6 women to be honored at luncheon, fundraiser at Villa Bianca in Seymour

Contributed photo

SEYMOUR - The Valley Women's Health Initiative Thursday will honor women from Derby, Oxford, Stratford, and Milford at the 19th Annual Women Making a Difference in the Valley Tribute Luncheon and Breast Cancer Fundraiser.
The luncheon will be held from noon-2 p.m. at the Inn at Villa Bianca, 312 Roosevelt Drive.

The tribute recognizes outstanding women who have made positive contributions to the community and have demonstrated significant achievement in their fields of endeavor, both professional and volunteer.

This year’s honorees are Barbara Casagrande and Elizabeth Johnson, both of Oxford, Dr. Joyce Chung and Maggie Sessa, both of Derby, Kathy Radin of Stratford, and Elizabeth “Liz” Kennard of Milford. 
Jocelyn Maminta, Good Morning Connecticut at Nine co-anchor and Emmy Award-nominated Medical Reporter for News 8, will host the event.

Valley Breast Health Care Fund
Proceeds from the event benefit the Valley Breast Health Care Fund. 
Established in 2001, this fund is an effort to ensure that no person, regardless of age or socio-economic condition, is denied screening mammograms or diagnostic testing for breast cancer.

To purchase tickets or to make a donation, call 203-734-6945, nvbv1952gmail.com or send to N. Valentine, 18 Farrell Drive, Ansonia, 06401.    
The Women’s Health Initiative, Co-Chaired by Kate Cosgrove of Oxford and Dr. Stephanie Wain of Griffin Hospital, is comprised of members of the community working toward a common goal of addressing and improving women’s breast health issues.  
Committee members include Darlene Breving, Oxford; Cary Carpino, Derby; Dolores Chew, Beacon Falls; Christine Cooper, Seymour; Dorothy Gandy, Naugatuck; Antonietta Hallet, Southbury; Elizabeth Johnson, Oxford; Peggy Marlowe, Hamden; Lori Murphy, Derby; Monica Oris, Derby; Shayne Seccombe, Derby; Patricia Tarasovic, Oxford, Nancy Valentine, Ansonia.   Committee membership is open to all interested persons.

About The Valley Women’s Health Initiative
The Valley Women's Health Initiative is a coalition of health agencies, community leaders, and volunteers from the Valley community working toward the common goal of addressing and improving women's health issues including breast cancer awareness and heart disease.
To join or for more information, visit griffinhealth.org/VWHI.


This is a press release from Griffin Hospital.

Recuperation journey: Derby Green


Took this photo of the beautiful Immanuel St. James Episcopal Church on the Derby Green on Sept. 30, 2013. It came up today in my Facebook memories. 

Make wreaths, learn about squirrels, more at Ansonia Nature Center



ANSONIA - The Ansonia Nature and Recreation Center, 10 Deerfield Road, will offer a variety of fun and educational activities in October.

BITTERSWEET WREATHS – Oct. 5, 2 p.m.
Bring your own clippers and gardening gloves for this workshop led by Ranger Dawn.
When you collect these beautiful orange-berried vines, you’re actually helping the park by removing this invasive plant species. FEE: $6. Please call to register.

NATURE AS MENTOR – Oct. 13, 2 p.m.
Join Marlow Shami, a nature-based teacher, artist, healer, and writer, who will conduct the Nature As Mentor program for adults. Learn the magnificent language of nature in this powerful workshop. Discover your unique niche as part of our planet’s restoration plan. 
The wisdom of elder/earth-based cultures, as well as recent empirical research in the fields of eco-psychology and environmental psychology, mindfulness-based stress reduction, meditation, and energy medicine, provide the foundation of this 90-minute program. Attendees acquire simple tools to access the guidance they seek and restoration needed for negotiating the challenges of daily life. Discover how to actively engage in caring for our shared home. Adults only. Please call to register. FEE: $20 per person.

AUTUMN FESTIVAL – Oct. 19, 11 a.m.–3 p.m.
Celebrate this wonderful season with the staff and the Friends of the Ansonia Nature Center (FANCI)!
Take a ride through our community gardens and fields in our horse-drawn story wagon, where you’ll hear some spooky Halloween tales! Learn about bats, spiders, and owls! Have some fresh apple cider and baked goods. Visit the Nature Shop to buy some creepy and crawly nature-related items. Enjoy nature-related exhibitors and vendors. You can try your hand at pumpkin painting, get your face painted, and make some original crafts. All proceeds will benefit the Nature Center’s exhibits.
RAIN or SHINE. No park admission fee. Call us for more information: 203-736-1053.

SELF DEFENSE WORKSHOP FOR WOMEN – Oct. 23, 6:30–7:30 p.m.
Learn life-saving techniques and how to take control of a potentially dangerous situation using practical, effective tactics. Today, self-defense is more important than ever. Refuse to be a victim!
This workshop at the Nature Center is a must for women of all ages, so sign up today! Presented by the Assembly of the Martial Arts Academy. FEE: $20 (cash or check payable to AMAA, due by Oct. 21).
For more information call Theresa, 203-506-3816 or the Nature Center, 203-736-1053.

NATURE EXPLORERS – Wednesdays, Oct. 23, 30, Nov. 6, 13, 10–11:30 a.m.
Join us for this 4 week pre-school/toddler program for children ages 2-5 with their adult explorer. Participants will have fun exploring nature every week in these outdoor classes, which are loosely structured, influenced by the seasons and the interests of the children. We will go outside to explore nature every class so please dress for the weather. Classes will end with a light snack and conversation. TUITION: $40 for all 4 weeks, Class is limited to 10 children. Please call to register: 203-736-1053.

NUTS AND NESTS – Oct. 26, 2 p.m.

Nuts to you! Gone to seed, everything is squirrel feed! Explore the Nature Center’s Woodland Trail with Ranger Amie to observe our local squirrels building nests and hoarding nuts and seeds for the winter. Collect wild food for them and make a squirrel feeder to take home. For ages 6 and up. FREE. Please call to register.
NOVEMBER

A PASSION FOR BIRDS WITH HENRY LAPPEN – Nov. 2, 2 p.m.
This unique interpretive program for families helps people understand and connect with birds and other wildlife. Using masks, comedy, and loads of audience participation, artist Henry Lappen explores how and why birds have adapted to their environment. He explains the science while demonstrating how the birds move and act. Participants get to try on the masks and soar as eagles, stalk as herons, and swim as puffins. FEE: $6 per person; please call to register. For all ages.

FALL FOLIAGE HIKE – Nov. 3, 1 p.m.
Join the Nature Center naturalist for a stroll through our woodlands, old fields, and wetlands. 
Enjoy the beauty and the crisp fall air while learning about New England’s flora and fauna. Wear appropriate shoes for this moderate hike. FREE. Please pre-register.

* * * ONGOING PROGRAMS * * *
Creature Feature – Saturdays, noon
Come to meet our furry, scaly, and feathery animal ambassadors. You’ll have the chance to touch and hold them in this FREE family program for all ages.

Sunday Guided Hikes – Sundays, 1 p.m.
Join a Nature Center guide for fun, exercise, and learning about our trails! See the above listings for hikes with a specific theme.

Fiber Arts Group – Tuesdays, 6 p.m.
Get together with others to work on your fiber arts projects! Bring any kind of fiber work - knitting, felting, crocheting, etc. A great way to dedicate time to your handiwork and socialize too. FREE.



This is a press release from the Ansonia Nature and Recreation Center.

Recuperation journey: Looking at the sky

It looked interesting this morning for a short while!

BHcare to hold 20th annual Sound of Hope event in New Haven


Sheree Baldwin-Muhammad

NEW HAVEN - To raise awareness about domestic violence, BHcare’s The Umbrella Center for Domestic Violence Services will hold an event to honor survivors and remember the victims of domestic violence. 
The 20th annual Sound of Hope will be held at 1 p.m. Wednesday (Oct. 2) at Long Wharf Pier. 

The event will include the reading of names of those who have died as a result of domestic violence. 
A poem written by survivors will also be recited. Each person in attendance will receive a flower to toss into the harbor. 
The flowers represent the hopes and struggles of the survivors as they strive to become free from violence. The flower also gently reminds us of the lives that have been taken from us due to domestic violence.

In October the nation observes Domestic Violence Awareness Month to bring to light an issue that effects all of our communities. 
Every nine seconds, a woman is battered in the U.S. One in four women and one in seven men in the U.S. are victims of domestic violence at some point in their lives.

Sheree Baldwin-Muhammad will be guest speaker. She is an educator, author, poet, and survivor of domestic violence. 
The event will also recognize our local police departments for their role in the fight against domestic violence. 
For more information about this event, or about domestic violence services call 203-736-2601, x1381, or visit www.bhcare.org.  
If you need immediate assistance, please call our 24-hour domestic violence hotline, 1-888-774-2900.

UCDVS is a program of BHcare that provides services for victims and children of domestic violence free of charge. 
Each year, over 7,500 abused women and their children walk through the door of UCDVS looking for shelter, help, and hope. 
Learn more at bhcare.org.

This is a press release from BHcare.

Sunday, September 29, 2019

Griffin Health to honor Russ Foundation at annual Gala in Prospect



DERBY - Griffin Health will honor the Friend A. Russ Foundation for a century of support with its President’s Award at the 2019 Griffin Gala.
Since the early 1900s, the Friend A. Russ Fund has been an important benefactor of Griffin Health, starting with the construction of a home for nurses before 1920.  
Over the years, the Fund has helped to support expansion projects and purchase new technology to enhance the care Griffin provides to the community.   
The award will be presented to members of the Russ Fund Board at the Griffin Gala at 6:30 p.m. Oct. 11 at Aria in Prospect.
Russ was an industrial leader for the Lower Naugatuck Valley. 
A native of Brooklyn, N.Y., he came to Derby at the turn of the 20th century to settle the estate of a relative and became interested in the Robert N. Bassett Co. Russ joined the company as a laborer and quickly moved up the ranks to become its president. 
Under his leadership, the company became the largest manufacturer of steel and wire goods in the country. 
A longtime philanthropist, Russ contributed to many community organizations, including paying the mortgage for the Derby Lodge of Elks in 1915.  
Soon after the Russ Fund was established with a gift of $200,000 to serve the needs of the community.

Evening with the Stars
The 2019 Griffin Health Gala will be a star-studded event as top celebrity impersonators from Las Vegas bring glitz and glam to Aria.
Master impersonators, The Edwards Twins, will present An Evening with the Stars, a rollicking live performance of musical hits from legendary musical superstars. 
The Edwards Twins have performed all over the world and received rave reviews from national media, including NBC Today show, USA Today and The Boston Globe.

Tickets start at $195 per person. Black tie is suggested. 
Proceeds from the Gala will help develop and sustain essential programs and services that address the wide-ranging health care needs of the communities Griffin serves ensuring access to innovative, high-quality care in a healing, person-centered environment.
Tickets can be purchased at griffinhealth.org/gala
For more information on tickets or sponsorship opportunities, contact Griffin Hospital Development Fund, 203-732-7335 or at gala@griffinhealth.org.


Great Hill United Methodist Church in Seymour to hold Blessing of Animals

SEYMOUR - A Blessing of the Animals will be held from 1-2 p.m. Oct. 5 in the Prayer Garden at Great Hill United Methodist Church, 225 Great Hill Road.

Pastor Joon will bless all pets who are part of our lives. 

In the event of rain, the service will be held in the church.

Emmett O'Brien Technical High School in Ansonia slates open house

ANSONIA - Emmett O’Brien Technical High School, part of the Connecticut Technical Education and Career System, will hold an open house for prospective students and their families from 5-7 p.m. Oct. 24.
The school at 141 Prindle Ave is accepting applications for students entering grades 9 and 10 in fall 2020.
The open house will provide prospective students with information about academics and the 11 trade areas offered by the school. 
Trades include automotive technology; carpentry; culinary arts; electrical; hairdressing and cosmetology; HVAC; health technology; information technology; mechanical design and engineering technology; plumbing and heating; and precision machining.
Emmett O’Brien Tech offers students in grades 9-12 a full-day high school program that focuses on rigorous core academics while preparing graduates with the skills and certifications for immediate employment, entry into apprenticeship programs or admission into a two- or four-year college. 
The school offers a complete high school academic curriculum, athletic and extra-curricular programs.
There are several opportunities to earn college credit while attending the technical school through partnerships with Gateway Community College, UCONN, and more.
Unique to the technical high school experience are the production projects and hands-on/practical career development experience students gain through partnerships with local companies through the Work Based Learning program.
For more information about the open house call 203-732-1815. Visit obrien.cttech.org to download an application.
CTECS is a statewide system of 17 diploma-granting technical high schools serving approximately 11,000 high school students, two Aviation Maintenance Technician schools and a Technical Education Center. 
The Connecticut Technical High Schools provide students with a comprehensive academic and advanced trade/technologies curriculum. 
Learn more at www.cttech.org.

Saturday, September 28, 2019

Ansonia couple speaks about family support at Griffin Hospital 5K walk/run


DERBY - Corinne and Lyman Gilbert of Ansonia, locally known as the 'pink tractor owners,' speak about the importance of family support Saturday morning before the start of the 11th annual Griffin Hospital 5K walk/run. 

The event benefits the Center for Cancer Care at Griffin Hospital, 350 Seymour Ave. Standing behind them is Griffin Hospital President and CEO Patrick Charmel.

Below is the Gilberts' pink tractor. I took a candid shot of daughter Allegra chatting with a little friend who was really enjoying the tractor! 



Ansonia Rotarian delivers dictionaries to Prendergast School 3rd graders


Ansonia Rotary Club member Richard Knoll visited all Grade 3 classrooms at John G. Prendergast School this week to donate dictionaries to every student.

*Information shared from the Ansonia Public Schools' Facebook page.

Friday, September 27, 2019

Rochelle lauds $1M in state aid for Cicia Manor upgrades in Derby


Kara Rochelle
HARTFORD - State Rep. Kara Rochelle, D-Ansonia/Derby, this week applauded the announcement of $1 million in state aid awarded to Derby’s Housing Authority for improvements to Cicia Manor, which provides housing to elderly and disabled residents.  

The funding, administered by the state Department of Housing with resources from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, is part of $13 million in Community Development Block Grants awarded to 13 municipalities across the state after a competitive application process. 

The grants will help provide infrastructure upgrades that will modernize and rehabilitate housing for low and moderate-income individuals.

“I want to thank and praise all parties, as this was a true team effort," Rochelle said.  "Of note, a warm thank you to Derby Housing Authority Chair Linda Fusco for spearheading these effort, coordinating state and local officials, and being the soul and force behind the work. I’d also like to thank Derby Housing Authority Commissioner Adam Pacheco for joining me in Hartford to meet with state Department of Housing officials to advocate for Derby’s needs; Grant Writers Patty Finn and Peter Testa for their well-crafted application; Derby’s State Elderly Coordinator Ellen Oczkowski who coordinated much of the local data, Mayor Richard Dziekan and the Derby legislative delegation, state Rep. Themis Klarides, state Rep. Nicole Klarides-Ditria, and state Sen. George S. Logan for their letter of support; Gov. Ned Lamont, state DOH Commissioner Seila Mosquera-Bruno, and her team for seeing the value in allocating resources to our community, and many others who have had their hand in bringing this to fruition for our residents.  When we work together, good things happen.”

The proposed scope of work for Cicia Manor is to create three new ADA-Complaint residential units and make ADA upgrades to the Community Building. The kitchen area will be renovated. The existing bathrooms will be redesigned to address access, floor space, turning radius, approach zones, and clearances. 
The electric baseboard heating system will be supplemented with a heat pump significantly reducing electrical usage, and generator installation will allow the community building to be used as a place of refuge for all residents in the event of power outages.


This is a press release from Rochelle's office.

Buy a T-shirt at Ansonia Harvest Festival, support animal shelter

Sharing from the Ansonia Animal Shelter Facebook page:
Ansonia Animal Shelter will be selling custom T-shirts tomorrow at the Harvest Festival!
🐾🐾 
Stop by and help support the animals.
** T-shirts are $15 **
** All sizes to pick from **

Ansonia Police announce Saturday street closings for Harvest Festival


ANSONIA - On Saturday the City of Ansonia will be closing Main Street (State Route 115) from Tremont Street to Maple Street for the annual Harvest Festival, police announced today.  
Bridge Street and Kingston Drive from East Main Street to West Main Street also will be closed to traffic.

The roads will be closed from 7 a.m.-6 p.m.

Traffic traveling northbound on Main Street (Route 115) will detour right onto Tremont Street, left onto West Main Street to return to Route 115.

Traffic traveling southbound on Main Street (Route 115) will detour right onto Maple Street, left onto Olson Drive, left onto Bridge Street and right onto West Main Street to return to Route 115.
Traffic delays in the area may occur. Please drive carefully.

This is a press release from Ansonia Police Lt. Patrick Lynch.

See festival info below:



Recuperation journey: After the rain


My husband Ralph and I attended the Center for Disability Rights' 30th anniversary celebration Thursday at Anthony's Ocean View in New Haven. 
CDR is a wonderful nonprofit organization based in West Haven that helps individuals with disabilities to become better advocates.

While there I was able to capture some photos of the amazing sunset through windows at the venue.



Wesley Village in Shelton celebrates 50th anniversary

Contributed photo
SHELTON - Forty lush acres were flooded with residents, families, and guests recently as Wesley Village celebrated its 50th anniversary as the area's leading senior care provider. 
Children’s faces were painted, farm animals visited, classic cars were on display, restaurants provided delicious food samples and live music was enjoyed by all.

More than 350 people were in attendance and guests’ ages ranged from a couple of months old to over 100-years old. There were activities for all ages to enjoy.
“It’s been a long time that we’ve been doing this work. There were just people caring for other people. It started in a church with people noticing that fellow church members needed some help and they went out of their way to help them. I think the folks who started this mission back in the 1800s would be very proud of what we’re carrying forward today as an organization,” said President and CEO David Lawlor.

Wesley Village cares for hundreds of patients and residents annually and offers many senior living options ranging from independent living to skilled nursing care. 

The many levels of support and care that residents have access to help them live out the best of their years by maintaining a good quality of life and enjoying each milestone.

“I feel secure living here and everyone is so nice. Everyone says “Hello” and laughs. I don’t think you get many staff members like that at other places,” Virginia Kristoff, Crosby Commons resident, said.

Staff members brought residents and guests around the campus-wide events on golf carts so they could enjoy the activities which were spread across the property. 

Bishop Wicke Health & Rehab Center hosted a special classic car display and a DJ, there was a petting zoo and live music at Crosby Commons, and Wesley Heights had a bubble show, accordion player, and lots of great food provided by Misimi Restaurant, Amici’s, Heav'nly Donuts, David Grant caterers, Vazzy’s Cucina, and wood-fired pizza made by our own culinary team.

The celebration ran from 2-4 p.m. and saw a great comraderie among employees, residents, families, guests, and local dignitaries. 

The organization’s staff work hard to ensure residents are living dignified lives and know that they are loved and cared for. 
“Not many people have the opportunity to have a tangible impact on someone else’s life, day in and day out. I am proud of the work that I do, to be able to serve our residents, and enjoy their positive energy every day,” said Benjamin Schiano, Executive Director of Wesley Heights.

The Wesley Village Campus is located at 580 Long Hill Ave. and includes: Crosby Commons Independent/Assisted Living Community, Wesley Heights Independent/Assisted Living Community, Lifestyle Transitions Assisted Living/Memory Support Community, and Bishop Wicke Health and Rehabilitation Center. 

The campus is owned and operated by UMH, a local, mission-based, not-for-profit organization.


This is a press release from United Methodist Homes.

Thursday, September 26, 2019

Adam's House in Shelton to present 'Speaking with Spirits' weekend


You don't want to miss this event!
With three days to participate, you have an opportunity to connect with your crossed-over loved ones in a group and/or private session.
Saturday, October 26 7 PM
Connect with your loved ones and receive messages from the crossed-over during our intimate gallery reading​. Only 15 tickets will be available. Come with friends or family, or meet new friends here. Each ticket includes one complimentary drink and lite bites, plus a post-event meet the medium opportunity!
$50 per ticket
or
$1,000 for private party (all 15 tickets + 2 complimentary drinks)
Call 203-513-2808 to inquire about the private party
Sunday, October 27 11 AM
Guests will have a chance at connecting with the crossed-over during our group reading sessions​. Two sessions of no more than 30 people will be offered. Each ticket includes one complimentary mimosa and brunch bites, plus a post-event meet the medium opportunity!
$40 per ticket
Monday, October 28 10 AM - 4 PM
Looking for a deeper connection with a loved-one to receive the messages you need to hear? Schedule a 30 min or 60 min private reading with one of our three ​gifted readers.
Prices vary based on session length and reader.
Learn more about the mediums. Check out their bios here!

Wednesday, September 25, 2019

Recuperation journey: Golden afternoon


I took this at Osbornedale State Park in Derby while looking for fall colors. Not much to report.

Beacon Falls Lions Club to hold 13th annual car show Sunday


Vehicle registration: $10 – General Admission: $5 per person – Seniors: $3 per person – Veterans with ID: Free
Muscle Cars – Street Rods – Classics – Tuners – Imports – Trucks
Over 100 trophies to be awarded – DJ – 50/50 Raffle – Dash Plaques & Goodie Bags to the first 200 cars
Breakfast & Lunch will be served
No Alcohol Permitted
For more information: Mike Carrafiello 203-808-9743 & mikecarr



2 charged in Ansonia after toddler found on roof 30 feet above ground

Hustek
Barker
ANSONIA - The Ansonia Police Department received a complaint at 8:47 a.m. today of a child on the roof of a house on Main Street. Officers located a two-year-old male on the roof of 681 Main St. about 30 feet above the ground. 
Officer Christopher Kelley was able to talk to the child and keep him from moving around the roof while Sgt. Christopher Flynn and Officer Peter Lovermi III forced entry into the house to get the child off the roof. 
Inside the home was the child’s father, David Hustek, and the child’s aunt, Sarah Barker. Both had been sleeping and unaware the child was on the roof of the house. 
The child was transported to a local hospital for precautionary reasons but did not appear to be injured. 
The home was found to be in deplorable living conditions. City building officials were contacted and the home was condemned. Hustek and Barker were both arrested.
Hustek, 23, was charged with Risk of Injury to a Minor, and Reckless Endangerment First Degree. He was held on a $10,000 bond to be arraigned Thursday (Sept. 26) at Derby Superior Court.
Barker, 20, was charged with Risk of Injury to a Minor, and Reckless Endangerment First Degree. She was held on a $10,000 bond to be arraigned Thursday at Derby Superior Court. 



This is a press release from Ansonia Police Lt. Patrick Lynch.

Concert Friday in Oxford to promote Griffin Hospital 5K Walk/Run


Cancer survivor Mark Solotruk and The Orchard Hill Band will host a free concert Friday to promote the annual 5K Walk/Run to benefit the Center for Cancer Care at Griffin Hospital, which takes place Saturday./ Contributed photo


DERBY - This year’s Annual 5K Walk-Run to Benefit the Center for Cancer Care at Griffin Hospital offers the community a chance to rock out before the run!

The Orchard Hill Band will perform a free concert at 6 p.m. Friday at the Town Green at Quarry Rock, 300 Oxford Road, Oxford. The event will include raffles and food will be available for purchase.

Attendees can sign up for the Walk/Run at the show and get a $5 discount on the 5K registration. Race T-shirts will be distributed to 5K participants.

Mark Solotruk, vocalist for the Orchard Hill Band, organized the concert as a way to thank the Center for Cancer Care for the care he received in 2018.
Solotruk was diagnosed with base of the tongue carcinoma and received more than 30 radiation treatments at the Center. 
As a singer, the diagnosis was especially hard on Solotruk. Instead of letting the disease bring him down, Solotruk strengthened his resolve to not only beat the cancer, but return to sing for a family picnic scheduled shortly after his treatments. 
The day before his show, Solotruk came to the Center with feelings of dehydration. The staff administered an IV, and within hours, he had the strength he needed to perform the next day - an act for which he is forever thankful to the Center’s staff.

The Annual 5K Walk/Run to benefit the Center for Cancer Care at Griffin Hospital, 350 Seymour Ave., Derby, will celebrate its 11th year Saturday.
This non-competitive, family-friendly event begins with day-of registration at 7:30 a.m., and the Walk/Run kicking off at 9 a.m.

Registration is $35. Pre-registration is encouraged at griffinhealth.org/5k with the first 500 registered participants receiving t-shirts. 
Participants will also receive a free gift from the Sports Center of Connecticut in Shelton.

All proceeds are dedicated to providing exceptional, personalized cancer care and to help ease the financial burden Griffin’s cancer patients face as they undergo treatment.

Individuals and teams can register online at griffinhealth.org/5k
For more information, contact Laura Murphy at lkmurphy@griffinhealth.org.


This is a press release from Griffin Hospital.