Ansonia Inventor Gets Praise from Congresswoman

ANSONIA - Resident Lakesha Stines (seen in recent photo with Ansonia Mayor David Cassetti) has been racking up accolades for her Sober Touch Sensoring invention, which is geared to prevent drunk driving.

Stines, last month, received a letter from U.S. Congresswoman Rosa DeLauro, praising her for a device that DeLauro said "will save countless lives."

The letter from DeLauro is below:

Ansonia Democrats Endorse DeLauro, Rochelle

ANSONIA- The Ansonia Democratic Town Committee recently endorsed Rosa DeLauro to represent Ansonia in the 3^rd Congressional district and have endorsed Kara Rochelle to represent Ansonia and Derby as State Representative for the 104th district.

“Thank you to the members of the Ansonia Democratic Town Committee for endorsing my candidacy for the U.S. House of Representatives,” said DeLauro. “I take this endorsement not as a reward for my past service, but as an incentive to work harder for you and your family.  With so much at stake, we must work harder than ever for legislation focused on job training, equal pay for equal work, paid sick leave, support for education, affordable health care, better infrastructure and improved nutrition standards for all Americans. What ties all of these issues together is our shared fundamental focus on serving the middle-class and ensuring the deck is not stacked against working families. My commitment to these issues has never been stronger, and I am energized for the fights ahead.”

Rochelle was equally pleased by the endorsement. 

“I am honored and humbled to have the endorsement and backing of the members of the Ansonia DTC, who care deeply for best interests of our residents,” she said. “My professional experience and deep roots in the Valley make me uniquely qualified and capable to represent Ansonia and Derby - strongly and effectively. This race, however, is not about me; it is about all of us and about sending someone to Hartford who will fight for what we need - economic development, good paying jobs, proper education funding, and a path for our older neighbors to retire with dignity. I love my community, will fight for all of you and look forward to earning your trust and support."

Tarek Raslan, chairman of the Ansonia Democratic Town Committee lauded both candidates.

“Both Congresswoman Rosa DeLauro and Kara Rochelle represent the spirit of the Naugatuck Valley and they are hard working women who are tirelessly focused on improving the community,” he said. “Ansonia receives roughly half  of  its  funding from Hartford and with   Representative  Linda Gentile retiring, we’re going to need a strong candidate who grew up in the Valley and understands the challenges facing our community to keep our city and our schools well-funded, Kara is the only candidate in the race that has those credentials."

(This is a press release from Ansonia DTC)

Valley Organization Celebrates 50 Years

                                                                       (Photos Courtesy of Fred Ortoli)

Valley United Way celebrated 50 years of service on Thursday, September 21st, 2017 with their annual Campaign Kickoff and Seventh Harvest House at Veterans Park Pavilion.

During the day, more than 200 volunteers helped dozens of companies deliver food to our Seventh Harvest House where we collected over 100,000 items of food which were then donated to the five food pantries who service the Valley community.

Later that afternoon at 5:30 p.m., Valley United Way kicked off their campaign year with an afternoon full of community harmony, laughter, and service.

The event included a wonderful performance by Center Stage, live music, food trucks, and an inspiring speech from our keynote speaker, Congresswoman Rosa DeLauro, who spoke about the significant work of Valley United Way and the importance of working together to address food insecurity. This event would not have been possible without our gracious sponsors: BIC Corporation, Edgewell Personal Care, Newtown Savings Bank, and Pitney Bowes.

Valley United Way has set a goal to raise $1.1 million dollars by June 30th by working together with our local business owners, corporations, employees and residents to raise, invest and leverage funds. United Way fights for every person in every community and we can’t do it without the community’s support.

Leading this year’s efforts is Valley United Way’s Campaign Chair, Jimmy Tickey! Jimmy has a strong sense of service to his community and has been involved with the Valley United Way since he was in the Valley United Way Youth Leadership Program. He is proud to lead the Valley United Way Community Campaign this year and is looking forward to working with community leaders, businesses and residents as we collectively fight for a stronger community. Working as a team, Jimmy hopes to strengthen families across the Valley, encourage youth to succeed and assist people in crisis.
  
Several companies and organizations have already begun planning for their campaigns and this month we will begin in all five of our school districts, the City of Derby and City of Ansonia.
If you, your business or company is interested in Working for a Stronger Community alongside Valley United Way, call Daniel Pearson, Resource Development Manager today at (203) 926-9478 or email daniel.pearson@valleyunitedway.org. And be sure to stay connected to the campaign on our website!

For more information, please contact Daniel at Valley United Way at (203) 926-9478 or daniel.pearson@valleyunitedway.org.

(This is a press release from Valley United Way)

DeLauro applauds VA center in West Haven

NEW HAVEN - U.S. Rep. Rosa DeLauro, D-3, today applauded the West Haven Veterans Affairs Medical Center, where she received an update from Director of the VA CT Healthcare System, Gerald F. Culliton on how they are meeting recommendations issued by the VA’s Inspector General in February.

DeLauro and Culliton discussed the report and its recommendations shortly after it was issued.  

“Many thanks go out to Director Culliton and all the employees and patients who took time to share their perspective," DeLauro said in a release. 

"We had a very good meeting and I applaud them for their efforts to ensure our veterans have the best care possible. The brave men and women who served our country so ably deserve the absolute best treatment. It is critical that they get it from the doctors and nurses who treat them at the West Haven VA Medical Center.

“I was pleased to hear from Director Culliton that the IG has accepted the VA’s action plan," DeLauro said. "They have gone above and beyond the IG’s recommendations, particularly in the areas of environmental management services and ventilation. They are making constant improvements and I will continue to work with Director Culliton to ensure the best possible care for Connecticut’s veterans.

DeLauro and Culliton also discussed the national VA patient-scheduling controversy. 

The West Haven Center has had both an IG evaluation and an internal VA audit, neither of which showed significant scheduling issues. The internal audit applauded the West Haven VA Center for carrying out recommended best practices.

“The VA scheduling controversy that has impacted medical centers nationally is deplorable, and must be addressed swiftly and effectively, " DeLauro said. 

"Fortunately, it has not been an issue in West Haven. I give Director Culliton and his staff credit for their focus on patient care, just as it should be.”

This is a press release from DeLauro's office.

Lawmakers discuss fair employment act in Ansonia

U.S. Sen. Richard Blumenthal and U.S. Rep. Rosa L. DeLauro Wednesday visit Stelray Plastics in Ansonia to discuss fair employment legislation they have sponsored. With them, from left, are Maureen Quinlan, James DeCarli, and Joel Zaremby, job seekers who are all long-term unemployed. 

Stay tuned for a story in the New Haven Register. 

DeLauro commends firefighters, community after Shelton fire

 U.S. Rep. Rosa L. DeLauro, D-3, Tuesday helps volunteers sort donations of clothing for 30   displaced fire victims at Echo Hose, Hook & Ladder Company firehouse. Patricia Villers/Register

By Patricia Villers, New Haven Register

Posted: 01/07/14, 7:58 PM EST | 

   

SHELTON >> Heroism and compassion.
These qualities were in the spotlight Tuesday as U.S. Rep. Rosa L. DeLauro, D-3, commended firefighters who saved lives as they battled a blaze Monday on Howe Avenue.
 
The fire destroyed seven businesses and three stories of apartments above.

DeLauro and Bernard Sweeney, director of the Connecticut Small Business Administration, addressed business owners and fire victims at Echo Hose, Hook & Ladder Company firehouse, yards away from the still-smoldering scene.
“This is a miraculous place,” DeLauro said. “Thank God for the firefighters. There was no loss of life because of our professional first responders.”
DeLauro said the piles of clothing and other donations collected at the firehouse since early Monday “is a testament of the good people of this community to let you know you are not alone.”

She told the displaced tenants at the meeting that her office is committed “to work with the city, the state, and all of our nonprofit organizations to bring some relief.”

DeLauro said she was also speaking on behalf of her colleague, U.S. Rep. Jim Himes, D-4, who was unable to attend. DeLauro and Himes share Shelton as a jurisdiction.
Officials said the blaze started in the basement of the building that has stood on Howe Avenue for more than a century. The cause of the fire has not yet been determined.
Sweeney said the Small Business Administration “offers an array of assistance” to fire victims. “If it doesn’t reach the level of a federal disaster, there are other loans to consider.”
Sweeney said meeting face-to-face is always preferred, but said he couldn’t guarantee that solutions will be fast.
“When the smoldering is done, we will be able to see the damages and see what is insured and what is not insured,” he said.
Officials said thanks to posts on social media outlets, donations of clothing, food, household items and more started pouring into the firehouse.
Firefighter Kevin Lankowski, who is coordinating the relief efforts at the firehouse, said donations had been coming in around the clock. Huge piles of clothing, blankets, towels and more sit on long tables set up on the firehouse’s second floor.
Himes was unable to attend the meeting but his aide Tyrone McClain was there to represent him.
“We are going to do everything we can to help,” he said.

Fire Chief Francis Jones said, “It was a tremendous, heroic job by all of our firefighters. The recovery is going to be a communitywide event.”
Jones said there are “hot spots in the basement” of the burned-out building, and the fire marshal’s office is doing its “due diligence” in seeking the cause.
Michele Bialek, an owner of Liquid lunch, a restaurant at 434 Howe Ave. destroyed in the blaze, said there are ”amazing people” in the community.
“I can’t say enough about the Echo Hose firefighters,” she said.

Elaine Matto, who owns the building with her husband, Ralph Matto, said, “I’m just in awe of the firemen here. I know most of you were up all night in that horrible condition. You did save lives, and it’s totally heroic.”
Displaced tenant Bob Walden said, “I want to say thank you to all the firemen and the Red Cross.”

DeLauro said, “Our goal is to see how quickly we can get people back on their feet.”
 

 

U.S. Rep. Rosa L. DeLauro, D-3, left, listens to Connecticut Small Business Administration Director Bernard Sweeney speak Tuesday to business owners displaced after Monday’s fire on Howe Avenue in Shelton. Building owner Ralph Matto is on Sweeney’s left. Patricia Villers/Register 




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DeLauro lauds grant for The WorkPlace

$299,670 to help veterans reintegrate

WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Rep. Rosa DeLauro, D-3, applauded news The WorkPlace, Inc. has been awarded $299,670 from the U.S. Department of Labor.

The grants were awarded through the Homeless Veterans Reintegration Program and will go towards job training, job placement, housing and other services.

“As a nation, we have an obligation to ensure that the brave men and women who serve our country have a place to live and access to opportunities for a good, well-paying job," DeLauro said.
"We have to be sure we are doing everything possible to facilitate the transition from the battlefield back to the job market. These grants will go a long way towards easing that transition.”

The HVRP grants will help homeless veterans reintegrate into society and the labor force while providing effective services aimed at addressing the complex challenges that homeless veterans often confront.
The services provided by grantees will include job placement, on-the-job training, career counseling, life skills and money management mentoring, as well as help in finding housing.

Funds were awarded on a competitive basis to state and local workforce investment boards, local public agencies and nonprofit organizations, which have demonstrated that they can administer effective programs to help veterans.

The Workplace, Inc. is one of Connecticut’s nine Regional Workforce Development Boards that assesses regional employment and training needs and coordinates workforce development policies and programs to meet them.


This post is taken from a press release from DeLauro's office.

DeLauro discusses proposed Farm Bill impact on hungry Americans

House to debate legislation next week

NEW HAVEN - At a press conference Tuesday morning with Connecticut anti-hunger leaders, U.S. Rep. Rosa L. DeLauro, D-3, highlighted the impact of the proposed Farm Bill on hungry families in Connecticut and across the nation. 

The event was held at Cornerstone Christian Church Fellowship Hall in Milford.

                       

The U.S. House of Representatives’ version of that bill will be debated by the full chamber as soon as next week.

“Nearly 50 million Americans, including over 16 million children, are struggling with hunger," DeLauro said. 

"Here in Connecticut’s Third Congressional District, nearly one in seven households are not sure if they can afford enough food to feed their families. Food Stamps are America’s most important effort to deal with hunger at home and ensure families can put food on the table. But the bill we are expecting to debate next week slashes more than $20 billion from Food Stamps, hurting millions of Americans. These hurtful cuts are a dereliction of our responsibilities to the American people, and our moral responsibility to help the least fortunate among us.”

The bill expected to come before the House of Representatives next week would force nearly two million low-income Americans to go hungry, including one million children. It would also kick roughly 210,000 low-income children off of the school lunch program. 

And many more low-income Americans, mostly seniors and working families with children, would lose their benefits due to changes in the relationship between the calculation of Food Stamp benefits and the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP).

Joining DeLauro were Nancy Carrington, President and CEO, Connecticut Food Bank; Lucy Nolan, Executive Director, End Hunger Connecticut; Shonda Hinton, Cornerstone Christian Church; Rev. Dr. Shelly Stackhouse, Church of the Redeemer, United Church of Christ; and Penelope Davis of Orange.

This post is taken from a press release from DeLauro's office.

DeLauro hosts event to raise awareness of human trafficking

Members of Congress sign 'Our Daughters Are Not For Sale' proclamation. / Contributed photo

WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Rep. Rosa L. DeLauro, D-CT., hosted an event Wednesday to raise awareness of domestic child trafficking.

Attendees heard from advocates from the Human Rights Projects for Girls and Rights4Girls, as well as from former U.S. Rep. Susan Molinari, R-N.Y.

Representatives Carolyn Maloney, D-N.Y., and Ileana Ros-Lehtinen, R-FL., co-hosted the event with DeLauro. 

Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi was a featured speaker.

“All across America women, teenagers and even children are being forced into prostitution and other forms of sexual exploitation," DeLauro said.

"According to the Polaris Project, human trafficking is the fastest-growing criminal enterprise across the globe. In America alone, an estimated 293,000 children are at risk of commercial sexual exploitation," DeLauro said.

"I am proud legislators in Connecticut have sent a bill to Governor Malloy strengthening laws against human trafficking. I look forward to seeing him sign it. 

"We must start working towards concrete and meaningful action against domestic sex trafficking.”

This post is taken from a press release from DeLauro's office.

DeLauro: Journalist Ann DeMatteo touched many lives

WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Rep. Rosa L. DeLauro, D-3, released the following statement today on the passing of Middletown Press Managing Editor Ann DeMatteo.

"Ann was a remarkable woman who we have lost much too soon. Ann demonstrated a unique courage as she shared her own battle with cancer with her many readers, making her columns a beloved feature. 

"She informed, inspired and encouraged many of us to become more involved with our communities. Ann touched the lives of many and she will be deeply missed by all of those fortunate enough to have known her."



This post is taken from a press release from DeLauro's office.

DeLauro works with officials to get train service reinstated

WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Rep. Rosa L. DeLauro, D-3 released the following statement this morning on the Connecticut train collision:

"I have spoken with Transportation Secretary LaHood, Governor Malloy, Mayor Finch and other officials throughout the weekend. 

"We must work swiftly to ensure appropriate resources get to Connecticut so we can determine the cause and get train service running again. No one should have to worry their commute is going to send them to the hospital. 

"My thoughts and prayers are with everyone affected and many thanks go out to the brave first responders who are at their best when we need them the most." 

This post is taken from a press release from DeLauro's office. 

DeLauro highlights need for access to mental health services

WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Rep. Rosa L. DeLauro, D-3, released the following statement in response to the release of the first comprehensive report on children’s mental health in the United States. 

The report, issued by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, noted the prevalence of mental health disorders in kids has been increasing, with up to 20 percent of kids experiencing a mental disorder each year.

“This report should serve as a call to action – we cannot continue to under-invest in public health programs and health services that ensure all children have access to the care they need.

"When up to 20 percent of kids in the U.S. are affected by a mental disorder each year, we simply must do better.  That includes investing in the CDC and ensuring that these kids have access to the health care services they need.”

DeLauro is the senior Democrat on the subcommittee responsible for funding the CDC. 

See her additional comments on funding for CDC and other health care agencies here. 

Additional information on the CDC report may be found here.

This information is taken from a press release from DeLauro's office.

DeLauro speaks on strengthening gun-control measures

U.S. Rep. Rosa L. DeLauro, D-3, helped welcome the Congressional Gun Violence Prevention Task Force to Hartford today for a discussion on gun violence in Connecticut and across the nation.

DeLauro is a member of the Task Force and strongly supports strengthened measures to prevent gun violence from occurring.

The following remarks are as prepared for delivery:

“Good morning. It is good to be with you. I want to thank my good friend Mike Thompson for holding this field hearing of the Congressional Gun Violence Prevention Task Force. I applaud you, and Congressman John Larson, for leading the charge in the House for comprehensive background checks. I hope your bipartisan bill receives a vote in the House as soon as possible.

“Thanks to Congressman Larson, Mayor Segarra, Superintendent. Kishimoto, and everyone here at Hartford High for hosting us. And let me acknowledge Governor Malloy, Senators Murphy and Blumenthal, and all the other officials and panelists here to discuss these important issues. Thank you for sharing your time and insights.

“It has been over four months since Sandy Hook. The families of Newtown, and families all across America, are waiting for action. But, quite frankly, the Senate and the House have so far been derelict in their basic responsibilities to these families.

“Even though 90 percent of Americans support background checks, the bipartisan bill to require them on all gun purchases was recently defeated by a Senate minority. The House has taken no action, even, though as I said both Congressman Thompson and Congressman Larson had put forward the same bipartisan bill as the Senate. And this week, we have seen Republican Senators try to add pro-gun riders to completely unrelated legislation, like the bill authorizing water projects for the Army Corps. It is shameful.

“After Newtown, President Obama came here to Connecticut and asked if we were doing everything we could to protect our kids from gun violence. The answer, he admitted, was no. Four months later, that answer is still no. America wants action. We have to move forward in a common-sense and responsible fashion to prevent gun violence in our schools and on our streets

“That means a stronger, more comprehensive system of criminal background checks for gun purchasers, making gun trafficking a federal crime, allowing gun violence research and otherwise supporting public safety officials. And it means ensuring better access to mental health care for those in need, particularly young people, as will be discussed today.

“We need to keep pushing to make these common-sense reforms happen. So I am glad to see Congressman Thompson and the Task Force here today to learn more. Thank you for staying involved.”

This information is from a press release from DeLauro's office.

Area art students honored by DeLauro

Talented teens win kudos
U.S. Rep. Rosa DeLauro, D-3, has announced that Rachel Knight from New Haven is the winner of the annual Congressional Art Competition.
For the next year her piece will represent the Third District of Connecticut in the United States Capitol. 
Knight is a student at the Cooperative Arts and Humanities High School in New Haven. 

“The Congressional Art Competition is something I look forward to every year. I always find myself in particular awe of the talent in our midst, the young people who can create beauty and who are ready to impress the world.  All the students who submitted pieces are terrific and talented artists who I hope continue to work with, develop, and refine their talents.  They all have tremendous potential.”

Started in 1982, the Congressional Art Competition is a nationwide held each spring to recognize and encourage the artistic talent of our nation’s high school students. 

Since its inception, over 650,000 high school students have participated in this competition. 

This year saw 37 submissions from Connecticut’s Third District; all the pieces will be on display at Gateway Community College in New Haven through May 14.

The second place runner-up, Coleman Nelson from Amity Regional High School, Woodbridge, will have his oil pastel piece, “Landscape,” displayed in DeLauro’s Washington, D.C. office

 Third place runner-up Emilio Cucciniello, from Hamden, will have his charcoal piece, “White Black equals Jimi Hendrix,” displayed in DeLauro’s New Haven office.

Two of the five honorable mention honorees are from Ansonia High School, and one is from Beacon Falls. 

The honorable mentions are listed in no particular order:

• “Empty Reflection,” an inkjet print by Mason Schoffstall from Middletown High School
• “Standing in Hell Yet Striving for Heaven,” a monotype collage by Deborah Velez from Ansonia High School
• “Staircase to the Sky,” a photograph by Audrey Dellert from Amity Regional High School, Woodbridge.
• “Animal Ribbon,” a colored pencil, graphite, sharpie drawing by Nicole Fowler from Woodland Regional High School, Beacon Falls.
• “Self-Portrait” by Iveliss Detil from Ansonia High School     

This post is taken from a press release from DeLauro's office. 

DeLauro voices concern about indoor tanning

Risk of melanoma at issue

U.S. Rep. Rosa L. DeLauro, D-3, released the following statement Monday on news the Food and Drug Administration is proposing new standards and labeling for tanning lamps.

DeLauro, a former chair of the subcommittee that funds the FDA, has long fought to ensure consumers have information about the dangers of indoor tanning. More information on the proposed FDA standards can be found on their website.

“I am glad the FDA is moving forward with a clear warning about the risks of indoor tanning, but I still have concerns about the details and implementation of this proposal," DeLauro said.

"I will continue to press the agency to ensure that consumers get the information they need to make informed choices.

“The National Cancer Institute estimates melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer, will cause 76,000 cases and 9,000 American deaths this year, " DeLauro said.

"Research has found that the risk of melanoma increases by 75 percent when people start using tanning beds before age 35. 

"More than three years ago an FDA advisory committee recommended reclassifying tanning beds to better reflect their risk. Having a carcinogenic product easily available to minors is unacceptable and we must ensure strong performance standards are in place to better protect consumers.”

DeLauro has repeatedly called for FDA action on tanning beds, including:

·        A bipartisan amendment that would have required the FDA to reclassify tanning beds

·        Multiple letters to FDA Commissioner Dr. Margaret Hamburg, urging the agency to appropriately label and classify tanning beds

·        A speech urging the FDA to re-classify tanning beds in order to  better inform the public about the health risk they pose

·        Highlighting a report by the journal Lancet Oncology concluding the ultraviolet light used in tanning beds is as carcinogenic as asbestos, radium, arsenic and cigarettes.

   This post is taken from a press release from DeLauro's office.

DeLauro visits seniors, vows to fight for nutrition program

U.S. Rep. Rosa L. DeLauro, D-3, chats Monday with Ansonia resident and Meals on Wheels recipient Ed Krystopik at his home.



On Monday I was among several media folks who spent some time following U.S. Rep. Rosa L. DeLauro to three Ansonia residences and to Seymour Housing Authority's Callahan House.

DeLauro rode along with TEAM, Inc.'s Ron Boucher, who delivers Meals on Wheels to Valley senior citizens.

The visits were arranged so that DeLauro could see firsthand the effect that possible cuts to the federally-funded Meals on Wheels and nutrition programs would have on the elderly.

I can still recall my elderly grandparents benefitting from a similar program in New York State back in the 1970s.
They looked forward to the driver's daily visit and appreciated getting a hot meal when my grandmother could no longer cook for the two of them.

Although government "waste, fraud, and abuse" is the mantra of the day, spending federal dollars on nutrition programs for the home-bound and elderly would certainly seem justified.

DeLauro to speak at employment salute in Ansonia

ANSONIA - BHcare and the Greater Valley Chamber of Commerce will host a complimentary luncheon May 1 for employers of businesses encompassing Oxford, Seymour, Ansonia, Derby and Shelton.

The 19^th Annual Employment Salute will feature keynote speaker U. S. Rep. Rosa L. DeLauro, D-3. She will speak on the Connecticut economy as it relates to businesses. 

The luncheon will be held from 12-1:30 p.m. May 1, at Molto Bene, 557 Wakelee Ave.

BHcare promotes employment of trained and talented people with disabilities through cost savings such as subsidized labor and tax credits. 

The organization will present awards to the employer and employee of the year.

Seating is limited. For information or to RSVP, call John Yeager, 203-736-2601, ext. 1412 or e-mail jyeager@bhcare.org.

BHcare is a regional community provider of behavioral health, addiction and prevention, and domestic violence services. 

For information, visit bhcare.org.

DeLauro, Gateway to host veterans fair Monday

NEW HAVEN - U.S. Rep. Rosa L. DeLauro, D-3, is joining with Gateway Community College to host a Veterans Resource Fair Monday at the college. 

The fair will be a one-stop shop for local veterans to meet with local businesses and resources dealing with education, employment and training, compensation and benefits, and health care. 

The event will run from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Gateway Community College, North Building, Room N-100.

Among the participants are: Quinnipiac University, Verizon Wireless, U.S. Small Business Administration, Employment Resources Team, and the New Haven Police Academy. 

The 11:30 a.m. speaking program includes: Kelly Danso, Gateway Community College Director of Career Services and Veteran Affairs; Dorsey Kendrick, President, Gateway Community College; DeLauro; Robert Zarnetske, Regional Administrator, New England Region, General Services Administration; Commissioner Linda Schwartz, Connecticut Department of Veterans’ Affairs.


This information is taken from a press release from DeLauro's office.

The Sterling shines as a symbol of Derby's vibrant past

DERBY - Preserving the fascinating history of the stately Sterling Opera House should be enough reason to support a major project to renovate its interior.

An ornate balcony railing stands out in this view taken from the first floor.

Built in the Italianate Victorian style in 1889, the opera house graces Elizabeth Street in downtown Derby.  

The exterior has been restored and in 2011 a new cupola, which is illuminated at night, was installed.

The opera house was the first building in Connecticut to be listed on the National Register of Historic Places, and it has an interesting history, for sure. 

Entertainers ranging from John Barrymore and Harry Houdini to Milton Berle, Bob Hope, George Burns and Gracie Allen all appeared there.  

Amelia Earhart spoke at the opera house, and John Phillip Sousa performed on its stage. The structure has what has been described as amazing acoustics.

It was used as a theater from 1889 until 1945. The lower levels housed municipal offices and the city jail for two decades before it was closed in 1965.  

The long-vacant building is filled with energy of the spirit kind. The theater has been investigated by numerous paranormal groups and time and again ghostly entities have made their presence known to visitors.

  

I've been fortunate enough to tour the interior on several occasions, and have witnessed several inexplicable paranormal happenings while there.
Each time I leave filled with enthusiasm about what the opera house could become.

On Monday city officials announced the receipt of $150,000 in federal funds to go toward the renovation of the interior. Cost estimate of the project is between $3 and $4 million.

U.S. Rep. Rosa L. DeLauro, D-3, secured the money. She had also secured $150,000 for the project in 2009. 

We who love the opera house thank DeLauro for her support of a project that will revive the building and bring it back to its former glory.

I took this photo from the Derby Green in August 2010. The cupola was replaced in February 2011.