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.