Message shared from Ansonia Public Schools

From Ansonia Public Schools' Facebook page 

Update regarding our schools:

Ansonia Public Schools will reopen all of its schools on Wednesday, May 25, 2016 and will operate on their regular schedules, according to Superintendent Dr. Carol Merlone. However, additional security measures will be in place tomorrow and through the end of the week.

“After a careful review of the facts, the Ansonia Police Department has informed me that our schools can reopen on Wednesday,” Dr. Merlone stated. Police officers will be present throughout the day at every school.

A community update will be made tonight at 7 p.m. at Ansonia High School, 20 Pulaski Highway, by Police Chief Kevin Hale, Mayor David Cassetti, and Dr. Merlone. The update will focus on the investigation into an “anonymous threatening statement” made on a social media site and discovered early Monday afternoon.

“I have been in constant contact with Police Chief Kevin Hale and with Mayor Cassetti,” Dr. Merlone said.
“We will continue to work as a team to ensure that all of Ansonia’s students and staff have the highest level of security as the investigation into this incident continues. Additional information will be shared on our website, Facebook page and by School Messenger as new developments arise. I appreciate the cooperation of our parents and community members.”

Griffin Hospital in Derby to offer babysitting course

DERBY - Griffin Hospital’s Community Outreach and Parish Nurse Program is offering a course to help babysitters be more prepared from 4-8 p.m. June 22 at Griffin Hospital, 130 Division St.

The Safe Sitter Program teaches the basics of being a skilled babysitter, including first aid, CPR, childhood behaviors, babysitting as a business, and what to do in emergencies.

Participants must be at least 12 years old. Cost is $30 per person.

The registration deadline is June 15. 

To sign up or for more information, contact Cathi Kellett at 203-732-1337 or ckellett@griffinhealth.org.

This is a press release from Griffin Hospital.

St. Joseph School in Shelton to sponsor annual carnival

SHELTON - St. Joseph School is holding its annual carnival starting today on St. Joseph Church grounds, 430 Coram Ave.

The carnival features food, games, and rides. Admission is free.

Tickets and wristbands will be available. 

Hours are 6-10 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday, 6-11 p.m. Friday and Saturday.

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

Sharing info posted today on City of Ansonia Facebook page

May 24, 2016 - The following message was sent to Ansonia residents this morning: 
"Good morning residents of the City of Ansonia. This is Mayor David Cassetti on behalf of Police Chief Kevin Hale and Superintendent Carol Merlone.

We want to invite you to attend a brief community update at the onset of our special Board of Aldermen meeting tonight at 7 p.m. at the Ansonia High School. The update concerns the recent reported threatening incident that occurred yesterday afternoon. In an effort to keep you informed and our children safe, this update will provide you with the latest information available.

Please make every effort to attend this important update, and of course, the special meeting of the Board of Aldermen regarding the budget."

Former police chief discusses novel at Derby Public Library

Andrew L. Cota Jr. speaks Monday at Derby Public Library.

DERBY - Laughter really can be the best medicine.

I haven't had a reason to laugh since losing my mother less than two weeks ago.

That all changed Monday night when I attended a presentation at Derby Public Library by former Derby Police Chief Andy Cota. He was there to discuss his new novel, Whitestone, and sign copies of it.

Cota has already spoken at Derby Neck Library and Ansonia Library, but I was unable to attend either of those presentations.
I'm glad my daughter, Allegra, and I were able to go to Monday's talk. It was an enjoyable program.

Cota said he "called upon vast life experiences" to write it, and to pen his first book, the non-fiction Through the Lens of an Old Man.
Both tomes focus on the interactions of the physical, spiritual, and psychological aspects of the human condition. 
Whitestone delves into "the possible realms of reality that exist," as it says on the back cover.  

It was Cota's delivery of several truth is stranger than fiction stories from his 34-year police career in Derby that made me laugh, and forget my sadness for a while.

I wouldn't attempt to relate them here, you'd have to hear them from Cota himself! 

I'm looking forward to reading Whitestone. It's more than 200 pages but I'm told by "reliable sources" that it's a quick read.

Club in Shelton awards scholarships to 18 Valley students

SHELTON - The Boys & Girls Club of the Lower Naugatuck Valley held its 2016 Scholarship Award Ceremony May 17.   

Linda Welch, Chair of the Scholarship Committee, awarded 18 students with a combined total of $23,117 in college scholarships. The ceremony was held at the club, One Positive Place.

The scholarship recipients were Keith Prior, Jostin Cobb, Holly Critchley, Andrew Fernandes, Marila Jennifer Saberi, Emily Kulikowski, Samantha Bellotti, Madelynne Cable, Hayvin Cobb, Megan Byrne, Alina Gonzales, Ashley Sanchez, Mackenzie Curley, Matthew Borges, Lauren Simon, Jessica Cipriano, Ronald Hubbard and Jessica Mehaylo. 
The scholarships and awards amounts were as follows: 

Scholarship Information

Coram Gardens Civic Association - $6,000

This award was established in 1987 by the former Coram Gardens Civic Association to help improve the quality of life for those people from the geographic region of Coram Gardens. Since its inception, more than $137,000 has been disbursed to help defer the cost of college tuitions.

Raymond P. Lavietes - $4,000

This award was established in 2005 by long-time friend and supporter Ray Lavietes. Ray left our Boys & Girls Club a bequest of $100,000 to help members afford a secondary education. Thanks to Ray’s generosity, more than $43,000 has been disbursed in scholarship funds. 

Dr. Edward G. Bednar - $5,000

This award was established in 2010, in memory of “Doc” Bednar, a long-time Board member and unfailing supporter of our Club and the children who attend every day. Since the first scholarship only five years ago, the Bednar family has already awarded more than $12,200 to help students pursuing an education in the healthcare field. 

George C. & Margaret Smith - $4,000

George C. and Margaret Smith left a surprise bequest of $100,000 to our Boys & Girls Club. Since its inception this fund has provided more than $114,000 for secondary education to our young men and women. 

David J. Marchitto - $1,000

This new scholarship is being awarded for the first time this year, in memory of David Marchitto, a long-time member of our Board. David tirelessly advocated for the children of the Boys & Girls Club and all the youngsters in the Shelton Public School system. Through this scholarship, he will continue to be a positive and lasting influence in the lives of Club members as they pursue their hopes and dreams.

George & Beatrice Ryan - $2,617

After leaving the service after World War II, Shelton resident George Ryan jumped with both feet into the automotive industry. Many years later, Ryan is still passionate about the career that has taken him from the gas pumps to the successful Curtiss-Ryan Honda car dealership. And now he is eager to share his passion by extending a helping hand to others who enter the field.  “I always thought I should give back to the community,” said Ryan. “It has supported me, and I believe that I should support it.”  
In 2004, Ryan chose to do exactly that by establishing the George and Beatrice Ryan Scholarship Fund at Valley Community Fund, which provides scholarships to students who are planning to study automotive administration, sales or technology. 

For more information about the Boys & Girls Club of the Lower Naugatuck Valley, visit www.BGC-LNV.org. 


This is a press release from the club. 
Congratulations to all the scholarship recipients!

Valley Shakespeare Festival to stage 'The Taming of the Shrew'

Scene from 'The Taming of the Shrew.' /Contributed photo

SHELTON - Get ready for a wild and crazy ride this summer as Valley Shakespeare Festival presents the Bard of Avon’s raucous comedy about the ultimate unconventional courtship, “The Taming of the Shrew.”

Join Petruchio as he struggles to find a way to win the fiery Katharine’s heart and mind while teaching the so-called “civilized” society a lesson or two about respect and behavior in the process.  
The rapid-fire repartee between these two will keep your ears on their “toes” and your heart laughing as the feisty couple take on each other and turn society’s traditional wisdom on the subject upside down.

The cast is set and the venue secured for this extraordinary journey which will take place in Veterans Memorial-Riverwalk Park at 8 p.m July 14-17. 
Fan favorites Jessica Breda and Kristen Kingsley will be returning and the principal roles of Petruchio and Katharine will be played by newcomers Nate Murphy and Iris McQuillan-Grace, respectively.   

Performances will be held on the Park’s lawn; all are free and open to the public.  
Patrons are encouraged to arrive early, bring a picnic dinner and, when the sun sets, enjoy William Shakespeare’s delightfully witty and surprising comedy under the summer stars.

This is a press release from Valley Shakespeare Festival, a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt theater company dedicated to bringing free and affordable theater to the communities of the lower Naugatuck Valley.