Shelton veteran honored at West Point ceremony

Shelton resident Alfred Meadows, center, recently received the President's Gold Volunteer Service Award from Brigadier General Timothy E. Trainor, left, and Brigadier General J. T. Thomas III during a ceremony at West Point. / Submitted photo

Congratulations go out today to veteran Alfred Meadows of Shelton who recently was presented with two medals in a ceremony at the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, N.Y.

From a press release:

Forty-one Ansonia, Derby, Shelton, and Seymour residents have participated in at least one of Operation Gift Card's two-day trips to visit the wounded troops at the Walter Reed Military Hospital in Bethesda, Md. 

Their participation helped guarantee the success the program which has led to the program receiving two awards recently.

Alfred Meadows, the creator and coordinator for Operation Gift Cards, received two awards April 8 at the West Point Military Academy.

The Corporation for National and Community Service presented Meadows with the President’s Gold Volunteer Service Award that included a congratulatory letter from President Obama and a lapel pin with the White House insignia.

He was also presented a Certificate of Appreciation and a “West Point Volunteer Recognition” Medallion from West Point Brigadier General J. T. Thomas III for his volunteer efforts in creating and coordinating Operation Gift Cards for wounded troops.

Seventy-one organizations have co-sponsored the 120 visits to the Walter Reed while delivering over $956,050 in post exchange gift cards and corporate donations to the wounded troops and their families. 

The Shelton residents are: Scott Alconfora, George Bashura, Lynne Bashura, Joanne Brejwo, Kas Brejwo, Clarence Douglas, Matt Frovarp, Josh Frovarp, Nick Frovarp, Jim Frovarp, Jim Garman, Poncho Martinez, Robert Muoio, Bob Perchard, Josh Phillips, Mary Porter, Roberto Santos, Nancy Stahl, Karen Stracquadanio, Dean White, and Bernie Williams.

The Ansonia, Derby, and Seymour residents are: Scott Alconfora, George Bashura, Lynne Bashura, Joanne Brejwo, Kas Brejwo, Clarence Douglas, Matt Frovarp, Josh Frovarp, Nick Frovarp, Jim Frovarp, Jim Garman, Poncho Martinez, Robert Muoio, Bob Perchard, Josh Phillips, Mary Porter, Roberto Santos, Nancy Stahl, Karen Stracquadanio, Dean White, and Bernie Williams.

The Connecticut and Rhode Island Red Cross produced a three-minute video describing Operation Gift Cards https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vIR9dV4uc4g&feature=youtu.be

Operation Gift Cards Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Operation-Gift-Cards/348033711897771

For additional information about Operation Gift Cards contact Meadows at al.meadows@snet.net.

Ansonia holds 'star spangled' parade Sunday

Hometown pride shines through 

The reviewing stand in front of City Hall with its patriotic decorations. 

Waiting for the parade to begin ...  

The Seymour-based Connecticut Hurricanes led the parade. Here they are performing at the reviewing stand in front of City Hall. At left is Ansonia Middle School Co-Principal Terri Goldson who did a great job emceeing the program.

The Ansonia High School Band stands at attention in front of the reviewing stand. At center among her students is music teacher and band director Maria Tangredi.

Emcee Terri Goldson reads the names of servicemen from Ansonia who gave the ultimate sacrifice.

Members of Naugatuck High School's Color Guard perform for the crowd.

Derby Historical Society docents dressed in Colonial costumes. Pictured from left, Jody Bishel, Rosalie Cota, Sandy Mendyk, Allegra Villers (my daughter), and Paula Norton, the Society's deputy director.

Jay Murphy, longtime member of Eagle Hose Hose & Hook & Ladder Company #6 leads the company's unit.

  

This woman exudes an abundance of enthusiasm as she marches with a group from Macedonia Baptist Church of Ansonia.

My husband, Ralph Villers, a member of the parade committee.

Valley Arts Council President Rich DiCarlo, a member of the parade committee, brings up the rear.  

It was a wonderful parade, and worth the wait for the line of march to reach Main Street and the reviewing stand. I know a lot of time and effort went into the planning and my hat's off to the committee.

Crisco backs bill to support first responders

HARTFORD - State Sen. Joseph J. Crisco, Jr., D-Woodbridge, joined his Senate colleagues Thursday to pass legislation that would require cities and towns to cover certain mental health injuries suffered on the job by police, as well as certain cancers suffered by firefighters, under their Workers’ Compensation policies. 

“Last year I had the honor of participating in Fire Ops 101, a day of intensive, hands-on activities designed to provide an understanding of the everyday life of firefighters,” Crisco said. 

State Sen. Joseph J. Crisco

“To see firsthand the dangers and challenges these heroes face on a daily basis makes you respect them all the more. Our first responders put their lives on the line every day to protect us and it is only right that we do whatever we can to support them. I’m proud to stand with them today.”

The bill rewrites the definition of ‘personal injury’ or ‘injury’ in Workers’ Compensation claims to include claims from a police officer who witnessed the death or immediate aftermath (within six hours) of one or more people who were intentionally murdered.

In the case of firefighters, an interior firefighter (one who goes inside buildings) or an arson investigator would be eligible for Workers’ Compensation benefits if they acquire any of the following conditions “arising out of and in the course of” their employment: Mahler’s Disease, non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma or any condition of cancer affecting the brain, skin, digestive system, endocrine system, respiratory system, lymphatic system, reproductive system, urinary system or hematological system.

Under the bill, such cancers are presumed to have been suffered in the line of duty as a result of the inhalation, absorption or ingestion of noxious fumes or poisonous gases, unless the contrary be shown by a preponderance of evidence.

Firefighters would be required to undergo a physical exam before being hired and would have to have worked for at least five years in the department, or for 15 years as a volunteer. Firefighters who smoke would not be eligible for these benefits.

The bill now heads to the House of Representatives for further consideration. 

This is a press release from Crisco's office.