invited—poetry, scripts, prose, fiction, etc. 
On April 17 join us once more at 6:30 p.m. for a workshop to share your original works with fellow writers for comments and suggestions. 

Women's Forum

At 12:30 p.m. April 21 hosts Women’s Forum, a monthly discussion group that focuses on topics on literature, history, and the arts that are pertinent to women.  

This is a luncheon group, so you are invited to bring a light repast.  Free coffee and tea are served.  

This month we discuss two short stories—“The Project”  by David Means and “My Son the Physicist” by Isaac Asimov. 
Free copies are available at the circulation desk. Bring your ideas—moderator Patricia Sweeney of the library staff will bring in some relevant materials. 

For more information, call the library, 203-734-1492.

This is a press release from Patricia Sweeney, reference librarian, Derby Neck Library. 

Crisco hails funds for parking lot upgrade at Kellogg Center in Derby

HARTFORD - State Sen. Joseph J. Crisco, Jr., D-Woodbridge, joined Gov. Dannel P. Malloy Friday to announce that $5.76 million to fund road improvements and resurfacing in Connecticut state parks was approved at Friday’s meeting of the State Bond Commission.

Most projects will begin as soon as the weather permits and continue throughout the spring and early summer.

The major projects include resurfacing the parking lot for the Kellogg Environmental Education Center in Derby.

“The Kellogg Environmental Center is a Connecticut treasure that offers hands-on programming, teacher workshops and engaging exhibits for the public to enjoy,” said Crisco. “We should do everything we can to guarantee that visitors have an exceptional experience. I want to thank Governor Malloy for supporting improvements that will help do just that.”

“Connecticut’s state parks and forests are a destination to millions of residents and tourists each year, and roadways in many locations are showing the signs of all of this use,” Malloy said. 
“In a year when we are celebrating the centennial of our state park system, it is especially important to make the investments needed to ensure that people can travel safely and conveniently into and around our parks. These projects will also create much needed construction work for Connecticut workers.”

“These bond funds are the latest example of an extraordinary commitment Governor Malloy and the General Assembly have demonstrated toward maintaining and improving the infrastructure in our state parks and forests,” said Department of Energy & Environmental Protection Commissioner Rob Klee. 
“These and other previous funds that have been allocated allow us to make improvements that will ensure our parks remain first-class attractions for many years to come.”

As part of DEEP, the Kellogg Environmental Center offers workshops, exhibits, nature activities, and lectures for the general public. 

Through hands-on programs, families can enjoy learning about nature and the environment. Throughout the year, the Center offers special weekend programs, nature walks, and family workshops. 


This is a press release from Crisco's office.

'Men Who Cook' ready to don aprons in Ansonia

7th annual event to benefit TEAM 

Contributed photo taken at the fifth annual 'Men Who Cook'

ANSONIA - Join the fun and good times at the 7^th annual “Men Who Cook” as it returns to the Valley April 26.  This is a unique spring evening out with friends and family at the Valley’s most popular event.

Let someone else cook while you enjoy a wide variety of dishes and desserts prepared by over 60 Valley Guys.  

The Men Who Cook are not professional chefs; they are dedicated community neighbors who want to share their cooking talents and camaraderie with you and your friends.

What’s on the menu? Go international with Bad Bandito Chili Verde, pulled pork tacos, bratwurst, empanadas, and unique pasta dishes.

Prefer grill food then wings, chili, and smoked turkey await you. 
If you are a sea foodie, try the seafood gumbo, scampi, shrimp and grits or Rhode Island chowder.  Sample the porketta, the comfort of chicken pot pie, and corned beef reuben dip. Remember to leave room for dessert with freshly baked chocolate chip layer bars, ginger cookies, key lime pie or fried oreos.

Chairpersons for this event are Charles Sullivan, David Grant and Jeff Westine.

And (to date) the chefs who’ll proudly wear the Men Who Cook Aprons:

Kevin Atterbury, Pastor Edward Barnes, Jack Betkoski, David Blackwell, Juan Bonilla, Ryan Boos,  Harry Burlakoff, Bill Calderara, Michael Caleca, Patrick Carey, Chief Mike Chaffee, Patrick Charmel, John Coscia, Jim Cotter, Jack Cowell, state Sen. Joe Crisco, Dexter Davis, Dr. Steve DiBenedetto, Dr. Jay Dworkin, Brian Fonck, Roger Giori, Bruce Goldson, Terri Goldson,  David Grant, Chris Hill, Dave Hill, Chief Joel Hurliman, Craig Jones, David Jones, state Sen. Kevin Kelly, Mike Kieley, Tim Kieley, Richard Knoll, Kevin Lantowsky, Pete Larsen, Dan L’Atrella, Mayor Mark Lauretti, Robert McColl, David McNamera, Sherrod McNeill, Jeff Merrill, John Mihalko, Bill Miller, First Selectman Kurt Miller, James Mills, Michael Mills, Dave Monahan, Nelson Morales, David Morgan, Rick Moore, Bill Nimons, Brian O’Connor, Chris O’Connor, Jack O’Donnell, Tim Oppel, Win Oppel, Fred Ortoli, Joe Pagliaro, Jr., Richard Persico, John Petrillo, Jorge Pezo-Candelario, Rick Ponce DeLeon, Dave Rabinove, John Rollinson,  Joshua Rosado, Chris Sansone, Chris Setaro, Anthony Simonetti, Kevin Spooner, Thomas Steeves, Dr. Ira Stein, Charlie Sullivan, Dominick Thomas, Ben Trabka,  Robert VanEgghen, Hector Velez, Ken Weinstein, John Yeager, John Zaprzalka, and Tom Zaprzalka.

Special MC is Chaz of Chaz and AJ in the morning on 99.1 PLR, Connecticut's number one morning show.  Men Who Cook will run from 6-11 p.m. at Warsaw Park, 119 Pulaski Highway.

  

Admission of $55 per person includes food, beer/wine and soft drinks, bid at the Valley’s greatest silent auction and dance away the night’s calories with music.
Marquee Sponsors for Men Who Cook are Naugatuck Valley Savings and Loan and the Bassett Family Fund.

To sponsor Men Who Cook or donate an auction item, call Trish Wigglesworth, 203-736-5420 ext 221. To purchase tickets, call Wigglesworth or obtain tickets online at www.teaminc.org. 

All proceeds from this fundraiser benefit the programs provided by TEAM, Inc. serving the needs of individuals and families living in the Valley.

This is a press release from TEAM, Inc., a private, 501(c)3 non-profit corporation whose mission is to connect individuals and families with solutions that lead to well-being, self-sufficiency and full participation in the community. 
TEAM programs serve the communities of Ansonia, Beacon Falls, Bethany, Derby, Milford, Orange, Oxford, Shelton, Seymour and Woodbridge.