*This information is shared from the Facebook page of the Office of the First Selectman of Seymour.
Thursday, February 26, 2015
Naugatuck band to perform Celtic music at Seymour Middle School
To celebrate St. Patrick's Day
*This information is shared from the Facebook page of the Office of the First Selectman of Seymour.
*This information is shared from the Facebook page of the Office of the First Selectman of Seymour.
Valley lawmakers oppose proposed cuts to fire training schools
$35K cut sought for Derby school
Valley legislators submitted testimony to the general Assembly’s Appropriations Committee opposing proposed cuts to the state’s fire training schools.
Included in Gov. Dannel P. Malloy’s 2015-17 biennial budget proposal are cuts to the state’s nine fire training schools amounting to $743,899. The proposed cut to the Derby training school is $35,283.
“The Valley Fire Chiefs’ Regional Fire School in Derby provides vital training to first responders in Seymour, Beacon Falls and Derby,” state Rep. Theresa Conroy (D-Seymour, Beacon Falls, Derby) said. “The training they receive in Derby prepares firefighters for real-life emergencies.”
“Five of the seven municipalities in my district are served solely by volunteer fire departments,” said state Sen. Joseph J. Crisco, Jr. (D-Woodbridge).
Valley legislators submitted testimony to the general Assembly’s Appropriations Committee opposing proposed cuts to the state’s fire training schools.
Included in Gov. Dannel P. Malloy’s 2015-17 biennial budget proposal are cuts to the state’s nine fire training schools amounting to $743,899. The proposed cut to the Derby training school is $35,283.
“The Valley Fire Chiefs’ Regional Fire School in Derby provides vital training to first responders in Seymour, Beacon Falls and Derby,” state Rep. Theresa Conroy (D-Seymour, Beacon Falls, Derby) said. “The training they receive in Derby prepares firefighters for real-life emergencies.”
“Five of the seven municipalities in my district are served solely by volunteer fire departments,” said state Sen. Joseph J. Crisco, Jr. (D-Woodbridge).
“Many of our region’s firefighters have benefited from the essential training they received at the state's Fire Training Schools. It is critical we do whatever we can to support these schools and the lifesaving practices they impart.”
“Our front line responders are vital to our towns and cities,” state Rep. Themis Klarides (R-Woodbridge, Orange, Derby) said. “We cannot afford to compromise our public safety. The work done at these training facilities is critical to upgrading skills and maintaining certifications, work not replicated anywhere else in the state.’’
Rep. Linda M. Gentile (D-Ansonia, Derby) said, “Our volunteer firefighters save our communities hundreds of thousands of dollars. Their work is vital to our public safety. We have an obligation to make sure that they are trained properly to not only prevent injury to themselves but to others.”
The funding provided to the schools in the state budget covers the operational costs of the regional fire schools. Instructors’ payroll, utility costs and facilities’ maintenance is covered by the state grant.
The proposed cuts would require the schools to increase tuition fees. For example, fees for the Firefighter I program would increase between 300 and 400 percent according to the Connecticut State Firefighters Association – The program, which costs today between $600 and $700, would jump to between $2,000 and $2,700 – a cost that would be borne by municipalities.
“Our front line responders are vital to our towns and cities,” state Rep. Themis Klarides (R-Woodbridge, Orange, Derby) said. “We cannot afford to compromise our public safety. The work done at these training facilities is critical to upgrading skills and maintaining certifications, work not replicated anywhere else in the state.’’
Rep. Linda M. Gentile (D-Ansonia, Derby) said, “Our volunteer firefighters save our communities hundreds of thousands of dollars. Their work is vital to our public safety. We have an obligation to make sure that they are trained properly to not only prevent injury to themselves but to others.”
The funding provided to the schools in the state budget covers the operational costs of the regional fire schools. Instructors’ payroll, utility costs and facilities’ maintenance is covered by the state grant.
The proposed cuts would require the schools to increase tuition fees. For example, fees for the Firefighter I program would increase between 300 and 400 percent according to the Connecticut State Firefighters Association – The program, which costs today between $600 and $700, would jump to between $2,000 and $2,700 – a cost that would be borne by municipalities.
“Connecticut should be investing in firefighter training, not cutting it,” Conroy said.
“Emergency responders put themselves in the line of danger; we should stand by them.”
Testimony for the Appropriations Committee on the Governor’s Proposed Cuts for the State’s Fire Training Schools
Feb. 24, 2015
We are writing to members of the Joint Appropriations Committee regarding the proposed cuts contained in Gov. Malloy’s 2015-17 biennial budget to the state’s nine Fire Training Schools. Collectively, we represent the Naugatuck Valley towns and cities of Ansonia, Beacon Falls Seymour and Derby. The cuts for the nine training facilities amount to $743,899.
The proposed cut to the Derby training school is $35,283. On the surface, this specific loss of revenue may not seem like a huge cut in the overall spectrum of the state’s two-year, $40 billion budget. However, the effect of eliminating all state aid for our training sites represents a huge blow to Connecticut’s public safety.
Each year hundreds of firefighters and front line responders receive vital training at the schools and that has proved critical to maintaining and bolstering our emergency response efforts. These training regimens are not duplicated anywhere else in Connecticut. Our individual firefighting units rely heavily upon the facilities to upgrade the skills and certifications of their members.
We believe that the state should be putting more resources into the system, not less, and stand prepared to craft alternatives to the current budget proposal that would be acceptable compromises. Given the current fiscal status of our towns and cities and the uncertain outcomes of our local budget processes, we are concerned that there will not be sufficient municipal revenues to offset the loss of state funds.
Our local emergency responders sacrifice greatly to keep our communities safe; we should honor that commitment.
We urge you as members of the committee to consider an alternative path forward as the budget process unfolds in the coming weeks and months.
State Rep. Themis Klarides 114th District
State Sen. Joseph J. Crisco 17th District
State. Rep. Linda M. Gentile 104th District
State Rep. Theresa Conroy 105th District
This is a press release from CT House Democrats.
Derby Neck to mark Women's History Month, host 'Kerry Boys,' more in March
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| Derby Neck Library |
Women's Forum
The Library hosts “Women’s Forum,” a monthly discussion group that focuses on short stories, poetry, and history at 12:30 p.m. March 16.
This month we celebrate Women’s History Month by reminiscing about inspirational women we have known and famous achievements by American women.
Free coffee and tea available; you may wish to bring a light lunch.
Tech Talks
From 6-7:30 p.m. March 17 and from 10:30 a.m.-noon March 18 the Library presents “Tech Talks.”
This free program offers ideas and instruction on how to best use new concepts and gadgets in technology to fit your needs. We offer a new topic each month, plus time to ask questions.
Therapy dogs
Therapy dogs Thor and Bailey visit the Library for B.A.R.K. (Be a Reading Kid) at 6:30 p.m. March 18. Parents are able to register their children for a 15-minute session to read to a trained listening dog. To select a time, call the library.
To select a time, call the library.
'Writers' Round'
The Library offers “Writers’ Round” a workshop group for writers of all genres—prose, fiction, poetry, history, scripts, etc. at 6:30 p.m. March 19. Come share your original works and practice writing from an engaging prompt selection.
Celtic music
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| The Kerry Boys |
These entertainers always give a crowd-pleasing, rousing time.
To reserve a seat, call the library.
'Teen Movie Night'
The Library hosts “Teen Movie Night” from 5:30-7:30 p.m. March 24.This month’s feature film, shown on blu-ray, is “Mockingjay, Part One.” Free refreshments will be served, including a pizza dinner.
Seating is limited; call ahead or stop in at the library to register. Ages 17 and younger are invited to attend.
'Evening Book Club'
The Library hosts the “Evening Book Club” at 6:30 p.m. March 30.
This group meets monthly to discuss books of short fiction, memoirs, and some non-fiction.
This month’s selection is “Facts of Life” by Maureen Howard, her memoir of growing up in Bridgeport. Copies of the book are available at the library.
The library is at 307 Hawthorne Ave. For information, registration, or to reserve a seat for the concert call 203-734-1492.
This is a press release from Patricia Sweeney, reference librarian, Derby Neck Library.
Benefit supper slated Saturday at church in Derby
DERBY - Join Marc Garofalo & St. Michael’s Kitchen Krew at 5:30 p.m. Saturday for a
Macaroni and Meatball supper at St. Michael Church Hall, 75 Derby Ave.
Tickets are $10 per person.
The dinner features a menu of family-style macaroni, meatballs, salad, soda, coffee, and dessert.
All proceeds will benefit ST. MARY-ST. MICHAEL SCHOOL, DERBY, CT.
For reservations or information call 203-734-0005.
Seating is limited for the comfort of our supporters.
Anyone interested in donating a prize for the raffle or baking for the dessert trays can either drop off at the rectory or bring it by 2 p.m. on the day of the dinner.
Macaroni and Meatball supper at St. Michael Church Hall, 75 Derby Ave.
Tickets are $10 per person.
The dinner features a menu of family-style macaroni, meatballs, salad, soda, coffee, and dessert.
All proceeds will benefit ST. MARY-ST. MICHAEL SCHOOL, DERBY, CT.
For reservations or information call 203-734-0005.
Seating is limited for the comfort of our supporters.
Anyone interested in donating a prize for the raffle or baking for the dessert trays can either drop off at the rectory or bring it by 2 p.m. on the day of the dinner.
Note: Information taken from a Facebook post.
A hunka-hunka burning love found in Shelton
'Elvis' visits residents at Bishop Wicke
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| Connecticut's #1 Elvis impersonator David Devonshuk of Seymour serenading Bishop Wicke resident Jerri Thornton. / Contributed photo |
SHELTON - Despite the storm clouds, snow, and wind, warm feelings of love were in the air when residents of Bishop Wicke were recently entertained with classic Elvis music.
The performance was part of a Valentine's Day celebration.
Believing that the power of music is essential to health and well-being, this performance is just one of many that residents enjoy throughout the week.
Love is indeed in the air at Bishop Wicke!
Bishop Wicke Health and Rehabilitation center is located on the Wesley Village campus of United Methodist Homes, 580 Long Hill Ave.
For information contact Mary Barbin, 203-929-5321 or bwhcrec@umh.org.
This is a press release from United Methodist Homes.
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