DEEP expects elevated wildfire risk in state over holiday weekend

Connecticut’s Department of Energy and Environmental Protection today reminded residents and visitors that forest fire danger levels are “High” because of the dry conditions over the past several weeks – and that special care should be taken over the holiday weekend with the use of sparklers, fireworks, and other potentially flammable materials.    

“While some parts of our state had some rain in recent days, and there is a chance for some showers tomorrow (Friday), the forest fire danger will remain at High or above until we get a good statewide soaking,” said DEEP Commissioner Robert Klee.  

“As always, Connecticut residents and visitors alike need to take precautions to prevent forest fires – especially with the  forecast calling largely for hot and dry conditions to continue throughout the state over the next few days.”

Klee said if you are enjoying the outdoors at a state park or forest, always limit your campfires to the stone or metal rings provided, and be sure your fire is doused thoroughly when done.

He also noted that recent gypsy moth defoliation has left many trees bare – especially in the Southeastern, portion of the state – allowing more sunlight to reach the forest floor and creating drier conditions that contribute to the rapid spread of fires.  

DEEP reminds all state residents that if they have a permit from their local Open Burning Official allowing them to burn brush on their property, the permit is not valid if the Forest Fire Danger is rated High, Very High or Extreme and you are burning within 100 feet of a grassland or woodland.  
The Forest Fire Danger is posted daily on the DEEP website at  DEEP: Forest Fire Danger Report 

 DEEP’s Division of Forestry constantly monitors the danger of forest fire to help protect Connecticut’s 1.8 million acres of forested land. 
Forest fire danger levels are classified as low, moderate, high, very high or extreme.  So far in 2016, 300 acres have burned in Connecticut.  The average number of acres burned per year in Connecticut is about 500.

Visit www.ct.gov/dep/forestfiredanger for the daily Forest Fire Danger level.

Anyone spotting a forest fire should go to the nearest telephone and dial 911 to report the fire as quickly as possible to the local fire department. 

Forest Fire Prevention Tips

The DEEP encourages residents of Connecticut to protect their families and homes from forest fire by:

• Making a fire safe zone around your house. Clean flammable vegetation and debris from at least 30 feet around the house and any outbuildings; 
• Pruning away the lower limbs of evergreens that are within the fire safe zone. Evergreens catch fire easily during dry periods and burn quickly; 
• Removing any limbs which overhang the roof or chimney; 
• Regularly removing leaves and needles from gutters; 
• Not storing firewood in the fire safe zone; 
• Using fire resistant roofing materials; 
• Making sure firefighters can find and access your home. Mark your house and roads clearly and prune away limbs and trees along your driveway which do not allow fire truck access; 
• Have an escape plan and practice it; 
• Following state and local open burning laws; 
• Staying with outside fires until they are completely safe and dead out; and 
• Disposing of wood ashes in a metal bucket, soaking them with water before dumping them.

For those who enjoy the use of Connecticut’s parks, forests, and open spaces, use fires with caution and follow these recommendations:

• Obey local laws regarding open fires, including campfires; 
• Keep all flammable objects away from fire; 
• Have firefighting tools nearby and handy; 
• Carefully dispose of hot charcoal; 
• Drown all fires; 
• Extinguish smoking materials with caution.

For more information on fire safety, contact DEEP’s Forestry Division at (860) 424-3630.

This is a press release from DEEP.  

Message from City of Ansonia: DOT to pave Division Street Friday

Attention Ansonia residents: 

Please be advised that the State of Connecticut, Department of Transportation will be paving Division Street tomorrow, July 1st. 

Paving will begin at 7:00 a.m., delays are expected.

*Information shared from City of Ansonia Facebook page.

Gentile: Ansonia to get $400,000 grant for housing rehabilitation

Homeowners will be able to pay for improvements 

ANSONIA - State Rep. Linda M. Gentile, D-Ansonia/Derby, is pleased to report Ansonia is getting a $400,000 housing grant.  

The funds will help low and moderate-income homeowners to rehabilitate their homes.  

As many as 10 homes are expected to use the funds for roof replacement, heating system upgrades, window replacement, lead paint and asbestos removal, electrical, and building code upgrades.

“This is great news for Ansonia and for homeowners in desperate need of fixing up their properties,” said Gentile.  

“We all know how expensive it can be to pay for repairs and normal home maintenance. These funds will help ease the financial burden while improving property values.”

Twenty other towns in Connecticut with populations under 50,000 are sharing a $13 million Community Development Block Grant from the U.S. Department of Housing and U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.

This is a press release from the Connecticut House Democrats' office.

Sharing message from Derby official about Friday's fireworks

From an email this afternoon from Town/City Clerk Marc Garofalo:

Updated info: 

"Mayor Dugatto has been informed that the Derby Shelton Fireworks will be postponed until Sunday July 3, 2016 due to the anticipated inclement weather tomorrow evening.

"We regret any inconvenience and wish you a happy and safe 4^th of July weekend."

From an email today from town/City Clerk Marc Garofalo:

  

"Please be advised that a decision will be made on the Derby Shelton Fireworks tomorrow by 12:00 noon.

"Please consult the Derby Website at www.derbyct.gov for news on this matter.  We will also send another email tomorrow to confirm.

"Thanks and have a safe holiday.  May the 4^th be with you!"

*Full disclosure: This photo was not taken at the Derby-Shelton fireworks. I took it last year in another location.

Rubber City Blues Band to perform in downtown Seymour Saturday

SEYMOUR - The Seymour Culture and Arts Commission will continue its summer concert series Saturday with the Rubber City Blues Band. 

This 11-piece ensemble based locally out of Naugatuck will be sure to entertain with their mix of Pop, Jazz, and Rhythm and Blues selections. 

The concert will take place in downtown Seymour on the corners of First and Bank Street from 6-8 p.m. 
There is no rain date or location for the concert. Please bring your own chairs. 

Parking is available on surrounding streets, but do not park in the First Street plaza as shop owners will have your car towed. 

For more information please contact Kim at 203-888-7880.


* This information was shared on The Valley-Voice CT Facebook page by Kimberly Osgood, commission member.

Have an event you want to share with a wider audience? You can post it on The Valley-Voice CT or email me at pmcv394@gmail.com to be included on my blog and possibly in the newsletter.

TEAM in Derby offers free play groups on Mondays

DERBY - Free Learn and Play Groups for families with children 5 and under are offered at TEAM's Family
Resource Center, 30 Elizabeth St., from 10-11 a.m. Mondays.

* Enjoy guided educational activities exploring numbers, letters, crafts, music and more;
* Socialize with other children;
* Get ready for the structure of daycare and/or school;
* Learn if you are eligible for diapers and wipes from TEAM's Diaper Bank.

Walk-ins welcome; please call ahead because all programs are subject to change. 

Parking available in Derby Municipal Parking Garage. 

Your parking will be validated. 

Any questions, please call Jennifer, 203.736.5420 ext. 208.

*Information shared from TEAM's Facebook page.

Time to register for Ansonia Town Wide Tag Sale

Ansonia announces summer concert series

Seymour Pink opens registration Friday for 5th Annual Pounding the Pavement

Sat. October 1st 2016   Go BIG or Go Home! As we prepare for registration to open this Friday for our 5th Annual Pounding the Pavement for Pink, we've looked at how this event has just exploded.  Over 2200 runners and walkers joined us last year, including members of over 80 teams. Over 2200 in only our 4th year!!!  We can't wait to see where we go from here.  Join us on October 1st to walk or run for Hope. Registration for the 2016 POUNDING THE PAVEMENT FOR PINK: Adults 18+ Ages 6-17 Kids Run (8 and under) Early Bird July 1-31 $25 $15 $10 Registration Aug. 1-31 $30 $20 $15 Late Registration Sept. 1-15 $40 $25 $20 The first 1800 people to register will receive the 2016 race T-shirt. 2016 Race Link Registration will open at 7am on July 1st.  Team Registration Incentive...  To kick off our registration -  the first 10 TEAM CAPTAINS to register their team and have at least 5 members register will be literally glowing! Donations Appreciated! We want to take this event over-the-top this year.  So we are offering an incentive to individuals that are interested in collecting donations for Pink. An individual who raises $500 in donations for Seymour Pink for their 5k run/walk, that person will receive a $50 gift card to either Hot Tamales, 500 degrees on Main Street OR Tavern 1757!  An individual who raises $1000 in donations will receive a $100 gift card to the one of these restaurants, YOUR choice! If you want to get people to donate or sponsor your run/walk - the registration site will give you a chance to set up a "FUNDRAISER". This will allow you to set a goal and to have people donate towards your goal. If you want to set this up when you register: 1. Navigate to the Race Page. 2. Select Donate from the left-hand sidebar. 3. Select Become a Fundraiser. 4. Enter in a name for your Fundraiser 5. Enter in a goal for your new Fundraiser 6. Add a message to describe your Fundraiser 7. Complete your registration You can also go back and set this up after you register: 1. Sign In to RunSignUp 2. Go to your Profile 3. Click My Registered Races 4. Click View/Edit next to the registration to View/Edit 5. Click Fundraiser in the left-hand sidebar to begin Here is a full How-To if you have any problems. https://runsignup.com/How-To/Become-Fundraiser  Sponsor Opportunities There are TONS of ways your business can help support this event and Seymour Pink.  The Presenting Sponsor level has been taken again by Haynes Construction (THANK YOU!!!).  There are other levels still available.  Please reach out to Mary Deming via email or phone(203-668-3170) for more information.

Seymour Ambulance to offer safety class for children

*Sharing this information from the Facebook page of the Office of the Seymour First Selectman.

St. Mary's Church in Derby readies annual summer festival

*Information shared from the church's Facebook page.

Derby Public Library book discussion to focus on 'The Vacationers'

DERBY - The Derby Public Library has scheduled its next Lunchtime Book Discussion for 12:30 p.m. July 27.

The selected title is The Vacationers by Emma Straub.

This riveting novel combines all the delights of a summer beach read, 

with exceptional wit, intelligence, and insight. 

For the Posts, a two-week trip to the Balearic island of Mallorca with their extended family and friends is a celebration. Franny and Jim are

observing their 35th wedding anniversary, and their daughter, Sylvia, has graduated from high school.

Anticipated as an escape from tensions simmering at home,

the trip soon reveals secrets, resurfaces childhood rivalries, and unleashes emotional turmoil.

It is a story of family and the bonds that ultimately hold us together.  

Multiple copies of the book are available at the circulation desk.  

Participants are asked to bring a sandwich and a friend as they “chat and chew.”  
Dessert and beverages will be provided.

Registration is requested.  

For more information, stop by the Library, 313 Elizabeth

St., call 203-736-1482, or visit www.derbypubliclibrary.org. 


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

Free skin cancer screenings will be offered at community dinner in Ansonia

Congratulations to 2 from Valley on being named '40 Under 40' stars

* This is the 12th year the Fairfield Business Journal has honored 40 professionals under age 40 who work in Fairfield County.

Derby schools recognized with Sandy Hook Promise award

DERBY - On Aug. 24, 2015 Derby Public Schools kicked off the school year with a message that has continued to be a focus every day. 
The message is “No One Eats Alone” with activities planned throughout the year in all schools. 

Derby Schools want every student and every staff member to pass on the message to ensure our activities are inclusive of every student.

Superintendent of Schools Matthew Conway said, “The program's intent is to make sure every student feels included and safe in our schools and that every adult and student is part of the carrying out the message.

In recognition of their efforts Derby Public Schools was recognized with The Sandy Hook Promise “Award of Excellence in recognition of your leadership in protecting students and your community.”

Conway said, “We are thrilled to have received this recognition. It is validating of the efforts of all staff and students to create a culture and climate in which all students feel part of the Team.”

Board Chairman Ken Marcucio said, “Considering the problems we have had in our state and across the nation in many of our schools and communities in recent times, it is very satisfying for our Board, Superintendent, our staff, our students, our parents, and our entire community to get this “Award of Excellence,” especially with the Sandy Hook Promise attached to it. 
"No one was left out—everyone was included to get this message out. This has been our number one priority - to be sure we have safe schools and a safe community so students can learn without being afraid of what is going on around them and to be sure that everyone is included and involved in all our programs. Inclusive communities are strong, happy and violence-free.”

Derby Public Schools was selected among 564 schools and youth organizations from 45 states who participated in this program. 


This is a press release from Derby Public Schools.

Learn to paint with water colors at Derby Public Library

DERBY - The Derby Public Library will host another popular Water Color Painting Workshop at 6 p.m. July 25.

Ages 18 and over are invited to enjoy this fun evening resulting in fabulous art!

Participants will go home with new friends, great memories, and a newly-created masterpiece that will show your "inner artist."

No experience?  No problem! 

Rich DiCarlo, President of the Valley Arts Council, will guide you step-by-step on this creative journey as you learn the ins and outs of creating your own water color painting.

No previous artistic experience necessary. This is a great class  for beginners or seasoned professionals.
Snacks will be provided. 

It is promised to be a surprisingly easy and fun way to spend an evening!  
Registration is required.  

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.

Newsletter features festival in Ansonia, concert in Derby, Shakespeare in Shelton

Dear readers,

Our latest Valley Voice newsletter is available.

You can check it out here: 

http://media.wix.com/ugd/329bf6_dea7bdd529ac49ad9f89e5d2fe0c30f8.pdf

Community breakfast planned July 9 in Ansonia

Presentations on investing planned at Ansonia Library

ANSONIA - A program, Broadening Your Knowledge of Investing, will be held from 11 a.m.-noon weekdays in July and August at Ansonia Library.  

Photo from library website

The purpose is to help you increase your knowledge beyond your current investments.  
Included in this presentation: develop an investment strategy; stick with quality; learn about the diversity of bonds, stocks, and mutual funds; invest for the long term; and focus on what you can control.  

Bob Condon of Edward Jones Investment is the presenter. 

The Library is at 53 S. Cliff St.

For more information, call the Ansonia Library, 203-734-6275.


This is a press release from Mary Ann Capone, Director, Ansonia Library.

Valley Shakespeare Festival to present raucous comedy at park in Shelton

SHELTON - Batten down the hatches and man the lifeboats because there’s a storm coming as Valley Shakespeare Festival presents “The Taming of the Shrew.”  

Shakespeare’s wild and raucous comedy about courtship and marriage comes to the Valley for four free performances in Veterans Memorial-Riverwalk Park on the evenings of July 14-17.

The cast of characters includes a shrew (of course!), a boor, a goody-two-shoes, a love-sick boy and a whole crew of confused, conflicted and hapless miscreants all on board to escort you on a tumultuous journey to true love.

The story revolves around two sisters, daughters of a wealthy gentleman in Padua, Italy.  

The younger, Bianca, is daddy’s perfect little girl: demure, virtuous, sweet and infinitely marriageable.  

The older, Kate, is the shrew.  She is quick-witted, independent and anything but subservient; not the ideal Elizabethan bride!  

The problem is that Sr. Baptista (aka Daddy) won’t let Bianca marry before Kate does.  

But, as is often the case in Shakespeare and in life, people are not always what they seem.

Jessica Breda, who is playing the role of Bianca, explains:

“I think that Bianca is a strong-willed lady who knows what she wants and how to get it … She’s definitely got some antagonistic qualities, especially when it comes to her relationship with Kate.”

Iris McQuillan-Grace will take on the role of Kate.  She’s played the role before, when she was 10 years younger.  

She’s looking forward to giving the character another go:

“I’ve had a long time to reflect on how I saw her and approached her before, and it’s so rare that you get to repeat a role - I’m looking forward to finding new things, especially in her family relationships and how she became the person she is at the beginning of the play.”

These are the kind of sisters who give sibling rivalry a bad name and audience members can count on plenty of sparks flying, hair pulling and cat-fighting!   

Woe to the brave men who choose to woo these two!

Lucentio is Bianca’s suitor of choice for husband material and Mitchel Kawash will tackle his role: 

“He (Lucentio) comes to Padua excited to travel and motivated to study and within 50 lines he’s fallen in love and that’s all a distant afterthought.  

Then he spends the bulk of the play disguised (as a classics tutor to Bianca). Then, all of a sudden, we see him with his father and he’s married!”

Petruchio, on the other hand, is wealthy in his own right, has been to war, and has seen his share of the world and life. He has come to Padua to “wed wealthily, then happily.”  

Like Kate, he is quick-witted, sharp-tongued, feisty, knows exactly what he wants and fears nothing and no one.

So, the stage is set for a battle royal – or two! Who, if anyone will prevail?  Come on out on and decide who you will root for!

All four performances are free and open to the public and begin at sunset, around 8 p.m.  

Audiences are invited to arrive up to two hours early to picnic and enjoy family time in the park prior to the show.

This is a press release from Valley Shakespeare Festival, a non-profit theater company dedicated to bringing free and low-cost theater to the lower Naugatuck Valley and its surroundings.

Treasured Time to host softball marathon to support Derby family

Treasured Time’s 3rd Annual Extra Innings Softball Marathon Aug.13-14 at Frank DeLuca Hall of Fame Stadium will support the wish of Nicole Mather of Derby, pictured at left with her son, Austin, and husband, Brian. /Submitted photo

DERBY - Treasured Time, Inc. is hosting its Third Annual Extra Innings Softball Marathon Aug. 13-14 at Frank DeLuca Hall of Fame Stadium in Stratford to help make the wish of a terminally ill mother in Derby come true.

This semi-competitive event encourages the community to form softball teams and play one-hour games to win a night in the Treasured Time Suite at a Bridgeport Bluefish Game.

Proceeds support the charity’s mission to grant the wishes of parents with life-threatening illnesses. 

This year’s Extra Innings Marathon will directly benefit the newest Treasured Time “gift of moments” recipient, Nicole Mather of Derby.

“Treasured Time is so excited to once again put on this fundraiser,” said Suzanne Major, Founder/CEO of Treasured Time. 

“The money we raise from this event will assist our newest families and we can’t wait to have everyone come down and join us at the stadium for two days of fun.”

This two-day event starts at 7 a.m. Aug. 13 and runs until 9 p.m., including an exciting Home Run Derby for both men and women at 7:30 p.m. 

The Home Run Derby winners will get a dinner for two at Vazzy’s Cucina in Shelton. The marathon resumes at 7 a.m. Aug. 14 and concludes with a championship game at 7:30 p.m. that day.

Registration is limited to the first 40 teams consisting of at least 10 players per team. The team that scores the most runs in a win on Saturday will play in the championship against the team that scored the most runs in a win on Sunday.

“The great part about this event is that you don’t have to be a softball player to join in on the fun,” said event organizer Jenn Moffat. 

“We have many companies and families who have been affected by life-threatening illnesses, who come out to enjoy the day and support our mission. We match the teams up by skill level, so everyone is welcome to play. The weekend is really not about competition, it’s about the cause.”

In addition to supporting Treasured Time, the marathon is held in honor of former Bluefish General Manager and Treasured Time supporter Ken Shepard.

Derby woman hopes to renew vows in Vegas

Nicole Mather, 43, of Derby, became sick at age 15. After a few years of not knowing what was wrong and undergoing various tests, she was diagnosed with lupus at 17.

Since then, life has been very difficult. She has been in and out of the hospital throughout her life. Shortly after her diagnosis, Mather was in a major car accident in which she was put on life support and administered Last Rites by a priest.

Mather defied the odds of the accident and her illness and found true love in her husband, Brian. 

The couple was told they would never have children, but Mather again proved the exception and was blessed with her “miracle baby,” Austin, who is now 17. 

Mather recently was diagnosed with diabetes and has suffered two severe strokes and three mini-strokes. She has APS lupus which creates blood clots throughout her body, intensifying her susceptibility to strokes. 

Mather could have a stroke that changes her life forever at any time, but for right now she does what she can to enjoy life despite her limitations.

Mather's wish is to go to Las Vegas and renew her vows with her true love and have her son walk her down the aisle. They will be married 20 years this September.

The entry fee for the Extra Innings Marathon is $250 per team, and the deadline to register is July 31. Home Run Derby participants can enter for a $25 fee. 

Tickets for spectators to attend the softball marathon are $5. 

There will be activities throughout the event including corn hole, DJs, and raffles.

For more information or to register a team or for the Homerun Derby, contact Jenn at 203-446-1068 or jenn@treasuredtime.org.

Treasured Time, Inc. is a Connecticut-based 501(c)(3) organization whose mission is to grant the wishes of parents with life threatening illnesses who want to create a lasting memory with their children.  

With your help, Treasured Time, Inc. can provide families with the “Gift of Moments.”

To see how you can help make a difference, visit www.treasuredtime.org.

This is a press release from Treasured Time. 

Conroy: State establishes hotline for treatment of opioid addiction

State Rep. Theresa Conroy (D-Seymour, Beacon Falls, Derby) announced today the state now has a 24-hour hotline for people seeking treatment for addiction to prescription opioids and heroin.

State Rep. Theresa Conroy

“There were more than 700 opioid-related deaths in Connecticut in 2015 – the numbers of deaths have been climbing significantly each year,” Conroy said. "This is a public health crisis that requires a broad response.” Conroy is an APRN.

The legislature this year approved a wide-ranging bill to limit opioid prescriptions and require first responders to carry Narcan, the life-saving overdose antidote.

The state Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services (DMHAS) has opened 1-800-563-4086. 

Callers will be immediately connected to a walk-in treatment clinic.


This is a press release from Conroy's office.