Ansonia High School awards diplomas to 119 seniors

ANSONIA – Diplomas were awarded to 119 members of the Class of 2016 from Ansonia High School during commencement exercises June 9 at Jarvis Field. 

The graduates are as follows (one asterisk indicates students who ranked in the top 20% of the class; two asterisks after the name indicates those receiving a Diploma of Distinction): 

Shonda Alives, Ryan Michael Amato**, Jude Marie Aquila, Hernan Arroyo, Haley Christine  Arruda*, Catherine R. Ashelford, Moazzam Ashraf, Tajik Shawn Bagley, Tyler J. Bailey, Dennis C. Ballester, Rudy Beauchard, Gabrielle R. Belenchia, Serena Nicole Bellamy, Rhianna Alexis Bennett, Brandon M. Benoit, Sharaja Blake, Kevin Brien, Joseph Burgos, Michael  J. Caple*, Monique C. Cepeda, Amanda Michelle Chirsky, Johneil Francette Clarke, Daniel Constante  Falconi, Adreena  Chantel Cox, Gianna Marie Crisante, Brianna Celine Cruz, Dante D'Ambrosio, Yohanny DeLeon R., Arthur R. Delibero*, Frank F. Delibero, GianCarlos Diaz, Kayla Yolanda Duncan.

Justin Elderton, Dana Catherine Ellis, Carolina M. Espinosa, Marcos Espinosa, Samantha Joan Esposito, Emily E. Eye, Angel J. Falero, Sabrina Fitzgerald, Akire Charnay Shavonne Gaines, Deon T. Gant, Elizabeth Ann Gela, Marjeta Gjoni, Zinedine Jose Gomes-Martins, Courtney Rae Goncalo, Giovanni Hardy, Mikayla Jean Harris, Tatyannah Yvonne Alexandra Haynes, Taylor Healey*, Casey Hromjak, Anthony William Jankovsky, Imonie C. Jones, Laurel Marie Joseph, Rebecca Kardos, Deesaveit Srey Kim**, Nicholas Krajewski*, Grady T. Lawlor, Rorey Edward Lawlor*, Rahquan R. Lewis-Marrow, Dorothy Love, Rebecca Lung. 

Mercedes C. MacLellan, Matthew D. Madar**, Marlia Serena Maiolo, Ian Malaspina, Weethney Alexandria Marseille, Jacob Martinez, Tyrell M. McCall, Mary-Louise Medero, Aiyanna Jade Menna, Lewis Michael, Martin John Mikos III*, Alexandria Victoria Miller*, Aaron Minopoli, Oscar Eduardo Monteagudo, Jessica Ann Moscato*, Truc Minh Nguyen**, Zachariah Robert Noble, Cody Matthew O'Brien, Alyssa Marie Orlofsky**, Angel Tristan Ortiz, Jake A. Palmieri**, Dylan J. Pardy, Joshua K. Parks, David Perez, William Lawton Phipps*, Rebekah A. Pimenta*, Erika Marie Poremba*, Joseph Porter. 

Damisha Danea Randolph, David L. Rentas, Francisco Reyes, Michael D. Rhodes*, Armanni Rivera, Bryanna N. Robertson, Jennifer L. Robison, Victor Rodriguez, Olivia Louise Rogers, Dylan James Ruane, Sash-Shawnna Rubie, Emma Nicole-Lola Rydzy, Robert Michael Saddler, Juan C. Sandoval, Adrielle Sanon, Kurt D. Schuchmann, Klea Seferi, Eldi Shahini, Nicole G. Signore, Gary John Sirico, Thai T. Slauson, Ian Smith, Dante Solis, Michael R. Spinelli*, James Kelso Stewart IV, Lillianna Katherine Suner, Joseph B. Szewczyk**, Zachary T. Tackach, Austin J. Turecek**, Ashley Velleco*, Jared Thomas Venson, Rebecca L. Vives*, Georgette Weamie, Delaney Megan Wisniewski*, and Keith Edward Zdep Jr.

Congratulations to all the graduates and best wishes in the future!

Newsletter features Beat the Heat 5K, Seymour Founders' Day recap

Dear readers,

The Valley Voice Monday edition is out and you can find it here. 

Happy reading!

Cooking competition stirs creativity at Griffin Hospital in Derby

From left: Arlinda Peraj of Seymour, Anthony Nakis of Derby, Alyssa Teixeira of Shelton, and Haylee Johnson of Ansonia competed at the third annual Valley Initiative to Advance Health and Learning in Schools Healthy Cooking Competition Finals. / Contributed photo

DERBY - Sixth grader Haylee Johnson of Ansonia, was top chef at the third annual Valley Initiative to Advance Health and Learning in Schools Healthy Cooking Competition.

Johnson’s Butternut Squash French Toast was named best by a panel of judges that included elected officials and representatives from Ansonia, Derby, Seymour and Shelton at Griffin Hospital May 17. 

Johnson’s recipe beat out tasty and healthy entries by Alyssa Teixeira of Shelton, Anthony Nakis of Derby, and Arlinda Pera, of Seymour.

“Each year, the contest provides a fun and exciting way for local students to showcase their talents for cooking, and to encourage a passion for both healthy eating and cooking within the local community,” said Amy Bethge, MPH, VITAHLS Coordinator at The Yale-Griffin Prevention Research Center.

The four contestants advanced to the finals by winning regional competitions in their school district. 
All finalists received a gift tote from Massaro Community Farm filled with a children's cookbook, a $20 gift certificate for produce from the farm, movie passes to Seymour Entertainment Cinemas, a personalized apron, and other items. 
As the grand prize winner, Johnson also received a gift certificate to SportsCenter of Connecticut in Shelton and a Nutri Ninja Blender.

The event was hosted by Chef Anne Gallagher and Diane D'Isidori, MD, co-founders of the Plow to Plate coalition, which works to combine healthcare leadership and community-based programs to promote local foods and agriculture as a critical means to well-being and disease prevention.

VITAHLS is a childhood obesity prevention initiative collaboration between Griffin Hospital, Yale Griffin PRC, and the Ansonia, Derby, Seymour, and Shelton school districts. 

Since 2011, VITAHLS has integrated a variety of nutrition and physical activity programs into the existing school structure to help reduce childhood obesity.

This is a press release from Griffin Hospital.

Get quackin' and buy a duck for river race on Derby Day

SHELTON - Stop by Spooner House this week and next to purchase a duck race raffle ticket. The office is located at 30 Todd Road and open Monday - Friday, 9 a.m.- 5 p.m. Tickets will be available until June 24. The raffle is sponsored by St. Mary-St. Michael School Development Committee. The school is in Derby. $5 a ticket - $2 supports Spooner House Duck Race: When: June 25 - Derby Day Where: Derby/Shelton Bridge - Bridge Street Time: 2 p.m. Rubber ducks are numbered and will race down the Housatonic River - first 65 to cross the finish line win prizes! Ticket holders need not be present to win. Top Prizes (65 total): 1. $1,000 2. 4 Disney Park Hopper Passes 3. $500 4. 50" LED HDTV 5. Apple Watch List of prizes and winners will be posted at https://stmarystmichaelct.eduk12.net. This information is taken from an email from Spooner House.

Derby Public Library offers resume workshops

DERBY - The Derby Public Library offers Resume Workshops at 6:30 p.m. on the first Wednesday of each month.

During these sessions, participants are welcome to either start from scratch or bring copies of their existing resumes, cover letters as well, for review and optimizing.

Often times a new resume can be created simply by making a number of subtle tweaks versus a whole new change.

The next class will be held July 6.

Registration is not required.  
For more 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.

Bingo to benefit Hewitt Center for Breast Wellness at Griffin Hospital in Derby

Seymour Public Library to host summer activities for children

SEYMOUR - A variety of free children's programs is planned this summer at Seymour Public Library, 46 Church St.

Sign-ups for the Summer Reading Club and all programs will begin June 21.

July 6 - 2 p.m. – Summer Reading Kick-off Program – Sciencetellers present “Power and Energy” –Amazing Event Show to thrill and entertain – for all Ages!

July 7 - 10:30  a.m.– Edward Leonard’s ‘Silly Song Sing-a-Long’ for toddlers – 10-year olds

July 8 - 2 p.m. – Origami Crafting Workshop for Young Adults. 

July 12 - 10:30 a.m. – Science Snoopers’ “Creature Feature - The Octopus” featuring natural science, story, and a craft – for ages 4 and up 

July 12, 19, 26 - 2 p.m. - Art in the Afternoon –a series of three (must register for all three) art workshops in drawing, sculpting, and painting for Young Adults, ages 10 and up – limited space.

July 13 - 10:30 a.m.-noon - Creative Dramatics Workshop “the Tortoise and the Hare” Acting workshop and more for ages 5 and up - limited space.

July 14 - 10:30 a.m.– Lynn Lewis and Friend Sing, Dance and have a great time! All ages.

July 14 - 2 p.m. – Candy Sushi! Create fun treats – YAs 10 and up - limited space.

July 15, 22, 29, and Aug. 5 - 10:30 a.m. – 3-D Cartooning Art Workshop with Debi – a series of four workshops for ages 5 and up - limited space.

July 15 - 2-4 p.m.– Jamilah Henna Creations – presentation about Henna and then, creating henna for Young Adults ages 10 and up – limited by time.

July 19 - 10:30 a.m.– Science Snoopers’ “Giants of the Land” – natural science, story, and a craft for ages 4 and up.

July 19 -  2 p.m. – Young Adult Art in the Afternoon continues…

July 20 -  2 p.m. – Jewelry Making for Young Adults age 10 and up - limited space.

July 21 - 10:30 a.m.– Curious Creatures – Live animal show- exotic animals! For all ages.

July 22 - 10:30 a.m. – 3-D Cartooning Art Workshop with Debi continues ...

July 26 - 10:30 a.m.– Science Snoopers’ “Our Special Planet” Natural science, story and a craft for ages 4 and up

July 26 – 2 p.m. – YA Art in the Afternoon continues…final class

July 27 - 10:30 a.m. - ‘How Cool is That?’ - Dissecting Owl Pellets!  Hands on program – everyone participates in this lab science workshop!  Ages 8 and up - Limited space.

July 28 - 10:30 a.m.– Al deCant/Music for Little Superstars – ‘Ready, Set, Read! On Your Mark…Get Set…Read, Sing, Dance, and Play!  All are welcome!

July 29 - 10:30 a.m.- 3-D Cartooning Art Workshop with Debi continues…

Aug. 2 - 10:30 a.m .- Mad Science of Fairfield & New Haven Counties presents “The Science of Sport”  Learn, experiment, and make an awesome center of gravity take home!

Aug. 3 - 10:30 a.m.- Lionheart Puppets presents ‘The Reluctant Dragon” for all ages.

Aug. 4 - 2 p.m. – Young Adult program ‘Duct Tape and Pizza”! for ages 10 and up – limited space.

Aug. 5 - 10:30 a.m. - 3-D Cartooning Art Workshop with Debi continues … final session

Aug. 5 - 2 p.m. – Origami Craft workshop – YA program

Aug. 9 - 2 p.m.– Magic! – Scott Jameson nationally acclaimed magician and entertainer. Program is for everyone - don’t miss this one!

Aug. 11 - 10:30 a.m.– Cedar Island Marina Research Laboratory ‘We Bring Long Island Sound to You’  Touch Tank for everyone to experience!

Aug. 17 - 11 a.m.– Casey Carle’s ‘Bubblemania!’  World famous entertainer for our Summer Reading Finale Program!  

Please join us immediately after ‘Bubblemania’  for our end of summer reading party!  Cake and refreshments, reading certificates and more! Help us celebrate our amazing readers!

Registration is required for all programs, and especially those that are limited in size.

For more information visit the library, call 203-888-3903 or 

visit www.seymourpubliclibrary.org.


This is a press release from Ann Szaley, children's librarian, Seymour Public Library.

CWV Post 1562 in Derby to host Flag Day pasta dinner

DERBY - CWV Post 1562 will host a pasta dinner and a movie for only $6 at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday (Flag Day). 
The post is at 112 Derby Ave.

For more information or if you're interested in joining Post 1562 call 203-734-9748 after 1 p.m.


This is shared from an online community calendar sponsored by The Community Foundation for Greater New Haven and The New Haven Independent.