Celebrate St. Patrick's Day in Ansonia

New Spanish/American Eatery Opens in Downtown Ansonia

ANSONIA - The Valley Eatery has opened its doors at 252 Main St. They are specializing in Spanish and American food, and are open  for breakfast, lunch and dinner 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. 

Mayor David Cassetti welcomed the owners Antony Aveles, Christopher Pagliuca and Natasha Aveles to the city.  

Griffin Hospital President to Attend Trump's Address to Congress

U.S. Senator Chris Murphy on Monday announced that President & CEO of Derby’s Griffin Hospital Patrick A. Charmel will join him in attending President Trump’s address to a joint session of Congress on Tuesday.

Charmel is recognized as a leader of the hospital industry’s effort to achieve healthcare’s triple aim of improving the patient experience, improving the health of populations and reducing the cost of care. He has been a strong advocate of delivering system transformation to produce higher value health care, which, along with health insurance coverage expansion, is a foundational goal of the Affordable Care Act (the ACA).
         
President Donald Trump and Republicans in Congress are threatening to repeal the ACA, which has provided health insurance coverage and new benefits to millions of Americans, and reduced federal health spending.

“Patrick has spent decades working to improve patient care and services for people in Connecticut, and I’m so glad he’ll be joining me tomorrow night,” said Murphy. “When I talk with people across our state, I can hear the fear in their voices that the insurance they depend on will be stripped away from them. That’s why I’m fighting misguided efforts to repeal the health care millions rely on. I’ll keep working with Connecticut leaders like Patrick to continue to advance patient care and make the practical changes we need to improve care and control costs.”

“The ACA has provided approximately 300,000 additional Connecticut residents with access to medical care and preventive services, with the state’s percentage of uninsured adults dropping from 9.4 to 6 percent, one of the lowest in the nation,” said Patrick Charmel, President and CEO of Griffin Hospital in Derby.

“To increase the positive impact of coverage expansion and to ensure that reforms implemented are sustainable, the state of Connecticut and its healthcare providers have embraced delivery system innovation and transformation with the goal of improving healthcare quality, equity and efficiency,” Charmel went on. “Healthcare providers have developed new capabilities and made significant infrastructure investments and commitments to facilitate the transition to value-based care, which will help achieve the President’s stated goals of providing better coverage at a lower cost for all Americans.  We hope any modifications or replacements to the ACA would continue to support our effort to ensure healthcare access and quality for all citizens.”

Griffin Hospital is a 160-bed acute care community hospital serving more than 130,000 residents of the Lower Naugatuck Valley Region. Griffin Hospital has won numerous awards for their industry-leading patient satisfaction ratings, patient safety, and quality performance, and is the only Connecticut hospital to be named both a Joint Commission top quality performer and receive The Leapfrog Group’s “A” grade for patient safety five times in a row.

(This is a press release from U.S. Sen. Murphy's office)

Derby Mayor, Seniors Want Ex-Chief of Senior Center to Answer Theft Charge

By Jean Falbo-Sosnovich
Register Correspondent

DERBY >> More than 100 “unhappy” senior citizens have signed a petition in hopes of convincing a judge to deny a request for accelerated rehabilitation by the former director of the Derby Senior Center, who was fired last year for allegedly embezzling thousands of dollars from them.

Current Director Susan Churchill appeared before the Board of Aldermen Thursday, to make them aware of and to ask their support for the petition, which as of Friday afternoon, had been signed by 110 seniors and others.

“The seniors are very unhappy and want justice served,” Churchill said.

Churchill and several seniors plan to attend the March 30 hearing of former Director Sarah Muoio at Superior Court in Milford, where a judge could make a decision to accept or reject Muoio’s request
for AR.
Read more here:

Derby Aldermen Vote to Move Baseball Field to Chatfield Street

By Jean Falbo-Sosnovich
Register Correspondent

DERBY >> It’s a homerun for Derby sports, as the Board of Aldermen Thursday (Feb. 23) voted in favor of relocating the existing high school baseball field not too far from its home base, rather than across town.

The aldermen voted based on the recommendation from the Baseball Field Relocation Committee to relocate the baseball field, located next to the football field at the Leo F. Ryan Athletic Complex, to Chatfield Street, where the softball field currently is located.

The baseball field will remain on the school campus, which is what many people pushed for, rather than two other unpopular options that were on the table, Witek Park and Bradley School.

The baseball field, which is not regulation size, needs to be moved to make way for a major athletic complex makeover, which will include construction of an artificial turf field, multi-purpose field and eight-lane rubberized track at Ryan Field. The state Bond Commission approved $2.9 million in funding for the makeover.
Read more here:

Women’s Heart Wellness to Host Caring Heart Award Brunch

DERBY - The Women’s Heart Wellness Committee will host its 12^th Annual Women's Heart Wellness & Caring Heart Award Brunch on Saturday, March 25 from 8:30 a.m.-noon at the Griffin Hospital Dining Room, 130 Division Street, Derby.

 

The theme of the event is “What’s Your Shelf Life,” focusing on how healthy eating habits can help prevent heart disease. The event will feature a survivor speaker, a cooking demonstration and tips on how to shop for healthier food.

 

The Women’s Heart Wellness Committee will also present its Caring Heart Awards to an individual and a group, organization or business from the Lower Naugatuck Valley who have made significant contributions to the heart wellness of an individual or the community at large by their actions and/or volunteerism.

 

Tickets are $25 per person. To reserve a seat, become a sponsor, or for more information, call Eunice Lisk at 203-732-7107 or whw@griffinhealth.org.

 

The Women’s Heart Wellness Committee consists of healthcare professionals, heart patients and women from throughout the Valley communities. The primary focus of the group is to increase heart health awareness among women, empower them to love and save their hearts, and ensure they are provided the means to do so through education and rehabilitation. Membership is open to all interested persons.

 

(This is a press release from Griffin Hospital)

Developer sets sights on defunct Lifetouch Studios in Derby for manufacturing technology center

By Jean Falbo-Sosnovich

Register Correspondent

DERBY >> A Shelton developer has set his sights on purchasing the defunct Lifetouch National School Studios property on Main Street in hopes of breathing new life into the long-vacant site.

Joe Salemme, the developer behind Hawks Ridge, a 109-unit luxury-housing complex across the Housatonic River in Shelton, appeared before the Planning and Zoning Commission Tuesday to informally discuss potential plans for the Lifetouch site. 

Salemme said he expects to close a deal on purchasing the 26,000-square-foot building that sits on approximately 1.5 acres, for an undisclosed price, within the next month or so. Salemme was invited by the commission for an “informal” discussion on what the future could hold for the site.

Read more here:

Griffin Hospital to Host Fall Prevention Program

DERBY - The Valley Parish Nurse Program at Griffin Hospital and Griffin Hospital Lifeline will host a free Fall Prevention Program on Fri., March 10 from 9 a.m.-noon at Griffin Hospital, 130 Division Street in Derby.

 

The program will discuss the dangers of falling, especially for seniors, and will help attendees prevent falls by: Assessing their fall risk; teaching them to assess their, or a loved one’s, risk of falling; teaching and practicing exercises to improve balance and leg strength; providing a medication review; encouraging annual eye exams; teaching ways to reduce tripping hazards at home and learning how to get up or to call for fast help if a fall occurs.

 

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, one out of three adults 65 and older will fall each year. For those 65 and older, falls are the leading cause of injury, death and hospital admissions for trauma. Those who fall, even if not injured, develop a fear of falling. This fear causes people to limit their activities reducing their mobility, causing loss of physical fitness, which in turn increases the actual risk of falling.

 

A light breakfast will be provided by Griffin Hospital Lifeline.

 

To reserve a seat or for more information, contact Esther at 203-732-1523 or ejones@griffinhealth.org.

 

(This is a press release from Griffin Hospital)

 

DiCenso Seeks to Oust Dugatto for Derby Mayor’s Seat

(photo by Catherine Avalone)

By Jean Falbo-Sosnovich
Register Correspondent

DERBY >> Aldermanic President Carmen DiCenso, a former Derby High School football coach and longtime business owner, threw his hat in the ring Tuesday to run for mayor.

DiCenso, 66, made his announcement to seek the city’s top office before a crowd of about 75 friends, family members and supporters gathered at the Italian Pavilion restaurant.

“I love this town, and the reason I’m running for mayor is simple. ... I know I can do better,” said DiCenso, a Democrat.

The 1969 DHS graduate, who coached football from Pop Warner to varsity for 31 years, said he’s ready to move the city he grew up in forward.
Read more here:

Derby Mayor Dugatto to Seek Third Term

By Jean Falbo-Sosnovich
Register Correspondent

DERBY >> Mayor Anita Dugatto announced Tuesday that she will seek re-election to a third term in office.

Dugatto said in a statement that she wants to “build upon her successes” over her last four years in office. Dugatto, a Democrat, was first elected in 2013, becoming the first-ever female mayor to lead the state’s smallest city. She was re-elected to a second term in November 2015, narrowly defeating Republican challenger Richard Dziekan by just 111 votes. Dziekan has indicated, but hasn’t officially announced, that he will seek the GOP nod to run for mayor.

Aldermanic President Carmen DiCenso, a fellow Democrat, announced Tuesday that he also will be making a run for the city’s top office.
Read more here:

Griffin Hospital Offers Sharing Hearts Support Group

DERBY - Griffin Hospital’s Cardiac Rehabilitation is offering free heart health education and support to individuals diagnosed with a heart condition.

The Sharing Hearts Support Group aims to lower the anxiety and stress that comes with a heart condition diagnosis by offering monthly education on heart health and area resources, as well as the support of fellow individuals with heart conditions.

The group starts its 2017 series of meeting with a new date and location on Thurs., Feb. 23 at 6:30 p.m. at the Center for Cancer Care at Griffin Hospital, 350 Seymour Ave., Derby.

Caregivers are also invited to join. For more information and to reserve your spot, contact Maria Cantito at Griffin Hospital’s Cardiac Rehabilitation Department at 203-732-7106.

 

(This is a press release from Griffin Hospital)

 

New Music Education/Healing Arts Center Opens in Valley

SHELTON - A new business called SoulSong recently opened its doors at 163 Leavenworth Road in Shelton. 

 

Owner, Suzanne Vick, defines SoulSong as a Music Education and Healing Arts Center. Her

vision is to create an open, supportive community where people can come together for creative

expression, guidance and healing one-on-one from Suzanne and also from each other.

 

This beautiful space has two private session rooms for music lessons and Reiki/energy healing,

as well as an open, spacious waiting room that will double as an area for group sessions which

will include a songwriter circle, sound healing events and a monthly Saturday seminar series

starting on March 18, 2017 with certified Holistic health & nutrition counselor, Sharon See.

 

Suzanne Vick is a music instructor, songwriter, professional performer, certified Reiki Master

Teacher (RMT) and mentor. She has taught voice and vocal performance for over twelve years

and worked with countless individuals, groups, bands and choirs, enabling them to achieve new

levels of confidence and excitement about singing and performing.

 

After teaching and developing a solid clientele at RVP Studios in West Haven for 11 years,

Suzanne started her own teaching practice and expanded her services to include Reiki/energy

healing and mentoring in 2015. With SoulSong, Suzanne sees her dream of creating a safe,

open space for education, expression and healing become reality. She believes what the world

needs most now is healing and is deeply grateful to be able to provide personal growth and

expression through her music and healing services.

 

An Open House Celebration is planned for Saturday, February 25, 2017 from 2-6pm. The public is

welcome. Please visit SoulSongCT.com for more information. 

 

(This is a press release from Suzanne Vick)

 

Open Mic Night Coming to Valley Art Gallery

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Mortgage-free Home Available to Veterans

Valley Lawmakers to Host Town Hall Meeting

Save the Date: Wine Tasting Gala

More information can be found at http://www.seymourpink.com/

Seymour Recreation Offers Vacation Camps

Seymour Wildcat Swim Club Offers Classes

Gentile Weighs in on Malloy's Budget Proposal

On Wednesday, the governor delivered his annual budget address, proposing significant changes to balance the state’s bi-annual budget.

 

It is important to note that the governor’s budget proposal is only a starting point to the process of creating a responsible, balanced budget. This proposal has some good ideas,

such as increased funding to education and special education, but I also fully acknowledge that there are some areas that need vast improvement and I will work diligently to make sure those areas are addressed. I want to emphasize that each proposed change will be carefully assessed for its potential impact on taxpayers and the delivery of services to residents.

 

I will make sure that we keep all of the things that hard working families value in mind with this budget. Things like, making Connecticut more affordable for seniors, keeping

our young people in the state after they graduate, aligning our education system with jobs and employer’s needs, and promoting job growth and encouraging economic development.

 

Since this is only the beginning, I look forward to working collaboratively with my

colleagues across the aisle to craft a budget that protects and preserves all of the

important programs, services and issues that we all value. I will continue working to

ensure that Ansonia and Derby receive the necessary funding needed to properly function

and educate and protect our children, schools, and families. As you already know, my

priority has always been, and will always be, fighting for the needs of my constituents

and protecting hard working families of Connecticut.

 

Certainly, there are many hard choices and decisions we, as legislators, will need to make

in the coming months to balance the state’s bi-annual budget. As we address

our challenges, I will continue to work to make Ansonia and Derby a better place to live,

work, and raise a family. It is extremely important to me that this budget does the right

thing to strengthen our economy and reflect the priority of the people of Connecticut.

As always, I welcome any thoughts, questions, or suggestions concerning the State

budget process.

 

(This is an op-ed piece submitted by state Rep. Linda Gentile)

 

Dworkin Promoted to New Position at Griffin Hospital

DERBY -Griffin Hospital in Derby is proud to announce the promotion of Adam Dworkin, of Bethany, to the newly created senior management position of Vice President, Operations - Integrated Medical Group.

 

Dworkin joined Griffin in 2011 as the Executive Director of Griffin Faculty Physicians (GFP), subsidiary of Griffin Hospital. He previously served as Director of Marketing for a large Connecticut law firm following distinguished service in the U.S. Navy as surface warfare officer, mission planner and instructor for which he received numerous awards and commendations.

 

Dworkin earned his undergraduate degree in Political Science from Vanderbilt University, a Master of Business Administration from the University of Massachusetts, and a Juris Doctor from University of Connecticut School of Law.

 

In his six years at Griffin, Dworkin has facilitated the expansion of GFP into a multi-specialty group practice with more than 50 physicians, 100 support staff, and an annual operating budget in excess of $19 million. GFP providers now include highly accomplished medical and surgical specialists, Physician Assistants (PAs) and Advance Practice Registered Nurses (APRNs) practicing inpatient medicine, adult primary care, geriatrics, gastroenterology, cardiology, endocrinology , general surgery, breast surgery, cardiothoracic surgery and urology in the hospital and in more than a dozen community-based office locations throughout Griffin’s seven-town primary service area, as well as Southbury, Naugatuck and Hamden.

 

“Griffin’s success in healthcare’s new era requires that we possess the capabilities to deliver high-quality and value-based care by effectively and efficiently managing the health of defined populations,” said Griffin Hospital President and CEO Patrick Charmel. “The expanded scale, scope of services, and geographic footprint of GFP combined with the practice’s strong operational foundation and strong integration with the hospital will help us achieve a superior level of performance.  We are counting on Adam and his GFP team to help us navigate healthcare’s new era.”

 

(This is a press release from Griffin Hospital)

CT Boxing Junior Olympics Coming to Ansonia

Gentile Participates in Job Growth Forum

HARTFORD - State Rep. Linda Gentile, D-Ansonia, Derby, Friday participated in an information forum at the Commission on Economic Competitiveness focused on developing a cluster of jobs in the medical and personal health field.

“I believe that one of the most important things that I can do as a legislator and policymaker is look for opportunities and ways to create jobs and improve our economy. That is why I attended and participated in this forum focusing on the creation of jobs in the medical field,” Gentile said.

The meeting discussed establishing and maintaining an Asset Inventory across the state to identify Connecticut organizations and companies working in bioscience, biopharma, biotech, genomics, clinomics, epigenomes, pharmacogenomics, and related fields.

By identifying these organizations, the state can promote business development through competitions that will incentivize firms or individuals located anywhere in the world to come into Connecticut. Furthermore, the state will be able to retain talent and invite and recruit experts in the fields of precision medicine and personalized health work in CT to build a critical mass of talent.

The economic impact of building a cluster and critical mass around precision medicine will have strong and positive effects cross the state.

The Commission on Economic Competitiveness works to analyze the implications of state tax policy on state business and industry and to develop policies that promote economic growth.

(This is a press release from the state House Democrats' office.)

Sen. Logan Applauds Proposal to Restore Cuts to Local Education

 

Sen. George S. Logan on Feb. 7 applauded the Connecticut Senate and House Republicans’ plan to reinstate nearly $20 million in education funding that was cut midyear to cities and towns throughout the state.

 

The Republican proposal would allow the state to restore Education Cost Sharing funding that was cut by Gov. Dannel P. Malloy’s administration in December and also close the current budget deficit of $11.9 million as estimated by the Office of Fiscal Analysis.

 

“The December cuts to towns were unfair,” Sen. Logan said.  “Local officials should be able to plan on what their state education funding should be.  This is what I hear over and over again when talking to area mayors and first selectmen.  My top priority is to protect Ansonia, Beacon Falls, Bethany, Derby, Hamden, Naugatuck and Woodbridge.  Our Republican plan restores the cuts, and I will continue to fight to protect local education funding and property taxpayers.”

 

The plan can be viewed at www.ctsenaterepublicans.com .

 

Sen. Logan can be reached at George.Logan@cga.ct.gov and at 800 842-1421.  He represents Ansonia, Beacon Falls, Bethany, Derby, Hamden, Naugatuck and Woodbridge. On the web: www.SenatorGeorgeLogan.com. 

 

(This is a press release from Logan's office) 

Ansonia Rec Hosting UCONN Huskies Trip Feb. 25

Get Help with Winter Heating Bills

 DERBY - Families and individuals seeking financial help to off-set their winter heating bills may apply to TEAM for assistance.

 

Families and individuals may qualify for help if they fall below these income limits: $33,880.70 for household of one, $44,305.54 for a two person household, $54,730.37 for a three person household, $65,155.00 for a four person household.

 

Applicants are deemed eligible based on review of their total household gross income, such as job earnings, unemployment compensation, social security, pension etc.; household size; and liquid assets, as shown through bank statements. If an applicant is approved for assistance, TEAM will make direct payments to their home heating provider. 

 

Both home owners and renters who are residents of Ansonia, Beacon Falls, Bethany, Derby, Milford, Orange, Oxford, Seymour, Shelton, and Woodbridge can apply for energy assistance from TEAM.

 

To schedule an appointment with TEAM Energy Assistance, please call 203-736-5420 and follow prompts for Energy Assistance, or in Milford, 203-783-3253; Woodbridge, 203-389-3429; Orange, 203-891-4787, and Bethany, 203-393-2100, ext.124.

 

TEAM Inc. is a private,501(c) 3  non-profit corporation whose mission is to strengthen our community by educating, supporting and empowering individuals and families . TEAM programs serve the communities of Ansonia, Beacon Falls, Bethany, Derby, Milford, Naugatuck, Orange, Oxford, Shelton, Seymour, Waterbury and Woodbridge.

(This is a press release from TEAM, Inc.)

 

Learn to "Right" a Resume at Derby Public Library

DERBY - The Derby Public Library offers Resume “Right”-ing Workshops on the first Wednesday of each month at 6:30 PM. 

 

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 March class will be held on Wednesday, March 1 at 6:30 PM.  

 

Registration is not required.  For more information, stop by the Library at 313 Elizabeth St. or

call 203 736-1482 or visit www.derbypubliclibrary.org.

 

Have a Cup of Coffee with Valley Lawmakers

Conroy Wins Prestigious Nurse Practitioner Award

 

SEYMOUR - Nurse practitioners and nurse practitioner advocates, recipients of the prestigious American Association of Nurse Practitioners (AANP) 2017 State Award for Excellence, will be honored at an awards ceremony and reception held during the AANP 2017

National Conference June 20-25, 2017, in Philadelphia, PA.

 

Theresa Conroy, APRN, FNP-BC of  Seymour, CT will be among the recipients honored.

 

The State Award for Nurse Practitioner Excellence, founded in 1991, recognizes a nurse

practitioner (NP) in a state who demonstrates excellence in practice. In 1993, the State Award for Nurse Practitioner Advocate was added to recognize the efforts of individuals who have made
a significant contribution toward increasing awareness and recognition of NPs.

 

Ms. Conroy has had a successful and distinguished career in nursing. She retired from VA CT Healthcare System in West Haven and continues to work
as an APRN for MinuteClinic. As a former state representative, she was instrumental in crafting legislation for independent practice for APRN’s in Connecticut. She has been on the forefront addressing the opioid and heroin epidemic and serves on various councils to improve the health outcomes for the residents of her state. 

 

The American Association of Nurse Practitioners (AANP) is the largest professional

membership organization for nurse practitioners (NPs) of all specialties. It represents the interests

of more than 222,000 NPs, including approximately 72,000 individual members and 200

organizations, providing a unified networking platform and advocating for their role as providers

of high-quality, cost-effective, comprehensive, patient-centered and personalized health care.

 

The organization provides legislative leadership at the local, state and national levels, advancing health policy; promoting excellence in practice, education and research; and establishing standards that  best serve NP patients and other health care consumers.

 

For more information, visit aanp.org. To locate a nurse practitioner in your area, visit npfinder.com

 

(This is a press release from Theresa Conroy)

 

Donate Diapers to CT Babies in Need

Derby Scouts Selling SuperBowl Sunday Subs