Tuesday, July 5, 2016

Derby Public Library to host American Girl program for children


DERBY - Kids ages 8-11 are invited to Derby Public Library, 313 Elizabeth St., for an American girl-themed program at 11 a.m. July 22.

Come celebrate Lea, the 2016 American Girl of the Year, with fun activities that reflect her love of nature and adventure!
Registration is requested.

For information call 203-736-1482.

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

Sikorsky holds food drives for Spooner House in Shelton

The presentation check is being held by Susan Agamy, Executive Director, Spooner House, and Daniel C. Schultz, President of Sikorsky, a Lockheed Martin Company./Submitted photo



SHELTON - Sikorsky, a Lockheed Martin Company with headquarters in Stratford and other southern Connecticut satellite locations conducted food drives to benefit Spooner House from April 29 through May 31.
The goal of the M.E.N.U. Project (Mission: Engage, Nourish, Unite) was to provide non-perishable food items and raise funds to aid local veterans and families using the Valley Food Bank and homeless shelter at Spooner House, 30 Todd Road.

Sikorsky joined Lockheed Martin business units across 14 states and two countries in the M.E.N.U. initiative. Each drive outside of Connecticut benefits a local food bank organization.

"It has been an extreme pleasure to work with the nice people at Spooner House and shelter and to help continue the positive impact they are making in the local community," said Chris Quilici, one of the primary coordinators of the M.E.N.U. initiative at Sikorsky. 

“This experience made us aware of how difficult it has become for many of our nation's veterans to acquire food. We are extremely grateful and thankful for Spooner House, which provides the means to make food accessible. The motto during the drives within Sikorsky, where helicopters supporting the military are made, was, 'if we can save them in combat, we can feed them at home,' and the Spooner staff helped us deliver on that promise."

The Sikorsky M.E.N.U. food drive collected 1,346 food items. 
Online donations from employees and their families totaled $10,368, while other internal fundraisers brought in $5,941, making the grand total of financial donations $16,309.

Spooner House Executive Director Susan Agamy said, “We are extremely grateful for the time, energy, and support of the Sikorsky community, which went above and beyond to serve the local community. A sincere thank you goes out to everyone who participated in the Sikorsky M.E.N.U. food drive in support of veterans, neighbors and families in need.”

About Lockheed Martin
Headquartered in BethesdaMd., Lockheed Martin is a global security and aerospace company that employs approximately 125,000 people worldwide and is principally engaged in the research, design, development, manufacture, integration and sustainment of advanced technology systems, products and services.

About ACT
Non-profit Area Congregations Together, Inc. was formed in 1979 to help fill gaps in the Naugatuck Valley’s social service network. Today, Spooner House is operated by ACT and is a facility that provides food, shelter and support services to approximately 150 men, women and children each year. 
More than 6,000 individuals have been served by the Food Bank this past year, comprising more than 100,000 meals. Spooner House is recognized as one of the most comprehensive emergency shelter programs in Connecticut and through its food bank provides a week’s supply of groceries each month to participating families throughout the Naugatuck Valley
Spooner House is devoted to helping people establish self-sufficiency in an atmosphere of respect and dignity. Area Congregations Together, Inc. is a partner agency of the Valley United Way.

This is a press release from Area Congregations Together, Inc. 

Luncheon at Wesley Heights in Shelton recognizes centenarians

Centenarians celebrated at Wesley Heights in Shelton./Contributed photo

SHELTON - Wesley Village staff, residents, and guests gathered at Wesley Heights Assisted Living Community to celebrate the birthdays of six centenarians with a special luncheon June 22

The event recognized five Wesley Heights residents who had or would be celebrating 100 years or more during 2016. 

Residents who were honored included: Helen Hagner (102), Isabel Roberts (102), Edna Flanagan (100), Susan Perkins (100), and John Girolamo (100). 

Also honored at the event was former Wesley Heights resident, Minnie Sutton, who celebrated her 106th birthday in May.
Sutton now resides at Bishop Wicke Health and Rehabilitation Center, which is also located on the Wesley Village senior living campus, along with Wesley Heights.
The event, organized by Wesley Heights Activities Director Linda Fera and Resident Services Coordinator Donna Brice, included special guest speakers Chaplain Cathy Nickse, Coordinator of Spiritual Care for Wesley Village; David Lawlor, President and CEO of United Methodist Homes; and  Mayor Mark Lauretti. 

Proclamations were issued to each centenarian and hand-delivered by Lauretti who posed for a photo with each honored resident. 
Lawlor shared words of wisdom from each of the centenarians and thanked them for their influence. “For all of the wisdom you bestow upon us and the way you support your fellow residents and our staff, we thank you very much for being part of Wesley Village. Happy Birthday!”


Wesley Village is a campus of senior living and care communities including Crosby Commons Independent/Assisted Living Community, Wesley Heights Independent/Assisted Living Apartments and Cottages, Lifestyle Transitions Assisted Living & Memory Care, and Bishop Wicke Health and Rehabilitation Center. 
The campus, located at 580 Long Hill Ave., is owned and operated by United Methodist Homes, a local, mission-based, not-for-profit organization serving all members of the community. 

To learn more about the continuum of care offered at Wesley Village or the mission of UMH, please visit www.wesleyvillage-ct.org.  


This is a press release from United Methodist Homes.

Luncheon at Wesley Heights in Shelton recognizes centenarians

Centenarians celebrated at Wesley Heights in Shelton./Contributed photo

SHELTON - Wesley Village staff, residents, and guests gathered at Wesley Heights Assisted Living Community to celebrate the birthdays of six centenarians with a special luncheon June 22

The event recognized five Wesley Heights residents who had or would be celebrating 100 years or more during 2016. 

Residents who were honored included: Helen Hagner (102), Isabel Roberts (102), Edna Flanagan (100), Susan Perkins (100), and John Girolamo (100). 

Also honored at the event was former Wesley Heights resident, Minnie Sutton, who celebrated her 106th birthday in May.
Sutton now resides at Bishop Wicke Health and Rehabilitation Center, which is also located on the Wesley Village senior living campus, along with Wesley Heights.
The event, organized by Wesley Heights Activities Director Linda Fera and Resident Services Coordinator Donna Brice, included special guest speakers Chaplain Cathy Nickse, Coordinator of Spiritual Care for Wesley Village; David Lawlor, President and CEO of United Methodist Homes; and  Mayor Mark Lauretti. 

Proclamations were issued to each centenarian and hand-delivered by Lauretti who posed for a photo with each honored resident. 
Lawlor shared words of wisdom from each of the centenarians and thanked them for their influence. “For all of the wisdom you bestow upon us and the way you support your fellow residents and our staff, we thank you very much for being part of Wesley Village. Happy Birthday!”


Wesley Village is a campus of senior living and care communities including Crosby Commons Independent/Assisted Living Community, Wesley Heights Independent/Assisted Living Apartments and Cottages, Lifestyle Transitions Assisted Living & Memory Care, and Bishop Wicke Health and Rehabilitation Center. 
The campus, located at 580 Long Hill Ave., is owned and operated by United Methodist Homes, a local, mission-based, not-for-profit organization serving all members of the community. 

To learn more about the continuum of care offered at Wesley Village or the mission of UMH, please visit www.wesleyvillage-ct.org.  


This is a press release from United Methodist Homes.

Author to discuss book about hero horse at Seymour Public Library


SEYMOUR - In 1952 Korea, a horse entered the camp of the 75mm Recoilless Rife Platoon, Anti-Tank Company, 5th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division. 


Christened Reckless, she began her service by carrying supplies and ammunition and being used to evacuate the wounded. She became a friend to the men who served with her.
Promoted to staff sergeant in 1959, Reckless became a celebrity and was recognized in Life Magazine as one of America’s 100 all-time heroes.

Author Janet Barrett will be discussing her book, They Called Her Reckless, and the incredibly true story of Reckless at 6:30 p.m. July 13 at Seymour Public Library, 46 Church St.


Copies of Barrett’s book will be available for purchase afterwards. 
Any questions call the Library, 203-888-3903.

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

Jaumann to kick off campaign Thursday at event on Derby Green


DERBY- Valley-area attorney and Ansonia resident Joseph A. Jaumann will kick off his campaign Thursday for state representative in Connecticut’s 104th District.

A press event will be held at 11:30 a.m. on the Green.

“It’s time for new leadership in Hartford,” Jaumann said in a release. 

“We need a strong, independent voice representing Ansonia and Derby. I built a successful law practice by working tirelessly to protect the rights and liberties of my clients. Now I would like the chance to do the same for the residents of the 104th.”

“As state representative I will fight for lower taxes, business development, and fair funding for our schools," Jaumann said. 

“Honestly I’m tired of seeing Connecticut ranked on the bottom of every list of economic indicators. I’m tired of seeing Ansonia and Derby pay the price for the failures of career politicians in Hartford. I believe that new ideas and new energy can reverse the path our state is on. I’m asking for the opportunity to advocate for real change.”

Attorney Jaumann is a partner at the firm of Drapp & Jaumann, LLC. 
He serves as Chairman of Ansonia’s Planning and Zoning Commission, which he was appointed to by Mayor David S. Cassetti. 
His involvement in local government began when he was first appointed to Ansonia’s Zoning Board of Appeals by former Mayor James Della Volpe. 
He also serves as a member of the city’s Economic Development Commission and volunteers as a blight appeals hearing officer.

“My family and I are proud to call the Valley home,” said Jaumann. “As state representative I will work to ensure that our community’s needs are no longer ignored.”

Paid for by Jaumann2016, Crystal A. White, Treasurer. Approved by Joseph A. Jaumann.


This is a slightly edited press release from Attorney John C. Drapp, III.


Derby Public Library slates coloring event for adults

DERBY - The Derby Public Library continues its monthly Color Club for Adults, held on the first Monday of every month at 6:30 p.m.

Come and join the color craze - it’s not just for kids any more!

The next session is Aug. 1. 

Coloring sheets, along with crayons,
markers, and colored pencils are provided but you are also welcomed to bring your own materials. 
This simple activity provides social, mental health, and creative benefits.  
Relaxing music and light snacks are included.

No specific skills or preparation needed, just a desire to relax and de-stress.

Registration is requested.  

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.

Bradley School educator named Derby Teacher of the Year

Karen Marrone


DERBY - Bradley School is proud to announce that Karen Marrone is the 2017 Derby Public School Teacher of the Year. 
Marrone is an excellent educator who has made a significant positive impact on the students and staff at Bradley School. 

In her previous role as the learning center teacher, Karen worked in a challenging environment to support her students both socially and emotionally. 
This past year Marrone transitioned to the resource reading teacher for grades 3-5. Thanks to her efforts, her students have seen incredible growth in their reading proficiency in the resource room and general education classroom. 
Marrone collaborates with peers on a regular basis to help meet the needs of the students she works with. She has been a valuable member of the school literacy leadership team, which brings about positive change for all students in the areas of reading and writing. She shares her knowledge with peers and is always open to ideas and strategies from others. 

Unified sports program
In addition to her work in the classroom, Marrone has been the leader for the Bradley School Unified Sports program; helping students with disabilities build positive relationships with typical peers through play and team building.

Marrone can also be seen on a regular basis helping sell tickets at Derby High School games and working with students during the summer though the district’s extended school year program. 
Marrone is a true role model for her students and colleagues. She approaches her work with a constant smile and positive attitude, and her approach with young people has resulted in positive gains for students.

Marrone will be honored at a ceremony Aug. 25 when the district’s teachers return to school for professional development activities. 
She also will be honored at the annual statewide awards ceremony Nov. 10 at The Bushnell Center for the Performing Arts in Hartford. 

Teachers, paraeducators to be honored
Also to be honored Aug. 25 are three other teachers chosen as Teacher of the Year at their individual schools. 
They are: Jennifer Lucas, music teacher at Irving Elementary School; Kelly Anroman, Grade 8 English teacher at Derby Middle School; and Veronica DiLullo, business teacher at Derby High School. 
In addition, Paraeducators of the Year will be honored. They are: Elise Campbell, Irving School; Joyce Dobek, Bradley School; and Lisa Neuman, Little Raider University. Campbell has been chosen as the District’s Paraeducator of the Year. 


This is a slightly edited press release from Derby Public Schools. 

Congratulations go out to all the Derby educators who are being honored!