Ansonia police chief pens letter to residents

Greetings Residents of Ansonia,

It is with sadness that I am posting this letter to you about recent events in our country. 

By now, many if not all of you have seen the disturbing video from Minneapolis and the death of George Floyd. 

I say to all of you, without a doubt, that this is not what the men and women of the Ansonia Police Department stand for or represent. We denounce these actions. We are part of the community we serve and we strive every day to be good citizens. We promise to always treat our fellow citizens with respect. We understand that sometimes things do not always go perfect but we hold ourselves to a high standard and attempt to be fair in all of our interactions with you, the public.
I ask, in this difficult time, for your help in holding our community together. We can work together to resolve differences. We cannot turn away from one another in a time of crisis. Let Ansonia be the city that comes together instead of pulling apart. We hear you and we feel that same pain that you do when we see unfortunate acts such as the one committed in Minnesota. It erodes the trust we have built with one another. Please help us heal by helping each other in a dignified and graceful way.
I ask each of you, as I have asked my officers, to take a minute to think before acting and treat one another with respect. We strive to do this every day and will continue to do so moving forward. We are an integral part of this community and so are you. Please find a moment to extend an act of kindness or a smile to one another. Let’s keep Ansonia safe and secure by working together to heal.

Sincerely,

Chief Andrew L Cota III

*This is shared from the Ansonia Police Department Facebook page.

Recuperation journey: Looking at the sky

... on Sunday evening.

The moon is in waxing gibbous phase, 65 percent illumination.

Recuperation journey: Around the yard - Part 9

Morning shadows.

Have a peaceful Sunday.

CT Folk Fest & Green Expo shifting to a virtual platform for concert series

NEW HAVEN - CT Folk thanks the community for its continued support of our organization, and the current roll-out of our virtual programming, including the CT Folk at Home concert series.

The CT Folk at Home series seeks to bring music to our Connecticut audience through an online platform; it is not lost on us that this virtual shift also allows us to reach out beyond our current fanbase and listenership geographically and demographically.

Safety has become a priority for artists and arts venues alike.
In keeping with CDC guidelines and navigating through an evolving pandemic-driven landscape, CT Folk has made the decision to shift our annual CT Folk Fest & Green Expo, typically held in Edgerton Park, to an expanded listening audience, with a multi-day virtual platform this September. 

“Like most arts organizations, CT Folk has had to close its physical doors and suspend in-person programming for the near future. As purveyors of folk music, we rely on the folk tradition of building community and looking to expand that community continually, which has posed particular challenges during these times. And it calls for creative and collaborative ways to continue to build community and support the artists who provide us with great music --- but who have also been hard hit by this shifting landscape,” Board President Lisa Kaston said.

Please visit our website to learn more about upcoming virtual concerts and CT Folk Fest plans at CTFolk.org and via Facebook/Instagram (@CTFolk).

CT Folk is dedicated to the furtherance of social justice and environmental initiatives that impact our local, as well as global community, and to the advancement of music in all of its varied forms. We note that CT Folk embraces an evolving and more expansive definition of the term “folk”, to better reflect, nurture, and celebrate a culturally rich listening and artist community. 

CT Folk is an approved 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, which through several organizational changes, has been bringing a diverse and evolving mix of music to our listening community since 1989. 

Contributions to CT Folk are tax-deductible.

This is a press release from CT Folk. 

Klarides-Ditria: State, USDA, retailers team to implement SNAP online purchases

Dear Friend, Earlier this year, I received an email from a constituent suffering from "Intractable Epilepsy" asking if I would consider submitting a bill that would allow Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits to be used for food delivery to him and others who may have difficulty getting to stores to purchase food.  His email was very informative and included the fact that companies like Amazon Prime Pantry were accepting SNAP payments from New York but not Connecticut. I submitted a bill in February based on this email which ultimately became Raised Bill No. 5308. I am very happy to announce that the Connecticut Department of Social Services (DSS) recently announced it was working with the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food and Nutrition Service, the state’s electronic benefit transfer (EBT) vendor, and participating food retailers to implement SNAP online purchasing in Connecticut. Federal approval of the state’s plan was received May 20, and the beginning of online food purchasing is tentatively scheduled for June 2. When activated, enrollees will be able to use SNAP benefits on their EBT card to purchase eligible food items online for delivery or curbside pickup at participating food retailers. Current participating food retailers are Amazon, including Amazon Pantry and Amazon Fresh; 12 Walmart stores (click here for list); and Wakefern Food Corp., which has 22 participating ShopRite stores in state (click here for list).  While many people think at times that government may not be functioning properly or that regular people do not have a voice, this is an example of how government works for the people who need it the most. I am very proud and honored to be your State Representative and to be your voice in Hartford. If you have questions or concerns on any issue concerning state government, please contact me at Nicole.Klarides-Ditria@housegop.ct.gov or call 860-240-8700.  Sincerely,

Car and Truck Show at Scinto Towers in Shelton to benefit Pine Rock Park Co. 4

Holy Rosary Church in Ansonia to hold parking lot Adoration tonight

Derby Public Schools names 2021 District Para educator of the Year

Amanda Troop
 

DERBY - Derby Public Schools has selected Amanda Troop as the 2021 District Para educator of the Year.

The Connecticut State Department of Education and the School Paraprofessional Advisory Council has established the Anne Marie Murphy Para educator of the Year Program to recognize the important role of the Para educator in supporting student achievement.  

The award is named in honor of Anne Marie Murphy, a Para educator who was killed in the Sandy Hook shootings.  

Troop is a one-to-one para educator for 7^th grade at Derby Middle School. She supports learning center students in their art, music, and physical education classes.  

Troop attended Irving Elementary School, Derby Middle School while it was housed in Derby High School as a 7-12 grade building, and graduated from Derby High School class of 2012. 

She continues to live in Derby and holds a second job at Shop Rite in Derby.  

Rachael Caggiano, Derby Middle School Principal said, “Amanda is well-deserving of the honor of Para educator of the Year for Derby Public Schools and Derby Middle School. Her passion and dedication to serving students and ensuring they are meeting success shines through in everything she does. "She makes a difference in the lives of our students each and every day!" 

Troop said, “I am so grateful to be honored as this year’s Derby Middle School and Derby District’s Para educator of the Year. Growing up, I went to Derby schools K-12, and I love being able to give back what I learned to the district. Every day I would leave school with a smile on my face simply because I love what I do.”

Superintendent of Schools Dr. Matthew Conway said, "We are so fortunate to have Amanda working with our kids every day. She has provided so much support in multiple ways and is always willing to assist. Most recently, she was immediately up and running with her own Google classroom to support our kids during our distance learning.”

Board of Education Chairman Jim Gildea said, “The Derby school system is fortunate to have such an enthusiastic, loyal, and innovative paraprofessional in Amanda. She can be counted on to offer creative ways to impact those students that she works with.  As an added benefit, Amanda has deep roots in Derby and having someone so connected to our great city with all its history is a huge asset.”

The District also recognizes its Building Level Para educators of the Year: Rita Mammano from Bradley School, Maria Ryan from Derby High School, Donna Kalafut from Little Raiders University, and Samantha Mahan from Irving School.  

This is a press release from Derby Public Schools.

Congratulations to all the honorees!

Rochelle shares latest information on COVID-19 cases in CT

As of Friday at 3:30 p.m., a total of 41,762 cases of COVID-19 have been reported among Connecticut residents. Day-to-day changes reflect newly reported cases, deaths, and tests that occurred over the last several days to week. 

All data in this report are preliminary; data for previous dates will be updated as new reports are received and data errors are corrected. 

___

COVID-19 Cases and Associated Deaths by County of Residence

As of 05/28/20 8:30 p.m. Includes patients tested at the State Public Health Laboratory, hospital, and commercial laboratories.

County	COVID-19 Cases COVID-19-Associated Deaths
Fairfield County Hartford County Litchfield County Middlesex County	15409 1257
	10146 1222
	1375 130
	1090 146
New Haven County New London County Tolland County Windham County Pending address validation	11241 957
	1068 85
	827 57
	380 14
	226 0
Total	41762 3868

National COVID-19 statistics and information about preventing spread of COVID-19 are available from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

All data are preliminary and subject to change. 

*Information is taken from a press release from Rochelle's office.

St. Vincent de Paul in Derby slates Sunday Drive-By Food Drive

Derby Public Library to mark June birthday of Holton Harcourt Wood

DERBY - The Derby Public Library will commemorate the birthday of Holton Harcourt Wood, the young boy in whose memory the Library was built.
This time-honored tradition of the Library being decorated with flowers in compliance with his father Col. H. Holton Wood's request, which he made at the dedication of the Library in 1902, has become well known over the years, not only throughout the Valley, but well beyond.
This year Harcourt Wood will still be remembered on June 19 even though the Library is closed for public access due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

During the week of June 15-20 a special search and find activity will be featured on the Library's website www.derbypubliclibrary.org with a photograph of Harcourt along with pictures of roses hidden throughout the website's pages.

This loving tradition continues even in these most uncertain times.


This is shared from the Library's Facebook page.

State offers hotline for confidential support during quarantine

Shared from the CT COVID-19 Response Facebook page:

"Being in quarantine isn't easy. It is normal and healthy to need help - especially for parents. Take a moment and #TalkItOut by phone. 

"Call our hotline at 1-833-258-5011 for free, confidential support. 
"You are not alone. https://youtube/pfrDfVc8-GQ."

Ansonia High School Class of 2020 to have modified commencement program

A Chance to Shine fundraiser for PCRC to be held virtually

A Chance to Shine (formerly known as the PCRC Ride/Walk) will be held virtually this year! 

But our mission to help children live and lead healthy lives remains steadfast. 

Join us for our Virtual Kick-Off on June 6. You will have between June 6-21 to meet your personal distance and fundraising goals. 

Then celebrate with us at our Virtual Finish Line on June 21! 

Register today at http://www.achancetoshinect.org/.

Now, more than ever, we need to make an impact on the children and families served by the Parent Child Resource Center. 

Stay-at-home orders result in more isolation and increased stress on children who struggle with mental health and behavioral issues.

You can register as an individual for $20 or $40 for your whole household. This is a fun way to come together while we are apart and make a real a difference in the lives of hundreds of children and families. 

A Chance to Shine is sponsored by Haynes Group, Haynes Construction, USI Insurance Services, DRS Seismic Consultants, LLC, RK Insurance, Bassett Family Fund and William Bassett. 

PCRC, a division of BHcare, provides hope and help for children, adolescents, teens, and families struggling with emotional and behavioral issues. 

Visit www.bhcare.org for more information.

This is a press release from BHcare.

Planetree of Derby contributes to family presence guidelines during pandemic

Planetree International of Derby was one of more than 60 organizations that participated in an international “pop-up coalition” that developed guidelines for a compassionate approach to family presence that balances the benefits of family’s physical presence with a loved one and the need to minimize the risks of transmission of COVID-19.

DERBY - New recommendations for family presence in hospitals, long-term care communities, and other care settings during the COVID-19 outbreak were released Thursday. 

Planetree International of Derby was one of more than 60 organizations that participated in an international “pop-up coalition” that developed the guidelines for a compassionate approach to family presence that balances the benefits of family’s physical presence with a loved one and the need to minimize the risks of transmission of COVID-19. 

The recommendations are now widely available to provide guidance to health care leaders and local and regional authorities on what constitutes responsible, compassionate family presence during, and in the aftermath of, a pandemic.

The Coalition to Preserve Family Presence included patient, resident, family and elder advocates, experts in quality, safety and infection control, clinicians, policymakers, and leading voices in person-centered care from organizations including the International Society for Quality in Health Care (ISQua), International Network of Health Promoting Hospitals and Health Services, National Quality Forum, Institute for Healthcare Improvement (IHI), Institute for Patient and Family-Centered Care, American Nurses Association, American College of Healthcare Administrators (ACHCA), Pioneer Network and Planetree. 

Members convened for a rapid response to the current state of family presence restrictions that have emerged since the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic. 

In some cases, these restrictions prevent the most vulnerable from having a familiar support person by their side during childbirth, at the end-of-life, and during pediatric emergencies.

“Now is not the time to erode the tremendous progress that has been made to create more person-centered health care systems and environments,” said Planetree President Susan Frampton. 

“Planetree is proud to have contributed to these recommendations that demonstrate there are reasonable approaches for maintaining both safety and person-centeredness, even during a pandemic.”

The recommendations emphasize the importance of considering not only the risk that family presence may pose to the staff, patients, residents and loved ones, but also the risk that restrictions may create for the physical, emotional and psychological health of these same individuals. 

In particular, the guidelines address concerns, in both the short and long term, for cases of pediatric care, childbirth, end-of-life situations and for individuals who medically require family at the bedside, including those who are non-verbal or cognitively impaired. 

To download the Person-Centered Guidelines for Preserving Family Presence in Challenging Times, visit bit.ly/familypresence.

This is a press release from Griffin Hospital.

Griffin Hospital in Derby, Safe Kids to host session on safe sleep for infants

Griffin Health slates free session on safe sleep./ Contributed photo

DERBY - Safe Kids Worldwide and Griffin Health are helping parents and caregivers of infants sleep a little easier by providing free education on ways to make sure their little ones are snoozing safely.

Griffin will host several free, interactive programs entitled “Safe Sleep for Your Baby” to teach how to reduce the risk of sleep-related causes of infant death. 

The next program will be June 24 from 6:30-7:30 p.m. at Griffin Hospital, 130 Division St.

Parents and caregivers will learn about safe sleep practices, and the safe sleep myths and facts for infants under 1 year of age. Door prizes, raffles, and educational materials will be provided.

The sessions are open to anyone expecting a child and anyone caring for an infant under 1 year of age. 

Registration is required by contacting Cathi Kellett at Ckellett@griffinhealth.org or 203-732-1337.

“Seeing a baby sleeping is a precious sight, especially for parents and caregivers who can get very tired caring for an infant,” said Kellett, of Griffin’s Community Outreach & Parish Nurse Department and Coordinator of the Safe Kids Greater Naugatuck Valley Coalition. “This grant will allow us to provide simple and effective sleep safety tips, so that parents can create a safe place for babies to sleep and nap.”

Griffin Health partners with Safe Kids as part of its ongoing effort to transform health care by not only treating illness, but also helping people stay healthy. 

Griffin actively empowers individuals to play an active role in their health and wellbeing by providing them with information, tools and support to care for themselves and their loved ones.

According to Safe Kids, unintentional suffocation is the leading cause of injury-related death among children under 1 year old. Also, nearly 3,500 infants die each year in the United States because of sleep-related reasons, including entrapment, strangulation and Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS).

This is a press release from Griffin Hospital.

Kids urged to write a letter to animals at Ansonia Animal Shelter

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

Naugatuck Valley Health District: 2 more COVID-19 associated deaths

Derby Public Library to host spa day June 8 via Zoom

From the Library's Facebook event page:

Hungry for a spa day?
Join us [at 6:30 p.m. June 8] for an interactive workshop with the Grounded Goodwife!
We will be making a sugar scrub and face masks using edible ingredients from your home!

Occu-pie My Thoughts! Maple Pumpkin Sugar Scrub
• Pumpkin puree
• Brown sugar
• Pumpkin pie spice, or cinnamon/nutmeg
• Maple syrup
• Olive or grapeseed oil
• 8-ounce glass jar (Mason-type)

I’m Going Bananas! Face Mask
• Banana
• Honey
• Yogurt

We will be using Zoom to facilitate this program. Registration is required below.
Note: Upon registration, you will receive a reminder email with the Zoom meeting details and link.

Huntington Congregational Church to hold online worship Sunday

Mamas & Mimosas event at Adam's House in Shelton rescheduled

DUE TO COVID-19, our new date is Oct. 3, 2020.
Mamas & Mimosas is the place to be to celebrate all the women in our lives who we love and appreciate!

Join us for Mamas & Mimosas on Oct. 3 from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. at Adam's House, 241 Coram Ave., Shelton.

Our event is a celebration for all women.
This is a shopping event, highlighting 20 Connecticut handmade artisans, and guests will also enjoy mimosas and coffee, live music, and entry to workshops. Services will also be provided at additional costs.

Thank you to our sponsors who help make this possible: Marks of Design, L Bellissima Spa, Renewal by Anderson of CT, Tuttle Insurance Group and Star99.9 FM.

Shopping with Handmade Artisans:
Piece of Cake by Brittany
Oh Fudge and more
Bowtique by Erin
Lisa Maree Designs
Bead Dangle Designs
TJJ Sews
Beyond the Sea
Cunchy Diva Designs
Needle Felted Fuzzies
The Umaverse
Sweet & Sassy Designs
Eliza Bees Baby Gear
and more!

Workshops:
10:15-11 a.m.- Guided Sound Meditation & Essential Oils with Kenyetta Hayes, LMT, CP of Indigo Moon Creative Therapies and Shanna Esposito Harris

11:15 a.m.-noon - Soul Collage by art therapist and counselor Caitlin Iannucci.

12:15-12:45 p.m. - Self-Care Workshops by Dr. Lori Monaco
(Love Thyself & Making Your Thoughts Your SuperPower)

1-1:45 p.m. - Soul Collage by art therapist and counselor Caitlin Iannucci

Services:
Mini Manicures $8
Brow Tinting $15
Chair Massage $1/per minute
All provided by L Bellissima Spa

Tarot Readings by Sally Russo

Live Music:
10 a.m.-noon: TBA
noon-2 p.m.: Lee-Ann Lovelace and Billy Bileca

Parking is available in Adam's House parking lot and surrounding lots and neighborhood.

The mission of The Adam Wysota Foundation is to offer grief education and peer support in a home-like setting called Adam's House.
Adam's House is a safe, healing place for families as they go through their 8-week grief journey.
All programs are offered at NO-COST to participating families. Their goal is to empower their program participants to cope with their loss so they may live their lives to the fullest.
You can reach them at 203-513-2808 to learn more about volunteer opportunities or to get started as one of our program families.

This is shared from a Facebook event page.