Townwide Tag Sale Coming to Ansonia

Derby City Hall Hours Update

DERBY - The following announcement is from Derby Town/City Clerk Marc Garofalo:

 

Good Afternoon,

 

As the summer begins and Real Estate, Motor Vehicle, and Personal Property Taxes are payable by August 1, 2017, we wanted to remind all Derby residents and customers of Derby City Hall of our current regular hours of operation that have been in effect since January 1, 2017.  They are as follows:

 

Monday                       8:30 am to 5:00 pm

Tuesday                       8:30 am to 5:00 pm

Wednesday      8:30 am to 5:00 pm

 

Thursday                     8:30 am to 6:00 pm

Mayor Anita Dugatto’s open office hours from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm every Thursday.

 

Friday                          8:30 am to 12:30 pm

 

A reminder that Derby City Hall will be closed on Tuesday July 4, 2017 in observance of Independence Day.

 

Have a great summer. 

 

Marc J. Garofalo, MPA, CCTC

Town / City Clerk

Route 34 to Close for Overnight Construction

 

The Connecticut Department of Transportation has announced overnight closures on Route 34 in Derby from Friday July 7, to Sunday, July 9, from the intersections with Route 115 to Route 8, from 9 p.m. to 6 a.m.       

 

State Representative Linda Gentile (D-104) would like to caution drivers during this construction period.

 

“It’s important to help ConnDOT spread the word about this construction so that area motorists can plan their commutes accordingly,” Rep. Gentile said.  “I also want to stress the need for motorists to take extra precautions while driving during this construction period to ensure public safety.”

  

The closures are necessary to facilitate the rehabilitation and widening of Bridge Number 00947, Route 34, Main Street, over the Naugatuck River. The closures are also required to install new overhead permanent signage.

 

If necessary, due to inclement weather on Sunday, the closure period may be extended to include Monday July 10, 2017. 

 

A detour will be in place utilizing Route 115 (Derby Avenue), Division Street in Ansonia to cross the Naugatuck River, Pershing Drive and Route 8. 

 

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

Pooches Pose for Good Cause



Christopher Charles Rutherford III: one of the pooches featured in the calendar. Photo by Samantha Barracca
 

By Jean Falbo-Sosnovich
Register Correspondent

SEYMOUR >> The Seymour Fire Department has teamed up with the local animal shelter to kick off an adorable 2018 ahead, creating a calendar for a cause that shows much more than the date.

 Coco’s Animal Rescue Efforts of Seymour, or CARES, came up with the idea to raise awareness and funds about the cats and dogs at the shelter in need of forever homes.

 “A gorgeous photo can make a huge difference when it comes to a rescue pet getting adopted,” said CARES Vice President Deborah Kiefer. “We’ve put pearls on pit bulls and kittens in baskets; we use props and different locations to showcase our animals at their best. We knew we could put together an amazing calendar, which would remind people every day that there are wonderful rescue pets out there to adopt.”

Read more here:

Urgent Care Coming to Derby

DERBY - MedExpress Urgent Care, a neighborhood health care provider, will open its first two neighborhood medical centers in Connecticut this summer.

The centers, in Derby at 68 Division St. and Meriden at 875 E. Main St., will open on July 5 and August 9, respectively. As a gift to each community, both locations will offer free sports physicals for patients ages five and up for two weeks after the centers open.

The new neighborhood medical centers will care for people of all ages, providing urgent care, employer health services, and basic wellness and prevention services. Walk-in treatment is available for everyday illness and injury, including more advanced offerings such as X-rays, IVs, labs, minor surgery, stitches, and treatment for broken bones, sprains, and strains. Local employers can use MedExpress for employer health services including workers’ compensation, injury care, pre- and ongoing employment screenings, physicals, and regulatory exams. Basic wellness and prevention services offered at MedExpress include sports physicals, routine physicals, and immunizations to help Derby and Meriden residents maintain good health.

“We are delighted to join the communities of Derby and Meriden to provide friendly, high-quality, and convenient care to families and employees,” said Sarah Moses, MedExpress Area Manager in Connecticut. “We know how busy our patients’ lives are and that unexpected illnesses and injuries can be an inconvenience for families. We look forward to bringing our model of care to Connecticut so that our neighbors in Derby and Meriden can walk in, see our friendly medical team, and receive high-quality treatment in a timely fashion.”

The centers will be open every day from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., with no appointment necessary. MedExpress accepts all major insurances and offers affordable pricing for those without insurance. The center will be staffed by a full medical team, which includes customer service representatives, nurses, medical providers, and radiologic technologists. As a community health care partner, MedExpress believes strongly in the importance of working with fellow community health care providers to ensure the best possible outcomes for our patients. When necessary, the Derby and Meriden teams can help refer patients within the broader health care system, including referrals to specialists, primary care physicians, and hospitals.

For a full list of centers and health care services available, visit medexpress.com.

MedExpress has more than 200 neighborhood medical centers in 17 states, with plans to bring the same warm, welcoming approach to more communities in Connecticut this year, including the opening of a new center in Middletown this winter.

About MedExpress
MedExpress is a national leader in delivering high-quality, convenient and affordable walk-in care. We offer urgent care, employer health services and basic wellness and prevention services to help ensure families and employers have access to patient-centric care when they need it. Each of our nearly 5,000 health care and customer service professionals is committed to transforming health care delivery – one patient at a time. For career opportunities or to learn more, visit www.medexpress.com or connect with MedExpress on Facebook and Twitter @MedExpress and @MedExpressJobs.

(This is a press release from MedExpress)

Derby Historical Society to host 27th Annual Silver Tea

Event Name:  Derby Historical Society’s Twenty-Seventh Annual Silver Tea

Date:  Monday - July 10, 2017

Location: LaSala Banquet Hall (Sons of Italy), 73 High Street, Derby, CT

Time:  2:00 – 4:30 pm

Admission:  $30.00 per ticket

Contact:  203-735-1908 or 203-676-0324

Ansonia – Monday, July 10, 2017:  Please join us for our 27th Annual Silver Tea on Monday, July 10th, from 2:00 – 4:30 pm.   This year Sheryl Faye will present “Eleanor Roosevelt – The First Lady of the World”. 

After suffering through an unhappy childhood, and losing her parents and one of her brothers, Eleanor figured out where she fit in and could make a difference.  She grew up and became an American politician.  The longest-serving First Lady of the United States, she was the first presidential spouse to hold press conferences, write a syndicated newspaper column, and speak at a national convention.  Eleanor advocated for expanded roles for women in the workplace, the civil rights of African Americans and Asian Americans, and the rights of World War II refugees.  She became one of the first delegates to The United Nations.

Refreshments will be served.  Raffle and door prizes are available.  Cost is $30 per person.  Please call (203) 735-1908 or (203) 676-0324 for tickets or more information.

The Derby Historical Society is a regional historical society dedicated to preserving, maintaining and celebrating the rich and varied history of the Lower Naugatuck Valley. The Derby Historical Society welcomes all visitors and is also available to support researchers, school or other program needs.  Our staff offices are located at the Sarah Riggs Humphreys House, 37 Elm Street, Ansonia, CT.  For more information, visit www.derbyhistorical.org 

(This is a press release from Paula Norton, Executive Director at Derby Historical Society)

Valley Softball Teams Raise $2,800 for Hewitt Center for Breast Wellness

Pictured in front row from left: Derby High Softball players Lacey DiMartino and Anna Chevarella. Pictured in back from left: Derby High School Athletic Director Rachael Caggiano, Derby High Softball Asst. Coach Jenn Moffat, O’Malley, Derby High Softball Coach Joe DiMartino, Lori DiMartino, and Derby High Principal Marty Pascale.
 

 

DERBY -The Derby and Ansonia High School softball teams recently presented Griffin Hospital Fund Director Tricia O’Malley with a donation of $2,800 to The Hewitt Center for Breast Wellness Center at Griffin Hospital.

The two teams raised the money at the 7^th Annual Derby-Ansonia Pink Softball Game held on April 22. Organized by long-time Griffin Hospital employee and Derby High School Softball Coach Joe DiMartino, the fundraiser was held in honor of his wife, Lori, a breast cancer survivor.

 

The event featured raffles, food and music by DJ Phyllis Kaplan as the two teams competed. Overall, the annual fundraiser has donated more than $20,000 to the Center.

 

Located at 300 Seymour Ave. in Derby, The Hewitt Center for Breast Wellness at Griffin Hospital offer patients a comprehensive range of personalized breast care and wellness services.

 

For more information about The Hewitt Center for Breast Wellness, call 203-732-1300 or visit griffinhealth.org/cbw.

 

(This is a press release from Griffin Hospital)

Sen. Logan Tours Area Manufacturer; Meets Derby Student Intern

In Photo from left to right:  Bridgeport Fittings Vice President of Manufacturing and Engineering Larry Smith, Electrical and Tools Supervisor Brian Quinn, Sen. George S. Logan, Intern Matt Hanock, Vice President of Manufacturing Frank Timmery, Owner Tom Auray.
 

Sen. George S. Logan on June 23 toured Stratford-based Bridgeport Fittings, Inc. to get an overview of the small manufacturer’s history, mission, workforce, and safety protocols. Bridgeport Fittings is a leading supplier of quality fittings to the industrial, commercial and residential channels of the electrical industry.

 

Logan, who serves on the state legislature’s Regulations Review Committee, is working with Stratford Sen. Kevin Kelly and other lawmakers at the State Capitol to help pass policies which help small businesses like Bridgeport Fittings thrive. 

 

Logan said he was pleased to meet Derby resident Matt Hanock.  Hanock is a member of Emmett O'Brien Technical High School’s Class of 2018 and is working as an intern at Bridgeport Fittings. 

 

On the web:  www.bptfittings.com and www.SenatorGeorgeLogan.com. 

 

Logan represents Ansonia, Beacon Falls, Bethany and Derby; and parts of Hamden, Naugatuck and Woodbridge.  He can be contacted at George.Logan@cga.ct.gov and at 800-842-1421

 

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

Derby Public Lirbrary Hosts Summer Events

DERBY- The Derby Public Library welcomes Shawn Peterson, author of PEZ: From Austrian

Invention to American Icon, on Monday, July 24 at 6:30 PM.  

 

Shawn is the company archivist and historian at PEZ Candy, Orange, CT where he also manages the visitor center.  Come and learn how receiving Pez dispensers in Easter baskets and Christmas stockings as a kid, led to becoming his life’s work, 26 years later.  PEZ brand is available in over 80 countries, selling more than 65 million dispensers annually and inspiring collectors and fans worldwide.  Join the world’s first and only official PEZ historian for an inside look at the world’s most cherished interactive candy.  Copies of the book will be available for purchase. 

 

Registration is requested.  For more information, stop by the Library at 313 Elizabeth St. or call 203 736-1482 or visit www.derbypubliclibrary.org.

 

The Derby Public Library has scheduled its next Lunchtime Book Discussion for

Wednesday, July 26 at 12:30 PM.  The selected title is the compelling novel Lilac Girls by Martha Hall Kelly.  

 

Spanning more than twenty years in the lives of three women and based on real people and events, Kelly’s debut novel brings historical facts to life.Caroline is a former Broadway actress and New York socialite who works with the French consulate.  Herta is an ambitious young German doctor, and Kasia is a 15-year-old Polish girl just getting involved in the resistance.  As WWII progresses, circumstances draw these women together, resulting in a story that will linger well after the book ends.  

 

The author will skype in for the discussion. 

 

Dessert and beverages will be provided.  Registration is requested.  For more information, stop by the Library at 313 Elizabeth St. or call203 736-1482 or visit www.derbypubliclibrary.org.  

 

The American Job Search Career Coach returns to the Derby Public Library on Friday,

July 21 from 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM.  

 

During both the morning session, 10-12, and the  afternoon session, 1-3, instructors will be offering the class, Using Social Networking in Your Job Search.  Both sessions will explain very useful tools that job seekers need today.  Social Networking has become one of the most popular ways of landing your next “big” job by creating useful connections on-line.  These connections make it easier to look for a job on-line through your created network.  The classes are free and open to the public. 

Registration is requested but walk-ins will be welcomed on a first come first served basis.  The American Job Search Career Coach is operated by Career Resources.  For more information, stop by the Library at 313 Elizabeth St. or call 736-1482 or visit www.derbypubliclibrary.org.

 

(This is a press release from Derby Public Library)

Grief Education Center Creates Memorial Garden

VCF Board Chariman Alan Tyma and Adam's House
Founder/CEO Allison Wysota

SHELTON – A $2,500 grant from the Valley Community Foundation helped volunteers with Adam’s House construct a front garden on June 14 that encircles the memorial walkway at the nonprofit grief education center at 241 Coram Ave.

 

Adam’s House Founder and Executive Director Allison Wysota said, “We are thrilled that our front garden surrounding our memorial walkway is now a beautiful, welcoming space that will offer peace and healing not only to grieving children and families that enter our program, but to all in the Shelton community that pass by our doors.”

 

As part of the Adam’s House “Healing Hearts” program, children can create a commemorative brick to place on the memorial walkway to honor and celebrate the life a loved one.

 

The Valley Community Foundation grant funded the plantings and construction of the gardens that encompass the memorial walkway.

 

“Valley Community Foundation (VCF) President and CEO Sharon Closius works closely with our program officer and community grants committee to make smart investments in the changing needs and opportunities of the Valley,” said Alan Tyma, VCF Board Chair. “The Foundation is thrilled to be able to support the mission of the Adam’s House at the maximum level of our community grants, ranging from $250-$2,500. One focus of the Foundation is to strengthen the impact of small nonprofits, those with fewer than two full-time or fewer than four part-time staff, by supporting a variety of community engagement efforts. Based on their presentation, Adam’s House should be a valuable member of our community for a long time.”

 

The Olde Ripton Garden Club in Shelton led by Garden Designer Renee Marsh, owner of A Simpler Place, contributed the project’s landscape design. Twelve volunteers from the Shelton office of Nasdaq made up the labor force that turned Marsh’s landscape design into reality. During a warm, sunny day, the Nasdaq volunteers cheerfully planted a new array of hydrangeas, lilies, catmint, roses, a dogwood tree and other plantings to create the memorial walkway landscaping and front garden. 

 

(This is a press release from Adam's House)

Meet with Valley Lawmakers

Kick the Habit with Free Smoking Cessation Program

DERBY -Griffin Hospital offers free education, advice and support to help individuals prepare to quit smoking with its four-week smoking cessation program starting July 5.

 

“That’s It – Learn to Quit” teaches a variety of methods to help individuals quit smoking. The program consists of Wednesday night meetings from 5:30-7 p.m. scheduled for July 5, 12, 19 and 26 at the Center for Cancer Care at Griffin Hospital, 350 Seymour Ave., Derby.

 

There is also a “reunion” for graduates of the program on Aug. 2 at 5:30 p.m. in the Center.

 

“The goal of the program is to help you learn how to quit,” said Carrie O’Malley, RN, a co-coordinator of the program. “There are different methods of quitting and managing nicotine withdrawal. If one method didn’t work for you in the past we’ll help you understand all your options.”

 

Through group discussion and interactive activities, participants learn how to develop a quit plan that addresses their personal behaviors and habit. Strategies to manage nicotine withdrawal, behaviors, triggers, and urges are all discussed as well as weight control and stress management.

Participants must be prepared to attend all four sessions.

 

To register for “That’s It – Learn to Quit,” call 203-732-1476.

(This is a press release from Griffin Hospital)

Summer Concerts Under the Stars in Shelton

Seymour First Selectman Loses Taco Bet; Washes TEAM's Fleet of Delivery Vans

Seymour First Selectman Kurt Miller, right, from past taco-eating contest, with former champion Alex Danka
 

SEYMOUR - First Selectman Kurt Miller on Tuesday, June 20, made good on a bet he lost to TEAM Inc.'s President/CEO David Morgan, and spent two hours washing TEAM's Meals on Wheels food delivery trucks

Miller cleaned and polished several trucks in the parking lot of Hot Tamale's Mexican Bar & Grill.

The bet between Miller and Morgan happened last month during a charity taco-eating contest held at Hot Tamale's to raise money for the Meals on Wheels programs, which delivers nutritional meals directly to the front doors of the Valley's elderly folks and shut-ins.

According to TEAM officials, the Meals on Wheels program has taken a financial hit, thus being able to provide fewer amount of meals to those who request the service.

Those interested in making a donation to the program can do so by visiting TEAM's website at:  http://teaminc.org/donate/

To check out Miller in action, click the link below to view it on Facebook: 

https://www.facebook.com/SeymourCT.org/videos/1458349354231127/

Griffin Hospital School of Allied Health Careers to Host Education Assistance Seminars

DERBY - The Griffin Hospital School of Allied Health Careers, 300 Seymour Ave., Suite 206 in Derby, will host two informational sessions about opportunities for education assistance through the Health CareeRx Academy.

 

The seminars will be Mon., June 26 at 6 p.m. and Wed., June 28 at 1 p.m. at the school. The seminars are free and open to the public.

 

The WorkPlace’s Health CareeRx Academy (HCA) is a broad partnership of healthcare providers, educators, trainers, and community-based organizations in Southwestern Connecticut that provide no-cost training and support to help participants obtain a career in the growing healthcare field. Designed with input from employers, HCA’s mission is to meet the current and evolving workforce needs of healthcare employers. The HCA provides occupational training, work readiness, and other supports to individuals who desire to begin or advance a career in healthcare.

 

Occupational skills training offered through the HCA include: Certified Nursing Assistants; Dental Assistants; Home Health Aides; Medical Assistants; Medical Office Management; Medical Records & Health Information Technicians; Patient Care Technicians; Pharmacy Technicians; Radiologic Technologists; Registered Nurses-ASN, BSN/CEIN; and Surgical Technologists. Individuals eligible to enroll are those receiving state assistance or are otherwise low income, and the long-term unemployed. All training by HCA leads to a certificate or degree and prepares individuals to pass a

state or national license exam.

 

The HCA also works with the School of Allied Health Careers to provide tuition assistance for students. The school offers training for individuals interested in becoming Certified Nursing Assistants, Patient Care Technicians, and Phlebotomists. 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.

 

To register for the information session or for more information, call 203-732-1276 or 203-732-7578.

 

(This is a press release from Griffin Hospital)

Summer Concert Series Kicks off in Derby

Golf Tournament to Benefit Local Charity

Hey Valley: Get Your Ducks in a Row!

SHELTON - Have a swimmingly good time watching your duck and help support Spooner House from now until June 23. 

The Housy River Duck Race takes place June 24 at 2 p.m. starting at the Derby/Shelton Bridge on the Housatonic River. 

 

The enter-to-win tickets are $5 per duck of which $2 will support Area Congregations Together Spooner House. You may purchase your duck tickets at Spooner House, 30 Todd Road weekdays from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Any tickets you purchase will have a corresponding number for your duck during the race. 

 

Last year 150 ducks were sold by Spooner House, which resulted in $300 being raised to help financially with the ACT hunger and homeless initiatives in the Valley.

Each duck ticket will give you an opportunity to win a prize for the first 65 ducks to cross the finish line. The grand prize is $1,000 cash; 2nd place is a 55" LED HDTV, 3rd place is $500; 4th place is an Apple iPad mini; and the 5th place winner receives $250. 

 

The prizes and contest are sponsored by the St. Mary-St. Michael School Development Committee in Derby. The school group has other organizations participating in the ticket selling as well, which means there will be more ducks.

 

 “It is great to be able to support St. Mary-St. Michael School through this partnership as they have been a wonderful supporter of Spooner House throughout the years,” said Susan Agamy, Executive Director at Spooner House.

 

A list of all prizes and winners will be posted on the St. Mary-St. Michael School website at: https://stmarystmichaelct.eduk12.net/. Search for upcoming events.
 

(This is a press release from Area Congregations Together)

Valley Lawmakers to Host Seymour Town Hall Meeting

Griffin Hospital to Host Meet-and-Greet with Pet Emergency Medical Service

DERBY - People and Animals Working in Spirit (P.A.W.S.), Griffin Hospital’s Pet Therapy Program, will host a meet-and-greet with the Connecticut Emergency Animal Response Service (EARS) on Sat., June 17 from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. in the hospital parking lot at 130 Division St., Derby.

 

EARS is a team of volunteer first responders trained for rapid-response to "all-hazard" animal emergencies within Connecticut. The organization focuses on disaster response, emergency transport, technical rescue and training pet owners how to respond to an emergency.

 

The meet-and-greet will feature the EARS Rescue 2 Animal Ambulance, and information on pet safety and the organization’s training programs.

 

For more information about EARS, visit earsct.org.

 

The event is open to the public. For more information, call PAWS Coordinator Ruth Tuccio at 203-732-1298.
 

(This is a press release from Griffin Hospital)

 

St. Mary-St. Michael School Students Make Honor Roll

DERBY- The St. Mary - St. Michael School Honor Roll for the third trimester has been announced by Linda T. Coppola, Principal.

 

Grade 4 HIGH HONORS:  Josh Benedek, Evan DeLucia, Alexis Padilla.

 

Grade 4 HONORS:  Hallie Beauton, Amelia Blicharz, Logan Bottone, Lucianna Bottone, Gianna Brancato, Britain Calvert, Kaelyn DiMartino, Roman Hescock, John Kostick, Marya Kostick, Alexandru Rusu, Reese Shuart.

 

Grade 5 HONORS:  Carmel Diur, Angelina McKenna.
 

Grade 6 HIGH HONORS:  Matthew Capiral, Selena Hescock.

 

Grade 6 HONORS:  Nicholas Fahy, Jenna LaBranche, Leah Norton, Ariana Rodriguez
 

Grade 7 HIGH HONORS:Brooke Sobolisky, Emilia Wypasek

 

Grade 7 HONORS:  Tennyson Delos, Helen Kowarik, Max Shuart
 

Grade 8 HIGH HONORS:  Maria Ahmed Choudhry, Aryanna Ryan, Daria Wakulczk

 

Grade 8 HONORS:  Dylan Bellinger, Bridget Calderon, Isabella Hescock, Theresa Kardos, Amber Lagoja, Cassidy McNeil

Valley Lawmakers Hosting Coffee Hour

Flag Day Ceremony Today (June 14) in Seymour

SEYMOUR – The public is invited to retire their old, tattered or torn flags during a Flag Day ceremony scheduled today at 6 p.m. Wednesday (JUNE 14) a Bob’s Auto Sales, New Haven Road, (Route 67) across from the Seybridge Plaza.

VFW Post 12084 will host the ceremony and will show the public the proper way to dispose of their old flags via burning them.  

For more information, contact Post Commander Al Yagovane at (203)736-7981.

State Rep. Gentile Discusses Budget

Wednesday June 8, marked the official end of the regular 2017 legislative session. But there is still work to be done.

 

The legislature will now go into special session to discuss and approve of a two-year state budget. 

 

Passing a bipartisan budget has always been my hope. Regardless of political party, the legislature needs to go into special session with a sense of urgency and pass a responsible budget that helps strengthen our state and local economies, and reflects the priorities of the people of Connecticut. I don’t believe that failure to agree upon a responsible budget is an option.

 

Good ideas are not exclusive to a political party. I am hopeful that my colleagues across the aisle will drop all political campaign rhetoric, and work in a collaborative manner to meet the challenges we all face.

 

I truly believe our future is stronger when both parties work together, so it is my hope that we can put our political differences aside and talk openly and honestly about the budget and what needs to be done. 

 

House Speaker Joe Aresimowicz, D-Berlin, and House Majority Leader Matt Ritter, D-Hartford, have set the stage for Democrats and Republicans to come together to have these conversations.

 

And we must have these conversations and work towards a solution and agree on what’s best for the districts we represent, as well as the state.

 

When I walk into special session, I will continue to fight for a budget that will protect hardworking families, hospitals, and education, not only in the 104^th District, but for the State of Connecticut, as well. I will fight for a budget that promotes job growth and encourages economic development. And, I will fight for a budget that ensures our tax dollars are being spent as efficiently as possible. 

 

This is about forging a path for a stronger Connecticut, with policies that work for all of us. I will be working with all of my colleagues to accomplish this. I hope that we will all come into special session ready to work together to put forth a responsible budget that reflects the priorities of our districts and our state.

 

Rep. Gentile, a Democrat, represents the 104th House District, which includes parts of Ansonia and Derby.

 

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

Seymour Rec Offers Summer Basketball Camp

Ansonia Nature Center Announces July Programs/Events

JULY 2017, Calendar of Events, Ansonia Nature & Recreation Center

REGISTER NOW FOR SUMMER NATURE DAYS!!!

 Mon. July 31–Fri. Aug. 4, Mon. Aug. 7–Fri. Aug. 11 (FULL), Mon. Aug. 14–Fri. Aug. 18, 9 am–3 pm.                 
For children from 5 to 11 years old who love the outdoors and wildlife, these popular classes will be not only educational but also a chance to explore the 156 acres the park offers. We explore a variety of the park’s habitats. A great choice for a fun late-summer experience!
TUITION: $150 priority students (Ansonia residents and FANCI members), $175 all others. 

CREATURES OF LONG ISLAND SOUND –Thurs. July 6, 11 amThis is a great weekday family program to learn all about the creatures of Long Island Sound. We will explore the Nature Center’s salt water tank and learn how to identify and hold common critters you will find at New England’s local beaches this summer. FEE: $6 per person.

DEEP FAMILY FISHING CLASS – Sat. July 8, 9 am–2 pmThe Nature Center is sponsoring this CT Department of Energy & Environmental Protection C.A.R.E. Program class. The topics covered by the 2-hour classroom instruction are • Connecticut Waters • Fish Identification • How & Where Fish Live • Fishing Tackle & Techniques • Fishing Laws& Regulations • How to Tie a Strong Knot • How to Clean & Cook Your Catch • Sportsmanship & Safety • How to Cast The instruction will be immediately followed by fishing with the instructors in Redwing Pond. All equipment will be provided. Adults over the age of 16 must have a fishing license to participate in the fishing event. This FREE program, taught by Certified DEEP C.A.R.E. Instructors, is open to everyone 7 years old and up; children under 12 years old must be accompanied by an adult. To pre-register or for more information call the Chief Instructor, Dave Connelly, at 203-231-0946.

MOONSHINE AND FIREFLY HIKE – Sun. July 9, 8 pmFollow the Nature Center’s ranger along our wooded paths looking for glowworms in the leaf litter under the light of the moon.  We’ll end the hike with a show by beetles in the Lampyridae family, better known as lightning bugs and fireflies. FEE: $3 per person. Wear shoes for hiking.

MONDAY NIGHT TRAIL RUN – Mondays starting July 10, 5:30-6:30 pmThis is a call to all of the runners who want something that is out of the ordinary! Ranger Dan will lead you through our 156-acre network of trails, while you burn off the weekend's extra calories. We guarantee that this FREE program is the best way to start off your week.  Please register.

FAMILY ORGANIC GARDEN PROGRAM – Tuesdays, July 11, 18, 25; Aug. 1, 8, 15; Sept. 5, 12, 19, 26ANC will be continuing family-friendly activities in our organic garden. Learn about growing a variety of fruits and vegetables. Dress appropriately; keep in mind you will get water and soil on your clothing. FREE, with the potential to take home fresh local produce!

CHRIS ROWLANDS: Puppeteer and Singer – Fri. July 28, 7 pmChris Rowlands is an award-winning singer and songwriter who offers an interactive kid-friendly presentation for those who love music and nature.  Chris brings animals to life through song, dance, puppets, and colorful props, to teach children about animals and their habitats.
Don’t miss this FREE musical program!

 

Please call to register for all programs 203-736-1053.

 

(This is a press release from Ansonia Nature Center)

Free Lecture on Queen Victoria

Ansonia Unveils Sign Honoring Local Boxing Legend

Mayor David Cassetti, right, with Ron Silverberg, left

ANSONIA- Mayor Dave Cassetti’s longtime desire to publicly recognize Ansonia boxing legend Pinky Silverberg came to fruition on Thursday morning, June 1st, with the unveiling of a commemorative sign called Champion’s Corner on the site of Pinky’s former residence.

The sign is located at the corner of Main Street and Father Salemi Drive in Ansonia.

A National Boxing Association Flyweight champion in 1927, he registered his first significan...t win at the age of 23, in a 10 round decision fight held at the Ansonia Opera House on Main Street in 1925.

Silverberg had moved with several family members to Ansonia in 1920 from Bronx, NY seeking employment at the many factories throughout the Naugatuck Valley, and they settled at 517 Main Street for most of his adult life.

During the ceremony attended by several of Silverberg’s family including his son Ron, granddaughter, friends and city officials, Mayor Cassetti said, “Today marks a heartfelt desire of my own initiative to recognize a perhaps previously forgotten hometown sports hero.”

Silverberg lived in Ansonia until his passing in 1964. “Pinky’s legacy and history is a story I have followed since a young boy,” said Cassetti. “And it inspired me to pursue boxing and eventually becoming Middleweight Boxing Champion of Connecticut in both 1982 and 1983.”

Last fall, Mayor Cassetti launched his original Pinky Silverberg Valley Young Gloves program at the Ansonia Armory and will continue the program again this coming fall.

(This is a press release from Ansonia City Hall)

Kudos to Ansonia High School Juniors

ANSONIA -On Wednesday, May 31st AHS Juniors scoring 1,000 points or higher on the April 5th School Day SAT were invited to a SAT celebration (35 students scored 1,000 or higher, 6 students scored 1,300 or higher, and 1 student received a perfect score on the math portion). Each student received a certificate and ice cream. Great Job!!!

(Information shared from City of Ansonia's Facebook page)

Valley Lawmakers Appalud Passage of Opioid Bill

State Representatives Linda Gentile (D-104), Themis Klarides (R-114) and Nicole Klarides-Ditria (R-105), are pleased to announce passage in the House of HB7052, a far-ranging bill which continues efforts to address opioid addiction.

“This comprehensive bill is so desperately needed to address the ever growing opioid crisis that we have been experiencing over the last several years,” said Rep. Gentile. “This crisis has impacted virtually every state in our country, including Connecticut. It has affected families of every socio-economic class and we have seen a number of deaths right here in our Valley communities. No family should ever have to face such senseless, tragic loss. It is my hope that this bill will reduce these untimely deaths and reverse this heartbreaking trend of opioid addiction.”

“Opioid abuse and overdose has overwhelmed society and demands that we take action to combat this scourge. Every week we read and hear about overdose deaths. Everyone knows someone who has been lost to this epidemic, and we need to wake up and take steps so that makes sense and will result in positive results,’’ House Republican Leader Rep. Klarides said.

“The opioid crisis has hit our communities and the state of Connecticut extremely hard,” said Rep. Klarides-Ditria. “This legislation takes proactive steps to educate the public and children about the dangers of opioid abuse and will help us halt the spread of the opioid crisis. All of us in Hartford, Republicans and Democrats, are working together to find solutions to curb this disease once and for all.”

Three of the more integral parts of the bill, AAC Preventing Prescription Opioid Diversion and Abuse are:

· Require that prescriptions be transcribed electronically to safeguard against over prescribing
· Reduce the maximum number of days for a prescription from seven to five for minors
· Allow patients to request drugs other than opioids to be prescribed.

Klarides said that these are common sense ideas that will address the explosion of opioid abuse and overdose that has affected every segment of society in recent years.

The bill passed 146-0 and now heads to the Senate for consideration.