Wednesday, September 9, 2015

Car show in Seymour to benefit Boys & Girls Club



*Shared from the Boys & Girls Club of the Lower Naugatuck Valley Facebook page.

Center in Derby to host program on Frances Osborne Kellogg

DERBY - Are you a Downton Abbey fan? Are you interested in local history? 

Come to the Kellogg Environmental Center and learn about the life of Frances Osborne Kellogg during the early 20th century. 

The program, led by Susan Robinson, Osborne Homestead Museum education curator,
will be held from 1-2:30 p.m. Sept. 26 at the Kellogg Environmental Center with a tour of the Osborne Homestead Museum following the presentation.

Like the Crawleys on Downton Abbey, the Osborne family were wealthy landowners with a daughter as their only surviving heir. 

Learn about the fortunes and tribulations of the Osbornes through the lens of the award-winning television series Downton Abbey. The program is free, but donations are gratefully accepted. 
Refreshments will be served.

The Kellogg Environmental Center is open 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m., Tuesday through Saturday. The Osborne Homestead Museum is open for free guided tours on Thursdays and Fridays from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturdays from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. and Sundays from noon to 4 p.m. Both are operated by the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection.

For additional information and for registration, call 203-734-2513 or e-mail donna.kingston@ct.gov.


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

Knights of Columbus to host BBQ at St. Mary Church in Derby

DERBY - Members of the Knights of Columbus are having a Country Bar-B-Que from 5-9 p.m. Sept. 26 in St. Mary Church parking lot at the corner of Elizabeth and Cottage Streets.

The menu features roasted pig and barbecued chicken, hot dogs, burgers, corn, picnic salads, keg of beer, soda, and water.
There will be a large screen outdoor movie for the kids and 50/50 raffle.
Tickets are $15 for adults; children under 12 are free if accompanied by a paying adult. 

Tickets will be available in mid-September in the St. Mary parish office, from the members of the Knights, and after Masses on the weekend of Sept. 19-20.

Women in Networking to hold brunch in Shelton

Event raises money for grant program
Women in Networking, a progressive lead and networking group affiliated with the Greater Valley Chamber of Commerce, announced its annual grant fundraising event will be held Sept. 20. 
The group is seeking applicants for its annual WIN Entrepreneurial Grant.

This philanthropic program provides financial assistance to women in business, 18 years of age or older in the towns of Ansonia, Beacon Falls, Derby, Oxford, Seymour, and Shelton.

Since its inception in 2004, the WIN Grant has benefited 41 women owned businesses in the Valley with more than $44,000 in grants. In 2007, the WIN Entrepreneurial Grant became a new named fund with the Valley Community Foundation allowing contributions to be made directly to this designated fund.

WIN raises money for the Grant program through its annual silent auction event. Local businesses and supporters are encouraged to participate through sponsorships and the donation of items for auction.

This year’s Autumn Harvest Brunch presented by Newtown Savings Bank is scheduled for Sept. 20 from noon-3 p.m. at the Hyatt House, 830 Bridgeport Ave., Shelton. 

The cost per person is $40, which includes brunch, Mimosas and Bloody Marys, door prizes, and a silent auction.

Kate Zarro, WIN member, Attorney, and 2015 Chair of the event said, “We are grateful for the many local businesses, such as Newtown Savings Bank, that provide sponsorship and donated items to be auctioned. It is a fun time with great food, drink, prizes, and auction items.”

Tickets may be purchased from any WIN member, via the Chamber’s website at www.greatervalleychamber.com or by calling the GVCC at 203-925-4981. 

Make checks payable to the Greater Valley Chamber of Commerce. The Chamber also accepts Discover, Visa, MasterCard or AMEX.

The WIN grant can be used for expenses to enhance the applicant’s current business or to start a new business. These expenses may include: equipment, tuition, books, transportation, business wardrobe or childcare necessary to reach the applicant’s career goals.

The minimum one-time grant is $500. Greater amounts may be awarded according to individual needs and funds available. 

Call the GVCC, 203-925-4981 for more information about the grant application, which can be downloaded from the Greater Valley Chamber of Commerce website atwww.greatervalleychamber.com and by clicking on the WIN link.

Grant applications must be postmarked by Oct. 2, 2015. Applicants will be evaluated on a nondiscriminatory basis without consideration of race, national origin, religious affiliation or disability. Grant recipient(s) will be announced in December during the WIN holiday luncheon. Recipient(s) will also be invited to a complimentary one-year membership to the WIN Group.

WIN is the first group of its kind to service the six-town region of the Greater Valley. Founded in 2002, the group was formed by a successful group of businesswomen who meet to discuss common issues. 

Meetings are conducted on the second and fourth Tuesdays of each month at the GVCC office or off-site at a Chamber member location. 
Social and educational events are also scheduled throughout the year.


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

Crisco reminds residents to mark 'Family Day' Sunday


HARTFORD - State Sen. Joseph Crisco Jr., D-Woodbridge, is reminding Connecticut residents that this Sunday, Sept. 13, marks the 18th Anniversary of “Family Day” in Connecticut. The day celebrates the important and varied roles that families play not only in the development of children, but in our communities.

Crisco wrote the legislation that established Connecticut’s Family Day back in 1997; he and his wife, Pat, have six children and 18 grandchildren.

“Whether it regards health, education, religious beliefs, ethnicity or something else, families are the most important part of not only a child’s personal growth, but are the backbone of many communities as well,” Crisco said.

“I urge everyone to take a moment this Sunday to reflect on the importance of family in their lives, and to celebrate their own family in a personal, fun and meaningful way.”

Family Day beliefs include:
  • Families are the greatest natural resources to their children. Families have primary responsibility for the well-being of their children.
  • Family support programs help families to successfully parent their children and should be available to all families who need assistance.
  • The development of children and their families is influenced by the culture, community and society in which they live.
  • Families know their children best and raise them according to their history, beliefs, cultural background and the unique characteristics of their children.
  • Families are in the best position to know their own strengths and needs. Building on the capacities of families helps them to raise healthy children.
  • The challenges of parenthood change as children grow and family circumstances change. Families may need different supports at difference stages of development.
  • Families are empowered to make good decisions when they have access to information about services, supports and resources. When families make good choices and take action, they improve the well-being of their children, families and communities.


For more information, visit: http://www.ctfamilyday.org/ctfamilyday/site/.



This is a press release from Crisco's office.

Griffin Hospital in Derby to offer bereavement support group

Griffin Hospital’s bereavement support groups will start sessions in September./ Contributed photo

DERBY - Griffin Hospital is starting new support groups this month for anyone experiencing the loss of a loved one.

These groups provide grief education and support to ease the pain of loss as well as encourage healing and growth. 
The groups meet in an eight-week cycle at the hospital, 130 Division St.

There will be groups meeting on Sunday afternoons from 2:30-4 p.m. starting Sept. 20; Tuesday afternoons from 2:30-4 p.m. starting Sept. 22; and Wednesday evenings from 6:30-8 p.m. starting Sept. 23.


Due to limited capacity, pre-registration is required. 

To learn more or to register, contact Heather Billingham at 203-732-1132 or hbillingham@griffinhealth.org.

This is a press release from Griffin Hospital. 

Food fest in Shelton to benefit Parent Child Resource Center

I attended this fun community event last year.

Save the date to support a great organization!