Friday, April 28, 2017

Road Work, Lane Closures in Valley Starting this Weekend

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ANSONIA/DERBY- The Connecticut Department of Transportation has announced that a nighttime milling and resurfacing project will be performed on Rt. 115 (Derby Avenue) in Derby and Ansonia, from Sunday, April 30, 2017 to the morning of Tuesday May 9, 2017.

The project consists of milling and resurfacing a .85 mile segment of Rt. 115, in Derby and Ansonia. Work hours will be from 8:00 p.m. to 5:00 a.m.

Motorists should expect lane closures on Rt. 115 between Rt. 34 and Division St. Traffic control personnel and signing patterns will be utilized to guide motorists through the work zone. The regular work schedule for this project is 8:00 p.m. to 5:00 a.m. (Sunday-Friday).

Motorists should be aware that modifications or extensions to this schedule may become necessary due to weather delays or other unforeseen conditions. Motorists are advised to maintain a safe speed when driving in this vicinity.

Turn in Prescription Drugs Saturday April 29 in Seymour

Dear Neighbor,

National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day is Saturday, April 29th. This event is part of a nationwide initiative to prevent prescription drug abuse and theft by encouraging residents to empty their homes of potentially dangerous expired, unused and unwanted prescription drugs.

You can turn in your unused or expired medication for safe disposal at the Seymour Police Department from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, April 29th.

Visit the DEA website at dea.gov and click on “National Prescription Take-Back Day” for more information.

Sincerely,

State Representative Nicole Klarides-Ditria

Smile Dental Center Opens State-of-the-Art Facility in Shelton

Dr. Bruce Sofferman

SHELTON - Smile Dental Center celebrated the grand opening of its new, state-of-the art facility at 1000 Bridgeport Ave, First Floor, in Shelton, on Thursday (April 27), with a reception drawing hundreds of people who were treated to food, drinks and a grand tour of the new space.

“Our new office is more spacious, contemporary, with state-of-the-art dental equipment and design and overall more comfortable for our patients” said Dr. Bruce Sofferman, Smile Dental Center Founder and Dentist. ”My team and I pride ourselves in providing the latest technology for our patients.To celebrate our new location Grand Opening, we invite our patients, friends, neighbors and colleagues to stop by at our practice, meet our team and familiarize yourselves with our new facility.”

For over 30 years, the team at Smile Dental Center have been working to enhance the overall health of the local community one patient at a time, and they always welcome new patients.With the new expansion of the dental practice, appointments will become more flexible for patients, allowing dental emergencies to be taken care of in a more efficient manner.

Dr. Bruce Sofferman, Dr. John Crocamo, Dr. Rebecca D’Andrea and their team are committed to improving the overall patient experience, hence, relocating to 1000 Bridgeport Avenue in Shelton. This centralized location allows easy access for all patients to park – with parking spaces reserved exclusively for Smile Dental Center. Everything was carefully done thinking about the patients’ convenience as priority. Smile Dental Center is committed to Shelton and the Greater Valley and to working together with those in the surrounding Greater Valley Community.

Thursday, April 27, 2017

Valley Lawmakers to host Small Business Forum

Boys & Girls Club Hosts Regional Summit

SHELTON - The Boys & Girls Club of the Lower Naugatuck Valley hosted the Boys & Girls Club Northeast Regional Torch Club Summit last weekend at its Raymond P. Lavietes Clubhouse.

The Torch Club is a small-group leadership and service club for boys and girls ages 11-13, and it is chartered by Boys & Girls Clubs of America.

Members came together in a fun, safe, learning environment that reinforced the Torch Club’s values and traditions in four pillar areas: service to Club and community, education, health and fitness, and social recreation.

More than 200 teens and advisors from 17 different Boys & Clubs across the Northeast region attended. The purpose of the summit is to inspire youth across the Northeast to feel confident that they are capable of achieving anything they put their minds to.
The focus is to motivate Torch Club members to express their individuality and become more confident in knowing that they truly make a difference in this world.

Workshops covered a range of issues, including peer pressure, drug trends, suicide prevention and making the right choices. Fun activities centered around health such as Yoga, Zumba and sport safety.

The highlight of the summit was a special guest speaker, Shaun Derik, a performing artist who has dedicated his life to helping people, young and old, reconnect with their passion and go after their dreams. Derik is the founder of Dreamsong, a production company designed to deliver inspiration and relevant content for today’s dreamer.

The Boys & Girls Club of the Lower Naugatuck Valley has been changing the lives of young people in our area for more than 60 years. With programs ranging from homework assistance to nutrition to sports, we help all young people to reach their full potential, but especially those from disadvantaged circumstances.

For more information about the Boys & Girls Club of the Lower Naugatuck Valley, visit www.BGC-LNV.org.

(This is a press release from the Boys & Girls Club)

Diabetes Support Group to Discuss Foot Health May 9

DERBY -The Diabetes Education & Support Group at Griffin Hospital will host a free presentations on foot health on Tues., May 9 at 2:30 p.m. at the hospital, 130 Division St., Derby.

Podiatrist Dr. Luke Jeffries, of Yale Podiatry Group, will present “Foot Care & Prevention of Foot Complications” in the hospital’s Childbirth Education Classroom A. There is free valet parking.

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)

Tuesday, April 25, 2017

Grand Opening April 27 of Smile Dental Center in Shelton

SHELTON - Smile Dental Center has moved to 1000 Bridgeport Ave, First Floor, in Shelton, CT and invites the community to the Grand Opening of their new facility scheduled for Thursday, April 27^th from 3:00 pm – 7:00 pm with the Official Ribbon Cutting at 4:30 pm. The mission of the practice is to provide the local community with high quality dental care with a specific focus and attention to patients.

Goodwill to Honor Local Individuals, including Ansonia Man, Who Defied the Odds

BRIDGEPORT- Goodwill of Western & Northern Connecticut is honoring three remarkable individuals who are defying the odds and achieving amazing personal success with the help of Goodwill’s programs and services.

Calvin Boyd of Ansonia is being honored with the Spirit of Perseverance Award for his drive and determination to find work despite receiving benefits that supported him since childhood.

Kendra D’Andrea of Fairfield is being celebrated with the Spirit of Determination Award for overcoming personal and professional challenges that previously prevented her from supporting her three children.

Lakeisha Butler of Bridgeport is being revered with the Spirit of Inspiration Award for taking control of her life after an incredibly tough childhood where she lacked the motivation and support to succeed.

This inspiring trio is being honored by Goodwill at this year’s Annual Achievement Awards Luncheon on April 27 in Trumbull.

In addition, Goodwill is recognizing two valuable community partners who are supporting the Goodwill mission to provide employment and support services to people with disabilities and other challenges. The Capitol Region Education Council (CREC) in Hartford is being acknowledged with the Community Partner Award for providing educational resources that enable greater employment opportunities for Goodwill’s Hartford clients. Highland Park Market of Manchester is also being honored by Goodwill with the Employer of the Year Award for its commitment to helping Goodwill’s program participants achieve gainful employment, making special accommodations and maintaining a compassionate understanding of how to work with individuals with disabilities.

“The Goodwill story is told through the moving stories of our honorees, each with their own unique pathway to success,” said Vickie Volpano, President, Goodwill of Western & Northern Connecticut. “We are proud to celebrate their achievements, and grateful for the support of our customers and community partners. Whether people are donating gently used items or shopping in our stores, their generosity is helping to change a life. We remain committed to the families and communities we serve, helping individuals improve the quality of their lives through the power and dignity of work.”

Spirit of Perseverance

Diagnosed with lead poisoning at an early age, Calvin Boyd struggled with a learning disability throughout his childhood and early adult life. Despite receiving Social Security Disability Income, Calvin wanted more for himself.

Thankfully, Calvin was able to find relief when his job search brought him to Goodwill in Bridgeport for employment opportunities. Goodwill’s Community Employment Services program worked to determine Calvin’s strengths and challenges. As a result, Park City Green, a mattress recycling company in Bridgeport hired him on the spot. While he initially had minimal hours, he was later elevated and now works more than 35 hours a week and has garnered the nickname “Hercules” by his co-workers.

Spirit of Determination

A single mom of three kids, some with special needs, Kendra D’Andrea needed to earn more money to cover rising medical bills and better support her family. Unfortunately, the school she was working for as a Special Education Teacher kept passing her up for promotions due to Kendra’s lack of teaching certifications. Then in August 2014, she discovered Goodwill’s Career Center in Westport. Career Coaches worked with Kendra to develop her resume and draft a more compelling cover letter. They also worked with her to perfect her interviewing techniques and job searching skills.

Success materialized in November 2016 when Kendra landed her dream job as a special education teacher to 8 students in grades 1-3. While Kendra always gave her all to her students, she now has the financial means to really support the classroom with materials to help kids who can’t afford some basic needs for themselves. She has also returned to her graduate studies program earning the credits needed for sixth year pay.

Spirit of Inspiration

Lakeisha Butler has always wanted to work in healthcare. After her mom was diagnosed with schizophrenia and deemed unfit to provide for her children, 4-year-old Lakeisha Butler and her five siblings were put into foster care. At age seven her aunt took her in, but it didn’t last long as her aunt moved and gave the house to Lakiesha’s father and step mom. After graduating high school, Lakiesha was referred to the Workforce Innovation Opportunity Act, but became frustrated and angry when she learned the program was for customer service and retail training.

While the first couple classes at Goodwill were difficult for Lakeisha, she eventually developed a lasting friendship with Elpidia who became a positive role model. “Elpidia inspired me and motivated me to get it together,” said Lakeisha.

Then, during a subsequent tour of Goodwill, Lakeisha learned about the Community Experience Program for multiple and/or severe disabilities. She gravitated to the people in this program and began to volunteer a couple days a week. She eventually passed the National Retail Federation Exam through Goodwill and got hired during a Goodwill Career Center hiring event as a home health aid. She currently has one client, whom she loves, and works 5 days a week, 11 hours a day, taking public transportation to make it happen.

Community Partner

The Capitol Region Education Council (CREC) has partnered with the Goodwill Career Center in Hartford since 2013. Many of the clients served through the Career Center come looking for employment, but have an educational barrier that prevents them from finding and attaining stable work. To help meet this critical community need, CREC has extended their GED programming to Goodwill’s Hartford clients. They are equipped and able to work with individuals who may have significant challenges hindering any progress towards GED attainment (learning disabilities, language barriers, etc) by providing them with the necessary accommodations for their individual success.

In addition, CREC has opened up a new channel of referrals to Goodwill Career Centers by encouraging their students to visit and utilize Goodwill’s unique services that allow them to continue their learning progress outside of class time. CREC staff is always available to provide their expertise when needed and most recently provided training to Goodwill staff that included insights into working with adult learners.

Employer of the Year

Highland Park Market has been a strong supporter of Goodwill’s mission to assist people with disabilities and other challenges to employment. Over the years, this unique locally owned, community-based company has helped Goodwill clients secure gainful employment. The company works with Goodwill’s program participants to make their work experiences a great one, providing on-the-job training, paid work, job coaching and other training and supervision. They make special accommodations and have a compassionate understanding on how to work with individuals with disabilities.

Highland Park Market has provided work evaluation or employment opportunities to at least ten Goodwill clients – five of these individuals are currently employed with the company. The company is extremely gracious and dedicated to hiring Goodwill’s program participants. Whenever they are approached about employment opportunities they work hard to find a position or make a position available.

ABOUT GOODWILL OF WESTERN AND NORTHERN CONNECTICUT

Goodwill of Western and Northern Connecticut is a non-profit organization that serves people with disabilities, economic disadvantages and other challenges to employment. Goodwill helps people achieve independence and self-sufficiency through job training and other support services. www.gwct.org

Monday, April 24, 2017

Ansonia Students Stock Colony Pond with 150 Trout

ANSONIA- Colony Pond received a second stocking of trout this month when the Department of Energy & Environmental Protection (DEEP) added nearly 150 delectable trout to the city pond at Abe Stone Park. Earlier this month, the DEEP had initially stocked the pond with 200 trout.

The stocking is in preparation for the Bill Stokes Memorial Fishing Derby at the pond on May 6, 9AM-Noon.

At today’s event, (40) 4^th grade students from Mead and Prendergast Schools participated in stocking the pond by emptying pails of trout.

An osprey was spotted on two occasions attempting to pluck dinner from Colony Pond without much luck while Mayor Dave Cassetti showcased his pond-stocking talents on one occasion.

A DEEP attendant on site indicated that typically most of the stocked trout, raised at Burlington Nursery in Connecticut, will likely end up on dinner tables this spring and summer.

(This is a press release from Ansonia City Hall)

Get Some more Zzzzzs

DERBY -Griffin Hospital’s Community Health Resource Center is offering a free talk to break down the ABCs of Zs on Tues., May 9 at 6 p.m. at the hospital, 130 Division St., Derby.

Jackie Hoyle, Coordinator of the Sleep Wellness Center at Griffin Hospital, will present “Sleep Well, Be Well,” a discussion about the medical definition of sleep, sleep disorders and treatments, and tips for proper sleep hygiene.

There will also be information about Griffin Hospital’s Sleep Wellness Center, a comprehensive and state-of-the-art program that provides help for sleep disorders such as insomnia, sleep apnea, snoring, restless leg syndrome, and narcolepsy.

This program is part of a series of free, educational forums hosted by the Community Health Resource Center in an effort to help improve the health of the community.

To register or for more information, call Kerry or Deborah at 203-732-7399.

The Community Health Resource Center at Griffin Hospital is a traditional library that provides an array of medical and health information, including a large collection of easy to read health and lifestyle related materials. The Center is open to the public to educate themselves on ways to enhance their well-being, prevent illness and play an active role in decisions about their health.

(This is a press release from Griffin Hospital)

Friday, April 21, 2017

Tickets Still Available to Honor Late Ansonia Educator

ANSONIA PUBLIC SCHOOLS

42 Grove Street Ansonia, CT 06401

(203) 736-5095 Fax: (203) 736-5098

April 21, 2017

PRESS RELEASE

For immediate release

ANSONIA – The deadline for a dinner program honoring the late Nicholas Collicelli has been extended to April 28, 2017. The 1^st Nick Collicelli Legacy Fund Dinner program will be held on Friday, May 5, 2017 starting at 6 p.m. at Ansonia High School.

All of the money raised at the dinner will go to the Nicholas Collicelli Legacy Fund, established last summer by the Collicelli Family to support programs and individuals that best exemplify Nick’s passion for bringing people of all ages and backgrounds together in the quest to celebrate our common good. The first Legacy Fund awards will be announced at the May 5 event.

Tickets are $50 per person, and meal choices are grilled filet mignon with balsamic-citrus sauce; grilled boneless chicken breast with sweet-savory sauce; and medley of sautéed vegetables over capellini. Online reservations may be made on Eventbrite.com. For further information, please email collicellifund@gmail.com.

Monday, April 17, 2017

Veterans Appreciation Concert April 29

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SEYMOUR - The Connecticut Hurricanes Drum & Bugle Corps of Seymour will host its annual Veterans Appreciation Concert from 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. Saturday April 29^th at the Seymour Middle School Auditorium, 211, Mountain Road, Seymour.

Admission is $10 and tickets are available at CW Fitness, 1 Klarides Dr., Seymour, St. Michael’s Catholic War Veterans Post 1562, 112 Derby Avenue, Derby or by calling the Emil Senger American Legion Post 10 Vice Commander George Bashura (203) 305-3821 or VFW Post 12084 Commander Al Yagovane (203) 734-9748.

Performing at the concert will be the Connecticut Hurricanes Drum & Bugle Corps, Connecticut Alumni Drum & Bugle Corps, St. Rita’s Brassmen Drum & Bugle Corps, New York Skyliners Alumni Drum & Bugle Corps, Westchester Brassmen Drum & Bugle Corps, Blessed Sacrament Golden Knights Drum & Bugle Corps, Connecticut Blues Fife and Drum Corps, Lancraft Fife & Drum Corps, Est. 1888 and the Seymour Middle School Band.

DiSorbo’s Food Truck will be selling: Hot Dogs, Fried Dough, Pastry’s, etc.

The Connecticut Hurricanes support the Seymour / Oxford Food Bank

Kindly bring a non-perishable food item for the Seymour / Oxford Food Bank

For more information about the Concert contact: Tom Gabianelli at tgabs@att.net or (203) 231-2682.

Griffin Hospital to Offer Healing Workshop

DERBY - Griffin Hospital is offering area residents an opportunity to advance their Reiki training with a Reiki Level 2 Workshop from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. on Sat., May 13.

Reiki Master Eileen Carino, RN-BC, and Mark Sampieri, RPh, will provide practitioners with the ability to perform emotional healing, to learn three of the four Usui Reiki sacred symbols, and to enhance their healing abilities. Reiki 2 attunement intensifies the energies introduced at Reiki 1. Participants must have completed Reiki Level 1 training and a minimum of 6 months Reiki practice.

Reiki is a complementary healing method based on ancient healing practices. Reiki involves the conscious direction of healing energy through the practitioner’s hands to the patient. When channeled properly, this energy promotes healing by relieving energy blockages to the body. The practice of

Reiki is intended to bring balance to the energy fields thereby promoting healing on all levels.

The cost of the Reiki 2 workshop is $125.

Workshop space is limited, and preregistration is required by May 6. To register, call Laura Murphy, Planetree Services Supervisor, at 203-732-7466.

(This is a press release from Griffin Hospital)

Celebrate Earth Day in Seymour

Sunday, April 16, 2017

Become a Certified Nursing Assistant

DERBY - The Griffin Hospital School of Allied Health Careers, 300 Seymour Ave., Suite 206, is offering classes for its spring Certified Nursing Assistant, Patient Care Technician and Phlebotomy programs.

The CNA program starts May 15. The PCT and Phlebotomy programs begins May 16.

The CNA course offers students an affordable and condensed schedule with classes Monday through Thursday from 9 a.m.-1 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 program’s clinical experience is at a long-term stay facility and Griffin Hospital from 7 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. for a total of 40 hours. After successfully completing the course and clinical experience, students will be qualified to take the certification exam for a Nursing Assistant in Connecticut.

The CNA course tuition fee is $1,250 and includes the course book, CPR training, and malpractice insurance coverage for the clinical rotation.

The 16-week PCT program requires students to attend practical training on Mondays and Fridays from 9 a.m.-3:30 p.m., with the option to take the Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday phlebotomy classes either during the day from 9 a.m.-noon or during the evening from 6-9 p.m. The PCT program offers ample hands-on training and opportunities for practical experience in the school's fully equipped mock hospital room and during the 160 hours of clinical experience. The course tuition is $4,395 and includes textbook, malpractice insurance, CPR certification, and national certification costs.

The 13-week Phlebotomy program holds classes on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays with a daytime option of 9 a.m.-noon or an evening option of 6-9 p.m. The tuition is $2,195 and includes a 40-hour internship, national certification costs, lab coats, CPR certification, malpractice insurance and textbook.

Anyone 18 years of age or older with a high school diploma or GED may apply for admission. Early application is encouraged for all courses, as space is limited.

For more information or to apply, call 203-732-1276 or 203-732-7578 or visit griffinhealth.org/allied-health.

About the School of Allied Health Careers

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 Phlebotomy and other professional educational programs to provide training, education, and certification in selected health careers.
Classes are taught by certified instructors in the Griffin Hospital Medical Building at 300 Seymour Ave.

(This is a press release from Griffin Hospital)

Monday, April 10, 2017

Hop on Down to Easter Egg Hunt April 15

Friday, April 7, 2017

Ansonia Nature Center Announces Spring Programs

NATURE EXPLORERS – Wednesdays, May 3 and 10, 10 am – 11:30am

Join Wendy for our preschool/toddler program. This 4-week session is for children ages 2–5 years old with an adult. These outdoor classes will be fun exploring and learning through play. We will learn about nature and science through activities such as hiking, exploring, singing, games, reading, and making crafts. Every class is outside!!!! TUITION: $40 per 4-week session. Please call to register 203 736-1053

ADVENTURES IN EDIBLE PLANT FORAGING – Sat. May 6, 10 am

Karen Monger is the author of the 3 Foragers blog, which she runs with her husband, Robert, and their daughter, Gillian. Come join their family in discovering edible plants and harvesting them together in the park. Their mission is to impart their knowledge of wild edible plants to others. After the walk, try a wild food “sampler” made by the staff of the Nature Center.
FEE: $5. Please call to register 203 736-1053

CARTOONING THE NATURAL WORLD – Sun. May 7 & 21, 10 am

Ranger Amie Ziner, our artist in residence, will teach four classes in cartooning nature! We will use on site materials, stuffed specimens, and live animal observation to complete four cartoons with a plant and animal in each one. Improve your drawing accuracy and realism for fun, for story illustration, and for expressing yourself using pictures—a picture is worth a thousand words! For ages 10 to adult. Limited space. FEE: $5 per class. Please call to register 203 736-1053

SUNDAY GUIDED HIKE: History Hike – Sun. May 7, 1 pm

Hike to the Nature Center’s historic sites with Ranger Dan. Discover old roads, stone walls, and even some secret treasures he’s found during his exploring. Enjoy the day off with your family on this Sunday hike. FREE. Please call to register 203 736-1053

EARLY MORNING BIRDING – Sat. May 13, 9 am

Join Ranger Jessica for our early morning birding. Find the birds living in or moving through our parklands to nest farther north. This is a prime time for birders to come and spot some of our magnificent migratory birds. Bring your own binoculars or use ours. Dress for walking outdoors. We will start with a quick introduction to birds. FREE. Please call to register 203 736-1053

NATURE EXPLORERS – Wednesday, May 10, 10 am – 11:30am

Please call to register 203 736-1053

Thursday, April 6, 2017

Free Dental Clinic April 7 & 8

Dear Neighbors,

The 10th Annual Mission of Mercy Free Dental Clinic will be held this Friday and Saturday at the Floyd Little Athletic Center in New Haven. This clinic is held on a first-come, first-served basis and will begin at 6:00 a.m.

The services provided include cleanings, extractions, X-rays, fluoride treatment, sealants, root canal treatment on anterior teeth, limited partial dentures and general health screenings.

For more about the Connecticut Mission of Mercy Free Dental Clinic, or ways you can help, please visit the Connecticut Foundation for Dental Outreach website.

Sincerely,

State Representative Nicole Klarides-Ditria

State Rep. Nicole Klarides-Ditria

800-842-1423 (Toll Free)

860-240-8700 (Local)

860-240-0207 (Fax)

Derby Students Perform Living Stations of the Cross

DERBY- The second grade class of St. Mary-St. Michael School recently presented the Living Stations of the Cross at St. Mary Church. Jesus, portrayed by Bobby Sobolisky, falls to the ground as the two guards, Aaron Moffat and Chayce McMahon, watch. (Photo courtesy of Chris Warren)

Here Comes Peter Cottontail...

Eat, Drink, Be Merry & Help Animals

Monday, April 3, 2017

Learn to Get More Zzzzzzzzs

DERBY -The Diabetes Education & Support Group at Griffin Hospital will host two free presentations on sleep health on Tues., April 11 at 2:30 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. at the hospital, 130 Division St., Derby.

A. Royce York, Director of Respiratory Services at Griffin Hospital, and Jackie Hoyle, Coordinator of the Sleep Wellness Center at Griffin Hospital, will discuss “Sleep Wellness and Diabetes.” There is a correlation between sleep apnea and insulin resistance, so come to learn how improved sleep may help your diabetes.

Both talks will be in the hospital’s Childbirth Education Classroom A. There is free valet parking for the 2:30 p.m. session.

No registration is required. For more information, call Mary Swansiger at 203-732-1137.

(This is a press release from Griffin Hospital)

Comedy Show to Benefit Spooner House

Griffin to Host Safe Kids Day Event

DERBY - Griffin Hospital, 130 Division St., Derby, and Safe Kids Greater Naugatuck Valley invite the community to come to the hospital Mon., April 10 from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. for National Safe Kids Day.

“Safe Kids Day is a day to celebrate kids and take action to keep kids safe,” said Cathi Kellett, Safe Kids Greater Naugatuck Valley Coalition Coordinator.

Many people are surprised to learn that injuries from car crashes, fires, drownings, poisonings, and falls are the top health threats to children in the United States, Kellett said. Throughout the world, an estimated 1 million children die of injuries each year, and nearly all of these tragedies are preventable.

Visitors to the Safe Kids Day table will learn about the many free Safe Kids programs offered in their community to help keep children safe.

For more information, contact Kellett at 203 732-1337 or ckellett@griffinhealth.org.

(This is a press release from Griffin Hospital)

Saturday, April 1, 2017

Klarides to Testify on State Spending Cap

Spending Cap Public Hearing- April 3rd

In 1992, Connecticut voters overwhelmingly approved an amendment to add a spending cap to the State Constitution. Yet, the spending cap that is currently in place has loopholes which allow lawmakers to legally exceed the cap if they agree and take special steps.

The original intent of the spending cap was to keep spending in line with inflation and actual increases in personal income. Since 1992, Connecticut’s population only grew by 9%, inflation rose 67%, and state spending has increased by 201%. Yes, you read that correctly, state spending has increased by 201% since Connecticut voters asked their lawmakers to enforce a state spending cap.

The legislature can no longer let our state spending go unchecked. I am asking you to join me in supporting legislation that will enforce the state spending cap. On Monday, April 3rd, at 12:00 p.m. the Appropriations Committee will be holding a public hearing on a number of proposals that aim to strengthen the spending cap, including House Bill 6511.

Here are instructions on how to submit testimony:

1) Send testimony to apptestimony@cga.ct.gov (the email may be as brief as you like)

2) Copy me on the email Nicole.Klarides-Ditria@housegop.ct.gov (include your name and town)

3) Put “Support Spending Cap- Pass H.B. 6511” in the subject line.

You can also testify in person. Click here for a guide for testifying at hearings.

As always, if you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to reach out to me at Nicole.Klarides-Ditria@housegop.ct.gov or (860) 240-8700.

Sincerely,

State Representative Nicole Klarides-Ditria

Sunday, April 30, 2017

Friday, April 28, 2017

Thursday, April 27, 2017

Tuesday, April 25, 2017

Monday, April 24, 2017

Friday, April 21, 2017

42 Grove Street Ansonia, CT 06401

PRESS RELEASE

For immediate release

ANSONIA – The deadline for a dinner program honoring the late Nicholas Collicelli has been extended to April 28, 2017. The 1st Nick Collicelli Legacy Fund Dinner program will be held on Friday, May 5, 2017 starting at 6 p.m. at Ansonia High School.

Thursday, April 20, 2017

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Monday, April 17, 2017

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Tuesday, April 11, 2017

Monday, April 10, 2017

Friday, April 7, 2017

Thursday, April 6, 2017

Monday, April 3, 2017

Saturday, April 1, 2017

ANSONIA – The deadline for a dinner program honoring the late Nicholas Collicelli has been extended to April 28, 2017. The 1^st Nick Collicelli Legacy Fund Dinner program will be held on Friday, May 5, 2017 starting at 6 p.m. at Ansonia High School.