Derby City Hall posts hours

Sharing a message from Derby Town/City Clerk Marc Garofalo:

"As the summer begins and Real Estate, Motor Vehicle, and Personal Property Taxes are payable by August 1, 2017, we wanted to remind all Derby residents and customers of Derby City Hall of our current regular hours of operation that have been in effect since January 1, 2017.  

"They are as follows:

Monday                       8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Tuesday                      8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Wednesday                 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Thursday                    8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Mayor Anita Dugatto’s open office hours from 5-7 p.m. every Thursday.

Friday                          8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

"A reminder that Derby City Hall will be closed Tuesday, July 4, in observance of Independence Day.

"Have a great summer."

Ansonia schedules tag sale July 29

Recuperation journey: Celebrating another milestone

No more restrictions on going out to eat! We had to celebrate Thursday night and go out after I got the good news from my nephrologist. He told me to "have fun."

I can't eat from a buffet or salad bar, which I already knew. 
As you can see I ordered a huge pasta entree, and there's plenty more for dinner today. 
The three of us have lots of food left over, so that's another plus: no cooking!

Gentile urges caution during construction on Rte. 34 in Derby

Overnight closures to begin July 7
DERBY - The Connecticut Department of Transportation has announced overnight closures on Route 34 in Derby from July 7-9, from the intersections with Route 115 to Route 8, from 9 p.m. to 6 a.m.       

State Rep. Linda M. Gentile, D-Ansonia, Derby, would like to caution drivers during this construction period. 

“It’s important to help ConnDOT spread the word about this construction so that area motorists can plan their commutes accordingly,” Gentile said.  

“I also want to stress the need for motorists to take extra precautions while driving during this construction period to ensure public safety.”

  

The closures are necessary to facilitate the rehabilitation and widening of Bridge Number 00947, Route 34, Main Street, over the Naugatuck River. 
The closures are also required to install new overhead permanent signage.

If necessary, due to inclement weather on Sunday, the closure period may be extended to include Monday, July 10.

A detour will be in place utilizing Route 115 (Derby Avenue), Division Street in Ansonia to cross the Naugatuck River, Pershing Drive, and Route 8.  


This is a press release from Gentile's office.

Singer Larry Ayce to perform Saturday in downtown Seymour

Larry Ayce and his wife, Doreen Marie./ Photo from Facebook

SEYMOUR - The Seymour Culture and Arts Commission continues its summer concert series Saturday with the local favorite Larry Ayce performing country favorites and so much more!
The concert will take place in historic downtown Seymour in the Seymour Town Hall parking lot, 1 First St. from 6-8 p.m. as part of First Saturday festivities. 
There is no rain date or location for the concert. Please bring your own chairs. 
Parking is available on surrounding streets, but do not park in the First Street plaza as shop owners will have your car towed. 
For more information contact Kim, 203-888-7880.


This is a press release from the Seymour Culture and Arts Commission.

Valley lawmakers to meet with constituents at Derby Public Library

Career Coach to visit Derby Public Library

DERBY - The American Job Search Career Coach returns to the Derby Public Library July 21.  
During both the morning session, 10 a.m.-noon, and the 

afternoon session, 1-3 p.m., instructors will be offering the class, Using Social Networking in Your Job Search.  
Both sessions will explain very useful tools job seekers need today.  
Social networking has become one of the most popular ways of landing your next “big” job by creating useful connections online.  

These connections make it easier to look for a job online 

through your created network.  
The 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 Search Career Coach is operated by Career Resources.  

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.

Vendors sought for Rock the Valley in Ansonia

Newsletter features memorial garden in Shelton, art class at Derby library

Dear readers,

The latest Valley Voice newsletter features an art class at Derby Public Library, a new memorial garden at Adam's House, Midsummer Fantasy Renaissance Faire in Ansonia, more.

Thanks for reading,

Patti and Ralph

Wispy sunset clouds over Ansonia

I'm thinking of going way back to my early blogging days when I met bloggers from all over, many of whom I still keep in touch with on Facebook. One of the memes I used to enjoy participating in with fellow blog enthusiasts was Looking at the Sky on Friday, and I just may revive it here. It doesn't have to be on Friday!
There are always plenty of interesting and dramatic clouds and colors to photograph.

Recuperation journey: Feels like a milestone

First off, I truly appreciate everyone who is following my current journey. 

I hope writing about my experience here raises awareness of Polycystic Kidney Disease and of the importance of organ donation. 
Maybe someone out there will be inspired to consider being a living kidney donor.
My wonderful sister-in-law Sue did just that, and through her selflessness a stranger received a kidney, as did I. 

This is Week 7 of my having a new kidney, and at the risk of jinxing myself I have to say I feel better than I have in years! I seem to have newfound energy. 

Today I even brought back a bunch of bottles and cans for redemption and made a dent in the pile of empties in my car. If you peered into my car windows you'd think I had become a hoarder. I didn't; I just wasn't out and about.

Thank you, thank you to my anonymous donor. I hope I get a chance to meet you someday!  

Luncheon, fashion show in Ansonia to benefit Meals on Wheels program

Sharing this info from a Facebook event page:

ANSONIA - Runway for Meals Intergenerational Fashion Show & Luncheon will be held Aug. 26 to benefit TEAM Meals on Wheels program. 
The event will run from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. at Assumption Church hall, 61 N. Cliff St. 
Ticket donation is $30 for adults, $10 for children.

Fashions will be provided by Dress Barn/Dress Barn Woman, Justice for girls, Seccombe's Men's Shop, and Jos A. Bank. 

Proceeds will provide weekly hot nutritious meals to homebound, frail seniors in Ansonia, Derby, Seymour, Oxford and Shelton.

Book discussion slated at Derby Public Library

DERBY - The Derby Public Library has scheduled its next Lunchtime Book Discussion at 12:30 p.m. July 26. 
The selected title is the compelling novel Lilac Girls by Martha Hall Kelly.  

Spanning more than 20 years in the lives of three women and based on real people and events, Kelly’s debut novel brings historical facts to life.

Caroline is a former Broadway actress and New York socialite who works with the French consulate.  
Herta is an ambitious young German doctor, and Kasia is a 15-year-old Polish girl just getting involved in the resistance.  

As WWII progresses, circumstances draw these women together, resulting in a story that will linger well after 

the book ends.  
The author will Skype in for the discussion.  
Dessert and beverages will be provided.

Registration is requested. Call 203-736-1482.
The library is at 313 Elizabeth St.

This is a press release from Cathy Williams, Director, Derby Public Library.

'Turnback Tuesday' features Derby Lumber Company

This week's "Turnback Tuesday" features The Derby Lumber Company. The company was once one of the largest lumber companies in the country. It was first started by Willis and Lewis Hotchkiss in 1836 and was originally called The Derby Building and Lumber Company. The two brothers ran the company until 1840, when they partnered with Willis Sperry and Merritt Clarke and changed the name to Hotchkiss, Clarke, & Co. 
The name was again changed in 1850 when the company consolidated with a firm in Ansonia and thus became the Derby Lumber Company. In 1905 the company sold a significant portion of its land and buildings to allow for a double railroad track to be installed.


*Thanks to Derby Public Library for providing this interesting local history!

Recuperation journey: Making some art

DERBY - I ventured out of the house Monday evening with my daughter to attend a watercolor workshop led by Valley Arts Council President Rich DiCarlo at Derby Public Library.

Rich DiCarlo teaches a step-by-step method of painting a dilapidated old truck. 

My version.

I hadn't attended a water color class in more than a year, and my painting skills are certainly lacking. Water colors are tricky.

I wasn't going to post my creation, but decided I might as well. I'll keep it small to minimize the many mistakes. I'm told they can be fixed.

Creating art is always fun, and Monday it also was therapeutic. 
It was good to get out and join the outside world for awhile! And daughter Allegra enjoyed herself too.

Seymour FD, animal shelter join in calendar fundraiser

Check out this wonderful story about a fundraiser for the Seymour Animal Shelter by my friend, New Haven Register correspondent Jean Falbo-Sosnovich.

Valley Shakespeare Festival to stage 'Twelfth Night' in Shelton

The cast of 'Twelfth Night, or What You Will' strikes a pose./ Submitted photo

SHELTON - Can love be comic? Shakespeare thought so! His romantic comedy, “Twelfth Night, or What You Will” is all about the silly, ridiculous and crazy things people will do for love.  

Or, at least, for what they hope is love.

Who of us hasn’t pretended to be more (or less) than we are to impress someone?  We dress-up, we wear make-up, we feign interest in books, movies, music, and activities that don’t even interest us just to find something in common to share with that certain “someone”.    

But is it all for love? Or is it ego? Or maybe it’s the challenge? Or perhaps it’s just plain lust?  What is it that motivates us to turn ourselves inside out, upside down, and oftentimes even make utter fools of ourselves, to gain the attention and affection of another?  

Come and see how Shakespeare’s merry band of misfits con, connive, coerce and even cross-dress to win their “true” loves in the mythical kingdom of Illyria July 13-16 at Veterans Memorial-Riverwalk Park.  

The performances begin at 8 p.m., are open to the public free of charge, and are presented by Valley Shakespeare Festival, the Valley’s very own professional, nonprofit theater company.  

Audiences are invited to arrive at 6 p.m. for picnic and family time prior to the performances.  

Bring a blanket or lawn chair, relax and enjoy the “festival” atmosphere each evening with music and a variety of Food Trucks.  

The music prior to the Friday evening performance will be live, provided by a local band.

Come and celebrate “Christmas in July” with Valley Shakespeare Festival’s “Twelfth Night, or What You Will.”  Perhaps you’ll discover what you will (do for love…)

This is a press release from Valley Shakespeare Festival, a 501(C)(3) nonprofit professional theater company based in Shelton, dedicated to bringing free and low-cost theater to the communities of the Lower Naugatuck Valley and its environs.  

For more information, visit www.vsfestival.org, our Facebook page, or call 203-513-9446. 

MedExpress Urgent Care to open in Derby

DERBY - MedExpress Urgent Care, a neighborhood health care provider, will open its first two neighborhood medical centers in Connecticut this summer.

The centers, in Derby at 68 Division St., and Meriden at 875 E. Main St., will open on July 5 and Aug. 9, respectively. 

As a gift to each community, both locations will offer free sports physicals for patients ages five and up for two weeks after the centers open.

The new neighborhood medical centers will care for people of all ages, providing urgent care, employer health services, and basic wellness and prevention services. 

Walk-in treatment is available for everyday illness and injury, including more advanced offerings such as X-rays, IVs, labs, minor surgery, stitches, and treatment for broken bones, sprains, and strains. 

Local employers can use MedExpress for employer health services including workers’ compensation, injury care, pre- and ongoing employment screenings, physicals, and regulatory exams. 

Basic wellness and prevention services offered at MedExpress include sports physicals, routine physicals, and immunizations to help Derby and Meriden residents maintain good health.

“We are delighted to join the communities of Derby and Meriden to provide friendly, high-quality, and convenient care to families and employees,” said Sarah Moses, MedExpress Area Manager in Connecticut. 

“We know how busy our patients’ lives are and that unexpected illnesses and injuries can be an inconvenience for families. We look forward to bringing our model of care to Connecticut so that our neighbors in Derby and Meriden can walk in, see our friendly medical team, and receive high-quality treatment in a timely fashion.”

The centers will be open every day from 8 a.m.-8 p.m., with no appointment necessary. MedExpress accepts all major insurances and offers affordable pricing for those without insurance. 

The center will be staffed by a full medical team, which includes customer service representatives, nurses, medical providers, and radiologic technologists. As a community health care partner, MedExpress believes strongly in the importance of working with fellow community health care providers to ensure the best possible outcomes for our patients. 
When necessary, the Derby and Meriden teams can help refer patients within the broader health care system, including referrals to specialists, primary care physicians, and hospitals.

For a full list of centers and health care services available, visit medexpress.com.

MedExpress has more than 200 neighborhood medical centers in 17 states, with plans to bring the same warm, welcoming approach to more communities in Connecticut this year, including the opening of a new center in Middletown this winter.

About MedExpress
MedExpress is a national leader in delivering high-quality, convenient and affordable walk-in care. We offer urgent care, employer health services and basic wellness and prevention services to help ensure families and employers have access to patient-centric care when they need it. 

Each of our nearly 5,000 health care and customer service professionals is committed to transforming health care delivery – one patient at a time. 

For career opportunities or to learn more, visit www.medexpress.com or connect with MedExpress on Facebook and Twitter @MedExpress and @MedExpressJobs.

This is a press release from MedExpress.

Valley Community Foundation helps center in Shelton create garden

SHELTON – A $2,500 grant from the Valley Community Foundation recently helped volunteers with Adam’s House construct a garden surrounding the memorial walkway for the nonprofit grief education center. 

Adam’s House Founder and Executive Director Allison Wysota said, "We are thrilled that our front garden is now a beautiful, welcoming space that will offer peace and healing not only to grieving children and families that enter our program, but to all in the Shelton community that pass by our doors.” 

As part of the Adam’s House “Healing Hearts” program, children and their families can create a commemorative brick to place on the Memorial Walkway to honor and celebrate the life of a loved one. 

VCF board chairman Alan Tyma and 

Adam's House founder Alison Wysota.

The Valley Community Foundation grant funded the plantings and construction of the gardens that encompass the Memorial Walkway. 

The Olde Ripton Garden Club in Shelton led by Garden Designer Renee Marsh, owner of A Simpler Place, contributed the project’s landscape design. 

Twelve volunteers from the Shelton office of Nasdaq made up the labor force that turned Marsh’s landscape design into reality.   

During a warm, sunny day, the Nasdaq volunteers cheerfully planted a new array of hydrangeas, lilies, catmint, roses, and a dogwood tree to create the Memorial Walkway landscaping and front garden. 

“Our Nasdaq Shelton office was proud to partner with Adam’s House in their garden restoration event,” said Tanya Smigocki, Nasdaq Sr. Advisor, Corporate Responsibility 
“Our employees give back by exercising their corporate know-how and investing their time and talent in communities to provide the biggest impact.”

Wysota said the completion of the Memorial Walkway project could not come at a better time. Adam’s House currently has openings for families, including children from 3 to 18 years of age, to participate in its eight-week “Healing Hearts” program. 

The new program starts Aug. 30 and is offered at no charge to grieving families. 
Interested family members must pre-register by contacting Adam’s House Executive Director Allison Wysota at 203-513-2808 or adamshousect@gmail.com.

Located in a charming, multi-story Victorian home at 241 Coram Ave., Adam’s House is a supportive place where bereaved families come together to share experiences and ideas on how to navigate their grief. 

Nurturing educational workshops, arts and crafts programs and personalized discussion groups are part of the program. 
“We believe no child, no family should ever grieve alone,” Wysota said. “Through educational programs guided by compassionate, trained facilitators, we can help grieving families ease their feelings of loneliness and isolation and build hope and resiliency.”

This is a press release from Adam's House. 

UI to inspect transmission lines in New Haven, Fairfield counties

Sharing from the City of Ansonia Facebook page:
"Please see the attached document from UI detailing a scheduled aerial inspection of UI Transmission rights-of-way. 

"The inspection will be done between June 29-July 3, 2017 by a low-flying helicopter over UI Transmission lines for compliance purposes. We are notifying you in anticipation of any inquiries to the police from members of the public or other parties."

Winners of Housy River Duck Race in Derby announced

Photo taken Saturday at Derby Day festival.

The prizes and contest are sponsored by the St. Mary-St. Michael School Development Committee.

Logan, agency officials discuss energy assistance efforts

Ansonia, Derby residents would benefit

State Sen. George S. Logan, R-Ansonia, center, met Friday with Community Action Agency of New Haven President and CEO Amos L. Smith, second from right, and Smith’s senior staff to discuss CAANH’s efforts to provide energy assistance and other services to residents of Ansonia, Derby, Hamden, and throughout the Greater New Haven area./ Contributed photo 

CAANH’s dedicated energy and food pantry line is 203-285-8018. 

Logan, who serves as Vice-Chair of the legislature’s Public Health Committee, represents Ansonia, Beacon Falls, Bethany and Derby; and parts of Hamden, Naugatuck and Woodbridge. 

He can be contacted at George.Logan@cga.ct.gov and at 800-842-1421. 

On the web: www.caanh.net and www.SenatorGeorgeLogan.com.


This is a press release from Logan's office.

Derby-Shelton fireworks to fill the sky July 3

The annual two-city fireworks display will be held starting at 9 p.m. Monday, July 3. 
Rain date is July 5. 
There will be free concerts starting at 7 p.m. in both cities. The 80s' band Pop Rocks will entertain in downtown Derby, and The Highland Rovers will perform at the Shelton Riverwalk.

Tours slated at Wesley Village senior living in Shelton

SHELTON - The Wesley Village senior living campus will host tours of its communities from 10 a.m.-noon Sunday. 

Tours will be available at Wesley Heights Cottages and Apartments, Lifestyle Transitions Memory Care, and Crosby Commons Assisted Living. 
These award-winning communities are located at 580 Long Hill Ave. and are owned and operated by United Methodist Homes, a local, mission-based, not-for-profit organization.

For more information or to RSVP, contact Lisa Bisson, 203-225-5024 or at lbisson@umh.org, or by visiting www.wesleyvillage-ct.org. 

This is a press release from United Methodist Homes.

PEZ historian to speak at Derby Public Library

DERBY - The Derby Public Library welcomes Shawn Peterson, author of PEZ: From Austrian Invention to American Icon, at 6:30 p.m. July 24.

Photo from company website

Peterson is the company archivist and historian at PEZ Candy in Orange where he also manages the visitor center.  

Come and learn how receiving Pez dispensers in Easter baskets and Christmas stockings as a kid, led to becoming his life’s work 26 years later.  
PEZ brand is available in over 80 countries, selling more than 65 million dispensers annually and inspiring collectors and fans worldwide.  

Join the world’s first and only official PEZ historian for an inside look at the world’s most cherished interactive candy.  

Copies of the book will be available for purchase.  

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.   

Gentile announces $86K grant for TEAM in Derby

HARTFORD - State Rep. Linda Gentile, D-Derby, Ansonia, announced today TEAM, Inc. is one of 50 nonprofits that received a grant from the Nonprofit Grant Program.

State Rep. Linda M. Gentile

TEAM received a grant for $86,130.  

TEAM's services include Head Start, a program that addresses the needs of children and families in the areas of education, social services, health, nutrition, disabilities, and mental health.

“Although TEAM is based in Derby, it is an organization that helps children, families, and seniors in Ansonia and other communities in the Valley, which means that the entire Valley region will benefit from this grant,” Gentile said. 

“This grant will improve the efficiency and the effectiveness of the services this organization offers and I am grateful that even more people will be able to be helped with this funding.”

TEAM used this grant in previous years to acquire two vehicles for the purposes of delivering high-quality Meals on Wheels services to more than 300 senior citizens in need.

The nonprofit grant program, created by Gov. Dannel P. Malloy in 2013, has helped hundreds of organizations across Connecticut with a wide variety of capital improvement projects.  

Today’s allocations are the fifth round of grants since the launch of the program.

This is a press release from Gentile's office.

Newsletter features downtown Seymour architecture, more

Dear readers,

Today's Valley Voice features photos of downtown Seymour's interesting architecture contributed by Joseph Luciano, Sr., and photos of Derby Day on Saturday.

Thanks for reading,

~ Patti

Police Appreciation Day event planned in Ansonia

Sharing from the City of Ansonia Facebook page:

Police Appreciation Day and Fundraiser Block Party for Life-saving police gear will be held from 3-7 p.m. Sept. 23.

Please donate generously. 
Donations can be mailed to First Baptist Church, 235 Prindle Ave., Ansonia, CT 06401.
Checks made payable to: City of Ansonia/Police Department

Come early for the "honoring"!