Derby Neck Library to host swing band Saturday

The Survivors Swing Band performs in June, 2012 in Beacon Falls. Photo credit: Lloyd Bashkin (photo taken from band's website)

DERBY - Derby Neck Library will present a free concert by The Survivors, a swing band featuring music of the '20s and '30s and the Big Band sound that followed at 1:30 p.m. Saturday.

Hear old tunes given a new flavor with up-beat improvisations. 

This is a four-piece band made up primarily of senior musicians who give a very fun and professional approach to their favorite music.

The library is at 307 Hawthorne Ave.

This is a press release from the library.

Derby Public Library to host discussion of novel

DERBY - The Derby Public Library has scheduled its next Lunchtime Book Discussion for 12:30 p.m. Aug. 26.

The selected title is the enthralling novel Lucia, Lucia by Adriana Trigiani.  

Set in New York City in 1950, the decision of a passionate 

and determined 25-year old daughter of a prosperous grocer to follow her heart, changes her life forever.

The story, filled with warmth and humor, is as emotional

as the bonds in her big Italian family. 

Multiple copies of the book are available at the circulation desk.

Participants are asked to bring a sandwich and a friend as they “chat and chew."

Dessert and beverages will be provided.  

Registration is requested.  

For more information, stop by the library, 313 Elizabeth St., call 203-736-1482, or visit 

www.derbypubliclibrary.org.   

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

Derby releases report on community engagement

DERBY – In March the City of Derby held several public meetings throughout the community to give residents the opportunity to express their opinions on issues such as housing, transportation, recreation, city services, and commercial development.

An online survey also was conducted.

The goal of this outreach was to identify the city’s priority issues, assets, and challenges to ensure its planning initiatives reflect the vision of Derby residents.

“In addition to identifying areas that need improvement, residents also provided a lot of great ideas on how to capitalize on Derby’s assets,” said Mayor Anita Dugatto.
The input from these public meetings was compiled into a comprehensive report that is now available for review on the Planning and Zoning web page under the Government Information tab on Derby’s municipal website, www.derbyct.gov.

The public engagement report will inform the update of Derby’s Plan of Conservation and Development, a process that it is currently underway. 
The updated POCD will serve as an advisory document for Derby’s Planning and Zoning Commission, as well as other city boards and commissions.

“The input from our residents is also driving initiatives – big and small – to improve the quality of life of our citizens,” Dugatto said.
“For example, we learned from the sessions that some residents were unaware of Derby’s Single Stream Recycling program. In response to that, we improved the contents of our Public Works web page and distributed recycling flyers at the City Hall booth on Derby Day,” Dugatto said.
“Derby Public Works has also been working diligently in cooperation with the Board of Aldermen to act on some of the larger concerns," she said. "Recent improvements to city parks, recreational areas, and city roads are among their accomplishments."



This is a press release from Mayor Anita Dugatto's office.  

Derby Library to host performance about Gillette family

DERBY - The Derby Public Library has scheduled a special presentation, An Evening with 

the Gillettes, at 6:30 p.m. Aug. 24.  

Gillette Castle (Photo from DEEP website)

Harold and Teddie Niver will portray William Gillette and his wife in this hour-long program, going back and forth between portraying 

the Gillettes and giving information about their lives and Gillette Castle in East Haddam.  

Those interested in Connecticut history as well as Sherlockians, as Gillette was 

known around the world for portraying Sherlock Holmes on stage, will enjoy this performance.  

Registration is requested.  

For more 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.

Wesley Village in Shelton plans 7th annual 5K road race

SHELTON - Wesley Village will host the seventh annual benefit 5K Road Race Oct. 24, starting at 9 a.m. Over 400 runners and walkers are expected.

The event takes place at the Wesley Village campus, 580 Long Hill Ave. and features a 5K run, 1-mile walk and ½ mile Kids Fun Run.  

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

Bring the entire family for a morning of Halloween fun!  Participants are invited to join us at the post-race party for 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 will receive a free tech shirt and cotton t-shirts will be given to all other event participants. 

Runners aged 70+ run for free; pre-registration is required.  With over 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 the award-winning activity program at Wesley Village.  The Wesley Village campus provides independent living, assisted living, memory care, short-term rehab, outpatient therapy and fitness services, and skilled nursing care. 

The title sponsor for this year’s race is CE Floyd Co., Inc.  M&T Bank will be sponsoring the 1-mile Fun Walk and Merit Insurance will be sponsoring the Kids Fun Run.  

Also supporting this year’s race as major sponsors to date are: Omnicare, Inc.; Alliance Rehab of CT; All Waste, Inc.; EDM Architects & Engineers; Fire Protection Testing, Inc.; Oronoque Pharmacy, Inc.; Digital Media; Lewis Associates; Griffin Hospital Lifeline; The Lancaster Group, LLC; The Views of Long Hill Condominium Association; and Winters Brothers Waste Systems.

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

Wesley Village is a campus of senior care communities including Crosby Commons Assisted and Independent Living Community, Wesley Heights Assisted and Independent Living Apartments and Cottages, Lifestyle Transitions Memory Care, and Bishop Wicke Health and Rehabilitation Center. 

The campus is owned and operated by UMH, a local, mission-based, not-for-profit organization serving all members of the community. 

To learn more about the continuum of care offered at Wesley Village or the mission of UMH, please visit www.wesleyvillage-ct.org or contact Lisa Bisson, 203-225-5024.

This is a press release from United Methodist Homes. 

Shelton Library slates story time at park

Sharing from Plumb Memorial Library's site:

SHELTON - Stories in the Park will be held from 10:30-11:30 a.m. Thursday at the Riverview Park Playground off Route 110.

Join Mrs. Fritsch at Riverview Park for a fun hour of stories and entertainment, remember your blanket and sunblock and bring along a friend, too!

Griffin Hospital in Derby to hold gala at Shubert Theater

The one-night only performance featuring song, dance, and comedy will start at 5:30 p.m. Sept. 26 at the Shubert Theater, 247 College St., New Haven.

Stay tuned for more information!

Conroy welcomes softball field funding at Seymour High

Ambassadors of Seymour softball join state Rep. Theresa Conroy, Gov. Dannel P. Malloy, and state Rep. Themis Klarides at the state Capitol complex to celebrate a state grant for a new field. / Contributed photo

State Rep. Theresa Conroy (D-Seymour, Beacon Falls, Derby) welcomed the State Bond Commission’s approval of funding for the softball field at Seymour High School.
“This funding is about building a new field and honoring the winning tradition of Seymour softball,” Conroy said.
“Our community supports this program from little league through high school.”

The $265,000 supplemental grant-in-aid to the town of Seymour will cover costs associated with a new softball field, lights, dugouts, press box, and the replacement of non-code compliant bleachers.

The new facility will be used by Seymour High School, George J. Hummel Little League, and Seymour Tradition travel teams.

Seymour High softball coach Ken Pereiras said, “The new field is a great addition to our program and the town of Seymour.”

“We can play longer and host tournaments with this new field,” Seymour High player Raeanne Geffert (C-16) said. “A flatter, cleaner field also reduces the risk of injuries. We will be able to cleanly field balls and run around securely fixed bases.”

George J. Hummel Little League Softball Commissioner Bob Lang said, “Seymour has one of the best softball traditions in the state and this new facility will help expand our program even further."

In 2014, the Bond Commission approved $1.895 million for the school’s football field. Today’s funding brings the total grant to $2,160,000.


This is a release from Conroy's office.

DEEP forecasts unhealthy air for parts of state, including Valley

Connecticut’s Department of Energy and Environmental Protection is forecasting unhealthy air quality for “sensitive groups”  today and Wednesday due to predicted elevated ground-level ozone pollution for southern sections of Fairfield and New Haven Counties today, and all of Fairfield, New Haven, Middlesex, and New London Counties on Wednesday. 

A forecast of “Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups” indicates increased likelihood of respiratory symptoms and breathing discomfort in active children and adults with respiratory disease, such as asthma and the elderly.  

“Forecasters are predicting the hottest weather of the summer yet, so everyone should take simple precautions when high temperatures combined with poor air quality is expected,” Commissioner Rob Klee said.  

“If you are outside at work or at play, be sure to drink plenty of water and get to an air conditioned room if you need to cool down and catch your breath.” 

Health Effects of Air Pollution

Unhealthy concentrations of ground level ozone can cause or make worse a variety of respiratory and other health problems including breathing difficulty, coughing, and throat irritation and worsen asthma episodes. 

Anyone can be affected by ozone; particularly sensitive groups that include children, elderly, people with respiratory disease, such as asthma, and even healthy adults who are very active outdoors.  

Ground level or "bad" ozone primarily occurs during very warm summer days. Strong sunshine causes chemical reactions of air pollutants emitted from motor vehicles, power plants and industry and household activities, forming ozone. 

Warmer weather can bring high levels of ground level ozone (O3) and fine particulate matter (PM2.5). These two air pollutants pose serious health risks – especially to young children, elderly, adults who are active outdoors, and people with existing respiratory disease.

Weather Summary

A light southwesterly flow of very warm humid air will dominate our weather over the next few days. Ample sunshine on both Tuesday and Wednesday with light southwesterly winds will transport elevated levels of ozone from upwind air pollution sources into Connecticut.  

In addition to transported air pollution, our “home grown” pollution will be intensified by the combination of strong July sunlight and temperatures in the low 90’s.  These conditions are expected to persist through Wednesday.  An approaching cool front will reach the state late Thursday bringing some clouds into the region which will reduce high concentrations of ground level ozone on Thursday. 

What You Can Do to Help

When air pollution levels are predicted to be “unhealthy for sensitive groups” DEEP recommends:

Conserving electricity by setting air conditioners to 78^o;

“Wait ‘til 8” to use energy intensive appliances like washing machines, dryers and dishwashers;

Driving less by carpooling, vanpooling or using public transit;

Telecommuting if possible;

Refueling your vehicle after dusk and never idling a vehicle unnecessarily;

We also need long term actions to get to the root of our air pollution problem in the United States. 

DEEP recommends you also consider these long term energy reducing strategies:

Make your home or business as energy efficient as possible – this drives down air pollution and puts money back in your pocket; 

Cars and trucks cause over half our air pollution, so consider driving an electric vehicle; and

Consider investing in renewable energy like solar electric. 

There are several ways to stay connected and access the daily AQI forecast and real-time air quality data:

Follow us on Twitter  

Sign up to get Air-Quality alerts through Enviroflash

Visit DEEP’s AQI webpage or call 800-249-1234 

Go to EPA’s AIRNow web page

Ozone Monitoring Season

DEEP monitors, tracks and forecasts daily air quality levels across Connecticut for ozone from May 1 through Sept. 30 each year and for fine particulate matter (PM_2.5) each day of the year. On April 30, 2015, DEEP began informing Connecticut’s regulated community and the general public of the ozone season via the State of Connecticut E-mail list serve and posting air quality forecasts on the DEEP web page, available here.  

DEEP encourages daycare providers, summer camps and elder/senior centers to subscribe to the AQI.  Subscribing to the AQI is fast and easy and will provide you with important information each day about Connecticut’s air quality through the spring and summer.  

The AQI link provides facts and information regarding ground-level ozone, its’ health effects, what today on high ozone day, and most importantly what you can do to help reduce ground level ozone in your backyard.

This is a press release from the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection. 

Renovations under way at St. Vincent de Paul shop, food pantry in Derby

John Soloman, left, works on upgrading the electrical system at St. Vincent de Paul Helping Hands of the Valley in Derby. With him is Ed Twarog, a member of the nonprofit's board of directors' building committee who is overseeing electrical work on a major renovation project at the 237 Roosevelt Drive location.

Please check out my story on the building expansion in the Valley Independent Sentinel.

Derby Library to host chess club, movies, career forum for teens

DERBY - The Derby Public Library Chess Club invites all young adults ages 12 to 17 to “Open Chess Call” from 6:30-7:30 p.m. Mondays in August.
All skill levels are welcome. 

This program is part of the DPL 2015 “Unmask” Teen Summer Reading Club. 
Registration is requested. 

Movie Matinee

The Derby Public Library hosts Superhero Movie Matinee for ages 12 to 17 from 3-5 p.m. Aug. 4. 
Light refreshments will be provided. This program is part of the DPL 2015 “Unmask” Teen Summer Reading Club. Registration is requested. 

YA Wednesdays

The Derby Public Library hosts “YA Wednesdays” on Aug. 5 and 12, from 6-7:30 p.m. All young adults ages 12 to 17 are invited to a variety of activities, Teen Game Night combined with Lego Construction Project, and Scrabble Tournament. 
Light refreshments will be provided. 
This program is part of the DPL 2015 “Unmask” Teen Summer Reading Club.
Registration is requested. 

Teen Career Forum

The Derby Public Library hosts a Teen Career Forum for young adults ages 12 to 17, from 3-4:30 p.m. Aug. 11. Participants will explore and discuss their strengths and ambitions to formulate a realistic career path. 
This program is part of the DPL 2015 “Unmask” Teen Summer Reading Club. 

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


This is a press release from Tony DeLos, young adult librarian, Derby Public Library.

Meet special canines at Kellogg Environmental Center in Derby

National Service Dog Day slated Aug. 1 
DERBY - Celebrate National Service Dog Day at 10 a.m. Aug. 1 at Kellogg Environmental Center, 500 Hawthorne Ave.
Join others to meet some dogs involved in private and public service.

Canine skills and training are unique for their service and we encourage all ages to come and learn what it takes for a dog to learn these skills. 
We will spotlight many organizations and individuals involved in the training and learn about new opportunities for your involvement.

Dogs are our best friends and have been working with people for centuries. Canines provide many services for people. Besides protection or searching skills, dogs help us to learn to read, assist those with physical limitations and still others provide company for many people in nursing homes or hospitals. 

A variety of handlers will be present with their dogs to explain their specialized service and training.

We invite families and individuals to come and learn more about the training and special talents these dogs provide every day. This program is open to all ages but please do not bring your dogs to the program.

Representatives from the Department of Energy & Environmental Protection K-9 teams, Pet Partners, Eyes for the Blind, State Police K-9, search and rescue teams and many therapy and assistance dogs will be on the ground of the Kellogg Center.

No registration is necessary; the program is free. If possible, bring a donation of dog food for a local shelter.

For information, directions, or to register call 203-734-2513 or email donna.kingston@ct.gov.

This is a press release from DEEP. 

Master's Table to offer dinner, movie in Ansonia

25th anniversary of Americans with Disabilities Act celebrated in West Haven

West Haven Mayor Edward M. O'Brien, standing fourth from left, celebrated the 25th anniversary of the ADA Thursday with staff and members of the Center for Disability Rights and the West Haven Community House. The event at Savin Rock Conference Center featured a picnic, adaptive bicycle demonstrations, and live entertainment. 

Improv classes slated today in Derby

Sharing from Sterling Lion Theater Company's Facebook page:

DERBY - The Sterling Lion Theater Company kicks off its inaugural season at 7 p.m. today with free improvisation classes at the Valley Arts Council's Valley Center of the Arts, 119 Caroline St.

Did you know improvisation classes are used by many corporations to promote quick and creative thinking? Did you also know that improv is a lot of fun?

Come and sharpen your skills, learn some new techniques, or just have a few laughs with the Valley’s newest theater group! (Recommended age 16+) 

For more information, please e-mail: Info@Sterlinglion.org.

Teens get taste of police work in Seymour

Contributed photo

Local teens took part in a Youth Academy last week at Seymour Police headquarters. The department's newly trained canine, Sage, a German shepherd, is in the front row with her handler, Police Officer John Oczkowski. 

Wesley Village in Shelton offers family-oriented environment

Pictured from left, Jackie Santagata (Kelly’s mom), Karly Coppola (Kelly’s daughter) with a photo of Claire Byle (Kelly’s late grandmother), and Kelly Coppola./ Contributed photo

SHELTON - Walk in the doors of any community at Wesley Village and after a few conversations, you can easily uncover dozens of unique stories about how residents, family members, staff, and volunteers became connected with the senior care campus.  
Wesley Village, at 580 Long Hill Ave., has been connecting families with high quality senior living options and healthcare services for over 125 years. 

Through each decade, those connections have grown in many ways, beyond simply finding mom or dad a place to live when they can’t live alone anymore. A current employee recently shared her story of how Wesley Village connected her family.

Kelly Coppola works as a receptionist at Crosby Commons, the award-winning independent and assisted living community at Wesley Village. Before taking the full-time receptionist position at Crosby, Kelly was a familiar face around the campus and worked as a Recreation Director at the neighboring community of Wesley Heights. Her career took her on a few different paths since then, but she is thrilled to be back at the campus, now working at Crosby. 
After seven months in this position, Kelly has not only made many helpful changes to the reception area, but was also recently recognized with the Outstanding Resident Service award from the Connecticut Assisted Living Association. 
A great asset to the community, she is also surprisingly part of four generations with connections to Wesley Village.

Kelly’s grandmother was Claire Byle, a New Jersey native who moved to Connecticut to be closer to her family when her health began to fail. Not wanting to be a “burden” to her family, she chose not to move in with her children and fell in love with the senior living options at Wesley Village, moving in to their Wesley Heights community in 2003. Claire loved the community and continued to enjoy life as a resident for about two years, before moving to Bishop Wicke Health and Rehabilitation Center (at Wesley Village) for more skilled care. Sadly, Claire passed away in February of 2005, but left quite an impression on the community and the many friends she left behind.

Kelly’s mom, Jackie Santagata, was thrilled to have found a community close to home where her mom, Claire, could live in safety and security and continue to enjoy things that were important to her. Jackie loved being able to maintain a mother-daughter relationship with her mom, without having to feel overwhelmed by caregiving responsibilities. She was also so impressed with the campus that she chose to become a registered volunteer. Jackie now actively volunteers with the Wesley Village Prayer Shawl Ministry and the new Music and Memory program, which the campus will be piloting at its Lifestyle Transitions Memory Care neighborhood this summer.

In addition to her mom and grandmother, Kelly’s daughter, Karly also joined the Wesley Village team in 2008 as a registered volunteer.  
Karly is a sophomore Psychology Major at Sacred Heart University in Fairfield, studying Special Education. For the past seven years, Karly has volunteered in a variety of capacities at Wesley Village, serving residents and supporting staff by providing clerical and computer support, and assistance in our Recreation and Dining Services departments. 

To learn more about the many ways Wesley Village is connecting with families like Kelly’s to provide a continuum of award-winning care and services for their loved one(s), visit www.wesleyvillage-ct.org. 

The Wesley Village Campus includes: Crosby Commons Assisted and Independent Living Community, Wesley Heights Assisted and Independent Living Apartments and Cottages, Lifestyle Transitions Memory Care, and Bishop Wicke Health and Rehabilitation Center. The campus is owned and operated by UMH, a local, mission-based, not-for-profit organization serving all members of the community. 

To schedule a tour at any of their communities, contact Lisa Bisson, 203-225-5024. 

For more information about volunteer opportunities at Wesley Village, contact Barbara Quinn, 203-944-8292.  


This is a press release from United Methodist Homes.

Learn about snakes, see puppet show, movie, more at Ansonia Nature Center

Programs planned in August
BACK TO BASICS: Natural Dyes – Aug. 1, 10 a.m. Join fiber artists Dawn Sotir and Jody Bishel to learn how to produce beautiful and sometimes surprising shades to dye your fiber using plants. They will take you for a short walk to identify plants in our area that may be used, and demonstrate their color dyeing techniques inside. Tuition: $8 per person for materials and supplies. Please register.

SNAKES OF CONNECTICUT – Aug. 1, 1 p.m. Meet some of nature’s most important predators up close and personal! Discover how they eat, what’s inside those long, skinny bodies, and how invasive species impact the natives. Ranger Jess will show us some of our indigenous snakes. Free. Please pre-register.

ENTERTAINER CHRIS ROWLANDS: Puppeteer and Singer – Aug. 7, 7 p.m. Come see Chris Rowlands, who’s famous for getting everyone involved. He brings animals to life through his music, comedy, puppets, and colorful props. Sing along as he shares his songs about animals and their environment. 

Please register for this free interactive presentation.

ROCKS IN SPACE: Perseid Meteor Showers – Aug. 8, 8 p.m. Come to Ansonia’s darkest location for some unusual night sky viewing with Bob Carruthers and the New Haven Astronomical Society. In addition to a chance to see the annual meteor showers (and touch a real meteor!), lunar rays—glass ejecta from the moon’s meteor craters—and Saturn will be visible if we have clear skies. Telescopes will be available. Meet at picnic pavilion #2. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Free. Please register.

FAMILY MOVIE NIGHT: Hoot – Aug. 14, 6:30 p.m. Hoot is a film about three middle school children who try to save a burrowing owl habitat from being bulldozed by a developer who intends to turn the site into a pancake house. The children successfully protect the owl habitat, making this a great movie to prove the point that children can make a difference. Jimmy Buffett fans will be pleased to learn that he composed the soundtrack for Hoot. The movie is free; you can buy popcorn and lemonade for $1. 

Please register.

AMAZING WORLD OF ARTHROPODS WITH JAMES TULLY - Aug. 15, 1 p.m. Meet some of James’s amazing arthropods. He will teach us all about animals that have an external skeleton (called an exoskeleton), segmented bodies, and jointed legs. Come up close to real live scorpions, tarantulas, and our resident Walking Sticks. 

Please call to register for this free event.

For information or to register, call 203-736-1053.


This is a press release from the Ansonia Nature and Recreation Center,10 Deerfield Road.

Reminder: Ansonia's town-wide tag sale is today

ANSONIA - A town wide tag sale will be held from 9 a.m.-2 p.m. today. 

This map shows the location of the 26 houses where tag sales are planned.

Career Coach to visit Derby Public Library

DERBY - The American Job Search Career Coach returns to the Derby Public Library from 

10 a.m.-3 p.m. Aug. 21. 

During both the morning session, 10 a.m.-noon, and the afternoon session, 1-3 p.m., instructors will be offering the class, Create a Great Resume.

Participants must attend a full session.  
The classes are free and open to the public.

Registration is requested but walk-ins will be welcomed on a first come, first served basis.

The American Job Search Career Coach is operated by Career Resources.  

For more information, stop by the Library, 313 Elizabeth St., call 203-736-1482 or visit 

www.derbypubliclibrary.org. 

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

Boys & Girls Club to host annual golf tourney in Stratford

STRATFORD - The Boys & Girls Club of the Lower Naugatuck Valley will host its annual John “Red” Larsen Golf Classic Aug. 31 at Oronoque Country Club in Stratford. 

Curtiss Ryan Honda of Shelton is once again the Hole-in-One Sponsor, and Hot Tamale Mexican Grill & Bar of Seymour is our Skill Prize Sponsor.

For detailed information and a registration or sponsorship form, visit www.BGC-LNV.org. 

The tournament will have an 11 a.m. registration and lunch, followed by a 12 pm shotgun start. Entry fee of $200 per golfer includes 18 holes of golf and cart, driving range, buffet lunch, refreshments on the course, social hour with open bar and dinner (after golf), and tournament gift. A raffle, as well as live and silent auctions will also be available.

Entries should include names, handicaps, and contact email or phone number sent to John “Red” Larsen Golf Classic, Boys & Girls Club LNV, One Positive Place, Shelton, CT 06484. Checks should be made payable to the Boys & Girls Club LNV. 

Anyone wishing to become a sponsor, purchase a tee sign, or donate an auction item should contact John Schaible of SCHUTZ Dental Group, 203-922-1484, or Ann Wheeler,203-924-7462, AnnWheeler@BGC-LNV.org.

Gold Tournament Sponsorships of $2,500 include a foursome of golf, tee sign, recognition at the awards dinner, inclusion in press releases, and a full-page ad in the tournament program. Silver Sponsorships of $1,500 include a foursome of golf, 3/4-page ad in the program, and sign. Beverage Cart Sponsors of $1,000 receive ½-page ad in the program, a large sign on the beverage cart, and a tee sign. Bronze Sponsors of $1,200 receive a ½-page ad in the program, tee sign, and foursome of golf. Green Sponsors of $500 receive a ½-page ad in the program and a tee sign. Tee Sponsors of $125 receive a listing in the tournament program and tee sign. Deadline for sponsorships is Aug. 3. 

The Boys & Girls Club Golf Classic, which has run 43 consecutive years since 1972, is dedicated to John “Red” Larsen. Red participated in almost every tournament and was Chairman for more than half. It was common to see Red stuffing “tee-favor bags” on Sunday night or putting out sponsor signs in the morning mist. His love for children and his dedication to our Boys & Girls Club were rivaled only by his love for his family and the game of golf. 

The Boys & Girls Club of the Lower Naugatuck Valley has been changing the lives of young people in our area for 60 years. With programs ranging from homework assistance to nutrition to sports, we help all young people to reach their full potential, but especially those from disadvantaged circumstances. 
Proceeds from this golf classic will help provide services regardless of a family’s ability to pay.   

For more information about the Boys & Girls Club of the Lower Naugatuck Valley, visit www.BGC-LNV.org.


This is a press release from the club.

School in Derby accepting applications

DERBY - St. Mary-St. Michael School, 14 Seymour Ave., is accepting applications for enrollment for all grades, from Kindergarten through Grade 8.

Please call the school office to make an appointment with Linda Coppola, the principal, at 203-735-6471 or e-mail lcoppola@stmarystmichael.org.

St. Mary-St. Michael School offers: low student/teacher ratio, a safe learning environment, Catholic identity, a rigorous academic program, Spanish, soccer, basketball, softball and volleyball, drama club, art enrichment, and a Before and After School Program.


This is a press release from the school.

Church in Seymour to host BBQ dinner in August

SEYMOUR - A chicken or ribs barbecue dinner will be held 4-7 p.m. Aug. 8 at Great Hill United Methodist Church, 225 Great Hill Road.

The menu will include choice of chicken or ribs, cole slaw, baked beans, dessert, and beverage.

The price per dinner for adults is $12 and $6 for children (8 and younger).

Take-out meals also will be available.

Reservations are suggested.

For additional information and/or reservations, contact Bob DeBisschop, 203-888-4159 or 203-906-2958.

Griffin in Derby to host presentation on aging

Griffin Hospital will host 50 Fabulous Things about Aging, a fun and informative discussion about the positive aspects of aging, on Aug. 6. / Contributed photo

DERBY - Griffin Hospital, 130 Division St., is encouraging seniors to take pride in their age with a free presentation that celebrates aging at 5:30 p.m. Aug 6.

Join Dr. Beverly Kidder, of the Agency on Aging of South Central Connecticut, for “50 Fabulous Things about Aging,” a fun and informative discussion about the positive aspects of aging, some of the benefits and opportunities aging provides, and how to embrace getting older.

This presentation is sponsored by the Valley Senior Services Council and is funded by the United Way and TEAM, Inc.

Dinner will be served prior to the talk compliments of Griffin Hospital Lifeline.

To register or for more information, call 203-732-1511 or visit the events calendar at griffinhealth.org.

This is a press release from Griffin Hospital.

The Bernadettes bring music, love to downtown Ansonia

ANSONIA - The Bernadettes gave a fabulous performance Wednesday at Veterans Memorial Park as part of the city's summer concert series. 
Here Bryan Kearney sings 'Happy Birthday' to Ansonia native Elise Zarrilli, sister of Ansonia resident Judy Nicolari.
Zarrilli, who lives in Massachusetts, was celebrating her 85th birthday Wednesday, and Kearney led the audience in song.

I'd say Elise enjoyed her special day! 

Reminder: ADA anniversary celebration is today in West Haven

WEST HAVEN - Today is the day for a flag-raising ceremony and celebration to mark the 25th anniversary of the passage of the Americans With Disabilities Act.

The event starts at 5 p.m. at Savin Rock Conference Center, 6 Rock St.

It is sponsored by the Americans with Disabilities Act Coalition of Connecticut (ADACC). 

The ADA was signed into law in 1990 by former President George H.W. Bush.

The landmark legislation prohibits discrimination against the disabled and affords them the same opportunities available to those who are not living with a disability. 

Mayor Edward M. O’Brien will read a proclamation and participate in a flag-raising ceremony at 6:30 p.m. outside the conference center.

O’Brien said, “One in five people in the United States has disabilities and that number is constantly increasing from age, accidents, or even combat.

“As a result, the Americans with Disabilities Act is ever more important. It was passed almost unanimously by Congress and signed by President George H.W. Bush on July 26, 1990. Today marks 25 years commemorating the rights established for disabled individuals providing them with everything from transportation, communication, medical diagnostic equipment and information technology. It pleases me to see that such an effective act is still in existence today.”

Marc Anthony Gallucci, executive director, Center for Disability Rights, also will speak at the event. 

He said, “This 25th anniversary is a great opportunity to celebrate the positive impact that the Americans with Disabilities Act has had in the lives of millions of persons with disabilities.”

Keri McLaughlin, program manager, Community Connections, part of the nonprofit West Haven Community House, said the ADA “has been a tremendous help” to her clients in getting a job and maintaining it. 

She said after ADA was enacted society has shown more “tolerance and acceptance” of those with disabilities. 

The West Haven Community House website says the organization

“exists to facilitate healthy, productive, independent and meaningful lives for children, adolescents and families, and individuals with disabilities.”

Thursday’s festivities will include an interactive educational exhibit about the ADA, and members of the public will get a chance to try out an adaptive, recumbent bicycle, Gallucci said. 

An acoustic duo will entertain from 5-7 p.m., followed by a rock band performing from 7-8 p.m., he said.

There will be balloons for children and Gallucci said the public is invited to celebrate and enjoy anniversary cake with CDR staff and members and event collaborators.

In addition to CDR the following collaborators are working to make the event a success: West Haven Community House’s Community Connections, City of West Haven, City of Milford & Concerned Citizens for People with Disabilities, Inc., Agency on Aging, and Bodie’s Place of Milford.

TEAM to celebrate 50th anniversary at gala in Orange

ORANGE - Derby-based TEAM, Inc. will celebrate its 50th Anniversary with a gala starting at 6 p.m. Oct. 3 at Race Brook Country Club, 246 Derby Ave.

Honorary chairperson is U.S. Rep. Rosa L. DeLauro, D-New Haven, and chairperson is Lynn Kieley.

Cost is $100 per person; cash bar. 

Dinner will be followed by dancing to the sounds of The Bernadettes from 7-11 p.m.

Marquee sponsor is Pitney Bowes.

Stay tuned for further information! 

'Drive-in' movie scheduled Saturday in Shelton

SHELTON -The Shelton Youth Service Bureau will sponsor a free showing of "Big Hero 6," at a “drive-in” movie event at 8:30 p.m. Saturday at Veterans Memorial Park, 38 Canal St. East.

The site is near the Shelton Riverwalk.

Movies start about 8:30 p.m. Bring your own refreshments (no alcohol, please), seating, and bug spray.

All movies are rated PG.


This information is shared from an online community calendar sponsored by The Community Foundation for Greater New Haven and the New Haven Independent.

Derby mayor promotes energy-saving initiative

DERBY - Mayor Anita Dugatto has joined with United Illuminating Co. and Home Depot to urge residents to participate in the 'Great Light Bulb Exchange' from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturday at Home Depot, 117 Main St.

The goal is to promote energy efficiency.

Read the full story here by New Haven Register correspondent Jean Falbo-Sosnovich.

Saving energy and money is a win-win situation for everyone. 
Kudos go to Mayor Dugatto on her initiative!

Map for Ansonia's tag sale shared

ANSONIA - A town wide tag sale will be held from 9 a.m.- 2 p.m. Saturday. 
This map shows the location of the 26 houses where tag sales are planned.

'Peter Pan' to soar into Shelton High School

Sharing this from the Youth CONNection's Facebook page:

SHELTON - The Youth CONNection theater troupe kicks off its new season with the classic musical, "Peter Pan," made famous by the likes of Mary Martin, Sandy Duncan, and Cathy Rigby. 

Here is all the charm of J.M. Barrie's Peter Pan, Tinker Bell, the children, Wendy, Michael and John, Captain Hook, pirates and Indians, embellished with show-stopping songs, "Never Never Land," "I Won't Grow Up," and "I'm Flying."

Fly with Peter and Wendy on a magical adventure to Neverland and back, from the safety of the Darlings’ nursery to the underground home of the Lost Boys, the Indians’ encampment, the Mermaid’s lagoon (home of the ticking crocodile) and the pirate ship captained by the dastardly Captain Hook and his fearsome crew! 

"Peter Pan" is the perfect show for the child in all of us who dreamed of soaring high and never growing up.

Performances will be Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m. July 24-Aug. 1 and at 2 p.m. Aug. 1 at Shelton High School, 120 Meadow St.

Get your tickets today at www.centerstageshelton.org.

I'm sure this will be another wonderful production presented by the talented members of the Scarpas' Youth CONNection!

Derby Library staffer to answer tech questions

DERBY - The Derby Public Library offers monthly Tech Time sessions.  

Every third Wednesday of the month at 6:30 p.m. and every third Thursday of the month at 10 a.m. a staff member will be on hand to answer all your tech-related questions and concerns.

Whether you are having trouble downloading e-books, searching databases, completing

online job applications, scanning/sending documents and photos, etc. your problems will be addressed. 

The August sessions will be held at 6:30 p.m. Aug. 19 and at 10 a.m. Aug. 20.

No registration is needed.  

For more 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.