Valley Chamber Honors Community Leaders

Pictured left to right: George Mitchell, GVCC Chairman of the Board; Ethan Fry & Eugene Driscoll, Valley Indy; Diane Stroman, Joe Welsh, Ray Oppel, Tom Haynes, Ramon Peralta, Emcee/Peralta Design/2016 Gold Seal Recipient)
 

 

SHELTON- The Greater Valley Chamber of Commerce recently recognized four individuals and one organization for their outstanding achievements in the community at its 46^th Annual Gold Seal Awards Banquet.

 

The Chamber presented five awards consisting of three Gold Seal Awards, one Platinum Award and one Silver Medal Award to the region’s business and community leaders who exemplify the spirit of selflessness and volunteerism. These awards are among the most prestigious and time-honored community service awards in the Valley.  

 

Ramon E. Peralta, Jr.  (Peralta Design, Shelton), 2016 Gold Seal recipient, served as Master of Ceremonies.

 

The Gold Seal Award is given annually by the Chamber to a recipient who demonstrates outstanding community service through dedicated and effective leadership.  The Gold Seal Award this year went to Tom Haynes (Haynes Group, Southbury), Raymond A. Oppel (CPA, Shelton) and Joseph Welsh (Aquarion Water, Shelton). 

 

Haynes has been an active participant and committee member for the Parent Child Resource Center charity ride in addition to donating his expertise and resources to Make A Wish and other area projects. Oppel, a Life Scout, is still active as a Boy Scout leader and serves on the board of the Valley Community Foundation. Welsh is best known for his conservation efforts throughout the region and also volunteers many hours with the Shelton schools.

 

In 2001, in honor of the 30^th Anniversary of the Gold Seal Awards, the Chamber introduced the Platinum Award.  It is presented to a past Gold Seal recipient of at least 10 years who is still dedicated to volunteering their time and resources on behalf of the Valley Community. This year’s Platinum Award honoree is Ansonia resident and Executive Vice President at TEAM, Inc. , Diane Stroman and a 1999 Gold Seal Award recipient.

 

Stroman serves on several community boards including the Valley Community Foundation, the Lower Naugatuck Valley Boys & Girls Club, and the Valley Juvenile Review Board. Stroman is the Chairperson of the Ansonia’s Elderly Services Commission, Co-chair of the Julian A. Taylor Scholarship Committee and former Chair of the Valley Council of Health and Human Services, Valley Council of Senior Services and Valley Council of Youth Services. She is a recipient of the Valley United Way Flynn Humanitarian Award, Valley Women Makes a Difference Award, James E. Wilkins Masonic Community Award, the NAACP Regional Youth Advisor Award and Rotary International Paul Harris Recognition.

 

The Chamber has presented the Silver Medal Award to recognize groups or partnerships that have made extraordinary contributions to the community or to recognize an individual’s dedicated service and assistance to the community.  This year’s Silver Medal Award recipient is the Valley Independent Sentinel.  Launched in the spring of 2009, The Valley Indy is a non-profit online newspaper covering the communities of Ansonia, Derby, Oxford, Seymour and Shelton.

 

The combined efforts of all the recipients, both past and present, have resulted in lasting contributions in the Greater Valley communities of Ansonia, Beacon Falls, Derby, Oxford, Seymour, and Shelton.

 

(This is a press release from Greater Valley Chamber of Commerce)

Beacon Falls Resident, Marrakech to Receive Caring Heart Award

DERBY- Griffin Hospital Volunteer Claudia Csuka, of Beacon Falls, and Marrakech, Inc., of Woodbridge, will be honored with the Caring Heart Award at The 12th Annual Women’s Heart Wellness and Caring Heart Award Brunch on Saturday, March 25 from 8:30 a.m.-noon at the Griffin Hospital Dining Room, 130 Division Street, Derby.

 

The award recognizes individuals and groups that foster initiatives to promote and improve the general health and well-being of all. This is the ninth year that the award will be bestowed.

 

Csuka has been a volunteer at Griffin for a little more than a year, but has already positively impacted many patients’ lives as part of the hospital’s vital patient stories and complimentary therapies programs. As a vital patient stories volunteer, Csuka meets with patients and talks with them to write a brief story about their lives. She focuses on memories or characteristics that are vital or sacred to the patient and the stories are shared with hospital staff so they can better know and understand their patients. Csuka is also trained in soft touch therapy, which provides stress relief and personal connection that can be critical to healing.

 

Csuka is also very involved in her community as a member of the Parish Council and Ladies Guild at St. Michael’s Church in Beacon Falls, and provides free rides to individuals needing transportation to their medical appointments.

 

Marrakech, Inc. is a private nonprofit organization that has provided person-centered, unique, and cost-effective human services for children and adults, with and without disabilities, in Connecticut for over 45 years. The services and individuals supported are diverse, but they have the common goal of assisting individuals with achieving greater self-sufficiency while they experience the best quality of life possible. Marrakech's Health and Wellness Committee was formed in July 2012 and has implemented an annual weight loss challenge and a well-attended community health fair. Throughout each year, wellness information is shared in a variety of ways, including through a series of workshops planned in partnership with local wellness practitioners. Exercise challenges and team walks for other causes are also regularly coordinated.

 

The brunch will start with registration at 8:30 a.m. and the program will begin at 9 a.m. The theme of this year’s event is “What’s Your Shelf Life,” focusing on how healthy eating habits can help prevent heart disease. The event will feature a survivor speaker, a cooking demonstration and tips on healthy eating.

 

Tickets for the brunch are $25 and the event is open to the public. Proceeds benefit the Women’s Heart Wellness Fund, which supports heart wellness programs for women in the Valley.

Valet parking will be available.

 

Reservations are due by March 20. To reserve a seat, become a sponsor, or for more information, call Eunice Lisk at 203-732-7107 or whw@griffinhealth.org.

(This is a press release from Griffin Hospital)

Derby Mayor Proclaims Monday, September 28 – October 2 Diaper Awareness Week

DERBY – On Monday, September 28, Mayor Anita Dugatto presented David Morgan, TEAM President/CEO a proclamation recognizing the week of September 28 – October 2 as National Diaper Need Awareness Week. 

A signature initiative of the National Diaper Bank Network (NDBN), Diaper Need Awareness Week features a range of activities focused on diaper need and its prevalence in communities across the country. 

 

“Derby is proud to be home to the TEAM Diaper Bank that recognizes the importance of diapers in helping to  produce economic stability for families and distribute diapers to poor families through various channels”, stated Mayor Dugatto. “I encourage the citizens of Derby to donate generously to the TEAM Diaper Bank and those organizations that distribute diapers to families in need to help alleviate diaper bank need in Derby and the surrounding communities.” 

 

Though diapers are a basic need for every child in their first years and are essential to the health and well-being of the child, safety net programs that provide assistance to low-income families such as SNAP (food stamps) and WIC do not cover the purchase of diapers.

To address the needs of families in the Valley, TEAM Diaper Bank provides monthly diapers and wipes to more than 200 eligible families residing in Ansonia, Derby, Oxford, Seymour and Shelton.  Since opening in 2013, TEAM has distributed over 300,000 diapers to Valley families.

As part of Diaper Need Awareness Week, TEAM Diaper Bank will be hosting a workshop providing diapering and potty training support for all families with young children in the community. The public is invited to register for the workshop being held on Thursday, October 1 from 5:30-7:30 PM at TEAM Early Education Center, 80 Howard Avenue in Ansonia.

Individuals and organizations can get involved in Diaper Need Awareness Week by donating to the Diaper Bank or hosting a diaper drive. 

For further information about TEAM Diaper Bank or to donate, please contact Ayanna Williams at awilliams@teaminc.org or 203-736-5420 ext. 204.

(This is a press release from TEAM, Inc.)

TEAM Inc. in Derby marks 50th year helping others with needs

By Jean Falbo-Sosnovich
Register Correspondent

DERBY >> Since 1965, TEAM Inc. has been making a difference in the lives of thousands of disadvantaged families and individuals struggling to make ends meet.

Whether it’s providing diapers for babies, delivering hot and nourishing meals to senior citizens in their homes, sending toddlers to pre-school, putting toys under needy kids’ Christmas trees or helping heat homes in the winter, the nonprofit agency has helped countless people in the lower Naugatuck Valley and beyond, ensuring their basic needs are meet. Not only that, but the services provided by TEAM are geared to help impact and improve the prospects for long-term survival and success for its many clients.

To commemorate its five decades of service, TEAM is holding a 50th Anniversary Gala Celebration next month, according to Executive Vice President Diane Stroman.

The event has been scheduled for 6 to 11 p.m. Oct. 3 at the Race Brook Country Club, 246 Derby Ave., located in Orange. Ticket price is $100 per person, and includes Hors d’oeuvres, dinner, dancing to The Bernadettes, agency highlights and the presentation of Golden Heritage Awards to William Bassett, The Hewitt Foundation and Pitney Bowes Corp.
Read more here.

Seymour Land Trust president devours competition in taco eating contest fundraiser

By Jean Falbo-Sosnovich
Register Correspondent

SEYMOUR >> Seymour Land Trust President Alex Danka likely may have needed some Tums Tuesday night after scarfing down 14 tacos in five minutes, all for a good cause.

But that didn’t bother Danka, who won bragging rights as the Valley’s taco-eating champion during the 2nd annual Cinco de Mayo Elected Officials’ Taco-Eating Contest held at Hot Tamale’s Mexican Grille and Bar.

Danka easily shattered last year’s record, when a Naugatuck man, simply known as “Yo Joe” won by devouring eight tacos in five minutes and five seconds.

In the end, the event raised more than $2,500 for TEAM Inc.’s Meals on Wheels program, which delivers more than 1,000 nutritious meals each week to the homes of area senior citizens. The amount raised was expected to nearly double after the Valley Community Foundation kicked in its donation to the cause.

Read more here.

Connecticut Partnership for Children to hold Thanksgiving Food Program

The 2013 Thanksgiving food program.
Photo by Board Secretary, Attorney Karen Fisher

Connecticut Partnership for Children, Inc. is a Seymour non-profit that serves children in need throughout the entire state, by meeting basic needs. This year, they are hosting the 5th Annual Thanksgiving Food Program and the 6th Annual "Helping Hands, Warming Hearts" winter sponsorship program.

These programs are graciously sponsored by Stop & Shop Co., Derby Walmart, Great Expectations Day Care & Learning Center in Southbury, St. Thomas the Apostle Church in Oxford, Walnut Hill Community Church- Seymour Campus, and many individuals and businesses throughout the state.

In 2013, the Thanksgiving Food Program served 101 families, an increase of 63 families from the previous year. Connecticut Partnership's goal is to serve 150 families this year. The agency provides the turkey, and asks for the non-perishable fixings from individual and business sponsors and donors. Donors have two options: sponsor a family or run a food drive. Meal distribution occurs on Saturday, Nov. 22; therefore, the deadline for items to be delivered to the agency is Monday, Nov. 17.

The "Helping Hands, Warming Hearts" winter sponsorship program provides brand new jackets, boots, hats, scarves, gloves, and books to children in need. Each year, this program has served approximately 200 children. The agency's goal for this year is to increase the number served to 250 children. Donors have two options: sponsor a child or provide an item in bulk. The agency provides size information, etc. to sponsors. These items will be delivered to the children on Dec. 22-23; and therefore, must be delivered to Connecticut Partnership no later than Monday, Dec. 15.

For more information or to commit to sponsoring a family for Thanksgiving or a child for the winter program, please contact the agency directly at 203-881-1804 or by email meghan@ctpfc.org.

This is a press release from Meghan Tarby, MSW, executive director and social worker for CT Partnership for Children, Inc.

Needy children receive bikes at Foundation for Life event in Shelton

These are some of the lucky children who were surprised Saturday with new bicycles and helmets. /Contributed photo

SHELTON - Fifty area children, ages 6-11, from TEAM, Inc., United Way of Coastal Fabirfield County and the Lower Naugatuck Valley Parent Child Resource Center were selected for a day of fun Saturday at the Sports Center of Connecticut.

The event was organized by The Foundation for Life, a 501(c)3 organization that works to improve the quality of life for children and families through actions that promote change and deepen connections within the community. 

Contributed photo

The Foundation for Life is supported by the employees of Barnum Financial Group, an office of MetLife.

First Niagara Bank sponsored three hours of free play for the selected children and families including mini golf, laser tag, bowling and batting cages.

At the end of the event, The Foundation for Life surprised each child with a brand-new bicycle.

Team members from Griffin Hospital’s Community Outreach Department and “Safe Kids Greater Naugatuck Valley” program were on hand to give out free helmets to each of the children, and to teach them how to properly adjust the helmets for maximum safety while riding.

 

Foundation for Life is not affiliated with MetLife or any MetLife affiliate. 

This post is taken from a press release from MetLife.

'Men Who Cook' ready to don aprons in Ansonia

7th annual event to benefit TEAM 

Contributed photo taken at the fifth annual 'Men Who Cook'

ANSONIA - Join the fun and good times at the 7^th annual “Men Who Cook” as it returns to the Valley April 26.  This is a unique spring evening out with friends and family at the Valley’s most popular event.

Let someone else cook while you enjoy a wide variety of dishes and desserts prepared by over 60 Valley Guys.  

The Men Who Cook are not professional chefs; they are dedicated community neighbors who want to share their cooking talents and camaraderie with you and your friends.

What’s on the menu? Go international with Bad Bandito Chili Verde, pulled pork tacos, bratwurst, empanadas, and unique pasta dishes.

Prefer grill food then wings, chili, and smoked turkey await you. 
If you are a sea foodie, try the seafood gumbo, scampi, shrimp and grits or Rhode Island chowder.  Sample the porketta, the comfort of chicken pot pie, and corned beef reuben dip. Remember to leave room for dessert with freshly baked chocolate chip layer bars, ginger cookies, key lime pie or fried oreos.

Chairpersons for this event are Charles Sullivan, David Grant and Jeff Westine.

And (to date) the chefs who’ll proudly wear the Men Who Cook Aprons:

Kevin Atterbury, Pastor Edward Barnes, Jack Betkoski, David Blackwell, Juan Bonilla, Ryan Boos,  Harry Burlakoff, Bill Calderara, Michael Caleca, Patrick Carey, Chief Mike Chaffee, Patrick Charmel, John Coscia, Jim Cotter, Jack Cowell, state Sen. Joe Crisco, Dexter Davis, Dr. Steve DiBenedetto, Dr. Jay Dworkin, Brian Fonck, Roger Giori, Bruce Goldson, Terri Goldson,  David Grant, Chris Hill, Dave Hill, Chief Joel Hurliman, Craig Jones, David Jones, state Sen. Kevin Kelly, Mike Kieley, Tim Kieley, Richard Knoll, Kevin Lantowsky, Pete Larsen, Dan L’Atrella, Mayor Mark Lauretti, Robert McColl, David McNamera, Sherrod McNeill, Jeff Merrill, John Mihalko, Bill Miller, First Selectman Kurt Miller, James Mills, Michael Mills, Dave Monahan, Nelson Morales, David Morgan, Rick Moore, Bill Nimons, Brian O’Connor, Chris O’Connor, Jack O’Donnell, Tim Oppel, Win Oppel, Fred Ortoli, Joe Pagliaro, Jr., Richard Persico, John Petrillo, Jorge Pezo-Candelario, Rick Ponce DeLeon, Dave Rabinove, John Rollinson,  Joshua Rosado, Chris Sansone, Chris Setaro, Anthony Simonetti, Kevin Spooner, Thomas Steeves, Dr. Ira Stein, Charlie Sullivan, Dominick Thomas, Ben Trabka,  Robert VanEgghen, Hector Velez, Ken Weinstein, John Yeager, John Zaprzalka, and Tom Zaprzalka.

Special MC is Chaz of Chaz and AJ in the morning on 99.1 PLR, Connecticut's number one morning show.  Men Who Cook will run from 6-11 p.m. at Warsaw Park, 119 Pulaski Highway.

  

Admission of $55 per person includes food, beer/wine and soft drinks, bid at the Valley’s greatest silent auction and dance away the night’s calories with music.
Marquee Sponsors for Men Who Cook are Naugatuck Valley Savings and Loan and the Bassett Family Fund.

To sponsor Men Who Cook or donate an auction item, call Trish Wigglesworth, 203-736-5420 ext 221. To purchase tickets, call Wigglesworth or obtain tickets online at www.teaminc.org. 

All proceeds from this fundraiser benefit the programs provided by TEAM, Inc. serving the needs of individuals and families living in the Valley.

This is a press release from TEAM, Inc., a private, 501(c)3 non-profit corporation whose mission is to connect individuals and families with solutions that lead to well-being, self-sufficiency and full participation in the community. 
TEAM programs serve the communities of Ansonia, Beacon Falls, Bethany, Derby, Milford, Orange, Oxford, Shelton, Seymour and Woodbridge.           

TEAM in Derby offers heating assistance

DERBY - TEAM wants the community to know that first time/new appointments are still available for Home Heating assistance until May 1.

While oil delivery ends on March 17, bill payment remains available for those families who need assistance and have not obtained heating assistance this year.
However TEAM is concerned about some area households – those with the least disposable income, particularly the unemployed.

The winter's below zero temperatures, along with early ice and snow storms, has resulted in households stretching their incomes to fund rising home heating expenses (to cover the higher cost of needed heating oil). TEAM has used use both Federal and State resources for these families’ heating assistance.
The average benefit this season is about $717, essentially one tank of oil. At this point, many have exhausted their annual benefit for assistance, and we are worried they are at risk and possibly could be forced to relocate.
Once the energy assistance dollars are used, families must choose between heating their home and putting food on the table. These families may be “out in the cold”, when their grants are gone and there is no additional money to provide another winter fuel delivery.

A donation to TEAM’s Warm Hearts Fund can help these vulnerable families remain warm and secure during March. You can make your donation online at TEAM’s website www.teaminc.org by clicking on the “donate now” button.

TEAM programs serve the communities of Ansonia, Beacon Falls, Bethany, Derby, Milford, Orange, Oxford, Shelton, Seymour, and Woodbridge.

This is a press release from TEAM, Inc.,  a private, 501(c)3 non-profit corporation whose mission is to connect individuals and families with solutions that lead to well-being, self-sufficiency and full participation in the community. 

Touring an unusual office space in Seymour

Larry Janesky, owner of Basement Systems, Inc. in Seymour, talks about his latest office space, Boomtown, recently completed at company headquarters in Silvermine Industrial Park. 


SEYMOUR - I'd like to thank Larry Janesky for giving me a tour Friday of Boomtown, a work space designed to look and feel like an 1880s mining town.

It's unique, that's for sure. He said it took a crew of carpenters and other workers about three months to build.
Boomtown adjoins other unique work areas he has created for his employees, including the Tree House, the Tree Fort and the Eye Star Station.


Boomtown includes a town hall...

water tower, mine, general store,

chapel, (at rear to right of water tower) and 28 work stations.

A huge skylight offers lots of natural light.

It sure looks like a fun place to go to work every day.

TEAM in Derby offers heating assistance

DERBY - Do you know any families or individuals who need financial help to off-set their winter heating bills?
TEAM is the place to apply for assistance.

Households qualify for assistance if they fall below these income levels: $32,190 for a household of one, $42,094 for a household of two, $51,999 for a three-person household and $61,904 for a four person household.

“This winter’s freeze is in full force and we want to help families who are financially struggling to pay their heating bills.” said Ellen McAuliffe, TEAM Manager of Energy Assistance. 
Applicants are eligible based on review of their total gross household income, such as job earnings, unemployment compensation, Social Security, pension, etc.; household size; and liquid assets, as shown through bank statements.

If an applicant is approved for assistance, TEAM will make direct payments to the home heating provider.

Both homeowners and renters who are residents of Ansonia, Beacon Falls, Bethany, Derby, Milford, Orange, Oxford, Seymour, Shelton and Woodbridge can apply for energy assistance from TEAM.
To schedule an appointment with TEAM Energy Assistance, call 203-736-5420 ext. 3, in Milford, 203-783-3253; Woodbridge, 203-389-3429; and Orange, 203-891-4787).

TEAM programs serve the communities of Ansonia, Beacon Falls, Bethany, Derby, Milford, Orange, Oxford, Shelton, Seymour and Woodbridge.

This is a press release from TEAM Inc., a private, 501(c)3 non-profit corporation whose mission is to connect individuals and families with solutions that lead to well-being, self-sufficiency and full participation in the community. 
          

Organization in Ansonia plans roof raising party

Career Coach to visit Derby Public library

DERBY - The CT Works Career Coach returns to the Derby Public Library from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. July 12.

           During both the morning session, 10 a.m.-noon, and the 1-3 p.m. session, instructors will be offering Job Search Assistance.
         Learn where to look for jobs, how to get the job you want, and how to search for jobs on the Internet.

          The workshop is free and open to the public.  Registration is requested but walk-ins will be welcomed on a first come, first served basis. 

         The CT Works Career Coach is a project of The WorkPlace, Inc. operated by Career Resources. 
      
        For information, stop by the Library at 313 Elizabeth St. , call 203-736-1482 or visit   www.derbypubliclibrary.org.


This is a press release from Derby Public Library.
 

Seymour Pink, Inc. to grant 2 scholarships

Nonprofit to offer funds in memory of founder's mother

Seymour Pink, Inc. is a nonprofit organization with a mission to unite a community in the fight against breast cancer.
Theodosia McEnerney, who lost her battle with breast cancer at the age of 55, was the mother of Mary Deming, founder of Seymour Pink, Inc.

The Board of Directors’ of Seymour Pink will be granting two $1,000 scholarships in Mrs. McEnerney’s memory to deserving students pursuing post-secondary studies.

Applications must be received no later than April 21.

In order for a student to be eligible for this scholarship, the applicant must meet the following criteria:

The applicant must have a loved one (family and/or friend) who has/or have been diagnosed with breast cancer.

The applicant must be a resident of the Naugatuck Valley.

The applicant must be planning on attending an accredited two or four-year college, university or technical school as a full-time student during the academic year 2013-2014.

The applicant must fill out a form and write an essay in response to the following prompt:

“What I have learned from this experience and how might I help others because of it.”

Incomplete applications will not be considered.

Students may e-mail, hand deliver, or post completed application. Please use the following:

pink.roseanne@gmail.com. Hand deliver to the Seymour High School guidance office, or mail to:

RoseAnne Thornton
Seymour Pink, Inc.
P.O. Box 333
Seymour, CT.  06483

Scholarship applications will be reviewed, and scholars chosen by the Seymour Pink, Inc. Scholarship Committee.
Student essays, grades and extra-curricular activities will be considered as criteria.
In fairness to all, the names will be withheld from the committee until after the recipients have been selected. 

Upon nomination, the Scholarship Committee of Seymour Pink, Inc. will have the authority to decide which (if any) of the nominations warrant consideration.  All applications will be kept confidential.

Scholarships will be awarded on May 30 to Seymour High School students at the Seymour High School award assembly.

Student scholars who attend other schools will be awarded their scholarship at the May 7 Seymour Pink, Inc. Board of Directors meeting.

6th annual fundraiser to benefit TEAM

Eat, drink, and dance ~ all for a good cause 

ANSONIA - Men Who Cook will run from 6 to 11 p.m. April 20 at Warsaw Park, 119 Pulaski Highway.
Chairpersons are Charles Sullivan, David M. Grant, and Jeff Westine.

Seating is limited. Tickets are $55 a person. The price includes food, wine, beer, soda, and dancing.

Food presentation and silent auction are from 6-8 p.m.; dancing is 8-11 p.m.

Naugatuck Valley Savings and Loan is the marquee sponsor.

RSVP to Trish Wigglesworth, TEAM, Inc., 203-736-5420 ext. 221 or  twigglesworth@teaminc.org.

Tickets also may be purchased at www.teaminc.org.

Career Coach to visit Derby library

DERBY - The CT Works Career Coach will return to Derby Public Library from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Jan. 18. During both the morning session, 10 a.m.-noon, and the afternoon session, 1-3 p.m., instructors will offer Job Search Assistance.
Participants will learn where to look for jobs, how to get the job you want, and how to search for jobs on the Internet. The workshop is free and open to the public. 

            Registration is requested; walk-ins will be welcomed on a first come, first served basis.
            The CT Works Career Coach is a project of The WorkPlace, Inc. operated by Career Resources.

            For information on all programs, stop by the Library, 313 Elizabeth St., call 203-736-1482 or visit www.derbypubliclibrary.org.

Event to benefit CT Partnership for Children

OXFORD - Connecticut Partnership for Children, Inc. will host a “Ladies Night Out” event from 6-9 p.m. Nov. 16 at Colonial Tavern, 24 Hawley Road.

Tickets are $20 and may be purchased in advance online at www.ctpfc.org or by calling Christine Brainerd or Julie Pacitto, 203-262-8554. 
The ticket price includes appetizers, desserts, two cocktails (21 and up) or mocktails, and door prizes to the first 100 ladies through the door.
There will be music playing and a cash bar available with autumn drink specials. 

Vendors currently include Longaberger, Tupperware, Origami Owl, Pink Zebra, Premier Designs, Tastefully Simple, Pampered Chef, Scentsy, Thirty One Gifts, Silpada, Elle’s Blossoms & Bows, The Mad Hatter Boutique, Daddy’s, Tea with Tracy, and more.

Vendor applications still being accepted until Nov. 15. Cost to be a vendor is a $20 donation and an additional gift item for the raffle. 

All proceeds benefit CT Partnership for Children, Inc. a non-profit, 501©(3) organization, located in Seymour. The organization is dedicated to supporting low-income children throughout the state, by working with their families and the communities in which they live. 

For information email Meghan@ctpfc.org or visit http://www.facebook.com/events/387789181292218.

Grant to fund touch tank for nature center

ANSONIA - The Friends of the Ansonia Nature Center, Inc. (FANCI) recently received a $3,000 grant from the Valley Community Foundation.


The grant will enable the Friends to purchase a 50-gallon classroom touch tank to be used for educational purposes at the Ansonia Nature and Recreation Center, 10 Deerfield Road.

Richard Wade, President of FANCI, said, “The Friends wish to express their heartfelt appreciation to The Valley Community Foundation for their continuing generous support of the Friends’ mission to support the Ansonia Nature Center.”

The new touch tank will provide a classroom habitat for creatures that live in the Redwing Pond located at the nature center.

Touch tanks promote interactive learning by producing a freshwater pond habitat in the classroom where students are able to study and learn through a hands-on experience that can not be duplicated except at a natural pond.
Students will develop a deep appreciation for the importance of freshwater habitats, and a unique understanding of the creatures that live there.
Since The Ansonia Nature and Recreation Center is located in the Lower Naugatuck River watershed area it is imperative that residents are motivated to take a personal responsibility for their actions and habits which sometimes have a negative impact on our water quality.

This project is consistent with the Ansonia Nature and Recreation Center's vision which is focused on appreciation of a diverse and healthy natural world in the Lower Naugatuck Valley.
Through place-based environmental education and advocacy the center promotes sustainable land use practices and renewable energy technology to protect and preserve a healthy environment.



The above was taken from a release from the Ansonia Nature and Recreation Center.