Harvest House VI in Shelton helps nonprofits feed Valley needy

SHELTON - The Valley United Way's Harvest House VI provided more than 100,000 food items to area pantries.

Read all about it by clicking here for my story in the Valley Independent Sentinel.

Harvest House VI was built inside the Derby-Shelton Rotary Club pavilion over the weekend and deconstructed Monday morning.

Volunteers for nonprofits start the deconstruction process.

The Rev. Jim Tudesco of First Congregational Church in Derby was on hand volunteering for the Kathleen B. Samela Memorial Food Bank in Ansonia.

The shelves were emptied quickly.

Griffin Hospital in Derby to host diabetes discussions

DERBY - The Diabetes Education & Support Group at Griffin Hospital will host two free discussions about understanding the long-term effects of living with diabetes and how to manage them Oct. 13 at Griffin Hospital, 130 Division St.

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

This open and comprehensive 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 at 203.732.1137.

This is a press release from Griffin Hospital.

Seymour Library to host story hours, pumpkin decorating, movie, more

SEYMOUR - The Seymour Public Library has announced activities scheduled in October for children and young adults.

10/1, 8, 15 & 22 – 10:30 a.m. – Story Hour for ages 2-5   Songs, stories, finger plays, and a small craft.  Limited space. 

10/1-  4 p.m. – StoryKids’ Book Club for K-Gr 2 . Book talks, craft and a snack.  Child must have some reading ability.

10/7, 14 & 21 – 10:30 a.m. – LapSit for little ones ages 6 – 24  months – songs stories and developmental play!  Limited space.

10/7 - 4 p.m. – Nutmeggers’ Book Club for Gr 5 & up. Book talks, craft and a snack - features the Intermediate Nutmeg Nominees.

10/8 – 4 p.m. – BookChatters’ Book Club for Gr 2-4.  - Book talks, craft and a snack - features the Magic Tree House Series 

10/9 -  3:45 p.m. – YA Origami with Tina.  Join us to make amazing origami crafts!

10/15 -  2:30 p.m.- Movie “Cinderella” - 2015 film – snacks served.

10/16 – 3:45 p.m.– Pumpkin decorating  B.Y.O. pumpkin and we supply decorations. Refreshments will be served.  Must register

10/20 – 10:30 a.m. – Science Snoopers ‘Bones!’ - Natural science & a craft for ages 2 & up - must be able to sit & listen.

10/22 –  4 p.m. – YA Circle  - Creative writing prompts, readers advisory all for our Young Adults.  Come together to discuss whatever you want.   Snacks will be served.

10/27 – 6:30 p.m. – Nappy’s Shadow Puppets presents ‘Spooky-Silly Sing-a-Long’ –‘Nappy’ has been seen on PBS. A Halloween program for the whole family!

10/28 – 10:30 a.m. – Lynn Lewis - Music & Movement for ages 0-6.  A fun time for all!

10/29 – 10:30 a.m.– Preschoolers’ Halloween Party! Come in costume and parade through the library. There will be snacks and games and fun!

All programs are free, fun, and formative!

Some have limited enrollment, and registration is required for all programs.

For information or to register call 203-888-3903, visit us on Facebook, or at www.seymourpubliclibrary.org.                

The library is at 43 Church St.

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

Echo Hose Ambulance creates donation page for Shelton family

GoFundMe page photo of a memorial at Echo Hose Ambulance for Lisa Infante.

I'm sharing this link from the Valley Independent Sentinel to help support the family of Lisa Infante.

Save the date: Support Seymour Pink at salon's cut-a-thon

October is National Breast Cancer Awareness month.

Seymour Pink, a community's fight against breast cancer, is a wonderful nonprofit organization that empowers breast cancer survivors throughout the Valley.

Sharing message about canine licensing from Ansonia Police

ANSONIA - Beginning on Oct. 1, 2015 the Ansonia Animal Control Officer will conduct a canine license survey.

This will be done to ensure compliance with State of Connecticut regulations that require dogs over the age of six months to be licensed and vaccinated. 

If you have a dog that is not up to date on its rabies vaccination please take the time to get the dog vaccinated. 
Once vaccinated you can go to the Town and City Clerk’s Office to purchase a license. You must bring proof of vaccination at the time of licensing.

The cost of the license is $19 if the dog is not spayed or neutered and $8 if spayed or neutered.

Failure to comply with licensing and vaccination requirements may result in a fine. 
The fine for Failure to License is $75 and Failure to Vaccinate is $136.

Please make every effort to vaccinate and register your pet. 

Any questions may be directed to ACO Jean Roslonowski at 203-735-1885.

* Information taken from APD Facebook page.

Valley Chamber of Commerce slates 5th annual restaurant week

The Greater Valley Chamber of Commerce has announced that the fifth annual Greater Valley Restaurant Week will be held from Monday through Oct. 10.

“With a variety of new restaurants opening throughout the region, we are thrilled about the growth of the Valley restaurant scene,” said Greater Valley Chamber President Bill Purcell. 

“The Chamber urges all businesses and residents alike to take advantage of the special menus and pricing offered during Valley Restaurant Week and to patronize our Valley restaurants throughout the year.”

During Greater Valley Restaurant Week, participating restaurants in the region will offer special deals with pre-fixe two and three-course menus. 

Photo contest

Also coming back is the online photo contest, where diners can enter pictures of their Greater Valley Restaurant Week adventures via Facebook, Twitter or Instagram, including the caption #GVRW15, for the opportunity to win a $50 gift card.

The restaurants currently participating include 121 Restaurant & Bar – Oxford; Antonio’s – Ansonia; Archie Moore’s – Derby;  Bricks & Barley– Shelton; Center Street Social – Shelton; Copper City Bar & Grill – Ansonia; Courtyard Bistro – Shelton; Crave – Ansonia; Draft House – Shelton; Focaccia’s Café & Catery  – Shelton; Giove’s Pizza Kitchen – Shelton; GROW – Shelton; Il Palio Ristorante – Shelton; La Scogliera – Shelton; Liquid Lunch – Shelton; Red Clover Café – Seymour; Red Lotus– Shelton; River House Café – Derby; Seasonal Sweets & Catering – Derby; Tavern 1757 – Seymour; Vazzy’s Cucina – Shelton; and Wellington’s – Shelton.

Restaurant Week provides the opportunity for area residents to check out the many different restaurants - the hidden gems - here in the Valley. It is a great opportunity for employers to reward their employees and for area business people to coordinate lunch meetings. 
Restaurant Week also showcases the cultural and culinary value of our community.

For more information about participating restaurants including their menus and hours and the Valley Eats Restaurant Week Blog, visit GreaterValleyRestaurantWeek.com. 
Be sure to visit the Greater Valley Chamber on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram for updates throughout the week.  
Restaurants wishing to participate can contact the Chamber at (203) 925-4981 or info@greatervalleychamber.com.


This is a press release from the Greater Valley Chamber of Commerce.

Derby Public Library to hold fall book sale

DERBY - The Derby Public Library, 313 Elizabeth St., will hold its annual Fall Book Sale starting Oct. 24 from 9:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m.

It will continue Oct. 26 and 27 from 10 a.m.-7 p.m.

Shoppers are invited to fill a bag for $5. Bags will be provided.

Adult and children fiction and non-fiction, paperbacks, magazines, videos, DVDs and audio materials will be available.  


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

Derby mayor recognizes National Diaper Need Awareness Week

David Morgan, TEAM President/CEO and Derby Mayor Anita Dugatto at City Hall./ Contributed photo

DERBY - Mayor Anita Dugatto Monday presented David Morgan, TEAM President/CEO a proclamation recognizing the week of Sept. 28 – Oct. 2 as National Diaper Need Awareness Week.  

A signature initiative of the National Diaper Bank Network Diaper Need Awareness Week features a range of activities focused on diaper need and its prevalence in communities across the country. 

“Derby is proud to be home to the TEAM Diaper Bank that recognizes the importance of diapers in helping to  produce economic stability for families and distribute diapers to poor families through various channels," Dugatto said. 

“I encourage the citizens of Derby to donate generously to the TEAM Diaper Bank and those organizations that distribute diapers to families in need to help alleviate diaper bank need in Derby and the surrounding communities.” 

Though diapers are a basic need for every child in their first years and are essential to the health and well-being of the child, safety net programs that provide assistance to low-income families such as SNAP (food stamps) and WIC do not cover the purchase of diapers. 

To address the needs of families in the Valley, TEAM Diaper Bank provides monthly diapers and wipes to more than 200 eligible families residing in Ansonia, Derby, Oxford, Seymour and Shelton.  Since opening in 2013, TEAM has distributed over 300,000 diapers to Valley families. 

As part of Diaper Need Awareness Week, TEAM Diaper Bank will be hosting a workshop providing diapering and potty training support for all families with young children in the community. 

The public is invited to register for the workshop being held on Thursday from 5:30-7:30 p.m. at TEAM Early Education Center, 80 Howard Ave., Ansonia.

Individuals and organizations can get involved in Diaper Need Awareness Week by donating to the Diaper Bank or hosting a diaper drive. 

For further information about TEAM Diaper Bank or to donate, contact Ayanna Williams at awilliams@teaminc.org or 203-736-5420 ext. 204.

This is a press release from TEAM Inc., a private, 501c (3) non-profit corporation whose mission is to connect individuals and families with solutions that lead to well-being, self-sufficiency and full participation in the community. It aims to achieve its mission by conducting activities that address the needs of economically disadvantaged individuals and families including resource mobilization, education, advocacy and service delivery. 

TEAM programs serve the communities of Ansonia, Beacon Falls, Bethany, Derby, Milford, Orange, Oxford, Shelton, Seymour and Woodbridge. 

Shelton firefighters provide safety tips to residents

SHELTON - Location matters when it comes to your smoke alarm. 
That’s the message behind this year’s Fire Prevention Week campaign, “Hear the Beep Where You Sleep. Every Bedroom Needs a Working Smoke Alarm!”

The Shelton Fire Department, consisting of members of Echo Hose, Huntington, Pine Rock Park, and White Hills volunteer fire companies are currently involved in various fire safety activities that will continue through October. 
This includes visiting all preschools and schools where firefighters will present fire safety lessons for children aging from preschool through Grade 6. 
These programs are part of an effort to reduce the chances of residents being injured or killed by fire, in addition to preserving property.

Together with the nonprofit National Fire Protection Association, the Shelton Fire Department is working to remind residents about the importance of having working smoke alarms in every bedroom, outside each sleeping area, and on every level of the home, including the basement.

“In a fire, seconds count,” said Ted Pisciotta, Assistant Chief, Fire Prevention. “Half of home fire deaths result from fires reported at night between 11 p.m. and 7 a.m. when most people are asleep. Home smoke alarms can alert people to a fire before it spreads, giving everyone enough time to get out.”

According to the latest NFPA research, working smoke alarms cut the chance of dying in a fire in half. Meanwhile, three out of five fire deaths resulted from fires in homes with no smoke alarms or no working smoke alarms.

In conjunction with making every effort to prevent a fire from ever happening, be prepared by maintaining working smoke alarms throughout the entire home. 

Follow these tips for making sure smoke alarms are in place and working properly:

• Install smoke alarms in every bedroom, outside each separate sleeping area and on every level of the home, including the basement.
  
• Interconnect all smoke alarms throughout the home. This way, when one sounds, they all do.
  
• Test alarms at least monthly by pushing the test button.
  
• Replace all smoke alarms when they are 10 years old or sooner if they don’t
  respond properly.
  
• Make sure everyone in the home knows the sound of the smoke alarm and
  understands what to do when they hear it.
  
• If an alarm “chirps,” warning the battery is low, replace the battery right away.
• Replace all smoke alarms, including alarms that use 10-year batteries and hard- wired alarms, when they’re 10 years old (or sooner) if they do not respond properly when tested. 

• Never remove or disable a smoke alarm.

Pisciotta is encouraging businesses, organizations, and individuals throughout the city to visit the Fire Prevention Bureau web site, which may be found by clicking on “Public Safety” at www.cityofshelton.org. 


This is a press release from Ted Pisciotta, Assistant Chief, Fire Prevention.

Conroy recognized for substance abuse prevention work

State Rep. Theresa Conroy, left, and Pamela A. Mautte, Director, Greater Valley Substance Abuse Action Council./Contributed photo

NEW HAVEN - State Rep. Theresa Conroy (D-Seymour, Beacon Falls, Derby) was recognized recently by the Greater Valley Substance Abuse Action Council at its 2015 Community Champion Awards ceremony.

Pamela A. Mautte, Director, Greater Valley Substance Abuse Action Council, said, “Theresa has worked on several substance abuse prevention and intervention initiatives over the past several years. It was my pleasure working side by side with Theresa this past year on opiate issues, banning powdered alcohol and other prevention issues.”

Conroy has been a strong advocate for many prevention issues. She was instrumental in the passage of legislation that improves the monitoring and reporting of narcotic prescriptions and increases access to life-saving opioid antagonists. 

Naloxone, or Narcan, is an opioid antagonist that works to reverse the effects of opioids.

Between 2009-2014, there were more than 2,000 accidental and unintentional opioid involved deaths that occurred in 150 of Connecticut’s 169 cities and towns. 

“I want to thank the Valley Substance Abuse Action Council for their incredible work and advocacy,” Conroy said. “They are true champions of prevention.”

This is a press release from Conroy's office. 

Sharing info from Spooner House in Shelton

On learning curves, news, and views in the Valley

Wires, and cables, and chargers, oh my!

Dear readers,

We at The Valley Voice (i.e. my husband Ralph and I!) yesterday launched a website with the same name.

It is a project that has had its share of delays because of what I can best describe as "technical issues."

But we are getting there. 

We also launched a Facebook page yesterday to promote the site and so far have more than 60 likes.

Here is the link to that page, in case you'd like to give it a look-see.

Please continue to stop by to learn the good news of this one-of-a-kind community of ours here in the Lower Naugatuck Valley. 

We're ready to share!

Wesley Village to collect donations at Shelton Day Sunday

To help support music and memory program

SHELTON - Planning to attend the Shelton Day festivities this Sunday? 

Members of the Shelton community are encouraged to visit the Wesley Village tent and help support individuals struggling from dementia and other cognitive and physical impairments. 

Wesley Village will be collecting spare change donations to purchase digital music files for their Music and Memory program, offered on their senior living campus at 580 Long Hill Ave. 

The Music and Memory program, rooted in extensive neuroscience research, involves training care professionals to set up personalized music playlists, delivered on iPods and other digital devices, for those in their care. 

These musical favorites can then tap deep memories not lost to dementia, which enable patients and residents to converse, socialize, stay present, and feel like themselves again. The program was made possible with the help of a grant from the Valley Community Foundation, which enabled the campus to purchase iPods and other technology needed for music collection and storage and costs associated with staff training and instruction. Anyone who would like to support the program is asked to stop by with a donation of spare change to help purchase music. 
For more information about Music & Memory and the life-changing benefits of personalized therapeutic music, visit www.musicandmemory.org. 

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

The campus is owned and operated by United Methodist Homes, a local, faith-based, not-for-profit organization serving all members of the community and is located at 580 Long Hill Ave. 

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 at 203-225-5024.

This is a press release from United Methodist Homes.

Derby Library invites teens to learn electronics, water color painting

DERBY - The Derby Public Library invites all young adults ages 12 to 17 to Teen Maker Space from 3:30-5 p.m. Oct. 20 , to learn basic electronics by assembling, activating, and operating micro-electronic kits. 

Light refreshments will be provided. 
Registration is requested. 

Learn to paint

The Library invites all young adults ages 12 to 17 to a Teen Watercolor Workshop, from 4-5:30 p.m. Oct. 15. 
This workshop will be led by Valley Arts Council President Rich DiCarlo. 
All materials will be provided. Registration is requested. 

For more information or to register, 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.

Harvest House VI in Shelton helps fill Valley food pantries

A variety of donated non-perishable food fills the shelves of Harvest House VI at the Shelton Riverwalk. 
Stay tuned for a story in the Valley Independent Sentinel.

Eat at Joe's at Derby Train Station

DERBY - City resident Joe Miani, who recently retired, has opened Joe's Dogs next to the Derby Train Station on Main Street.

Read all about it here in a story by New Haven Register correspondent Jean Falbo-Sosnovich.


Wishing him the best of luck in his new business venture! 

Gentile recognized for support of environment

State Rep. Linda M. Gentile

HARTFORD - State Rep. Linda M. Gentile (D-Ansonia, Derby) has been recognized by the Connecticut League of Conservation Voters for her 100 percent support of environmental legislation during the 2015 legislative session.

“I am pleased to see this report by CTLCV as I believe a key component of healthy communities is a healthy environment,” Gentile, former House Chair of the Environment Committee, said. “I will continue to support like initiatives that aim to preserve and protect against the effects of harmful legislative acts.”

CTLCV’s Environmental Scorecard assesses both lawmakers’ votes on environmental legislation and their roles in championing specific issues.
Environmental issues this year included banning micro beads, encouraging residential solar, reducing pesticide use on municipal playgrounds, preserving the fiscal sustainability of state parks, open space and various clean water projects including the Long Island Sound Blue Plan.
CTLCV Scorecards dating back to 2000 can be found online at www.ctlcv.org. 

Market in Shelton to feature pumpkin painting, live music

SHELTON - Downtown Handmade Market kicks off autumn! 
Celebrate Shelton’s “First Saturdays” celebration of handmade artisans continues this Saturday from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. at the Conti Building at 415 Howe Ave. 

Each month, a collection of local artisans, craftsmen and small businesses showcase their wares. 
Their full list of artisans include: Bead Dangle Design, Greystone Bookworks, Hipponotic Candle, Emma Lyn Designs, KnitBeadRepeat, Kohler Imaging, Lilla Rose,  Liquid Lunch, Little Bee of Connecticut, Quark Tees, Oronoque Farms, Reid’s BBQ, Shimmer & Sugar, Special Treats, The Little Dog Laughed, The Scented Lady, TJJ Sews, Tori Divina Jewelry, Woody Things, Vinyl Delights and Tipsy Cones Ice Cream Truck.  

Conti Building Shops include BringtheHoopla, The Glass Source, Periodic Tableware, Shadee Lady, Memories from Aunt Helen's Attic, and Written Words Bookstore.

Children’s activities will feature CrazyFun FacePainting and Pumpkin Painting.  Live music is scheduled from 10 a.m.-12:30 p.m. with Natalie Riccio and 12:30-3 p.m. with Tom McNulty. 

Upcoming events include: Downtown Handmade Market First Saturdays, Nov. 7, 10 a.m.-3 p.m.; Plaid Friday, Nov. 27, 4-8 p.m.; Small Business Saturday, Nov. 28, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; Community Tree Lighting, 6 p.m. Dec. 4 at Veteran's Memorial Park; and Holiday Handmade Markets: Dec. 5, 12, 19, 10 a.m.-3 p.m.

Learn more about Celebrate Shelton at www.celebrateshelton.com and follow us on Facebook (www.facebook.com/celebrateshelton) and Instagram. 
For any questions, e-mail celebrateshelton@gmail.com or call 203-924-4368.

Ample parking is available, and the site is handicap accessible.


This is a press release from Celebrate Shelton. 

Autumnfest slated Oct. 17 at Ansonia Nature Center

Enjoy the season, support playground project 

Visitors enjoy a horse-drawn hay wagon ride at a previous Autumnfest at the Ansonia Nature and Recreation Center. / Contributed photo

  

ANSONIA - Celebrate this wonderful season with the Friends of the Ansonia Nature Center at Autumnfest. The event will run from 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Oct. 17.

Take a ride over hill and dale in a horse drawn, story hay wagon, where you’ll hear some spooky Halloween tales!  

Learn about bats, spiders and owls! Have some fresh-squeezed apple cider and freshly-made donuts, then visit the Friends Nature Shop to buy some creepy and crawly nature-related gifts. 

You can try your hand at pumpkin carving, get your face painted, and make some creative crafts. 
All proceeds will benefit the Nature Center’s playground project efforts. 

The fest is rain or shine. No park admission fee. 

For more information call 203-736-1053.

Food donations sought at Shelton Riverwalk today

Sharing hunger action challenge from Shelton nonprofit

Volunteers are building Harvest House VI today at the Shelton Riverwalk. 

The house was framed earlier this week by students and teachers from Emmett O'Brien Technical High School in Ansonia.

TEAM to hold workshops during Diaper Need Awareness Week

DERBY - This Monday marks the start of Diaper Need Awareness Week, organized by the National Diaper Network.

Though diapers are a basic need for every child in their first years and are essential to the health and well-being of the child, safety net programs that provide assistance to low-income families such as SNAP (food stamps) and WIC do not cover the purchase of diapers.

Infants and toddlers use between eight and 12 diapers per day, at a cost of $70-$80 per month. 

Unable to afford a constant supply of fresh diapers, parents may frequently leave their baby in a soiled diaper for long periods of time, leading to rashes, infections, and other health problems. 

Desperate parents may occasionally resort to drying out soiled diapers for reuse. 

A Yale University study found that about 30 percent of low-income parents can’t afford to change their children’s diapers as often as they should be changed.

“Diaper need is a major problem for so many families in our state, affecting not just the health of children, but the economic prospects for parents forced to miss work because they can’t send children to daycare without a proper supply of diapers,” says TEAM President/CEO David Morgan.

Without a sufficient supply of disposable diapers, children are not able to enter child care and parents may not be able to return to work or school, leading to economic instability and continuing the cycle of poverty.

To address the needs of families in the Valley, TEAM Diaper Bank provides monthly diapers and wipes to more than 200 eligible families residing in Ansonia, Derby, Oxford, Seymour, and Shelton. 

As part of Diaper Need Awareness Week, TEAM Diaper Bank will be hosting two workshops providing diapering and potty training support for all families with young children in the community. 

The public is invited to register for the workshops, scheduled from 5:30-7:30 p.m. Monday at Irving School, 9 Garden Place, or from 5:30-7:30 p.m. Thursday at TEAM Early Education Center, 80 Howard Ave., Ansonia.

For further information about TEAM Diaper Bank or to donate, contact Ayanna Williams at awilliams@teaminc.org or 203-736-5420 ext. 204.

This is a press release from TEAM Inc., a private, 501c (3) non-profit corporation whose mission is to connect individuals and families with solutions that lead to well-being, self-sufficiency and full participation in the community. 

It aims to achieve its mission by conducting activities that address the needs of economically disadvantaged individuals and families including resource mobilization, education, advocacy and service delivery. TEAM programs serve the communities of Ansonia, Beacon Falls, Bethany, Derby, Milford, Orange, Oxford, Shelton, Seymour and Woodbridge. 

Derby Public Library hosts Tech Time sessions

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, your problems will be addressed.

The next sessions will be held at 6:30 p.m. Oct. 21 and at 10 a.m. Oct. 15.

No registration is needed.  

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. 

Hungry? Valley restaurants ready special menus for week

For a complete list of more than 20 restaurants, click here.

Consignment event slated at Warsaw Park in Ansonia

Center Stage in Shelton to present 'Mother Hicks'

2 performances to feature deaf interpreter

Deaf actor Joseph Ronan of West Haven to perform at Center Stage Theatre in Shelton./ Contributed photo

SHELTON - Center Stage Theatre will embark into the world of the deaf with their upcoming production of “Mother Hicks," which opens Oct. 2.

The play features a deaf character, which will be played by deaf actor Joseph Ronan of West Haven. The production will also feature two performances, on Oct. 2 and 15, which will utilize interpreters, who will sign the entire play for interested deaf patrons.

“We are having the experience of a lifetime with this play,” said Center Stage director Gary Scarpa. 
“Besides having the good fortune to have a wonderful deaf actor in our cast, we also have an American Sign Language consultant, Diane Gamse of Monroe, to assist us with a very wonderful play. In the process, we have learned a great deal about sign language and about communicating with the deaf.”

An award winning play by Suzan Zeder, “Mother Hicks” places us in the town of Ware, Il. during the Great Depression. 
We meet three people living on the outskirts of society: a young deaf man, an orphan girl, and a mysterious older woman who lives all alone on a hill outside of town. The year, 1935, is hard for everyone, but especially for the girl, who—with no family of her own—gets passed around from household to household, until, with the help of a caring young, deaf man, she encounters the eccentric but nurturing Mother Hicks. 
Mother Hicks touches the heart of this lost little girl, helping her to find herself. A play for the entire family, “Mother Hicks” recounts the difficult journey we all make in life, the journey to discover who we really are.

Joining Ronan in lead roles are Shelton Intermediate School student Ainsley Lougal, as “Girl” and East Haven resident, Joyce Piscitelli, as Mother Hicks. Other Shelton residents include Margaret Mikan, Justin Zenchuk, Justine Critchley, Rainey Martovich, Colby Trembley, Ben Souza, and Bobby Marcinauskis

Ronan said, “I’m really excited to be playing a role in this great production. I think it will give the audience an idea of what it’s like to be deaf and misunderstood. We have an awesome cast, and the play is very perceptive and moving.”

Performances will take place on Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m.from Oct. 2-17; Sundays at 2 p.m. on Oct. 4, 11, and 18; and at 7 p.m. Oct. 15.


Center Stage Theatre is a non-profit organization, founded in 2005 by directors Gary and Francesca Scarpa. 

The theatre presents a full season of five productions. Center Stage's purpose is to enhance the cultural environment within its community; to present high quality theatrical productions at affordable prices; to encourage growth and education through the performing arts; and to provide a means for interested adults, teens and children to experience and participate in various aspects of live theater.

Center Stage is located at the former Lafayette School at 54 Grove St. For further information about “Mother Hicks” or Center Stage, visit www.centerstageshelton.org or call 203-225-6079.


This is a press release from Director Gary Scarpa. 

Fundraisers planned for The Valley Goes Pink

October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month

The sixth annual Valley Goes Pink campaign invites the Lower Naugatuck Valley and surrounding communities to enjoy a variety of events featuring good food, drink, and fun for a good cause this October.

The Valley Goes Pink is a grassroots, community-wide effort to increase awareness about breast cancer and the importance of early detection, support the Hewitt Center for Breast Wellness at Griffin Hospital, and to celebrate the charitable spirit of the region’s businesses and organizations.

The following is a list of unique Valley Goes Pink fundraising events. For more information about “going pink” and joining the campaign visit griffinhealth.org/pink or contact the Griffin Hospital Development Fund at 203-732-7504, Jodi Dawley at 203-521-2233 or dawleypink@yahoo.com, or Sue Petrizzo at 203-400-1068 or petrizzopink@yahoo.com.

Sept. 28 is The 6th Annual Valley Goes Pink Kick-off Dinner from 6-9 p.m. at Wellington’s Restaurant, 51 Huntington Plaza, Shelton. Meals will be served by a volunteer wait staff who will donate their tips and a percentage of the night's proceeds will be donated to the campaign. Make reservations at 203-929-0336.

Throughout October – Proceeds from every sale of pink sangrias at 66 Church gastropub and restaurant in Naugatuck will be donated to the campaign.

Oct. 4 is the Annual Pink Breast Cancer Brunch at 11 a.m. at Dante's Restaurant & Bar, 7365 Main St, Stratford. Tickets are $50 per person. For information, call 203-732-1977 or email annadurante1@gmail.com.

Oct. 6 is Bingo for Boobies at 6:30 p.m. at Porky’s Café, 50 Center St., Shelton. A donation of $20 includes pizza and Porky's famous wings, and four bingo cards. Call Sue Petrizzo at 203-400-1068 for reservations.

Oct. 8 marks the Young Emerging Professionals' “Pinktober Fest” from 6-8 p.m. at Molto Bene Italian American Kitchen, 557 Wakelee Ave., Ansonia. The event will feature a variety of craft brews, specialty pink drinks, games and prize drawings, and more. For more information, visit the Young Emerging Professionals on Facebook www.facebook.com/CTYEP or contact the Greater Valley Chamber of Commerce at 203.925.4981 or www.greatervalleychamber.com.

Oct. 12 is the Yuengling Pinkling Beerfest from 5-9 p.m. at Wellingtons Restaurant, 51 Huntington Plaza, Shelton. Presented by Star Distributors, this event offers a tasting of Yuengling beers and a Pinkling menu featuring German specialties. Proceeds from the beer sales will support the campaign.

Oct. 14 is Pink Trivia Night at 7 p.m. at Caloroso Eatery & Bar, 100 Center St., Shelton. A $20 donation includes an evening of trivia, prizes, pizza, and soft drinks. For reservations, call Jodi Dawley at 203-521-2233.

Oct. 24 is The Social Convention Goes Pink event from 6-11 p.m. at River Rock Tavern, 5 Main St, Derby. The band Social Convention hits the stage at 8 p.m. at this event featuring food and prizes. Cover charge is $10.

Oct. 26 marks The Valley Goes Pink Wrap-up Celebration Wine Tasting at 6 p.m. at Wellingtons Restaurant, 51 Huntington Plaza, Shelton, to close out the month’s festivities and to celebrate its success. 

For more information and to make your reservation, call 203-414-8851.

The Valley Goes Pink is sponsored by WPLR, Hearst Media, Spector Furniture, and Real Estate Two.

This is a press release from Griffin Hospital.