Sunday, February 28, 2021

Derby Public Library offers virtual readings of Classic Graphic Novels


DERBY - The Derby Public Library invites all young adults ages 12 and above to virtual gatherings at 3:30 p.m. March 10 and 24 for the reading/showing of Classic Graphic Novels. 


Zoom access links will be provided via email three days prior to meeting dates. 

Sign up at the library’s Events Calendar at www.derbypubliclibrary.org


For more information call 203-736-1482.



This is a press release from Tony DeLos, young adult librarian, Derby Public Library.


Save the date: DeMartino's Farm in Seymour to host Easter Egg Hunt


SEYMOUR - Come join in the fun at 10 a.m. March 28 at the first Easter Egg Hunt at DeMartino's Farm, 66 Old Ansonia Road.  

Children will be able to play with bunnies and baby goats, then run into the field to hunt for eggs. Finish up your visit with a tractor-pulled wagon ride. 

You must pre-register. Small groups of 12 or less due to COVID restrictions. The event is for children ages 1-12. Please bring a mask and a basket. 

All proceeds benefit the farm; admission is $15 per child. Private message Jenny Goduto on Facebook to register.


This is shared from a Facebook event page.

Virtual Teen Game Nights slated at Derby Public Library


DERBY -  Derby Public Library invites all tweens and teens ages 10 to 17 to Virtual Teen Game Night from 6:30-7:30 p.m. March 9 and 23.


Participants will have library-provided materials to compete in the classic game of skill and chance, “YA”TZEE. 


Zoom access link will be provided via email three days prior to game date. 

Sign up at the library’s Events Calendar at www.derbypubliclibrary.orgRegistrants will be contacted to coordinate game materials pickup. 


For more information call 203-736-1482.


This is a press release from Tony DeLos, young adult librarian, Derby Public Library.


Friday, February 26, 2021

Ansonia Police probe thefts of catalytic converters



Suspect vehicle in thefts of catalytic converters.


ANSONIA - Over the last several days, the Ansonia Police Department has investigated the theft of five catalytic converters from vehicles at four different locations in Ansonia. Auto Repairs Unlimited, Road Ready Used Cars and Sardo’s Automotive, all on Main Street, and the Maple Street Plaza have had catalytic converters cut off vehicles parked at those locations. 

A suspect vehicle has been identified as a light colored Honda CVR, unknown registration plate. 
If you see suspicious activity in or around an auto repair garage or auto sales business, especially after hours, contact the police immediately at 203-735-1885 or tips can be left anonymously through TIP 411 at the link below.

https://www.tip411.com/tips/new?alert_group_id=21553
 
This is a press release from Ansonia Police Lt. Patrick Lynch.

 
 

Recuperation journey: Peaceful Friday afternoon


I was able to open the door to get a pretty clear photo of this feathered friend.

Ansonia Library to post Story Time videos on YouTube


From Ansonia Library's Facebook page:

"We are pleased to announce that the Ansonia Library will be posting weekly videos on Story Time with Miss Cathy on our Ansonia Library YouTube channel.

"These videos will also be shared on our Facebook page as well. Have a great weekend!!"

Recuperation journey: Looking at the sky


 ... at 6:05 a.m. Photo taken through window.

Happy Friday!

Thursday, February 25, 2021

Recuperation journey: Looking at the sky

... at 6 p.m. Thursday. 

The moon is in waxing gibbous phase, 96 percent illumination.  

Sharing Derby Neck Library's 'What's True Wednesday' history quiz on Thursday

DERBY - For Derby Neck Library's previous "What's True Wednesday," #1 was TRUE and #2 was FALSE--Frances Osborne Kellogg was president of the Women's Club! Did you get it right?

Above is this week's "What's True Wednesday"--comment with your answer!
Also, be sure to mark your calendars now--Pat's next History Game Night is March 8!

Recuperation journey: Looking at the sky


 ... at 5:40 a.m. today. Yes, that's a street light.

Prestigious DAISY Award presented to 3 nurses at Griffin Hospital in Derby

Angela Desjardins


Joshua Ritton


Yangchen Dhondup


DERBY - Griffin Health recently honored Angela Desjardins, RN, of Watertown, Joshua Ritton, RN, of Seymour, and Yangchen Dhondup, RN, of Naugatuck, with The DAISY Award for Extraordinary Nurses.


The award is part of the DAISY Foundation's mission to recognize the extraordinary, compassionate nursing care they provide patients and families every day. 

Each was nominated by a patient or fellow caregivers for their exemplary care. 

Desjardins, a nurse in Griffin’s ICU, was nominated by a patient’s family for her commitment to communication.

“Angela exemplifies a caring and compassionate nurse as she tirelessly tended to my husband and our family,” the nomination stated. 

“We were limited in way of visitation access due to COVID-19 regulations and even with this we never felt out of the loop in his care. We knew that he was in good hands as long as Angela was his nurse.”

Ritton, a nurse on Griffin’s inpatient floors, was nominated by a patient for his kind and professional attitude.

“Josh is clear in his explanations of what is going on. He spends quality time with his patients,” the nomination stated. “There was a gentleman in the room next to mine who was very confused as to where he was and why he was there. I could hear Josh speaking with him, being very considerate of the man’s confusion. Josh stayed with him, repeating information in a comforting tone until the gentleman calmed down and was able to fall asleep.”

Dhondup, a nurse in the Griffin Emergency Department, was nominated by fellow employees for her positive attitude.

“Yangchen is always positive and helpful to everyone in the Emergency Department,” the nomination stated. “The first thing out of Yangchen’s mouth when she gets to work is ‘how can I help you?’ There is not a kinder, gentler, or more genuine person than Yangchen.”


Information about the DAISY Award is included in Griffin patient information packets and nomination forms are available online and at all Griffin Health locations. 

The award recipients are chosen by a committee at Griffin and the award is presented throughout the year. 

For more information, visit griffinhealth.org/daisy.


About The DAISY Foundation

The DAISY Foundation is a not-for-profit organization, established in memory of J. Patrick Barnes, by members of his family. Patrick died at the age of 33 in late 1999 from complications of Idiopathic Thrombocytopenic Purpura (ITP), a little known but not uncommon auto-immune disease. (DAISY is an acronym for Diseases Attacking the Immune System.) 

The care Patrick and his family received from nurses while he was ill inspired this unique means of thanking nurses for making a profound difference in the lives of their patients and patient families.



This is a press release from Griffin Hospital.


St. Vincent De Paul Thrift Shop and Food Bank seeks help preparing for Easter




Is there somebunny who would like to help?
We need to be ready by March 29th! Please call us at 203-734-7577 with any questions or for more information!
Thanks Peeps!

Wednesday, February 24, 2021

Recuperation journey: Looking at the sky

 ... at 5 p.m. Wednesday. 

The moon is in waxing gibbous phase, 90 percent illumination.

Recuperation journey: Backyard view on this date in 2014

 

I'm always happy when photos I forgot about pop up on Facebook memories. 


Ansonia to dedicate sculpture Sunday memorializing John W. Gatison, Jr.

Valley Independent Sentinel photo


Ansonia Mayor David S. Cassetti, left, and Deacon Dave Gatison photographed at City Hall with sculpture of John W. Gatison, Jr.

Sharing link below to a story published in the Valley Independent Sentinel about a bust sculpted by Ansonia resident Vasil Rakaj of the late John W. Gatison, Jr. The sculpture will be dedicated Sunday.

https://valley.newhavenindependent.org/archives/entry/Ansonia_To_Honor_The_Memory_Of_John_Gatison_Sr/?fbclid=IwAR29lqvr3okr_W8cyPqdIHsNAUuuKkATmAqErgw8-t7QUX6GmGvBBRQeehA


 

Derby Public Library slates Teen Advisory Board meetings via Zoom

DERBY - Derby Public Library invites young adults ages 12 to 17 to virtual Teen Advisory Board meetings from 3:30-4:30 p.m. March 3 and 17. 
Attendees are encouraged to voice their ideas for improving and expanding young adult library services and teen programming. 

Focus will include participant input that contributes to the library fulfilling its mission of quality-of-life enhancements in: knowledge; entertainment; and citizenship. 
Zoom access link will be provided via email three days prior to meeting date. Sign up at the library’s
Events Calendar at www.derbypubliclibrary.org

For more information call 203-736-1482.

This is a press release from Tony DeLos, young adult librarian, Derby Public Library. 

Strength-4-Survivors to support The Umbrella Center for Domestic Violence Services


NEW HAVEN - BHcare’s 33rd annual fundraiser supporting domestic violence services will be a virtual, 14-day event called Strength-4-Survivors. 

This year, due to the coronavirus, The Umbrella Center for Domestic Violence Services has created a mindful and safe way to raise awareness and funds for our free and confidential services. 

Sign up for S4S today at s4s.bhcare.org. Starting March 13, and continuing through March 26, you will be sent a daily challenge via email. 

Challenges will be physical, mindful, or creative and will have several options for people at any level. 

Like our previous bowling event, participants ask friends and family to sponsor them. 

On March 27, a live raffle will be held, and all participants will have a chance to win gift cards from local businesses and eateries. 

All proceeds benefit UCDVS and Hope Family Justice Center (HFJC), which provides services to nearly 8,000 victims of domestic violence and their children each year throughout Greater New Haven and the Lower Naugatuck Valley. 

UCDVS provides emergency safe shelter, 24-hour crisis services, counseling, court advocacy, support, and other crucial services. 

The HFJC consists of a multi-disciplinary team of professionals who work together, under one roof, to provide free wraparound services for domestic violence victims and their families.

S4S offers sponsorship opportunities for all budgets, with levels starting at just $100. As a sponsor, you’ll receive promotional exposure to over 6,600 social media followers of our four Facebook pages, and residents of the 19 towns we serve in the greater New Haven area. 

You'll join with other community businesses and leaders to raise critical funds and awareness for the program and demonstrate your support for these services. 

The S4S is presented by the Bassett Family Fund. Our Platinum Sponsor is The Candid Group and our Gold Sponsors are Yale New Haven Health, Valley Community Foundation, VNA Community Healthcare & Hospice, Gulish & Associates, and Subway. 

Our media partners are WTNH, WPLR 99.1-FM, Star 99.9-FM and Zip06.

For more information about domestic violence services, call 203-446-9739 x1856 or visit www.bhcare.org. 

If you or someone you know needs immediate assistance, please call our 24-hour hotline numbers at The UCDVS 24/7 Crisis Hotline numbers at (203) 736-9944 or (203) 789-8104.


BHcare is a regional community provider of behavioral health, addiction prevention, and domestic violence services for the Lower Naugatuck Valley, Greater New Haven and Shoreline communities. 

For more information, visit www.bhcare.org.


This is a press release from BHcare.


My Sister's Place Thrift Store in Ansonia posts sales for week

 

My Sister's Place Thrift Store is located at 380 Main St., Ansonia. 
Proceeds support BHcare's The Umbrella Center for Domestic Violence Services.

Tuesday, February 23, 2021

Valley Save Our Youth to present plaque in memory of Ansonia native


Sharing from VSOY Facebook page:

ANSONIA - On Sunday VSOY along with the City will present a plaque in memory of local hero Todd Jett at 2 p.m. at Gatison Park in Ansonia. 

There will be a short ceremony in which the plaque will be mounted at the Park. 



Recuperation journey: Early morning sky in 2018


 Taken three years ago today. FB memories can be helpful!

Derby Public Library to offer book bundle service for patrons


DERBY - Derby Public Library will launch a new service, Surprise Book Bundles on March 1. 

Many patrons love to browse the library shelves.  We can do it for you!

Simply fill out a form located on our website, or pick up a form in our vestibule, to receive a surprise book bundle (3 titles.) 

Patrons can select from adult fiction and non-fiction, children’s, and young adult. Book bundles are a great way to discover new titles and authors. We will contact you within 1-3 business days when your bundle is ready for pick up and enjoy.

The Library is at 313 Elizabeth St.

If you have any questions please call us at 203-736-1482 or email dplrefernce@biblio.org.


This is a press release from Kathy Wilson, Head of Adult Circulation.


'Turnback Tuesday' celebrates George Washington's birthday


Turnback Tuesday celebrates George Washington’s birthday of Feb. 22, 1732 with a postcard (above) the Derby Public Library has in its collection.

It shows Washington after the Continental Congress commissioned him as Commander-in-Chief of the Continental Army on June 19, 1775. After leading the army through six long years of war, Washington issued his farewell to his officers at Fraunces Tavern in New York on Dec. 4, 1783.

He then traveled to Annapolis, Maryland to officially resign his commission on Dec. 23, 1783.

Washington returned to his Mount Vernon estate to live out his days as a gentleman farmer.


Thanks goes to the Derby Public Library staff for sharing interesting history each week.

Derby Historical Society schedules open hearth cooking class at Humphreys House

Maria Schreiner 


ANSONIA - The Derby Historical Society is ready to teach you the skills and technology of long ago. A cooking program was so popular in the past that the talented Maria Schreiner is returning at 11 a.m. March 27 for another three-hour session!

Each person will assist in cooking an entree and a dessert in our fireplace at the David Humphreys House, 37 Elm St., and participants get to enjoy the meal after building up an appetite.

The cost is $25 per person.

Space is very limited for this specialty skill workshop; pre-registration required by calling 203-735-1908 or emailing info@derbyhistorical.org


*Masks are required for indoor events, according to current state guidelines, and capacity will be regulated*


This is a press release from the Derby Historical Society.


Klarides-Ditria: SBA prioritizes small businesses in PPP funding










The U.S. Small Business Administration announced the latest round of Paycheck Protection Program funding opened last month has already succeeded in making major improvements to the program’s implementation:

For businesses with fewer than 10 employees, the share of funding is up nearly 60 percent.

For businesses in rural communities, the share of funding is up nearly 30 percent.

The share of funding distributed through Community Development Financial Institutions and Minority Depository Institutions is up more than 40 percent.

“The SBA is a frontline agency working to create an inclusive economy, focused on reaching women-owned, minority-owned, low- and moderate-income, rural, and other underserved communities in meaningful ways. While reported data illustrates we have made real strides in ensuring these funds are reaching underserved communities, we believe we can still do better,” says SBA Senior Advisor Michael Roth.

“The important policy changes we are announcing further ensure inclusivity and integrity by increasing access and much-needed aid to Main Street businesses that anchor our neighborhoods and help families build wealth.”

The SBA will:
Establish a 14-day, exclusive PPP loan application period for businesses and nonprofits with fewer than 20 employees.
Allow sole proprietors, independent contractors, and self-employed individuals to receive more financial support by revising the PPP’s funding formula for these categories of applicants.
Eliminate an exclusionary restriction on PPP access for small business owners with prior non-fraud felony convictions, consistent with a bipartisan congressional proposal
Eliminate PPP access restrictions on small business owners who have struggled to make federal student loan payments by eliminating federal student loan debt delinquency and default as disqualifiers to participating in the PPP; and
Ensure access for non-citizen small business owners who are lawful U.S. residents by clarifying that they may use Individual Taxpayer Identification Number to apply for the PPP.

The 14-day exclusivity period will start on Wednesday, Feb. 24, 2021 at 9 a.m., while the other four changes will be implemented by the first week of March. 
The SBA is working on the program changes and will communicate details throughout this week.

These actions will help to lay the foundation for a robust and equitable recovery for small businesses across the country.

Small businesses employ nearly half of the American workforce; they create 2 out of 3 net new private-sector jobs; they reinvest 68% of revenues to build and sustain communities. Borrowers can apply for the Paycheck Protection Program by downloading the First Draw PPP loan application or Second Draw PPP loan application and working with a participating PPP lender through the SBA Lender Match tool.

Through SBA’s nationwide district offices, the Agency will work in close partnership with the Administration to further leverage its resource partner network and expand on multilingual access and outreach about the PPP. 
Updated PPP information, including forms, guidance, and resources is available at www.sba.gov/ppp and www.treasury.gov/cares.



Sincerely,


Ansonia High School posts 2nd marking period honor roll


ANSONIA - The following Ansonia High School students achieved honors during the second marking period:
Grade 9 High Honors
Brighton Ahearn, Rickayla Blagrove, Hailey Burton, Samantha Burton, Shellymar Casillas, Fahmida Chowdhury, Se-Nirha Degro, Atyana Delvalle, Gwyneth Fasciano, Zoe Frager, Jacquelyn Gibson, Jayvante Gonzalez, Kelly Horjatschun, Addyson Izzo, Davonte Jackson, Kayli Jacobs, Diana Kachaliy, Landon Kerr, Jonathan Kish, Erald Kukaj, Alexandra Makowski, Paul Palmer, Julia Pinto, Matthew Pinto, Izaiah Ribeiro, Lilly Rogers, Riana Sullivan, Madison Torsiello, Jensen Vazquez, Donny Wilder, Julia Wright.
Grade 9 Second Honors
Jair Albaladejo Rivera, Nicholas Ardito, Lailah Bromell, Jacob Gaffney, Ariana Gomez, Julia Jarmoszko, Brendan Lynch, Rasheed Martinez, Jacari Mcfadden, Anna Nguyen, Jonathan Pineda, Priyanka Rawley, Sahara Rivera, Amya Smith, Jaquan Thomas, Jalen Velez, Faith Walker.
Grade 10 High Honors
Evan Chen, Eileen Guzman, Matthew Haas, Johnathan Hewitt, Megan Howard, Jenna LaBranche, Sabrina Ortega, Chanmonita Rith, Samantha Rotteck, Christian Schloemer, Anthony Sullivan, Elif Ugurlu, Dana Usarz.

Grade 10 Second Honors
Carlos Ayala Mendez, Jelani Baez, Colin Cepeda, Mia Cortigiano, Brianna Dear, Nasir Diaz, Mia Georgis, Jordan James, Aidan Lewis, Jalyla Lopez, Matthew Mongillo, Elijah Montgomery, Sierrah Ray, Jaden Saleh, Jailyn Santana, Aidan Sheehy, Khalil Walker, Brooke Yezik.
Grade 11 High Honors
Joshua Andujar, Andrea Benavides, Emily Borona, Caroline Dabkowski, Jackson Dong, Kendall Evans, Maya Frager, Kristina Gecaj, Kiely Geoghan, Jace Gifford, Angel Gjoni, Louis Gripper, Jovi Guevara, Haylee Johnson, Patricia Kirejczyk, Elion Kukaj, Kairon McKnight, Maleah Murray-Francis, Mia Padro, Brendan Palmer, Kenny Rivera, Kennayashia Stovall, Kayla Thelwell, Ariana Wang.
Grade 11 Second Honors
Cheyenne Blackwell, Jayshelis Casillas, Nikita Dainiak, Alam Diroche, Jamal Hanaif, Ava Hultman, Craig Huydic, Taras Jatsiv, Zaria Knight, Haley Labrecque, Christian Malave, Brianna Martin, Rian Massaro, Albert Muir, Andy Peralta, Makayla Quinn, Genesis Rivera, Emily Robles, Eric Rodriguez, Austin Schloemer, Jillian Stewart, Kierra Thomas, Chrishea Underhill-Brown, Armani Vasquez, Eshona Vickers.
Grade 12 High Honors
Alandrea Boyd, Jonathan Cibulsky, Hailey Cook, Johnny Diaz, Anthony DiBlasi, Julia Fraulo, Gabriella Gjoni, Isra Hanaif, Madison Jankauskas, Savanah Lake, Linh Le, Katherine Lopez, Katlyn Mehlinger, Kylee Nimons, Tessa Peluso, Joshua Andrei Pintacasi, Kristo Praseutsack, Lisa Marie Shehada, Michael Szewczyk, Bryanna Tindall, Alivia Toth, Monica Wojcik.
Grade 12 Second Honors
Taniya Barnes, Alandaisa Boyd, Jaylyn DiMauro, Jamel Gause, Moises Hernandez, Taina Jackson, Jayden Jimenez, Colby Labrecque, Fernanda Macias, Abigail Magarin, Nicholas Martinez, Christopher Negron Lopez, Tre' Ragin, Isabel Rivera, Christopher Ruiz Colon, Gesienna Samuels, Jeremy Smith, Ashley Velez, Torriepage Walfall.
Congratulations and keep up the good work!

This is shared from Ansonia Public Schools' Facebook page.