Griffin Hospital in Derby to hold gala at Shubert Theater

The one-night only performance featuring song, dance, and comedy will start at 5:30 p.m. Sept. 26 at the Shubert Theater, 247 College St., New Haven.

Stay tuned for more information!

Conroy welcomes softball field funding at Seymour High

Ambassadors of Seymour softball join state Rep. Theresa Conroy, Gov. Dannel P. Malloy, and state Rep. Themis Klarides at the state Capitol complex to celebrate a state grant for a new field. / Contributed photo

State Rep. Theresa Conroy (D-Seymour, Beacon Falls, Derby) welcomed the State Bond Commission’s approval of funding for the softball field at Seymour High School.
“This funding is about building a new field and honoring the winning tradition of Seymour softball,” Conroy said.
“Our community supports this program from little league through high school.”

The $265,000 supplemental grant-in-aid to the town of Seymour will cover costs associated with a new softball field, lights, dugouts, press box, and the replacement of non-code compliant bleachers.

The new facility will be used by Seymour High School, George J. Hummel Little League, and Seymour Tradition travel teams.

Seymour High softball coach Ken Pereiras said, “The new field is a great addition to our program and the town of Seymour.”

“We can play longer and host tournaments with this new field,” Seymour High player Raeanne Geffert (C-16) said. “A flatter, cleaner field also reduces the risk of injuries. We will be able to cleanly field balls and run around securely fixed bases.”

George J. Hummel Little League Softball Commissioner Bob Lang said, “Seymour has one of the best softball traditions in the state and this new facility will help expand our program even further."

In 2014, the Bond Commission approved $1.895 million for the school’s football field. Today’s funding brings the total grant to $2,160,000.


This is a release from Conroy's office.

DEEP forecasts unhealthy air for parts of state, including Valley

Connecticut’s Department of Energy and Environmental Protection is forecasting unhealthy air quality for “sensitive groups”  today and Wednesday due to predicted elevated ground-level ozone pollution for southern sections of Fairfield and New Haven Counties today, and all of Fairfield, New Haven, Middlesex, and New London Counties on Wednesday. 

A forecast of “Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups” indicates increased likelihood of respiratory symptoms and breathing discomfort in active children and adults with respiratory disease, such as asthma and the elderly.  

“Forecasters are predicting the hottest weather of the summer yet, so everyone should take simple precautions when high temperatures combined with poor air quality is expected,” Commissioner Rob Klee said.  

“If you are outside at work or at play, be sure to drink plenty of water and get to an air conditioned room if you need to cool down and catch your breath.” 

Health Effects of Air Pollution

Unhealthy concentrations of ground level ozone can cause or make worse a variety of respiratory and other health problems including breathing difficulty, coughing, and throat irritation and worsen asthma episodes. 

Anyone can be affected by ozone; particularly sensitive groups that include children, elderly, people with respiratory disease, such as asthma, and even healthy adults who are very active outdoors.  

Ground level or "bad" ozone primarily occurs during very warm summer days. Strong sunshine causes chemical reactions of air pollutants emitted from motor vehicles, power plants and industry and household activities, forming ozone. 

Warmer weather can bring high levels of ground level ozone (O3) and fine particulate matter (PM2.5). These two air pollutants pose serious health risks – especially to young children, elderly, adults who are active outdoors, and people with existing respiratory disease.

Weather Summary

A light southwesterly flow of very warm humid air will dominate our weather over the next few days. Ample sunshine on both Tuesday and Wednesday with light southwesterly winds will transport elevated levels of ozone from upwind air pollution sources into Connecticut.  

In addition to transported air pollution, our “home grown” pollution will be intensified by the combination of strong July sunlight and temperatures in the low 90’s.  These conditions are expected to persist through Wednesday.  An approaching cool front will reach the state late Thursday bringing some clouds into the region which will reduce high concentrations of ground level ozone on Thursday. 

What You Can Do to Help

When air pollution levels are predicted to be “unhealthy for sensitive groups” DEEP recommends:

Conserving electricity by setting air conditioners to 78^o;

“Wait ‘til 8” to use energy intensive appliances like washing machines, dryers and dishwashers;

Driving less by carpooling, vanpooling or using public transit;

Telecommuting if possible;

Refueling your vehicle after dusk and never idling a vehicle unnecessarily;

We also need long term actions to get to the root of our air pollution problem in the United States. 

DEEP recommends you also consider these long term energy reducing strategies:

Make your home or business as energy efficient as possible – this drives down air pollution and puts money back in your pocket; 

Cars and trucks cause over half our air pollution, so consider driving an electric vehicle; and

Consider investing in renewable energy like solar electric. 

There are several ways to stay connected and access the daily AQI forecast and real-time air quality data:

Follow us on Twitter  

Sign up to get Air-Quality alerts through Enviroflash

Visit DEEP’s AQI webpage or call 800-249-1234 

Go to EPA’s AIRNow web page

Ozone Monitoring Season

DEEP monitors, tracks and forecasts daily air quality levels across Connecticut for ozone from May 1 through Sept. 30 each year and for fine particulate matter (PM_2.5) each day of the year. On April 30, 2015, DEEP began informing Connecticut’s regulated community and the general public of the ozone season via the State of Connecticut E-mail list serve and posting air quality forecasts on the DEEP web page, available here.  

DEEP encourages daycare providers, summer camps and elder/senior centers to subscribe to the AQI.  Subscribing to the AQI is fast and easy and will provide you with important information each day about Connecticut’s air quality through the spring and summer.  

The AQI link provides facts and information regarding ground-level ozone, its’ health effects, what today on high ozone day, and most importantly what you can do to help reduce ground level ozone in your backyard.

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

Renovations under way at St. Vincent de Paul shop, food pantry in Derby

John Soloman, left, works on upgrading the electrical system at St. Vincent de Paul Helping Hands of the Valley in Derby. With him is Ed Twarog, a member of the nonprofit's board of directors' building committee who is overseeing electrical work on a major renovation project at the 237 Roosevelt Drive location.

Please check out my story on the building expansion in the Valley Independent Sentinel.

Derby Library to host chess club, movies, career forum for teens

DERBY - The Derby Public Library Chess Club invites all young adults ages 12 to 17 to “Open Chess Call” from 6:30-7:30 p.m. Mondays in August.
All skill levels are welcome. 

This program is part of the DPL 2015 “Unmask” Teen Summer Reading Club. 
Registration is requested. 

Movie Matinee

The Derby Public Library hosts Superhero Movie Matinee for ages 12 to 17 from 3-5 p.m. Aug. 4. 
Light refreshments will be provided. This program is part of the DPL 2015 “Unmask” Teen Summer Reading Club. Registration is requested. 

YA Wednesdays

The Derby Public Library hosts “YA Wednesdays” on Aug. 5 and 12, from 6-7:30 p.m. All young adults ages 12 to 17 are invited to a variety of activities, Teen Game Night combined with Lego Construction Project, and Scrabble Tournament. 
Light refreshments will be provided. 
This program is part of the DPL 2015 “Unmask” Teen Summer Reading Club.
Registration is requested. 

Teen Career Forum

The Derby Public Library hosts a Teen Career Forum for young adults ages 12 to 17, from 3-4:30 p.m. Aug. 11. Participants will explore and discuss their strengths and ambitions to formulate a realistic career path. 
This program is part of the DPL 2015 “Unmask” Teen Summer Reading Club. 

For information on programs, 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 librarian, Derby Public Library.

Meet special canines at Kellogg Environmental Center in Derby

National Service Dog Day slated Aug. 1 
DERBY - Celebrate National Service Dog Day at 10 a.m. Aug. 1 at Kellogg Environmental Center, 500 Hawthorne Ave.
Join others to meet some dogs involved in private and public service.

Canine skills and training are unique for their service and we encourage all ages to come and learn what it takes for a dog to learn these skills. 
We will spotlight many organizations and individuals involved in the training and learn about new opportunities for your involvement.

Dogs are our best friends and have been working with people for centuries. Canines provide many services for people. Besides protection or searching skills, dogs help us to learn to read, assist those with physical limitations and still others provide company for many people in nursing homes or hospitals. 

A variety of handlers will be present with their dogs to explain their specialized service and training.

We invite families and individuals to come and learn more about the training and special talents these dogs provide every day. This program is open to all ages but please do not bring your dogs to the program.

Representatives from the Department of Energy & Environmental Protection K-9 teams, Pet Partners, Eyes for the Blind, State Police K-9, search and rescue teams and many therapy and assistance dogs will be on the ground of the Kellogg Center.

No registration is necessary; the program is free. If possible, bring a donation of dog food for a local shelter.

For information, directions, or to register call 203-734-2513 or email donna.kingston@ct.gov.

This is a press release from DEEP.