Monday, April 30, 2018

Master's Table to launch emergency food program for needy in Valley

Sharing an email message from James Fedak, President, Master's Table:

ANSONIA - Master's Table Community Meals is launching a new program to help needy residents.

"We are now receiving non-perishable food items from Five-Star Products Inc. out of Shelton. 
"We will now provide emergency food assistance to anyone who calls 203-732-7792 (leave a message) with your name and phone number (slowly and clearly) and one bag of assorted non-perishable food will be available to last a couple of days.

"This isn't a food bank and is available for anyone who needs that extra help; they also will be provided a list of nearby food banks that can assist them further."


Safe Kids Greater Naugatuck Valley honors Irving School teacher in Derby

Safe Kids Greater Naugatuck Valley coalition coordinator Cathi Kellett, right, Monday presents a certificate of appreciation for volunteerism to Candace Lebel, a Grade 2 teacher at Irving School in Derby. 
Kellett and Lebel worked together during the  school year to bring informative safety programs each month to students at Irving. 

Plant seeds in loved one's memory at Adam's House in Shelton


Sharing from a Facebook event page:

Join us [at Adam's House in Shelton] for The Great Give May 1st 4-7pm & May 2nd 10am-3pm!

Honor your loved one by planting seeds or flowers in our memorial garden. 

Pick your special place on the Adam's House grounds to plant your seeds and add a commemorative nameplate that you can visit year after year. This is also a great event for kids as they can customize their loved one's name plate. 

Can't make it? You can still order flowers to be planted with a commemoratory nameplate online here. Once our volunteers have finished planting, we will send you a location and photo. 

Help Support Adam's House for The Great Give, the Valley Community Foundation's 36 Hour Online-Giving Event.


Businesses to sponsor landscaping of Ansonia Armory grounds

Ansonia Armory on State Street./ Contributed photo


ANSONIA Mayor David S. Cassetti announced today three businesses have agreed to sponsor an extensive landscaping and beautification project involving the Ansonia Armory grounds located on State Street.
The sponsors include Regional Water Authority, Southern Connecticut Dental Group, and ION Bank. 
Each entity is contributing $2,500 for the needed makeover.
“The armory is a classic art deco renaissance-like structure and city landmark. Unfortunately, it has forever had a bland-looking campus. It is about to get a dramatic makeover almost overnight,” Cassetti said.
“Our hope is that when residents and visitors are looking up at the armory, it will now be  aesthetically pleasing."
The Phase I landscaping will include:
  • Permanent removal of invasive vegetation; 
  • Planting entire area with creeping vinca vine;
  • Planting of combined (15) Canadian hemlocks, dogwood, and cherry trees;
  • Planting rose bushes and other perennial flowers at the cannon base monument and throughout;
  • Replacement of a 150-foot length of eroding fence with a new black chain link fence atop the cement wall alongside North Main Street
Once completed, the grounds will only require occasional maintenance of ivy edging, tree pruning ,and other light gardening, thus reducing Public Works manpower hours there by 80 percent each summer.  

The city will pursue an extended similar landscaping with a Phase II, possibly this fall or next year, which will continue an additional 150 feet along North Main Street to Assumption Church. 
Also planned are large vertical cloth banners to drape the front façade reading ANSONIA ARMORY and GORDON-VISELLI POST 50.

“The grounds makeover is expected to take two weeks and should be completed by end of May,” said Greg Martin, director of constituent services for the city. 
The landscaping contract has been awarded to D & J Landscaping of Trumbull.
In 2000, the state turned over the use, maintenance, and property ownership to the City of Ansonia for $1.

Ansonia previously received a $500,000 state grant to complete an extensive building exterior restoration including pointing, brick replacement/cleaning and masonry work which began in fall 2017 and is expected to be completed this summer. 

Constructed in the early 1920s, the armory was home to the National Guard for more than 60 years and was the training facility for personnel involved with the national security Nike Missile Site, located in Ansonia, during the 1950s/1960s Cold War. 
In addition, its expansive gymnasium hosted numerous fundraiser events over the years including annual firemen and policemen balls, Polio Cure Benefits for the President Roosevelt Foundation, auto and electronic shows and high school dances.

Today it is still used as home of the Valley Arts Council and Gordon-Viselli Post 50 headquarters while the gym remains active for youth basketball, YMCA summer children programs, practice location for cheerleading and baseball, and city political functions.

A permanent sign marker will be installed at the site to acknowledge the sponsors involved with providing the beautification project funding.

A groundbreaking ceremony will be announced soon. 
On a similar note, the pilot planting of perennial lavender Russian Sage and Creeping Phlox will begin May 2 as part of last fall’s removal of invasive plants atop a 250-foot stretch of historic granite walls near East Main Street. 
Based on its success, up to another half mile of walls could be targeted for future plantings.

This is a press release from the City of Ansonia.

Irving School 2nd graders visit Griffin Hospital in Derby on Safe Kids Day

Cathi Kellett, Safe Kids Greater Naugatuck Valley coalition coordinator, Monday taught second grade students from Irving School in Derby about staying safe. The event was held at Griffin Hospital.


Stay tuned for more photos in an upcoming issue of The Valley Voice newsletter. 

Talk at Griffin Hospital in Derby to focus on pain management

Griffin Hospital to host talk on pain management./ Contributed photo

DERBY  Griffin Hospital will host a free talk on pain management at 6 p.m. May 24.
Pain medicine expert Dr. Sandeep Johar will lead “Managing Pain for a Better Quality of Life,” an open discussion about the methods to help restore and improve quality of life by decreasing pain and restoring the maximum level of function and independence. 
Johar has a multi-disciplinary medical background in interventional pain management, sports medicine, and emergency medicine, enabling him to collaborate with our other specialists to ensure patients have a comprehensive treatment plan.

The talk is part of Griffin Hospital's Healthy U education series, which features Griffin Hospital medical experts and community partners providing trusted health information and answers to questions on a wide range of topics. 
Light refreshments will be served.

To reserve your spot or for more information, call 203-732-1511 or visit the calendar at griffinhealth.org.
The hospital is at 130 Division St.


This is a press release from Griffin Hospital.


Recuperation journey: Shower time offers a chance to 'think'

Truth be told I often write a lot of my blog posts during my morning shower, without ever planning to do so. 

Warm water is relaxing, and for me it blocks out any distractions and allows my brain to "think."

I've heard others say they get their best ideas when they're in the shower. 
Can you relate?


Master's Table slates May meal at Assumption Church hall in Ansonia

Note: Jim Fedak, president of Master's Table, said in an email there will be only one dinner held in May.

Author to discuss N.Y. Yankees' history at Ansonia Library

The Library is at 53 S. Cliff St.


Sunday, April 29, 2018

Recuperation journey: Stepping away for a day

After I finish typing this I'm stepping away for a day. 

I love what I do here, but need a break from sitting in front of this monitor.

I'll be back tomorrow.

Hope you have a great Sunday! 

Saturday, April 28, 2018

Recuperation journey: Two-tone sky


No beautiful sunset today from my usual viewing spot, but I did see a two-tone sky.   

Seymour to start community garden

Sharing from the Office of the Seymour First Selectman's Facebook page:

Seymour is getting a community garden! 
We have partnered with the Valley United Way to create a community garden at the Community Center that will benefit those in our community who suffer from food scarcity. 
If you're interested in volunteering, please see the attached flyer for information. 
Also, come to our kickoff event Friday, May 4, if you're interested!

Shelton High School announces Hall of Fame inductees

SHELTON - The Shelton High School Hall of Fame Committee is proud to announce its second class of selected inductees, the Class of 2018.

Eight esteemed SHS Community members were identified by the committee to be inducted at a ceremony and banquet to be held in the school’s gymnasium in September. 

The committee selected the following inaugural honorees: 

  • Celeste Beattie (retired Shelton High School teacher and coach); 
  • James Benanto (retired Shelton High School teacher, coach and athletic director); 
  • Anthony Branca (Shelton Public Schools staff and Shelton High School coach); 
  • Louis Dagostine Sr. (retired Shelton Public Schools teacher, counselor and administrator; served on several city boards and committees); 
  • Raymond Gildea Sr. (retired Shelton Public Schools teacher, department chairperson, athletic director, computer center director and Finance Director); 
  • Edward Marocco (retired Shelton High School teacher and coach); 
  • Joseph Pagliaro Sr. (served on multiple city boards and committees); 
  • Timothy J. Walsh III (retired Shelton Public Schools teacher, administrator and Shelton Board of Education member). 

The Shelton High School Hall of Fame was established as a way to recognize and honor in a permanent manner those who have excelled in their dedication to the community of Shelton High School and those who have made outstanding contributions both at Shelton High School and in the world which reflect positively upon Shelton High School.

Information regarding tickets and reservations will be forthcoming. 
For more information please contact SHS Headmaster, Dr. Beth Smith.


Recuperation journey: Bird in tree seen through window


An afternoon visitor sits in the shade. First time I've used a 'vivid warm' filter on a photo.

The Great Give to support area nonprofits starts Tuesday


The Great Give is an annual, 36-hour, online giving event to support local nonprofits. 

For more information click here.

Seymour VFW Post 12084 to host charity golf tourney in Oxford

SEYMOUR - Seymour Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 12084 will host its third annual charity golf tournament May 18 at the Oxford Greens Golf Course in Oxford.

A continental breakfast will be served from 7:30 to 8:30 a.m., followed by an 8:30 a.m. tee-off time. 
A steak and chicken dinner will be served following the tournament. Cost is $125 per person, with proceeds to benefit veterans' causes.
Those interested in signing up or for more information can call Al Yagovane, 203-736-7981.


Derby Public Library slates discussion of novel set during WWII


DERBY - Derby Public Library has scheduled its monthly Lunchtime Book Discussion for 2:30 p.m. May 30. 
May’s featured book will be The Nightingale” by Kristin Hannah. 

The #1 New York Times bestseller, Wall Street Journal Best Book of the Year, and soon to be a major motion picture, this unforgettable novel of love and strength in the face of war has enthralled a generation.
“The Nightingale” tells the story of two sisters, separated by years and experience by ideals, passion, and circumstance.  

Each embarks on her own dangerous path toward survival, love, and freedom in German-occupied, war-torn France.  
This is a heartbreakingly beautiful novel that celebrates the resilience of the human spirit and the durability of women.

Lunchtime Book Discussions are held on the last Wednesday of the month and are free and open to the public. 
Multiple copies of the book will be available at the circulation desk. 
Drop-ins are welcome; no registration is required. For more information contact the Reference Desk, 203-736-1482.

The Library is at 313 Elizabeth St.

This is a press release from Derby Public Library.

Friday, April 27, 2018

Newsletter: Derby tailor retires, library holds program about The Shapels, more



Dear readers,

Our latest Valley Voice newsletter features a Derby business owner retiring, kids learning about shapes at Derby Public Library, more.

Thanks for reading,

Patti and Ralph



Griffin Hospital honors volunteers, awards scholarships at Seymour dinner

Contributed photo


This year’s Griffin Hospital Volunteer Scholarship recipients are, from left, Shelton resident Megan Duffy of Sacred Heart Academy in Hamden, Molly Schiffer and Stephanie Tabaka of Seymour High School, and Samantha Tiberi of Shelton High School.

DERBY – Griffin Hospital honored its volunteers for selflessly giving their time and talents to the hospital in 2017 at its Annual Volunteer Recognition Dinner held at The Inn at Villa Bianca in Seymour recently.

A total of 326 hospital volunteers logged more than 38,205 hours last year while serving as ambassadors, candy stripers, bakers, shuttle drivers, room service, soft touch therapy providers, writers of vital patient stories, and many more roles that benefited hospital patients, visitors, and staff.

“Over the past several years, Griffin has grown its presence far beyond the hospital’s walls into the communities we serve, now focusing our attention and energy almost as much on promoting health and preventing illness as we do on treating it," said Patrick Charmel, president and CEO of Griffin Hospital. 
"As we continue that transition, the time, talents and passion for service volunteers provide every day will be even more critical to efforts to care for our community.” 

Charmel thanked the volunteers for their compassion and caring, and the priceless smiles and comfort they provide to Griffin’s patients and caregivers.

Students honored
Griffin Hospital also awarded its annual scholarships of $1,500 and $1,000 to high school volunteers going on to college next school year.
For 50 years, Griffin has awarded scholarships to community students pursuing advanced education.
In order to qualify for these scholarships, the students must have volunteered over 100 hours at the hospital, been in high academic standing, have been accepted into an accredited college or university, demonstrated initiative and perseverance and possess exemplary moral character.
This year’s winners are Samantha Tiberi of Shelton High School, Molly Schiffer and Stephanie Tabaka of Seymour High School, and Shelton resident Megan Duffy of Sacred Heart Academy.


This is a press release from Griffin Hospital.

Essay contest winners honored at Ansonia City Hall

City of Ansonia photo
The Ansonia Historical Commission Thursday held its essay awards program at City Hall. 
Commission Essay Chairman Loisann Marazzi and Mayor David S. Cassetti presented certificates to, from left, Jenna Davis, Grade 8, first; Ryan Tyszka, Grade 8, second; and Isabelle Jadach, Grade 8, third. 
All three are students at Assumption School.

Congratulations go out to the honorees! 


*This information is shared from the City of Ansonia Facebook page. 


Ansonia Library to host 'For the Love of Books' Monday

ANSONIA - Join other readers at Ansonia Library from 6-7 p.m. Monday for an informal group to discuss what you are reading and how you decide what to read. 

Registration is requested. Please call the Library at 203-734-6275 to register or for more information.
The Library is at 53 South Cliff St.

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

Huntington Branch Library to host treat-making activity

Hedgehog Rice Krispie Treats

SHELTON - Tweens in Grades 5-8 can make "hedgehogs sweet enough to eat" from 4:30-5 p.m. Monday at Huntington Branch Library.

The Library is at 41 Church St.

Register here or call 203-926-0111. Registration form said Friday morning there are 14 current openings.


*Information shared from Shelton Library System website.

Seymour Pink establishes scholarship honoring Brookside Inn owners


Sharing from Seymour Pink Facebook page:

Seymour Pink, Inc. is a non-profit organization that was founded in 2010 but the concept began in 2007 when Sara and Gary Morgatto, owners of the Brookside Inn in Oxford, agreed to host a pasta dinner to help raise money for a breast cancer walk that Mary Deming, founder of Seymour Pink, Inc., was participating in that year. 

The Morgattos have hosted Seymour Pink’s annual pasta dinner now for 11 years and in thanks and appreciation of their generosity, the Board of Seymour Pink has established a scholarship in their honor.
This year the Board of Directors’ of Seymour Pink will be offering a $500 scholarship in the Morgattos honor to a deserving college-bound student.

Thursday, April 26, 2018

Meet, have coffee Saturday with Derby police officers


Come out to McDonald's (44 Division St., Derby) on Saturday morning and join Derby Police Officers for a free cup of coffee and share what's on your mind.


*Information shared from Facebook.

Seymour baseball team raises funds for Seymour Pink


Sharing from Seymour Pink Facebook page: 

On Tuesday Seymour High School’s Wildcat Baseball team held their 1st “Pink” baseball game!!!
We are so excited for this first!!
Through the hard efforts of the Wildcat diamond club and the members of the baseball team we were presented with a check for $385! This is huge! These monies will go to help individuals, men and women diagnosed with breast cancer, help pay some of their bills that are mounting as a result of this horrific diagnosis!

Thank you to All who helped make this happen!
Pam please extend our gratitude to your entire committee!
AND... they brought home the Win yesterday!!!!












Safe Kids Greater Valley honors volunteers at Griffin Hospital in Derby


Contributed photo
Safe Kids Greater Naugatuck Valley Coalition Coordinator Cathi Kellett presents Ansonia Police Officer Michael Barry with the Volunteer Excellence Award.

Contributed photo
Safe Kids Greater Naugatuck Valley Coalition Coordinator Cathi Kellett, left, presents Michele Holovach, of TEAM, Inc. with the Volunteer Excellence Award. Jamie Peterson, also of TEAM, Inc., won the award, but was unable to attend.

DERBY - Safe Kids Greater Naugatuck Valley Coalition recently marked its fifth anniversary and honored its dedicated volunteers with a dinner at Griffin Hospital.

Operating within Griffin Hospital’s Community Outreach Program, Safe Kids Naugatuck Valley is part of Safe Kids Worldwide, a nonprofit organization working to help families and communities keep kids safe from injuries.

The local program became a chapter 2004 and developed into a coalition under Safe Kids CT. In 2013, the program grew to include many Naugatuck Valley towns and became its own stand-alone coalition.
Safe Kids Greater Naugatuck Valley Coalition educates children and adults on variety of health and safety programs to reduce unintentional injuries among children. Program topics include anti-bullying, germ protection, teen distracted driving, bicycle and wheeled sport safety, anti-tobacco use, child passenger safety, exercise and sports safety, and Internet safety.

Ansonia Police Officer Michael Barry, and Michele Holovach and Jamie Peterson, of TEAM, Inc., received the Volunteer Excellence Award.
Barry has volunteered with Safe Kids since 2006 and has been very active in programs involving child passenger safety, teen driving, pedestrian safety, poison prevention, and anti-bullying.
“At any given community health fair, program at Griffin Hospital, or in one of the Ansonia schools, Officer Barry offers his guidance, support, expertise - and most of all his time - to bring quality programs to our community to ensure safe, happy, and healthy children and families,” said Safe Kids Greater Naugatuck Valley Coalition Coordinator Cathi Kellett.

Holovach and Peterson have been essential in coordinating with Headstart classrooms in Ansonia, Derby, Shelton, Seymour, and Beacon Falls, to bring Safe Kids’ health and safety programs to more than 250 students every month throughout the school year. 
Additionally, they support major grant projects to fit every child with a new car seat and bike helmet, provide concussion protocols and water safety programs, and educate parents and caregivers at regular dinners throughout the year.
“Their collaboration is instrumental in keeping Safe Kids constantly moving forward,” Kellett said. “They are a vital part of our success.”

For more information about Safe Kids Naugatuck Valley, visit griffinhealth.org/safe-kids or contact Kellett at 203 732-1337, or ckellett@griffinhealth.org.


This is a press release from Griffin Hospital. 

Recuperation journey: Data schmata


Yesterday I got creeped out by technology.
(I may have been shoe shopping from my desktop at the time.)

I visited a retailer's site that I had never visited before and clicked on a photo of a pair of shoes.

I was startled when underneath the price and features I was told: Shoes not available in your size. 
What?? I never told this retailer what size shoe I wear.

I have purchased several pairs of shoes online before - that surprisingly always fit - so Ralph and I surmised the other retailer has sold my info. It just felt creepy.

We can run, but we can never hide. Unless we unplug for good!

Shelton, Orange, Milford sites are part of DEA drug take-back day Saturday

A message from Derby Town Clerk Marc Garofalo:

National Prescription Drug Take Back Day

Saturday, April 28, 2018

10 a.m. - 2 p.m.

U.S. Department of Justice – Drug Enforcement Administration


The National Prescription Drug Take Back Day aims to provide a safe, convenient, and responsible means of disposing of prescription drugs, while also educating the general public about the potential for abuse of medications.

Locations close to Derby are:

Shelton Police Department – 85 Wheeler St.
Orange CVS – 279 Boston Post Road
Milford Senior Center – 9 Jepson Drive

Here is a link for more information and locations:



Locapalooza arts fest slated at Three Saints Park in Bethany


BETHANY - Gates will open at 11 a.m. May 19 and music will kick off at noon at Three Saints Park, 112 Miller Road.
There will be a Kids Korner for the little ones and games in the field for all ages, including Cornhole, Giant Jenga, Volleyball, and Basketball. 
BYOB, food vendors will be there.


Tickets are $15 ($20 at the gate) in advance for this full day of music and fun for the whole family. 

Kids 12 and under are free! 
https://locapaloozaiv.bpt.me/


Locapalooza IV lineup: 
Adelaide Punkin Datzuk
Frank Critelli
Gracie Day
Symphonic Bodega
Tracy Jo & The Toads
Fattie Roots
Zillawatt
The Foresters



*This information is shared from a Facebook event page.