Ansonia, Derby schools to receive state funds for improvements

Included in 2014  'Smart Start' legislation
HARTFORD - State Sen. Joseph J. Crisco, Jr., D-Woodbridge, and state Rep. Linda M. Gentile, D-Ansonia, announced Thursday the State Bond Commission has approved funding for various improvements to Ansonia and Derby public schools.

Funding the local school improvements was included in the bipartisan 2014 “Smart Start” bill that Crisco, Gentile, and other legislators voted for.

Ansonia public schools will receive $75,000 in state funding for outdoor playscape improvements, classroom equipment and furniture. 
Derby public schools will receive $150,000 in state funding for the installation of an indoor playground, improvements to windows and floors, and security upgrades.

“I knew when I voted for this program two years ago that it would pay benefits all across the state by increasing the number of preschool seats available to young children,” Crisco said. 
“I am especially pleased that some of this state funding is landing right here in the 17^th Senate District towns of Ansonia and Derby.”

“I welcome these funds because they benefit our children.  Ensuring the safety and security of students in our schools is money well spent,” Gentile said. “The equipment for playground and playscapes goes a long way in making sure kids engage in physical activity.  I want to thank Governor Malloy for making this happen.”

Passed by the General Assembly in 2014, Connecticut’s Smart Start is a competitive grant program to reimburse local and regional boards of education for capital and operating expenses related to establishing or expanding a preschool program.

Local and regional school boards are encouraged to submit applications for competitive grants up to $75,000 per classroom for costs related to the renovation of an existing public school to accommodate the establishment or expansion of a preschool program.


This is a press release from Crisco's office.

Fountain Hose Co. 1 in Ansonia plans pancake breakfast fundraiser

Save the date to support volunteer firefighters.

Career Coach to visit Derby Public Library in April

DERBY - The American Job Search Career Coach returns to the Derby Public Library from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. April 15.

During both the morning session, 10 a.m.-noon, and the 

afternoon session, 1-3 p.m., instructors will be offering the class, Using Social Networking in Your Job Search.

Both sessions will explain very useful tools that job seekers need today.  
Social networking has become one of the most 

popular ways of landing your next “big” job by creating 

useful connections online. These connections make it easier to look for a job on-line through your created network.

The classes are free and open to the public.  
Registration is requested but walk-ins will be welcomed on a first come, first served basis.

The American Job Search Career Coach is operated by Career Resources. 

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. 

Food drive to benefit Valley Food Bank at Spooner House in Shelton

Save the date! 

PKD Challenge for March: Day 24 ~ Share story of donation

March 24

Organ donors truly save lives. 

If you have donated a kidney to a PKD patient, share your story with us.