Former Seymour resident seeks submissions for book

As former Seymour resident Jean Matricaria looked at her church’s bulletin, an ad for a special needs event jumped out at her.
Ever since then, she has been seeing all sorts of fundraisers, events and foundations centered on helping the developmentally and intellectually disabled.
This was all the confirmation she says she needed to start her second book.

Her first book, “America’s Poetic Tribute,” commemorates the Sept. 11 attacks on the World Trade Center in New York.
Her second book will honor and support those who have developmental and intellectual differences.

“I’m asking people to send me poems or short stories that are about people with special needs,” Matricaria said. “Hopefully, I would like them to be stories of inclusion or how our friends have excelled.”
All proceeds will go to The Rhythmic Arts Project (TRAP), Matricaria said, which addresses basic life skills concerning cognitive, emotional, and physical disabilities.

Send submissions to Jean Matricaria, P.O. Box 199, Plantation, FL 33324. Include the submission, plus an email address or a self-addressed, stamped envelope.

The Rhythmic Arts Project is a 501 ( c ) 3 Non- Profit Organization. Visit www.Traponline.org.

Shelton resident, 88, pens inspirational book

SHELTON - Painter, singer, and author, Doris Thorn has been expanding her wealth of knowledge and faith in God from a very young age.
Now 88, Thorn shares her experiences with the world. She has written an inspirational work, "Casting Light on the Mystery of God in You."

 

It encompasses Thorn's experience and wisdom that she’s gathered over the decades.
In a practical and down-to-earth writing style. Thorn offers exercises for developing spirituality, and ways to discover and increase the spirit of God in you.

“Doris Thorn takes the reader on an inspiring, in-depth journey into the world of the spiritual, an exciting blend of science and faith.” - Reverend J. George Hilton

"Casting Light on the Mystery of God in You" is available to order from friesenpress.com/bookstore and Amazon.

As the daughter of a Methodist minister, Thorn received religious education at a very young age. As she grew, she wanted to know more, and began a lifelong quest of religious and spiritual discovery to find her own truth.
For the past 60 years, she has studied various metaphysical books and teachings of many great religious movements.
This has given her a wider outlook and overall view of spiritual teachings, which she now shares with her readers.

Thorn is a resident of Crosby Commons at Wesley Village, an assisted living community in Shelton.


This information is taken from a press release.

Book highlights remarkable lives of Valley natives

On Saturday my husband and I attended a reception marking the release of a new book, "Notable Valley African Americans."

The festive atmosphere we encountered at Molto Bene Italian Kitchen at John J. Sullivan's restaurant in Ansonia was certainly contagious.
The group celebrating the book release included those who are featured in the book as well as their friends and family members.
 

The book offers insight into accomplished Valley natives.

The 112-page, soft-cover publication is the brainchild of Ansonia resident Elezena Anderson. She deserves plaudits for her dedication as she turned her concept into a reality.

Anderson humbly said everyone involved is an "author," since the book contains a collection of biographies and photos submitted by the honorees or their families.
Individuals featured in the book include clergy members, doctors, nurses, postal workers, teachers and politicians, to list just a few.

Anderson also told me she was relieved that it was done. That's certainly understandable, since the project took several years to complete. The project was funded through a $3,000 grant from the Community Foundation for Greater New Haven.  

Anderson, a founding member of the Julian A. Taylor Scholarship Committee, said she will donate all profits from sale of the $10 book to the Julian A. Taylor Scholarship Fund.

Taylor was pastor of Macedonia Baptist Church in Ansonia for 42 years. After he died at age 79 in 1981 the scholarship fund was established in his memory.

Each July the top-ranking black students from Ansonia High School receive college scholarships at an awards dinner. High-achieving students in grades three through 11 in Ansonia also receive cash awards at the event.

Below is a photo of those who were honored at the reception for their work behind-the-scenes on the project. 

Pictured from left are Evelyn Lindsey, Jackie Blount, Sheena Graham, Wilhelmenia Christon, Patricia Reynolds, Pamela Potter, Elezena Anderson, and Diane Stroman. Photo by Patricia Villers

Anderson said copies of the book will be donated to: Ansonia High School, Ansonia Middle School, Emmett O’Brien Technical High School in Ansonia, Ansonia Library, and the Derby Historical Society in Ansonia.

To purchase a copy contact Anderson, 203-735-0421. It is well worth the $10 pricetag, and the money benefits a good cause.