Valley Community Foundation Awards $170,000 in Scholarships

  

Valley Community Foundation Awards $170,000 from Scholarship Funds to Support Educational Pursuits of Local Students

 

DERBY, CT (October 22, 2020) – Whether at home conducting remote learning, via a hybrid model, or attending full-time and in-person, the start of a new school year looks very different for students pursuing higher education during the pandemic. With the 2020-2021 academic year under way, the Valley Community Foundation (VCF) is pleased to announce that it has awarded more than 160 scholarships totaling $170,000 from its 75 scholarship funds. While many of these students are entering their first year of higher education this fall, some awards provide renewable tuition assistance for up to four years.

“For many Valley residents, establishing a scholarship not only pays tribute to their family but it can also memorialize their name at a local high school,” said Sharon Closius, VCF President & CEO. “Whether it’s participation on a sports team, the longevity of family history, or memorializing lifetime friendships that were made, establishing a scholarship to benefit local high schools is an investment in our community’s future and reflects the value of higher education.”

For years, VCF has worked with the Valley’s high schools to manage and administer scholarship funds. Rather than a high school holding the scholarship money in a CD or savings account, scholarships are established, managed, and invested with VCF. The high school continues to select the recipients of various scholarships, but the staff saves time and money by not administering individual savings accounts. Additionally, the money is invested in a large investment pool that has historically yielded a better return, which increases the size of the fund and the distributable amount over time.

Scholarship funds are often created in memory of someone special. Depending on preference, the scholarships can support any area of academic need, including tuition, room and board, or books. Donors can simply select eligibility requirements for the scholarship based on a student’s field of study, academic achievements, extracurricular activities, financial need, background, or geography. Some scholarships give a single award to support a graduating senior pursuing higher education while others can be renewable through college.

If you are interested in establishing a scholarship fund in honor or in memory of a loved one that can benefit a local graduating senior each year, contact Sharon Closius, Valley Community Foundation President & CEO, for more information at 203-751-9162 or visit www.valleyfoundation.org.

About The Valley Community Foundation

Established in 2004, the Valley Community Foundation distributes approximately $1.6 million in grants 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 that benefit the Valley. For more information, visit www.valleyfoundation.org.

 

Fundraiser for Slain Woman's Son

 

Pro-Police Rally in Ansonia Oct. 10

 

Halloween Drive-Thru Event in Ansonia

 

Derby Lions to Host Diabetes Awareness Walk

 

Valley Senior Health Fair Becomes Drive-Thru Event

 

Fundraiser Scheduled to Help Murder Victim's Son

 

Paint the Town and Your House Pink

 

Pinkest House/Yard/Business Decorating Contest

Sharing from Seymour Pink founder Mary Deming:

"We love seeing all of the pink ribbons and encouraging messages and decor along our normal race route. Since we cannot be together, that doesn’t mean we cannot SEE MORE PINK. In fact, we can see even more!  

"We are challenging participants to decorate their house and/or yards pink for race weekend and the kickoff of Breast Cancer Awareness month [in October].  

"Businesses and storefronts can participate too! Since we are virtual, everyone can participate – even if you’re not on our traditional race route and even if you’re not in Connecticut. Help everyone SEE MORE PINK this October.

"Submit photos to us at poundingthepavementforpink@gmail.com with subject line Home Contest.

"All entries must be submitted by 4 p.m on Saturday, Oct. 3. We will be sharing all entries on social media and will compile into a slideshow at the end of the event."

"Awards for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place houses are as follows:

$200 Visa Gift Card for 1st Place
$100 Via Gift Card for 2nd Place
$50 Visa Gift Card for 3rd Place

Time to start brainstorming!"

Open House at Derby Historical Society

 

Open House - Derby Historical Society

 

Event Name:  Open House at the General David Humphreys House

Date:  Saturday, September 19, 2020

Location: David Humphreys House, 37 Elm Street, Ansonia, CT

Time:  11 am - 3 pm

Admission: $5.00 per visitor

Contact:  203-735-1908 or info@derbyhistorical.org

Ansonia – Saturday, September 19, 2020.  Please join us for Derby Historical Society’s Open House on Saturday, September 19th from 11 am to 3 pm. Our talented Docents will be pleased to lead small groups through a tour of the House. While visiting, take a look in our Gift Shop for unique, one-of-a-kind items! Szabo’s Seafood will be on-site! Parking is available in our lot and on Thomas Street.

Thank you for your support and for helping us preserve our place in history. Call 203-735-1908 for information or visit our website www.derbyhistorical.org

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

Valley Art Gallery Seeking Your Scariest Work

 

Free School Supplies for Ansonia Students

 

Free PPE Giveaway

 

Drive-In Movies Coming to Ansonia

Community Conversation on Equity, Justice & Compassion for All

DMV Announces Deadline Extensions

______________________________________________________________

Connecticut DMV announces additional deadline extensions The Connecticut Department of Motor Vehicles recently announced that it has added to its list of extended deadlines for residents with expiring credentials. Eligible DMV credentials that expire between August 1, 2020 and September 30, 2020 are automatically covered by this extension. In addition to extending the expiration date of DMV credentials, late fees associated with eligible expired credentials will be waived during this time period of the extension for qualifying credentials. Deadlines have been extended for the following DMV-related items: ·       All licenses, permits, and identification cards: Lengthens the credential extension to 90 days for credentials that expire between August 1, 2020 and September 30, 2020. ·       All registrations, including International Registration Plan and boat registrations: For credentials expiring between August 1, 2020 and September 30, 2020, credentials will be extended by 90 days from the expiration date. ·       Emissions testing and retesting: For test due dates that fall between August 1, 2020 and September 30, 2020, the due date will be extended by 90 days from the emissions expiration date. ·       Permanent disability placard: Any permanent disability placard that expires at the same time as a credential that is subject to an extension will be extended by 90 days. ·       Business licenses: For credentials expiring between August 1, 2020 and September 30, 2020, credentials will be extended by 90 days from the expiration date. ·       Temporary registrations: Temporary registrations obtained between August 1, 2020 and September 30, 2020 are extended by 90 days. ·       Temporary licenses, IDs, permits that contain a digital image: Expiration dates will be extended by 90 days for all temporary (paper) licenses obtained between August 1, 2020 and September 30, 2020. ·       Flashing light permits: Expiration dates between August 1, 2020 and September 30, 2020 are extended by 90 days. ·       School bus proficiency tests: Extends the validity of school bus proficiency tests that are due between August 1, 2020 and September 30, 2020 by 90 days. For answers to questions, updates, or more information about these extensions or other previously-issued credential extensions, visit www.ct.gov/dmv, call 860-263-5700 (within the Hartford area) or 1-800-842-8222 (outside the Hartford area). If you have any additional questions on this or any other issues, please reach out to me by email or call my office.

Contact Rep. Nicole Klarides-Ditria 860-240-8700 | 800-842-1423 www.repnkd.com nicole.klarides-ditria@housegop.ct.gov View a map of our district

New Development Director for Valley United Way

SHELTON- Following months of strategic planning and then working with the community on Coronavirus Relief, Valley United Way is excited to announce the hiring of a new part time Development Director, Brian Mezzi of Clinton, CT.

Mr. Mezzi also currently works at United Way of Greater New Haven (UWGNH) as their Assistant Development Director.  Hearing of the good work he was accomplishing there, Interim President/COO of Valley United Way, David Kennedy, approached UWGNH to consider a work share scenario that would enable Mr. Mezzi to work for the Valley part time.  

“The shared services agreement we have entered into with UWGNH is the best of so many worlds,” Mr. Kennedy said. “We have been able to bring a very talented United Way development professional onto our team, while he continues to support corporate partnerships and United Way of Greater New Haven’s workplace campaign.”

With 10 years of non-profit experience, primarily with United Ways in Connecticut, Mezzi has spent most of that time cultivating and creating relationships with workplaces that are looking to contribute to local needs. Last year, Mezzi worked with a diverse portfolio of local businesses to successfully raise over $1 million for the greater New Haven community.

He is also no stranger to giving back to the community.  An avid fencer, Mezzi is the former Head Coach for the North Haven Fencing team and is the Co-Chair of the CT High School Fencing Association.  He has won awards for his roles in service and leadership through organizations like Americorps and the Corporation for National and Community Service.

Though relatively new to the Valley community, Mezzi notes, “I look forward to engaging with individuals and partners throughout the Valley. I make it my goal to inspire others, both in and out of the workplace, to give and get involved in their community. I look forward to working together in a ‘United Way’ to change what's possible for the Valley. “

As Valley United Way is still working remotely due to Coronavirus, it was not the typical “orientation” for the new employee.  Brian Mezzi started at Valley United Way on Monday, July 13^th and will continue working remotely, along with other VUW staff until further notice.  

For any questions related to Development and Workplace Giving for Valley United Way, Mezzi can be contacted at:  Brian.Mezzi@valleyunitedway.org.

(This is a press release from Valley United Way)

City-Wide Tag Sale

Exercise Class at Linett Park

LINETT PARK REPURPOSED FOR EXERCISE CLASS!!

Ansonia- Looking to break a sweat and tone up among similar enthusiasts? Why not try an early evening workout in the park with Tad-G’s Fitness. Every Mon, Wed and Thur at 6:15pm, the fitness center on East Main Street, offers POUND and Zumba classes at Linett Park. For more information or to sign up, call Terry at 203-895-6082, or visit www.tadgsfitness.com

Fore The Love of Golf, Read This!

Build your network and your golf game.

Fore where there is golf, there is business.

Combining the best of business and pleasure, the Chamber's Annual Golf Tournament provides an enjoyable day to connect with clients or colleagues. This fun and competitive event features a challenging course, great prizes and opportunities to build professional relationships with Valley-area business leaders. Whether you come for the golf or the networking, you’re guaranteed to have a great time under the sun.

Please see attached flyer and take a shot to be a golfer, sponsor or both! Tournament entry includes: 18-holes of Golf; Cart and Green fees; Breakfast, Lunch, Beverages, Snacks on the course plus more. 

 

Tournament features the Curtiss-Ryan Honda Hole-in-One,

plus back by popular demand the early morning shot-gun start at 9:00 am

The Course: Located on nearly 300 acres of beautifully manicured turf grass, trees, watercourses and natural areas, Race Brook Country Club has long been considered one of the finest tests of golf in New England.

Click here for more details and to register or sponsor now!

Or email us today - we are happy to answer your questions.

Funds raised by this event are used to further the Chamber's mission of creating a strong local economy, promoting the Greater Valley region, advocating on behalf of local businesses, and connecting area business people.

Register for Derby Pop Warner Football & Cheerleading

Derby Revaluation of Properties Getting Underway

DERBY- The City of Derby would like to make homeowners and commercial property owners aware that the 2020 revaluation project is under way and will be performed by the City of Derby Assessor’s Office.

The first phase of the revaluation process is collecting current information on all properties within the City of Derby. Derby was scheduled to conduct a Full Inspection effort which included an onsite visit to all properties within the City.  Due to COVID-19, an executive order has been enacted by the state substituting the Full Inspection effort with a Data Mailer. 

Data Mailers are a postal mailing that contains specific information on each property.  They will be mailed to the owner on record with the City.  The property owner will be asked to make any necessary adjustments and return the form to the Derby Assessors office or deposit it in the drop box on the Minerva side of City Hall.  Detailed instructions will be included in the mailing.

The Data Mailers are expected to be mailed in July of 2020.

Any questions, please contact the Derby Assessor’s Office at revaluation@derbyct.gov or call 203-736-1455. Thank you, in advance, for your cooperation in this very important process.

(This is a press release from Town/City Clerk Marc Garofalo)

Online Town Hall Meeting for Older Adults Living Through the Pandemic

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact:     Lorrie Hoak

                    Director of Support Services

                    (203) 736-5420 ext.1246

                    lhoak@teaminc.org  

“Living Through the Pandemic” for CT’s Older Adults, Friday July 17

Who?          Connecticut Coalition on Aging

Older adults residing in CT, age 60 and above, are invited to join the CCOA Board for a virtual conversation about the Covid-19 pandemic and its impact on older adult life.

What?         Town Hall Meeting for CT’s Older Adults:

                    Conversation will be limited to attendee responses to the following:

                    1. During the pandemic, what were the greatest challenges you faced?

2. What helped you get through isolation and how did you get your needs met?

3. Do you think your life has now changed permanently? In what ways?

                   

When?        Friday, July 17, 2020 from 10:00AM – 11:30AM

Where?       You must register to attend on-line meeting using “Zoom” (free, web base meeting software for a computer, tablet or smartphone). To register click on this link: Register for 7/17 Town Hall Meeting  For more information email: Kliberman@cox.net

Closed Caption will be available

Fresh Fruits and Veggies in Ansonia

Ansonia Middle School Holds Virtual Graduation

ANSONIA - A total of 171 eighth graders from Ansonia High School were honored in a virtual graduation program this year, Principal Peter Colaccino has announced. The program, which features speeches from the building principals, Superintendent of Schools, and Valedictorian, can be viewed at https://youtu.be/3OqDQMsK3Gw

Mr. Colaccino spoke about Valedictorian Fahmida Chowdhury and her accomplishments. 

“Fahmida’s diligent work ethic and endearing personality were on display each and every day at the middle school,” he said. “She was the female recipient of this year’s CAPSS Award (CT Association of Public Schools Superintendents) as well. No doubt, she has a very promising future ahead of her and the AMS community can’t wait to hear about all of the wonderful things she will soon accomplish.”

Achievement Awards were also announced as part of the virtual program:

•           Superintendent’s Award: Fahmida Chowdhury and Jonathan Kish.

•           Excellence in Social Studies: Preston Dziubina and Faith Walker.

•           Excellence in Science: Zoe Frager and Anthony Kezer.

•           Excellence in ELA: Symone Finney and Maqila Mosley-Williams.

•           Excellence in Math: Atyana Delvalle and Megan Koslowski.

The students who successfully completed their 8th grade year are as follows (those with an asterisk are members of the National Junior Honor Society):

Jair Albaladejo Rivera, Adrian Albelo, Dezryel Allick, Timothy Angeski, Michael Arias, Alijah Arnold, Juanita Ayala, Ray Badillo, Forrest Banks, Thomas Barfi, Jhani Barge, Kevin Barrios, Moises Beltran, Alexandra Bevan, Rickayla Blagrove, Jamar Booker, Trevon Booker, Geno Borrero, Blaine Bostic, Arielle Bracey, Alivia Brown, *Hailey Burton, *Samantha Burton, David Cabrera, Jamiah Carrillo, *Shellymar Casillas, Caden Chapman, *Fahmida Chowdhury, Isaac Colon, Logan Coon, Ryan Cornish, Noelle Corwell, Ellsie Cotto, *Kailey Cruz, Kenneth Curet.

Alessandro DaGraca, James Daniels, *Nevaeh Davenport, Jaiden Davis, Nina Delgado, *Atyana Delvalle, Isaiah Delvalle, Christian Deutscher-Cordova, Julianna Diaz, Kyle Disley, Dynastee Dixon,

*Jake Dodge, Amari Dos Santos, *Preston Dziubina, Benjamin Eads, *Gwyneth Fasciano, *Symone Finney, *Zoe Frager, Emily Frey, Jacob Gaffney, *Angela Garcia, Gabriela Garcia, Jerry Garcia, Jacquelyn Gibson, *Terrell Givens, Casper Gola, *Ariana Gomez, Emily Gonzalez, Jayvante Gonzalez, *Shaddai Gonzalez, Valentina Guarna, Adriatik Haliti, Alexa Hauck, *Puma Haug, Deanna Hebert, Chloe Hernandez, *Shawn Hernandez, Isaiah Holmes, *Kelly Horjatschun.

Jeremy Infante, Machi Ingram, *Davius Irizarry, Davonte Jackson, Kayli Jacobs, Julia Jarmoszko, Ashley Jenner, Diana Kachaliy, *Landon Kerr, *Victoria Kettles, *Anthony Kezer, *Jonathan Kish, 

Megan Koslowski, *Shayla Kovacs, *Erald Kukaj, *Joseph Kuskowski, *John Kwalek, Cameron LeFrancois, Jovan Lilly, Saiivion Littlejohn-Belcher, *Alexander Lopez, Christopher Lopez, Natalia Maine, Alexandra Makowski, Ryan Marrero, Steven Martinez-Santos, Jacari Mcfadden, Arriana Meekins, Janeli Mercado, Mark Meredith, James Mikita, *Maqila Mosley-Williams, *Kassidy Musnicki, Thy-rene Mweze.

*Jennipher Najeeb, *Emilyanna Negron, Tavaris Nembhard, *Anna Nguyen, Michael Oates, 

Elizabeth Ortiz, Juliexza Ortiz, *Naomi Ortiz, Samantha Palmieri, Domenic Pardy, Breonna Parrino, *Zoe Pastor, Ashmer Pedraza, Marc Peet, Keyilah Perez, Jamirah Pickering, Angel Pinto, Jayden Pires, Kacper Podsiadlo, *Janelli Pratts, Faith Quinones, Justin Quinones, Alexander Ramos, Jeremiah Ramsey, Samuel Reese, Jovon Reyes, Rylie Rhodes, Izaiah Ribeiro, Shawn Richards, *Eliana Rico, Jazzelle Riley, Mathayus Rivera, Nathaniel Rivera, Sahara Rivera, Alle’jah Robertson, Justin Rodriguez, *Mariah Roque, Caroline Ruiz-Robinson.

*Paula Salazar, Cassandra Santiago, Jayden Saunders, Jayla Saunders, *Amya Smith, Andrew Smith, Vivea Smith, Patrick Solsbury, Ta’Shiria Sparks, Damian Spears, *Emalie Terifay, *Jaquan Thomas, Kaden Thomas, Tyler Thompson, Eliana Torres, Madison Torsiello, Shawn Vance, *Amy Vann, Jensen Vazquez, Alecia Vega, Jalen Velez, Julianna Viselli, April Walfall, Faith Walker, Donny Wilder.

(This is a press release from Ansonia Schools)

AHS Principal says 'Thank You'

Summer Meals for Kids Available

Ansonia Soccer Registration Open for Fall Season

Contest to Celebrate Seymour High School's Class of 2020

Seymour Police Chief Issues Statement on Police Brutality

Derby Police Chief Issues Statement on Police Brutality

Help Shelter Dogs and Cats

State Guidelines for CT Businesses On Re-Opening

Sharing Link from New Haven Biz Magazine:

https://www.newhavenbiz.com/article/biz-planning-to-reopen-may-20-must-self-certify-they-are-following-covid-19-guidelines?fbclid=IwAR02_sM_2ai1sU3zGlfrWro7mlinzI9AzlwJK4SnafThLoWdI7VXQbRKZ_c

Derby High School Registration Now Online

Sharing a Press Release from Derby High School's Assistant Principal Ray Coplin:

Some very exciting news for our Derby High School families during these less than ideal times of distance learning. With the end of the school year approaching, it is that time of year where students begin registering for next year's classes. 

We at DHS are particularly excited this year, as the course registration process for the 2020-2021 academic year will be completely navigated online through the use of the PowerSchool portal. What this means is no more tedious, week-long tracking down teachers to sign recommendation forms or trying to manage the jigsaw puzzle that is course selection. The new process is significantly more time efficient and streamlined in a way that allows more clarity for students and parents. 

DHS Principal Martin Pascale is raving about the much needed improvement as it will "allow for an uninterrupted continuation of promotion to the next grade level". Assistant Principal, Ray Coplin added "especially during a time when physical meetings with teachers and counselors cannot take place, it is essential to ensure students are still supported through this process."

School Counselors, Jen Ostrosky and Adam Baker both agree, the new online course registration has been a long time coming. "I'm so excited about the online course registration this year! Not only will it be more time efficient, but students will be able to work side-by-side with their parents/guardians throughout the selection process. This also prevents lost or misplaced forms and maintains confidentiality. It's a win-win", explained Mrs. Ostrosky. The online course registration portal goes live on Monday, May 11th. 

Mr. Baker adds, "We're really excited about the online course registration. Students and parents can review course offerings and prerequisites to easily select their course schedule for the upcoming school year. Moving forward, this will be the way DHS completes course registration. So we're very happy to roll out this new exciting process on Monday." 

Registration began May 11. Incoming 9th graders currently at Derby Middle School will be provided with a step-by-step tutorial via Zoom videoconference with Ms. Ostrosky and Mr. Baker to be held the following week on Monday, May 18th. Stay tuned for additional info on that upcoming webinar. In preparation for both of these dates, the 2020-2021 Program of Studies is available for students and families to review on the Derby High School website as well as being sent to all families via email.  

Finally, a Course Registration sign-up sheet is available in all grade-level Google Classrooms, allowing students to secure a time slot to meet with their counselor for assistance in selecting the most appropriate course load. Students should always feel welcomed to reach out to their counselors via email, and be on the lookout for relevant correspondence from them as well. And as always, the Derby High School website is a valuable resource to access much of this important information, including the 2020-2021 Program of Studies which will provide students the menu of courses and their respective credits and prerequisites that they can review prior to making their selections. 

Ray Coplin

Assistant Principal

Derby High School

Home of the Red Raiders

75 Chatfield Street

Derby, CT 06418

(203) 736-5032 [phone]

(203) 736-5056 [fax]

rcoplin@derbyps.org

Derby Public Schools