The Valley Voice: 12/14/21

Tuesday, December 14, 2021

'Turnback Tuesday' features Manufacturers Bank of Birmingham

Turnback Tuesday looks at the 5 cent bank note of the Manufacturers Bank of Birmingham, Connecticut. The bank was chartered and organized in 1848 by men who were prominent in manufacturing in Derby.

The first board consisted of Dr. John I. Howe, Edward N. Shelton, Fitch Smith, Sidney A. Downs, Thomas Burlock, William Guthrie, Lewis Downs, Hezekiah S. Nichols, and Edward Lewis. In 1865 they adopted the name of Birmingham National Bank. Mr. Shelton was the 1st president starting in 1848 until his death in 1894. He was president for an incredible 46 years.

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

Ansonia police arrest 2 more students in Monday's social media threat

ANSONIA - As part of the continuing investigation into the social media threat Monday involving a student at Ansonia High School, two more students were arrested, Lt. Patrick Lynch said late today in a release.

During the course of the investigation, additional threatening messages were discovered and the involved students each admitted to their involvement in the messages.

A 16 year-old male student and a 14 year-old female student were arrested; each was charged with Threatening First Degree and Breach of Peace Second Degree and they were referred to juvenile authorities.

The Ansonia Police Department strongly urges all parents to speak with their children about the importance of understanding what they say and the effect it can have on not only themselves but also all the people around them. We encourage parents to closely monitor what their children are doing online.

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

Recuperation journey: Looking at the sky

... at 3:40 p.m. The moon today is in waxing gibbous phase, 81 percent illumination.

State Bond Commission to consider funding renovation of Century Plaza in Derby

Valley lawmakers hail inclusion of project on agenda
HARTFORD - State Representatives Kara Rochelle, D-Ansonia/Derby, Mary Welander, D- Orange, Woodbridge, Derby, Nicole Klarides-Ditria R-Beacon Falls, Derby, Seymour, and state Senator Jorge Cabrera, D-Hamden, applaud the inclusion of $200,000 on the Connecticut State Bond Commission's Dec. 21 meeting agenda to replace an elevator and windows at Century Plaza, 30 Elizabeth St., Derby.

Century Plaza is TEAM, Inc.'s headquarters and houses several other nonprofit organizations for the Naugatuck Valley and surrounding region.

"These funds, if approved, will help to ensure that thousands of residents in our community can more easily access a building that provides vital support and services to the children, families, and seniors of our community. I am proud to advance this project and am grateful to Sen. Cabrera, and Representatives Welander and Klarides-Ditria for being strong partners in this effort that will have a lasting impact," Rochelle said. "I want to thank the governor and members of the State Bond Commission for including this project on the commission's next meeting agenda. This important project will help enhance the building's safety, ensuring residents can access the nonprofits that touch so many lives in our community."

Klarides-Ditria said, “Smart, long term investments like these that increase accessibility while also improving physical infrastructure will bring substantial dividends back to our community through a safer, more welcoming environment for all of our citizens. I’m pleased these funds are being used to bolster such a wonderful community resource and I want to thank my colleagues on the delegation for working tirelessly to get this money on the Commission’s agenda."

"I am elated to see the hard work put forth by my colleagues in the delegation and I to secure these funds for TEAM move forward," said Cabrera. "This investment not only serves a practical purpose, but also shows our commitment to prioritizing the well-being of both young people and the elderly through support of this amazing non-for-profit organization. We know, as we continue to recover from the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, support for TEAM and the human services they provide are essential to the prosperity and health of our community."
“At a time when being able to connect residents to resources is more important than ever, I am
incredibly grateful for the allocation of these funds that will make necessary improvements to create
a safer, more accessible space," Rep. Welander said. "This will help residents and families throughout the area lead more successful lives, leading to more successful communities. I would like to sincerely thank the Governor and the Bond Commission for their support of the district in this effort."

This is a press release from Rochelle's office.

Griffin Health to hold virtual presentation on joint replacement

DERBY - Griffin Health will offer a free virtual presentation on joint replacement options at 6 p.m. Jan. 11.

Orthopaedic Surgeon Gary R. Richo, M.D., PhD, will present “Advances in Joint Replacement,” an open discussion of the causes of joint pain, conservative treatment options, total joint replacement techniques, post-surgical recovery and the return to normal activities.

The presentation will also include information about Griffin’s advanced surgical technology, including 3D Mako SmartRobotics™ which provides unmatched precision in knee procedures.

Dr. Richo will be available at the end of the presentation to answer any questions from attendees.

These seminars are offered monthly.

For more information about joint replacement or to get log-in information for the virtual presentation, contact Vivian Ramia at vramia@griffinhealth.org.

This is a press release from Griffin Hospital.