Behind-the-scenes look at Ansonia's 'Rock the Valley'

Rich DiCarlo, chief organizer of Rock the Valley, spray paints spaces allotted for vendor booths Friday afternoon at Jarvis Field in the Nolan Athletic Complex on Wakelee Avenue in Ansonia.

The festival will run from 4-10 p.m. Saturday and feature live music, food, a beer garden, artists, a kid zone with bounce houses, fireworks, and more than 50 vendors.

Admission is $5 for adults; free for children under 15.

Ansonia Mayor David S. Cassetti announced Friday that all proceeds from the festival will be given to the two Ansonia families who tragically lost their six-year old daughters this week in separate motor vehicle accidents.

'Rock the Valley' proceeds to be donated to families of 2 children who died

ANSONIA- The City of Ansonia is extending its deepest sympathies to the families of the two six-year old children who lost their lives in car accidents this week.  

“On behalf of the entire City of Ansonia, I would like to offer our heartfelt condolences to the family, friends and loved ones affected,” said Mayor David Cassetti.  

“Words cannot begin to express how these tragedies have impacted our small community.”  

Mayor Cassetti has announced that all admission proceeds raised by the upcoming “Rock the Valley” event will be donated in support of the families of the two children.  The event is scheduled for the afternoon of Saturday, August 22, 2015 at Ansonia’s Nolan Field.

Additionally, Mayor Cassetti will be working closely with the Ansonia Board of Education, Ansonia Police Department, and Ansonia Fire Department to offer further support to the families.

This is a press release from Mayor Cassetti's office.  

Valley will be rockin' Saturday at Nolan Sports Complex in Ansonia

Summer fun planned in Ansonia ~ See you there!

Ansonia to support families of 2 children who died

Both were about to enter first grade

ANSONIA – Ansonia Public Schools is working with Mayor David Cassetti and several city departments and agencies to provide support for the families of two six-year old children, who lost their lives in car accidents this week.

Nyah Marcano, a Prendergast student, and Leah Rondon, a Mead student, were about to enter first grade when the new school year opened next week.

“Our thoughts and prayers go out to the families, friends and loved ones of these two children,” Dr. Carol Merlone, Superintendent of Schools, said this morning.

The Ansonia Police Department and the Ansonia Fire Department are working with the school district and Mayor Cassetti to offer support to the families. A ziti dinner fundraiser is planned for next week at Ansonia High School. 

Grief counselors will be available today and next week at the two schools. Parents are asked to call the school for services: Mead School, 203-736-5090, and Prendergast School, 203-736-5080.

Additional information will be announced by Monday.

This is a press release from Ansonia Public Schools.

Griffin Hospital in Derby offers support to caregivers dealing with dementia

Dr. Lionel Lim, director, Griffin Faculty Physician’s Geriatric Assessment Center, will kick off a series of monthly talks for family caregivers of a loved one with dementia Sept. 8 at Griffin Hospital in Derby. / Submitted photo

DERBY - Griffin Hospital and the Alzheimer’s Association Connecticut Chapter will host a series of monthly talks for family caregivers of a loved one with dementia starting Sept 8.

“This series will provide valuable information, resources and support for those caring for a person with Alzheimer's disease and other types of dementia,” said Maria Tomasetti, South Central Regional Director of the Alzheimer’s Association Connecticut Chapter. “The program will help caregivers to more effectively adjust care plans as their loved one’s care needs change.”

The Family Caregiver Series will start with a presentation and Q&A by Dr. Lionel Lim, director of Griffin Faculty Physician’s Geriatric Assessment Center, from 5:30-8 p.m. Sept. 8 at Griffin Hospital, 130 Division St.

Lim will discuss diagnosing dementia, treatments and research. Tomasetti will also review the Alzheimer's Association's programs and services.

On Oct. 6, Tomasetti will present communication tips and effective strategies for handling behavioral challenges.  These tools can help caregivers make quality connections with people with dementia and maximize the quality of life for their loved ones.  

On Nov. 10, a panel of health care professionals will review how caregivers can take care of their own physical and mental well-being as well as community resources and family dynamics.  

On Dec. 8, Elder Law Attorney Judith Hoberman, of Shedd and Hoberman, LLC in Hamden, will discuss the financial and legal issues involved with caring for a person with dementia, including power of attorney, health care representative, advanced directives, and conservatorship as well as funding sources for long-term care, especially Title XIX.

All talks will be from 5:30-8 p.m. in the Griffin Hospital Dining Room. Dinner will be served at 5:30 p.m. The presentations will start at 6 p.m.

Space is limited and registration is required for each talk. To register, call 203-732-1511 or visit the event calendar at griffinhealth.org

This is a press release from Griffin Hospital.