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.

 

Pro-Police Rally in Ansonia Oct. 10

 

Valley Senior Health Fair Becomes Drive-Thru Event

 

Community Conversation on Equity, Justice & Compassion for All

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)

Valley United Way Elects New Officers

 Newly Elected VUW Chairman Michael Gnibus 

SHELTON - Despite Valley United Way not being able to hold its planned public Annual Meeting on April 30, its Board recently elected new officers to serve until its next Annual Meeting and thanked a number of long-time directors whose terms have ended.

Members whose terms have ended include Jimmy Tickey, who served as Board Vice Chair; Jennifer Bull, CPA, (PKF O’Connor Davies, LLP); Peter Dagostine (First Group America); Michael Duncan (Edgewell Personal Care); Fred Ortoli (Ortoli Photography); Ramon Peralta (Peralta Design) and Janice Sheehy (Webster Bank).

On his departure, Tickey remarked, “The Valley United Way has made a real difference for people in our community. It has been a pleasure to serve on the Board for 10 years and lead our community campaign for 3 of those years - working to raise substantial funds to support the programs and agencies that thousands of families rely on in the Lower Naugatuck Valley.  I know the Valley United Way will continue to focus on preparing youth to succeed, strengthening families, and helping people in crisis."

David Kennedy, Interim President and COO, commented, “Valley United Way has been gifted with decades of exceptional service from these Directors.  It was very hard to say “thanks” to them in a non-public forum for their care for the Valley through United Way. However, we look forward to doing that at our rescheduled Annual Meeting, whenever that will be.”

At its April 22 board meeting, directors elected the following officers for terms ending at the next Annual Meeting:  Chair, Michael Gnibus (Armstrong Teasdale); Vice Chair, Karen Stockla (Prudential Financial); Secretary, Dominick Thomas, Esq. (Cohen & Thomas) and Treasurer, Gregory DeStefano, CPA (Cherubino & Company, PC).

Gnibus is an intellectual property attorney and partner in the New York office of the St. Louis based law firm of Armstrong Teasdale. Before working there, he spent 10 years at the General Electric office in Shelton where he led the GE United Way campaign and multiple service projects that were run through VUW. He has served on the Valley United Way Board for ten years and has provided leadership support to the United Way’s Youth Leadership program.

“It is with mixed emotions that I acknowledge the United Way’s departing Board members,” Gnibus remarked.  “On behalf of Valley United Way I want to thank the departing Board members for their many years of service. We are grateful for their collective, tireless commitment to ensuring that Valley United Way’s support aligned with and met the evolving needs of area residents.  Although they will not be active on the Board going forward, I am pleased to let you know that many of the departing Board members have committed to remaining active by supporting our committees. I am looking forward to leading our dedicated Board, and continuing to evolve the organization to ensure that we maximize Valley United Way’s positive impact on the community.”

Board members continuing to give leadership to Valley United Way include Patrick Charmel (Griffin Hospital); Joy DeMarchis (DeMarchis Family Holdings);  Brian Diehl (Pitney Bowes); Jill Johnson (Iroquois Pipeline); John McFarland (Hubbell Incorporated); Mary Ann Miskowicz (Better Packages); Bill Purcell (Greater Valley Chamber of Commerce); Jeffrey Tracey (Mutual Security Credit Union) and Michael Wilson (Seymour Public Schools).

As a leading philanthropic organization in Lower Naugatuck Valley, Valley United Way improves lives by mobilizing the caring power of the community through philanthropy, volunteerism, and collaboration. For more information about the organization, visit its website at www.valleyunitedway.org or contact David Kennedy, Interim President/COO at 203-538-6341.

(This is a press release from Valley United Way)

"Seymour Strong" Banners Available

Sharing from Seymour's Facebook Page:

Are you looking for a way to show your support to our First Responders, Medical Personnel and all of the Essential Employees that are working hard for each and every one of us? Are you looking for a way to help the many charitable organizations in the Valley that need our support? If so, please consider purchasing a personalized banner to be hung from a telephone pole in town. Your donation of $132 includes the banner and a $25 donation to the Valley Community Foundation COVID-19 Response and Recovery Fund. If you are interested, you can call Joe at Grand Concepts at (203) 881-2332 to order yours today. Any questions, please let us know. #seymourstrong

An Easter Message from BadSons Brewery

Copyright © 2020 BAD SONS Beer Co., All rights reserved. You are receiving this email because you opted in at our website. Our mailing address is: BAD SONS Beer Co. 251 Roosevelt Dr. Derby, CT 06418

Help Feed Those in Need During Health Crisis

Ring Those Bells, Seymour!

Valley Towns Close all Parks, Playgrounds, Basketball Courts Amid COVID-19 Concerns

Sharing information from Seymour First Selectman Kurt Miller, Ansonia Mayor David Cassetti and Derby Mayor Richard Dziekan:

Mayor Richard Dziekan

ANSONIA: Attention residents- At this time for public safety, we must close all city basketball courts, city playgrounds and city parks to the public. If you are out for a walk in open space, please practice social distancing by staying six feet apart- Ansonia Mayor David Cassetti

SEYMOUR: Effective tonight (March 23) at 5 pm, we will be closing all parks and playgrounds in Seymour to go along with all of the sports fields on school property. We are doing this in the best interest of public health and safety. We are sorry for any inconvenience this may cause- Seymour First Selectman Kurt Miller

DERBY: As we continue to navigate our new reality amidst the Covid-19 pandemic, it is important that local government officials help set the tone to mitigate the spread of the virus.

In accordance with this idea, Derby will be following the lead of Seymour, Ansonia and Oxford and closing our public parks until further notice.

This includes:

-Payden Park/Ryan/DeFillippo Field (baseball, football/soccer field and track),

-Bradley School court and playground, Irving School court and playground,

-Witek Park Soccer Field,

-the picnic grove and basketball courts

As of right now, the Derby Greenway will remain open, but we strongly encourage you to practice social distancing if you chose to utilize it.

These restrictions will remain in place until further notice- Derby Mayor Richard Dziekan

Mayor David Cassetti

First Selectman Kurt Miller

Ansonia Resident Volunteers to Help Seniors

Ansonia Resident Volunteers to Pick Up Your Groceries and Prescriptions During Covid-19 Crisis…

Contact:  John Izzo                             jizzo9531@gmail.com                                   860-929-8715

With the Covid-19 virus bringing our state to a near standstill and mandates that call for citizens not to gather with more than 10 people and maintaining a safe 6-foot distance, our seniors are the most vulnerable to be affected, said Ansonia resident John Izzo.  

These core group of Valley citizens have had to make major adjustments to their daily lives that makes it difficult to do the simplest things that many of us take for granted, like a trip to the local market to do their weekly grocery shopping, or to pick up their prescriptions from the pharmacy.     

I feel those of us that are capable must do our share to help our seniors during these difficult times.  Therefore, I am volunteering my time to do the grocery shopping or pick up prescriptions from local supermarkets and pharmacies for any of our elderly residents over the age of 65 in the towns of Ansonia, Derby, Seymour and Shelton.  

With state-mandated closures of most businesses, there are and will be very limited hours and locations to shop for groceries and I want to do what I can to assist our senior citizens for this purpose.    

These are not typical times. In just a few short months, the coronavirus has led to the creation of a new language, one with phrases like “social distancing” and “self-isolation.”  While public health officials work diligently to keep all citizens abreast of safety measures and precautions that are currently in place, our elderly population is being affected and the ones most in need during this crisis.

We are facing unprecedented times and we must do whatever we can to keep our seniors safe. ] 

There is no charge for this service, and anyone needing help with their grocery shopping or prescription pick up can email me on jizzo9531@gmail.com., or call 860-929-8715 for more information.   

(This is a press release from John Izzo)

A Holiday Spectacular

Valley Dentist Helps Brighten Holidays

SHELTON- Dr. Bruce Sofferman of Smile Dental Center, 1000 Bridgeport Ave., and his family held their 33rd frozen turkey and canned food drive Nov. 20 to benefit the Spooner House and its Valley Food Bank. The donations will be made into food baskets for more than 600 Valley families in need so they can enjoy a hearty Thanksgiving.

BHcare to Honor Valley Businessman

Community Impact Breakfast Please join us to honor Tom Haynes for his passion and dedication to BHcare and PCRC. It is our privilege to present Mr. Haynes with our 2019 Community Partner Award. November 14, 2019 7:45 - 9:30 am Race Brook Country Club 246 Derby Avenue Orange, CT 06477 Free and open to the public! Advanced Reservations Required RSVP by November 7 to RSVP@bhcare.org/(203) 446-9739 x1856

Griffin, SafeKids Offer Child Passenger Safety Training

DERBY- Griffin Health and SafeKids Greater Naugatuck Valley are offering free training on how to make sure children are safe when travelling in cars.

Safe Kids Greater Naugatuck Valley Coalition Coordinator Cathi Kellett, MA CPST-I, SN-I, will host “Child Passenger Safety 101” on Wed., Nov. 6 at Griffin Hospital, 130 Division St. There will be a session from 6-7 p.m. on general child passenger safety and a session focused on passengers with special needs from 7:30-8:30 p.m.

Both sessions will provide information about the importance of child safety seats and crash dynamics, infant seats and rear-facing convertibles, forward-facing seats, including combination seats, booster seats and seat belts, and aftermarket products and objects in the car.

To register, email Cathi at ckellett@griffinhealth.org by Nov. 1.

(This is a press release from Griffin Hospital)

Valley Senior Fair Oct. 16

Hey Valley Residents: Get Your Flu Shots Here

2019 Flu Clinic Schedule

Flu Press Release 2019

Date: September 24, 2019
Contact: Carissa Caserta, MPH
Phone: 203-881-3255

Naugatuck Valley Health District Schedules Seasonal Flu Clinics

The Naugatuck Valley Health District (NVHD) will offer influenza vaccine clinics to residents of Ansonia, Beacon Falls, Derby, Naugatuck, Seymour and Shelton during the months of September, October and November.  All residents are welcome to any of the clinics listed below, and appointments are not necessary.

Clinics will be held at the following locations:

	Tuesday	October 1st	9:00AM – 11:00AM	Naugatuck Senior Center
	Friday	October 4th	9AM – 11:30AM	Seymour Senior Center
	Saturday	October 5th	9AM – NOON	EchoHose Training Center 430 Coram Ave., Shelton
	Tuesday	October 8th	9AM – 11AM	Beacon Falls Senior Center
	Thursday	October 10th	11AM – 1PM	Ansonia Senior Center
	Friday	October 11th	9AM – 11AM	Derby Senior Center
	Wednesday	October 16th	11AM – 2PM	Senator Logan’s Health Fair Warsaw Park, Ansonia
	Wednesday	October 23rd	9:30AM – NOON	Shelton Senior Center
*NEWLY ADDED!	Monday	October 28th	9:00AM – NOON	State Senator Kevin Kelly & State Representatives Jason Perillo & Ben McGorty’s Senior Health & Wellness Fair at Shelton Senior