Wednesday, March 31, 2021

Ansonia PD issues Silver Alert for endangered runaway teen

Anaya Moten


ANSONIA - The Ansonia Police Department is looking for the public’s assistance in locating a runaway juvenile. 
The juvenile, Anaya Moten, is a 17-year-old black female with brown hair and brown eyes wearing a black jacket, black camouflage pants, black sneakers, and a red bonnet hat, Lt. Patrick Lynch said in an email Wednesday evening. In an updated email Lynch said the case has been upgraded to a Silver Alert.

Anaya is 5’4” tall and weighs 230 pounds. She was last seen on Division Street in the area of Stop and Shop and Burger King at 4:20 p.m. on Wednesday. 
Anaya is considered endangered due to health issues and she does not have her medication.

The department is asking anyone with information to please contact 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.


Klarides-Ditria: State to open renters' rebate program Thursday



The Office of Policy and Management is reminding residents that state law provides a reimbursement program for Connecticut renters who are elderly or totally disabled, and whose incomes do not exceed certain limits. 

Persons renting an apartment or room, or living in cooperative housing or a mobile home, may be eligible for this program.

Renters' rebates can be up to $900 for married couples and $700 for single persons. The rebate amount is based on a graduated income scale and the amount of rent and utility payments (excluding telephone) made in the calendar year prior to the year in which the renter applies. 

Application may be made at the town social service agency, or the Assessor's Office, depending on the town, between April 1 and October 1. 

If you have questions related to the Renters' Rebate Program please call the program hotline at 860.418.6377

Eligibility

Recipient or spouse must be 65 years of age or older, or be 50 years of age or older and the surviving spouse of a renter who at the time of the renter's death had qualified and was entitled to tax relief provided such spouse was domiciled with such renter at the time of the renters’ death, or 18 years of age or older and eligible to receive Social Security Disability benefits. Must meet a one-year state residency requirement. Grants are based upon income requirements shown in CGS Section 12-170e.


Sincerely,

Derby Neck Library to close Saturday, Sunday for Easter holiday weekend

Shared from the Derby Neck Library Facebook page:


Derby Neck Library, 307 Hawthorne Ave., Derby is closed on Fridays. 

Wesley Village in Shelton marks year of resilience during COVID-19



From left: Luz DeJesus, housekeeping associate, Pam O'Connor, dining associate, Maryann Porcadilla, CNA./ Contributed photo


SHELTON - On March 11, one year after COVID-19 was declared a public health emergency in Connecticut, Wesley Village senior living campus joined with Leading Age Connecticut in their public effort, #oneyearstronger, to commemorate the past year, one marked by compassion, strength, and resilience. 

'Caring Superhero' and
Joylynn-Jarrett Smith, CNA
Residents and staff came together to celebrate the strength and courage displayed throughout the year and show gratitude for the outpouring of love and support given by family members, volunteers, and the local community during the pandemic. 

Vice President of Assisted Living Services, Lori Pisani, reflected on the challenges of the past year. “A year ago, we never would have imagined the experience we had this past year, but we have stayed the course and are grateful to be stronger and more connected than ever," she said. "With the arrival of the vaccine and strong response we have had in vaccinating our residents and staff, it finally feels like there is a light at the end of the tunnel. We feel very hopeful.”


The campus organized a variety of activities and events to commemorate the day, including a cannoli truck and opportunities for reflection. Stickers with red hearts and the words “Stronger Together” were scattered everywhere and spotted on staff and residents as they walked through the community. 

A “One Year Stronger” sign was posted at each community entrance to greet staff as they arrived for the day, along with a “We Are Stronger Because…” display which featured personal thoughts and messages of gratitude. 

“We have felt the support of those around us - residents, staff, and family members,” one card read. Another card read, “We can count on each other,” and “We appreciate every day and take one day at a time, with more gratitude.”


“We have learned so much this past year," said Debra Samorajczyk, administrator at Bishop Wicke Health Center. “We are so grateful to our fearless caregivers for their strength, resilience, perseverance, love, heroism, and dedication.”


As a humorous surprise, a “Caring Superhero” bear wandered through the campus to inspire smiles and laughter and share love and thanks. The bear paused to take individual photos, much to the delight of residents.


President and CEO of United Methodist Homes David Lawlor thanked the Wesley Village team as part of a special message commemorating this past year. 

“We’ve come to realize how important it is to support one another in good times and in bad, and how much we mean to each other,” he said. “Many thanks to our incredible team, our supportive families, our Board, and the entire UMH family. Our history will note we survived this pandemic, we became stronger as an organization, and we look forward to great days ahead.”


Wesley Village senior living campus at 580 Long Hill Ave. is part of United Methodist Homes, a local not-for-profit organization. 

The campus offers assisted and independent living, memory support, skilled nursing, short-term rehab, and outpatient therapy services. 

To learn more, visit www.wesleyvillage-ct.org or call 203-225-5024. 



This is a press release from United Methodist Homes.


Derby Public Library to host Career Resources' webinars in April



DERBY - Derby Public Library will host Learn Microsoft Word - virtual webinars from 1-3 p.m. April 21 and 22. 
Whether you are new to Word, looking to fulfill a job skill requirement, or need a refresher, these two, two-hour webinars build upon each other to learn Microsoft Word I & II (April 21 and 22; 4 hours total). 
Career Resources staff provide guidance for creating professional documents such as resumes, letters, fax cover sheets, reports, legal documents, brochures, manuals, and more.
Free. Registration is required  here https://bit.ly/3m3KrXI to receive the Zoom link and password.

This is shared from the Derby Public Library's Facebook page.

Tuesday, March 30, 2021

Recuperation journey: Looking at the sky


 ... at 7:20 p.m. Tuesday. 

Have a peaceful evening.  

'Turnback Tuesday' features train depot, Derby Avenue in E. Derby

Turnback Tuesday looks at another view of East Derby. 

This is an image of what is now CT 34 / Derby Avenue looking North taken sometime between 1903 and 1905. 

On the left is the train depot, and the building on the right is 63-67 Derby Ave. The red arrow shows the business of J Sarra & Sons (a.k.a. Joseph, Pasquale & John) grocer and saloon. This was their second location in Derby. 

In 1906, the family moved to New Britain. You'll notice St. Michael’s Church is not there yet as construction of the church started in 1906.


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


Recuperation journey: Lunchtime visitor

 


Photos captured through the glass door Tuesday afternoon.

Learn about baby animals in online program hosted by Seymour Public Library


SEYMOUR - Are you looking ahead to Spring? Thinking ahead to warmer days?
Well, the animals are too! In this Spring-themed program you will get introduced to baby animals, learn about their life cycles and other egg-citing changes that occur in Spring.
Join one of the Riverside Reptiles educators as they introduce you to the different animals that call RREC home. 
They are excited to teach you about our exotic animals through this virtual learning experience...all from the comfort of your own home! Just like you, each animal has a story. 
Get ready! It’s going to be a scaly ride!
Registration is required; Register in advance for this meeting:
https://us02web.zoom.us/.../tZ0pceCsqT8tH9YPIYu02rVIVKBoE...
After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.

This is shared from the Library's Facebook page.

My Sister's Place Thrift Store in Ansonia posts weekly sales

 

My Sister's Place Thrift Store is located at 380 Main St., Ansonia.

All proceeds support BHcare's The Umbrella Center for Domestic Violence Services. 


This is shared from My Sister's Place Facebook page.


Local educator to portray Clara Barton in online Seymour Historical Society event


SEYMOUR - Local educator and historian Carolyn Ivanoff will explore the incredible life of Clara Barton in an online presentation at 2 p.m. April 11 at the Seymour Historical Society.
Barton was born exactly 200 years ago in 1821! 

Very few women worked outside the home during that era, yet Barton would find success as a teacher, a U.S. Patent Office worker, and most famously, a nurse who tended to wounded troops during the Civil War. 

Afterward she went on to launch the American Red Cross - which means if you have ever donated blood, given money to disaster relief, or taken a first-aid course, Clara Barton has touched your life. 

This is this first in several virtual events on Facebook Live that the Seymour Historical Society has planned prior to transitioning to live programs once it’s safe to do so.


This is shared from the Seymour Historical Society's Facebook page.


Recuperation journey: Looking at the sky


... at 6:25 a.m. 

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

Have a great Tuesday!

Monday, March 29, 2021

Derby Public Library to close Friday, Saturday for Easter holidays

 

Derby Public Library will be closed on Friday, April 2 and Saturday, April 3 in observance of the Good Friday and Easter holidays.


This is shared from the Derby Public Library Facebook page.


Klarides-Ditria: Hearing slated on motor vehicle theft crisis










HARTFORD - Connecticut's news media has dedicated considerable time to sharing the concerns of residents frustrated not just by escalating motor vehicle break-ins, but also brazen car thefts committed by juveniles who act without fear of significant legal repercussion.




There's a Judiciary Committee public hearing Wednesday [Details below] on H.B. 6667 and H. B. 6669 where you can share your thoughts about the motor vehicle theft crisis.

Early this session, House Republicans submitted legislation to impose actual consequences for teenagers (15-18) who are repeatedly charged with stealing or attempting to steal a vehicle. Our proposal includes:
Facing charges on the regular criminal docket;
Expanded ability for judges to order detainment or GPS monitoring;
Categorize as "serious juvenile repeat offender" upon second theft conviction;
Require DCF intervention to provide services to offender;
Modify state pursuit policy, allow police to intercept thieves as the crime occurs


HOW TO SPEAK OUT ON THIS TOPIC

Judiciary Committee public hearing

Wednesday, March 31, @ 10 a.m.


Register to testify virtually


Deadline to register: Tuesday March 30 @ 3 p.m.


TESTIFY BY EMAIL

Email written testimony to judtestimony@cga.ct.gov and state your name and bills (H.B. 6667 & 6669.) Copy me: nicole.klarides-ditria@housegop.ct.gov

TESTIFY BY TELEPHONE


Call the Phone Registrant Line at (860) 240-5255 to leave your contact information.

Watch the hearing on YouTube


Seymour Public Library to hold Food Explorers program




SEYMOUR - Join Katie, Registered Dietitian from Food Explorers, to make homemade Cinnamon Rolls at 4:30 p.m. Tuesday. 
This online event is sponsored by Seymour Public Library.
This yeast free recipe means you’ll have Cinnamon Rolls in no time. You’ll learn how to make the dough, roll it, and slice into the perfect rolls.
You’ll need the following ingredients: self raising flour (5 cups for full recipe), white sugar, cinnamon, milk (2.5 cups), butter (1 stick), powdered sugar and optional vanilla. This recipe can easily be cut in half to make approx. 8 rolls.
You will need a rolling pin.
This program is limited to 12 families; registration is required. Please follow the link to register.
Register in advance for this meeting:
https://us02web.zoom.us/.../tZMrc--sqjguGtJUDMS...

This is shared from the Library's Facebook page.

Derby announces new bulk pickup policy

DERBY - The city has announced a new policy and process regarding Bulk Pick Up.  Please see details below.
Details can also be found at:  https://www.derbyct.gov/bulk-pickup

Any Derby resident or property owner, except for Real Estate Companies and Landlords who are in the process of selling or renting to new occupants, is eligible for curbside bulk pick-up by appointment only and limited to one pick-up every six months.

All Items must be separated and stacked neatly for pick-up.

Acceptable Items
Oversized Municipal Solid Waste
Furniture and Items too large for regular weekly pick-up
Scrap Metal and Metal Furniture
Non-Freon appliances

Unacceptable Items
Automotive Parts and Tires
Propane Tanks
Demolition and Construction Materials
Appliances with Freon
Oils and Hazardous Fluids

Please email - derbybulkpickups@citycart.net to schedule an appointment.

Please include: name, address, phone, brief description of items to be picked up.

You will then be emailed a pick-up date that will be on a Friday. Please place your items curbside and they will be picked up on your appointment date.
If you do not have an email, please call 203-736-1464.

This is a press release from Derby Town/City Clerk Marc Garofalo.

Derby Neck Library to launch virtual Drums and Things and Shaky Things



DERBY - In one week, Miss Krissy [at Derby Neck Library] is starting up her new program, Drums and Strings and Shaky Things!

Call 203-734-1492 now to schedule a curbside pickup for the supply pack--it includes everything you need to have a great virtual music and movement program from home!

And don't forget to sign up for our Youth Mailing List here: https://forms.gle/pajo3PLnQf1iJxew8


This is shared from the Derby Neck Library Facebook page.


Ansonia Library is closed until April 5


"The Ansonia Library will be closed this week. We will reopen Monday April 5th."


This information is shared from the Ansonia Library's Facebook page.

Sunday, March 28, 2021

DiBacco: Ansonia Public Schools will have remote learning Monday



This is an important message from Ansonia Public Schools.

Good evening, due to busing and staffing issues Ansonia Public Schools will have a remote learning day on Monday March 29, 2021, for all of our schools.
We apologize for any inconvenience and will provide you with more information as it becomes available.
Thank You,

Dr. Joseph DiBacco
Superintendent

Recuperation journey: Sunday visitor





Rainy afternoon snack. Photos taken through the door.
 








Derby Neck Library to host Papercraft fun for teens


DERBY - Check out Derby Neck Library's #TeenCraft fun this week. 

There are supply packs available, so call now 203-734-1492 to reserve yours! 

Hope to see you this Tuesday at 6:30 p.m.


This is shared from the Library's Facebook page.

Saturday, March 27, 2021

Recuperation journey: Looking at the sky

 

... at 6:55 p.m. and 25 minutes later.


I love my view.


Derby Neck Library offers supplies for Crafting Time for Littles


 Shared from the Derby Neck Library Facebook page:

"We still have supply packs available for the Crafting Time for Littles this Monday at 11 AM--call now 203-734-1492 to reserve yours!"


Derby Public Library readies Book Bundles for patrons


From Derby Public Library's Facebook page:

"We have Book Bundles ready for you! You can request a bundle of books here https://bit.ly/3bteHry or make a browsing appointment here https://bit.ly/3tTCMy2 to pick one up! 

"Great way to explore new genres, titles, and authors."

My Sister's Place in Ansonia holding special discount event today



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

Friday, March 26, 2021

Recuperation journey: Looking at the sky


The moon tonight is in waxing gibbous phase, 93 percent illumination. 

On Sunday we'll see it 100 percent illuminated.

Recuperation journey: Looking at the sky




Tonight's moon is in waxing gibbous phase, 93 percent illumination.
 



Ansonia Police, State Police, FBI probe threat to blow up AMS; nothing found


ANSONIA - The Federal Bureau of Investigation contacted the Ansonia Police Department at about 11:45 a.m. to report they received a complaint that a person threatened to blow up the middle school, Lt. Patrick Lynch said in a release late Friday afternoon. 


After consulting with the Ansonia Board of Education, a decision was made to send home the Pre-K students, all other students were on a remote learning day. 

The decision to send the students home was done out of an abundance of caution. A check of the school inside and out by officers and staff did not reveal anything suspicious. 

Bomb sniffing dogs were also used to check the school and nothing was found.

 

With the assistance of the F.B.I. and Connecticut State Police, all the people involved were located and interviewed. 

The investigation showed there was on ongoing neighbor dispute where one neighbor alleged that during a verbal argument the other neighbor said they were going to blow up the house and middle school. 

The accused neighbor cooperated with the investigation and denied making any statements about blowing up the school. 

No evidence was found to substantiate the initial claim and no arrests have been made.



This is a press release from Lt. Patrick Lynch.

Derby Public Library to host virtual estate planning seminar

 

DERBY - In an informational webinar at 6 p.m. April 21, Tatiana DaSilva, Trusts and Estate attorney, will review the most important documents to have in place during the initial phases of your life, including after college, through marriage, and having children.

The Derby Public Library is hosting the event. 

Moderating the webinar will be Rebecca Miller, a wealth and legacy planner specializing in retirement planning.
Register here https://bit.ly/39h71qB prior to 4:30 p.m. on the date of the program to receive the Zoom link and password.

This is shared from the Derby Public Library's Facebook page.