Ansonia to hold ribbon cutting Friday before game at Nolan Field

 

Griffin Hospital School of Allied Health Careers opens Naugatuck campus

Griffin Hospital School of Allied Health Careers Executive Dean Amanda Bell, center right, and former Stone Academy student Anna Jarjura, center left, cut the ribbon on the school's new Naugatuck Campus surrounded by state government leaders and Griffin Health representatives./ Contributed photo

NAUGATUCK - The Griffin Hospital School of Allied Health Careers officially opened its new Naugatuck campus at 1186 New Haven Road last week with a ribbon-cutting, reception and tours.

The 6,000 square-foot Naugatuck campus is designed to provide the school’s Practical Nursing Program students with an exceptional teaching facility featuring state-of-the-art simulation technology and an experiential learning environment to prepare them to be the next generation of highly skilled and patient-centered caregivers. The simulation technology is incorporated in realistic laboratories for nursing students to practice as if they are in actual clinical situations. 

The experience provided prepares new nurses to thrive in a multitude of complex authorized by the Connecticut Department of Higher Education and provides exceptional healthcare education with knowledgeable and experienced teachers who are nationally certified or master’s prepared nurses.

The Naugatuck campus will serve students of all levels, from undergraduates to continuing education students. The first year will be dedicated to former Stone Academy Students in the Connecticut State Office of Higher Education’s Teach-Out Program. There will then be the opportunity to expand practical nursing program to accommodate traditional practical nursing transfer students. 

In 2025, the Naugatuck campus will be used for the school’s Allied Health programs, expanding capacity for training Certified Nursing Assistants, Medical Assistants, Phlebotomists and Patient Care Technicians.

“This facility was conceived and constructed to fulfill a promise we made to the students of the former Stone Academy,” Griffin Health President and CEO Patrick Charmel said at the grand opening. “When Stone Academy abruptly closed its doors and left hundreds of individuals unable to achieve their goal of completing their education and begin a rewarding career as a Licensed Practical Nurse, the Griffin Hospital School of Allied Health Careers made a commitment to help them realize their dream. The School of Allied Health Careers’ curriculum reflects the latest advancements in nursing education to ensure graduates are well-prepared for their important and demanding care giving role.

“The Naugatuck Campus will also help address the significant nursing shortage in Connecticut by establishing a pathway for professional advancement that sets a new standard for nursing education consistent with Griffin Health’s mission to improve the health and well-being of individuals and the communities it serves.”

About the School of Allied Health Careers
Accredited by the Connecticut Department of Higher Education and approved by the State of Connecticut Department of Health, the Griffin Hospital School of Allied Health Careers offers advanced hands-on training and personalized teaching in its Practical Nursing, Certified Nursing Assistant, Patient Care Technician, Medical Assistant, and Phlebotomy programs. The school has helped graduates achieve a high rate of success on national certification exams and has a strong job placement rate with most graduates quickly finding positions at area hospitals, skilled nursing facilities and medical practices.

Anyone 18 years of age or older with a high school diploma or GED may apply for admission. Early application is encouraged for all courses, as space is limited. 

For more information or to apply, call 203-732-1276 or 203-732-7578 or visit griffinhealth.org/allied-health/school.

Muncheatery in Ansonia holds grand opening, serves culinary delights

Ansonia Mayor David S. Cassetti cuts a ribbon Friday at the grand opening of Muncheatery, 560 Main St.
To his left is owner/chef Mikey Cotela, and to Cotela's left is Greater Valley Chamber of Commerce President Bill Purcell.

I attended Friday's celebration of Muncheatery and it lived up to all the praise it has received from customers since its soft opening earlier this summer.

The sandwiches and salads were delicious, and the baked goods were out of this world! 

I'm looking forward to visiting again soon! 

Ribbon cutting slated for fishing platform at O'Sullivan's Island in Derby

Thanks to the City of Derby, CT and NVCOG, we’re excited to unveil the O’Sullivan's Island Fishing & Viewing Platform!

Join us on Thursday, July 13 at 10 a.m. for the ribbon cutting ceremony at 1 Caroline St., Derby.

Shared from the Naugatuck Valley Council of Governments Facebook page.

Ansonia slates grand opening of senior center July 6

 

Little Free Library grand opening slated at Bradley School playground in Derby

Greater Valley Salvation Army in Ansonia to reopen renovated food pantry

 

Salvation Army in Ansonia slates reopening ceremony for renovated food pantry

 

A.M. Bagel to hold grand opening Thursday in Derby

 

Cornell Scott Hill Health Center to celebrate renovated care site in Ansonia

Ansonia purchases VTD vehicle for use by senior center

Ansonia Mayor David S. Cassetti presents a check to Mark Pandolfi, executive director, Valley Transit District, for a van to be used by the Joseph A. Doyle Senior Center./ Contributed photo


ANSONIA - The Valley Transit District is replacing its 2012 Ford E-450 fleet as per Federal Transit Authority guidelines and Mayor David S. Cassetti and staff seized the opportunity to acquire the van. 
Senior center director Jeff Coppola has identified the need for a van for seniors so more activities can be planned and to make transportation readily available for our seniors.

The Ford E-450 buses are all equipped with W/C lifts and meet all ADA requirements for passenger transportation. All VTD vehicles have followed strict preventative maintenance guidelines throughout their service as required by the Federal Transit Administration and the Connecticut Department of Transportation.

The van, which cost $5,000, was paid for with Economic Development Funds.

The van is being detailed and the City Seal will be placed on it.
Stay tuned for a ribbon cutting with seniors, Elderly Commission and residents!

This is shared from the City of Ansonia Facebook page.

BHcare to host opening of HOPE Family Justice Center in New Haven

NEW HAVEN - BHcare will host a Grand Opening and Ribbon Cutting Aug. 5 for the HOPE Family Justice Center of Greater New Haven. 

The event, featuring New Haven Mayor Toni Harp, will be held at 1 p.m. at 142 Temple St., 3rd floor. 

The public is invited to celebrate the center’s opening and discover more about the comprehensive, wraparound services, as well as support those affected by domestic violence. RSVP to dmorfi@hbcare.org.

HFJC is a collaboration of multiple community providers under one roof providing free wraparound services for domestic violence survivors and their families. 

It can take a victim over 25 hours to travel to multiple appointments to receive services. With each appointment, the victim must re-tell their story - reliving every painful detail as they meet with various providers. 

“Here, victims of domestic violence receive support, healing, and pathways to empowerment,” said site manager Paola Serrecchia. "We’re dedicated to replacing violence with safety, despair with optimism, uncertainty with hope.”

The Family Justice Center model has been identified as a best practice in the field of domestic violence intervention and prevention services by the United States Department of Justice. 

There are many documented and published outcomes in the Family Justice Center model including reduced homicides, increased victim safety and reduced fear and anxiety for victims and their children. 

HFJC initiative is a community project and anyone who is interested to learn more or get involved should contact Project Coordinator Julie Johnson at (203) 780-2033 or j_johnson@bhcare.org. 

Follow HOPE Family Justice Center at www.facebook.com/NewHavenFJC and www.twitter.com/NHFJC_CT.  If you need immediate domestic violence assistance, please call our 24-hour domestic violence hotline 1-888-774-2900. 

This is a press release from BHcare.

Villa Bianca in Seymour to celebrate grand re-opening

Sharing from the Greater Valley Chamber of Commerce:

Come One! Come All! It's a Summer Business After Hours!

Come and celebrate the Grand Re-opening at the newly remodeled Villa Bianca! Tours, Tastings, Music, plus 2 drink tickets per guest! Official Ribbon Cutting Ceremony at 5:30 pm. RSVP directly to Villa Bianca by Friday, July 19th to join us for the networking event of the summer.

Yogurt company to hold ribbon cutting in Ansonia Wednesday

ANSONIA - After a year of learning curves and the door knocking required for any new start up business, Ansonia’s own Stani Dairy Yogurt Co. is ready for its official ribbon cutting ceremony.

The open to the public event is scheduled for 11 a.m. Wednesday at the company's 5 Howard Ave. corporate manufacturing headquarters. Those attending will be treated to yogurt samples and can even view the yogurt making process.

Co-owner/founder Kali Emmanouil said their Greek style yogurt line is being distributed to select specialty markets and small through mid-size multi-location supermarkets including Adams (Shelton), Highland Park (Glastonbury area) and others. 
In addition, supplying large volume food service operations has become a niche.

Stani recently hired additional staffing and is planning to hire more. While experience is not necessary, a background in food regulation and manufacturing compliance is a plus.

The company’s current flavors include plain, blueberry, honey blend, strawberry, and peach. Additional flavors are in development.

Yogurt samples distributed throughout City Hall last week produced a solid “thumbs up” from anyone who could wrestle a cup away from Mayor David S. Cassetti.

To learn more visit www.stanidairy.com.


This is a press release from Cassetti's office.

Wakelee Market in Ansonia to hold grand opening Friday

Contributed photo

ANSONIA - A new business to complement the ambiance of the improved Wakelee Avenue will hold a ribbon-cutting ceremony at 11 a.m. Friday.

Wakelee Market is located at 192 Wakelee Ave., the former longtime location of Klanko’s Market.
It is a completely renovated space offering old school “neighborhood market” charm with a wide selection of products including deli, salads, sandwiches, wings, French fries, vegetables, fruits, and more.

Owner Ramiz Majeed invites everyone to stop on by and say hello. 


This is taken from a press release from the City of Ansonia.

Cindy's Hair Co. holds grand opening in downtown Ansonia

Ansonia Mayor David S. Cassetti, pictured third from right, and several dignitaries welcomed Cindy’s Hair Co. to downtown Tuesday with an official ribbon cutting.

Originally based in downtown Seymour for 26 years, owner Cindy Boladz and her daughter Cassie recently relocated the business here. 

The 1,250-square-foot space offers inspiring high ceilings with exposed brick for customers and staff of six to enjoy.

Located at 50 Main St., Cindy’s Hair Co. is open Tuesday through Saturday and serves both men and women.

This is a press release from Cassetti's office.

Restaurant in downtown Ansonia to hold grand opening Thursday

From the City of Ansonia:

"Palma Restaurant, 252 Main St., Ansonia (across from City Hall) will have its official grand opening ribbon-cutting ceremony at 11 a.m. Thursday. 
"Please welcome our newest eatery to the downtown landscape. Food samples will be available."

Valley Arts Council gallery joins new businesses in downtown Ansonia

City of Ansonia photo

ANSONIA - The Valley Arts Council's new Main Street gallery is officially part of downtown after Mayor David S. Cassetti cut the ribbon Tuesday at a grand opening celebration. To his left is Valley Arts Council President Rich DiCarlo.

I was talking to someone and wasn't paying attention for 10 seconds and...missed the shot. It happened so quickly! I'm losing my reportorial touch.

My husband Ralph and I are on the arts council board and we're thrilled the gallery is now on Main Street. 
Stay tuned for more photos in the next issue of the Valley Voice newsletter.

And congratulations to all who made the gallery a reality!

Valley Arts Council to hold grand opening of Main Street Gallery in Ansonia

Officials welcome Polish Pantry to Ansonia

From left, Bill Purcell, Greater Valley Chamber of Commerce President, owner Krystyna Skakas, Board of Aldermen President Lorie Vaccaro, Mayor David S. Cassetti, owner Agata Piastowska, and City Clerk Janet Vitarius Waugh./ City of Ansonia photo 

ANSONIA - Another new business has arrived on the Ansonia landscape with the opening of Polish Pantry at 213 Pershing Drive. 

The mother/daughter-owned business offers an extensive product line including a fresh deli, breads, pastries, cheeses, and assorted imports within their quaint new buildout.

Mayor David S. Cassetti and other dignitaries from Ansonia made it an official city greeting with a ribbon-cutting ceremony Friday.