Dear readers,
We just finished putting together the latest Valley Voice newsletter.
You can check it out here.
Thanks for reading!
~ Patti and Ralph
Thursday, October 6, 2016
Newsletter features safe walking in Derby, Ansonia bonding, column about Mets
Dear readers,
We just finished putting together the latest Valley Voice newsletter.
You can check it out here.
Thanks for reading!
~ Patti and Ralph
Dugatto: Derby's sewage treatment system upgrade moving ahead
DERBY – A significant milestone has been reached in Derby’s effort to upgrade its
wastewater treatment system.
Last month, Mayor Anita Dugatto signed off on key contracts to rebuild two of the City’s four pumping stations: South Division Street and Burtville Avenue.
Both pumping stations were constructed in the mid-1960s; no notable upgrades have been
performed at either facility in nearly 50 years.
The contracts were awarded through a Request for Proposal (RFP) process.
The winning bids were within the approved budget for that part of the overall project.
“Derby has been struggling for years to maintain the operational efficiency of both of these pumping stations, often resorting to a ‘spit and rubber bands’ approach to critical repairs,” Dugatto said.
When residents were given the chance to weigh in on financing the long overdue upgrades and repairs in November 2014, they spoke loud and clear by approving $31 million in bond funding.
“Their vote of approval spoke volumes. Residents were no longer satisfied kicking the can down the road – even if that meant assuming the burdensome cost,” Dugatto said.
It is now the responsibility of Derby’s Water Pollution Control Authority board to ensure that the upgrades are implemented in a responsible, cost effective manner with all the appropriate checks and balances in place.
Last month, Mayor Anita Dugatto signed off on key contracts to rebuild two of the City’s four pumping stations: South Division Street and Burtville Avenue.
Both pumping stations were constructed in the mid-1960s; no notable upgrades have been
performed at either facility in nearly 50 years.
The contracts were awarded through a Request for Proposal (RFP) process.
The winning bids were within the approved budget for that part of the overall project.
“Derby has been struggling for years to maintain the operational efficiency of both of these pumping stations, often resorting to a ‘spit and rubber bands’ approach to critical repairs,” Dugatto said.
When residents were given the chance to weigh in on financing the long overdue upgrades and repairs in November 2014, they spoke loud and clear by approving $31 million in bond funding.
“Their vote of approval spoke volumes. Residents were no longer satisfied kicking the can down the road – even if that meant assuming the burdensome cost,” Dugatto said.
It is now the responsibility of Derby’s Water Pollution Control Authority board to ensure that the upgrades are implemented in a responsible, cost effective manner with all the appropriate checks and balances in place.
“The overhaul of Derby’s outdated sewage treatment system is a massive undertaking, one
that requires due diligence and careful planning. And our actions must be consistent with
requirements set forth by Connecticut’s Department of Energy and Environmental
Protection (DEEP),” said Jack Walsh, Chairman of the WPCA board.
DEEP is the authority that licenses all sewage treatment facilities in Connecticut.
“We have to consider Derby’s current needs; but we also have an obligation to plan for the future. We must likewise be mindful of the state’s vision for providing sewage treatment services down the road,” Dugatto said.
To that end, Derby has elected to participate in a study being administered by the Naugatuck Valley Council of Governments to examine the feasibility of consolidating wastewater treatment operations in the region. The study is being funded by a $1.35 million grant from the state of Connecticut and includes Derby, Ansonia, Naugatuck, Beacon Falls, and Seymour.
The grant was awarded in June, 2016.
Dugatto points out that the regionalization of operations would not negate the need for Derby’s pumping station improvements currently underway.
“It’s important for Derby residents to understand that the bond funding they approved includes the modernization of Derby’s pumping stations. We need those pumping stations to be fully operational, even if we elect to consolidate processing functions down the road,” Dugatto said.
“A big reason to pursue the regionalization of any municipal service is cost savings. That being said, we have an obligation to our taxpayers to explore a regionalization scenario for our sewage treatment system,” Dugatto said.
Dugatto also spoke to her concerns over the current location of Derby’s sewage treatment plant, which is situated in Derby’s downtown redevelopment zone at the confluence of the Housatonic and Naugatuck rivers.
Dugatto’s concerns were echoed by residents who attended the 2016 Plan of Conservation and Development public outreach meetings, as well as the most recent Community Voices Workshop for the City’s comprehensive downtown revitalization project Downtown Now!.
“We need to take a hard look at all our options each step of the way to ensure we are best serving the immediate and long-term needs of our taxpayers. So, implementation needs to remain a fluid process,” Dugatto said.
DEEP is the authority that licenses all sewage treatment facilities in Connecticut.
“We have to consider Derby’s current needs; but we also have an obligation to plan for the future. We must likewise be mindful of the state’s vision for providing sewage treatment services down the road,” Dugatto said.
To that end, Derby has elected to participate in a study being administered by the Naugatuck Valley Council of Governments to examine the feasibility of consolidating wastewater treatment operations in the region. The study is being funded by a $1.35 million grant from the state of Connecticut and includes Derby, Ansonia, Naugatuck, Beacon Falls, and Seymour.
The grant was awarded in June, 2016.
Dugatto points out that the regionalization of operations would not negate the need for Derby’s pumping station improvements currently underway.
“It’s important for Derby residents to understand that the bond funding they approved includes the modernization of Derby’s pumping stations. We need those pumping stations to be fully operational, even if we elect to consolidate processing functions down the road,” Dugatto said.
“A big reason to pursue the regionalization of any municipal service is cost savings. That being said, we have an obligation to our taxpayers to explore a regionalization scenario for our sewage treatment system,” Dugatto said.
Dugatto also spoke to her concerns over the current location of Derby’s sewage treatment plant, which is situated in Derby’s downtown redevelopment zone at the confluence of the Housatonic and Naugatuck rivers.
Dugatto’s concerns were echoed by residents who attended the 2016 Plan of Conservation and Development public outreach meetings, as well as the most recent Community Voices Workshop for the City’s comprehensive downtown revitalization project Downtown Now!.
“We need to take a hard look at all our options each step of the way to ensure we are best serving the immediate and long-term needs of our taxpayers. So, implementation needs to remain a fluid process,” Dugatto said.
Workshop at Kellogg Environmental Center in Derby to teach reusing plastic bags
DERBY - The state Department of Energy and Environmental Protection today announced a hands-on workshop using plarn, a plastic yarn made from cutting up plastic bags.
The workshop, led by Eileen Selling and Linda Joyce, will be held from 1-3 p.m. Oct. 15 at Kellogg Environmental Center, 500 Hawthorne Ave.
Selling and Joyce lead needlecraft workshops and classes for the Derby Neck Library Needlers and Derby Senior Center.
Based on skill levels, the presenters will lead both experienced and beginner participants in making either a plastic mat, a coaster or a bag.
Participants will learn proper cutting techniques to make plarn for this activity.
All ages are invited to take part in this workshop designed to help reduce waste by recycling resources into useful items.
Participants will enjoy an afternoon learning a new skill or expanding on existing abilities with new materials. The workshop is offered free of charge (donations accepted) - please bring plastic bags to practice making plarn and a size K crochet hook or a pair of size 10 knitting needles. There will be needles and hooks available if you do not have your own sets. Registration is required to make sure there are enough supplies on hand.
For further information, directions, or to register, call 203-734-2513 or email donna.kingston@ct.gov.
This is a press release from DEEP.
CT Women in Business to host networking event in Shelton
SHELTON - CT Women in Business, a Shelton-based women's business networking group, is hosting a special open networking event at 9:30 a.m. Oct. 19 at Three Bridges Coffeehouse, 415 Howe Ave.
All are welcome and the event is free. Contact CT Women in Business president, Val Szondy at val@valszondy.com for more information.
Connecticut Women in Business members collaborate to enhance their careers or businesses at meetings on the first and third Wednesdays of the month from 9:30-10:30 a.m. at Focaccia's Cafe on Bridgeport Avenue.
New members welcome.
Halloween 5K & Fun Walk slated at Wesley Village in Shelton
SHELTON - Wesley Village will host the Wesley Village Halloween 5K & Fun Walk Oct. 29!
Bring the entire family for a morning of Halloween fun. This year, with over 300 participants already registered a record crowd of over 400 runners and walkers is expected.
The event takes place at 9 a.m. at Wesley Village and features a 5K, 1-Mile Walk and ½-Mile Kids Fun Run. This year’s 5K course is a flat out and back course.
The event takes place at 9 a.m. at Wesley Village and features a 5K, 1-Mile Walk and ½-Mile Kids Fun Run. This year’s 5K course is a flat out and back course.
The post-race party features entertainment, a brunch with egg sandwiches, smoothies, fruit, granola bars, bagels, and more!
Children’s activities include a bounce house, face painting, clown and trick-or-treating. Costumes are encouraged!
The first 300 5K entrants will receive a tech T-shirt. Cotton T-shirts will be given to all other event participants. Runners ages 70+ run for free!
Race proceeds for 2016 will benefit the Alzheimer’s Association and life-enriching and award-winning programs for seniors at the Wesley Village senior living campus.
The campus provides independent living, assisted living, memory care, short-term rehab, outpatient therapy and fitness services, and skilled nursing care at its communities: Crosby Commons, Wesley Heights, Lifestyle Transitions, and Bishop Wicke Health & Rehabilitation Center.
Wesley Village is proud to help steward the mission of United Methodist Homes, a local, not-for-profit organization with a 140-year tradition of caring for seniors.
The title sponsor of the 2016 Wesley Village Halloween 5K & Fun Walk is Serra & Delvecchio Insurance.
Title sponsor of the 5K race is C.E. Floyd Co., Inc., title sponsor of the Fun Walk is M&T Bank and title sponsor of the Kids Fun Run is Merit Insurance.
Additional sponsors include: Murtha Cullina LLP; PFK O'Connor Davies, LLP; Crown Uniform & Linen Service, Inc.; John J. Brennan Construction Co.; Performance Food Service; Daniel Wollman, MD, PhD; All Waste, Inc.; Alliance Rehab of Connecticut; Digital Media; EDM Architects & Engineers; Impact Branding & Design; MassMutual Retirement Services; New England Home Care; Perkin Elmer Instruments; Valley Community Foundation; Accurate Mailing Services, LLC; Allegra Print/Design/Marketing; Constellation Health Services; D'Addario Auto Group; Fire Protection Testing, Inc.; Griffin Hospital Lifeline; Lewis Associates; Oronoque Pharmacy, Inc.; The Lancaster Group, LLC; The Views of Long Hill Condominium Association; and Winters Bros.Waste Systems of CT, LLC.
For more information on The Wesley Village Halloween 5K & Fun Walk, visit www.jbsports.com or call JB Sports, 203-481-5933.
This is a press release from United Methodist Homes.
Reminder: 5th annual Cut-a-Thon to benefit Seymour Pink is Saturday
*Rumor has it that Seymour Pink founder Mary Deming will be cutting hair!
Reminder: 5th annual Cut-a-Thon to benefit Seymour Pink is Saturday
*Rumor has it that Seymour Pink founder Mary Deming will be cutting hair!
Reminder: 5th annual Cut-a-Thon to benefit Seymour Pink is Saturday
*Rumor has it that Seymour Pink founder Mary Deming will be cutting hair!
Crisco, Gentile welcome funding for Derby Public Library repairs
DERBY - State Sen. Joseph J. Crisco, Jr., D-Woodbridge, and state Rep. Linda Gentile, D-Ansonia, - both of whom represent Derby or a portion of Derby in the legislature – are welcoming a recent decision by the State Bond Commission to pay half the cost of needed repairs to the Derby Public Library.
The State Bond Commission voted on Sept. 30, 2016 to approve $100,000 to repair water damage and make exterior pathway improvements at the Derby Library; the total estimated cost for the two projects is $200,000.
Funding for the Derby Library renovations was included in the 2007 state bonding bill, which was approved on a bipartisan and nearly unanimous vote of 162-1 in the House and Senate.
“The Derby Library is over 110 years old, and I think it took about 90 years to even update it,” Crisco said, referring to the library’s 7,200 square-foot addition in 1990 that essentially doubled the size of the building that is on the National Historic Register.
“Now the state is chipping in on the cost of repairing this building, which continues the tradition of public-private investment that began in 1902 when Mr. and Mrs. Wood donated the land, the building, and $5,000 for library books on the condition that Derby match those funds and maintain the library. I am proud to say that a century later, the State of Connecticut is helping Derby and its residents to keep that promise, and to protect and preserve this gorgeous and valuable community resource.”
“Despite the advancement of technology, libraries continue to serve a vital service to the community,” Gentile said. “These funds will help to safeguard their future. Repairing and preserving the Derby Public Library is long overdue.”
This is a press release from Crisco's office.