Hurricane Relief for Puerto Rico Happening in Ansonia

Derby Mayoral Candidate Dziekan Lands Union Endorsement

 

 

DERBY- At a membership meeting on Wednesday, Sept. 20, Rich Dziekan addressed the Teamsters Local 1150, (the International Brotherhood of Teamsters) for Sikorsky employees.

He concluded his speech by saying: “As a veteran I want to thank you again for the opportunity to come here and speak to you today. When I get elected in Derby, I hope to provide for the city what this local 1150 and Sikorsky has been able to provide for the state of Connecticut: Stability, Jobs, and a blue-collar mentality that any municipality would be lucky to build its foundation upon.”

Members at the meeting unanimously endorsed Rich Dziekan. Rich went on to thank Secretary Treasurer and Principal Officer Rocco Calo, the entire Executive Board and its members of the Local 1150 for their continued support.

(This is a press release from Dziekan's campaign)

Hikes, Creepy Crawlies, Fall Adventures On Tap at Nature Center

ANSONIA - The Ansonia Nature Center has listed the following events for October:

 

NATURE EXPLORERS – Wednesdays, Oct. 4, 11, 10 am

Join Wendy for our preschool/toddler program. This 4-week session, which began in September, 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: $20 to join us for these 2 weeks, space permitting  (cash or check payable to Ansonia Nature Center). Please call to register.

 

BITTERSWEET WREATHS – Sat. Oct. 7, 2 pm

Bring your own clippers and gardening gloves for this workshop led by Ranger Dawn. When you collect these beautiful orange-berried vines, you’re actually helping the park by removing this invasive plant species. FEE: $5. Please call to register.

 

ROPE MAKING: The Ancient Way – Sat. Oct. 14, 1 pm

A beginner’s chance to learn a skill practiced long ago.  Learn which native plants have been used to make rope.  Children must be accompanied by an adult who will assist in creating a sample to take home. FEE: $6 per person. Please call to register.

 

AUTUMN FESTIVAL – Sat. Oct. 21, 11 am–4 pm

Celebrate this wonderful season with the staff and the Friends of the Ansonia Nature Center (FANCI)! Take a ride through our community gardens and fields in our horse-drawn story wagon, where you’ll hear some spooky Halloween tales! Learn about bats, spiders, and owls! Have some fresh apple cider and baked goods. Visit the Nature Shop to buy some creepy and crawly nature-related items. Enjoy nature-related exhibitors and vendors. You can try your hand at pumpkin painting, get your face painted, and make some original crafts. All proceeds will benefit the Nature Center. RAIN or SHINE. No park admission fee. Call us for more information at 203-736-1053.

 

CREEPY CRAWLIES – Sat. Oct. 28, 12 pm

Hold a real life tarantula, hear a cockroach hiss, and learn all about insects. Arthropods are fascinating creatures! Join us for this special Creature Feature family program. FREE. Please call to register.

 

SUNDAY GUIDED HIKE: Fall Foliage – Sun. Oct. 29, 1 pm

Join the Nature Center naturalist for a stroll through our woodlands, old fields, and wetlands. Enjoy the beauty and the crisp fall air while learning about New England’s flora and fauna.

Bingo/Casino Trip Fundraiser

DERBY -  St. Mary-St. Michael School in Derby is hosting a bingo/casino bus trip to Foxwoods Casino on Sat., Oct. 14.

 

The bus will depart the school, 14 Seymour Ave., Derby at 7:30 a.m. and return around 6:30 p.m. The trip will provide attendees plenty of time to play bingo or enjoy other games and attractions at the casino. There will also be bingo on the bus.

 

The cost is $30 per person and includes a free slots play coupon and a free food coupon that is good for the casino’s all-you-can-eat buffet. The coupons are only available to individuals 21 years and older.

 

Proceeds will support the St. Mary-St. Michael Home School Association, which supports the needs of the school.

 

For reservations or more information, contact Gene at 203-893-9663 or Christian at 203-520-1480. Or send your reservation to: St. Mary-St. Michael School, 14 Seymour Ave, Derby, CT 06418. Please make checks payable to “St. Mary-St. Michael HSA.”

 

Don't Wait, Get Your Flu Shot

Ansonia Aldermen Urge Budget Passage

(The following is a letter from Ansonia aldermen)

We write to urge the Governor to sign the bi-partisan budget, which was passed with bi-partisan support in the Senate and House on September 15-16 2017. 

Under this bi-partisan budget, in FY2018 the City of Ansonia will receive the same funding in education funding as it did in 2017, which was already anticipated by the City.  However, in FY 2019, Ansonia would receive an additional $2,258,339.00 over 2017 funding.  Ansonia is one of the 30 alliance/priority districts, and yet has been massively underfunded for more than a decade through the current ECS formula, which was found unconstitutional in 2016. 

Under the bi-partisan budget in FY2018, Ansonia will receive approximately an additional $7,488.00 in municipal aid funding over 2017.  However, in FY2019 Ansonia will receive an additional $2,143,171.00 over FY2017.  This increased funding to Ansonia is necessary for our community to continue to ensure and support the health, safety, education and well-being of our community, and our children. 

We wholeheartedly support the steps taken in this bi-partisan budget to restore equity and balance to a broken education funding system.  No budget is perfect but we are encouraged that this bi-partisan budget is a starting point for the renewal of the financial health of the State of Connecticut and a path to sustainable and consistent funding to municipalities such as Ansonia. 

This is a bi-partisan budget is good for our community, good for our schools, and good for Ansonia.  We are asking all the residents of Ansonia to join with us in supporting this budget, and urging our Governor and our elected officials in Hartford to support this budget.  Together we can continue to recharge Ansonia and keep our city moving in the right direction. 

Respectfully,

Lori Vaccaro, 2^nd Ward Alderman,  Martin Dempsey, 4^th Ward Alderman, Joseph A. Jaumann, 5^th Ward Alderman, Patrick Henri, 6^th Ward Alderman, Joshua Shuart, 6^th Ward Alderman, Frank Delibero, 7^th Ward Alderman, David Blackwell, 7^th Ward Alderman    

Fusco Gives Thumbs Up to Derby Mayor Duggato

(The following is a letter from Linda Fusco)

My name is Linda Fusco and I am the Chair of the Derby Democratic Town Committee. While many people will tell you that primaries are bad for the party, I think they are an important part of the democratic process. This year, the primary between Mayor Anita Dugatto and Board of Aldermen President Carmen DiCenso was an opportunity for the Democrats in Derby to make their voice heard about who they want representing them in November.

Mayor Dugatto

The people chose Mayor Anita Dugatto.  But it is the qualities of both Democratic candidates that raise the bar for public servants. 

Mayor Dugatto and Mr. DiCenso are distinguished Democrats and community leaders who were  both born and raised in Derby.  Their strong work ethic empowered them to excel in their professional and political lives.  They were driven to public service by their intense passion to see Derby prosper. This passion, however, is not exclusive to them.  It is apparent throughout the community as evidenced by the level of public engagement leading up to and including primary day.

Going forward we need to maintain our enthusiasm as Democrats and remind ourselves of what it means to be a Democrat in Derby.   We must show the people of this city that it is us who will fight for them in City Hall.

Please join me in supporting Mayor Anita Dugatto on November 7th.

Derby GOP Mayoral Candidate Dziekan Has Message for Voters

(This following is a message from Derby GOP Mayoral Candidate Richard Dziekan)

Derby taxpayers need a full-time Mayor to work on their behalf. I have pledged that if I am elected mayor on November 7th, I will take the position seriously and work full-time at no extra cost to the taxpayers.

We currently have a mayor who runs her own dental practice. While the city charter lists the mayoral position as a part-time one, most people would agree that Derby has full-time problems that require a full-time team dedicated to finding real solutions.

For 4 years, we have heard a lot about “plans” and very little about results. As a taxpayer in this town, I am beyond frustrated. That is why I have decided to step up again and run for Mayor. I am retired from the Hamden Police Department and have the time necessary to devote to the people of Derby. Combine that with my passion for public service, a team of professionals behind me, and a propensity to get things done, and you have a recipe for success.

In addition to being a full-time mayor, I will ensure that we have a full-time grant writer/economic developer. Having an economic developer who holds another position in a neighboring town and can rarely be seen doing business in the city is flat out unacceptable. Derby faces some unique challenges and has had very little success in finding solutions. I know that with maximum time and effort, my team and I will help the city achieve the economic prosperity it deserves. The citizens of Derby should no longer settle for anything less.

I am happy to see the positive trends in neighboring Ansonia and Shelton, because it gives me hope for the future of Derby. When I see the influx of new buildings and businesses, I find myself wondering, “Why can’t that be us?” The truth is that it CAN and SHOULD be us. With the right leadership, we can move Derby in the right direction.

Accelerated CNA Course Begins in October

DERBY - The Griffin Hospital School of Allied Health Careers, at 300 Seymour Avenue, Suite 206, in Derby, is offering a day session of its Accelerated Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) program starting Oct. 30 to help individuals start a fulfilling career in healthcare.

 

The CNA course offers students an affordable and condensed 5-week 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 CNA course tuition fee includes the course book, CPR training, and malpractice insurance coverage for the clinical rotation.

 

The CNA clinical experience will be at Griffin Hospital and a long-term care facility from 7 a.m.-3:30 p.m. for 40 hours. After successfully completing the course and clinical experience, students will be qualified to take the State exam for certification as a Nursing Assistant in Connecticut.

 

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

 

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 training, education, and certification for Phlebotomy, Nursing Assistant, and Patient Care Technician healthcare careers. Classes are taught by certified instructors in the Griffin Hospital Medical Building, located at 300 Seymour Avenue in Derby.

 

(This is a press release from Griffin Hospital)

Car Show in Seymour

Candlelight Vigil to Highlight Opioid Awareness

HomeGoods to Open in Marshall's Store in Ansonia

ANSONIA - HomeGoods, a global leader in discount home furnishings and decor will make its grand debut inside the existing Marshall’s store downtown next month.

According to a company press release, renovations to the Marshalls and HomeGoods combo store, located at 405 Main St. in the Big Y shopping plaza, are nearing completion.

A grand opening celebration has been scheduled for 8 a.m. Oct. 5.

Company officials said the remodel will feature a common entrance with “two distinct store environments on either side of the building allowing customers the added convenience of shopping both stores.”

With the addition of HomeGoods, company officials said they expect to fill 15 additional full and part-time positions. 

 

Donations Sought for Valley Thrift Store

ANSONIA - My Sister’s Place Thrift Store & Donation Center has supported victims of domestic violence for more than 30 years. 

All store proceeds benefit BHcare’s Umbrella Center for Domestic Violence Services.

The store prides itself on offering quality items for resale to the community. 

More than 25 volunteers work tirelessly, seven days a week, sorting through box after box of donations. 
Sometimes they find items that cannot be used. Any item that has mold or mildew, has been contaminated by rodents, has an unpleasant odor and/or is badly damaged is disposed of and will not be sold in the store.
 

The generosity of donors is appreciated and staff and volunteers try their best to get every dollar possible out of the items donated. 
Ripped and stained clothing pieces are sold as rags and wires are stripped from broken electronics for resale/recycle. 
 

“At a time of uncertainties with the state budget, we are truly grateful for the support we receive from My Sister’s Place,” said Esperina Stubblefield, Director of The Umbrella. “This source of revenue allows us to continue to help thousands of victims of domestic violence."

 

UCDVS provides free and confidential services to more than 6,000 victims of domestic violence and their children. 

Services such as emergency shelter, 24-hour crisis hotlines, walk-in crisis centers, counseling, advocacy, and other supports are provided to those fleeing from domestic abuse. 

My Sister's Place, a program of BHcare, offers quality new and gently used clothing, furniture and housewares at discount prices. 

 

To learn more visit the store, 380 Main St., or visit www.bhcare.org and www.facebook.com/MySistersPlace.

(This is a press release from BHcare)

Eat, Drink & Be Merry

Dugatto Thanks Derby Voters

(The following is a letter to Derby citizens from Mayor Anita Dugatto)

 Derby is Stronger Together

DERBY - Thank you to all the voters who took time out of their busy lives on September 12 to vote in Derby’s Democratic Primary for Mayor.  

 

I am honored and humbled to have received the Democratic nomination for Mayor of Derby with my victory on September 12.  I couldn’t have done it without the support and confidence of countless volunteers and community members. I am deeply grateful for their efforts.

 

Turnout was strong.  I think this was due, in large part, to the interest our residents have in the

success of our city.  Over the past four years, we have worked hard to engage our citizens, to let them know they truly have a voice in their community and that their opinions matter. September 12 was a demonstration that our message was heard loud and clear.

 

When I was a child, my father worked at Derby’s Hull Dye and my mother stayed at home caring for me and my seven siblings while trying to make ends meet.  My parents, my neighbors, and many others showed me at a young age what a hard day of work looks like.  While the livelihoods of Derby’s residents may have changed over the years, one thing hasn’t - their strong work ethic. I believe in this city because I know that, if given the opportunity, each and every Derby resident has the drive and ability to succeed. That is why it’s so important to ensure that we are providing opportunities in our community for our residents to thrive.
 

Rather than looking for differences in each other - whether it be our ancestry, our political affiliation, or our income - we need to unite as people who are proud to call Derby home and who are working together to move us forward.
 

As the primary campaign season progressed, one thing became more and more apparent to me:  Mr. DiCenso and I are more alike than we are different.  We share the same level of passion for the community we grew up in - our knowledge of the challenges and our ideas for the solutions are, in fact, quite complimentary.  This shared perspective is an inherent strength.
 

Tremendous progress is being made in Derby.  When I look around our city, I see more businesses opening here, I see better parks, better roads, and better schools. These accomplishments were the result of dedication, collaboration, and a shared interest in the common good by members of Derby’s diverse community.  That diversity is important to ensure all citizens are represented.  

I humbly ask for your support again on November 7. Together we control the progress of Derby.  We will show that a shared vision for our community will prevail. 

 

Show Car Making Pit Stop in Seymour

Dziekan Reacts to Dugatto's Primary Win

From the Desk of Rich Dziekan:

Congratulations to Anita Dugatto on her victory in the Democratic primary. Her genuine, emotional reaction showed that like both myself and Carmen Dicenso, she truly cares about Derby.

Many of the city's Democrats and the vast majority of the Aldermen had publicly pledged their support for Dicenso, so the real question has to be, "Now what?"

One can't help but wonder how awkward and counterproductive the already strained relationship between Mayor Dugatto and the Board of Aldermen would be moving forward. I hope to keep the positive momentum of my campaign going, and I hope those that have supported Carmen in his bid will consider turning a blind eye to party politics and rally behind my desire to become Derby's next mayor.

I plan on unifying members of all city boards from both sides of the aisle in the best interest of our taxpayers. We are too small a city to suffer from such a big case of political divisiveness.

I'm excited for the next 8 weeks of hard work and campaigning, and my team's goal is to keep things clean and informative. The people of Derby deserve the best and I hope to be leading them in the right direction come November 7th.

Pig Roast to Benefit Children of Deceased Firefighter/Dispatcher

Hurry Up and Register for Seymour Pink 5K!

Sharing from Seymour Pink founder Mary Deming:

Hello 5K Runners and Walkers!

There is GOOD news and BAD news.

Our 5K registration for this year’s POUNDING the PAVEMENT for PINK has been off the charts!

As you know, we said we would cap the 5K at 2,600 runners/walkers or Sept. 22, whichever came first?

Well there is good news and bad news.

The good news is we are very close to 2,600, the bad news is we will close all registration at 11:59 p.m. this Wednesday, Sept. 13.

IF YOU have NOT registered for this year's 5K and are planning on doing so...time is RUNNING OUT!

 

Awards for “Most Team Members” in Individual/Family and Business/ Organization” categories, will be determined at the end of registration on Sept. 13.

HOWEVER, all donations made until Sept. 22., will continue to count toward “Most Monies Raised” awards for individual and for teams.

 

Also, although donations made after Sept. 22 will not count toward 5K awards, we will gratefully accept all online donations until Oct. 26, 2017.

 

PLEASE share with all who may not have signed up yet for this year’s 5K but are planning to do so; TIME is RUNNING OUT!  

 

THANK YOU for your support in the FIGHT against breast cancer!

Got Beer?

2017 Stand Down Event for CT Veterans

Dear Neighbors,    On Friday, September 22, the Connecticut Department of Veterans Affairs (CTVA) will be hosting the 2017 Stand Down event at the Rocky Hill Veterans' Home from 8:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. Connecticut's veterans deserve the services that they have earned.    Several community providers will have booths set up at the event with specialists to help veterans receive and learn about their earned service benefits, employment opportunities, medical screenings, and legal services.    Additional details are in the flyer below, provided by the CTVA:        If you have further questions about the event, or have any other additional inquiries regarding state government, I can always be reached at Nicole.Klarides-Ditria@housegop.ct.gov or 1-860-240-8700.    Sincerely,  State Rep. Nicole Klarides-Ditria

Nominate a Veteran for CT Veterans Hall of Fame

  

 

 

Vice-Chair of the legislature’s Veterans Affairs Committee, State Senator George S. Logan is letting the public know that the Connecticut Veterans Hall of Fame is seeking nominations for its 2017 hall of fame class.

 

Nominees must be veterans who honorably served in a branch of the military and who have been leaders in a variety of areas, such as arts, education, public service, volunteer activities, and community and business leadership.

 

Anyone can nominate a veteran, and the award also can be given posthumously.

 

Nomination packets and selection criterion can be found on the Connecticut Department of Veterans Affairs website under forms, or by going directly to: :http://www.ct.gov/ctva/lib/ctva/halloffame/veterans_hall_of_fame_nomination_packet_2017.pdf

 

All nomination packets must be received by the Office of the Commissioner of Veterans’ Affairs, 287 West Street, Rocky Hill, CT 06067, by 4 p.m. on Sep. 29.

 

Nominations received after Sep. 29 will be automatically considered for the next year.

 

Questions about nominations should be directed to Tammy Marzik at 860-616-3603.

 

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

 

(This is a press release from Sen. Logan)

 

Meet & Greet Sunday with Valley Democratic Candidates

Naugatuck Valley Young Democrats Introduce Endorsed Candidates

Meet the Candidates will allow the Naugatuck Valley community to get to know candidates for the upcoming municipal elections

(Derby, CT) September 1, 2017 – Founded in February of 2017, the Naugatuck Valley Young Democrats have had their eye on municipal elections in the valley from day one. Now they are ready to reveal their first group of endorsed candidates. The twelve endorsed candidates represent Ansonia, Derby, Seymour, and Shelton.

On Sunday, September 10^th from 5 to 7 pm the Naugatuck Valley Young Democrats will be hosting their Meet the Candidates event at The Hops Company in Derby, CT. Slated to appear are mayoral candidate Tarek Raslan and candidate for Alderman from the 5^th Ward Sennea Raslan from Ansonia, incumbent mayor Anita Dugatto, Board of Education candidate Mark Heuberger, and Board of Taxation candidate Kara Rochelle from Derby, Board of Selectmen candidates Stephan Behuniak and Rob Van Egghen, Planning and Zoning Commission candidate Jeff Hanewicz, Board of Assessment Appeals candidate Kwame Dunbar, Library Board of Directors candidate Audrey Lenhard, and Board of Finance alternate candidate Kristyn Hanewicz from Seymour, and candidate for Alderman from the 2^nd Ward Jason Jones from Shelton.

Not the first nor the last time that the Naugatuck Valley Young Democrats will be out in the community, this event will be a chance for the people of the valley to mingle with local political candidates and activists in a relaxed setting. Members of the organization will also be on hand to answer questions about this fledgling group.

About Naugatuck Valley Young Democrats

Founded in February of 2017, the Naugatuck Valley Young Democrats were voted an official chapter of the Connecticut Young Democrats in May of 2017. They represent Democrats between the ages of 14 and 36 from Ansonia, Beacon Fall, Derby, Naugatuck, Oxford, Seymour, and Shelton. They are working to bolster new engagement in valley politics as well as furthering the efforts of local Democratic candidates.

(This is a press release from the Naugatuck Valley Young Democrats)

Meet & Greet with Derby Author

Early Bird Registration for Cancer Center 5K Walk/Run

 

DERBY - Time is running out for discounted registration to The Ninth Annual 5K Walk/Run to benefit the Center for Cancer Care at Griffin Hospital.

 

This non-competitive, family-friendly event is set for 9 a.m. on Sat., Sept. 30 at the Griffin Hospital Center for Cancer Care, 350 Seymour Ave., Derby. Pre-registration is encouraged, and the first 500 registered participants will receive t-shirts. Registration is $25, but will increase to $30 after Sept. 15.

 

Proceeds are earmarked for special needs of cancer patients, such as support for transportation, groceries, and wig and salon services, as well as patient support programs at the Center for Cancer Care. In addition to funding direct patient care needs, the proceeds from this year’s 5K will support the purchase of technological advances in Griffin’s Radiation Oncology Department to provide exceptional cancer care that is comprehensive, comforting, and close to home.

 

Check-in begins at 7:30 a.m. with the Walk/Run kicking off at 9 a.m. Participants can walk or run individually, or form a team with their family, friends and co-workers. Participants are encouraged to collect pledges or purchase a commemorative sign to honor or memorialize a loved one at the event.

 

Individuals and teams can register online at griffinhealth.org/5k. For more information, call 203-732-7466 or e-mail 5kwalkrun@griffinhealth.org.

 

Volunteer for the Griffin 5K

Volunteers are needed to help with registration and to direct participants on the 5K route. For more information, contact Kathy Browne at 203-732-7555 or kbrowne@griffinhealth.org.

 

(This is a press release from Griffin Hospital)

Rescue Pet Calendar For Sale

SEYMOUR- First Selectman Kurt Miller received his "hot off the press" 2018 calendar featuring dogs and cats available for adoption at the Seymour-based CARES animal rescue shelter. The precious pets are featured alongside members of Seymour's Fire Department, who teamed up with CARES for the worthwhile fundraiser. The calendar features 12 months of rescues and rescuers, including Charlie the lab, sporting a red plastic fireman’s hat, perched behind the wheel of a fire truck. Calendars are available for sale by visiting this link:

www.seymourcares.org

Road Work Alert for Valley Motorists

The Connecticut Department of Transportation is announcing that a nighttime milling and resurfacing project will be performed on Route 34 (Roosevelt Dr.) in Seymour and Derby, beginning Tuesday, September 5.  The project consists of milling and resurfacing a 4.34 mile segment of Route 34 (Roosevelt Dr.) in Seymour and Derby. This project is scheduled to occur from 8:00 p.m. to 5:00 a.m. Tuesday, September 5, to the morning of Tuesday, September 26. Motorists can expect lane closures on Route 34 (Roosevelt Dr.) between Route 188 (Squantuck Rd.) and Bridge Street. The regular work schedule for this project is 8:00 p.m. to 5:00 a.m. (Sunday through Thursday).