Derby Library offers local history info sessions

DERBY - The Derby Public Library continues its weekly Local History Information Sessions from 6-7:30 PM Tuesdays and from 10 a.m.-noon Wednesdays.

The Library’s Local History Coordinator will be available in the Local History Room to answer questions and assist visitors in exploring the numerous local history resources available at the Library.

Visitors will also be invited to browse PastPerfect, a software program that enables users to search the Library’s progressively updated local history database.

Assistance also will be available for research on topics such as genealogy, prominent local figures, major area events, and more.

For information, stop by the Library at 313 Elizabeth St., call 203-736-1482, or visit www.derbypubliclibrary.org.

This is a press release from Cathy Williams, Director, Derby Public Library.

Reminder: Ansonia mayor to present 'State of the City'

Mayor David S. Cassetti (Photo from city website)

ANSONIA - Mayor David S. Cassetti will present the first-ever 'State of the City' address at 6:30 p.m. Thursday at Ansonia High School, 20 Pulaski Highway.

He will update residents on what is going on in the city and will encourage the public to pose questions and make suggestions.

Crisco lauds Amity High for student achievement

WOODBRIDGE – State Sen. Joseph J. Crisco Jr., D-Woodbridge, today applauded Amity Regional High School in Woodbridge for being named as a 2014 National Blue Ribbon School by the U.S. Department of Education for its high levels of student achievement and graduation rates.

Amity High was recognized as an “Exemplary High Performing” school for having the highest high school graduation rates and the highest achieving students (the top 15 percent) in English and mathematics, measured by state assessments.
“This is the second time this year that Amity Regional has received national recognition; they were just named one of the top high schools in America by Newsweek magazine,” Crisco said.

“There are some amazing things going on at public schools all across Connecticut, and I’m proud to be a part of a group in the legislature that is committed to providing the state funding needed to keep our public school strong and moving forward. Congratulations to Amity High’s students, staff and parents for all their excellence and achievements.”

The 2014 National Blue Ribbon School winners will be honored at an annual awards ceremony on Nov.11 in Washington, D.C., where each school receives a plaque and flag to signify its exemplary status.

These schools then serve as examples for other schools throughout the nation, and details of their achievements are shared on the U.S. Department of Education’s website.

This is a press release from Crisco's office.

Solemn vigil in Shelton stirs emotions, memories

One of the T-shirts created by a child whose family was assisted by The Umbrella Center for Domestic Violence Services. 


Last week I attended a solemn vigil to honor victims of domestic violence and the police officers who assisted them, as well as to remember those who have died because of domestic violence.

The event was sponsored by BHcare's The Umbrella Center for Victims of Domestic Violence at Huntington Congregational Church in Shelton. The Umbrella serves 19 communities in the Valley, Greater New Haven, and the Shoreline.

October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month.


I give credit to those women who came forward and spoke publicly about their personal experiences.

And I commend The Umbrella staffers who go above and beyond to help families in crisis.

* Please check out the story linked above.

Valley Parish nurses sponsor safety event at Mead School in Ansonia

Valley Parish nurse Cathi Kellett of Shelton poses Wednesday next to the Griffin Hospital Safe Kids van outside John C. Mead Elementary School in Ansonia. She was there coordinating a safety program for International Walk to School Day. 

Stay tuned for a story in the Valley Independent Sentinel.

5K in Shelton to benefit Wesley Village programs

SHELTON - Wesley Village will host the sixth annual benefit 5K Road Race Oct. 25 starting at 9 a.m. on the Wesley Village Campus, 580 Long Hill Ave. More than 500 runners and walkers are expected.

The event features a 5K run, 1-mile walk and ½-mile Kids Fun Run. 

This year’s 5K course will be a flatter out and back course.

Bring the entire family for a morning of Halloween fun.  At the post-race party there will be entertainment, a brunch with famous egg sandwiches, smoothies, fruit granola bars, bagels and more.

Children’s activities include a bounce house, face painting, a clown and the opportunity to trick or treat. Costumes are encouraged.

The first 400 5K entrants receive a free tech shirt.  Cotton T-shirts will be given to all other event participants. Runners aged 70+ run for free, pre-registration is required.  With more than 10 percent of last year’s race field over 70, the race may have one of the highest percentages of older runners in Connecticut.

Race proceeds benefit award-winning programs at Wesley Village.  

The Wesley Village campus provides independent living, assisted living, rehab services and skilled nursing care.

It is proud to partner with neighbors at Long Hill Elementary School across the street and support their efforts to raise funds for their PTA.

The title sponsor for this year’s race is the CE Floyd Co.  The Fun Walk sponsor is M&T Bank.  

The Kids Fun Run sponsor is Merit Insurance.  

Also supporting this year’s race as major sponsors are O’Connor Davies, John J. Brennan Construction, Crown Uniform and Linen Service, McKesson Medical-Surgical and Serra and Del Vecchio Insurance.

For information on The Wesley Village Halloween 5K & Fun Walk, visit jbsports.com or call JB Sports, 203-481-5933.

This is a press release from Wesley Village,  a campus comprised of Bishop Wicke Health and Rehabilitation Center, Crosby Commons and Wesley Heights assisted and independent living communities. It is part of United Methodist Homes, a local, not-for-profit organization with a 125-year tradition of caring.

Ansonia mayor, Home Depot team discuss partnering on projects

Ansonia Mayor David S. Cassetti, third from left, met Wednesday morning at City Hall with a team from The Home Depot to discuss ways the store can become more involved with the City of Ansonia. 

Cassetti and his staff discussed partnering with the store on a possible playground project and City Hall improvements. 

With Cassetti are from left, Bill Thomas, Operations Manager, John Annis, Pro Account Representative, and Store Manager Jack Cruz. / Photo submitted by Sheila O'Malley