Shelton officials judge students' fire prevention posters

SHELTON - Several aldermen judged the Shelton Fire Prevention Bureau's annual fire prevention poster contest among fourth and fifth graders Wednesday night at City Hall. 

Alderman Jim Capra checks out posters. He said it was his first time judging.

Alderwoman Noreen McGorty and her daughter, Siobhan McGorty, also were on hand to judge posters for the first time. 

Longtime Alderman Jack Finn said he had been judging fire prevention posters since the program started 31 years ago.


Quoting from the fire prevention bureau's website:
"In addition to first and second place winners for each grade from each school, a first place winner is chosen for each grade to represent the city in the statewide contest. 
The poster contest is designed to develop fire safety awareness in youngsters and to encourage them to take the message home to their families. It is jointly sponsored by Connecticut FAIR Plan, representing the insurance industry in this state; the Connecticut Fire Marshals Association; Connecticut Board of Education; and the Office of State Fire Marshal.

The contest begins during fire prevention week in October with judging conducted in December."

I was at City Hall along with Valley Independent Sentinel reporter Ethan Fry to judge fifth and sixth grade students' fire prevention essays. 

There were only seven essays for us to read this year, and we chose the three we deemed the best. 
I cannot divulge the students' names here, but I can say the all did a great job with the subject matter.

An awards ceremony will be held in January at City Hall at a time and date to be determined.

Plaudits go to Ted Pisciotta, Assistant Chief, Fire Prevention, for coordinating this program every year! 

Color, create at Derby Public Library

DERBY- The Derby Public Library is launching a new group for the New Year.  

At 6:30 p.m. Jan. 11, adults are invited come and join the coloring craze - it’s not just for kids any more!

Coloring sheets, along with crayons and color pencils, will be provided but you are also welcomed to bring your own materials.  

This simple activity provides social, mental health, and creative benefits. Relaxing music and light snacks are included.

No specific skills or preparation needed, just a desire to relax and de-stress.  

Registration is requested.  
For more information, stop by the Library at 313 Elizabeth St., call 203-736-1482 or visit www.derbypubliclibrary.org.

This is a press release from Cathy Williams, Director, Derby Public Library.

Valley Council recognizes nonprofit, volunteers at Shelton breakfast

Photo by Fred Ortoli

Pictured from left, Diane Stroman, Valley Council for Health and Human Services chair, Jim Fedak, founder, Master's Table Community Meals,  Nick Gentile, community volunteer, Harry Burlakoff, owner, Minute Man Press in Shelton, Patricia Tarasovic, Council co-chair. 

SHELTON - The Valley Council for Health and Human Services recently held its Annual Breakfast Meeting and Community Awards Presentation at Brownson Country Club. Each year the Valley Council recognizes individuals who make a significant contribution to the community. 
VCHHS Chair Diane Stroman and Co-Chair Patricia Tarasovic presented awards honoring Masters Table Community Meals, Harry Burlakoff, and Nick Gentile. 

Jimmy Tickey, campaign manager for U.S. Rep. Rosa L. DeLauro, D-New Haven, recognized the award recipients and presented them with a special citation. 

The breakfast meeting and awards presentation was sponsored by the Valley Community Foundation.  
  

Visit Valleycouncil.org to read more about the winners.

Congratulations to all the awardees!


This is a press release from the Valley Council for Health and Human Services. 

Church in Derby to host game night for Grades 6-8

DERBY - Walnut Hill Community Church will host a free middle school game night at 6:30 p.m. Friday.

Students in Grades 6-8 can enjoy video games like Mario Kart and Wii Sports on four different Wii consoles, table games such as pool, ping pong, foosball, and air hockey as well as card, board, and skill based games. 

Light refreshments will be served. Students are asked to register and provide emergency contact information which can be done using the church website or when they come to play.

The church is at the corner of Smith and Ninth Streets. 

This information is shared from an online community calendar sponsored by The Community Foundation for Greater New Haven and The New Haven Independent.