Thursday, April 30, 2015

Ansonia administrator wins plaudits

Colleagues celebrate McNeill's award
Ansonia's John G. Prendergast School Assistant Principal Sherrod McNeill gets "a lift" from co-workers Wednesday at an event in his honor held at Ansonia High School.

Sherrod McNeill was applauded for being named the 2015 Assistant Principal of the Year by the Connecticut Association of Schools.


Congratulations are in order! 


Note: Photo shared with permission from the Facebook page of Ansonia Middle School Co-Principal Terri Goldson, Sr.

Seymour schools, VFW Post 12084 join to sponsor contest

Theme is Memorial Day reflections


Read the release here posted in the Valley Independent Sentinel.

Seymour to hold tag sale Saturday



For more information, visit the Seymour Town Wide Tag Sale Facebook page.

Also on Saturday, Seymour Congregational Church, 45 Broad St. will hold an indoor tag sale in the church hall from 8 a.m.-2 p.m.

Sharing from a post on its Facebook page:

"Hundreds of items for all ages have been donated by our church family. We will also offer coffee and delicious, home-made baked goods for sale and a $2.25 lunch special (hot dog, chips and beverage) in honor of our 225th anniversary. 
"Raffle tickets or dinner tickets for our turkey dinner in June are also available."




Shelton Historical Society to open its doors May 5 as part of 'The Great Give'

Nonprofits in Valley seeking donations
SHELTON - Many area organizations, including the Shelton Historical Society, will be 
participating in The Great Give 2015, a 36-hour online giving event beginning at 8 
a.m. next Tuesday. 
While donors may make a contribution at any time during the 36-hour period which ends at 8 p.m. May 6, those who wish to donate to the Shelton Historical Society in person and
see where funds will be used, are welcome to visit the circa 1822 Brownson House on the
Shelton History Center grounds on May 5, 11:30 a.m.-6:30 p.m.

Volunteers will be available to assist in navigating the secure online donation form; a
credit card must be used to make the donation. Information about volunteer and membership opportunities will be available, along with coffee, tea, and
sweets. 

The Great Give 2015 is organized and supported by the Valley Community Foundation, The Community Foundation for Greater New Haven, and Give Local America.

The Shelton Historical Society owns Shelton History Center, a museum complex
of six historic buildings at 70 Ripton Road,  just north of the Huntington Green, and strives
to provide programs of historical interest to the community, including notable school enrichment programs.
Upcoming events include Connecticut Open House Day June 13, Vintage Vehicles Antique
and Classic Car Show on Father’s Day, and an enrichment program for children, Adventures in History, in August.

For information call 203-925-1803 or visit www.sheltonhistoricalsociety.org or see announcements on Facebook.


This is a press release from Tracey Tate, executive director, Shelton Historical Society.

Wednesday, April 29, 2015

Derby Historical Society among nonprofits vying for donations

'The Great Give 2015' is next week
Docents strike a pose at the Gen. David Humphreys House in Ansonia.
Did you know you can help the Derby Historical Society win thousands of dollars in matching funds and prizes beginning at 8 a.m. May 5? 
Mark your calendars now to join us online for The Great Give® 2015 - the sixth major community-wide giving event through giveGreater.org® to benefit nonprofits serving the Greater New Haven region. 

Over a 36-hour period, $170,000 will be distributed in matching funds and prizes to the nonprofits on giveGreater.org® that raise the most money, attract the most number of donors and the most number of new donors...and more!   

Click on this link to make your donation (the link will be live at 8 a.m. May 5): www.thegreatgive.org

As a special thank you to our loyal donors, we are opening the David Humphreys House between the hours of 5-8 p.m. May 5. During this time we will have lantern tours of the house and light refreshments available.  
We will be accepting donations for The Great Give® 2015 and will have a computer available to assist them in making their online donation to The Society.


This is a press release from the Derby Historical Society,  a regional historical society dedicated to preserving, maintaining and celebrating the rich and varied history of the Lower Naugatuck Valley. 
The Derby Historical Society welcomes all visitors and is also available to support researchers, school or other program needs.  
Our staff offices are located at the Sarah Riggs Humphreys House, 37 Elm St., Ansonia.  
For more information, visit www.derbyhistorical.org.  

Ansonia to host National Day of Prayer May 7

The event will be held at 6 p.m. May 7 at Veterans Park next to Ansonia City Hall, 253 Main St.

Please click here to read the release posted in the Valley Independent Sentinel.

Kellogg Center in Derby to mark World Turtle Day

DERBY - Connecticut’s Department of Energy and Environmental Protection celebrates World Turtle Day May 23 at Kellogg Environmental Center by offering a day of activities and programs on turtles from 10 a.m.-3:30 p.m.

Turtles are unique reptiles that are always present in the landscape of Connecticut. Come with the family to learn about turtles and their importance to the environment while spending the day outside with your family.

The day will start with ongoing activities featuring a turtle viewing station at the pond, a reading corner for turtle stories, and an ongoing public art station on turtles.

The Osborne Homestead Museum will be open for tours and will have the unique challenge of “spot the turtle” in the rooms and on the grounds.

A special program, Native Turtles of Connecticut, will take place at 11 a.m. followed by turtle races at noon.
Local turtle ambassadors from area nature centers and Kellogg will race to the finish line to see which center has the fastest turtle.
After the turtle races, an afternoon pool-side turtle feeding demonstration will be held in the Kellogg Center with explanations about our resident turtles and what they eat.
The day has something for everyone and for all ages to enjoy. You are invited to bring a picnic and enjoy the day.

There is no participation fee but donations are greatly appreciated.

The Kellogg Environmental Center and Osborne Homestead Museum are located at 500 Hawthorne Ave. For further information, directions, or to register call the Kellogg Environmental Center, at 203-734-2513 or email donna.kingston@ct.gov.


This is a press release from the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection.

Griffin Hospital in Derby to host AARP driver program

DERBY - Griffin Hospital will host an AARP Driver Safety Program from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. June 6 in the hospital’s dining room meeting rooms.

The AARP Driver Safety Program is the nation's first and largest refresher course for drivers. 

While the course is geared toward drivers age 50 and older, the course is open to all interested persons.
The training is designed to help you learn current rules of the road, how to operate your vehicle more safely in today's increasingly challenging driving environment, and some adjustments to common age-related changes in vision, hearing, and reaction time. 

The course also covers such topics as how to maintain proper following distance at all times; the safest way to change lanes and make turns at intersections; the effects of medications on driving; how to minimize the effect of dangerous blind spots; the importance of eliminating distractions, such as eating, smoking, and cell-phone use; proper use of safety belts, air bags, and anti-lock brakes and ways to monitor your own and others' driving skills and capabilities.

Participants will gain a greater appreciation of driving challenges and how they can avoid potential collisions and injuries to themselves and others. 
As an added bonus, participants can check with their auto insurance agent to learn whether their company provides auto insurance discounts for completing the course.

The cost is $15 for AARP members and $20 for non-members. Make checks payable to AARP. 

Call Esther 203-732-1523 to register.


This is a press release from Griffin Hospital. 

Handmade market slated Saturday in Shelton

SHELTON - Downtown Handmade Market, a celebration of handmade artisans, takes place on the first Saturdays of every month in the Conti Building, 415 Howe Ave. (near Farmer’s Market) from 10 a.m.-5 p.m.

We invite you to join us to our First Saturdays with more than 30 handmade artisans, children’s play room, live music and a perfect place to spend your First Saturdays. 

“When we shop local, we are supporting and building opportunities for local entrepreneurs and business owners, strengthening our local economy by creating a more self-reliant and durable community, and celebrating community by building relationships and community cohesiveness,” the Celebrate Shelton duo, Michael Skrtic and Nicole Heriot-Mikula, say.

Downtown Handmade Market will continue this Saturday. 

Artisans include: Focaccia's Cafe & Eatery, Liquid Lunch, The Little Dog Laughed, 
BBA Bracelets,
 Bowtique by Alexa,
 Spoiled LLC,
 Origami Owl
, Reid's BBQ & Sauces, 
Benny The Baker
, Lisa's Soaps, 
TJJ Sews
, Hipponotic Candle
, Tiny Hobo
, Little Bee of CT
, Chaise Chic, 
BooBoo Bags, 
Crissy's Wellness Essentials, 
Stone Garden Farms, 
Woody Things, 
CrazyFun Facepainting, 
Triangle Tea Life, 
Bead Dangle Design, 
Birdhouses & Boxes
, Upcycle, 
Up The Juniper Tree, 
Moving With Hope, Marla Bee Designs and Creations by Kellie Q. 
Our non-profit highlight: Parent Child Resource Center.

Our Conti Building shops: Nikki's Candy Boutique, BringtheHoopla
, The Glass Source Studio, Periodic Tableware, Shadee Lady Window Treatments and Interior Design.

Celebrate Shelton has announced Downtown Sounds Concert Series which will be held at Veterans Memorial Park from 6-9 p.m. Fridays, July 17, July 24, and Aug. 7.

Learn more about Celebrate Shelton at www.celebrateshelton.com and follow us on Facebook (www.facebook.com/celebrateshelton) and Instagram.

For more information, e-mail celebrateshelton@gmail.com or call 203-924-4368.
Ample parking is available and the location is handicapped accessible.


This is a press release from Nicole Heriot-Mikula.

Derby unveils video promoting city as part of initiative

DERBY - Mayor Anita Dugatto wants people to know the city has a lot to offer families and she says it's a great community for businesses to invest.

She recently launched a Discover Derby initiative that includes a professionally-produced "Community of Distinction" video.

The five-minute feature can be viewed on the city’s new website, www.derbyct.gov.

You also can read the story and see the video here in the Valley Independent Sentinel.

Derby Library to host book discussion

DERBY - The Derby Public Library has scheduled its next Lunchtime Book Discussion for 12:30 p.m. May 27.

The selected title is the bestselling novel The Book Thief by Markus Zusak.  

Trying to make sense of the horrors of WWII, Death relates the story of Liesel, a young German girl whose book-stealing and story-telling talents help sustain her family and the Jewish man they are hiding, as well as their neighbors.

Multiple copies of the book are available at the circulation desk. 
Participants are asked to bring a sandwich and a friend as they "chat and chew."

Dessert and beverages will be provided.
Registration is requested.  

For more information, stop by the Library at 313 Elizabeth St., call 203-736-1482, or visit www.derbypubliclibrary.org.


This is a press release from Cathy Williams, Director, Derby Public Library.

  

Osborne Homestead Museum in Derby to reopen Saturday

Osborne Homestead Museum (Photo from DEEP website)
DERBY - The Osborne Homestead Museum will reopen for its 32nd season on Saturday. 
Guided tours will introduce visitors to the extraordinary life of Frances Osborne Kellogg and to her wonderful collection of antiques and fine art in this charming Colonial Revival house.  
Take a stroll among the flowering trees, fragrant shrubs, and gorgeous flowers of the Kellogg Estate gardens.  

Frances Osborne Kellogg had a tradition of supporting the arts and promoting conservation.  

Programs over the next few months include: 
Connecticut Open House Day, June 13 with a special program on Japanese woodblock prints.  
Tea crafting workshop June 27– bring your children. 
Connecticut’s Historic Gardens Days, June 28 from 12 noon - 4 p.m., honoring different garden styles and historic house museums.  
Victorian etiquette and tea workshop, July 25  

For detailed information on upcoming events, visit the Osborne Homestead Museum and Kellogg Environmental Center's calendar at http://www.ct.gov/deep/calendar, keyword: Kellogg.  

The Osborne Homestead Museum will be open for guided tours on Thursdays and Fridays, from 10 a.m. - 3 p.m., Saturdays, from 10 a.m. - 4 p.m., and Sundays, from noon - 4 p.m. through October.  

There is no admission fee, but donations are gratefully accepted.  
For group tours or for more information contact the Kellogg Environmental Center at 203-734-2513.  

The Osborne Homestead Museum and the Kellogg Environmental Center at 500 Hawthorne Ave. are facilities of the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection.


This is a press release from DEEP.


Griffin Hospital to be Platinum Sponsor of Relay for Life in Shelton

Pictured from right are Relay For Life of Naugatuck Valley Survivorship Committee members Lori-Ann Wigglesworth and Shauna Quigley-Blaze, Christian Meagher of Griffin Hospital, Relay for Life Event Co-chair Kristen Ostrowski and Relay For Life Community Manager Erin Dixon. Missing from photo are Survivorship Committee member Lisa Teemsma and Event Co-chair Jason Carlucci. / Submitted photo


DERBY - In addition to supporting the Lower Naugatuck Valley’s cancer survivors through its annual 5K Walk/Run, The Center for Cancer Care at Griffin Hospital is proud to be a Platinum Sponsor of the 2015 Relay For Life of Naugatuck Valley. 
The Relay For Life will be held June 13-14 at the Riverwalk in Shelton.

Relay For Life is an overnight walkathon that raises funds for the American Cancer Society’s cancer education and research.

Griffin Hospital recently hosted a dinner for area cancer survivors and caregivers, and is providing support with the event’s survivor recognition activities, including its survivor reception at the Relay and the Hope Tent, which offers food, refreshments, and free massages for cancer survivors and caregivers.

The Relay For Life of Naugatuck Valley will have entertainment for families for 18 hours and there are many opportunities for volunteer hours. 

Contact Kristen Ostrowski at NVRelayEventChair@gmail.com for more information. If you would like to join or support the Relay For Life of Naugatuck Valley, visit relayforlife.org/naugatuckvalleyct.

The Seventh Annual 5K Walk/Run to Benefit the Center for Cancer Care is set for June 6 at the Center, 350 Seymour Ave. 

For more information, visit griffinhealth.org/5K.


This is a press release from Griffin Hospital.

St. Mary-St. Michael students in Derby to present play


Sounds like a fun show! As it says in the drawing, "This is not your average fairy tale." 

Monday, April 27, 2015

Raising awareness vital in battle against esophageal cancer, caregivers say

Local family fights good fight against chronic illness

Note: I've known Maggie Nolan-Solsbury since I wrote a story for the New Haven Register three years ago about a fundraiser for her husband, Keith Solsbury, who is living with esophageal cancer.

Ansonia native Keith Solsbury, 52, has been fighting the good fight against esophageal cancer for nearly a decade. 
And he is winning the battle, thanks to the tireless efforts of a loving family.
Keith Solsbury
His wife, Maggie Nolan-Solsbury, and their two children, Brandon, 24, and Brianna, 22, have cared for him throughout several surgeries, chemotherapy treatments, and more. Keith Solsbury is unable to work, and the family is struggling financially. 

Esophageal cancer is the fastest-growing cancer in the United States, Maggie Solsbury said, yet there are no routine tests for early detection.

Brandon Solsbury commented, “People do not care about awareness. If it has not happened to them or someone close to them, they can’t see it! Some choose to ignore it, [they] cannot handle the fact that even if you are cancer free you can have years and years of complications. 
“Until people care about awareness before it hurts someone in their family directly, nothing will change and it will be a slow, painful, uphill battle that most will not win.”

Maggie Solsbury seeks to effect change and raise awareness about the disease. Her goal is to make April National Esophageal Cancer Awareness Month.
Several years ago she was successful in having April designated as Esophageal Cancer Awareness Month in Connecticut.

“Awareness can save lives,” Maggie Solsbury said. “Just because it is a rare cancer does not mean we should not count. The patients and families are never the same,” she said, after receiving a diagnosis.

She wants people to realize something seemingly simple such as chronic heartburn can cause esophageal cancer to develop.

Maggie Solsbury
In addition, risk factors include obesity, Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) and smoking. Those who have those risk factors can develop Barrett’s esophagus which increases the potential for developing esophageal cancer.

Maggie Solsbury serves as regional contact for the Esophageal Cancer Awareness Association.
According to information on its Facebook page, “the Esophageal Cancer Awareness Association is an organization dedicated to providing outreach for esophageal cancer patients, caregivers, and survivors; to increase public awareness of this disease, and to provide education and information in a supportive environment. 
The ECAA is a purely volunteer group with unpaid officers.” 

Maggie Solsbury said she has been comforted by the support she has received through online groups for families dealing with the disease.
One of those individuals is a woman who lost her 23-year old son to esophageal cancer in 2010.
She wrote on Maggie Solsbury’s Facebook page: 
“Here is my son Christopher's EC story which involves two moves, no health insurance, the naivete of my son to [not] take his symptoms seriously and follow-up, and the unwillingness of the medical community to recognize that someone that young could get this cancer and diagnose him properly.” 

Her story is quoted below:
“Chris was 22 years old when first became ill in April of 2009. At first he thought he had a stomach virus. Prior to that, there were no symptoms. At that time, he was working several part time jobs on Long Island and had no health insurance. The ACA was not yet passed, neither was parents being able to cover children up to age 26. 

“His initial symptoms were dysphagia, unexplained weight loss, and pain in the chest area. He went to a clinic and the ER. He was given a Rx of Protonix and was told to follow-up with a GI doctor. 
“He was never scoped until after he moved from Long Island to Pittsburgh in September of 2009, five-plus months since the initial symptoms and over a 50-plus pound weight loss. He finally made an appointment in November (the earliest he could get) with a GI doctor in Pittsburgh. 
“Unfortunately, he never made that appointment because he collapsed at work, two weeks before the appointment. Within 24 hours on Nov. 17 the University of Pittsburgh scoped him and diagnosed Chris with Adenocarcinoma of the GEJ and stomach, he also needed three blood transfusions because of low hemoglobin counts. I took Chris to downtown Pittsburgh to file for Medicaid and Social 
Security disability benefits.

“He had a PET scan two days before Thanksgiving; the diagnosis was Stage 4, metastatic gastro esophageal cancer with multiple lymph node involvement from his neck all the way down to his groin, and metastases to the liver. 
"The first week of December in Pittsburgh he had surgery to put in a port and an esophageal stent so he could eat and had another three blood transfusions. 

"On Dec. 17, Chris and I decided that he would come back to Connecticut with me for treatment as that's where my husband and I were living.
"Chris was readmitted to the hospital in Norwich on Dec. 22 because the esophageal stent did not stay in place and had to be surgically removed. He needed an additional three units of blood and chemotherapy was started on Dec. 28, 2009.
"My son was never able to eat again. He was readmitted to the hospital in Norwich March 3 because we could not control his pain level with oral pain medications.
"Chemo was not controlling the spread of his cancer. His cancer then spread to the peritoneal sac. He then needed a Denver catheter to remove the fluid. Chemo was stopped as was TPN. He never came home again. On April 28, the hospital transferred him to hospice in Branford, Ct.

"On May 8, 2010, Mother's Day weekend, my son Christopher Michael Bloom died at the age of 23 from this beast of a cancer. He never really had a chance, the doctors told me in two different states.”


Keith and Maggie Solsbury renewed their wedding vows on their 25th anniversary last year. This photo with their two children was taken on the day Keith came home from the hospital.

Maggie Solsbury said she is working with other families nationwide to establish a foundation to assist those who have been diagnosed with esophageal cancer.

Meanwhile, Keith Solsbury continues to valiantly fight the disease every day.
And the family is right there next to him.



Wesley Village in Shelton to host talk about memory care

'Dinner with the Doc' slated May 12
SHELTON - Lifestyle Transitions at Wesley Heights, a new memory support community on the Wesley Village Campus, will host a “Dinner with the Doc” memory care discussion at 5:30 p.m. May 12. 
The discussion will be led by Wesley Village Medical Director Dr. Daniel Wollman, who provides both primary care and consulting services for memory and cognitive deficits on the campus. 
Wollman
Wollman will facilitate a discussion for caregivers, offering strategies for dealing with memory loss and cognitive decline in older adults. 

This event will be held in the new Lifestyle Transitions memory care neighborhood at Wesley Heights, which is located on the Wesley Village Campus at 580 Long Hill Ave. 
Dinner will be provided and tours of “Lifestyle Transitions” will be available.
“Lifestyle Transitions at Wesley Heights” offers specialized assisted living in a secure, supportive environment for those living with memory loss. 

Seating is limited for this event; please RSVP to Lisa Bisson at 203.225.5024 if interested in attending. 
For more information, email Lisa Bisson, lbisson@umh.org or visit www.wesleyvillage-ct.org.


This is a press release from United Methodist Homes.


Restaurant to host Cinco de Mayo event in downtown Ansonia

ANSONIA - It’s time to spice up downtown Ansonia as Crave restaurant announces its annual Crave Presents Cinco de Mayo to be held May 3. 

The outdoor celebration will run from 1-9 p.m. in the 5,000 square-foot parking lot adjacent to the popular Ansonia Latin-fusion restaurant, 102 Main St. 

Admission is free. Table seating and tents will be set up throughout. 
Food and beverage tickets can be purchased on-site at the event.      

Two bands are scheduled to perform including Bobs Fault Band (1 p.m.), and the popular salsa band Orquesta Son Siete (3-7 p.m.).

The on-premise grill menu offering by veteran Crave Chef Fabian Delgado will include carne asada, tacos, fajitas, burritos, tostadas, and more. Beverages include frozen margaritas, Modelo Especial and Corona beer, wine, and sangria.

“As this annual event continues to grow in popularity, it offers to become an anticipated entertainment anchor to the City’s downtown,” said Crave owner Libby Meissner, now entering her eighth year of business. 

Last fall, the restaurant expanded into an adjacent 1,200-square foot space, including the addition of a popular Vanity Room featuring Thursday-Saturday live entertainment.

Parking is free throughout the surrounding downtown area. 


This is a press release from Crave.

Scouts to perform in 91st annual gang show in Derby

Photo taken from show's Facebook page
DERBY - Housatonic Boy Scouts of America Cub Scout Pack 3, Boy Scout Troop 3, and Venture Crew 33 Scouts are preparing for their 91st Annual Scout Gang Show, which will be held at 7:30 p.m. May 8 and 9 at Derby Methodist Church Fellowship Hall.

The church is located at the corner of Fifth and Elizabeth Streets, near the Derby Green. 

Tickets are $8 and are available from any Pack 3, Troop 3, or Crew 33 Scout or by calling 203-732-0343. 
A limited number of tickets will be available at the door. Proceeds from the show help send Scouts to summer camp at Ed Strang Scout Reservation, Cub Scout Day camp and the Scouts' upcoming camping trip to Derby, England.

The show is part old time minstrel, part variety show and part Gang Show, in the English Scouting tradition. First performed in 1922, and annually except for two years during World War II, the Derby Scout Gang Show has the distinction of being the longest running show of its kind in the world.

The late local Scouting pioneer and Derby Hall of Fame member Edmund D. Strang, had several friends involved in English Scout Gang Shows and he would attend the shows when visiting there. 

He eventually merged the minstrel and Gang Show concepts into an unique version of the Scout Gang Show, and the rest as they say, is history.

Derby’s Scout Gang Show has been written up in Yankee and Scouting Magazines and in 1999, it was also featured on National Public Radio’s “Lost and Found Sounds” program. When honoring Strang and the longevity of the show in 1985, President Ronald Reagan referred to the Gang Show as “Connecticut’s finest example of controlled chaos.”

The term Gang Show goes back to 1932 when Ralph Reader was directing a scout show in London as a way to raise money for the local Scout camp swimming pool. 


According to Reader, “One night during rehearsals word was brought to me that the title of the show had to be decided that evening so that posters could be got ready for the initial announcements to the public. We had just broken for coffee. Then I told one of the boys to call the cast back to continue rehearsals. 
As they all crowded back into the room I said to the youngster, "Are they all back?" He looked at me and in a Cockney voice said, "Aye, aye, Skip; the gang's all here." I stood rooted to the spot. "The gang's all here!" "THE GANG'S ALL HERE!' That's it! That was the title we had been looking for. We were a Gang and the Gang was all here. Yes sir, I thought, that's IT.” Gang Shows immediately took off all over the United Kingdom, and Australia and some even in the USA. 
Although shows are still performed by Scouts throughout the United Kingdom and former British colonies, the Derby Scout Gang Show is the only show of its kind still being performed in the USA. The Derby Show will feature Ralph Reader songs “We’ve Been Making Memories” and “These are the Times”.

Strang was the Gang Show director, Interlocutor and driving force for 70 years. Troop 3 Scoutmaster Randy Ritter has been directing the show for the past 21 years. Ritter said, “The annual show enables our Cub Pack, Scout Troop, and Venturer Crew to work together towards a common goal, and the Scouts gain self confidence performing while learning traditional songs and we raise funds to support our Scouting activities.”


More than 100 to perform
Marc Weissman will be accompanying the Scout soloists and chorus as the pianist and Troop 3 Scout Matthew Moran will serve as Chorus Director. 

The "endmen" or fun men, who will be telling jokes for the show are Assistant Scoutmaster Michael McMahon, and Scouts Steven Tracz, Dominic Livoti, Michael Shea, Colby McLiverty, Anthony Bartholomew, Justin Patten, and Joseph Szewczyk.

More than 100 Scouts, leaders, and parents will be performing. Rodman Kneen Jr. has been directing the "stooges" who perform one-line run on gags, for more than 60 years. 


Kneen, whose first performance in the show was as a Cub Scout in 1932, is celebrating a remarkable 83 years in Scouting. 

Stooges in this year’s show include Crew 33 Venture Scouts Joshua Moscato, James Chopak, Adam Sroka, Jason Edwards, and Ben Grasso. It is the Stooges who will perform an ongoing gag bringing up an ever-growing tree sapling throughout the show, searching for its owner, Mrs. Jones.

The theme for the show is "Stay on the Sunny Side of Life" and will feature fun songs from the show through the years. 

Highlights include Boy Scout Thomas Robertson performing “Hello Mudduh,” Cub Scout Kevin McGuire singing “Hoop Dee Do” and Venture Scout Michael Shea singing “I’ve Gotta Woman.”
In addition, the Scouts will be performing traditional Scout Gang Show classics such as “Hello Dolly,” “Aba Daba Honeymoon,” and “Rubber Ducky.” Special guests include Donald King, former Derby Mayor and current Town/City Clerk Marc Garofalo and Sarah Beth Widomski.

In addition to Garofalo, Center Stage director Gary Scarpa, former Ansonia Mayor Bill Menna and Shelton Aldermanic President John Anglace all performed in the show as youths. 

The show's most famous alumnus is TV, stage, and movie actor Brian Dennehy, who performed "Be A Good Scout" on the same Derby Methodist Church stage in the 1948 show.


This information is shared from the Gang Show Facebook page.

BHcare to showcase clients' art at library in Branford


As part of BHcare’s May is Mental Health Awareness Month activities, an art show will be held from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. May 8 at James Blackstone Memorial Library, 758 Main St., Branford.

Witness the talents of BHcare clients who use photography, sculpture, painting, and other
forms of art to help them in their recovery from mental illness and addiction.

Admission is free and light refreshments will be served.

For information about BHcare’s May is Mental Health Awareness Month activities and events, visit www.bhcare.org.


This is a press release from BHcare, a regional community provider of behavioral health, addiction prevention, and domestic violence services for the Shoreline, Greater New Haven and Lower Naugatuck Valley communities.  
For more information, visit www.bhcare.org.

Sunday, April 26, 2015

Seymour Lions roar into Bungay School, give seedlings to students

Club takes part in national program to mark Arbor Day
'Seymour' high fives Bungay Elementary School students Friday.
SEYMOUR - I had a great time visiting Bungay Elementary School Friday, and I'm not lion.

Three members of the Seymour Lions Club visited the school and distributed fir seedlings to fourth graders. It was part of a nationwide 4th Grade Foresters USA program to mark Arbor Day and teach children the importance of planting trees. The club distributed 190 seedlings to fourth graders at Bungay and Chatfield-LoPresti schools.
Pictured from left, Bungay School Principal MarySue Feige, Lion Anne Barton, 'Seymour' the club's mascot, also known as Past President Yvonne Lorincz, First Selectman Kurt Miller, President Melissa A. Smith Poynton, and Superintendent of Schools Christine Syriac. 
I was at the school taking photos with New Haven Register correspondent Jean Falbo-Sosnovich who also wrote a story about the event, which I urge you to read here.


Seymour First Selectman Kurt Miller plants a fir seedling in front of Town Hall Friday, using only his bare hands. Pictured with him from left are Lions Club members Anne Barton, Melissa A. Smith Poynton, Kathleen Kulas, Millie Rios, and Yvonne Lorincz (in costume). 



Friday, April 24, 2015

Housing authority residents, staff enjoy lunch in Ansonia

Valley photographer extraordinaire Fred Ortoli of Oxford set up this group shot Friday at the Frederick Ortoli Community Center at Monsignor John T. Hynes Apartments in Ansonia after a spring luncheon prepared and served by culinary students from Emmett O'Brien Technical High School in Ansonia. 
I grabbed the opportunity to take a photo too. He did a great job; I don't know if I could pose that many people. The center was named for his late father, whose portrait can be seen hanging on the wall.

Stay tuned for a story in the Valley Independent Sentinel.

Griffin Hospital in Derby to hold Pink Ribbon Pilates program


DERBY - The Center for Cancer Care at Griffin Hospital will offer a free, six-week Pilates program starting in June specifically designed for breast cancer survivors.

Pink Ribbon Pilates is a gentle, staged program for breast cancer survivors who are six weeks post-operative or have received surgeon's approval to begin therapeutic exercise. 
It can also be beneficial to survivors who are beyond the post-operative period, but still experience problems with range of motion or exercise.

Led by certified Stott Pilates and Pink Ribbon Program Instructor Brenda Martin, the program will be held from 6-7 p.m. June 18, July 2, 16, 23, and 30, and Aug. 2 at the Center for Cancer Care at Griffin Hospital, 350 Seymour Ave.
Each participant will receive the Pink Ribbon Pilates manual containing all of the exercises as well as a flex band to incorporate into the routine.

Pre-registration is required; space is limited to eight participants. 

Call 203-732-1260 to sign up.


This is a press release from Griffin Hospital.

Troop 3 to hold tag sale in Derby Saturday


DERBY -  A Giant Tag Sale to benefit Boy Scout Troop 3 will be held from 8 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday at the Second Congregational Church, 128 Elizabeth St., across from the Derby Green.

Glassware, sporting goods, furniture, electronics in working condition (radios, computers, lamps, small appliances), CDs, albums, DVDs, gardening tools and miscellaneous household items will be for sale.

This information is taken from an online community calendar sponsored by the Community Foundation for Greater New Haven and the New Haven Independent.

Work to begin at O'Brien Tech fields in Ansonia

ANSONIA - Work is scheduled to begin Tuesday to refurbish the Ford Street Emmett O’Brien Technical High School athletic fields.  
Fusco and Mather Construction Co. will be operating heavy equipment for excavations and has informed the city that there will be no access to the fields for safety concerns during the duration of their repairs.  
They have further informed the city they plan to close off access beginning at the parking lot on Ford Street.  

The work they plan to complete during the construction phase is below:
1. The track surface will be torn up and replaced 
2. The irrigation system for the football field will be replaced and additional drainage will be installed
3.  The sidewalks throughout the complex and tennis courts will be replaced
4. The existing storm water basin near the tennis courts will be enlarged to meet present day storm water management requirements
5. There will also be some minor improvements to the baseball and softball fields


“We understand this is going to be an inconvenience to the residents who utilize the track for walking, however the end result will be worth the wait,”  Mayor David S. Cassetti said.


This is a press release from the mayor's office.

Ansonia receives $400K to complete riverwalk

ANSONIA - Mayor David S. Cassetti was notified Thursday that the City was successful in requesting an additional $400,000 in federal funds for the completion of a segment of the riverwalk.


This grant is an 80 percent federal and 20 percent local share matching grant.

Segment 8 of the Riverwalk includes the construction of an additional 500 feet of 10-foot paved multi-use trail atop the western flood control dike, including a 130-foot pedestrian bridge over the Metro-North railroad. 
The project terminates at Pershing Drive.
Up to this point, the City did not have sufficient funds to complete this segment of its riverwalk.

“I know how important the riverwalk is to the residents of Ansonia and I wanted to move this project forward as quickly as possible," Cassetti said.

"That is why I requested additional funds from the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) and the Connecticut Department of Transportation’s (ConnDOT’s) agreement to complete this project. I am thrilled we have been able to successfully secure the funds necessary and thankful to the FHWA and ConnDOT.
“Residents from Ansonia and surrounding towns continue to take advantage of our beautiful riverwalk. This segment will make a nice addition and provide enjoyment for our residents. It’s all about enhancing the quality of life for our residents," Cassetti said.

The project has had costly obstacles to overcome including obtaining the required permits from the state and federal agencies, crossing the Metro-North rail line, and building on top of a flood control dike.

Additionally, the cost of the bridge has risen since the inception of the project in 2009.


This is a press release from Sheila O'Malley, Economic Development Director and Grants Writer, City of Ansonia.

Derby Public Library to offer 'sweet' class in May

DERBY - The Derby Public Library will host a Hands-On Cupcake Decorating Session at 6:30 p.m. May 18.
Maria Bruscino Sanchez, owner of Sweet Maria’s in Waterbury, will demonstrate 
decorating techniques. 

Each participant will get two cupcakes to decorate and take home.
Cupcakes, frosting, and toppings will be provided.  

This class is for ages 18 and over. Registration is required.  

Tech Time
The Derby Public Library offers monthly Tech Time sessions.  

Every third Wednesday of the month at 6:30 p.m., and every third Thursday of the month at 10 a.m. a staff 
member will be on hand to answer all your tech-related questions and concerns.  

Whether you are having trouble downloading e-books, searching databases, completing 
on-line job applications, scanning/sending documents and photos, etc., your problems 
will be addressed. 

May sessions will be held at 6:30 p.m. May 20 and 10 a.m. May 21. 
No registration is needed.  

For information on any program, stop by the Library, 313 Elizabeth St., call 203-736-1482, or visit www.derbypubliclibrary.org.

This is a press release from Cathy Williams, Director, Derby Public Library.