Derby thanks veterans at annual ceremony

Photo by Markanthony Izzo. 

DERBY - Mayor Anita Dugatto was among those invited to speak at the city’s annual Veteran’s Day ceremony Wednesday on hosted by the American Legion, John C. Collins Post 24.
Though rain forced the ceremony to be moved from the Green to the Veterans’ Memorial Building, it was no less significant. 
The ceremony concluded with a catered luncheon for all those in attendance, compliments of the Derby Inaugural Ball Community Fund.
Dugatto honored veterans for their courage and selflessness. 
“Many of them didn’t ask to leave their homes to fight on distant battlefields," she said. "They didn’t go to war because they loved fighting. 
"They were called to be part of something bigger than themselves. They were ordinary people who responded in extraordinary ways in extreme times,” Dugatto said.

She also expressed appreciation to the family members of our service men and women for their sacrifices. “We know they have lived through difficult times and have often taken on heavy loads in the absence of their family members,” Dugatto said.
The annual ceremony, marked with a traditional salute and taps, is only one of many ways the community has chosen to honor its veterans over the years.
Derby is host to several memorials erected throughout the city in honor of veterans dating back to the Civil War. Notably, a 144-acre park on the east side of Derby is named in honor of World War II veteran Frank P. Witek, Derby native and Medal of Honor recipient who lost his life in 1944 on the island of Guam.
The city of Derby also supports the efforts of the Catholic War Veterans St. Michael’s Post 1562 annual holiday fund drive that distributes monetary gifts to local men and women serving in the military at home or abroad during the holidays. 
Information about this year’s drive will be released soon.
“Today, we should all take a moment to say Thank You to those who served our country,” Dugatto said.


This is a press release from Mayor Dugatto's office.  

Ansonia mayor, residents, students honor veterans

Mayor David S. Cassetti, fourth from left, poses with members of the Ansonia High School chorus Wednesday after a Veterans Day program in City Hall. At left is AHS music teacher Maria Tangredi, and at right is Alderman Patrick Henri, a U.S. Navy veteran who served as the program's master of ceremonies.


Please read the story here in the Valley Independent Sentinel.

Wesley Village in Shelton to host dementia support group

SHELTON - Do you know or care for someone recently diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease or a related dementia? Are you in need of support? You’re not alone! 

Caregivers are invited to Wesley Village from 2-3 p.m. Nov. 19 for an Alzheimer’s and Dementia Support Group. 

The group will meet on the third Thursday of every month and offer problem-solving techniques and helpful support for families and caregivers. 

It will be facilitated by Wesley Village staff trained by the Alzheimer’s Association. Your loved one is welcome to participate in activities in a secured environment while you attend the support group. 

For more information or to RSVP, call 203-225-5024 or visit www.wesleyvillage-ct.org. 

The group will be held at Wesley Heights and Lifestyle Transitions Memory Care at Wesley Village, 580 Long Hill Ave.

About Wesley Village

Wesley Village is a campus of senior care communities including Crosby Commons Assisted Living Community, Wesley Heights Assisted and Independent Living Apartments and Cottages, Lifestyle Transitions Memory Care at Wesley Heights, and Bishop Wicke Health and Rehabilitation Center. 

The campus is owned and operated by UMH, a local, mission-based, not-for-profit organization serving all members of the community located at 580 Long Hill Ave. 

To learn more about the continuum of care offered at Wesley Village or the mission of UMH, visit www.wesleyvillage-ct.org or contact Lisa Bisson, 203-225-5024.

This is a press release from United Methodist Homes.

Help Ansonia Police collect food donations for Valley needy

* Shared from the City of Ansonia Facebook page.

Three cheers for Shelton High's support for The Valley Goes Pink

 'Pink' pep rally was held Oct. 30 at Shelton High School. 

SHELTON - School spirit. 
The students and staff at Shelton High School showed plenty of it at a recent rally to support breast cancer awareness and The Valley Goes Pink. Headmaster Beth Smith even became a 'human sundae,' all for a good cause.

Please check out my story and photos in the Valley Independent Sentinel here.

And check out a previous blog post here.

The gym was filled with pink! 
As a breast cancer survivor I was happy to see all the community spirit and support for those diagnosed with the disease.

Ansonia Nature Center schedules winter activities, craft classes

                                                                   Photo from Ansonia Nature Center website

ANSONIA - The Ansonia Nature and Recreation Center, 10 Deerfield Road, will offer a variety of fun and educational activities in December. 

NATURE’S CHILD: Getting Ready for Winter – Dec. 4, 10 a.m.

Join us for this morning class developed for 3-to 5 year olds accompanied by an adult. 
A themed craft, story, and hike are integrated into each program. 
Tuition: $7 per child ($5 for family-level FANCI members and Ansonia residents). Please pre-register for this class for preschoolers and their adults.

BACK TO BASICS: Needle Felting – Dec. 5, 1 p.m.
Bring a dose of your own unique creativity for this class based on an ancient craft. 
Dawn Sotir, needlecraft wizard, will inspire you with her beautiful and practical items made from natural fibers. Create a 3D animal of your choice; it’s easier than you think! Advance registration required for this popular program. Fee: $8.

WINTER WREATH WORKSHOP – Dec. 6, 10 a.m.
Celebrate winter and the festive season as you create a wreath from fresh locally grown greens, then decorate your masterpiece with natural trimmings. Enjoy some warm mulled cider and a cookie too! Wreath frames and wire will be provided. $10 materials fee. Please pre-register. 

EAGLES OF NEW ENGLAND (Natural History Series) – Dec. 11, 7 p.m.
Join a Connecticut DEEP biologist who will share extensive knowledge and photographs during this program on bald eagles. 
Best known as the national emblem of the United States, bald eagles have made a huge comeback in New England after a precipitous decline due to loss of habitat and nesting trees, food contamination by pesticides (DDT), and illegal shooting. 
Due to the increase in nesting pairs in recent years, the bald eagle’s status was reclassified in Connecticut from endangered to threaten. 

Winter is a difficult time for any wildlife species, including bald eagles. Food is harder to find and cold temperatures cause energy stress. Come and learn why it’s important to stay away from nesting areas and to avoid disturbing the birds. The Wildlife Division participates in a midwinter eagle survey in January for the United States Geological Survey; volunteers are always welcome to help! 
This Natural History Series is dedicated to the memory of Noble S. Proctor, Ph.D. Free; please pre-register.

ANNUAL CHRISTMAS BIRD COUNT –  Dec. 19
This annual survey provides important data to assess the increase or decline of avian populations worldwide. 
After an early morning start, the New Haven Bird Club members will stop at the Nature Center for their lunch at 12:30 or 1 p.m. Be ready to join the members of the club to look and listen along the park’s trails. For adults. Free. Please register.

DRUM IN THE WINTER SOLSTICE – Dec. 19, 5 p.m.
True winter begins on Dec. 21! On that day we’ll have a full 15 hours of darkness! Since June, the days have been getting shorter, but from now on, the reverse will be true. We’ll stoke the fire pit, so bring your drum and other percussion instruments, and warm yourself with good fellowship. 
Ranger Dawn will lead us. Free, but bring a canned food item for our local homeless shelter; please register.

HOLIDAY NATURE DAYS – Dec. 29–31, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
For children who love the outdoors and wildlife. These popular educational classes are designed for children five to 10 years old. We’ll have a chance to explore the park’s 150 acres and visit a variety of habitats. 
Come meet new friends, play games, create beautiful and useful items using natural objects and recycled materials, and much more. 

Tuition: $30/day ($90 all 3 days) for priority students (Ansonia residents and current family-level FANCI members); $35/day ($105 all three days) all others. 
Advance registration by Dec. 11 required. 

For more information and to register for any programs, call 203-736-1053.


This is a press release from the Ansonia Nature and Recreation Center.

Nov. 11: A day to say thank you to veterans for their service