Aquarion Improving Water Mains in Derby

Aquarion Water Company to Improve

Water Mains in Derby

Week-long water main cleaning will continue through Friday, June 2

 

BRIDGEPORT, CONN. – May 30, 2017 – Aquarion Water Company announced a water main cleaning project that begins today in Derby. The cleaning will continue through Friday, June 2, to ensure that customers continue to receive the highest quality water.

This project should last approximately one week and, during that time, customers might notice some discoloration in their water. This discoloration results from the temporary disturbance of the water flow, which stirs up naturally occurring minerals that settle in water mains.

Customers are encouraged to store tap water in the refrigerator ahead of time for drinking and cooking. And, if the water is discolored, delay washing clothes until it is clear.

   Below, we have provided information about the streets that will be affected. This information may also be found by visiting www.aquarionwater.com under alert listings. For other questions, please contact Aquarion’s Customer Service Department at 1-800-732-9678.

Cleaning Schedule - 8:00 am to 5:00 pm dailyStreets that will be affected include:

·         Albert Ave

·         Beech St

·         Belleview Dr

·         Chestnut  Dr

·         Danielle Ct

·         David Humphrey Rd

·         Devon View Rd

·         Florence Ave

·         Garfield Ave

·         George Ave

·         Grandview Blvd

·         Harold Ave

·         Harrison Ave

·         Hine Ter

·         Howard Ave

·         Ida Ave

·         Jeanetti  Dr

·         John St

·         Krakow St

·         Marshall Ln

·         McKinley Ave

·         New Haven Ave

·         Pine St

 

About Aquarion Water Company:

Aquarion Water Company is the public water supply company for more than 625,000 people in 51 cities and towns throughout Connecticut, as well as serving customers in Massachusetts and New Hampshire.  It is the largest investor-owned water utility in New England and among the seven largest in the U.S.  Based in Bridgeport, Conn., it has been in the public water supply business since 1857.  Across its operations, Aquarion strives to act as a responsible steward of the environment and to assist the communities it serves in promoting sustainable practices.  

 

For more information on Aquarion Water Company and its subsidiaries, please visit www.aquarionwater.com or www.facebook.com/aquarionwater.

Griffin Hospital is Survivorship Sponsor for Relay for Life

DERBY- In addition to supporting Lower Naugatuck Valley’s cancer survivors through its annual 5K Walk/Run, The Center for Cancer Care at Griffin Hospital is proud to be Survivorship Sponsor of the 2017 Relay For Life of Naugatuck Valley set Saturday and Sunday at the Riverwalk in Shelton.

Relay For Life is an overnight walk-a-thon that raises funds for the American Cancer Society’s cancer education and research.

Griffin Hospital recently hosted a dinner for area cancer survivors and caregivers, and is providing support with the event’s survivor recognition activities, including its survivor luncheon at the Relay and the Hope Tent, which offers food, refreshments and free massages for cancer survivors and caregivers.

The Relay For Life of Naugatuck Valley will have entertainment for families for 18 hours and there are many opportunities for volunteer hours. Contact Kristen Ostrowski at NVRelayEventChair@gmail.com for more information. 

If you would like to join or support the Relay For Life of Naugatuck Valley, visit relayforlife.org/naugatuckvalleyct.

The Ninth Annual 5K Walk/Run to Benefit the Center for Cancer Care is set for Sept. 30 at the Center, 350 Seymour Ave.,  Derby.  

For more information, visit griffinhealth.org/5K.

(This is a press release from Griffin Hospital)

Goodwill to Open New Store in the Valley

SHELTON - Goodwill of Western and Northern Connecticut announced that it will open a new 17,000-square-foot store and donation station on Friday, June 2 at 397 Bridgeport Ave. 

 

With more than 40 employees from the surrounding community, the new Goodwill store in Shelton will also house a state-of-the-art Career Center. The Career Center will help local residents boost their chances of finding and landing a job through assistance in resume writing, job interview practice and access to job leads.

In addition, the new Shelton Goodwill Store will offer more than 8,100 square-feet of retail space providing customers greater variety than the average department store with thousands of one-of-a-kind finds including apparel for the family, home décor, electronics, furniture and more.

 

Customers will appreciate Shelton’s covered drive-thru donation station, which makes donating hassle-free with attendants on hand to help unload donations from vehicles and provide donors with a tax receipt for their contribution. 
 

Goodwill of Western and Northern Connecticut is a non-profit organization that provides employment and support services to people with disabilities and other challenges. The company uses the revenue from store sales to help fund job training programs and community-based services.

When customers shop at Goodwill, they’re not the only one who gets a great deal. Last year, sales from Goodwill stores in western and northern Connecticut helped to fund employment training, job placement services, youth mentoring and more to more than 25,000 people.
 

For more information about the new Stamford store, or to find a nearby Goodwill location, please visit www.gwct.org.

Derby Student Pens Award-Winning Essay

 

Sheila Parizo Secretary of Derby Elks Lodge Local 571 & Chairwoman of Drug Awareness, Rich Dziekan Retired Police Officer & Republican Mayoral Candidate, Max Shuart 7th Grade Student at St. Mary’s-St. Michael's School, Lisa Berthiume State Drug Awareness Chairwoman, Dave Nagy Exhalted Ruler Derby Elks Lodge, and Bonnie Mullin Coastal District Drug Awareness Chairwoman
 

DERBY- The Derby Elks Lodge Local 571 recently held their annual Drug Awareness Dinner for students at St. Mary’s-St Michael's School.

 

Congratulations to 7th Grade student (pictured below) Max Shuart's whose essay in the drug awareness contest won him 1st place at Elks Lodge Local 571,1st place in District Lodge (8 lodges) and 1st place for best in state (31 lodges). Max's essay has been submitted to Grand Lodge in Chicago and is awaiting the results from the nationals. Good Luck Max!

 

(Information submitted by Elks Member Sam Pollastro)

Help Derby High School Students Attend National Track Championships

DERBY -  There are some worthy young adults from Derby High School who need our help to attend the New Balance High School Outdoor Track and Field National Championships in Greensboro, NC in June.

 

They need to raise $5,000.in the next week.  Would you be willing to help them?  If each of us made a small donation, the job would be very easy.

 

Can we reach the goal by the end of this long weekend?

 

There are a few ways to make the donation:

 

1.You donate on-line through GoFundMe by clicking here - https://www.gofundme.com/send-dhs-track-field-to-nationals

 

 

2.You can make checks payable to the “Derby Running Club” and they can be dropped off or mailed to:

a.       Derby High School, 75 Chatfield Street, Derby, CT

b.      Derby Town Clerk’s Office, 1 Elizabeth Street, Derby, CT

 

3. I will gladly jump out of line at the Derby-Shelton Parade on Monday to personally collect your check and thank you for your generosity!

 

Please forward this email to as many people as possible.

 

On behalf of the grateful young adults of Derby High School, I thank you for your consideration!

 

Have a safe and relaxing weekend!

 

Sincerely,

 

Marc J. Garofalo, MPA, CCTC - Town / City Clerk

 

(This is a press release from Marc Garofalo)

Klarides-Ditria Issues Memorial Day Message/Parade Info

Memorial Day arrives this weekend, and it is a time to reflect on the service of those who answered our nation's call in times of armed conflict, and made the ultimate sacrifice to ensure future generations of Americans would remain free.   OBSERVANCES IN OUR TOWNS   BEACON FALLS: There will be a Memorial Day ceremony Sunday, May 28, at 10:00 a.m. outside of the firehouse along with representatives of the Post. All veterans are invited to attend. Post 25 will host a ceremony at Veteran’s Park at 12:30 p.m. on North Main Street along with local and state dignitaries.   DERBY: The Derby - Shelton Memorial Day Parade will begin Monday, May 29, at approximately 9:00 a.m. on Howe Avenue in Shelton, and conclude at the corner of Elizabeth Street and Cottage Street in Derby.   SEYMOUR: The Town of Seymour will hold its annual Memorial Day Parade on Sunday, May 28, rain or shine. Activities for the parade begin at the reviewing stand on Main Street at Bank Street in downtown Seymour beginning at 10:30 a.m. The band, Performing Artists, will perform there until 11:00 a.m. The parade steps off at 11:30 a.m. at French Memorial Park. The parade route will continue from the park to Route 67 west heading toward the downtown area. It will turn left onto Main Street past the reviewing stand and continue on Main Street to Broad Street, where it will turn right onto Broad Street, cross the Broad Street Bridge and disband at the Seymour Community Center on Pine Street. A shuttle bus will run from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. on the day of the parade from the Seymour Community Center (the ending point of the parade) to French Park (the beginning of the parade) for any participants in the parade.   I wish you and your family the best this Memorial Day weekend.   Sincerely,   State Representative Nicole Klarides-Ditria

Valley Non-profits Raise Nearly $300K during the Great Give

 

DERBY- The Valley Community Foundation (VCF) is proud to announce that with the help of Valley residents, employees and VCF donor advised fund holders during The Great Give® 2017 nearly $300,000 was raised for nonprofit organizations located in Ansonia, Derby, Oxford, Seymour or Shelton. The total amount includes $25,000 in matching funds and prizes provided by VCF and others, which were shared during the fifth annual celebratory ice cream social on May 25.

“Of the nearly $1.3 million raised in The Great Give® 2017, approximately twenty-five percent will be specifically distributed for the benefit of Valley residents,” said Sharon Closius, President and CEO of the Valley Community Foundation. “It is truly inspiring to see this level of sustained support for local nonprofits, especially those here in the Valley.” For the fifth consecutive year, VCF has been the second largest sponsor of the event, incentivizing giving by matching funds and offering prizes to participating organizations.

This year, Valley-based organizations won multiple special prizes awarded throughout The Great Give® 2017, which was announced at the ice cream social. A total of $25,000 in prizes were awarded by VCF during The Great Give® 2017 to organizations located in the Valley. VCF awarded two prizes, the first to the Valley Independent Sentinel for greatest total number of Valley donors and the second to St. Mary-St. Michael School for the greatest number of new Valley donors. Both organizations also received additional prizes. The Valley Independent Sentinel received $250 as an Early Bird prize and St. Mary-St. Michael School received an additional $750 as a result of two hourly prizes. For the second year in a row, the Liberty Bank Foundation sponsored a prize in the amount of $2,000 for the Valley-based organization supporting basic needs that attracted the greatest number of individual donors during a specified time, which was presented to TEAM, Inc.

Center Stage Theatre was awarded a second place overall Grand Prize from The Community Foundation for Greater New Haven for most money raised by an organization with less than five full-time staff in addition to a $1,000 Early Bird Prize. BHCare was also awarded a second place overall Grand Prize for the most money raised by an organization with more than five full-time staff. Derby Day Care, Shelton High School Robotics Team and Shelton Historical Society also received money as a result of competitive hourly prizes.

The Great Give® is the annual online giving event on giveGreater.org®, a local resource for learning and giving created in 2010 by VCF’s partner in philanthropy, The Community Foundation for Greater New Haven to increase philanthropy in the Greater New Haven region of South Central Connecticut. Overall, The Great Give® 2017 generated nearly $1.3 million, including matching funds and prizes from the two foundations and other generous community sponsors for nonprofits serving the 20-town region of The Community Foundation for Greater New Haven, which includes VCF’s five-town service area. There were more than 8,000 donors who gave more than 11,000 gifts.  To see participating nonprofits and prize information, visit www.thegreatgive.org.

About the Valley Community Foundation

Established in 2004, the Valley Community Foundation distributes hundreds of thousands of grant dollars each year to support the local nonprofit sector and the people it serves. In addition to grantmaking, VCF works in strong partnership with The Community Foundation for Greater New Haven (TCF), to promote philanthropy in Ansonia, Derby, Oxford, Seymour and Shelton and receives funding from The Gates Fund and other preference funds at TCF. To learn how your gifts of cash, life insurance, appreciated stocks, bonds, real estate, and other assets can help to support the quality of life in the Valley, please visit the website at www.valleyfoundation.org or contact VCF President, Sharon Closius, at sclosius@valleyfoundation.org or 203-751-9162.

(This is a press release from Valley Community Foundation)

Free Solar Workshop for Seymour Residents June 6

SEYMOUR - Solarize Seymour will hold an informational workshop at 6 pm on Tuesday, June 6^th at Microboard Processing Inc., 36 Cogwheel Lane. Residents who are interested in learning more about Solarize Seymour are urged to attend. To participate in the benefits offered through the program, residents must sign a solar contract by August 16, 2017.

Solarize Seymour is part of Solarize Connecticut, a residential solar program that is intended to make going solar easy and affordable. It is supported by the Town of Seymour. PurePoint Energy will provide solar installations in Seymour at a special discounted rate in exchange for education and outreach efforts from the town. Solarize Seymour also offers residents access to special financing options that make going solar affordable with no upfront costs.  Other financing resources are also available.

“The Town of Seymour is excited to bring the Solarizes program to Seymour,” said First Selectman, Kurt Miller. “Solarize is a great opportunity for homeowners and businesses to invest in their home and save on their ever-rising utility bills. Make sure to stop by one of our events to see how much you can save by going solar!”

Reservations for the workshop can be made by calling the First Selectman’s office and speaking to Rory Burke at 203-888-3511.

More information about Solarize Seymour can be found by visiting Solarizect.com/Seymour or by contacting Chamae Mejias at cmejias@smartpower.org. 

Hometown Hoop Star to Participate in Ansonia Memorial Day Parade

ANSONIA - Tierney Lawlor is coming home.

The former Ansonia High School basketball star and member of the University of Connecticut Huskies last three NCAA women’s championship basketball teams, will participate in Ansonia’s Memorial Day Parade on Sunday May 28.

Tierney will ride along the parade route with 2^nd Ward Alderman Lori Vaccaro in a mint condition vintage 1968 Chevrolet Impala convertible.

At the conclusion of the parade in front of city hall at the parade grandstand, Tierney will be given the “Key to the City” in a proclamation ceremony hosted by Mayor Dave Cassetti.

Tierney was a member of UCONN women’s last three national championships (2014-2016) including a final four appearance in 2017. During her 4-year career at UCONN, she played in 123 games logging more than 400 minutes, scoring 47 points.

(This is a press release from Ansonia City Hall)

Valley United Way Exceeds Fundraising Goal

SHELTON- After 10 years of nearly reaching the Campaign goal, Valley United Way is happy to announce they have met and exceeded the 1 million dollar goal set for the 2016-2017 year. Valley United Way has raised over $1,050,000, $50,000 over the Campaign goal.

“Thanks in part to all those who contributed to the Valley United Way, we have reached our $1 million Campaign goal this year. I am grateful to all those who supported our efforts, and our community will be better - and stronger - ​because of it,” said Jimmy Tickey, the Valley United Way Campaign Chair.

“The Valley United Way makes a difference in the lives of hard working people who ​struggle to make ends meet, senior citizens who need assistance, young people who are being prepared for a bright future and communities who are responding to crisis’, said Tickey. ‘The Valley United Way is working each and every day to alleviate these concerns, and is thinking strategically about their work so there are more long-term solutions.”

​Valley United Way has been in the community for 49 years and thanks to the generosity of donors, Valley United Way has been able to invest over $35 million into helping youth, providing basic needs and working to prevent crisis. “The Valley is a caring community and it is not surprising that the community is so generous. Congratulations to the dedicated volunteers who worked tirelessly on the Campaign,” said Sharon Gibson-Ellis, President & COO of Valley United Way.

Valley United Way has many great programs that exist and are successful because of the community’s generosity. They aid in food insecurity for Valley families in need with programs such as Harvest House and the Grow Your Own program. Grown Your Own allows low income families to have a support system to grow their own fresh fruits and vegetables and Harvest House is a house made from food and that is given to five food pantries in the Valley. The Back to School Program, another great program, provides clothing and school supplies that are needed for the initial start of the school year. The Corporate Volunteer Council is credited for the Harvest House and Back to School Program.

If an individual or company would like to find out more information on how to participate in either donating funds, volunteering time or donating in kind donations, please contact Valley United Way at 203-926-9478 or email: sharon.gibson@valleyunitedway.org

For more information on Valley United Way, their funded partners and the programs and services they provide please visit www.valleyunitedway.org and follow them on Facebook and Twitter.

Below is a clip of the meeting on YouTube:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lY7k3KXSaEw&feature=youtu.be

(This is a press release from Valley United Way)

Fashion Show for a Cause

Boys & Girls Club Award Schlolarships to Valley Students

SHELTON – The Boys & Girls Club of the Lower Naugatuck Valley held its 2017 Scholarship Award Ceremony Tuesday. Linda Welch, Chair of the Scholarship Committee, awarded 20 students with a combined total of $28,949 in college scholarships.  

The scholarship recipients were: Samantha B., Matthew B., Megan B., Jess C., Holly C., Mackenzie C., Kiara D., Alina G., Julia H., Kyle H., Emily K., Jaylen L., Sabrina M., William M., Yancere P., Keith P., Taylor Q., Tayliah Q., Marila S. and Lauren S. 

The scholarships and awards amounts were as follows: 

Coram Gardens Civic Association - $7,000

This award was established in 1987 by the former Coram Gardens Civic Association to help improve the quality of life for those people from the geographic region of Coram Gardens. Since its inception, more than $137,000 has been disbursed to help defer the cost of college tuitions.
 

Raymond P. Lavietes - $4,000

This award was established in 2005 by long-time friend and supporter Ray Lavietes. Ray left our Boys & Girls Club a bequest of $100,000 to help our members afford a secondary education. Thanks to Ray’s generosity, more than $43,000 has been disbursed in scholarship funds. 
 

Dr. Edward G. Bednar - $5,000

This award was established in 2010, in memory of “Doc” Bednar, a long-time Board member and unfailing supporter of our Club and the children who attend every day. Since the first scholarship only seven years ago, the Bednar family has already awarded more than $12,200 to help students pursuing an education in the healthcare field. 
 

George C. & Margaret Smith - $5,000

George C. and Margaret Smith left a surprise bequest of $100,000 to our Boys & Girls Club. Since its inception this fund has provided more than $114,000 for secondary education to our young men and women. 
 

Fortin Family Foundation - $5,000

This new scholarship is being awarded for the first time this year, to a member of the graduating class to further their post-high school education at an accredited post-high school institution. A recipient may reapply for such scholarship in ensuing college years up to a maximum of four years.

George & Beatrice Ryan - $2,949

After leaving the service after World War II, Shelton resident George Ryan jumped with both feet into the automotive industry.  Many years later, Ryan is still passionate about the career that has taken him from the gas pumps to the successful Curtiss-Ryan Honda car dealership.  And now George is eager to share his passion by extending a helping hand to others who enter the field.  “I always thought I should give back to the community,” Ryan said.  “It has supported me, and I believe that I should support it.”  In 2004, Ryan chose to do exactly that by establishing the George and Beatrice Ryan Scholarship Fund at Valley Community Fund, which provides scholarships to students who are planning to study automotive administration, sales or technology. 

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 of the Lower Naugatuck Valley)

Emmett O'Brien Teachers Receive Grant

ANSONIA - Fund for Teachers has awarded Emmett O’Brien Technical High School teachers a grant to attend the Omega Institute in Rhinebeck, New York July 23 –July 28^th 2017 to attend a conference called, Mindfulness in Education Teacher Training.

The  $4,800 grant award called “Mindful Teachers” will allow team leader, grant writer Mary Parady, EL & Language Arts Teacher and team members, Francesca Ford, English Teacher and Diane Salmeri, Hairdressing and Cosmetology Teacher the opportunity to learn, explore and research effective techniques into the way of mindful education and to introduce and implement mindfulness into the academic and trade areas. 

Schools worldwide are turning to mindfulness and social and emotional learning as antidotes to rising stress, and attention deficit. Research shows that students and teachers in school systems that have adopted mindfulness are happier, more focused, more compassionate, emotionally regulated and less impacted by stress.

Daniel Rechtschaffen, Morris E. Ervin Jr. and Rachel Brown will lead the conference.  

The teachers attended an orientation dinner at The New Haven Lawn Club on Tuesday May 2, 2017, with 125 Connecticut fellows. The O’ Brien fellows spent the evening with an amazing group of teachers travelling around the world to enrich the lives of their students.

Fund for Teachers supports educators' efforts to develop skills, knowledge and confidence that impact student achievement. By trusting teachers to design unique fellowships, Fund for Teachers grants validate teachers' professionalism and leadership, as well. Since 2001, Fund for Teachers has invested $22 million in nearly 6,000 teachers, transforming grants into growth for teachers and their students.

(This is a press release from Emmett O'Brien)

Memorial Day Service Slated at Woodbridge Avenue Memorial

ANSONIA- A Memorial Day Service will be held at 2 p.m. Sunday, May 21 at the Woodbridge Avenue Veterans Memorial, located at 61 Woodbridge Avenue, Ansonia. State Rep. Linda Gentile and state Sen. George Logan, along with local city officials will be on hand. The public is invited. (New Haven Register file photo by Arnold Gold)

 

Sen. Logan, Senate Republicans Unveil Revised CT Budget Fix

 

Sen. George S. Logan (at right) stands with Senate Republicans May 16 to unveil a revised, line-by-line, 57-page state budget alternative plan.  The Senate Republican plan does not raise taxes, continues to protect towns and property taxpayers, provides funding for core social services, increases funding for education to towns and cities.  Left to right: Sen. Paul Formica, Sen. Kevin Witkos, Sen. Len Fasano, and Sen. Logan. 

 

 

Sen. George S. Logan and Senate Republican lawmakers on May 16 released a revised line-by-line

state budget proposal which:

·         Closes the deficit without tax increases.

·         Increases education funding.

·         Preserves funding for services to seniors, the disabled and Connecticut’s most vulnerable residents.

·         Lowers taxes for retirees.

·         Provides for structural budget reforms, like a state government spending cap and a bonding cap.

 

“The Senate Republican plan protects taxpayers from being overburdened by new taxes or policies which would result in significant increases to property taxes,” Sen. Logan said. “We protect hospitals from being hit with more taxes. Bottom line:  We have a plan to get Connecticut back on a path to sustainability, predictability, stability and economic growth.”

 

A full summary of the updated “Confident Connecticut” budget is available at www.SenatorGeorgeLogan.com . 

 

Line-by-line budget details are available at www.ctsenaterepublicans.com.

 

“I urge taxpayers to contact me,” Sen. Logan said.  “I am fighting to get Connecticut out of this mess.  I am fighting against tax hikes.  I am fighting for the property taxpayers of Connecticut, and I will work with Democrats to make this thoughtful, detailed plan a reality.  Together, we can turn our state around.”

 

Logan represents Ansonia, Beacon Falls, Bethany, Derby, Hamden, Naugatuck and Woodbridge.

 

He can be reached at George.Logan@cga.ct.gov and 800-842-1421. 

 

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

   

 

Fill-A-Truck Event to Benefit Ansonia Animal Shelter

Bike Ride for Kids's Health

The Ride for Children at Quarry Walk, 6th Annual Pedal for PCRC, will take place on Sunday, June 4, and leaves from Quarry Walk in Oxford. Riders can choose from three routes, 15, 32, or 50 miles.   The ride benefits the Parent Child Resource Center which provides innovative mental health services, prevention and early intervention programs for more than 1,000 children and families in the Valley and beyond.   Register here or call (203) 736-2601 and ask for Joy.

Pizza Eating Contest for a Cause

Assumption School to Present "The Music Man, Jr."

Iconic Valley Music Store Unveils New Sign

ANSONIA - The renovation of Banko’s Music is nearly complete with the addition of its new storefront sign, replacing the 70’s “feeling groovy” signage predecessor.

New owner Joe Shapiro of Shelton acquired, last year, the 1955 founded Ansonia landmark and has since completely renovated the interior retail space, exterior façade and second floor offices which also double as weekly open jam sessions and for music lessons.

Banko’s is located on 360 East Main Street.

They are planning a Grand Opening event later this summer.

(This is a press release from Ansonia City Hall)

DMV Issues New Process for Licenses, Other Photo ID's

Dear Friends and Neighbors,   Just when you thought you were learning to navigate the Connecticut Department of Motor Vehicles again, they are updating the process for licensing, issuance of ID cards and other photo-credentials.  I thought it important that you learn this sooner rather than later, as it will impact all of us. Please remember, I am just the messenger.      Ready?  The Connecticut DMV will no longer issue driver's licenses, ID cards, or other credentials on-site at branch locations. At the end of May, a rolling phase-in of a new process will begin, by former AAA service areas, with the first phase-in occurring in the former Willimantic and Cromwell AAA service area.  Subsequent service areas will follow after each successful implementation.   The new process of acquiring or renewing a CT license, ID card or other credential will now include you receiving a 30-day written notice to renew, assuming DMV has your current mailing address.  Prior to expiration, you will need to visit one of  these locations for processing, but you will no longer leave the branch with your valid, permanent card.  Instead, it will arrive in the mail within 20 days of your visit.  At the visit, you will now be issued a temporary paper license or ID for use until the permanent one arrives in the mail.   This new system is part of Connecticut's central issuance program designed to reduce fraud.   Note: If your current license or ID card is still valid, there is no need to replace it with the new card until it expires.     Please see below for details. Click here for PDF versions.   If you have any additional questions on the updated license renewal process, or any matter related to state government, I can always be reached at Nicole.Klarides-Ditria@housegop.ct.gov or by calling 860-240-8700.    Sincerely,      State Representative Nicole Klarides-Ditria

Healing Workshop Offered at Griffin Hospital

DERBY - Griffin Hospital will offer a basic level Soft Touch workshop June 10 from 1 to 4 p.m. June 10 at the hospital, 130 Division St.

Soft Touch is a therapeutic, relaxing, and gentle massage that can be given to an individual's hands, feet, or back. Griffin Hospital offers variations of this therapy to patients and their caregivers as a way to reduce their anxiety, pain, and stress.

 

The workshop is led by Licensed Massage Therapist Joanne Halstead, R.N., BSN, and Physical Therapist Nancy Corvigno, MSPT, PRPC. This basic-level training includes a demonstration of various Soft Touch techniques as well as opportunity for hands-on practice.

 

The cost is $30. There are no prerequisites to attend the workshop and it is open to the public.Space is limited and sign-ups are due by June 1. Contact Laura Murphy, Planetree Services supervisor, at 203-732-7466 to enroll.

 
(This is a press release from Griffin Hospital)

Soupstock Music & Arts Festival Announces its 2017 Music Lineup

SHELTON- Soupstock Music & Arts Festival proudly announces its 2017 music lineup bringing together national and local touring acts and exciting newcomers to the stage. The Festival once again invites area residents of all ages to come and experience an arts, music and culinary experience like no other.

The annual event will take place over two days on Saturday June 10^th and Sunday June 11^th at Veteran’s Park in Shelton.

Directors Nicole Heriot-Mikula, Joe Mango and Derek Signore unveil a lineup that follows the contour of previous festivals celebrating the best in local talent to match national acts otherwise reserved for ticketed events. New for 2017, Ska and Reggae Legends The Skatalites and Electrofunk powerhouse Particle co-headline the main stage with newcomers Sophistafunk and American Idol’s Elise Testone. Also returning is favorite Ryan Montbleau with his new ensemble, Yes, Darling featuring Hayley Jane.  Also sharing top billing are local mainstays, The Alpaca Gnomes and Bella’s Bartok, both returning to this year’s festival.

Established in 2010, Soupstock Music & Arts Festival has grown organically into one of Connecticut’s leading independent arts and music events. The festival has earned its reputation by attracting premier talent across all mediums to provide a landscape meant to please all the senses.

The festival’s mixture of arts, cuisine and culture means there is something for everyone. Our Vendor Village will have over 30 handmade artisans and non-profit organizations and the Kids Zone will be better than ever, providing a safe interactive environment for children of all ages with two major highlights this year: One World Puppetry and Creation Song Project. Our Annual Pro/Am Soup& Chili Cook-Off round out the event to make it extra delicious!

Proceeds will benefit the Mary A. Schmecker Turtle Shell Fund, furthering Art, Craft and Music Education for children and young adults.

For more information and to purchase tickets,  visit: www.soupstockfestival.org or join us on:

Facebook:  www.facebook.com/soupsstockfestival