Seymour High School Student Attends Boys State

SEYMOUR= Daniel Robinson, a student at Seymour High School, recently joined 215 outstanding juniors from high schools across the state for the 74th annual American Legion Boys State program. Daniel was a very active participant and contributor to the program. He was elected to a leadership position in the Boys State Senate, and was the recipient of the Harry Bartlett Award because of his hard work in that body. Based on his excellent overall performance, Daniel was selected as the first alternate to the American Legion Boys Nation program in Washington, DC. While Daniel was unable to attend that program, his selection as an alternate is a recognition of the outstanding job he did throughout the week of the Boys State program, which took place the last week of June at Eastern Connecticut State University. Daniel recently paid a visit to the town's Emil Senger American Legion Post 10 headquarters to discuss the experience.

(Information comes from a press release from David Greenleaf, chairman CT American Legion Boys State)

'Whiskey Business' to benefit Connecticut Partnership for Children in Seymour

Colonial Tavern and Black Hog Brewing Company will be hosting "Whiskey Business," a tasting event of bourbon and other whiskeys, Black Hog craft beer, meats, cheeses, and other appetizers, Aug. 6 to benefit Connecticut Partnership for Children, Inc.

The event is $40 per person, and all proceeds benefit Connecticut Partnership for Children, Inc. a 501c3 organization located in Seymour, which serves low-income children throughout the state.

The event will take place at Colonial Tavern in Oxford from 6:30-9:30 p.m. A cash bar is available for guests. Less than 30 tickets are left for this event, and tickets can be purchased online at www.ctpfc.org or by calling CT Partnership 203-881-1804.

St. Mary – St. Michael School in Derby accepting K-8 enrollment applications

DERBY >> St. Mary – St. Michael School is accepting applications for enrollment in all grades kindergarten through grade 8.  Please call the school office to make an appointment with Linda Coppola, the principal, at 203-735-6471 or e-mail lcoppola@stmarystmichael.org.

St. Mary – St. Michael School offers: low student/teacher ratio, a safe learning environment, Catholic identity, a rigorous academic program, Spanish, soccer, basketball, softball and volleyball, drama club, art enrichment and a before-and-after school program.

Event to mark 25th anniversary of Americans with Disabilities Act

WEST HAVEN >> Disability rights are civil rights, and the Americans with Disabilities Rights Act allows people with disabilities to participate in all of society.

The 25th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act will be the focus of a celebration starting at 5 p.m. Thursday (July 23) at Savin Rock Conference Center.

The event is sponsored by the Americans with Disabilities Act Coalition of Connecticut (ADACC).

The ADA was signed into law in 1990 by former President George H.W. Bush.

The landmark legislation prohibits discrimination against the disabled and affords them the same opportunities available to those who are not living with a disability.

Mayor Edward M. O’Brien will read a proclamation and participate in a flag-raising ceremony at 6:30 p.m. outside the conference center, 6 Rock St.

O’Brien said, “One in five people in the United States has disabilities and that number is constantly increasing from age, accidents, or even combat.

“As a result, the Americans with Disabilities Act is ever more important. It was passed almost unanimously by Congress and signed by President George 

H.W. Bush on July 26, 1990. Today marks 25 years commemorating the rights established for disabled individuals providing them with everything from transportation, communication, medical diagnostic equipment and information technology. It pleases me to see that such an effective act is still in existence today.”

Marc Anthony Gallucci, executive director, Center for Disability Rights, also will speak at the event. He said, “This 25th anniversary is a great opportunity to celebrate the positive impact that the Americans with Disabilities Act has had in the lives of millions of persons with disabilities.”

Keri McLaughlin, program manager, Community Connections, part of the nonprofit West Haven Community House, said the ADA “has been a tremendous help” to her clients in getting a job and maintaining it.

She said after ADA was enacted society has shown more “tolerance and acceptance” of those with disabilities.

The West Haven Community House website says the organization “exists to facilitate healthy, productive, independent, and meaningful lives for children, adolescents and families, and individuals with disabilities.”

Thursday’s festivities will include an interactive educational exhibit about the ADA, and members of the public will get a chance to try out an adaptive, recumbent bicycle, Gallucci said.

An acoustic duo will entertain from 5-7 p.m., followed by a rock band performing from 7-8 p.m., he said.

There will be balloons for children and Gallucci said the public is invited to celebrate and enjoy anniversary cake with CDR staff and members and event collaborators.

In addition to CDR the following collaborators are working to make the event a success: West Haven Community House’s Community Connections, City of West Haven, City of Milford & Concerned Citizens for People with Disabilities, Inc., Agency on Aging, and Bodie’s Place of Milford.

Seymour Police Department’s K-9 Sage and handler meet benefactors

By Jean Falbo-Sosnovich
Register Correspondent

SEYMOUR >> Every dog has his day, and for Sage — the Seymour Police Department’s newest furry crime fighter — hers came this week after meeting the couple who donated funds that made it possible to bring her here.

Residents Noel and Fredda Peel made a generous, though undisclosed, donation to the department earlier this year. The funds enabled the police to purchase Sage, along with a brand new Ford Expedition for Sage’s handler, Officer John Oczkowski, to share with his companion.

The Peels were recognized by the Board of Police Commissioners during its monthly meeting Wednesday. Police Chief Michael Metzler and the commissioners expressed their gratitude to the Peels, self-admitted, diehard dog lovers that simply love to give back to their community.

“We wanted to support the town, and its police officers,” Noel Peel said. “Dogs are not only man’s best friend, but a police officer’s best friend, as well.”

Read more here.

Connecticut kickball tourney will help raise money for ALS programs

By Jean Falbo-Sosnovich

Register Correspondent                                                                                               

                                                                           

A local man is hoping to kick the devastating disease, ALS, also known as Lou Gerhig’s disease, to the curb with his 3rd annual Valley kickball tournament. Ryan Matthews of Beacon Falls knows firsthand how the heartbreaking disease can affect families, having lost his mom, Susan Matthews, to amyotrophic lateral sclerosis in 2011. Matthews’ mom was diagnosed in 2009. The degenerative motor neuron disorder takes otherwise healthy, physically capable individuals, and slips them eventually into full body paralysis, Matthews said. ALS patients are only expected to live an additional two to five years after their diagnosis, said Matthews, who serves as executive director of The Susie Foundation, which he founded in his mother’s honor.

“It was a transformative moment for our family,” said Matthews, 27. “My mom needed ‘round the clock care beginning during the very early stages of the disease, which, at times, presented seemingly insurmountable challenges. But we were lucky to have an incredibly supportive, loving, and dedicated network of family, friends, and community care providers to help us along the way.

The Susie Foundation provides direct relief and support services to local families living with ALS, Matthews said. To help raise funds to support programming efforts, Matthews is holding his 3rd annual Susie Classic Kickball Tournament on Aug. 8 in Beacon Falls.

Read more here.

Ansonia Recreation sponsors bus trip to Aug. 6 Red Sox at Yankees game

Freedom Craft Beer Festival this Saturday in Ansonia

ANSONIA >> Make plans to attend the first Freedom Craft Beer Festival from 1-4:30 p.m. Saturday at Warsaw Park, 119 Pulaski Highway.

This year’s Freedom Fest is planned for 3,000 beer lovers and guests to enjoy great beers from 70+ breweries (250+ different beers), food trucks, root beer tasting for kids and adults, specialty vendors and live music all on site to make for a fantastic day!

We will have an All Veteran and Active Duty Military appreciation hour from noon-1p.m. , before the general public, one hour before the general public to enjoy some great Connecticut brews.
Discounted tickets may be purchased online up until the day before the event. Please visit www.freedombeerfest.com to purchase your tickets.

At the admission tent you will receive an ID wristband and Freedom Fest souvenir tasting mug for unlimited samples of all the great beers available! Visit our Facebook page Freedom Beer Fest and like us to receive all Freedom Fest news and updates!

Freedom Fest is proud to benefit a very noble cause in the Wounded Warrior Project.

Founded in 2003, the Wounded Warrior Project looks to raise awareness and enlist the public’s aid for the needs of injured service members; to help injured servicemen and women aid and assist each other; and to provide unique, direct programs and services to meet their needs.

Freedom Fest is hosted by Valiant in the Valley, Inc., a non-profit organization. Our goal is to produce another first-rate festival in Connecticut and help raise funds for a worthy organization whose efforts benefit the overall community.

Admission: $35 - $45.

Sponsored by: Valiant in the Valley, WPLR, Bricks and Barley Pub, Molto Bene Italian American Kitchen, Mountain Road Liquors, Associated Refuse Haulers.

This information is shared from an online community calendar sponsored by The Community Foundation for Greater New Haven and the New Haven Independent.

Main Street Ansonia charges into action July 15

Introduction to handwriting analysis at Derby Public Library

DERBY >> The Derby Public Library welcomes David DeWitt, certified graphoanalyst, Aug. 10 at 6:30 p.m.

DeWitt will discuss his self-assessment guide book, Handwriting Analysis: Discover Your Own Vocational/Potential. DeWitt has spent decades studying and interpreting the handwriting of countless individuals, helping them to understand themselves and their personal strengths and weaknesses.  The insightful results that he produces are astounding, as well as personally and professionally transformational.  This presentation offers a fresh, new approach on handwriting analysis, demonstrating how to explore career options and life choices through graphology and personality awareness.

Registration is requested. For more information, stop by the library at 313 Elizabeth St. or call 203 736-1482 or visit www.derbypubliclibrary.org.

This is a press release from Library Director Cathy Williams.

Crosby Commons resident gets dream day

Crosby Commons resident Marie Bawol poses
for a photograph with her daughter, Alison Cotter,
during a special “trip to England” celebration,
part of the community’s Journey of Dreams program.

SHELTON >> Marie Bawol has lived as a resident of Crosby Commons Independent and Assisted Living Community for the past three years and has always dreamed of visiting England again. Although she has lived in the United States since she was 18 years old, Marie was born and raised in Liverpool, England. She vividly remembers life during the bombings of World War II, and the difficulties that followed during and after the war. Even still, she longed for the chance to return again to the place she grew up, where many of her family members reside. After sharing her dream with Crosby staff, she was surprised with a special day to make her dream come true.

As part of the community’s Journey of Dreams program, staff and residents took “a trip to England” together with Marie. On June 30, the community hosted a Tour of England celebration, with a traditional English meal prepared by the Crosby Commons Dining Services team, a tea party hosted by Bigelow Tea, and a musical performance by Brett Bottomley, who entertained residents on the Chapman Stick, a unique multi-string electric guitar. Lectures on English history were offered throughout the day, as well as a fun photo booth opportunity, which featured a giant double-decker London city bus that was custom-built by a staff member. Residents and staff posed behind the bus windows for pictures, which were then transformed into postcards and sent to friends and family members.

In honor of her special day, Marie was presented with an album of photographs of the royal family, a china tea pot and tea cup, biscuits and jam, and English toffee. A champagne toast ended the day, along with a look back at the royal wedding celebration. “I didn’t realize the celebration was going to be so elaborate! It made me stop and think how lucky I am to have such a loving family here; at Crosby Commons and in England,” Marie said. “The day was absolutely fantastic.”

Crosby Commons Assisted Living Community is located on the Wesley Village Campus in Shelton, CT. The award-winning “Journey of Dreams” program was created on the campus to offer opportunities for personal growth and fulfillment of individual dreams. To learn more about Crosby Commons or other dreams that have been fulfilled for residents, visit www.crosbycommons.org or contact Lisa Bisson at 203-225-5024.

This is a press release from Marissa Salvesen, marketing and promotions manager for United Methodist Homes.

Italian Night Cabaret July 17 in New Haven

The Sons and Daughters of Italy Greater New Haven Lodge #37 will present an Italian Night Cabaret on July 17.

The event starts at 7 p.m. at the Annex Club, 554 Woodward Ave., New Haven. It's $15 per person. Bring your own hard drinks, wine, food, snacks, paper goods. Set-ups, soda and ice provided. Tables of 10 are available.

For reservations, call Dan Masto Jr at  203-483-6899.
For information, call Sam Giglio at 203-467-4169 or Rich Ramadei at 203-248-9074.

Book discussion group exercises the mind and body along Riverwalk in Shelton

SHELTON >> Written Words Bookstore has introduced a book discussion group that exercises the mind and body: WALK, TALK, RIVERWALK!

After reading pre-selected short fiction works, the group will meet on Saturday at 8:30 a.m (starting on July 11) at the Veteran’s Memorial Park in downtown Shelton. Discussion will take place while members walk along the scenic Riverwalk. Approximate walk time is a half hour.

“We love being downtown and the Riverwalk is practically right outside our door.” said Written Words Bookstore owner Dorothy Sim-Broder in a press release. “What a great way to take advantage of the beautiful outdoor setting while exercising your brains cells! We all have busy schedules nowadays, so we’ve designed this to make it accessible: We’re reading short stories which do not take long, you get to exercise your mind and body at the same time, it’s early enough so you’ll still have a whole day ahead of you after the discussion, and as a bonus: the Farmer’s Market will be right there so you could pick up fresh produce on the way out!”

Discussion is free and open to the public. Interested parties are encouraged to support the bookstore by purchasing discussion books at Written Words, which are usually available at a special book club 15 percent discount.

The information above was provided in a release from Written Words Bookstore. Written Words Bookstore is located inside the Conti building at 415 Howe Ave. For more information, call the bookstore at 203-944-0400.

Celebrate Shelton announces Downtown Sounds Summer Concert Sseries

SHELTON >> Celebrate Shelton announces the Downtown Sounds Summer Concert Series taking place at Veteran’s Memorial Park in Shelton on Fridays: July 17, July 24 and Aug. 7 from 5-9 p.m.

The lineup of live music includes: Coley O’ Toole (of Queen Killing Kings) and The Wagon Riders (July 17), The Alpaca Gnomes and Hubinger St (July 24) and The What Up Funk Band (August 7).

Each night of the series will host rotating handmade artisans and food trucks as well as children’s activities and a beer garden.
Admission is FREE to the public, and free parking is in the parking lot for the Shelton Farmers Market Building and Conti Building (415 Howe Ave.).

Prudential is the Title Sponsor of Downtown Sounds: Summer Concert Series, with additional support from the Valley Community Foundation as well as other area businesses and organizations.

Celebrate Shelton was established to create community events that highlight small businesses including a monthly Downtown Handmade Market, seasonal Small Business Community Guide, and a Holiday Community Tree Lighting. In partnership with the City of Shelton, the Greater Valley Chamber of Commerce, and the Shelton Economic Development Corporation, we have been able to make these events a success with hundreds of attendees – shining light on small businesses in our area and offering a unique place for community members to gather with their family and friends around fun activities.

To learn more about Celebrate Shelton, please visit www.celebrateshelton.com.

Upcoming events at Derby Public Library

The following information was provided by 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.  

Recycle, Repurpose, Reuse Craft Class – Tag, You’re It
Monday, Aug. 3 at 6:30 p.m.
Ansonia Animal Control Officer, Jeanie Roslonowski, returns to the Library with Tag, You’re It, showing participants, ages eighteen and over, what they can do with simple shipping tags. Whether it be for gift tags or decorations, the possibilities are endless. Come and relax and see your creativity emerge. The class will also include information on conservation and animal issues.  Registration is required.

Resume “Right-ing”
First Wednesday of the 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 August class will be held on Wednesday, Aug. 5 at 6:30 p.m. Registration is not required.

Wednesday Movie Matinees (ages 18 and over)
Every Wednesday at 1:00 PM 
Newly released DVDs will be shown every Wednesday at 1 p.m.  Light snacks will be provided. This is a great way to cool off and relax on a summer afternoon. Registration is requested. For a list of featured films, stop by the library or call.

Sports Talk Series
Every Thursday morning at 10 a.m. throughout the baseball season
The Derby Public Library is now in its 10th 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.

Local History Information Sessions – The Floods of 1955
Tuesdays from 6 p.m. -7:30 p.m. & Wednesdays from 10 a.m. to noon
During this time the Library’s Local History Coordinator offers information on monthly highlighted topics. August’s topic will be The Floods of 1955. Assistance will also be available for research on topics such as genealogy, prominent local figures, major area events and more.

Spiritual Gypsy Yoga studio opens in dowtown Seymour

SEYMOUR >> A new yoga studio located downtown will be holding a grand opening ceremony Thursday, July 9, according to a release from the Office of the First Selectmen.

Spiritual Gypsy Yoga, 18 Bank St., is in the recently renovated Beaches Block building. The ceremony starts at 3 p.m. The public is invited to check out the facilities, share a champagne toast and enter to win free yoga lessons and other prizes.

Andrea Benson, a certified yoga teacher whose practice of yoga began 28 years ago, founded the studio. Benson was certified as an instructor in 2009. She teaches Hatha yoga, a form that emphasizes balance and uniting opposites by focusing the attention on breathing to become more present. She says she wants her studio to be “a welcoming peaceful sanctuary where your practice will have the opportunity to grow,” according to the release.

“I am reaching out to meet the people of Seymour and the surrounding area. I am so blessed to be a part of the community and I look forward to spending a long time here. Please come and take a look at your new yoga studio,” Benson said in the release.

First Selectman Kurt Miller is expected to attend and said, in the release, “I’m really excited and encouraged by the diversity of new businesses coming into downtown Seymour. We’re very excited for the opening of Spiritual Gypsy Yoga and we’re pleased to welcome Andrea to the community.”

This information was provided in a press release from the Office of the First Selectmen.

PHOTO: Ansonia Mayor Cassetti and past mayors gather for luncheon

This is from Ansonia City Hall. Past mayors and current Mayor David S. Cassetti recently gathered for a mayor's luncheon at Antonio's Restaurant in Ansonia.

Pictured from left to right:  Mayor Cassetti, Mayor DellaVolpe, Mayor Valentine, Mayor Hallihan, Mayor Clifford, Mayor Finnucan and Mayor Kruger. Missing from the photo was Mayor Menna.

Seymour health club announces membership drive partnership with Wounded Warriors Project

SEYMOUR >> Balance, a local health club, is teaming with Wounded Warriors Project (WWP) in a membership drive to benefit the health and well-being of its neighbors.

On Saturday, July 25, from 8 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., Balance will host live music by DJ Chris Rush from Psych Word Radio Show, and special outdoor classes, including Zumba and Bootcamp. American Pie & Pub will provide food. Membership, training, raffles and spa specials also will be offered to benefit the foundation.

Balance will donate 100 percent of its membership enrollment fee for the month of July and will donate 20 percent of all massage profits from July 25 to WWP. The mission of WWP is to honor and empower Wounded Warriors and foster the most successful, well-adjusted generation of wounded service members in our nation's history. WWP takes a holistic approach when serving warriors and their families to nurture the mind and body and encourage economic empowerment and engagement.

For more information, please visit www.ctbalance.com or call 203-888-8983.

This is a press release from Balance health club.