Newsletter highlights silver tea in Ansonia, Shelton downtown concerts

Dear readers,

Our latest Valley Voice newsletter is out.

Please click here to read some of this week's good news in the community. 
The newsletter highlights Walt Whitman's visit to the Derby Historical Society's Silver Tea, and the Ansonia Traveling Market Place.

Happy reading!

Ansonia's Gordon-Visselli Post adjutant recognized at state convention in Trumbull

Gordon-Visselli Post 50 Adjutant Patrick Henri accepts award from American Legion State Commander Paul Spedallarie./ Contributed photo

ANSONIA - Gordon-Visselli American Legion Post 50 was recognized at the Department of Connecticut American Legion Convention July 7 at the Trumbull Marriott through an award presented to Post Adjutant Patrick Henri. 

Henri received the Herbert L. Emanuelson Plaque which is awarded annually to the Legionnaire who has rendered the most outstanding contributions to Community Service. Cited were Henri’s various roles in city government, involvement in patriotic events, and public outreach through Post 50. Henri was also the 2013 recipient.

The Connecticut Department of the American Legion annually conducts an award ceremony at its Summer Convention to recognize contributions of individuals and Posts in the categories of Americanism, Community Service, Membership, Post Activity and Veterans Affairs.

Post Officers for 2016-17 are: Commander Jack Granatie, Senior Vice-Commander Mike Heise, Junior Vice-Commander Bill Ritchie, Adjutant Pat Henri, Finance Officer Bill Nimons, Chaplain Tom Henri, and Sargent-at-Arms Larry Cramp.

Any veteran interested in joining Ansonia Post 50 may call Mike Heise at 203-308-7845. 
Monthly meetings will begin in September after a summer break, at 7 p.m. on the second Thursday of each month at the Ansonia Armory, 5 State St. 

Continued and new membership enhances our capabilities throughout the community. There are missions here at home worthy of your time and talent. 
We invite you to join our ranks and muster with us.


This is press release from Patrick Henri.

Crisco hails grant for equipment purchase to benefit Beacon Falls, Oxford, Seymour

HARTFORD - State Sen. Joseph J. Crisco, Jr., D-Woodbridge, Tuesday welcomed news the State Bond Commission has approved a $235,783 grant-in-aid to fund a regional purchase that will benefit Beacon Falls, Oxford,and Seymour.

The three towns were awarded the funding through the Inter-town Capital Equipment purchase incentive program.

“This type of regional cooperation is exactly what we hope to see more of in Connecticut, and it is good news for Beacon Falls. By sharing equipment, towns are able to save significantly on the cost and maintenance of equipment, and the more purchases that are made this way, the more residents will feel the results of that collaboration in their pocketbooks,” Crisco said. 

“I am proud to have worked to secure this funding, and I am thankful that the governor and State Bond Commission have showed their support for our local towns by approving this grant-in-aid.”

The towns of Beacon Falls, Oxford, and Seymour will use the funding to purchase an asphalt roller and excavator.

The ICE purchase incentive program was established to provide grants to municipalities to jointly acquire – by purchase or by lease – equipment and vehicles necessary to the performance or delivery of a required governmental function or service.

The State Bond Commission approved the funding during a special meeting at the Legislative Office Building in Hartford.


This is a press release from Crisco's office.

Sounds of Simply Swing fill Veterans Park in Ansonia

The Newington-based Simply Swing orchestra brought the timeless, smooth sounds of Big Band and contemporary music to Veterans Memorial Park in Ansonia Wednesday. 

It was most enjoyable to listen to the old standards at the second concert of the summer series hosted by the Ansonia Cultural Commission. 

Next up is Ansonia's own crooner, Mark Lanzieri, and his band. They will perform Sinatra as well as songs popular in days gone by that have stood the test of time. 

All concerts start at 7 p.m. See you there!

Downtown Sounds in Shelton to feature live music, food, family fun

SHELTON - Celebrate Shelton​ and Liberty Bank are proud to announce the second annual “Downtown Sounds: Concert Series at Veterans Memorial Park" which will be held on Fridays - July 22, July 29 and Aug. 5, from 5-9 p.m. 

There is a rain date of Aug. 12 and rain date information will be updated at www.celebrateshelton.com.

​"Each night, we will welcome handmade artisan vendors, a beer garden sponsored by Two Roads Brewing Company, and food trucks for families 

to enjoy," said Nicole Heriot-Mikula, co-creator of Celebrate Shelton.
Food trucks will include: Caseus Cheese Truck, Common Bond Market, Dad's Food Truck, Mama Dee's Italian Kitchen, Gypsy Joe Cafe, Pierogis on Wheels and Tipsy Ice Cream Cones.

"Starting at 5 p.m. each night, there will be live music from sought-after local and regional bands," said Michael Skrtic, Celebrate Shelton co-creator.

The musical line-up includes: The Royal Din and The Balkun Brothers July 22; The Alpaca Gnomes and Hubinger Street with the Kazoo Crew Family Band July 29; and Frank Viele and West End Blend Aug. 5.

"We are thrilled to continue this free summer concert series in Downtown Shelton with great live music, food, and activities for families," said Jimmy Tickey, a co-creator of Celebrate Shelton.
"We were overwhelmed by the response last year, and we are looking forward to another successful summer concert series," Tickey said.

"Downtown Sounds: Concert Series at Veterans Memorial Park" is sponsored by Celebrate Shelton and Liberty Bank, with support from R.D. Scinto, City of Shelton, as well as The Valley Community Foundation, Electri-Cable Assemblies, and Avalon Shelton.

This is a press release from Celebrate Shelton, a city-wide initiative, created by small business owners Nicole Heriot-Mikula, Michael Skrtic, and Jimmy Tickey. Learn more 

about Celebrate Shelton at www.celebrateshelton.com.