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 to host 3rd annual bike rally to commemorate Lallement

Pierre Lallement

   ANSONIA - The Cultural Commission welcomes bike riders and their families May 5 to join in the third annual bicycle rally commemorating Pierre Lallement, the inventor of the bicycle, chairwoman Judy Nicolari said today.

    Lallement, a Frenchman, was living in Ansonia when he invented the pedal bicycle in 1865. His first trip pedaling his invention was from Ansonia to New Haven.

    Last year's rally was in June, but the Cultural Commission moved it to May because it is National Bike Month.

    Nicolari said, "Cyclists will have two options as to where they would like to join in the rally."   
    One is to start in New Haven at 10:15 a.m. at the corner of College and Chapel Streets, the site of their Pierre Lallement plaque on the Green. They can take the route with the New Haven riders.
    Registration will be held at the Cultural Commission booth at Webster Park for Valley riders.
    Nicolari said a rider release form will be available for anyone under 18 who wants to participate.
    Registration for riders leaving from New Haven will be held before 10 a.m. at the corner of College and Chapel Streets. the site of the Pierre Lallement plaque.

    A second option is for cyclists to be at Webster Park on Central Street (behind Big Y Supermarket) at 11 a.m. and proceed with the riders to East Main and Main Streets to Veterans Memorial Park next to City Hall.
    A kickoff ceremony and rally in honor of Lallement will be held in the park.
    Guest speakers will include:
    Mayor James Della Volpe; author David Herlihy, President of the Lallement Memorial Committee who wrote commentary for the book, “Pierre Lallement and His Bicycle;” Laura Burrone, committee member, New Haven International Festival of Arts and Ideas; and student Ryan Amato winner of last year’s essay contest, “The Ride of the Wooden Horse.”

    DJ Phyllis Kaplan will play songs including “Eye of The Tiger,” the theme from a “Rocky” movie to inspire cyclists as they arrive at Veterans Memorial Park.
    Nicolari said the commission will have snacks and drinks available for those cyclists participating in the ride.
    After the ceremony a “Festival of Bikes” sponsored by the Economic Development Commission will be held on Main Street. A list of festival activities will be announced.

Festival honoring bike inventor on tap in Ansonia

Pierre Lallement, inventor of the bicycle

ANSONIA - The city is gearing up for the Pierre Lallement Festival of Bikes, which will be held from 11 a.m.- 4 p.m. June 3.
In a press release today Economic Development Commission chairman Vinnie Scarlata said, "please be ready to officially welcome our latest historic icon, Pierre Lallement, former resident and inventor of the bicycle. Thanks to Pierre, Ansonia is the 'Home of the Bicycle' and now is our time to embrace that distinction. "
Lallement, a Frenchman, was living in Ansonia when he invented the bicycle in 1865.  
The downtown festival is being hosted by the Cultural Commission and Economic Development Commission.

"Cyclists from New Haven will complete their commemorative ride and appear (downtown) at about 11 a.m. Bring your bikes and join the final lap around downtown ending at City Hall for the day’s dedication," Scarlata said. (Meet-up will be 10:45 a.m., behind Big Y supermarket).
"Decorate your bikes and helmets for the best dressed contest. Bring your old gear to the Bike Swap or donate.
"See the BMX Rampage team do their amazing pipe and ramp exhibition. Big kids (yes! you dad) try your skills on the Trike Obstacle Course if you dare.
"For our little trikers, Griffin Hospital's Valley Parish Nurses will be conducting helmet fittings and giveaways while supplies last."

There will be bike safety inspections. Guests include: Sports Centers of Ct. of Shelton; Sports Authority of Milford; Zanes Cycles of Branford; Total Fitness; and the EliptiGO. Outdoor dining will be available from local restaurants, and much more.

Scarlata urged residents to "come down to Main Street, Sunday, June 3, and enjoy your town as we brand ourselves the "Home of the Bicycle."

The above post is a lightly edited version of a release from Vinnie Scarlata, chairman, Ansonia Economic Development Commission.