Klarides to host business forum in Derby

Hilltop Hose in Ansonia to host block watch meeting

ANSONIA - Mayor David S. Cassetti, Police Chief Kevin Hale, Police Officer Rick Esposito, Vinnie Scarlata (Block Watch Coordinator), Ed Norman, and members of the Board of Aldermen will hold the second Neighborhood Block Watch Meeting for residents of the Hilltop area. 

It will be held at 7 p.m. Thursday at Hilltop Hose Company No. 5 firehouse, 80 Pulaski Highway.

The meeting is being convened to seek captains who will coordinate their individual areas and residents that would like to be active members of the block watch. 

“Please join us," Cassetti said today. "I want our residents to stay active and involved in this block watch. It is important to stay informed and to help your fellow neighbors. If everyone remains diligent, we will keep crime at bay."

The meeting will focus on the purpose and goals of a block watch and how the block watch will be implemented going forward. 

Also being discussed is personal home security with a concentration on ensuring the safety and well-being of our most vulnerable neighbors such as seniors and the homebound. 

There will also be information and literature handed out to all attendees.

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

Vigil in New Haven to raise awareness of domestic violence

Every October, Domestic Violence Awareness Month is observed to bring to light an issue that effects all of our communities. Every 9 seconds, a woman is battered in the U.S. One in four women and one in seven men in the U.S. are victims of domestic violence at some point in their lives.

To raise awareness about domestic violence, BHcare’s The Umbrella Center for Domestic Violence Services will hold a vigil to honor and remember survivors and victims of domestic violence.

The 16^th Annual Sound of Hope will be held at 1 p.m. Wednesday at Long Wharf Pier, New Haven.  

The vigil will include the reading of names of those who have died as a result of domestic violence. Participants will receive a flower to throw into the harbor. 

Each flower represents the hopes and struggles of the survivors as they work to end violence in their lives and also honors those whose lives have been lost due to domestic violence.

For more information about the vigil, or about domestic violence services call (203) 736-2601, ext. 1381, or visit www.bhcare.org.  If you need immediate assistance, please call our 24-hour domestic violence hotline 1-888-774-2900.

This is a press release from UCDVS, a program of BHcare that provides services for victims and children of domestic violence free of charge. Each year, over 7,000 abused women and their children walk through the door of UCDVS looking for shelter, help and hope. 

Seymour Pink 5K offers hope, support to survivors

SEYMOUR - Many shades of pink were represented Saturday as more than 2,200 runners and walkers (and their supporters) garbed themselves in pink for the fourth annual Pounding the Pavement for Pink.

I was one of the more than 110 breast cancer survivors who participated.
I walked with members of our Circle of Friends support group from Griffin Hospital. 
We had a great time, walking and laughing and feeling encouraged by all those who turned out on a drizzly morning.

Hundreds of photos of the event have been posted on Facebook and I have a few to post here as well:

We were treated to a delicious breakfast and goodie bags. Much appreciated!

Seymour Pink founder Mary Deming addresses the crowd before the walk/run. 

Haynes' team members show their spirit with bright pink pom pons. 

Enthusiastic walkers showing off their pink-ness.

A throng of people waiting on River Street for the event to start.

One of my friends from the Circle of Friends, Mary, poses with her daughter.

A candid shot of members of the Circle of Friends waiting to start the walk. Pictured from left, Ellen, and our fabulous facilitators Joyce, center, and Donna.

A light-hearted message shared along the way.

Seymour First Selectman Kurt Miller shows his support.

Master's Table in Ansonia to offer breakfast