Workshop at Shelton Senior Center to focus on avoiding fraud

* Sharing this from the Valley Council for Health and Human Services' Facebook page.


Learn more about the AARP Fraud Watch Network by clicking here.

VSAAC to present community awards at conference in New Haven

NEW HAVEN - The Greater Valley Substance Abuse Action Council will host its 25^th Anniversary A Piece of the Prevention Puzzle Conference from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sept. 24 at Anthony’s Ocean View, 450 Lighthouse Road.

This year’s conference focuses on Internet safety, emotional intelligence, and prescription pill and heroin use. 

Participants will learn practical tools and skills from nationally recognized experts. 
The cost of the workshop is $75. Continental breakfast and deli lunch are included and continuing education and training credits are available.

Theresa Conroy

Carol Cruz

The conference will also feature VSAAC’s 2015 Community Champion Awards. 

The awards are given to those in the community who take action and effect change in the field of substance abuse prevention and/or intervention activities.

The awards spotlight and applaud the work that is being done to help prevent substance abuse on the grass-roots, community level. 
It is work that is absolutely critical to VSAAC’s efforts to keep our kids safe from alcohol, tobacco, drug use, suicide, risky behaviors, and promote good mental health in the Lower Naugatuck Valley, Greater New Haven and surrounding communities.

This year’s Community Champions include Carol Cruz, CCAR Project Manager for the Young Adult and Families Program; Jeffrey Nielsen, Sergeant, Milford Police Department; Theresa Conroy, State Representative, APRN for Minute Clinic and Pina Violano, Injury Prevention Coordinator, Yale-New Haven Hospital.

Jeffrey Nielsen

Pina Violano

For more information or to register, visit www.vsaac.org

This is a press release from VSAAC, a program of BHcare. 

VSAAC is a public/private partnership comprised of community leaders and citizens who develop and carry out strategies to reduce alcohol, tobacco, drug use, suicide, risky behaviors, and promote good mental health among youth and, over time, among adults through community education, community mobilization, public awareness, and advocacy in the Lower Naugatuck Valley, Greater New Haven and surrounding communities. 

Griffin in Derby to host talks about diabetes management

DERBY - The Diabetes Education & Support Group at Griffin Hospital will host two free discussions about understanding the long-term complications with diabetes and how to manage them Sept. 8 at Griffin Hospital, 130 Division St.

Mary Swansiger, BSN, MPH, of Griffin’s Community Outreach and Valley Parish Nurse Program, will present “Continuing Your Journey with Diabetes” at 2:30 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. in the hospital’s Childbirth Classroom A. 

This in-depth discussion of diabetes and its natural course will focus on understanding the difficulties of keeping blood glucose within the target range, the potential long-term complications of diabetes, how to delay or reduce the risks of long-term complications by managing blood glucose, the importance of checking for long-term complications, and knowing the “ABCs” of diabetes.

The Diabetes Education & Support Group meets September - June on the second Tuesday of each month to discuss the management of diabetes, its challenges and day-to-day dietary concerns.

All diabetics and their families are welcome to attend. No registration is required. 
Free valet parking is available for the 2:30 p.m. session. 

For more information, call Swansiger, 203-732-1137.

This is a press release from Griffin Hospital.

AARP Driver Safety Class slated at Derby Public Library

DERBY - The Derby Public Library has scheduled an AARP Driver Safety Class from 9:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Sept. 22.

Cost is $15 for AARP members and $20 for non-members.  

Cars have changed and so have traffic rules, 

driving conditions, and the roads you travel. This refresher course is designed for drivers 50 and over to brush up on their driving skills.  
No written tests, no road tests, and no information

will be given to the Department of Motor Vehicles.  

Participants will learn how to drive more defensively and may save up to 10 percent on their present auto liability insurance.

Space is limited and registration is required.  Participants may bring a bag lunch.

Coffee and dessert will be provided.  

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

www.derbypubliclibrary.org. 

Musicians to perform at Master's Table dinner in Ansonia

Seymour Pink celebrates shop's first year

Seymour Pink Gift Shop volunteer Peggy Carvalho of Seymour snaps a photo of two happy customers Sunday at a celebration to mark the shop's first year in business. 

Do yourself a favor and visit the store at 3 Franklin St., Seymour. You won't be disappointed! 

All proceeds benefit Seymour Pink, Inc., a community's fight against breast cancer. 

The shop sells shirts, caps, scarves, pajama pants, fleece jackets, stationery, home decor, mugs, jewelry, and more. 

I purchased an anniversary bracelet created by Ansonia resident Alyssa Antonucci, owner of Beads by Alyssa. The awareness ribbon says HOPE.

For more information, please check out my story in the Valley Independent Sentinel about last September's grand opening.

Seymour Pink marking 1st anniversary of shop

The celebration continues until 4 p.m. today

'Superheroes' visit Ansonia park, residents enjoy movie

It was perfect weather Friday evening for Ansonia's first outdoor movie event at Veterans Park. Residents of all ages enjoyed a free showing of Marvel's 'The Avengers.'

   First up was a 'Tom and Jerry' cartoon.

   The main event, Marvel's 2012 blockbuster, 'The Avengers.'

Ansonia Mayor David S. Cassetti holds Captain America's shield. Several 'superheroes' surround Cassetti before the show. 

(Sharing this photo from the City of Ansonia Facebook page.)

It was a fun evening! Thanks go out to the organizers!

Looking forward to the next outdoor movie.

4th annual cut-a-thon to benefit Seymour Pink

Seymour Pink is a community's fight against breast cancer.

Career Coach to visit Derby Public Library

UPDATE: Event cancelled, per online community calendar information.

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

from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Sept. 11. 

During both the morning session, 10 a.m.-noon, and the afternoon session, 1-3 p.m.,

instructors will be offering the class, Using Social Networking in Your Job Search.

Both sessions will explain very useful tools that job seekers need today.  

Social networking has become one of the most popular ways of landing your next “big” job by creating useful connections online.  These connections make it easier to look for a job on-line through your created network.

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.

Derby Neck Library to host games, music, movie, more

Derby Neck Library

DERBY - The Derby Neck Library, 307 Hawthorne Ave. has announced a variety of September programs.

Smash Club!
The Library presents the first meeting of the Smash Club! for teens and tweens. Come play exciting games on our Nintendo Wii U just for fun, not for competition, from 2-4 p.m. Sept. 3. 

Featured will be the Super Smash Brothers and other newly released games. Bring a friend and enhance your skills.

Dinner and a Movie
At 5:30 p.m. Sept. 3 the Library hosts Dinner and a Movie for ages 18 and older. Come enjoy this month’s feature film, “Mad Max” shown in high definition blu-ray on our large screen. 

A free dinner is served at intermission and free movie-style refreshments are also available during the show.

Tech Talks
At 6 p.m. Sept. 14 and again at 10:30 a.m. Sept. 16, the Library will hold Tech Talks, an ongoing monthly program that offers advice and some training on how to best use the technology in your life. 

Topics vary each month; please call the library for this month’s featured talk. Feel free to bring your questions to this session as well.

Music and Movement
The Library presents Miss Kathi in Bedtime Music and Movement at 6:30 p.m. Sept. 16. Come dance and sing under our indoor stars. Those attending may wish to wear pajamas and bring along a favorite stuffed animal.

Women's Forum
The Library hosts Women’s Forum, a monthly lunch group that discusses literature, mainly short stories, at 12:30 p.m. Sept. 21.

This month’s stories are “Me and Big Foot” by Jill McCorkle” and “The Last Few Kilometres” by Leonid Tsypkin; copies of the stories are available at the library. Bring a light lunch if you wish, we serve free coffee and tea.

Advanced Care Planning
At 6:30 p.m. Sept. 22, the Library presents a free session on “Advanced Care Planning (ACP)” lead by Daun Barrett, Director of Community Outreach and Parish Nursing at Griffin Hospital. Learn all the details of the process of planning for future medical decisions. 

This method reduces the stress and confusion of making medical decisions in crisis situations.

Evening Book Club
The Library hosts the Evening Book Club at 6:30 p.m. Sept. 28. This group meets monthly, on the final Monday, to discuss shorter books of fiction, memoir, or non-fiction, including inspirational themes. Each discussion is both stimulating and informative. 

Free copies of the books are available at the library; this month we focus on “The Actual” by Saul Bellow.

For information on any program call 203-734-1492.

This is a press release from Patricia Sweeney, reference librarian, Derby Neck Library.

DEEP: Fewer lifeguards at state swimming areas

Connecticut’s Department of Energy and Environmental Protection today reminded state park visitors that the number of lifeguards at state park swimming areas will be significantly reduced as the end of the summer swimming season fast approaches. 

At this time of year, many lifeguards leave their positions to return to school, but the DEEP maintains coverage wherever possible through Labor Day weekend.  
After Labor Day, Sept. 7, there will be no lifeguards on duty at any of Connecticut’s state park swimming areas.

"With the last summer days of swimming fast approaching, the DEEP encourages everyone to enjoy the outdoors, and use sound judgment when swimming at Connecticut’s state park beaches,” said DEEP Deputy Commissioner Susan Whalen. 
"With a reduced number of lifeguards on duty as the summer winds down, remember to stay within designated swimming areas, parents watch your children, and don't drink alcohol then swim." 

Weekday Coverage, Aug. 26-Sept. 4

Most of the state park swimming areas are unguarded weekdays from now through Labor Day. Swim areas will be posted with signs where there are no lifeguards on duty. 

Weekends and Holidays

Lifeguards will be on duty at the following state parks this weekend and Labor Day Weekend:

Hammonasset Beach State Park, Madison-East Beach

Squantz Pond State Park, New Fairfield

During the summer season, DEEP maintains lifeguards at the following eight state park designated swimming areas:

Hammonasset Beach– Madison

Rocky Neck – East Lyme

Sherwood Island – Westport

Silver Sands – Milford

Black Rock – Watertown

Burr Pond – Torrington

Indian Well – Shelton

Squantz Pond – New Fairfield


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

Ansonia Cultural Commission posts upcoming events

Ansonia to host free movie Friday

Derby educators hold convocation, unveil high school 'redesign'

Derby Mayor Anita Dugatto addresses educators Monday at Derby Public Schools' convocation in the Derby High School gym.

Please click here to read my story in the Valley Independent Sentinel about the event and about the recently completed 'redesign' at the high school.

Wednesday was the first day of school in the district. 

Children's book clubs, movie planned at Seymour Library

SEYMOUR - The Seymour Public Library will host the following activities in September:

9/3 -  4 p.m. – StoryKids’ Book Club for K-Grade 2 . Book talks, craft and a snack  -  Child must have some reading ability.

9/9 -  4 p.m. – Nutmeggers’ Book Club for Grade 5 and up. Book talks, craft and a snack - features the Intermediate Nutmeg Nominees.

9/10 – 4 p.m. – BookChatters’ Book Club for Grade 2-4.  - Book talks, craft and a snack - features the Magic Tree House Series. 

9/16, 23, 30 –  10:30 a.m. – Morning Mini Movies for preschoolers.  We read a classic children’s book and show its movie version.  Child must be able to sit and listen.

9/22 – 10:30  a.m. – Lynn Lewis - Music and Movement for ages 0-6.  A fun time for all!

All programs are free, fun, and formative!

Some programs have limited enrollment; registration is required for all.

For information call 203-888-3903, visit us on Facebook, or visit us at                  

www.seymourpubliclibrary.org


This is a press release from Ann Szaley, children's librarian. 

Re-posting: Dinner tonight to support 2 Ansonia families

Nyah Marcano and Leah Rondon / Shared from Prendergast PTO Facebook page

ANSONIA – A ziti dinner fundraiser and a balloon fundraiser will be held to support the families of two six-year old children, who lost their lives in car accidents a week ago. 

Nyah Marcano, a Prendergast student, and Leah Rondon, a Mead student, were about to enter first grade Thursday, the first day of the 2015-16 school year.

The ziti dinner fundraiser will be held at Ansonia High School on Thursday. There will be three waves of dinner times: 4 p.m.; 5:30 p.m. and 7 p.m. 

Volunteers from Ansonia Public Schools, the Ansonia Fire Department, the Ansonia Police Department, Ansonia Rescue Medical Services and other agencies will be assisting. 

Admission to the ziti dinner is $10 for adults; $5 for students; and free to children ages 6 and younger. 

A balloon fundraiser, “Ansonia Goes Blue for Nyah and Leah,” will be held this weekend as well. 

Mayor David S. Cassetti is providing a banner that will span Main Street, promoting this special remembrance. Anyone wishing to purchase a balloon for $5 will be asked to complete a form with their name and address and submit the form with their cash payment by this Friday, Aug. 28 to Mead or Prendergast School. Volunteers from Mead and Prendergast School and their parent-teacher organizations will fill the balloons and deliver them to the purchaser’s address on Saturday, Aug. 29. 

For purchasers who live outside of Ansonia, the balloons will be tied outside Mead and Prendergast School.  

Anyone wishing more information may call the schools: Mead School, 203-736-5090, and Prendergast School, 203-736-5080.

The Valley United Way will be serving as fiduciary for all funds that are raised.

This is a press release from Ansonia Public Schools.

Ansonia's pageant contestant wins hearts at market place, concert

Madison Greenlaw

Congratulations go out to Madison Greenlaw, 8, of Ansonia, for winning in the photogenic category at a pageant earlier this month in Stamford. She also won several trophies.

Last month I had the pleasure of meeting Madison and her mother, Samantha Greenlaw, above, at the Valley Market Place in Veterans Park next to Ansonia City Hall. 
At the time Madison was selling her artwork to fund her participation in the pageant. She returned Wednesday to the market place to show off her sash and meet her fans. 

Wishing this sweet young lady all the best in her future endeavors!

The R&B/Funk band All Funk'd Up rocked the park after the market place. All in all it was a fun evening to close out the Cultural Commission's summer concert series. 

Veterinarian recognized for 35 years' service to Valley

Seymour First Selectman W. Kurt Miller presents a plaque to Dr. Tara Nanavati during the Board of Selectmen meeting Aug. 18 in Town Hall./ Submitted photo

The towns of Seymour and Oxford recently congratulated Dr. Tara Nanavati for providing 35 years of service to the Valley community, and to its animals in need. 

The Seymour Board of Selectmen presented him with a plaque during the monthly meeting in Town Hall on Aug. 18, and a similar presentation took place the week prior in Oxford.

Nanavati opened a veterinary practice in 1980 when he converted a former hot dog stand on the Ansonia-Seymour line into a small veterinarian office. He promptly began rescuing animals in precarious situations: a dog stuck on an icy pond near the Naugatuck River in Seymour; an injured swan who had swallowed a fish hook and required surgery; and helping to save the life of a puppy named Amazing Grace, a victim of abuse. 

Dr. and Mrs. Nanavati

Just a few weeks ago, a kitchen fire severely damaged an Ansonia house, and the two dogs residing there needed a place to stay while their owners recovered for several days. They were taken to the Ansonia Animal Hospital and to Nanavati's care.

He has helped many of the region's animal shelters and animal control officers, run rabies clinics with proceeds donated to charitable causes, including St. Michael’s Church in Derby, the Methodist Church in Seymour after a devastating fire, the Woodbridge Dog Pound, and the Ansonia Nature and Recreation Center. 

During the last five years, Nanavati has taken on charitable work that extent well beyond the region. 
In 2010, he collected 3,000 pounds of medical supplies, clothing, bedsheets, shoes, and toiletries for the survivors of the recent earthquake in Haiti. 
The donations were picked up by the Haiti Relief Fund Inc. of Lynbrook, New York. In 2011, he followed up with a collection for the Japan Tsunami victims, and he helped with the settlement of Nepalese refugees in the region. 
In late August 2013, he completed another clothing and personal item collection to benefit the survivors of the Oklahoma tornadoes that killed 23 people and injured nearly 400 earlier that May. 
The Salvation Army of Hamden picked up more than 100 boxes and furniture that were donated and stored by Nanavati.

For Nanavati, the collections and donations bring an immense sense of satisfaction, since he knows what it is like to lose a home and live in a tent city: This happened when he was a child in India, and he still remembers the horrible living conditions. 
Like many immigrants, Nanavati left his native India for the United States young (30), eager to establish a practice, and nearly penniless ($100 in his pocket). He had studied veterinary medicine at the University of Udaipur in India, and continued his studies in Virginia while working for a veterinarian. He passed the state board exams in 1978, then began a one-year internship in Kentucky with another veterinarian.

In 1980, Nanavati settled in the Valley, opened his veterinarian practice, and returned to India to marry four years later, bringing his wife to America. 
In 1988, he opened the Ansonia Animal Hospital at 876 South Main St., Seymour.  Three years later, he renovated a house at 105 Oxford Road (Route 67) and opened a second animal hospital there. Nanavati now splits his time between the two busy offices.

Nanavati, an Orange resident, is joined at his practice these days by his wife, and Becky Mahon, a veterinary assistant who has been a staple at the animal hospital for nearly eight years. 
She said there are numerous adult cats and kittens available for adoption; call 203-735-9915 for more information. She said she has a soft spot for the cats and has taken home a few over the years, as well as provided foster homes for several cats and dogs. 
The Clinic Cats, a well-fed group of felines who found their way Nanavati - and to Becky - have never left.  

  

When asked what he plans to do, now that he has completed 35 years of service, Nanavati said he will try to make it to 40 years, since there is always an animal, and a community, in need.    

Contact Dr. Nanavati at 203-735-9915 (Ansonia Animal Hospital) or 203-888-9292 (Oxford Animal Hospital).


This information is taken from a press release.

  

Seymour Police raising funds for K-9 Unit

* Sharing this from the Office of First Selectman Kurt Miller's Facebook page.

Sharing more photos from Rock the Valley in Ansonia

Saturday was a perfect day for dunkin' Mayor Cassetti...

And for family fun, art, relaxing, and live music.

Games of skill with colorful prizes.

Bounce houses ready and waiting for the kids.

Meeting friends and neighbors, enjoying an end-of-summer get-together.

Talented Valley Arts Council members showed off their work.

And rockers rocked.

With fireworks serving as a fitting finale.

Congrats to all involved.

We're looking forward to next year's Rock the Valley!

Cassetti invites Ansonia Hilltop residents to block watch meeting

* Sharing from City of Ansonia Facebook page.

Local history, resume writing on tap at Derby Library

DERBY - The Derby Public Library holds weekly Local History Information Sessions 

from 6-7:30 p.m. Tuesdays and from 10 a.m.-noon Wednesdays.

During this time the Library’s Local History Coordinator offers information on monthly 

highlighted topics. 
The topic for September will be Derby Schools.  

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

Resume workshops

The Derby Public Library is now offering Resume Workshops on the first Wednesday of each month at 6:30 p.m.

During these sessions, participants are welcome to either start from scratch or bring

copies of their existing resumes, cover letters as well, for review and optimizing.  

Often a new resume can be created simply by making a number of subtle tweaks 

versus a whole new change. 
The next class will be held at 6:30 p.m. Sept. 2.  

Registration is not required.  

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.

Rock the Valley was a great day for Ansonia

ANSONIA - My husband, Ralph, created a slideshow featuring some of the highlights from Saturday's fun-filled event.

Please click on the video to get a taste of Rock the Valley.

Music provided by Monster Eats Pilot!

Apple recipes are topic of demo at Derby Public Library

DERBY - The Derby Public Library has scheduled a cooking demonstration at 6:30 p.m. Sept. 14.

The topic will be Savory Apple Recipes.  

While apples more commonly used for desserts, the fruit’s tart sweetness makes for a welcome surprise in savory dishes.

Just in time for apple season, Stacey Ference of Savour Catering will show participants how to make some of these

savory apple recipes.  
There will be samples of all demonstrated foods.

The class is for ages 18 years and older.  

Registration is required.  

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.

Derby Public Library hosts teen programs

DERBY - The Derby Public Library hosts YA Wednesdays every month from 6-7:30 p.m. All young adults ages 12 to 17 are invited to join the fun each Wednesday in September. 

Nintendo Wii, board games, and Legos will be available. 

Light refreshments will be provided. 

Chess Club

The Derby Public Library Teen Chess Club invites all young adults ages 12 to 17 to meetings Mondays in September (excluding holidays) from 6:30-7:30 p.m. 

All skill levels are welcome. 

Participants will learn how the game is played as well as defensive/offensive strategies.

Julio Maldonado provides superb expertise from a life-long love of the game. 

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 Tony DeLos, young adult librarian, Derby Public Library. 

Barefoot festival, car show slated Sunday in Oxford

To benefit Connecticut Partnership for Children

Photo from last year's show courtesy of K-Patch Photography 

OXFORD - This Sunday the Colonial Tavern, 24 Hawley Road, will host the third Annual Barefoot Summer Festival & Car Show, to benefit Connecticut Partnership for Children, Inc.

The event will run from 11 a.m.-5. p.m. General Admission is $5 for ages 11 and up, ages 10 and under are free. 

Classic car entry is $10 now through Saturday and $15 on event day - it includes all passengers in the vehicle. All classic cars entered in the show are eligible for judging and trophies, as well as the opportunity to enter the burn-out pit.

The Children's Courtyard features CrazyFun Face Painting, life-size checkers, coloring, and more. 

The festival also features live music, a vendor marketplace, food trucks, and a craft beer tasting tent.
Entry into the tasting tent is for ages 21+ and is $16/16 tastings now through Saturday and $20 on event day. Additional tastings can be purchased for $10.

For advance, discounted tickets and more information, visit www.barefootsummerfestival.com or call (203) 881-1804.

This is a press release from Connecticut Partnership for Children, Inc.

Sharing fundraiser info from City of Ansonia

Fundraisers planned to support 2 Ansonia families

ANSONIA – A ziti dinner fundraiser and a balloon fundraiser will be held later this week to support the families of two six-year old children, who lost their lives in car accidents a week ago. 

Nyah Marcano, a Prendergast student, and Leah Rondon, a Mead student, were about to enter first grade Thursday, the first day of the 2015-16 school year.

The ziti dinner fundraiser will be held at Ansonia High School on Thursday. There will be three waves of dinner times: 4 p.m.; 5:30 p.m. and 7 p.m. 

Volunteers from Ansonia Public Schools, the Ansonia Fire Department, the Ansonia Police Department, Ansonia Rescue Medical Services and other agencies will be assisting. 

Admission to the ziti dinner is $10 for adults; $5 for students; and free to children ages 6 and younger. 

A balloon fundraiser, “Ansonia Goes Blue for Nyah and Leah,” will be held this weekend as well. 

Mayor David S. Cassetti is providing a banner that will span Main Street, promoting this special remembrance. Anyone wishing to purchase a balloon for $5 will be asked to complete a form with their name and address and submit the form with their cash payment by this Friday, Aug. 28 to Mead or Prendergast School. Volunteers from Mead and Prendergast School and their parent-teacher organizations will fill the balloons and deliver them to the purchaser’s address on Saturday, Aug. 29. 

For purchasers who live outside of Ansonia, the balloons will be tied outside Mead and Prendergast School.  

Anyone wishing more information may call the schools: Mead School, 203-736-5090, and Prendergast School, 203-736-5080.

The Valley United Way will be serving as fiduciary for all funds that are raised.

This is a press release from Ansonia Public Schools.