Seymour Recreation to hold basketball camp at middle school

Opinion: Gentile urges bipartisan cooperation on state budget

By Linda M. Gentile

State Representative

Wednesday, June 8, marked the official end of the regular 2017 legislative session. 

But there is still work to be done.

The legislature will now go into special session to discuss and approve of a two-year state budget. 

State Rep. Linda M. Gentile 

Passing a bipartisan budget has always been my hope. Regardless of political party, the legislature needs to go into special session with a sense of urgency and pass a responsible budget that helps strengthen our state and local economies, and reflects the priorities of the people of Connecticut. 

I don’t believe that failure to agree upon a responsible budget is an option.

Good ideas are not exclusive to a political party. I am hopeful that my colleagues across the aisle will drop all political campaign rhetoric, and work in a collaborative manner to meet the challenges we all face.

I truly believe our future is stronger when both parties work together, so it is my hope that we can put our political differences aside and talk openly and honestly about the budget and what needs to be done. 

House Speaker Joe Aresimowicz, D-Berlin, and House Majority Leader Matt Ritter, D-Hartford, have set the stage for Democrats and Republicans to come together to have these conversations. 

And we must have these conversations and work towards a solution and agree on what’s best for the districts we represent, as well as the state.

When I walk into special session, I will continue to fight for a budget that will protect hardworking families, hospitals, and education, not only in the 104th District, but for the State of Connecticut, as well. 

I will fight for a budget that promotes job growth and encourages economic development. And, I will fight for a budget that ensures our tax dollars are being spent as efficiently as possible. 

This is about forging a path for a stronger Connecticut, with policies that work for all of us. I will be working with all of my colleagues to accomplish this. 

I hope that we will all come into special session ready to work together to put forth a responsible budget that reflects the priorities of our districts and our state.

Gentile, a Democrat, represents the 104th District, which includes parts of Ansonia and Derby.

This is a press release from the House Democrats' press office. 

Recuperation journey: Raising awareness on 5-week birthday of new kidney

Five weeks ago today I received a kidney transplant, for which I will always be grateful. I have Polycystic Kidney Disease. 

I hope to meet the wonderful person who generously donated his or her healthy kidney to a stranger (i.e. me).

March is National Kidney Month, and in March, 2016 I posted 31 days of a PKD challenge to raise awareness of the disease that may not be that well known.

I want to continue raising awareness of the genetic disease that causes cysts to grow in the kidney, eventually leading to renal failure.

There are two types of PKD: autosomal dominant (ADPKD) and autosomal recessive (ARPKD). 

According to the PKD Foundation website, ADPKD is the more common type and affects more than 600,000 Americans and 12.4 million people worldwide. 
ARPKD is a rare form of the disease that occurs in 1 in 20,000 children worldwide.

The website says a typical kidney is the size of a human fist and weighs about a third of a pound. PKD kidneys can be much larger and weigh up to 30 pounds.

The disease is prevalent on my late father's side of the family. 
He suffered with PKD as did four of his five siblings. My two oldest cousins have passed from complications of the disease. 
After having an ultrasound in my 20s I learned I had cysts on my kidneys. 
My maiden name is McDonald, and I've dubbed PKD "the curse of the McDonalds," and I'll always think of it as that.

An older cousin had a transplant in 2001 and thankfully he is doing well, and we recently learned that a first cousin once removed had a successful transplant about 13 years ago. 
So that makes me the third recipient in our extended family. 

All I can say is organ donors are awesome. 

State lawmakers slate meeting at Seymour High School

Newsletter highlights literacy volunteers' event in Derby, car show in Shelton

Dear readers,

Today's Valley Voice newsletter is now out. 

Please click here to read about Literacy Volunteers of Greater New Haven, and the upcoming Father's Day car show at Shelton History Center.

Thanks for reading,

~ Patti and Ralph

$2,800 raised for Hewitt Center for Breast Wellness at Griffin Hospital in Derby

Contributed photo

Members of the Derby High School Girls Softball team presented Griffin Hospital Fund Director Tricia O’Malley with a $2,800 donation to The Hewitt Center for Breast Wellness at Griffin Hospital. 

Front row from left: Derby High Softball players Lacey DiMartino and Anna Chevarella. Back row from left: Derby High School Athletic Director Rachael Caggiano, Derby High Softball Assistant Coach Jenn Moffat, O’Malley, Derby High Softball Coach Joe DiMartino, Lori DiMartino, and Derby High Principal Marty Pascale.

DERBY– The Derby and Ansonia High School softball teams recently presented Griffin Hospital Fund Director Tricia O’Malley with a $2,800 donation to The Hewitt Center for Breast Wellness at Griffin Hospital.

The teams raised the money at the 7^th Annual Derby-Ansonia Pink Softball Game April 22. 
Organized by long-time Griffin Hospital employee and Derby High School Softball Coach Joe DiMartino, the fundraiser was held in honor of his wife, Lori, a breast cancer survivor.

The event featured raffles, food, and music by DJ Phyllis Kaplan as the two teams competed. Overall, the annual fundraiser has donated more than $20,000 to the Center.

Located at 300 Seymour Ave., The Hewitt Center for Breast Wellness at Griffin Hospital offer patients a comprehensive range of personalized breast care and wellness services. 
For more information about The Hewitt Center for Breast Wellness, call 203-732-1300 or visit griffinhealth.org/cbw.

This is a press release from Griffin Hospital.

Adam's House in Shelton offers volunteer oportunities

First volunteer meeting is scheduled June 26 from 6-8 p.m.

We are looking for volunteers to help support our mission in the area of events and fundraising. Our volunteers would act as ambassadors by sharing our mission in their communities, plan and execute events, and fund raise at different points throughout the year. Attend your first meeting with no commitment and learn about all our volunteer opportunities.    This is a press release from Adam's House, 241 Coram Ave., Shelton, a nonprofit grief education center.