Derby cheerleaders win plaudits for winning national titles

Congratulations go out today to the Derby Pop Warner cheerleaders! 

Read all about their victories at Disney World in Orlando, Fla. in a story by New Haven Register correspondent Jean Falbo-Sosnovich.

Crisco welcomes funding for upgrades to tunnel, Route 15 Exit 59

WOODBRIDGE - State Sen. Joseph J. Crisco, Jr., D-Woodbridge, announced today the State Bond Commission has approved funds that will pay for preliminary plans to rehabilitate the aging Route 15 West Rock Tunnel and the nearby, accident-prone Exit 59.

 Joseph Crisco

The State Bond Commission Friday approved releasing $2 million in bonding for the preliminary design phase for new and rehabilitated tunnels carrying Route 15 (the Wilbur Cross Parkway) under the West Rock Ridge in Woodbridge and New Haven.

Built in 1949, this quarter-mile twin tunnel requires constant maintenance due to its poor condition and hazards created by falling concrete, ice, and poor illumination. 

The planned rehabilitation of the tunnel will use innovative means to maintain traffic flow during construction and to shorten the duration of construction; the work may include creation of a third tunnel.

The work will also reconstruct the Exit 59 interchange in New Haven and Woodbridge. A study of the interchange was initiated several years ago due to high accident rates and traffic congestion in the area. 
The goals of a reconfigured exit are to improve safety, reduce congestion, improve pedestrian accommodations, and improve commuter connectivity to and from Route 15.

“We hear a lot from commuters and businesses that Connecticut needs a modern, safe, and reliable transportation infrastructure in order to be efficient and productive, and that’s what this state investment will do: modernize and improve the West Rock Tunnel that is used by thousands of commuters every day, and improve the safety and functionality of Exit 59,” Crisco said. 
“I want to thank Governor Malloy and the State Bond Commission for recognizing the importance of these improvements to the residents and businesses of Woodbridge and the area, and for having the courage and the commitment to moving this state forward on an everyday transportation issue."


This is a press release from Crisco's office.

Master's Table, club to host breakfast at Assumption Church hall in Ansonia

Derby Public Library offers chess club, games for teens

DERBY - The Derby Public Library Teen Chess Club invites all young adults ages 12 to 17 to meetings on Mondays, Jan. 4, 11, and 25, from 6:30-7:30 p.m.

All skill levels are welcome. 

Participants will learn how the game is played as well as defensive/offensive strategies. 
Julio Maldonado provides superb expertise from a life-long love for the game. 

YA Wednesdays

The Derby Public Library hosts YA Wednesdays every month from 6-7:30 p.m.

All young adults ages 12 to 17 are invited to join the fun each Wednesday in January as Nintendo Wii, board games, and Legos will be available. 

Light refreshments will be provided. 

For more information on any program stop by the Library at 313 Elizabeth St., call 203-736-1482, or visit www.derbypubliclibrary.org.

This is a press release from Tony DeLos, young adult/reference librarian.

Griffin Hospital in Derby schedules CPR course

Griffin Hospital is offering free Friends & Family CPR Training Jan. 16 and then on the third Saturday of every month throughout 2016./Submitted photo

DERBY - Griffin Hospital Valley Parish Nurses are encouraging individuals to be a hero for their friends and family in 2016 by offering free CPR Training throughout the year.

Family & Friends CPR is a non-certifying course that teaches the basics of adult and child CPR and relief of a foreign body (choking). 

Infant skills will be offered at the end of the program to those who wish to learn these additional skills.

The course is offered Jan. 16, and then on the third Saturday of every month from 10 a.m.-noon for the rest of the year. 
Registrations required as space is limited.

Call Cathi, 203-732-1337, to sign up or for more information.

This is a press release from Griffin Hospital.

Bungay students in Seymour win fire prevention poster contest

Pictured from left, Bungay School Principal Mary Sue Feige, Seymour Fire Marshal Paul Wetowitz, Bungay Assistant Principal Kris Boyle, and two poster contest winners. / Contributed photo

SEYMOUR - Once a year many local Fire Marshals around the State promote a Fire Prevention Poster Contest involving fourth and fifth graders within their elementary schools. 

This is a cooperative effort throughout the state involving many state agencies, Fire Department and Fire Marshal Associations and the Connecticut FAIR Plan (representing the insurance industry). 

Students with the assistance of their teachers create posters that promote fire safety within their community and homes. Fire safety information and examples are given to their teachers from the local Fire Marshal. 

The local Fire Marshal along with his or her team select the best one from the fourth and fifth grades. It is a difficult task but one I love doing. Those are then passed on to the County level where the best ones are chosen and then passed on to the state level.  

This year Bungay School had two winners, one in fourth grade, and the other in fifth grade. 

“As Fire Marshal, I love going through the hundreds of posters and observing the creative art form that the children have,” said Fire Marshal Paul Wetowitz. "Also, I am hoping that the fire safety lesson they learn will one day save themselves, family members, friends and people from the effects of fires.

"Also, I am hoping that the messages they take with them will last a life time and they pass it on. Any fire is one fire too many to occur."

These two Bungay students, along with the other winners from Chatfield School, will also be offered a ride to school in one of the Fire Department’s trucks. Imagine going to school with lights blazing and siren sounding. 

County and state winners will receive a monetary check along with the school receiving a matching grant. Their posters will also be displayed in locations around the state.  

This is a press release from Wetowitz and Bungay School. 

Internet-less in Ansonia

Yikes, not having access to the Internet for 24 hours is not fun, especially when one's work depends on it.

We got it back this afternoon and now I have some catching up to do. 

Stay tuned!