Trees on Derby Green still colorful, but not for long

The remaining fall foliage found this morning on the Derby Green.

Irving students in Derby learn pedestrian safety in time for Halloween

Cathi Kellett, coordinator, Safe Kids Greater Valley and a Griffin Hospital Valley Parish Nurse, talks to Irving School kindergartners about being safe in foggy conditions during a program Thursday.

Early morning rain forced the Walk To School Safely Program inside the gym.

Students learned about blind spots when they went outside for a tour of a FedEx delivery vehicle.



Please see my story and photos posted today in the Valley Independent Sentinel.

Happy Halloween, Valley friends

Linus and I wish everyone a spooky day! 

Eagle Hose firefighters to give out candy in Ansonia

ANSONIA - Attention all Ansonia parents and children:

Firefighters at Eagle Hose firehouse will be giving out candy from 4-10 p.m. Saturday for Trick or Treaters.

Read all about it here in the Valley Independent Sentinel.

Shelton High School supports The Valley Goes Pink initiative

Shelton High School cheerleaders, from left, Kristen Kondor, Haley Bumbala, and Ciana Buchanan pose during a pink spirit rally Friday. The rally celebrated the school's support of The Valley Goes Pink. Students raised more than $6,000 during October, National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, for the initiative.

Stay tuned for a story in the Valley Independent Sentinel.

Griffin Hospital in Derby to host talks about fall prevention

DERBY - According to the American Diabetes Association, older adults with diabetes have a higher risk of falling and fall more often than their peers who do not have diabetes. Seniors with diabetes are also more likely to be injured as a result of a fall.

To help prevent hazardous falls, the Diabetes Education and Support Group at Griffin Hospital will host two free discussions on why older adults with diabetes are at increased risk of falls and how they and their loved ones can reduce their falls risk. 

Diane Betkoski will host “Helping People with Diabetes Reduce the Risk of Falling” Nov. 10 at Griffin Hospital, 130 Division St., at 2:30 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. in the hospital’s Childbirth Classroom A.

The Diabetes Education and 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 Mary Swansiger, 203-732-1137.


This is a press release from Griffin Hospital.

Derby Public Library to host author of book about brass industry

DERBY - The Derby Public Library welcomes author Emery Roth II at 6:30 p.m. Nov. 9 

to discuss his recently published book, Brass Valley: The Fall of an American Industry.  

This is the story in words and pictures of the rise and fall of the brass industry in the Naugatuck Valley.

It was photographed over the course of four years during which, management and workers of the last large scale brass mills of old Brass Valley invited Roth to shoot anywhere and anytime at the mills. 

Copies of the book will be available for purchase and signing. 

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.

Supper at St. Mary Church Hall in Derby to benefit Scouts

Crisco honored for work on mental health law

 State Sen. Joseph J. Crisco, Jr., center, with Keep The Promise Vice-Chairs Paul Acker and Kristie Barber. /Contributed photo

HARTFORD - State Sen. Joseph J. Crisco, Jr., D-Woodbridge, was honored Thursday by a mental health advocacy group for his commitment to helping expand the services that certain health insurance policies must cover for mental and nervous conditions.

The Keep the Promise Coalition honored Crisco with its 2015 Legislative Leadership Award “in recognition of your legislative leadership to improve and protect the mental health system for people living with health challenges.”

“We understand it is the governor and the legislature who make the budgets that can make or break what we live,” said Keep The Promise Vice-Chair Kristie Barber. “We are here to thank Senator Crisco today for his pivotal support.”

“There’s an old saying that goes, if you make one person’s life easier, you have been successful. The Keep The Promise Coalition has made many people’s lives successful, and I am happy to have played a small role in that success,” Crisco said.

That support that Crisco was lauded for includes not only his vote for state funding for mental health programs, but also Crisco’s lead role in drafting and passing Senate Bill 1085, “An Act Concerning Health Insurance Coverage for Mental or Nervous Conditions.”

Under this new law, insurance policies’ coverage for mental or nervous conditions must include general inpatient hospitalization and outpatient hospital services, psychiatric inpatient hospitalization and outpatient hospital services, intensive outpatient services, and partial hospitalization.

Keep The Promise is a Connecticut Coalition of advocates (people living with mental illness, family members, mental health professionals and interested community members) dedicated to ensuring that a comprehensive, community mental health system is created and sustained for children, adults and families in Connecticut.

The Keep the Promise coalition was formed in 1999 by people living with mental illness, family members, providers and other advocates; it advocates for focusing on cost- effective, preventative, early intervention and community mental health services, supports and housing.


This is a press release from Crisco's office.

Help give back to the troops Saturday in Ansonia

Groups to offer breakfast at Assumption Church Hall in Ansonia

Rain damages roof of Shelton Historical Society house; donations sought

SHELTON - On the windy,rainy early evening of Oct. 28, 

the Brownson House at the Shelton History Center sustained severe damage to its roof, which was under repair, the 

ceilings and walls of four front rooms, and its main collection storeroom in the basement.  

Ceiling damage at Brownson House.

Quick action by some members of the Huntington and White Hills fire companies diverted water away from 

historic furnishings, while others carefully moved artifacts to dry places in the 193-year old house.

The most delicate items in the collection at the Shelton Historical Society and the ones most affected by the incident are the documents that got wet. While there are 

many papers housed in vertical files within cabinets, other odd- sized letters, diaries, scrapbooks, and manuscripts are 

stored in document boxes that were on shelves in the main storeroom. 

"It is unknown at this time how many of these boxes and their contents were damaged,” said Marty Coughlin, President. "Right now, the curator, librarian, director, and 

volunteers are assessing to see what will have to be sent for conservation. It will be a very time consuming process. There was at least one piece of furniture that was damaged as well.”

Museums are required to have disaster plans but they hope never to use them.  

While Shelton Historical Society had supplies on hand, and had identified its most important objects, it's the people who pitch in to help that provide the most valuable tools.  Historian and local resident Rob Novak and Kathy Craughwell Varda, coordinator of Co-Steps, a coordinated 

statewide emergency planning advisory group for cultural and heritage sites offered immediate advice.

Restoration specialists have been on site. Plaster walls and ceilings will need repair.   

Professionals from other museums around the state have generously offered to assist with clean-up efforts.

School groups that were scheduled to participate in programs over the next week have been canceled.

The buildings will be closed to visitors for the foreseeable future.  

“More than ever right now, we need the community’s support,” said Director Tracey Tate.
“Hopefully insurance will take care of the repairs to the 

building, but for the documents and objects that need to be sent to professionals for conservation treatment, we hope 

our friends and neighbors will step in with donations to help. It’s these documents that tell the tales."

Support for treatments to damaged collection items can be sent to Shelton Historical 

Society, P.O. Box 2155, Shelton, 06484. Mark checks “disaster relief.”  

For more information visit www.sheltonhistoricalsociety.org.     


This is a press release from Shelton Historical Society.

Gold found in Derby

Sunlight creates a golden glow this morning at Osbornedale State Park in Derby. The beautiful fall foliage will soon be gone; I'm enjoying it while it's still here.  

Students at Irving School in Derby learn pedestrian safety

Cary Carpino of Griffin Hospital's Community Outreach and Valley Parish Nurse Program holds a sign to warn motorists to slow down at a Walk to School Safely Day Thursday at Irving School in Derby. With her is Valley Parish Nurse and Safe Kids Greater Naugatuck Valley representative Cathi Kellett, who coordinated the safety presentation with the school and FedEx employees.


Stay tuned for a story in the Valley Independent Sentinel.

Ansonia Police share safety tips for trick-or-treaters

Staff, volunteers celebrate expansion at St. Vincent de Paul thrift shop in Derby

Bob Lally, left, board chairman, St. Vincent de Paul Helping Hands of the Valley, thanks board member Ed Twarog who was instrumental in the nonprofit's expansion project.
A reception was held Tuesday to celebrate completion of the addition to the building at 237 Roosevelt Drive, Derby that houses a thrift shop and food bank.

Stay tuned for a story at www.thevalley-voicect.net.

Crisco celebrates breast cancer 'awareness to action' day

State Sen. Joe Crisco, left, with Nancy and Joe Cappello. / Submitted photo

As a policy leader in making Connecticut a global trailblazer in breast cancer early detection and treatment, state Sen. Joseph Crisco Jr., D-Woodbridge, today joined breast health advocates from Connecticut and the region to celebrate the Third Annual Breast Cancer Awareness and Action Day in Hartford, which recognizes Connecticut’s leadership in breast density education and legislation.

The event was hosted by Dr. Nancy M. Cappello, a breast cancer survivor and the director and founder of Are You Dense, Inc., a nonprofit group dedicated to educating the public about the risks and screening challenges of dense breast tissue and its impact on missed, delayed and advanced-stage breast cancer.

Dense breast tissue is comprised of less fat and more connective tissue, which appears white on a mammogram. 

Cancer also appears white - thus tumors are often hidden by the dense tissue. Two-thirds of pre-menopausal women and a quarter of post-menopausal women have dense breast tissue.

“Joe Crisco is my legislative champion. Without our champion legislators, we would not be here, nor would we have 24 states that have mirrored our work from 2009,” Dr. Cappello said.

“With Senator Crisco’s understanding of the science, and his understanding that his job as a legislator is to protect the safety of our citizens, we went to work on this. And in 2009 we became the first state in the nation to require disclosing density to a patient through their mammography report.”  

“The thing we have to remember above all is the thousands of women whose lives have been saved, and the pain and suffering that has been avoided or minimized, due to our laws and the work of Nancy Cappello and her husband Joe,” Crisco said. “It has been a team effort, and it has been eminently rewarding."

As Senate Chair of the Insurance Committee, Crisco has led the legislature in passing two important laws to help ensure women’s breast health: requiring insurance companies to cover an ultrasound or an MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) for women with dense breast tissue, which can obscure cancerous tumors in an otherwise standard mammogram.

This is a press release from Crisco's office.

Get creative with recycled materials at Derby Public Library

DERBY - The Derby Public Library has scheduled another Recycle, Repurpose, and Reuse 

Craft Class for ages 18 and over at 6:30 p.m. Nov. 3.

Ansonia Animal Officer Jeanie Roslonowski returns to the Library with a Grab and Growl session.  

She will bring a variety of materials, along with ideas on what to make with them.  

Come and relax and see your creativity emerge.  

The class will also include information on conservation and animal issues.

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.

Arts commission to host Trick or Treat event in downtown Seymour

SEYMOUR - The Seymour Culture and Arts Commission will be hosting its ninth annual Downtown Trick or Treat for the elementary school children of Seymour and their younger siblings from 1-3 p.m. Saturday.

Youngsters are asked to come in costume and meet at the corners of Bank and First Streets to receive a map of where the pumpkins will be located to collect candy from participating downtown merchants and local organizations. 

This event is held rain or shine. Do not park in the First Street plaza parking lot as shop owners will have your car towed. 

For questions or more information call Kim, 203-888-7880.

*Sharing this slightly edited post from the Office of the First Selectman (of Seymour) Facebook page.

Seymour Library schedules fun activities for kids

Chili cook-off, touch-a-truck planned at church in Shelton

Ansonia public works crew commended for raising awareness

In support of "The Valley Goes Pink," the Ansonia Department of Public Works goes pink today. 

Employees have also made a donation to this great cause.

Pictured from left: Back row: Dave Lombard, Rich Velleco, Darlene Zawisza, Carmen Pitney, Tim Holman, Jim Mead, Mike Eheman, Jason Dziubina, Lou Maida, Tyrone Maynard, Joe DiVincenzo, Bruce Stetson, Joe Czajkowski, Bob Caruso, Jeff Billing, Kevin Cegelka, and Doug Novak. 

Front row: Jim Goggins, Ken Belardinelli, Mike D'Alessio, Jim Vartelas, Sean Rowley, Harry Danley, Mike Morey, and Kente Douglas. 

Missing from photo: Dave Donofrio and Judd Blaze. — at Ansonia Public Works.

*This is shared from the City of Ansonia Facebook page.

The public works employees deserve plaudits for helping to raise awareness of this disease that affects so many.

Seymour to hold candlelight vigil on Veterans Day

SEYMOUR - A candlelight vigil will be held at 7 p.m. Nov. 11, Veterans Day, at Broad Street Park.

Broad Street Park
(Photo from www.seymourct.org)

The public is invited.

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

Job search help available at Derby Public Library

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

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 times 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. Nov. 4.

Registration is not required.  

Career Coach visit

The American Job Search Career Coach returns to the Library Nov. 13

from 10 a.m.-3 p.m.

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 at 313 Elizabeth St. or call 736-1482 or visit 

www.derbypubliclibrary.org. 


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

Shelton fire official offers Halloween safety tips

SHELTON - The Shelton Fire Prevention Bureau is encouraging everyone to keep fire safety in mind this Halloween. 

The National Fire Protection Association reports that decorations are often the first thing to ignite in home fires during Halloween when located too close to a heat source. 

Many of these fire are ignited by a candle. Candles may also pose a serious fire and burn hazard if they come in contact with costumes. 

Ted Pisciotta, Assistant Chief - Fire Prevention, suggests that everyone seriously consider the tragic consequences associated with combustible decorations, costumes, and use of candles. 

Physical injuries could last a lifetime.  

• Use flameless candles or glow sticks in jack-o’-lanterns or for light effects. Do not use candles.

• Be sure to stay away from candles and jack-o'-lanterns that may be on steps and porches of homes visited. A costume could catch fire. Tell children to stay away from open flames. Be sure they know how to stop, drop, and roll if their clothing catches fire. (Have them practice, stopping immediately, dropping to the ground, covering their face with hands, and rolling over and over to put the flames out.)

• Dried flowers, cornstalks, and crepe paper are highly flammable. Keep these and other decorations well away from all open flames and heat sources, including light bulbs, and heaters.

• Keep exits clear of decorations, so nothing blocks escape routes.

• When choosing a costume, stay away from billowing or long trailing fabric. If you are making your own costume, choose material that won't easily ignite if it comes into contact with heat or flame. If your child is wearing a mask, make sure the eye holes are large enough so they can clearly see out of them.

• According to the U.S. Fire Administration, the leading cause of Halloween residential fires in recent years remains cooking, so pay particular attention in the kitchen during this busy evening.

Always have working smoke alarms installed on every level of your home, test them monthly and keep them clean and equipped with fresh batteries at all times. Know when and how to call for help. 

And remember to practice your home escape plan.

For additional information on fire safety, visit the Shelton Fire Prevention Bureau under public safety at: www.cityofshelton.org.

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

Shopping night Thursday to benefit Seymour Pink

Farm in Seymour offers a look back to a simpler time

Cow corn is piled high at the century-old Bomba's Farm in Seymour.

I had a lovely visit Monday with Bev and Ed Bomba at Bomba's Farm on Great Hill Road in Seymour. 
Although I've known Bev for quite a while, I had never been to the farm. 

My visit was rather late in the season, and the pumpkins and mums were almost sold out.

But the fall foliage on the farm's 62 acres was a beautiful sight. 
The sun was shining and the peaceful setting was picture perfect.

Stay tuned for more photos we will be posting on our website, thevalley-voicect.net.

Crisco to mark breast cancer action day

HARTFORD - Recognizing Connecticut’s global leadership in breast density education and legislation, state Sen. Joseph J. Crisco Jr., D-Woodbridge, will celebrate the third annual Breast Cancer Awareness to Action Day at the State Capitol Wednesday from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. in Room 2-C of the Legislative Office Building.

State Sen. Joseph J. Crisco

The event will be hosted by Dr. Nancy M. Cappello, the Director and Founder of Are You Dense, Inc.

Crisco is Senate Chairman of the legislature's Insurance Committee and is a longtime advocate of breast cancer detection and treatment.

The program will feature Damian Musello and Cindy Cardillo of Massachusetts Density Awareness Coalition Advocates; Dr. Jean Weigert, Section Head-Mammography at Hospital of Central Connecticut and Past-President Radiological Society of Connecticut; Jan Kritzman Patient Advocate and Breast Cancer Survivor; Claudia White, Connecticut Breast Cancer Survivor; and other public officials and legislators.

For more information, contact www.AreYouDense.org.

This is a press release from Crisco's office.

Griffin Hospital offers health insurance enrollment help

DERBY - Individuals interested in enrolling in Access Health CT can get free, one-on-one help from a certified assister at Griffin Hospital, 130 Division St.

The Rev. Esther Jones, of Griffin Hospital’s Community Outreach and Valley Parish Nursing Program, is available by appointment to offer guidance for selecting health care coverage, verify that all paperwork is completed properly, check for financial aid opportunities, and help complete enrollment.

Appointment times and dates are flexible to work with busy schedules, however appointments are required to receive assistance.

Call 203-732-1523 or e-mail ejones@griffinhealth.org for more information and to set up an appointment.

This is a press release from Griffin Hospital. 

Boys & Girls Club of the Valley wins prestigious EAGLES award

Boys & Girls Clubs of America’s National Headquarters based in Atlanta will honor the Boys & Girls Club of the Lower Naugatuck Valley for achieving the Silver Level of the League of EAGLES Award Program. 

This award is a key element of the national organization’s Leading Edge: 2020 Board Transformation Strategy. 

The award recognizes local affiliate organizations for achieving 90 percent or more of the Key Performance Indicators which defines the strength of the organizations board of directors in meeting and exceeding a set of standards which provide an outcome based assessment of the boards responsibilities and impact on for the organization. 
This awards program measures six key elements of a “strong board of directors” which include 75 percent of individual board members achieving the following:

Engagement.	Engaged and attend board meetings
Ask.	Ask others face-to-face for funding
Give.	Give back by making a personal financial gift
Lead.	Lead the organization to achieving strategic initiatives
Evaluate.	Evaluate their individual board  performance based on a personal plan
Serve.	Serving actively on committees or task forces of the organization

                               

Reaching this milestone is a significant accomplishment of which only 10 percent or less of the 1,000 member organizations of the 160-year old national youth development organization met in 2014 and is a testimony of the dedication and commitment of the organization’s board and executive leadership to serving the youth of your community at the highest level. 

Shaye Roscoe, Executive Director, will receive the award during the Northeast Leadership Conference to be held Thursday in Princeton, N.J.

For more information about the League of Eagles award, log on to http://bgcaboards.org/impact/board-recognition-awards/.

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.

Congratulations to the staff and board of the club for earning this national recognition!

Autumn in Ansonia ~ Tuesday edition

I took a few more photos of fall foliage before the trees are bare.

These colorful leaves on the Hilltop will soon be fond memories as we head toward a long winter. 

The bits of orange, gold, and red amongst the evergreens caught my eye at St. Mary's Cemetery.

Church in Shelton to hold cookie-licious fair

Derby Library plans fun programs for young set

Spa Day Fun
    DERBY - The Derby Public Library invites 9-14 year olds to Spa Day Fun at 10:30 a.m. Nov. 14.  

    This “spa-tacular” program is the first in a two-part series devoted to making beauty products often found at the spa.  

    With the focus on bath and body for the first workshop, participants will make lip gloss, a chocolate bubble bath, facial scrub, body lotion, and more using familiar household ingredients.   

    Anyone who is interested will have an opportunity to decorate containers and bags since these items would make a great idea for gift giving. 
    There is no fee to attend; all materials will be supplied.  

    Refreshments will be served.

    Registration is requested. 

Lego Time

     The Library invites children ages 4-11 to use their creative talents and stir their imaginations during Lego Time at 12:30 p.m. Nov. 14. 
     All levels of building skills are welcome to come by for this drop-in program. 
     There is no fee to attend and all building materials will be provided.  

     Participants may place their building masterpieces on display in the Children’s Room for everyone to admire.

Science program

    The Library continues to offer an after-school STEAM program taking place on the third Tuesday of every month during the school year. 
     Children in Grades 2-5 are invited to stop by The Science Lab at 4 p.m. Nov. 17 for Kitchen Science.   

     Each month a new theme will be the focus covering topics such as simple machines, weather and more with hands-on activities and experiments.  
     There is no fee to attend and all materials will be provided for this interactive, hour long program.

    Registration is requested.  

    For information or to register, call the Children’s Room, 203-736-1482, stop by the Library at 313 Elizabeth St., or visit www.derbypubliclibrary.org.

This is a press release from Sue Sherman, Children's Librarian, Derby Public Library.