Free Ice Fishing Class

Ansonia opens armory for walkers, indoor exercising

By Jean Falbo-Sosnovich
Register Correspondent
ANSONIA >> Residents hoping to stick to their New Year’s resolutions by exercising more can make tracks to the Ansonia Armory beginning Monday.
Mayor David Cassetti announced that the Armory doors will be open to walkers and anyone wanting to exercise indoors during the cold winter months.
“Many residents took advantage of this opportunity last year when inclement weather prohibited outdoor exercise,” Cassetti said. “I wanted to be sure to offer this alternative to Ansonia residents again this year. It’s a great way to exercise during the winter months and a good opportunity to socialize with your friends and neighbors.”

Read more here. 

No Vet Left Behind to hold stand down in Ansonia

ANSONIA - No Vet Left Behind, Inc., a nonprofit that assists veterans in navigating the Veterans Administration bureaucracy and helps find housing for them, will host a Stand Down from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Dec. 15 at the National Guard Armory, 5 State St.
All service organizations are requested to participate in this event, said Derby resident George Porter, co-founder of the organization. 

He said the original Stand Down for homeless veterans was modeled after the Stand Down concept used during the Vietnam War to provide a safe retreat for units returning from combat operations.
 
At secure base camp areas, troops were able to take care of personal hygiene, get clean uniforms, enjoy warm meals, receive medical and dental care, mail and receive letters, and enjoy the camaraderie of friends in a safe environment. 
Stand Down afforded battle-weary soldiers the opportunity to renew their spirit, health and overall sense of well-being.

That is the purpose of the Stand Down for homeless veterans, and achieving those objectives requires a wide range of support services and time.
The program is successful because it brings these services to one location, making them more accessible to homeless veterans.

Any volunteer or veterans organization interested in participating is encouraged to contact No Vet Left Behind, Inc. President Mary Porter, 203-906-0533.

George Porter added, "It is important for us to be the leader and make a contribution to our community. For the past five years No Vet Left Behind, Inc. has provided for our veterans summer, spring, and fall, and with your help we can continue this great tradition of giving back to those who have given so much for all of us to be free."

 This information was taken from a press release from George Porter.

Crisco to co-host business conference at Ansonia Armory

Jobs Bill highlights will be presented

HARTFORD – State Sen. Joseph J. Crisco, Jr., D-Woodbridge, and state Rep. Linda M. Gentile, D-Ansonia, will co-host – along with the Lieutenant Governor’s office and the state Department of Labor – the Greater Valley STEP UP Conference Wednesday. More than 100 area businesses are already registered for the series of presentations and meetings to help companies in the region better understand the Connecticut Jobs Bill and its STEP UP program.

The conference is scheduled from 7:30 to 10:30 a.m. Wednesday at the Ansonia Armory, 5 State St. Highlights of the Jobs Bill enacted last fall and expanded economic development programs enacted in June will be spelled out in presentations and exhibits.

“It’s been gratifying to see widespread acceptance of the provisions of our jobs bill, with businesses from throughout Connecticut taking advantage of the direct assistance available to them,” Crisco said. “This conference is aimed at small businesses and manufacturers in our backyard to make sure they’re completely familiar with the jobs-generating, inventory expansion, and marketing assistance programs available to them as well as our newly expanded eligibility for these programs.”

Crisco said the state’s Small Business Express program is now available to companies with up to 100 employees with grants to launch new products or expand inventory, and the STEP UP job training program has new payroll incentives for employers to help them cover the costs associated with hiring and training new employees, including post-9/11 veterans.

“Area business owners could be eligible for wage reimbursement programs, job training grants, tax credits, and other direct assistance to help them expand their business and enhance their company profile,” Crisco said. “We’re very excited that so many business owners have pre-registered and hope more of them turn out for this important event Wednesday morning.”

“One of the presentations offers specifics about the payroll assistance available to those who hire post-9/11 veterans of the Armed Forces, who often need a helping hand while integrating back into civilian life,”Crisco added. “This is particularly appropriate, given the sacrifices made by these veterans in service to our nation, and the timing is serendipitous, given this week’s anniversary of those deadly attacks.” 

This was taken from a release from Crisco's office.

Conference in Ansonia to aid small businesses

    ANSONIA - A free conference for small businesses and manufacturers will be held Sept. 12 at the Ansonia Armory, 5 State St.
    The Greater Valley Step Up Conference begins at 7:30 a.m. with registration and light refreshments. Presentations and information booth visits are scheduled from 8-10:30 a.m.
    Attendees will learn about opportunities to grow their business.
    Lt. Gov. Nancy Wyman is scheduled to attend, as are local and state legislators, municipal officials and area agencies.
    For information call Dolores Ryan, 203-455-2602. To RSVP, register before Sept. 10 at www.ctworkSSw,org /STEPUP.