Conroy, Blumenthal, Esty promote Overdose Awareness Day in Hartford

State Rep. Theresa Conroy, D-Seymour, at podium, is joined Wednesday by U.S. Rep. Elizabeth Etsy, left, and U.S. Sen. Richard Blumenthal. /Submitted photo

HARTFORD - State Rep. Theresa Conroy, D-Seymour, joined U.S. Sen. Richard Blumenthal, U.S. Rep. Elizabeth Esty and AIDS Connecticut advocates Wednesday in Hartford to recognize Overdose Awareness Day. 

The officials reaffirmed their pledge to keep fighting the stigma associated with addiction and continue working to get people the help and treatment they deserve.

Conroy said there were more than 700 overdose-related deaths in Connecticut in 2015 and the numbers of deaths have been climbing significantly each year.

“As an advanced practice registered nurse, I have seen an explosion of opioids being used as the primary treatment for pain – even moderate pain. It is an alarming epidemic, and we have to do everything possible to stop it.” 

To help in the fight against addiction and overdoses, Gov. Dannel P. Malloy also announced Wednesday that the Department of Consumer Protection has developed a new, interactive online map that will allow consumers to locate pharmacies across the state where pharmacists are certified to prescribe the overdose-reversing medication naloxone – commercially known as Narcan.

The map was developed utilizing Malloy’s Open Data Initiative and can be accessed by visiting www.ct.gov/DCP/naloxone.

Over the last year, the number of pharmacies making naloxone available has increased significantly, making it available at pharmacies in every region of the state.  To date, there are 363 pharmacies in the state with staff that prescribe naloxone.  

Those who are looking to obtain a prescription for naloxone are encouraged to call the pharmacy ahead of time to make sure there are appropriate staff and supplies available.

Pharmacists with questions about the prescribing of naloxone can call DCP at 860-713-6100 or 1-800-842-2649 (toll free).

Those suffering from addiction or their loved ones who are looking for support should call the Connecticut Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services at 1-800-563-4086 (toll free).

This is a press release from Conroy's office.  

Ansonia Market Place will be in Nolan Field parking lot today

Crisco delivers back-to-school snacks to children at TEAM resource center in Derby

State Sen. Joseph J. Crisco, Jr., D-Woodbridge, hands out back-to-school snacks to a young student Tuesday at the TEAM Family Resource Center in Derby. /Contributed photo

DERBY -Just in time for the new school year, state Sen. Joseph J. Crisco Jr., D-Woodbridge, Tuesday delivered $250 worth of back-to-school snacks, drinks, and lunch boxes for children of Derby and Ansonia.

The supplies are part of Crisco’s Back to School Food Drive, and include soft-sided lunch boxes, fruit juice, granola bars, crackers, trail mix, peanut butter, apple sauce, fruit snacks and raisins.

The supplies were delivered to the TEAM Family Resource Center on Elizabeth Street. 

TEAM’S mission is to connect economically disadvantaged individuals and families residing in the Naugatuck-Housatonic Valley region with solutions that lead to well-being and self-sufficiency. 

For parents and children, TEAM offers free play groups, summer fitness programs, summer reading programs, parenting and early childhood workshops, and resource and referral services.

The supplies will benefit more than a dozen families in Derby and Ansonia.

“It’s important for children to get a good start on the opening day of school, because I think that gives them the energy and attitude to carry them throughout the entire school year,” said Crisco, who has six children and 18 grandchildren. 

“I hope that this small donation of drinks and snacks and lunch boxes lets some children in Derby and Ansonia know that they are cared for and that we are here to support them today and throughout the year.”

This is a press release from Crisco's office.  

Working Families Party endorses Conroy in 105th

The Working Families Party has endorsed Theresa Conroy for state representative in the 105th Assembly District which includes the towns of Seymour, Beacon Falls, and Derby.

State Rep. Theresa Conroy

Conroy was one of the first lawmakers to recognize the opioid epidemic as a public health crisis.  

She has been instrumental in limiting prescriptions to opioids and increasing access to lifesaving overdose reversal medications.

“Representative Conroy is a tireless advocate for working families in her district. She's worked hard to protect funding for hospitals, championed innovative healthcare programs to reduce opioid use in the Valley, and has been an integral player in reviving the manufacturing sector,” said WFP State Director Lindsay Farrell. 

“She's tough and she consistently delivered results, and that's exactly the kind of candidate we endorse. We're proud to support her candidacy.” 

This year, Conroy took on Gov. Malloy as he slashed funding to Griffin Hospital, risking jobs and patient care. 

While Republicans all voted "no," Conroy and her Democratic colleagues restored Griffin's money.

“Working families are the heart and soul of Seymour, Beacon Falls, and Derby,” Conroy said. “I will always fight for you in Hartford."

Conroy has been a vocal proponent of training students in advanced manufacturing and has supported upgrades to programs at NVCC and Platt Tech. 

Conroy is a legislator and an Advanced Practice Registered Nurse. She worked for 28 years at the VA Health Center in West Haven.

This is a press release from Conroy's campaign.

Flea Market Flip at thrift store in Ansonia to benefit domestic violence services

Bingo for Boobies fundraiser slated at The Hops Company in Derby

DERBY - Bingo for Boobies to benefit The Valley Goes Pink will be held from 6-9 p.m. Oct. 11 at The Hops Company, 77 Sodom Lane.

Sharing info from an event page on Facebook:

Admission is $20 and includes 10 bingo cards (4 games per card) and pizza. Wine, beer, and cocktails are available for purchase.

There are great prizes in each round. There will also be a 50/50 raffle. 

Call Sue Petrizzo at 203-400-1068. Reservations are essential.

Donations sought for Derby Senior Center tag sale

DERBY- The Derby Senior Center will host its annual tag sale from 8:30 am to 2:30 pm. Oct. 22.

Members are seeking more treasures to help raise money for senior center activities. 

Please check your basements and at­tics for the following:
knick knacks, jewelry, glass ware, holiday decorations, curtains, and the like. No clothing will be accepted.

Donations can be delivered directly to the Derby Senior Center, 293 Main St., between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. Monday through Friday. Organizers ask that all donations be delivered by 4 p.m. Oct. 14.

For more information, call the Derby Senior Center at 203-736-1484 or email seniorcenter@derbyct.gov.

This is a press release from Derby City/Town Clerk Marc Garofalo.

CT Independent Party endorses Jaumann in 104th

ANSONIA - The Connecticut Independent Party has endorsed Republican Joseph Jaumann for state representative in the 104th District. 

Joseph Jaumann

Jaumann, a political newcomer, is a local attorney and chairman of the Ansonia Planning and Zoning Commission, and his name will now appear on both the Republican and Independent ballot lines on Election Day.

“I’m proud to be endorsed by both the Republican and Independent parties and I look forward to serving the residents of our great community,” Jaumann said. 
“The Independent Party’s goal of non-partisan problem solving is the same approach that I believe in, and it is same the approach that we need in Hartford to move Connecticut in the right direction.”
The Independent Party is the third-largest political party in Connecticut and has endorsed many candidates across the state this year.

It is estimated that Connecticut will face another budget deficit in the 2017 legislative session. In 2011 and 2015, state Rep. Linda M. Gentile sided with Gov. Dannel Malloy, and voted for the two largest taxes in state history.

To that point, Jaumann added, “We need a new start. A leader who will be independent minded and a voice of the people of Ansonia and Derby, and not simply a rubber stamp for the Governor. It is clear that the policy of raising taxes and borrowing to pay for the state’s spending problem isn’t working. We need to have and open and honest discussion about our budget and not wait till the 11th hour to have the conversation. We need to tackle the budget problems in this state head on starting on the first day of the session, so we can start focusing on the future and our children’s futures.” 


This is a press release from the Jaumann campaign.

Sharing historic photo taken in front of home on Derby Hill

This week's “Turnback Tuesday” photo is of Oliver B. Sherwood and his wife, Charlotte (Fowler) Sherwood. Oliver was born in Greenfield Hill, Fairfield County, and moved to Derby with his father in 1817. Charlotte was born in Milford where the two met. They married Sept. 3, 1836 and had four children together. Oliver was a farmer, aka “seed grower,” and distributed his produce all the way up to New York.

The photograph was apparently taken by one of Oliver’s relatives, Elizabeth Sherwood, in front of their home located on Derby Hill. 

It was taken sometime during the late 1880s or early 1890s before Charlotte’s death in 1892. Sentinel Hill Road and Sodom Lane were both listed as cross streets, so the house was located somewhere in that area. 

Oliver and Charlotte are buried in Oak Cliff Cemetery on Hawthorne Avenue in Derby.

*A big thank you to Derby Librarians for sharing this interesting photo on my Facebook timeline.

Therapeutic touch workshop offered at Griffin Hospital in Derby

Holly Major, Therapeutic Touch coordinator for Griffin Hospital, will conduct a two-day Basic Level Therapeutic Touch workshop Oct. 14 and 15./ Submitted photo

DERBY - Griffin Hospital is offering a two-day Basic Level Therapeutic Touch workshop from 4-8 p.m. Oct. 14 and from 8 a.m.-4 p.m. Oct. 15 for individuals interested in learning about this healing method.

The hospital is at 130 Division St.

Therapeutic Touch is an energy healing technique that is derived from the ancient practice of laying on of hands. It has been taught to thousands of healthcare professionals and can help reduce pain and anxiety, expedite healing, and increase overall feelings of well-being.

The purpose of this Basic Level TT Workshop is to explain the concepts and practice of TT, allowing ample time for hands-on practice. Participants must attend both workshop sessions to receive credit. 

The workshop is open to the public and there are no prerequisites to attend.

The workshop instructor, Holly Major, NP, MSN, QTTT, is an adult nurse practitioner and the TT Coordinator for Griffin Hospital. 

Major has been teaching TT since 2000 and is a qualified TT instructor through Therapeutic Touch International Associates, the international association of Therapeutic Touch.

Fee is $100, and includes all class materials. The deadline to enroll is Oct. 3.

For more information, or to enroll, contact Laura Murphy at 203-732-7466 or lkmurphy@griffinhealth.org.

This is a press release from Griffin Hospital.

Flashback to perform Saturday at block dance in Seymour

SEYMOUR - The Seymour Culture and Arts Commission will end its summer concert series Saturday with a block dance.

The concert will feature the band Flashback playing music from the 50’s, 60’s, and 70’s. 

The concert will be held at the corners of First and Bank Streets in historic downtown Seymour from 6-8 p.m. in conjunction with First Saturday events. 

Please join us for a great night out! 

Parking is located on the streets and parking lots around the downtown area. 

Do not park in the First Street plaza lot – your car will be towed by the plaza owners! 

Bring your own chairs. There will be no rain date or location for this concert. 

For more information please contact Kim Osgood, 203-888-7880.

*Sharing this information from Facebook.

Treasured Time to host softball marathon to support Derby family

Treasured Time’s Third Annual Extra Innings Softball Marathon Sept. 10-11 will support the wish of Nicole Mather of Derby, pictured from left with her son, Austin, and husband, Brian. / Contributed photo

STRATFORD - Extreme heat in mid-August has resulted in Treasured Time’s Third Annual Extra Innings Softball Marathon to be moved to Sept. 10-11 at Frank DeLuca Hall of Fame Stadium.

This semi-competitive fundraiser aims to help make the wish of a terminally ill mother in Derby come true by encouraging the community to form softball teams and play one-hour games to win a night in the Treasured Time suite at a Bridgeport Bluefish game.

Proceeds support the Treasured Time’s mission to grant the wishes of parents with life-threatening illnesses. 
This year’s Extra Innings Marathon will directly benefit the newest Treasured Time “gift of moments” recipient, Nicole Mather of Derby.

The event starts at 7 a.m. Sept. 10 and runs until 9 p.m., including an exciting Home Run Derby competition for men and women at 7:30 p.m. that night and a Home Run Derby Jr. competition (13 and younger) at 8 p.m. 
The Home Run Derby winners will get a dinner for two at Vazzy’s Cucina in Shelton. 
The marathon resumes at 7 a.m. Sept. 11 and concludes with a championship game at 7:30 p.m. that day.

Registration is limited to the first 40 teams consisting of at least 10 players per team. The team that scores the most runs in a win on Saturday will play in the championship against the team that scored the most runs in a win on Sunday.

The entry fee to participate is $250 per team, and the deadline to register is Sept. 6. 
The fee for the Home Run Derby Jr. is $20, and $25 for the adult Home Run Derby. 

Tickets for spectators to attend the softball marathon are $5. 
There will be activities throughout the event including corn hole, DJs, and raffles.

For more information or to register a team or for the Homerun Derby, contact Jenn at 203-446-1068 or jenn@treasuredtime.org.

“The great part about this event is that you don’t have to be a softball player to join in on the fun,” said event organizer Jenn Moffat. “We have many companies and families, who have been affected by life-threatening illnesses, who come out to enjoy the day and support our mission. We match the teams up by skill level, so everyone is welcome to play. The weekend is really not about competition, it’s about the cause.”

In addition to supporting Treasured Time, the marathon is held in honor of former Bluefish General Manager and Treasured Time supporter Ken Shepard.

Derby woman hopes to renew vows in Vegas

Nicole Mather, 43, of Derby, became sick at age 15. After a few years of not knowing what was wrong and various tests, she was diagnosed with lupus at 17.

Since then, life has been very difficult. She has been in and out of the hospital throughout her life. Shortly after her diagnosis, Mather was in a major car accident in which she was put on life support and administered Last Rites by a priest.

Nicole defied the odds of the accident and her illness and found true love in her husband, Brian. The couple was told they would never have children, but Mather again proved the exception and was blessed with her “miracle baby,” Austin, who is now 17. 

Recently, Mather was diagnosed with diabetes and has suffered two severe strokes and three mini strokes. She has APS lupus which creates blood clots throughout her body, intensifying her susceptibility to strokes. 
Mather could have a stroke that changes her life forever at any time, but for right now, she does what she can to enjoy life despite her limitations.

Mather's wish is to go to Las Vegas and renew her vows with her true love and have her son walk her down the aisle. They will be married 20 years this September.

Treasured Time, Inc. is a CT based 501(c)(3) organization whose mission is to grant the wishes of parents with life threatening illnesses who want to create a lasting memory with their children.  
With your help, Treasured Time, Inc. can provide families with the “Gift of Moments”.

For more information, visit treasuredtime.org.

This is a press release from Treasured Time.

Master's Table meal in Ansonia to feature Sister Funk performance

Dealership in Shelton to receive 22nd annual 'Good Scout' Award

SHELTON - The Housatonic Council, Boy Scouts of America, will present this year’s “Good Scout” Award to longtime community leader Curtiss*Ryan Honda.  

The award will be presented to Curtiss*Ryan Honda Oct. 20 at the Brownson Country Club, 15 Soundview Ave. The event will run 5:30-7:30 p.m.

The Housatonic Council presents a Good Scout Award to an individual or organization that exemplifies the ideals of the Boy Scouts of America as expressed in the Scout Oath and Scout Law.  

The recipients are chosen for their outstanding community service as evidenced by the interest and leadership given to many worthwhile organizations as well as the respect and esteem in which they are held by their colleagues.

Good Scout Award honorees are selected by a committee that is chaired by Mayor Mark Lauretti and members of the Executive Board of the Housatonic Council.

“Curtiss*Ryan Honda has contributed to the betterment of life in our Valley towns in many ways,” Lauretti said.  “Curtiss*Ryan Honda has been an engaged partner with the Housatonic Council and through their support of many of the Valley’s community organizations and initiatives to improve the quality of life for area residents.”

Previous recipients of the Good Scout Award include Walter Archer, Jr., Jamie Cohen, Helen and Gerald Bogen, David Rifkin, Lauretti, James Ryan, John Anglace, state Rep. Richard Belden, Robert Scinto, Dean Borgman, Norman Santa, Patrick Charmel, Royal Wells, the Jones family, Fletcher Thompson, William Bassett, Monty Blakeman, David Grant, the law firm of Welch, Teodosio, Stanek & Blake, LLC (formerly known as Winnick, Vine, Welch & Teodosio, LLC), Ned Miller, and Jeff Bruner of the Iroquois Gas Co.

The Housatonic Council serves the towns of Ansonia, Derby, Oxford, Seymour, and Shelton.   
Established in 1923, the Housatonic Council is one of the oldest councils in the Boy Scouts of America.  
In addition to delivering the Cub Scouting, Boy Scouting, Venturing, and Learning for Life programs, the Housatonic Council owns and operates the Edmund D. Strang Scout Reservation in Goshen.

If you would like to attend or support the Good Scout Award Ceremony, contact the Housatonic Council at (203) 734-3329.

This is a press release from the Housatonic Council.

Friends of Seymour Library to discuss 'A Tree Grows in Brooklyn'

SEYMOUR - "A Tree Grows in Brooklyn" by Betty Smith is the next Friends of the Library Book Club offering. 

The club will meet at 1:30 p.m. Sept. 20 in the lower level of the Library to discuss this "oldie but a goodie." The novel was published in 1943.

Copies of the book are currently available to anyone interested in joining in the discussion. 

This is a great book that should bring much to the table!

The library is at 46 Church St.

*Information shared from Facebook.

Derby Public Library will hold herbal reed diffuser workshop

DERBY - The Derby Public Library has scheduled a Scents & Sensibility/Make & Take Herbal Reed Diffuser workshop at 6:30 p.m. Sept. 26.

Presented by Velya Janncz-Urban and Ehris Urban, participants will first learn historical tidbits and medicinal benefits of various herbs and oils.  
They will then create their own eight-ounce herbal reed 

diffusers based on their own preferences and needs.  

Space is limited and registration is required.

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

    

This is a press release from Cathy Williams, Director, Derby Public Library.

Smoke in the Valley Kick-off planned in Seymour

134 Derby students receive school clothing, supplies from Volunteer Council

Students receive back to school items at Irving School in Derby. / Contributed photo   

DERBY- Members of the Corporate Volunteer Council gathered Thursday at Irving School to proudly send 134 students in great need, back to school in style and ready to learn. 

The students at Irving who participated in this program are some of the community’s most vulnerable, and in need of assistance to go back to school with all the necessary supplies, like notebooks, pencils, crayons, and backpacks.

Principal Jen Olson and her incredible staff were so appreciative of the support from Valley United Way and the Corporate Volunteer Council companies who contributed and could not say enough about the impact this will have on their students. 

When the students and their families arrived to meet with the company who sponsored them, the children smiled ear to ear with excitement for all of their new items. Many moms were brought to tears at the generosity, stating people will never know just how much this is helping their family. 

Each child received a bin filled with two complete outfits to start school in style, a pair of sneakers, a winter coat, and a backpack filled with every school supply imaginable. 

Director of the Volunteer Center and Corporate Volunteer Council Patricia Tarasovic said, “The generosity and kindness of the CVC with Back to School reflects the overall CVC mission of making the greatest impact.” 

As the Corporate Volunteer Council wraps up its 20th Anniversary, members can proudly say that to date, the Back to School Clothes for Kids Program has supported a total of 2,987 children and invested $604,940 in Valley youth.

Thank you goes to all of the companies who participated and made an impact in our community’s children.

To Join in the Fight for a Stronger Community and help Valley United Way reach its goal, visit www.valleyunitedway.org or call 203-926-9478. 

Valley United Way is a registered 501(c)(3) organization proudly serving Ansonia, Derby, Oxford, Seymour, and Shelton.  

United Way fights for the health, education of financial stability of every person in every community.  

In collaboration with our partners we work to prepare youth for success, strengthen families and help people in crisis.


This is a press release from Valley United Way. 

Newsletter features talk on bears, Y camp in Ansonia, Food Trucks in the Valley

Dear readers,

Here's a link to the latest Valley Voice newsletter featuring a presentation at Seymour Historical Society about black bears in Connecticut.


Thanks for reading!

Alliance for Prevention & Wellness to host screening in Seymour of addiction documentary

SEYMOUR - BHcare’s Alliance for Prevention & Wellness will host a special screening of GENERATION FOUND at 7:30 p.m. Sept. 15 at Entertainment Cinemas, 814 Derby Ave. 

The documentary is a powerful story about one community coming together to ignite a youth addiction recovery revolution in their hometown. 

Devastated by an epidemic of addiction, Houston faced the reality of burying and locking up its young people at an alarming rate. 

GENERATION FOUND takes an unprecedented and intimate look at how a system of treatment centers, sober high schools, alternative peer groups, and collegiate recovery programs can exist in concert to intervene early and provide a real and tested long-term alternative to the “War on Drugs.” 

GENERATION FOUND is a great way to catalyze a dialogue on youth addiction and recovery issues in your community. View the trailer at http://generationfoundfilm.com.

Tickets are $11 each and may be purchased at http://gathr.us/screening/16561.

The Alliance for Wellness and Prevention is a program of BHcare. For more information, visit www.APW-CT.org. 

For more information on BHcare, visit www.bhcare.org.

This is a press release from BHcare,a regional community provider of behavioral health, addiction prevention, and domestic violence services for the Lower Naugatuck Valley, Greater New Haven, and Shoreline communities.  

Church in Waterbury to host dinner theater fundraiser

Photo courtesy of Jeffrey Schlicter

OAKVILLE - Kick off your evening with a bang!  
Join “Uncle Franco” and his mobsters Oct. 7 in a professional dinner theatre production by AspenDream Productions™. 

This hilarious class reunion murder-mystery event to benefit Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church will be held Oct. 7 at Grand Oak Villa, 550 Sylvan Lake Road. 

Doors open at 6:30 p.m.; show starts at 7 p.m.

Call 203-756-8981 for tickets, which are $65 (includes dinner and the show). Hurry this event will sell out!

Now in its 19th year, the smash hit “Class Reunions Can Be Murder” is an enormously entertaining audience-participation dinner theatre show by AspenDream Productions™, Connecticut’s longest-running dinner theatre company.  

Written, produced, and directed by Janice Luise-Lutkus of Burlington, the interactive comedy wedding and murder mystery shows have been hailed by audiences throughout New England. 
“People love to be a part of the show,” said Luise-Lutkus. “This show is so unique, you never see the same show twice.”

For most people, an alumni class reunion is a time to party and renew old acquaintances, but Franco Machiavelli isn't an ordinary guy - he's the head of the New York crime family, and trouble seems to follow him everywhere he goes. 
As he begins to renew old friendships, someone is murdered.  
Discovering who the killer is becomes the question all are determined to answer. There is lots of murder, bribery, and back stabbing as we meet Hugh Jass, Class Politician, Melvin Wedgewood or “Wedgie”, Pom Pom Splits, Head Cheerleader, and the rest of the gang.

Guests will be assigned a name tag and are encouraged to attend dressed ready to play the role of a gangster, movie star, politician, and friend to the well-respected “Uncle Franco," head of the New York Mob Family.  
Someone is killed and no one can leave until the mystery is solved by Agent Orange while enjoying dinner, lots of dancing, singing, and drinks.  

Guests are encouraged to dress in their finest mob figure, movie star attire.  
After all Uncle Franco will be there! Book early … avoid the mob …

For more information visit www.AspenDreamProductions.com.


This is a press release from a representative of Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church. 

Re-posting: Tunes for Tea fundraiser slated Sept. 18 in Seymour

Performance at Ansonia furniture store to benefit The Valley Goes Pink

A fundraiser for The Valley Goes Pink will be held from 6-9 p.m. Oct. 7 at Spector Furniture, 385 Main St., Ansonia.

Mystery On Main is hosted by Spector Furniture and Mattress Gallery, the Young Emerging Professionals, and Valley Shakespeare Festival. 

Proceeds will go toward breast cancer screenings at The Hewitt Center For Breast Wellness at Griffin Hospital in Derby. 

This Clue-inspired event will provide actor-led tours of the showroom, with entertainers incorporating the game itself into their performance. 
Don't get caught in the library with Colonel Mustard and his lead pipe!

Admission is $40 for all ages.

Sushi, pierogis, finger sandwiches, and much more will be served, with cocktails provided by David M. Grant Caterers.

The Valley Goes Pink is Griffin Hospital's grassroots effort to raise awareness about breast health.

Note: This information is shared from a Facebook event page. 

Connecticut State Police urge residents to use caution as new school year starts

      MIDDLETOWN - Connecticut State Troopers urge drivers, parents and children to prepare for back to school safety.

As more than half-a-million Connecticut children head back to school over the next few weeks, Connecticut State Troopers urge all parents and guardians to discuss school, traffic, and personal safety with their children.  

Troopers also caution all drivers to be aware of “back to school” bus, pedestrian, and bicycle traffic.  

Drivers are urged to use extra caution as they travel on Connecticut’s roadways, and to be alert to children who may be hurrying to and from school.

Under state law, it is mandatory that drivers stop for school buses that have their flashing red warning lights activated, whether they are approaching or following the school bus. 

The yellow flashing lights are a warning to drivers that the bus will be stopping to pick up and/or drop-off students.  

Drivers should anticipate that the red flashing lights will come on shortly after seeing the yellow flashing lights as the bus comes to a stop.  

The red flashing lights on a school bus indicate that the bus is stopped and students are either getting on or off the bus. 

Failure to obey this law not only puts our children at great risk, but it carries a hefty penalty for drivers. Fines for passing a school bus that has its flashing red warning lights activated starts at $465 for a first offense. 

Parents should remind their children to wait in a safe place, out of the travel portion of the roadway, and only cross the street after looking both ways, even if the red lights are activated.  

Urge children to tell an adult and the police about anything that makes them feel unsafe or uncomfortable on the way to/from school and while they’re in school. Children should be reminded not to speak to, or get into the vehicles of, people they don’t know.

All Resident State Troopers and Troopers on patrol will periodically monitor school bus stops to help ensure the safety of all students as they travel back to school to begin the 2016-2017 school year.

This is a press release from the Connecticut State Police.

Seymour Historical Society talk features black bears in Connecticut

The skull of a black bear. 

SEYMOUR - More than 60 people attended a program on black bears Sunday presented by Paul Colburn, a Master Wildlife Conservationist, at Seymour Historical Society. 
The presentation focused on black bears' habitat, diet, behavior, and more.


Stay tuned for a story in The Valley Voice newsletter this week.

Tech Time sessions offered at Derby Public Library

DERBY- 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 downloading e-books, searching databases, completing on-line job applications, 

scanning/sending documents and photos, etc., your problems will be addressed. 

The next sessions will be held Sept. 21 at 6:30 p.m. and Sept. 15 at 10 a.m. No registration is needed.  

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 Cathy Williams, Director, Derby Public Library.

10th annual book bag drive helps Valley families get ready for school

Joanne Guerrier of Derby and her daughter, Novela Jolie Rosa, 6, pick up a book bag and supplies from TEAM, Inc. in Derby to start the school year.
Guerrier expressed her gratitude to TEAM and the donors. "We are so thankful, you guys made it happen for me and my baby,” she said. / Contributed photo

SHELTON - For the 10th consecutive year, the Annual Book Bag and School Supply drive has been a great success. 

More than 135 book bags, and an abundance of back to school supplies, were collected. 

This drive, originally begun by the owners of Luther's Garage, which is now closed, continues on an annual basis through J Cuts, 505 Howe Ave.

Each year beginning July 1, Jennifer Sneider, owner of J Cuts, offers her shop as the main collection location for supplies such as book bags, book covers, rulers, pens, pencils, erasers, notebooks, binders, glue, crayons, calculators, pencil sharpeners, paper, folders, and more.  

"The outpouring kindness of the community always warms my heart," Sneider said. “So many people stop by to drop off donations. Many of my customers do not hesitate to hand me five or 10 dollars so I can pick up what we are falling short on. It is amazing how it all balances out for children in need!” 

Minuteman Press at 427B Howe Ave. donated collection posters again this year.  

For the second time this year, Bright Horizons Day Care held its own collection and dropped off donations.  

In addition, Barb’s Corner Consignment, 25 West Main St., Ansonia, collected again.

For a third year coordinators of the drive were contacted by Jackie Romaniuk, Dental Health Care Specialist with the Connecticut Dental Health Partnership, the dental plan for HUSKY Health.  

They provided oral kits each containing a toothbrush, toothpaste, floss, and oral health education.  

The CTDHP is the dental plan for HUSKY Health and promotes good oral hygiene to more than 700,000 children and adults on the HUSKY Health plan. For the last two years, CTDHP has partnered with community agencies, primary care providers and OB/GYN offices across the 

state to share oral health kits with children and pregnant women who are HUSKY Health members. 

According to Romaniuk, “The oral health kits contain tips to keep the mouth healthy as well as the importance of maintaining a healthy mouth to maintain a person’s general health. The beginning of the school year traditionally correlates with starting new routines and habits. This seems like the perfect opportunity to spread the oral health message of the importance of daily oral hygiene and scheduling a dental exam.”

HUSKY Health members can contact the CTDHP call center at 855- CT- DENTAL or visit www.ctdhp.com for help connecting to one of the 1900 dental providers available.  

Children receiving donations from this community drive are serviced by TEAM, Inc. and Bradley School in Derby, along with the Boys and Girls Club of the Lower Naugatuck Valley, Shelton School Readiness Program and the Lower Naugatuck Valley Parent Child Resource Center, all in Shelton; and BHcare in Ansonia.

More than 250 oral kits were given to all students who received back to school donations, as well as the Milford Department of Children & Families office. 

This information is shared from the book bag drive organizers.