Cupcake cafe to open in Seymour

SEYMOUR - Valley native Alyssa DeMatteo is readying a "soft opening" Saturday of "Wildflour Confections," a cupcake cafe.
The shop at 18 Bank St., on the corner of First Street, will feature cupcakes, cookies, and cakes.

DeMatteo's line of sweets includes vegan and gluten-free options. She will also offer "adult" treats, laced with alcohol.

DeMatteo, 24, worked at Eddy's Bake Shop in Ansonia for six years, where she learned cake decorating techniques and consulted with brides on their cakes. About three years ago she started selling her own cakes and cupcakes for weddings, showers,and parties.

Last year she decided it was time to open a storefront to expand the business.

"I hope to create a comfortable, cafe-like atmosphere here," DeMatteo said. "I see people coming in, getting a cupcake and coffee, hanging out, reading, enjoying the art or talking with friends. I see people relaxing here."

DeMatteo plans to feature displays by local photographers, painters, and artists in the shop. A funky couch and chairs face big windows overlooking Bank and First streets in the town's antiques district.

DeMatteo creates about 40 specialty cupcakes - some are standards like Red Velvet, and others are personal concoctions, such as The Key To His Heart, a chocolate cake filled with peanut butter mousse topped with chocolate buttercream frosting, peanut butter, and a Reese's cup.
DeMatteo was in the process of designing the cupcake when she met her boyfriend two years ago. He gained 10 pounds during the trial phase.
Another popular cupcake is The Sinatra -- a vanilla cupcake filled with cannoli cream topped with chocolate ganache and cannoli.

All cupcakes are also available as cakes.


This is a press release from Alyssa DeMatteo.

Soccer registration planned Saturday in Ansonia

ANSONIA - Registration for soccer will be held from 10:30 a.m.-noon Saturday at the Ansonia Armory, 12 State St.

Dues are:
$65 Recreational Players (In-Town) (Born 8/1/2004 – 7/31/2010)
$85 Travel Players (New Haven County) (Born 8/1/2000 – 7/31/2004)


Requirements:
 Proof of Ansonia residency (utility bill or other official U.S. Mail)
 Birth Certificate (Photocopy we can keep, if possible)
 Dues payment: check payable to “Ansonia Soccer Club”
 Registration form signed by parent or legal guardian 

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

Ansonia student selected to perform with All-State Orchestra

Jonathan Bustamante

ANSONIA – Ansonia High School senior Jonathan Bustamante, a percussionist, is the school's first All-State Orchestra member.

He will perform in a concert in Hartford with his peers on May 2 at the Connecticut Convention Center.

Jonathan has been playing since he was four years old, auditioned for All-State Saturday at North Haven High School. 

He was selected for the Southern Region orchestra this past fall, which made him eligible for All-State. 

“He is extremely talented and is not afraid to work hard,” said Maria Tangredi, his music teacher and band director. “He has an unrivaled work ethic.” 

She noted that in addition to preparing a piece for the snare drum, he had to demonstrate fluency in percussion rudiments, and technique on bass drum, tambourine, and cymbals.

Nearly 10 years ago an Ansonia High student was selected for All-State for chorus, but Jonathan is the first from Ansonia to make the orchestra. 

He said his parents, who still live in Ecuador, are proud of him. Jonathan left Ecuador nearly two years ago, moving in with his uncle in Ansonia and learning a new language while refining his musical talents. He said he is “excited, not nervous” about his upcoming performance in May.

Students selected for All-State will spend two days (April 30 and May 1) rehearsing for the concert and enjoying performances in the evenings. More information about the program is available at http://allstatefestival.wix.com/ctallstate.

Jonathan said he took his SATs on Saturday – hours prior to auditioning for All-State. He is preparing to audition for the music program at the University of the Arts in Philadelphia and is also considering attending Western Connecticut State University.

This is a press release from Ansonia Public Schools.

Congratulations to Jonathan on his achievement. He demonstrates the value of hard work and dedication! 

Griffin Hospital, The Workplace slate info sessions in Derby

DERBY - Griffin Hospital’s School of Allied Health Careers and The Workplace will hold informational sessions at 6 p.m. March 2 at the school, 300 Seymour Ave., to explain student assistance programs, including free tuition to the school through the Health Careers Opportunity Grant.

The School of Allied Health Careers is one of the first hospital-based schools of its kind to be authorized by the Connecticut Department of Higher Education.

It offers training, education, and certification for Certified Nursing Assistant, Patient Care Technician, and Phlebotomy.

The school’s spring semester starts in May.

The Health Careers Opportunity Program aims to increase the number of individuals from educationally or economically disadvantaged backgrounds who enter the health and allied health professions.


The program provides stipends and financial planning resources to students and parents, as well as information about healthcare careers and training.

In addition to assisting potential students in applying for a Health Careers Opportunity Grant, The Workplace will be offering information about student assistance for transportation and child care.

The Workplace is one of five Workforce Development Boards in the state. It works with employers and job seekers in Southwestern Connecticut to prepare people for careers while strengthening the workforce for employers.

To register or for more information, call 203-732-7578 by Feb. 27 and leave your name and telephone number.



This is a press release from Griffin Hospital.

Dine out and support Ansonia Middle School PTSO

Teens to learn art of watercolor painting at Derby Public Library

DERBY - The Derby Public Library invites all young adults ages 12 to 17 to a Teen Spring Watercolor Workshop, Thursdays in March, from 4-5:30 p.m. Thursdays in March. 

This four-session workshop will be led by Valley Arts Council President Rich DiCarlo of Derby.

All materials will be provided. Registration is requested.

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

This is a press release from Tony DeLos, young adult/reference librarian, Derby Public Library.

Griffin Hospital in Derby marks cardiac rehab week

This week, Feb. 8-14, is Cardiac Rehabilitation Week.

Griffin Hospital in Derby postpones Healthy U Talk

From the Center for Cancer Care at Griffin Hospital Facebook page:

"Due to the reports of another snowstorm this Thursday, Griffin Hospital has postponed Thursday’s Healthy U Talk Better Sleep for Better Health until a date to be determined in March."

Think Seymour Pink for your valentine

The store is at 3 Franklin St., Seymour. Shopping there supports a great nonprofit that helps so many people in our community.

Still working on kicking cancer to the curb

Today, Feb. 11, is a special day in our family.

It's not a birthday or wedding anniversary, but it is my anniversary of being a four-year survivor of breast cancer.

We were eating dinner when I got the call from my doctor who told me I had breast cancer. It was a shock, yes. And it took a while for his words to sink in, since I felt fine.

From that day to today it has been an interesting four years. 

The years have not only been filled with necessary medical procedures but also filled with getting to know a great group of people, from health care professionals to members of the Circle of Friends support group at Griffin Hospital in Derby and classmates in our exercise group that meets at the Center for Cancer Care at Griffin.

I'm extremely grateful to have met the wonderful women (and their spouses) who donate their time and talents to Seymour Pink.

I just re-read this column I wrote in late 2012 for the New Haven Register. Not much has changed, and I daresay that's a good thing. 

I'm still doing what I can to kick cancer to the curb.

Derby Library offers chess club for teens

DERBY - The Derby Public Library Teen Chess Club invites all young adults ages 12 to 17 to meetings Mondays in March from 6:30-7:30 p.m. 

All skill levels are welcome. Participants will learn how the game is played as well as defensive/offensive strategies. 

Julio Maldonado provides superb expertise from a life-long love for the game. 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 Tony DeLos, young adult/reference librarian, Derby Public Library.