Monday, November 28, 2016

Pink tree adorns front of Seymour Police HQ

Photo by Dajana Damjanovich
This tree in front of the Seymour Police Department headquarters on Franklin Street was decorated today by volunteers from Seymour Pink, a community's fight against breast cancer, assisted by two town employees. It looks beautiful!


And a reminder for this weekend:



Osborne Homestead in Derby, Commodore Hull 5K race featured in newsletter


Dear readers,

The latest Valley Voice is now out. 
Please click here to read about the Osborne Homestead Museum's holiday decorations, the Commodore Hull 5K in Derby and Shelton, and more. 

~ Patti and Ralph

Stroke support group to meet at Griffin Hospital in Derby

The Griffin Hospital Life after Stroke Support Group will meet Dec. 8./ Contributed photo

DERBY - The Griffin Hospital Life after Stroke Support Group will host its next meeting from noon-1 p.m. Dec. 8 at the Center for Cancer Care at Griffin Hospital, 350 Seymour Ave.

The Life after Stroke Support Group is open to stroke survivors between the ages of 20 and 65. 
This group provides information from health experts, resources, and support for individuals who have suffered a stroke in the prime of their lives. Caregivers are also welcome.

For more information, contact Griffin Hospital Rehabilitation Services at 203-732-7445.


This is a press release from Griffin Hospital.

Church in Shelton to hold Holly Fair Saturday


Shelton High School scholar athletes win recognition

Contributed photo
Shelton Public Schools Director of Athletics John Niski has announced the Fall 2016 Shelton High School Blanchette's Sporting Goods SCC Scholar Athletes. 
They are Ethan Shuster, left, and Mackenzie Bures.

Shuster is involved in Boys’ Soccer, Indoor Track, Outdoor Track & Field. His class rank is #24/387 and his gpa is 92.96.   
His activities include SHS Boys’ soccer, Indoor Track captain, Outdoor Track & Field captain, SCC All-Academic Team, Soccer Team Scholar Athlete, CAPT Scholar, World Language Italian Honor Society, SHS Honor Roll, SHS Student of the Month, Wendy’s Heisman State Finalist, National Honor Society, Student Council, JSA.
  
“Ethan is one of the most well-rounded players I have ever coached," Shelton High School Boys' Soccer Coach Joe D'Auria said. "His athletic ability is incredible and he is a fierce competitor. He is as smart on the playing field as he is in the classroom."
                                                                                     
Bures participates in Girls' Volleyball and Softball. Her class rank is #7/387 and her gpa is 96.03.

She is Volleyball Captain, Softball Captain, SCC All-Academic team, SCC Academic All-Star team, All-SCC Volleyball 1st team, Volleyball Senior All-Star game, Volleyball All-State team, Softball All-Division SCC team, World Language Italian Honor Society, Italian Club, Student Council Executive Board, SHS Honor Roll, SHS Student of the Month, AP Scholar, Softball Junior Select game

“Mac is a great role model both on and off the court," Girls Volleyball coach LeAnne Bianchine said. "She is an inspiration to everyone in our program."
                                                                             
The SCC Scholar Athlete of the Month program is sponsored by Blanchette’s Sporting Goods and recognizes student athletes who have a minimum of a B (3.0) overall and earn a varsity letter.  
Student athletes also demonstrate leadership qualities by being a positive role model both on and off the field and show commitment to self-improvement and put their team before themselves.


This is a press release from John Niski, Director of Athletics, Shelton Public Schools.

First Baptist Church in Ansonia to host community meeting

Information shared from City of Ansonia Facebook page:


Decorated dining room dazzles at Osborne Homestead in Derby

Museum celebrates 'sparkling holiday'

It's difficult to pick a favorite room at the Osborne Homestead Museum in Derby. 
Members of 10 area garden clubs have beautifully decorated the rooms of the Colonial Revival-style home at 500 Hawthorne Ave. using the theme "A Sparkling Holiday." Each room features the color of a birthstone. 
The Roxbury/Bridgewater Garden Club adorned the dining room based on the green gemstone peridot, the birthstone for August. 

Tours will run through Dec. 17. 
They will be offered from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Thursdays through Sundays. 

On Fridays, Dec. 2, 9, and 16, the museum will present “Twilight Tours” to show off the shimmering glow of the decorations from 4-7 p.m. 

*Stay tuned for more photos in the next issue of the Valley Voice newsletter.

Women in Networking awards grants to 3 entrepreneurs in Valley

Three Valley women were recently selected as recipients of the 13th annual Women in Networking Entrepreneurial Grant program. 

They are: Dr. Julia Bonks, ConnectiKidz Dental Care, Derby; Attorney Karen A. Fisher, Law office of Karen A. Fisher, Seymour; and Dawn Lowery, One Smart Dog, Shelton. 

The WIN grant is a named fund with the Valley Community Foundation. 
WIN is a council affiliated with the Greater Valley Chamber of Commerce.

The grant recipients will utilize the grant in different ways: ConnectiKidz Dental Care will utilize the funds for Community Outreach Programs such as Give a Kid a Smile Day; Law Office of Karen A. Fisher will upgrade practice management software and technology; and One Smart Dog will use the funds for continuing education towards certifications. 

All three winners will be presented with grants during the WIN Holiday Luncheon 11:45 a.m.-1:15 p.m. Dec. 13 at Tea with Tracy in Seymour. 
The grants are distributed from funds received from WIN membership dues and fundraisers organized by the group.

“We are delighted to continue the legacy of awarding annual grants to well-qualified entrepreneurial women and are pleased to offer $3,000 in grants and scholarships to encourage economic development in the Valley,” said Mary Jo Romano, Co-Chair of WIN and Principal with Mary Jo Romano - Financial Planner.

Sharon Massafra, franchise owner of Home Instead Senior Care and independent consultant with Arbonne International, chaired the grant selections committee.

Grant-in-aid program
This grant-in-aid program provides financial assistance to women 18 years or age or older in the Greater Valley area in the towns of Ansonia, Beacon Falls, Derby, Oxford, Seymour, and Shelton. 
The WIN grant can be used for expenses to enhance the applicant’s current business or to start a new business.  Recipients are also invited to a complimentary one-year membership to the WIN Group. 
Since its inception, WIN has given just over $40,000 to 47 grant recipients.

WIN is the first group of its kind to service the six-town region of the Greater Valley.  
Founded in 2002, the group was formed by a successful group of businesswomen who meet to discuss common issues. Meetings are conducted on the second Tuesday of each month.  
These meetings are either held at the Greater Valley Chamber of Commerce office or off-site at a Chamber member location.  
Social and educational events are also scheduled throughout the year.


Call 203-925-4981 or visit www.greatervalleychamber.com for more information about joining the Chamber and WIN.    


This is a press release from the Greater Valley Chamber of Commerce.


Learn to create a resume at Derby Public Library

DERBY - The American Job Search Career Coach returns to the Derby Public Library from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Dec. 16.

During both the morning session, 10 a.m.-noon, and the afternoon session, 1-3 p.m., the instructor will offer the class, Create a Great Resume.  

Participants must attend a full session.  
Classes are free and open to the public.  
Registration is requested but walk-ins will be welcomed on a first come first served basis.  

The American Job Center Career Coach is operated by Career Resources.  

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.