New Year Brings New State Laws

Dear Neighbors,   As 2017 comes to an end, we prepare for a number of new laws to take effect starting January 1, 2018. These new laws may have an impact on you, your business, or our communities. I therefore encourage you to take a look at the full list of laws that can be found by clicking here. I have listed some of the more noteworthy legislation below. Please feel free to contact me with any questions or clarifications regarding the implementation of these laws. AN ACT PREVENTING PRESCRIPTION OPIOID DIVERSION AND ABUSE - Public Act No. 17-131 - requires prescriptions be transcribed electronically to safeguard against over prescribing, reduces the maximum number of days for a prescription from seven to five for minors and allows patients to request drugs other than opioids be prescribed. Summary   AN ACT CONCERNING THE DEFINITION OF A VETERAN FOR A CERTAIN HONOR AND CERTAIN BENEFIT - Public Act No. 17-83 – broadens the eligibility criteria for certain veterans' benefits, allows additional people to receive a service ribbon and medal, be buried in a Connecticut veterans' cemetery, or have veteran status indicated on their driver's license or identity card. Summary   Please pass this information along to those who may benefit from knowing what to expect in the New Year in the State of Connecticut.   New legislation typically goes into effect on January 1st, July 1st, or October 1st in a calendar year, although a few laws go into effect immediately upon passage.   As always, please do not hesitate to contact me should you have any questions or concerns relating to state government at Nicole.Klarides-Ditria@housegop.ct.gov or at (800) 842-1423.   Sincerely,     State Rep. Nicole Klarides-Ditria

Shelton Mayor Lauretti Donates to The Kennedy Center

Mayor Lauretti of Shelton, right, presented Martin D. Schwartz, President and CEO of The Kennedy Center, left, with a $5,000 check from the Mayor’s Annual Charity Golf Classic.  This sizable donation will be used for the agency’s general operating expenses.
 

SHELTON- Mayor Mark A. Lauretti recently surprised the Kennedy Center with a big donation over the holiday season with proceeds from his annual charity golf tournament.

 

“We want to personally thank Mayor Lauretti and the supporters of his golf tournament for their generous donation to The Kennedy Center,” said Martin D. Schwartz, President and CEO of The Kennedy Center.  “This substantial contribution has been earmarked for general operating expenses, which will benefit the 2,000 people with disabilities we serve throughout the region.”

 

Mayor Lauretti added, “I have been involved with The Kennedy Center for several decades.  This major rehabilitation agency provides people with disabilities many employment and community resources throughout the region, including in Shelton. In fact, several years ago, I hired an outstanding Kennedy Center worker in my office at City Hall.  I am honored to provide this worthwhile organization with a $5,000 donation from the Mayor’s Golf Tournament, so they can continue helping others.”

 

The Kennedy Center, founded in 1951, is an internationally accredited, non-profit, community-based rehabilitation organization that currently serves over 2,000 individuals annually. The agency actively responds to the needs of the community by offering innovative, comprehensive service options to persons with disabilities and special needs, from birth to senior years.

 

The Kennedy Center operates 31 community experience programs, 16 group homes, an industries program composed of six businesses, supported and competitive employment and job placement services, a family support and respite service, travel training, and a variety of children’s programs. 

 

Visit www.thekennedycenterinc.org for more information. 

Ring in the New Year with a Hike!

ANSONIA - Ring in the New Year with an invigorating hike at the Ansonia Nature Center!

The New Year's Day Hike will be held Monday, January 1, 2018 at 10am, 10 Deerfield Lane, Ansonia. Contact a Nature Center representative at (203) 736-1053 to pre-register.

This event is FREE for all ages, children must be accompanied by an adult.

(Information shared from City of Ansonia Facebook page)

Klarides Family Spreads Holiday Cheer around the Valley

State Rep. Themis Klarides (center, playing Santa) recently paid a visit to Griffin Hospital in Derby and area senior centers to spread some holiday cheer. Klarides was accompanied by her helpers, from left, nephew Cade Klarides-Ditria, sister state Rep. Nicole Klarides-Ditria, Spencer Rubin from CT House Republicans and Greg Butler, GOP press person. The Klarides sisters are carrying on a longstanding tradition started by their father, Peter, who visited patients at the holidays.

Hundreds of Coats Collected for Hurricane Victims

ANSONIA- More than 250 coats were donated during the holiday hurricane relief for residents of Puerto Rico. The drive was organized by Assumption Church & School through the assistance of State Senator George Logan, State Represenative Linda Gentile, Pastor John Hinson of First Baptist Church and coat drive leader Martha Carrasquillo of Assumption School.

(Information submitted by Greg Martin/Ansonia City Hall)

Bad Santa Party on Tap!

Local VFW Donates to Veterans Organization

Al Yagovane, far left, Commander of Seymour's VFW Post 12084, recently made a donation to Homes for the Brave, which helps area veterans. Also pictured from right to left: Phillip Modesto, Edward Rivera and Ron Antanucci Manager ACE Hardware, which hosted the fundraiser.

Hey Ansonia: Deck Those Halls!

Derby Cheerleaders to be Honored Saturday

DERBY - All Citizens and friends of Derby are cordially invited to participate in a special event to honor the achievements of the Derby Pop Warner Cheerleaders on Saturday December 16, 2017 at 10 am. A firetruck-led convoy will begin the procession from Bradley School and end at Derby Middle School. Coffee, cocoa and cookies will be served following the event in the school cafeteria. Mayor Richard Dziekan and the rest of the city are looking forward to celebrating this momentous achievement.

 

(This is a press release from Mayor Dziekan's office)

Stuff-A-Jeep with Toys, Food & Cash

Bells Will be Ringing...

Derby Students Nab Prestigious State Award

Christian Olenoski                 Nailah Huq                 Nikita Khanna            Zachary Banores

 

DERBY-  The Connecticut Association of Public School Superintendents (CAPSS) has developed a student award program to provide Superintendents with the means of aligning themselves with their students. The program is conducted by CAPSS and made available to local CAPSS Superintendents who wish to participate. 

 

The program awards students based on community service and service to others; academic prowess (relative to ability); and leadership service to the school community.  The Superintendent/Student Award Recognition Program is designed to allow Superintendents to move beyond the academic achiever who routinely receives recognition.  

 

Derby School Superintendent, Dr. Conway, was proud to recognize four Derby students with this prestigious award at the CAPSS 32^nd Annual Student Award Banquet, which was held on December 7, 2017 at Grassy Hill Country Club.  Derby High School seniors Christian Olenoski and Nailah Huq received awards, along with Derby Middle School students Zachary Banores and Nikita Khanna.  Board of Education member Dan Foley Principal Pascale and Principal Vitelli were also present to honor the students.

 

(This is a press release from Derby Schools)

Sen. Logan Collecting Coats for a Cause

Seymour Middle School Glee Club Rocks Radio City Music Hall

SEYMOUR- The Seymour Middle School Glee Club under the direction of Music Teacher, Mr. Nate Dobas, performed at Radio City Music Hall in New York City today. The Glee Club did a wonderful job and we are very proud of them!

(Sharing information from Seymour First Selectman Kurt Miller's Facebook page)

Learn How to Eat Healthy During the Holidays

DERBY - The Diabetes Education & Support Group at Griffin Hospital will host two free presentation about health self-management during the holidays on Tues., Dec. 12 at 2:30 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. at the hospital, 130 Division St., Derby.

 

Certified Diabetes Educator Mary Swansiger, BSN, MPH, will lead “Navigating the Holidays,” a presentation of a holiday meal survival guide and open discussion of strategies for making the holidays happier and healthier.

 

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

 

The Diabetes Education & Support Group meets September - June on the second Tuesday of each month to discuss the management of diabetes, its challenges, and day-to-day dietary concerns. Individuals with diabetes and their caregivers are welcome to attend.

 

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

 

(This is a press release from Griffin Hospital)

Bring Santa Home

Free Holiday Concert

 

DERBY - Griffin Hospital invites the community to a free holiday concert on Thurs., Dec. 14 at Assumption Church, 61 North Cliff St., Ansonia.

 

The Griffin Hospital Annual Holiday Concert will feature Valley Soul, a choir of volunteer singers under the direction of recording artist and music industry veteran Angela Clemmons. Doors open at 6 p.m. and the concert starts at 6:30 p.m. Refreshments to follow the concert.

 

This can’t-miss gospel performance will feature choir members from faith-based organizations, health and human service agencies, foundations, and other grassroots organizations, serving as a metaphor for the “choir of caring” that collectively wraps its arms around the residents of the Valley.

 

This event is sponsored by the President’s Fund at Griffin Hospital as a thank you to Griffin’s sponsors and the community, and as a celebration of Griffin’s family of employees, medical staff, volunteers, corporators, and trustees for their dedication, compassion and expertise.

 

Register at griffinhealth.org/giving by Tues., Dec. 12 in order to reserve your seat. Seating is general admission on a first come, first served basis.

 

(This is a press release from Griffin Hospital)

Ansonia to Mark Pearl Harbor Day

Wonderland of Trees to Benefit Spooner House

DERBY - Griffin Hospital, 130 Division St., Derby, is holding its Annual Holiday Wonderland of Trees fundraiser to support Spooner House until Dec. 21.

 

Located in the hospital’s main corridor, the fundraiser features three-foot trees decorated by hospital staff with themed ornaments and prizes to be raffled off.

 

Raffle tickets are $1 each, 15 for $10 or 40 for $20. The tickets are available at the hospital’s front desk. The winning tickets will be drawn at 2 p.m. on Dec. 21. Winners do not need to be present at the drawing.

 

Proceeds will benefit Spooner House in Shelton, which provides food, shelter and support services to people in need.

 

(This is a press release from Griffin Hospital)

Brighten a Child's Holiday

Santa "Clausetti" Checking List for Sled Give-A-Way Contest

ANSONIA- The entry deadline has arrived for the Great Ansonia Sled Give-A-Way Contest to celebrate the anticipated opening of Ansonia Winter Playground at Linett Park. Pictured is Mayor Santa Clausetti looking over the more than 300 contest entries, from mostly good boys and girls, received at City Pole.

Santa Clausetti will be selecting up to 50 winners of brand new Flexible Flyer Sleds or Flying Saucers.

Contest winners will be contacted by Rudolph or Frosty next week with instructions on where and when to collect their prize.

Additional details on Ansonia Winter Playground opening to be announced shortly. The playground will include a 250’ length sledding hill, 2,250 sq ft ice skating rink, fire pit, flood lights and weekend snack truck.

(This is a press release from Ansonia City Hall)