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Valley Lawmakers Hail Sikorsky Deal

State Representative Linda M. Gentile (D-Ansonia, Derby) and State Representative Theresa Conroy (D-Beacon Falls, Derby, Seymour) are very pleased to announce the General Assembly has approved a deal that Sikorsky Aircraft, which has made its home in Stratford since 1929, will remain here until at least 2032. 

"This deal is historic,” said Rep. Gentile. “It ensures a long-term presence and a long-term commitment to hiring. The agreement is good for the present and for generations to come. It gives me great comfort to think that maybe someday in the future one of my grandchildren may be working at Sikorsky and earning a good living."

 

“There is a ripple effect with this deal,” Rep. Conroy said. “There are the jobs down in Stratford as well as jobs at small manufacturers and suppliers around the state – and right here in Seymour - that depend on Sikorsky.”

 

The helicopter giant will be eligible for financial incentives in exchange for building nearly 200 CH-53K King Stallion helicopters, in Connecticut. The deal will:

 

·         Build nearly 200 CH-53K King Stallion Helicopters – the largest maritime helicopter in the world - in Connecticut for the United States Navy until at least June 2032 

·         Keep the Sikorsky headquarters in the state and maintain its Stratford site as a primary production facility for its government based helicopter business

·         Retain and grow its full time employment in Connecticut to more than 8,000 by the end of year 14

·         Nearly double its spending of $350 million per year with local Connecticut suppliers throughout the state

·         Increase its capital spending for machinery and equipment by 22 percent

·         Drive an estimated $69.2 billion between 2016 and 2032 into the Connecticut economy

·         Allow Sikorsky to spend an estimated $21.1 billion on wages and benefits between 2016 and 2032

·         Support approximately 24,601 jobs directly and indirectly

·         Invest an estimated $744.8 million in contractor employment

·         Inject an estimated $384.4 million in direct and indirect average annual tax revenue into the Connecticut economy, totaling $6.54 billion from 2016 and 2032 

The incentives, worth up to $220 million, include exemption from sales and use taxes and annual grants during the term of the deal. In turn, Sikorsky and Lockheed will keep its HQ and primary manufacturing in the state, retain and expand its full-time staff, increase capital spending and give top priority to its Connecticut-based suppliers. 

This deal was approved in a Special Session Sept. 28 by the General Assembly.

 

(This is a press release from CT Democrats)

Conroy, Gentile Outline Tax Cuts for Seniors

 

SEYMOUR - State Representative Theresa Conroy (D-Beacon Falls/Derby/Seymour), Rep. Linda Gentile (D-Ansonia/Derby) and House Majority Leader Joe Aresimowicz (D-Berlin/Southington) outlined a series of policy proposals House Democratic candidates are bringing to voters throughout the state this fall election season.

 Proposals specifically designed to help seniors are featured prominently in the House Democrats vision for Investing in Connecticut’s Future, including exempting social security from the state income tax, improved access to healthcare, and programs to help people age independently in their own homes.

 “This plan will make Connecticut a better place in which our seniors can live and retire,” said Conroy, an advanced practice nurse and member of the legislature’s Public Health Committee. “The proposals to support our community’s senior citizens, like exempting Social Security income from state taxes, supporting senior housing, and providing real retirement security, are critical to ensure that our seniors can afford to retire in Connecticut, close to friends and family, and with the dignity and respect that they deserve.”

 “Our parents and grandparents worked hard to care and provide for us, and they deserve to be cared for as they age,”Aresimowicz said. “The proposals we are making, like eliminating the state income tax on Social Security earned benefits, making sure that family members can take time-off to care for a loved one, and ensuring that older family members can stay in their homes, will improve the quality of life for all Connecticut seniors.”

 A press conference to help highlight the proposals was held at Seymour Democratic Headquarters, where area seniors expressed appreciation for having many of their concerns addressed in the House Democrats plan. 

 “I’m concerned about the affordability of our community,” said Gene Coppola, a former school superintendent in Seymour. “Exempting Social Security benefits from the state income tax is a real, workable solution that will help make it easier for retirees to stay in Connecticut close to friends and family.”

 “I hear from my older constituents that they love Connecticut and want to spend their retirement here,” said Rep. Gentile, who serves as Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives. “This plan makes retiring in Connecticut more affordable by giving seniors a tax break that they need and deserve. Working together, we will make Connecticut the best place for our seniors to retire.”

 Specifically, the House Democrats vision plan to help seniors include:

 • Exempting social security payments from the state income tax to make Connecticut more affordable for seniors

• Expanding a state program that helps pay for home modifications such as grab bars, ramps, and stair lifts to allow more seniors to live independently, and avoid more expensive nursing home care  

• Focusing on patient health, by convening all stakeholders - hospitals, insurers, patient advocates, community clinics, doctors, nurses - to better leverage taxpayer dollars, increase local healthcare options, and preserve community hospitals

• Supporting the thousands of skilled workers such as Home Health Aides, Visiting Nurses, and Homemaker Companions that help seniors remain in their homes  

 On a broader scale, featured in the House Democrats overall vision for Investing in Connecticut’s Future are job creation initiatives, fairer taxes, and a closer scrutiny of all state spending, including:

 • Historic investment in the state’s vo-tech schools and community colleges to step up career development and directly match curriculum with employer needs 

• Cap state bonding, except for economic development initiatives, to reduce long term borrowing and state debt      

• Create an independent oversight board for transportation infrastructure projects to assess economic benefits and ensure taxpayer dollars are being used efficiently   

• Establish a dedicated 1-800 number and an “Angel Investor” program specifically for small business to encourage growth and job creation in this critical economic sector   

• Exempt new college graduates from the state income tax, and allow student loan debt to be deducted to encourage young people to live and work in Connecticut

 The complete House Democrats’ vision statement can be seen at www.CTHDCC.com

 (This is a press release from CT House Democrats)

Seymour Schools Simplifying Registration Process

_____________________________________________________________________________

 

Subject:                      SEYMOUR SCHOOLS MOVING TO CENTRALIZED STUDENT REGISTRATION PROCESS                            

 

Date:                           September 27, 2016

 

Media Contact:          Rich Kearns, Public Information Officer Seymour Public Schools

                                    (203) 888-2561 ext. 1003  or   rkearns@seymourschools.org 

_______________________________________________________________________________

 

DETAILS:    On October 1, 2016 - Seymour Public Schools will begin a new four step student centralized registration process. Centralized registration will now be available for all Seymour Schools and will make it possible to enroll all children in a Seymour family at one time in one central location.  

 

Parents/Guardians can now follow these four steps for a simple enrollment process.

 

STEP 1: Obtain a Seymour School’s registration packet and school information packets at the Central Office building, located at Seymour Board of Education, 98 Bank Street, Seymour. We ask that you please call ahead for handicap accommodations.  All district forms must be processed for official enrollment registration. Packets may also be mailed or emailed upon request.

 

STEP 2: Parents/Legal Guardians must return in person with all completed district forms and required documents to the Centralized Registration Center.  We ask that when possible call ahead to let registration staff  know the time you are coming so that staff can be available to process your information more efficiently.  A notary will be on site for parents/legal guardians who need documents notarized.

 

STEP 3: The Centralized Registration Center staff will review and file legal documentation of each child (birth certificates, etc). Verification of documents and records may take up to three (3) days before notification to parents regarding acceptance can be made. 

 

STEP 4: Parents/ Legal Guardians will receive via phone and email a communication of acceptance and completion of the registration process, and will contact the child’s school administrator for a welcome and a date to report to school. Parents/Legal Guardians will be provided school forms/school-based information at this initial school meeting.

 

Parents are asked to contact the Centralized Registration Center for any questions regarding student enrollment and registration at (203) 888-4564 ext 1900.  Information is available at www.seymourschools.org

 

(This is a press release from Richard Kearns)

Lizzie's Corner Celebrates Another First Saturday

SEYMOUR - We have reached another First Saturday! Please Join us at Lizzie's Corner Consignment and Gifts (19 Bank Street) for a fun night of shopping!

For anyone not familiar with the tradition, the shops in downtown Seymour stay open late on the first Saturday of every month. The store will be open from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.

We will be serving wine and refreshments and having some great deals as well as a raffle! Come start your holiday shopping - you don't want to miss it!

(Information shared from Lizzie's Corner's Facebook page)

State Teachers Endorse Conroy

 

 

The Connecticut Education Association (CEA), which represents 43,000 educators in

the state, has endorsed Theresa Conroy for State Representative.

 

Sheila Cohen, CEA president, said, “Theresa’s support of children, teachers and public

education is clear. CEA is proud to endorse Theresa Conroy for state representative.”

 

During her tenure in the legislature, state education funding to Seymour, Derby and

Beacon Falls has increased, despite difficult state budgets. In addition, Conroy has

worked to secure more than $4.5 million for her district in school construction grants.

Conroy also acquired state funds for a new athletic field and softball field at Seymour

High School.

 

In addition, Conroy has been a champion for advanced manufacturing training at the

state’s technical high schools.

 

“I was proud to have Sen. Chris Murphy accompany me on Platt Tech’s shop floor to see

how our young people are developing important skills for the future. They will be the

next generation of manufacturers in our state,” Conroy said.

 

Conroy noted that the state’s technical high schools and community colleges are terrific

resources that train students for high-skill careers.

 

(This is a press release from Linda Fusco, Conroy's campaign chairman)

 

Valley "Going Pink" for Breast Cancer Awareness

 

DERBY - The 7th Annual Valley Goes Pink Campaign invites the Lower Naugatuck Valley and surrounding communities to enjoy a variety of events featuring good food, drink and fun for a good cause throughout September and October.

 

The Valley Goes Pink is a grassroots, community wide effort to increase awareness about breast cancer and the importance of early detection, support the Hewitt Center for Breast Wellness at Griffin Hospital, and to celebrate the charitable spirit of the region’s businesses and organizations.

 

The following is a list of unique Valley Goes Pink fundraising events. For more information about “going pink” and joining the campaign visit griffinhealth.org/pink or contact the Griffin Hospital Development Fund at 203-732-7504, Jodi Dawley at 203-521-2233 or dawleypink@yahoo.com, or Sue Petrizzo at 203-400-1068 or petrizzopink@yahoo.com.

 

For more information about Valley Goes Pink and additional events, visit the Valley Goes Pink on Facebook or griffinhealth.org/pink.

 

*Waiters Go Pink, Sept. 26 from 5:30-9 p.m. – Volunteers waiters will serve guests at Wellingtons Restaurant, 51 Huntington St., Shelton, and tips will go to the cause. Reservations required at 203-929-0336.

 

*Trivia Night, Oct. 3 at 6:30 p.m. – Come for a fun night filled with trivia and fun prizes at Porky’s Café, 50 Center St., Shelton. Call Karyn for reservations 203-445-3091.

 

*Wine Pairing for Pink Dinner, Oct. 4 at 6:30 p.m. – Enjoy dinner paired with wines for each course at Ari Bella Restaurant, 66 Huntington St., Shelton. Call Sue Petrizzo at 203-400-1068 to reserve your spot.

 

*Paint for Pink, Oct. 6 at 6:30 p.m. – Come to the ever-popular Paint & Sip event which features great raffle prizes at Vazzy’s Cucina, 706 Bridgeport Ave., Shelton. Call Ann at 203-305-0817 for reservations.

 

*Mystery on Main, Oct. 7 from 6-9 p.m. – A Clue inspired evening of mystery, intrigue, music and more at Spector Furniture, 385 Main St., Ansonia. $40 per person.

 

*Pinktoberfest by Yuengling Night, Oct. 10 at 5:30 p.m. – Come enjoy Yuengling beer specials, a special “Germanfest” tasting menu and great giveaways at Wellingtons Restaurant, 51 Huntington St., Shelton.

 

*Bingo for Boobies Oct. 11 at 6 p.m. – Enjoy a fun-filled night of bingo and great prizes, including a flat screen TV, at The Hops Company (THC), 77 Sodom Lane, Derby. Call Sue for reservations at 203-400-1068.

 

*Rock Out Your Pink, Oct. 12 6:30 p.m. – Enjoy wine and cheese while viewing the dazzling works of Marks of Design, 500 Howe Ave., Shelton. 10% of all sales will be donated.

 

*Bras for the Valley, Oct. 13 at 6:30 p.m. – Design a bra and have it modeled in our fashion show with local “celebrity” models for a live auction, or just come for the fun at Il Palio, 5 Corporate Dr., Shelton. Call Ann at 203-305-0817 for more information.

 

*Durante Family Brunch for Pink, Oct. 16 at noon – Come have an extravagant brunch at Maria V’s Restaurant, 220 Leavenworth Rd., Shelton. Tickets are $50. Contact Anna Durante at 203-732-1977 or annadurante1@gmail.com for reservations.

 

*Tacos for Tatas, Oct. 18 at 7 p.m. – Enjoy delicious tacos for a good cause at River Rock Tavern, 5 Main St., Derby.

 

*Shoot for a Cure Basketball Clinics, Oct. 22 – Girls and boys ages 8-13 learn valuable pointers from the best! UCONN stars Maria Conlon Rinaldi and Ashley Battle will host a girls’ clinic from noon-3 p.m. at Shelton High School, 120 Meadow St., Shelton, and Dennis Kelly and Dribble Drive Basketball will host the boys’ clinic from 1-4 p.m. at St. Catherine of Siena Family Center, 220 Shelton Rd, Trumbull. Admission is $40. Call Jodi at 203-521-2233 to reverse a spot.

 

*Pink Ribbon Yoga, Oct. 23 from 10 -11:15 a.m. – Join Kimmarie for a yoga session at Griffin Hospital, 130 Division St., Derby. Minimum donation of $20. Visit kimmarieyoga.net to register.

 

*Vineyards of the World Wine Tasting, Oct. 24 from 6-9 p.m. – Several distributors will be highlighting their wines at Wellingtons Restaurant, 51 Huntington St, Shelton, and the restaurant will offer great food to pair. Tickets are $50 per person. Call Linda for tickets at 203-414-8851.

 

The Valley Goes Pink is sponsored by 99.1 FM WPLR and Hearst Connecticut Media Group.

 

(This is a press release from Griffin Hospital)

Local Operatic Rock/ Metal Duo Signs Record Deal with HMG Recordings

Richard Demko, left, with Vic Steffans, president and CEO of HMG Recordings and Suzanne Vick

 

 

Vocalist and Shelton native Suzanne Vick, and writer/producer Richard Demko, a Seymour resident formally of Monroe, have scored a record deal with West Haven Indie label HMG Recordings. The duo call themselves "DEMKOVIC" and their debut album, entitled "Breathe," is scheduled to be released sometime in the fall of 2016. 

 

Vick and Demko started working together in 2007 when they played in the local funk/jam band, Electric Mayhem. The two eventually left the group due to what Demko describes as "life," but he always knew that he would eventually find himself working with Vick again. After a few years of musical hiatus, Demko started writing again and could think of no one other than Vick to bring his latest batch of songs to life.  When asked to describe DEMKOVIC’S musical style Demko said it is "very deep, emotional, operatic rock with elements of heavy guitars, big drums, deep bass, and flowing, dynamic, layered vocals.”

 

Vick is thrilled to have the opportunity to work with Demko again in such a different capacity than their first musical venture.  “This project is a creative dream come true for me,” says Vick. “I’m a classically-trained vocalist, but don’t usually get the opportunity to utilize that training or my 4-octave range.  Rick’s writing and production push me to expand past what I think I can do vocally and the results are amazing and very satisfying.”

 

Information about their album release along with tour dates and other information can be found on social media @DEMKOVIC or on the web at www.demkovic.com (coming soon!).

 

(This is a press release from Demko) 

Overnight Road Work Scheduled

State Representative Linda M. Gentile (D-Ansonia/Derby) is asking that motorists drive safely during an upcoming construction project.

A more than two-mile section of Route 115/Main Street in Derby and Ansonia is getting a facelift. The Department of Transportation will resurface the road between State Street and Division Street beginning Sunday, September 25.  Crews will work between the hours of 8 p.m. and 5 a.m. with the project expected to be completed on Sunday, October 7. Weather conditions could alter this construction plan.

Most important, for everyone’s safety, motorists should use caution when driving through the work zone. There will be lane closures, sign patterns and traffic control while the work is being done.

You can view the Connecticut DOT Press Release here: http://bit.ly/2d4MaMt

 

(This is a press release from Gentile)

New Playground Dedicated

 

 

Larry Janesky, owner of the Seymour based Basement Systems, was honored for his role in designing and building the new playground at the Ansonia Nature and Recreation Center. In an official proclamation, Ansonia Mayor David Cassetti named Janesky “Ansonia’s Community Hero” and presented him with a Key to the City.

 

Janesky and Basement Systems were also honored at an event celebrating the reopening of the playground which was held at the Ansonia Nature and Recreation Center on Saturday. The ribbon cutting took place on “Take Your Child to the Ansonia Nature and Recreation Center Community Park Day.” Cassetti, Patricia Tarasovic of the Valley United Way’s Corporate Volunteer Council, Sen. Joseph Crisco and Rep. Linda Gentile were all on hand to mark the occasion. 

 

The ribbon was cut by 3-year-old Cecelia Tarasovic of Ansonia and Kellie Santiago of Basement Systems, who participated in the ribbon cutting for the first playground built 25 years ago.

 

Janesky and over 100 Basement Systems volunteers built the playground in just three days in July 2016.

  

(This is a press release from Basement Systems)

Tour Newly Renovated Emmett O'Brien School Sept. 27

ANSONIA - Come be one of the first to see the newly renovated, state of the art Emmett O'Brien Technical High School in Ansonia as Valley United Way kicks off its 49th Annual Community Campaign!

All are welcome to join in this free, kickoff celebration on Tuesday, September 27 from 5:00-7:00pm, 141 Prindle Avenue in Ansonia. Enjoy hors d'oeuvres prepared by the school’s Chef Valle and take a tour of the new building and workshops. Guests will hear the plans for the upcoming Valley United Way Campaign, learn about how their dollars make an impact in our local community and get a first look inside Emmett O’Brien!

All are welcome, but must pre-register by calling Valley United Way at (203) 926-9478 or visiting www.valleyunitedway.org. 

This event is made possible by the generosity of our Marquee Sponsor Iroquois Pipeline Operating Company.

To Join in the Fight for a Stronger Community and help Valley United Way reach its goal, please visit www.valleyunitedway.org or call (203) 926-9478. Valley United Way is a registered 501(c)(3) organization proudly serving Ansonia, Derby, Oxford, Seymour and Shelton.  United Way fights for the health, education of financial stability of every person in every community.  In collaboration with our partners we work to prepare youth for success, strengthen families and help people in crisis.

(This is a press release from Valley United Way)

Gentile Unveils Vision for Connecticut's Future

Deputy Speaker, Linda M. Gentile, candidate for reelection to 104^th District (D-Ansonia/Derby) joined State House Majority Leader Joe Aresimowicz (D-Berlin/Southington)  to outline a series of policy proposals House Democratic candidates are bringing to voters throughout the state as the fall election season moves into full gear.

Featured in the House Democrats’ vision for Investing in Connecticut’s Future are job creation initiatives, fairer taxes, and a closer scrutiny of all state spending.

 

Gentile stated, "Investing in Connecticut's future is more than a slogan.  Our policies are about investing in small business, cutting taxes and increasing opportunities for high-wage jobs."

A press conference to unveil the proposals was held at Goodwin College in East Hartford to highlight a key part of the vision, a comprehensive approach to making higher education more affordable, keeping young graduates in our state, and more directly tying curriculum with the needs of business.

 

“Real leadership is more than simply being negative or launching political attacks. It’s about putting forward a positive vision for Connecticut, including innovative solutions to invest in the middle class, lowering costs for seniors, and reducing the cost of higher education and expanding job training,” Aresimowicz said. “I’m proud to stand with my colleagues, in support of manufacturers, educators, students, and small businesses to put forward our plan to increase the standard of living, provide good jobs with high wages, and invest in the hard-working, middle class families of Connecticut.”

 

Increased investment in workforce training programs in growth areas such as manufacturing and healthcare, as well as stepped up targeted incentives for small business are crucial to successful job creation initiatives. Last week’s announcement by Pratt & Whitney to hire 8,000 new employees in Connecticut, and their challenge to find skilled workers, emphasizes these needs.  

 

Specific proposals from the House Democrats’ vision for Investing in Connecticut’s Future include:

• Historic investment in state’s vo-tech schools and community colleges to step up career development and directly match curriculum with employer needs
• Exempt social security payments from state income tax to make Connecticut more affordable for seniors
• Cap state bonding except for economic development initiatives to reduce long term borrowing and state debt     
• Create an independent oversight board for transportation infrastructure projects to assess economic benefits and ensure taxpayer dollars are being used efficiently  
• Establish a dedicated 1-800 number and “Angel Investor” program specifically for small business to encourage growth and job creation in this critical economic sector  
• Exempt new college graduates from the state income tax, and allow student loan debt to be deducted to encourage young people to live and work in Connecticut

 

"Our plan will grow jobs, protect seniors, and expand educational opportunities to make Connecticut a better place in which to live, raise children, and retire,” said Gentile.     

The complete House Democrats’ vision statement Investing in Connecticut’s Future can be seen at www.CTHDCC.com 

 

(This is a press release from Gentile)

Ansonia Business Leader Honored by Junior Achievement

ANSONIA - An Ansonia business executive is among the four honorees who will be inducted into Junior Achievement of Western Connecticut's 2016 'Dr. George R. Dunbar Free Enterprise Hall of Fame’ on October 4th, 2016 at the Holiday Inn in Bridgeport.

 

Philip White, CEO of Better Packages in Ansonia will be honored along with Jack Barnes, President & CEO of People's United Bank, John Stafstrom Jr., Member, Pullman & Comley Traci Morris, CEO of Brookfield Global Relocation Services.

The Hall of Fame recognizes business leaders who have made notable contributions in the area of private enterprise and who have also demonstrated exceptional dedication to their communities.

Philip joined Better Packages, an operating unit of ASCOM Hasler, Inc. in 1997 as General Manager. In 2003, Phil led a management buy-out of the company and became President and CEO. During Phil’s time at Better Packages the company expanded into over 40 countries and revenues increased by over 300%. Prior to his work at Better Packages, Phil held senior level positions at ASCOM Hasler, Inc. and Pirelli Tire Corporation.

Phil serves on the boards of the Greater Valley Chamber of Commerce, Shelton Economic Development Corporation, American Heart Association (New Haven Walkathon) and Griffin Health Services Corporation.

Phil holds an MBA in Management from the University of New Haven and a Bachelor of Science with a dual major in Economics & Education from the University of Southern Connecticut.

For more information about Junior Achievement and ticket or sponsorship information for the Hall of Fame event, call (203) 382-0180 extension 10 or email randoh@jawct.org.

About Junior Achievement of Western Connecticut

Junior Achievement is the world’s largest organization dedicated to empowering young people with the knowledge and skills they need to own their economic success, plan for their future, and make smart academic and economic choices. JA programs are delivered by corporate and commu­nity volunteers, and provide relevant, hands-on experiences that give students from kindergarten through high school knowledge and skills in financial literacy, work and career readiness and entrepreneurship. For more information about JAWCT or to volunteer, please visit www.jawct.org or call 203.382.0180.

 

(This is a press release from Junior Achievement) 

Ansonia Welcomes Polish Restaurant Downtown

ANSONIA - On Saturday September 9^th at 6pm Warszawa Restaurant opened its doors to a full crowd. The owner, Michael Dembowski has hired 6 full time employees. The restaurant is located at 350 Main Street and occupies approximately 1800 s.f.  of space. Warszawa even has a piano and dance floor for dining entertainment.

 “We are excited about the first Polish restaurant in the Valley," Mayor David Cassetti. "The food is superb and we are hoping that Ansonia residents and neighboring towns will stop in for dinner. It is a nice complement to our Polish deli Europol Deli and Gifts located on the same side of Main Street. Main Street is becoming a dining destination for Ansonia and the Valley. We hope to attract visitors from all over who want variety.” 

“There is a lot of activity in downtown and a lot happening," said Corporation Counsel John Marini. "These restaurants are drawing much needed foot traffic into the downtown and that’s good news for Ansonia.” 

The restaurant serves traditional Polish fare such as blintzes and a polish platter which consists of pierogis, galumpkies, and blintzs and is open Tuesday and Wednesday from 11am – 9:30pm, Thursday – Saturday from 11:00am – 10pm and on Sunday from 12pm – 9pm.

Marini said the new restaurant is one of many developments occurring on Main Street, including, a new Thai restaurant which will be opening soon, Massamino’s new construction project which will consist of a restaurant and catering venue (new construction on Main Street hasn’t happened since the ‘90’s).

The purchase and sale of the site adjacent to Target for the redevelopment of a big box store and restaurant is forthcoming.  Road Ready is preparing to open, Fitzpatrick’s Chrysler Jeep Dealership is in middle of a million dollar expansion, LuLu Pazza Italiano is also about to open in the old Antonio’s location with a multi-million dollar renovation and Ansonia is preparing for the sale of the ATP/Palmer buildings.

(This is a press release from Ansonia City Hall)

Ansonia Harvest Festival Sept. 24

School Nurse Gets Helping Hand

Linda Coppola and Daun Barrett 

DERBY - Griffin Hospital’s Community Outreach and Valley Parish Nurse Program helped Derby students get ready for a healthy new school year recently.

 

The program donated a pulse oximeter and a forehead thermometer to St. Michael-St. Mary School to help the school nurse better care for students. The school’s thermometer was out-of-date and the nurse did not have a pulse oximeter.

 

“We heard the school needed better equipment from one of the members of the new parish nurse program forming at St. Mary the Immaculate Church,” said Daun Barrett, director of Griffin Hospital’s Community Outreach and Valley Parish Nurse Program. “Griffin and the Valley Parish Nurses have a mission to improve the health of our community, so we were more than happy to lend a hand.”

 

Griffin Hospital’s Community Outreach and Valley Parish Nurse Program serves as the hub of Griffin Hospital’s outreach activities, accounting for more than 40,000 community contacts each year. These contacts include fitting bike helmets, training adults and children in CPR, and providing health education and information at senior centers, shopping centers, neighborhoods, companies, and community events and fairs.

 

The program also conducts more than 7,500 health screenings each year to help individuals identify problems when they are most treatable, resulting in approximately 11,000 referrals for follow-up care.

 

(This is a press release from Griffin Hospital)

Gentile Applauds Sikorsky Deal

State Representative Linda M. Gentile (D-Ansonia, Derby) is very pleased that Sikorsky Aircraft, which has made its home in Stratford since 1929, will remain here until at least 2032.

 

"This is very good news not only for the State of Connecticut, but especially the lower Naugatuck Valley,” said Rep. Gentile. “Both my father and father-in-law worked at Sikorsky, along with so many other men and women from Ansonia and Derby. This deal, along with the work we have already done in the manufacturing sector, and will continue to do, will guarantee good paying jobs and continued residency here for generations to come."

 

After meeting with Sikorsky parent Lockheed Martin, Governor Dannel P. Malloy announced a deal in which the helicopter giant will be eligible for financial incentives in exchange for building nearly 200 CH-53K King Stallion helicopters, in Connecticut.

 

The incentives, worth up to $220 million, include exemption from sales and use taxes and annual grants during the term of the deal. In turn, Sikorsky and Lockheed will keep its HQ and primary manufacturing in the state, retain and expand its full-time staff, increase capital spending and give top priority to its Connecticut-based suppliers.

 

“This agreement requires legislative approval,” added Rep. Gentile. “There should be no dissenting votes on this matter. It’s a no-brainer that we must move as quickly as possible to secure such an important employer as Sikorsky. The company is vital to the stability of our economy and for the thousands of families who depend on these highly-skilled manufacturing jobs.”

 

(This is a press release from Gentile)

Eat at Shelton Bertucci's Sept. 22, Help Spooner House

Spend the Day at the Zoo

Casino Bingo Trip Fundraiser

 

DERBY – St. Mary-St. Michael School in Derby is hosting a bingo/casino bus trip to Foxwoods Casino on Sat., Oct. 22.

 

The bus will depart the school, 14 Seymour Ave., Derby at 7:30 a.m. and return around 6:30 p.m. The trip will provide attendees plenty of time to play bingo or enjoy other games and attractions at the casino. There will also be bingo on the bus.

 

The cost is $30 per person and includes a free $15 slots play coupon and a free $10 food coupon that is good for the casino’s all-you-can-eat buffet. The coupons are only available to individuals 21 years and older.

 

Proceeds will support the St. Mary-St. Michael Home School Association, which supports the needs of the school.

 

For reservations or more information, contact Gene at 203-893-9663 or Christian at 203-520-1480. Or send your reservation to: St. Mary-St. Michael School, 14 Seymour Ave, Derby, CT 06418. Please make checks payable to “St. Mary-St. Michael HSA.”

 

 

Help Make Derby's Downtown Better

Griffin Offers Accelerated CNA Evening Classes

DERBY – The Griffin Hospital School of Allied Health Careers, at 300 Seymour Avenue, Suite 206, in Derby, is offering an evening session of its Accelerated Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) program starting Oct. 3 to help individuals start the journey to a fulfilling career in healthcare.

The CNA course offers students an affordable and condensed 6-week schedule with classes Monday through Thursday from 5-9 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 CNA course tuition fee includes the course book, CPR training, and malpractice insurance coverage for the clinical rotation. The CNA clinical experience will be at Griffin Hospital and a long-term care facility from 5-10 p.m. for 40 hours. After successfully completing the course and clinical experience, students will be qualified to take the State exam for certification as a Nursing Assistant in Connecticut.

 

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

 

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 training, education, and certification for Phlebotomy, Nursing Assistant, and Patient Care Technician healthcare careers. Classes are taught by certified instructors in the Griffin Hospital Medical Building, located at 300 Seymour Avenue in Derby.

 

(This is a press release from Griffin Hospital)