Ansonia Park Celebrates New Beginning

ANSONIA - Although an extended thunderstorm cut short a proposed daylong celebration (Saturday, July 27) of Abe Stone Park’s new beginning, the rain couldn’t dampen the spirits of the day’s ceremony that was well-attended by City residents and dignitaries.


Mayor David Cassetti spoke and thanked sponsors whose generous donations to the Mayor’s Ansonia Beautification Fund enabled the extensive park makeover. Free hot dogs were served throughout the afternoon, rain or shine, for all those attending. There was pickup basketball and wiffleball games, volleyball, boating on Colony Pond, and new hiking trails explored as the live band on hand played on. 

Mayor Cassetti invites residents to rediscover Abe Stone Park, take a hike around the pond. Bring family and friends for a cookout or outing. Come down to boat, fish, play basketball and enjoy the new volleyball court.

(This is a press release from Ansonia City Hall)

How Well Do You Know Derby???

https://www.derbyct.gov/cultural-commission-events  - Link to picture quiz.

https://www.derbyct.gov/cultural-commission-events - Link to picture quiz.

 

For more information and questions – email – Cultural Commission Member Lisa Brailey - lisa.brailey@gmail.com

Library to Mark Woodstock's 50th Anniversary

Godzilla Double Feature at The Strand July 27

SEYMOUR-  A double-feature of classic Godzilla movies will be shown Saturday, July 27, at The Strand Theatre, 165 Main St. Doors open at 6:45 p.m. Tickets will be available at the door for $10 cash or in advance at GuitarFixer Bob’s shop next door to the theater. 

Dog Trainer to Share Tips

Local Rock Act Inks Record Deal

SEYMOUR - Growing up, many kids dream about becoming rock stars. Seymour High School Graduate, Kate Mirabella, is no exception. On July 17, 2019, that dream came one step closer to reality when her band, Passing Strange, signed a record deal with NeuroTronix Records - an independent label in Seymour, Connecticut.

After three years of playing shows around the state, recording music, and raising funds for organizations like Bridges Healthcare, Milford Prevention Council, and To Write Love on Her Arms, Passing Strange is finally moving up in their musical career.

“It’s the kind of thing every musician dreams of, one day signing with a record label,” said Kate, who sings and plays piano in the band. “This is how all my heroes started out, and I’m hoping it’s the first big step on the road to great things.” 

Drummer Anthony Paolucci had this to say, “We’re hoping that by signing with NeuroTronix, this will open a lot of doors that might not otherwise be available to us. We’re excited to be working with Rick (Demko); he believes in our music as much as we do. With his experience and expertise, we’ll be able to reach even more people.” 

You can check out Passing Strange’s pre-label album, Come Whatever Storms, on Spotify. And to learn more about NeuroTronix Records, visit their website: neurotronixrecords.com. 

(This is a press release from Richard Demko)

Brewery Anniversary Celebration on Tap

COME CELEBRATE WITH US THIS SATURDAY! 2 Food trucks, 2 Bands, 2 Pop-ups, and 2 new beers - MAMMA JAMMA an Imperial IPA with Tangerine and LOOMPA a Strawberry Gose. Plus we're giving away FREE limited editions t-shirts with purchases of full cases of cans to-go!

Derby Historical Society Gets New Leader

DERBY- The Derby Historical Society announces the transition of leadership from Paula J. Norton, who after serving the DHS for over 9-years is passing the baton to Daniel L. Bosques. 

As executive director, Daniel, who has also been involved with the DHS for 9-years will continue in the legacy of serving the lower Naugatuck Valley towns of Ansonia, Derby, Oxford, Seymour and  Shelton. 

Paula and Daniel are pictured here alongside some of the docents who help make the David Humphreys House come to life with their award-winning A Day in 1762 school program, as well as during numerous open houses and events; this will be the 39th-year that the Derby Historical Society offers this field trip to students from all over Connecticut. 

Stop by the David Humphrey House, located at 37 Elm St., Ansonia, CT on Saturday, July 20^th from 10 am – 1 pm for an Open House. You can reach the DHS with inquiries at Dan@derbyhistorical.org or by calling 203-735-1908.

(This is a press release from the Derby Historical Society)

Griffin Hospital Recognized by New England Donor Services

DERBY - Griffin Hospital, in Derby, recently received the Health and Human Services Work Place for Life (WPFL) Gold Recognition Award from New England Donor Services for raising awareness about organ donation.

The WPFL Hospital Campaign encourages hospitals to coordinate donor awareness and registry enrollment activities with their staff, patients and community members. The goals of the campaign are to increase organ and tissue donation awareness in the surrounding community, cultivate a hospital culture that incorporates educating and registering potential donors as part of their standard mission, and provide online organ and tissue donor registration opportunities.

Griffin was a valued partner of New England Donor Services for the 2018 campaign, assisting in 11 tissue donations.

Partners in the WPFL campaign are committed to building awareness of the critical need for organ, eye, and tissue donation registration. According to New England Donor Services, there are more than 110,000 people in the U.S. are on the waiting list for a life-saving organ transplants. One donor has the potential of saving up to nine lives through organ donation and can enhance the lives of 50 people through tissue donation.

For more information about organ donation, visit donatelife.net.

(This is a press release from Griffin Hospital)

THC Serving up Summer Raw Bar

DERBY - The Hops Co. is offering a Summer Raw Bar from 5 to 7 p.m. every Friday throughout the summer.

Clambakes and Catering of CT will provide freshly shucked clams and oysters, jumbo shrimp and mini lobster rolls. Weekly platter specials vary. 

THC is located at 77 Sodom Lane.

For more information visit TCH online at https://www.thehopscompany.com/

37th Annual Julian A. Taylor Awards Dinner

 The Julian A. Taylor Scholarship Committee Announces $5,000 JAT Award Winner

ANSONIA - The Julian A. Taylor Scholarship Committee announces 2019 Ansonia High School graduate, Ekettee Weamie, is the recipient of the 2019 $5,000 Julian A. Taylor Scholarship.  She will be attending Gateway Community College where she will major in radiography. She aspires to be a Radiographer. In addition to maintaining her academics Ekettee was active in the National Honor Society, Student Government, Human Relations Club, National Art Society and After School Chorus.

The $5,000 Julian A. Taylor Scholarship Award is presented to the highest ranking African American Senior with an 85 or above average going to a University/College. In addition, 21 African American students in grades 3 to 11 attending Ansonia Public Schools will receive a $100 JAT Scholars award. The Julian A. Taylor Scholarship Fund was established in 1982 to honor and continue the ideals of the late Rev. Dr. Julian A. Taylor, former Pastor of Macedonia Baptist Church.  

The event speaker will be the 2019 State of CT. Teacher of the Year, Sheena Graham. Sheena is a native of Ansonia and a graduate of Ansonia High School.  She is currently a Music Teacher at Warding High School, Bridgeport.  She is in her 36 year of teaching in the Bridgeport Public School District.

Graham has led workshops in music literacy, connecting parents and teachers, and music in ministry. Graham’s recording and writing experience is extensive. Her original works have been performed locally and at the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C. (“We Can If We Believe,” March of 2018,) and the White House (“My Destiny,” February 2014) (“It’s Not How You Start,” May 2016). Topics include dealing with teen years, coping with tragedy, breast cancer and not allowing our circumstances to define our destiny.

Superior Court Judge Erika Tindall, will be the event M.C.  Attorney Tindall, was appointed in 2014 by Gov. Malloy to the bench where she serves in Hartford, CT.

Awards will be presented at the J.A.T. 37^th Annual Awards Dinner, on July 14, 2019 2:00 p.m, at the Grassy Hill Country Club, 441 Clark Lane, Orange CT.  Ticket donations are $40 for adults and $20 for children.  To purchase tickets please call 203.645.9635. The public is invited.

Derby Mayor Thanks Fireworks Donors

DERBY - Mayor Richard Dziekan would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to the businesses who donated to this year’s Independence Day Fireworks.

Because of overwhelming generosity, Wednesday (July 3) night’s fireworks were fully funded through contributions by local businesses and corporate partners.

Every year, Derby shares the cost of the fireworks with Shelton, and this year each municipality was responsible for $13,600 plus our own fire watch.

The Mayor’s office sent out letters in April seeking donations and we are thrilled to announce that for the second year in a row there was no expense to the taxpayer.

All additional money raised above this year’s costs will be set aside for next year.

Below is a list of all the donors that helped make the firework display on July 3 such an amazing experience.

We are so grateful for your support.

A Quick Pick Crane

Aetna

All American Waste

Aquarion Water Company

Arthur J. Gallagher & Co.

Arum & Associates

Bad Sons Beer Co.

Barnum Engineered Systems

Barretta Enterprises

Beirne Wealth Consulting

Bradley Pond

Calvert Safe & Lock

Catholic War Veterans

City Carting & Recycling

Civitella & Associates

Cohen and Wolf

Decarlo & Doll

Dew Drop Inn

Dominick J. Thomas, Jr.

Espo’s Ace Realty

Frank Pepe Construction

Griffin Hospital

Hancock Pharmacy

John M. Rak

McDonald’s

Retro Grub & Pub

Salerno Inc./Italian Pavilion

Sons of Italy

Sovita Chiropractic

Sunflower Dental

T.H.C. The Hops Company

Tipsy Tomato

Tracy’s Garage Inc.

United Cigar

USI Insurance

Vincent Guardiano

Weston & Sampson

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