New Year Brings New State Laws

Dear Neighbors,   As 2017 comes to an end, we prepare for a number of new laws to take effect starting January 1, 2018. These new laws may have an impact on you, your business, or our communities. I therefore encourage you to take a look at the full list of laws that can be found by clicking here. I have listed some of the more noteworthy legislation below. Please feel free to contact me with any questions or clarifications regarding the implementation of these laws. AN ACT PREVENTING PRESCRIPTION OPIOID DIVERSION AND ABUSE - Public Act No. 17-131 - requires prescriptions be transcribed electronically to safeguard against over prescribing, reduces the maximum number of days for a prescription from seven to five for minors and allows patients to request drugs other than opioids be prescribed. Summary   AN ACT CONCERNING THE DEFINITION OF A VETERAN FOR A CERTAIN HONOR AND CERTAIN BENEFIT - Public Act No. 17-83 – broadens the eligibility criteria for certain veterans' benefits, allows additional people to receive a service ribbon and medal, be buried in a Connecticut veterans' cemetery, or have veteran status indicated on their driver's license or identity card. Summary   Please pass this information along to those who may benefit from knowing what to expect in the New Year in the State of Connecticut.   New legislation typically goes into effect on January 1st, July 1st, or October 1st in a calendar year, although a few laws go into effect immediately upon passage.   As always, please do not hesitate to contact me should you have any questions or concerns relating to state government at Nicole.Klarides-Ditria@housegop.ct.gov or at (800) 842-1423.   Sincerely,     State Rep. Nicole Klarides-Ditria

Shelton Mayor Lauretti Donates to The Kennedy Center

Mayor Lauretti of Shelton, right, presented Martin D. Schwartz, President and CEO of The Kennedy Center, left, with a $5,000 check from the Mayor’s Annual Charity Golf Classic.  This sizable donation will be used for the agency’s general operating expenses.
 

SHELTON- Mayor Mark A. Lauretti recently surprised the Kennedy Center with a big donation over the holiday season with proceeds from his annual charity golf tournament.

 

“We want to personally thank Mayor Lauretti and the supporters of his golf tournament for their generous donation to The Kennedy Center,” said Martin D. Schwartz, President and CEO of The Kennedy Center.  “This substantial contribution has been earmarked for general operating expenses, which will benefit the 2,000 people with disabilities we serve throughout the region.”

 

Mayor Lauretti added, “I have been involved with The Kennedy Center for several decades.  This major rehabilitation agency provides people with disabilities many employment and community resources throughout the region, including in Shelton. In fact, several years ago, I hired an outstanding Kennedy Center worker in my office at City Hall.  I am honored to provide this worthwhile organization with a $5,000 donation from the Mayor’s Golf Tournament, so they can continue helping others.”

 

The Kennedy Center, founded in 1951, is an internationally accredited, non-profit, community-based rehabilitation organization that currently serves over 2,000 individuals annually. The agency actively responds to the needs of the community by offering innovative, comprehensive service options to persons with disabilities and special needs, from birth to senior years.

 

The Kennedy Center operates 31 community experience programs, 16 group homes, an industries program composed of six businesses, supported and competitive employment and job placement services, a family support and respite service, travel training, and a variety of children’s programs. 

 

Visit www.thekennedycenterinc.org for more information. 

Ring in the New Year with a Hike!

ANSONIA - Ring in the New Year with an invigorating hike at the Ansonia Nature Center!

The New Year's Day Hike will be held Monday, January 1, 2018 at 10am, 10 Deerfield Lane, Ansonia. Contact a Nature Center representative at (203) 736-1053 to pre-register.

This event is FREE for all ages, children must be accompanied by an adult.

(Information shared from City of Ansonia Facebook page)

Klarides Family Spreads Holiday Cheer around the Valley

State Rep. Themis Klarides (center, playing Santa) recently paid a visit to Griffin Hospital in Derby and area senior centers to spread some holiday cheer. Klarides was accompanied by her helpers, from left, nephew Cade Klarides-Ditria, sister state Rep. Nicole Klarides-Ditria, Spencer Rubin from CT House Republicans and Greg Butler, GOP press person. The Klarides sisters are carrying on a longstanding tradition started by their father, Peter, who visited patients at the holidays.

Hundreds of Coats Collected for Hurricane Victims

ANSONIA- More than 250 coats were donated during the holiday hurricane relief for residents of Puerto Rico. The drive was organized by Assumption Church & School through the assistance of State Senator George Logan, State Represenative Linda Gentile, Pastor John Hinson of First Baptist Church and coat drive leader Martha Carrasquillo of Assumption School.

(Information submitted by Greg Martin/Ansonia City Hall)

Bad Santa Party on Tap!

Local VFW Donates to Veterans Organization

Al Yagovane, far left, Commander of Seymour's VFW Post 12084, recently made a donation to Homes for the Brave, which helps area veterans. Also pictured from right to left: Phillip Modesto, Edward Rivera and Ron Antanucci Manager ACE Hardware, which hosted the fundraiser.

Hey Ansonia: Deck Those Halls!

Derby Cheerleaders to be Honored Saturday

DERBY - All Citizens and friends of Derby are cordially invited to participate in a special event to honor the achievements of the Derby Pop Warner Cheerleaders on Saturday December 16, 2017 at 10 am. A firetruck-led convoy will begin the procession from Bradley School and end at Derby Middle School. Coffee, cocoa and cookies will be served following the event in the school cafeteria. Mayor Richard Dziekan and the rest of the city are looking forward to celebrating this momentous achievement.

 

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

Stuff-A-Jeep with Toys, Food & Cash

Bells Will be Ringing...

Derby Students Nab Prestigious State Award

Christian Olenoski                 Nailah Huq                 Nikita Khanna            Zachary Banores

 

DERBY-  The Connecticut Association of Public School Superintendents (CAPSS) has developed a student award program to provide Superintendents with the means of aligning themselves with their students. The program is conducted by CAPSS and made available to local CAPSS Superintendents who wish to participate. 

 

The program awards students based on community service and service to others; academic prowess (relative to ability); and leadership service to the school community.  The Superintendent/Student Award Recognition Program is designed to allow Superintendents to move beyond the academic achiever who routinely receives recognition.  

 

Derby School Superintendent, Dr. Conway, was proud to recognize four Derby students with this prestigious award at the CAPSS 32^nd Annual Student Award Banquet, which was held on December 7, 2017 at Grassy Hill Country Club.  Derby High School seniors Christian Olenoski and Nailah Huq received awards, along with Derby Middle School students Zachary Banores and Nikita Khanna.  Board of Education member Dan Foley Principal Pascale and Principal Vitelli were also present to honor the students.

 

(This is a press release from Derby Schools)

Sen. Logan Collecting Coats for a Cause

Seymour Middle School Glee Club Rocks Radio City Music Hall

SEYMOUR- The Seymour Middle School Glee Club under the direction of Music Teacher, Mr. Nate Dobas, performed at Radio City Music Hall in New York City today. The Glee Club did a wonderful job and we are very proud of them!

(Sharing information from Seymour First Selectman Kurt Miller's Facebook page)

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)

Bring Santa Home

Free Holiday Concert

 

DERBY - Griffin Hospital invites the community to a free holiday concert on Thurs., Dec. 14 at Assumption Church, 61 North Cliff St., Ansonia.

 

The Griffin Hospital Annual Holiday Concert will feature Valley Soul, a choir of volunteer singers under the direction of recording artist and music industry veteran Angela Clemmons. Doors open at 6 p.m. and the concert starts at 6:30 p.m. Refreshments to follow the concert.

 

This can’t-miss gospel performance will feature choir members from faith-based organizations, health and human service agencies, foundations, and other grassroots organizations, serving as a metaphor for the “choir of caring” that collectively wraps its arms around the residents of the Valley.

 

This event is sponsored by the President’s Fund at Griffin Hospital as a thank you to Griffin’s sponsors and the community, and as a celebration of Griffin’s family of employees, medical staff, volunteers, corporators, and trustees for their dedication, compassion and expertise.

 

Register at griffinhealth.org/giving by Tues., Dec. 12 in order to reserve your seat. Seating is general admission on a first come, first served basis.

 

(This is a press release from Griffin Hospital)

Ansonia to Mark Pearl Harbor Day

Wonderland of Trees to Benefit Spooner House

DERBY - Griffin Hospital, 130 Division St., Derby, is holding its Annual Holiday Wonderland of Trees fundraiser to support Spooner House until Dec. 21.

 

Located in the hospital’s main corridor, the fundraiser features three-foot trees decorated by hospital staff with themed ornaments and prizes to be raffled off.

 

Raffle tickets are $1 each, 15 for $10 or 40 for $20. The tickets are available at the hospital’s front desk. The winning tickets will be drawn at 2 p.m. on Dec. 21. Winners do not need to be present at the drawing.

 

Proceeds will benefit Spooner House in Shelton, which provides food, shelter and support services to people in need.

 

(This is a press release from Griffin Hospital)

Brighten a Child's Holiday

Santa "Clausetti" Checking List for Sled Give-A-Way Contest

ANSONIA- The entry deadline has arrived for the Great Ansonia Sled Give-A-Way Contest to celebrate the anticipated opening of Ansonia Winter Playground at Linett Park. Pictured is Mayor Santa Clausetti looking over the more than 300 contest entries, from mostly good boys and girls, received at City Pole.

Santa Clausetti will be selecting up to 50 winners of brand new Flexible Flyer Sleds or Flying Saucers.

Contest winners will be contacted by Rudolph or Frosty next week with instructions on where and when to collect their prize.

Additional details on Ansonia Winter Playground opening to be announced shortly. The playground will include a 250’ length sledding hill, 2,250 sq ft ice skating rink, fire pit, flood lights and weekend snack truck.

(This is a press release from Ansonia City Hall)

Pets Helping People

Ansonia Announces Winter Parking & Snow Removal Regulations

ANSONIA - Winter Parking Regulations will be in effect from December 1, 2017 thru March 31, 2018. There shall be in the city a Twenty Four hour (24) a day, seven (7) days a week, parking ban on all city streets and highways. The purpose is to allow snow equipment to remove snow and ice as quickly as possible from all city streets and highways, with the following exceptions:

For this winter season: Motor vehicles shall be allowed to be parked, starting on December 1, 2017, on the odd-numbered side of municipal streets continuing until March 31, 2018.

City streets that display “No Parking Signs” shall be exempt from alternate side parking during the winter parking season in the area designated by the “No Parking Signs.”

These streets include: South Cliff Street, North State Street, Crescent Street (Howard Ave to Day St.), Franklin Street (Jackson to Wakelee Ave), Colony Street, Division Street and North Spring Street (from Hill Street to Jewett Street), High Street (Lester St. to Howard Ave), Doyle Drive, Fourth Street (Gatison Park area), Church St., Holbrook St. (Pork Hollow to Jackson St.) and Pork Hollow.

Parking is only permitted on the even numbered side of the following streets, regardless of the calendar year:

• Fifth Street;
• Jewett St. (North Spring Street to Platt Street);
• Hotchkiss Terrace (the area west of Kathy Lane);
• North Cliff Street ;
• Colony Street, north of Gardner’s Lane;
• Park Place.

Parking is prohibited on the following streets: Stage Coach Road, Remer Street, Union Street, Crowley Street, Pleasant Street, Beaver Street, (North Street to the Seymour Line), Holbrook Court and Father Lar Drive, Lawton Terrace, Crescent Street (Howard Ave to Lester St.), North Fourth Street, Prospect Street, (Moulthrop St. to Viselli Court), Rockwood Ave. Ext., Viselli Court, Walkers Court, Oak Lane and Carver St.

Parking is prohibited on Main Street, West Main Street and East Main Street from 1200 a.m. (midnight) to 6:00 a.m.

Any person receiving a written notice for violating the regulation must either submit payment of $15.00, or file a formal appeal, to the Police Department within ten (10) days. The fine will increase to $30.00 after ten (10) days.

Residents should also be aware of the city regulation that requires the removal of snow and ice from sidewalks within 12 hours from the end of the snowfall. The owner of the land and or the person having care and control of the property shall be responsible for the removal.  Any violation of this may result in an infraction for violation of a town ordinance.

(This is a press release from Ansonia Police) 

Community Health Discussion Dec. 4

DERBY - Griffin Hospital and the Naugatuck Valley Health District invite the community to a free discussion on “Improving Community Health in the Valley” from 5-7 p.m. on Mon., Dec. 4 at the hospital, 130 Division St., Derby.

 

This open discussion will feature an overview of the Valley’s 2016-2018 Community Health Improvement Plan (CHIP), which was developed based on community input on health priorities and data from the “Understanding the Valley Region” report published last fall.

 

The CHIP includes the following seven key focus areas for improvement: Creation of a Community CARE Team; Chronic Disease Management & Prevention; Substance Use Prevention; Childhood Obesity Prevention; Lung Cancer Screening/Smoking Cessation; Asthma Prevention & Self-Management; and Healthy Homes.

 

Participants will learn more about the CHIP and will be invited to share their input about improving community health and well-being in the Valley.

 

Please RSVP to 203-732-1511 or register on Griffin’s online calendar at griffinhealth.org.

 

(This is a press release from Griffin Hospital)

Mistletoe & Margaritas

                                                                             

 Adam’s House Mistletoe Market

 & Margaritas

 

 

A Holiday Shopping Event in support of Adam’s House, a nonprofit grief education center at 241 Coram Ave. in Shelton

 

Enjoy some festive Holiday "Cheers" with our signature Margaritas, while shopping our wide variety of local vendors. 

 

 

* Psychic Readings * Wine Tastings * Mini Makeovers *

* Artists * Home Decor * Latest Fashions *Handmade Gifts * And More*

 

Giving Tuesday- November 28th from 6-9pm

Exclusive Shopping for Alumni from 6-6:30pm

 

Facebook LINK: https://www.facebook.com/events/123861471659316/

CONSTANT CONTACT LINK: http://events.constantcontact.com/register/event?llr=ygg9fz9ab&oeidk=a07eerau7qj152161d2

Boxing Show Nov. 11 at Ansonia Armory

Got Beer? BadSons Has Limited Edition Available

Holiday Book & Bake Sale

Wine Tasting, Shopping Extravaganza on Tap

SEYMOUR- Join Treasured Time for its 5^th Annual

Holiday Shopping Extravaganza and its Red, White and Rosé Wine Tasting fundraiser on Thursday, Nov. 16 at The Inn at Villa Bianca in Seymour.

 

The Shopping Extravaganza will be from 5-9 pm. For a $5 donation, visitors can do all their holiday shopping in one place with more than 40 vendors, and a free ticket for raffle prizes.

 

The evening will include a visit from Santa from 5:15-8:15 p.m. DJ Phyllis Kaplan from Lone Wolf Productions will be playing songs to spread the holiday spirit, and there will be a free gift wrapping table.

 

The Wine Tasting will be 6-8:30 p.m. For a $50 donation, participants can take their palate on a journey around the U.S., sampling a variety domestic wines, beers and ciders. Admission also includes hors d'oeuvres, a pasta station and dessert. Combo rates are available with two tickets for $80.

 

The Wine Tasting will also feature unique silent auction items and a “wine pull game” in which $10 purchases a wrapped “mystery” bottle of wine. There will also be live music by Paula Pettinella and homemade cupcakes with a boozy twist by Sugar and Spice Cupcakes.

 

The Wine Tasting is held in partnership with GLENRO Spirit Shoppe in Monroe. Both events are sponsored by the Hampton Inn, Shelton and Jason Oberhand, DDS Family Dentistry, Trumbull.

Tickets for both events can be purchased at treasuredtime.org.

 

For more information about the Holiday Shopping Extravaganza or the Red, White and Rosé Wine Tasting, contact Lindsay at 203-446-1068, lindsay@treasuredtime.org or visit Treasured Time on Facebook.

Register for Dodgeball Tournament

Griffin Hospital Offers Free Prostate Screenings

DERBY – Griffin Hospital will offer free prostate cancer screenings from 4-6 p.m. on Wed., Nov. 15 at the Center for Cancer Care at Griffin Hospital, 350 Seymour Ave., Derby.

 

According to the American Cancer Society, prostate cancer screenings are recommended for men at 50 years old. Men at higher risk, including African American men and men who have a first-degree relative (father or brother) diagnosed with prostate cancer before age 65, should be screened at age 45. Men at a very high risk (multiple family members diagnosed with prostate cancer before age 65 years) should receive be tested at age 40.

 

“We strongly encourage the men in our community to take advantage of these free screenings,” said Dr. Fred Browne, vice president of Medical Affairs at Griffin Hospital. “As the third-leading cancer killer in men, prostate cancer is a serious disease, but it can be successfully treated if caught at an early stage. This event will be a combination of preventative screening and education, so men know what symptoms to look for and they can share this information with friends, family and neighbors.”

 

The screening will take 10-15 minutes. Space for the free screenings is limited, so early registration is encouraged. To register, call 203-732-1280.

 

About Prostate Cancer

Approximately 1 in 7 men in the U.S. will be diagnosed with prostate cancer. Screening is critical because early prostate cancer usually causes no symptoms. More advanced prostate cancers sometimes cause symptoms, such as:

• Problems urinating, including a slow or weak urinary stream or the need to urinate more often, especially at night
• Blood in the urine or semen
• Trouble getting an erection (erectile dysfunction or ED)
• Pain in the hips, back (spine), chest (ribs), or other areas from cancer that has spread to bones
• Weakness or numbness in the legs or feet, or even loss of bladder or bowel control from cancer pressing on the spinal cord 

If you have any of these warning signs, do not wait for the free screenings. Contact your physician immediately, or call Griffin Faculty Physicians Urologists at (203) 732-2651 or visit griffinfacultyphysicians.org.

 

(This is a press release from Griffin Hospital)

Pet Photos with Santa

Diabetes Support Group to Discuss Low Vision

DERBY - The Diabetes Education & Support Group at Griffin Hospital will host two free presentation about low vision on Tues., Nov. 14 at 2:30 p.m. and 6: 30 p.m. at the hospital, 130 Division St., Derby.

 

Leslie Prescott and Fran Harmeyer, occupational therapists from Griffin Hospital Rehabilitation Services and the Lions Low Vision Center at Griffin Hospital, will present “Diabetes and Low Vision Occupational Therapy.”

 

Low vision is a chronic medical condition affecting 1 in 6 adults over 45 years of age usually caused by macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, and glaucoma. Occupational therapy teaches persons with visual impairment to safely and independently complete the daily living tasks, and the Lions Low Vision Center offers adaptive devices free of charge.

 

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)

Ansonia Board of Education Member Says Facts Being Misrepresented

(The following is a letter from Ansonia Board of Education Member Vinnie Scarlata who is seeking re-election the board , as well as running as a petitioning candidate for the Board of Aldermen, 7th Ward):

It’s unfortunate that an administration desperate to stay in office is irresponsible enough to misrepresent figures to try crediting themselves unduly! Recent articles talk about $40,125 unspent by the BOE, proving that through its benevolence this administration has actually overfunded education and these unspent funds of $40,125 are proof! The person chosen to pitch this notion is running for a seat on the BOE and should have been the one person responsible enough to have at least asked the BOE the one question, “WHY”!!! Instead she became another pawn for Team Cassetti.

I posed this question to our BOE Business Manager and here is the truth of this matter! The following is copied from her email to me:
 

 

I am providing this information with regards to the BOE not expending 100% of the funds allocated during the 2016-17 school year.
 

The BOE has several factors which impacted spending during the 2016-2017 year:
 

- I will start with the resignation of the Business Manager and a permanent placement not being

appointed for several months. This means that budgeted salary and health care cost for a family

were not being incurred.
 

- The district realized significant savings in health care cost by changing to a HDHP. (High

Deductible Health Plan)
 

- The City transferred Excess Cost funds to the BOE to cover the increased cost of Special

Education services. This is significant because in the past the BOE was absorbing these rising cost

within their existing budget.
 

- The City transferred in-kind expenses for LAP insurance to the BOE, this was not budgeted for

by the BOE originally,
 

- The last winter was mild and very warm, this combination resulted in savings for fuel heating and

OT for custodians.
 

The net result of all the above resulted in the BOE not expending 100% of its allocated budgeted. Each of these accounts had a positive balance on June 30th 2017. These balances were used to off-set accounts that had negatives balances, they include tuition, transportation, purchased services, liability insurance and supplies. I did not use numbers above in an effort to keep it simple, but heat energy alone had an unexpended balance of $46,803. 
 

Once the audit is final and adjustments are made I will provide an updated year-end report to all BOE members that show expenditures by object and the final figures expended and unexpended for the 2016-17 year. Currently, I do not have the back up to support the $40,125 figure that was referenced in the VIS, I was told that the number is from the audit (I cannot confirm this number).
 

I have not received any communication from the auditor lately, so I cannot confirm that the figures are final (I have not been given a final figure for BOE). Additionally, I have not been apprised of any changes/adjustments resulting from the audit being completed that would change numbers I currently have.
 

So, Ansonia, there a lot of fluid parts to any BOE. A statement made referencing 3 lines in a budget document represents little if any relevance to the overall budget of education. One thing that is glaring, though, is where did Team Cassetti get its information from in the first place since the BOE has yet to receive its final audit figures?
 

 

Vincent Scarlata

Member Ansonia BOE