Students rehearse 'Fiddler on the Roof' at Ansonia Middle School

Contributed photo

ANSONIA - About 30 students from four area schools are rehearsing the classic musical, 'Fiddler on the Roof,' Ansonia Middle School teacher Lisa Nicolari said this week.

Performances will be at 7 p.m. April 20, 21, 26, and 27 at Ansonia Middle School, 115 Howard Ave. 

Tickets are $10 at the door.  
Snacks will be available for sale during intermission. 


The show is a production of Bright Light Musicals, LLC.







Contributed photos

Derby Public Library slates May cookbook book club meeting

DERBY - The Derby Public Library has started a new book club – The Cookbook Book Club! 

It meets on the first Monday of every month. The May meeting will be held at 6:30 p.m. May 1.  

A different theme is picked for each month. Participants select a cookbook from the Library’s large collection to peruse and choose a tantalizing recipe.  
They then select one recipe to make and bring to the meeting for all to share. After eating, the group rates the recipes and reviews the cookbooks.  
The theme for May is Spring Desserts.  

If you love browsing through cookbooks and trying new recipes, then this is the club for you! 

The Library will provide beverages and all paper products and utensils.  
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.     

Written Words Bookstore in Shelton to host veteran's talk Saturday

SPECIAL PRESENTATION: Sat • 04/01/2017 1:00pm
 Lieutenant Colonel Guy Beardsley, USA, Retired, will be here to discuss his experiences in the Korean and Vietnam Wars. Open to the public!

American Legion Post 16 in Shelton to sponsor walk for Children's Medical Center

Seymour Community Services slates trip to Atlantic City

Derby Public Library to host discussion on mystery novel

DERBY - The Derby Public Library has scheduled its next Lunchtime Book Discussion for 12:30 p.m. April 26.

The selected title is the best-selling novel, The Woman in 

Cabin 10 by Ruth Ware.  

Travel journalist Lo Blacklock has been given the assignment of a lifetime when she receives a press pass for a weeklong luxury cruise from London to the Norwegian fjords.  
But on the first evening aboard, she witnesses a woman being thrown overboard.  
Her claims, however, are quickly dismissed by the ship’s crew. 
Lo’s original assignment to chronicle the ship’s maiden voyage is quickly overshadowed by her obsession with solving the mystery, despite any evidence of foul play, entangling her in a web of deception and danger.  

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.

Newsletter features Ansonia Fire Museum, fitness studio

Dear readers,

The latest Valley Voice newsletter is out. Please click here to read it.

We feature a fitness studio in Ansonia that is for women only, and the Derby Historical Society's annual meeting held at the Ansonia Fire Museum. 
My favorite photo from the museum is this one:

Firefighting gear from days gone by. 

Thanks for reading!

~ Patti and Ralph

Logan to discuss employment issues with Labor Commissioner on TV show

George S. Logan 

HARTFORD - State Sen. George S. Logan’s next edition of “The Senate Reports” will feature Connecticut Department of Labor Commissioner Scott D. Jackson.

Jackson, who formerly served as Hamden’s mayor, will discuss the state agency’s many efforts and initiatives to help job seekers and employers in Hamden and throughout the state.

On the web: www.ct.gov/dol. 
The show airs April 4 on Access TV 22 (www.AccessTV.org) and will be viewable at www.SenatorGeorgeLogan.com. 

Logan, a Republican, represents Ansonia, Beacon Falls, Bethany, Derby, Hamden, Naugatuck, and Woodbridge. 
He can be reached at George.Logan@cga.ct.gov and at 800-842-1421.


This is a press release from Logan's office.

Program on Connecticut women planned at Kellogg Environmental Center in Derby

DERBY - Do you struggle to be confident in yourself and your abilities? You’re not alone!
Even extraordinary and accomplished people have these same concerns. Be inspired by remarkable Connecticut women!

In appreciation of the outstanding achievements of women in Connecticut, the Kellogg Environmental Center will have two guest lecturers on Connecticut women in the suffragist movement and the history of inspirational Connecticut women.

The program will be held from 11:30 a.m.-2 p.m. April 29 at Kellogg Environmental Center, 500 Hawthorne Ave.

Beginning at 11:30 a.m., Patricia Sweeney, PhD, reference librarian at Derby Neck Library, will give a presentation about Connecticut women in the suffragist movement. 

Learn about the suffragist movement in Hartford and the Lower Naugatuck Valley area, and Frances Osborne Kellogg’s role in the movement. Kellogg was a successful businesswoman and community leader who willed her land to the state of Connecticut creating Osbornedale State Park. 

She was also President of the Board of Directors at Derby Neck Library, which her father established in 1897.

At 1 p.m., join us for an interactive multi-media program by the Connecticut Women’s Hall of Fame and see how some of our state’s most remarkable women overcame obstacles and grew into confident leaders! 

Be inspired by the powerful stories of women like Marian Anderson who dealt with racial discrimination, Sophie Tucker who struggled with body image, Dorrit Hoffleit whose own mother considered her dumb because of her gender, and others across many fields. 

 For more information about Connecticut Women’s Hall of Fame, visit www.cwhf.org.

Celebrate the history of Connecticut Women! Be inspired and learn to cultivate your confidence! 

Admission is free and registration is required. Refreshments will be served. 

For more information and to register, call 203-734-2513.

The Kellogg Environmental Center, a facility of the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection, is open Tuesday through Saturday from 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m.


This is a press release from DEEP.

Hide and seek, feline edition

He finally decided to enjoy this comfy box. 


*Posting this just for fun, to take a break from all the bad news out in the world.

Breakfast with a blue jay

I would imagine the birds were as happy to see some sunshine this morning as I was. 

I threw an eggshell on the ground for the blue jay and right after I took these photos he snatched it up and flew away. 

I tried to get a photo of him in the air with it, but he was too quick for me.

Program at Kellogg Environmental Center in Derby to feature rodents and more

DERBY - Connecticut’s Department of Energy and Environmental Protection announces a family friendly program, Lagomorphs and Rodents.  

Join staff educators at 10 a.m. April 15 at Kellogg Environmental Center to learn about mice, squirrels, beavers and their cousins – lagomorphs – which include rabbits and hares.

Now that spring is here and warm weather is right around the corner, we welcome many outdoor activities and see more wildlife.  

Learn about common species that are often overlooked, that have interesting stories and are important to the environment.  
Learn the importance of conservation efforts for the New England cottontail and ways you can help protect its numbers and increase its habitat.  

The program includes examination of bones and skulls along with a hike for wildlife evidence and animal observations.  Dress for the weather and wear footwear for possible muddy conditions.  

The program is offered free of charge; donations are welcome.  

Kellogg Environmental Center is located at 500 Hawthorne Ave.  
For information, directions, or to register, call 203-734-2513 or contact Donna Kingston at donnakingston@ct.gov.


This is a press release from DEEP.  

Heav'nly Donuts in Derby to host annual food drive for Spooner House

DERBY - Heav’nly Donuts will host the popular Dust-Off Car Cruise and collection of non-perishable food items to benefit Spooner House and Valley Food Bank from noon-5 p.m. April 9. 

Spooner House at 30 Todd Road, Shelton has the mission of providing food, shelter and support services to people in need. 
The goal is to over-fill a classic 1948 Crosley station wagon with donated canned goods and other food items.

The Dust-Off Cruise will take place at Heav'nly Donuts, 653 New Haven Ave. and this year is the 31st annual car cruise. The goal is to collect 4,500 total donated food items. Last year the event filled the Crosley wagon with at least 4,161 food items. This event also provides the perfect reason to bring out your classic car in preparation for the cruising season.

Heav’nly Donuts normally runs the classic cruises every Sunday afternoon from Mothers’ Day until late October. 
The April Dust-Off Car Cruise kicks off a tradition started five years ago by the Derby Heav'nly Donuts. Cruisers and spectators who come to see all the great cars and motorcycles and who also bring canned goods and non-perishable food items, will be helping some of this years hardest hit people.

"It is very expensive to live in Connecticut, and meeting general living expenses is more difficult for families with low or very little income. Our mission is to help non-profit organizations such as Spooner House and the Valley Food Bank," said Ernie Badas, owner of Heav'nly Donuts. 

"All charities and non-profits have lost substantial portions of their operating budget due to the state cuts, which are making it even harder than last year for Spooner House to provide food, shelter, and other support services for people who need assistance in the lower Naugatuck Valley."

In case of inclement weather, the rain date will be April 16, which is Easter. 

For information call 203-734-4185.

Non-profit Area Congregations Together, Inc.  was formed in 1979 to help fill gaps in the lower Naugatuck Valley's social service network. 
Today, Spooner House is operated by ACT and is a facility that provides food, shelter and support services to approximately 175 men, women and children each year. More than 4,000 individuals have been served by the Food

Bank this past year, comprising more than 120,000 meals. 


This is a press release from Spooner House.

Volunteer opportunities available at facility in Shelton

SHELTON - Are you an active adult looking for a great way to stay busy while helping others? 

Join our Wesley Village volunteer team! 

Wesley Village is currently looking for active adult volunteers to share their interests and experience with our residents. 

As a Wesley Village volunteer you could: lead an arts and crafts class, play cards and games, call bingo, cook and bake, share your musical talent, lead a discussion group, share your hobbies and interests, help with clerical tasks, lead a walking group, interview residents for life stories articles, start a book club, visit with a resident one-on-one, lead a spiritual program (prayer group, bible study, hymn sing, etc.), assist with special events, or offer your time and talents in any number of ways. 

Interested adults are invited to apply. Volunteers with evening and/or weekend availability are most-needed at this time. 

If you can commit to volunteer at least two hours a month and would like more information on becoming a Wesley Village volunteer, contact Vicky Dompierre at 203.944.8279 (vdompierre@umh.org) or visit www.wesleyvillage-ct.org. 

(For website visitors, please scroll to the bottom of the page and click on Volunteer Opportunities.) 

The Wesley Village Campus is located at 580 Long Hill Ave. and includes: Crosby Commons Independent/Assisted Living Community, Wesley Heights Independent/Assisted Living Community, Lifestyle Transitions Assisted Living/Memory Care Community, and Bishop Wicke Health and Rehabilitation Center. 

The campus is owned and operated by UMH, a local, mission-based, not-for-profit organization.

This is a press release from United Methodist Homes.

DeLauro visits TEAM in Derby, Caring Heart awards presented at Griffin Hospital

Dear readers,

The latest Valley Voice newsletter is now available. 
Please check it out here. 

U.S. Rep. Rosa DeLauro

We feature U.S. Rep. Rosa L. DeLauro's visit to TEAM offices in Derby Monday to talk about proposed cuts to heating assistance.

Thanks for stopping by!

~ Patti and Ralph

St. Mary-St. Michael School holds alumni recognition banquet in Seymour

Contributed photo

St. Mary-St. Michael School of Derby held its seventh annual Alumni Recognition Event Saturday at the Inn at Villa Bianca in Seymour.
Alumni and community members were recognized for their commitment to St. Mary-St. Michael School, their parishes, and the community. 

Pictured from left are:

(front row) Linda Coppola, Principal, Maryann Stochmal, Edla Saffo, Gloriann Albini, and the Rev. Christopher Tiano, Pastor, St. Mary Parish.

(back row) the Rev. Joseph Karikunnel, Parochial Vicar, St. Mary's, George Pudimat, Tim Conlon, Michael Tracz, and the Rev. Rafal Kopystynski, Pastor, St. Michael Parish.

Congratulations to all the honorees!

Gentile co-sponsors bill that targets 'dark money'

HARTFORD - State Rep. Linda Gentile, D-Ansonia, Derby, joined her colleagues in a press conference today to discuss legislation designed to shed light on and reduce the amount of special interest “dark money” in state election campaigns.

Linda Gentile 

“Voters deserve to know who is financing a campaign,” Gentile said. 

“This bill not only increases transparency and trust between the public and the government, but it will also ensure that candidates are elected to office by their constituents and not by third party special interest groups.” 

The bill, HB5589, An Act Concerning Campaign Financing Reform, would:

• Require corporate political expenditures to be approved by their board of directors and disclosed to shareholders
• Limit contributions to organizations making independent expenditures to an aggregate of $70,000 in a calendar year
• Ban foreign influenced entities from making independent expenditures or contributing to an organization that does

The bill was expected to be approved Monday.  

This is a press release from Gentile's office. 

DeLauro visits with TEAM clients, staff in Derby

U.S. Rep. Rosa L. DeLauro speaks during a visit Monday to TEAM, Inc. offices in Derby. She met with clients to learn how proposed cuts to the federal Low Income Heating Assistance Program would affect their families.

Irving School in Derby earns exemplary school climate status

DERBY - The Connecticut Association of Schools is proud to announce that Irving Elementary School has been certified for Exemplary School Climate Recognition. 

Irving School joins a handful of Connecticut schools also holding the designation. 

The administration and faculty at Irving School completed a rigorous self-assessment examining 27 areas of school practice such as curriculum, integration, collaborative decision-making, parent and/or community involvement, and flexible grouping and scheduling. 

An evaluation team from the Connecticut Association of Schools then visited the school to verify and validate the assessment. 

Principal Jennifer Olson said, “Creating a welcoming, safe, and supportive school environment has been the foundation of our turnaround work at Irving School over the past five years. We have a school culture rooted in respect - for ourselves, each other, and our school. We believe that relationships matter, and our team has worked hard to create a sense of belonging and pride in our school. 

"This distinction from the Connecticut Association of Schools is a tremendous honor for Irving School, and brings attention to the hard work and dedication of our staff, students, parents and the community.” 

Superintendent of Schools Matthew J. Conway Jr. said, “This is fantastic news and a very well deserved distinction and recognition of the hard work, attention to detail and continuous efforts to build and sustain a welcoming, engaging culture for our families.”

Irving School is being awarded a framed CAS certificate, a three-year exemplary school climate designation, and recognition on the CAS website. 

As a service to other schools wishing to improve their climate practices, award winners welcome inquiries and visitors. 

This is a press release from Derby Public Schools. 

Registration open for Walk for the Hungry and Homeless at Derby Greenway

Calling all walkers, runners, and joggers! You can choose to form your own team, join a team, or register as an individual to take part in the 20th annual Walk for the Hungry and Homeless on the Derby Greenway. Registration is $20. Once registered, participants can set up their own fundraising pages. The first 200 people to register will receive an event T-shirt and goodie bag. All participants will be entered into a drawing to win prizes. The registration page is now open! Register now  and click "Set Up Your Fundraiser" to join a team or form your own. Prizes will be awarded for: - Team with most participants - Team that raises the most money - Individual that raises the most money By joining the Walk you are supporting your neighbors in  need in the Valley receive food, shelter, and support  services with the goal of establishing a self-sufficient  living situation. Spooner House, 30 Todd Road, Shelton, is operated by  Area Congregations Together, Inc. with the mission of providing food, shelter, and support services to people in need. This is a press release from Spooner House.

Webster Hose once held Irish festival at Nolan Field in Ansonia

This is an interesting piece of Ansonia history seen in the Ansonia Fire Museum. It's an advertisement for an excursion train from NYC to Ansonia to attend an Irish festival at Nolan Field presented by Webster Hose Company. 
The Derby Historical Society held its annual meeting Sunday at the museum on Howard Avenue, and this is one of the artifacts on display.


Please stay tuned for more photos in an upcoming issue of The Valley Voice newsletter.

Brunch at Griffin Hospital in Derby offers health info, recognizes 'Caring Hearts'

Eunice Lisk, Director, Cardiac Rehabilitation at Griffin Hospital in Derby, introduces the Women's Heart Wellness Committee Saturday at the 12th annual Women's Heart Wellness and Caring Heart Award Brunch at the hospital.

Dr. Victoria Costales, Director, Griffin Hospital Center of Prevention and Lifestyle Management, talks about living a long and healthy life at the brunch Saturday. 

Costales referred to a book, The Blue Zones by Dan Buettner, (pictured at right) about places in the world where people live longer, what she called "longevity hotspots."


Please stay tuned for more in an upcoming issue of The Valley Voice newsletter.

Fundraiser for MDA planned at Lakewood Lanes in Waterbury

Griffin Hospital in Derby to mark Safe Kids Day

Griffin Hospital and Safe Kids Naugatuck Valley will host a Safe Kids Day celebration April 10./ Submitted photo

DERBY - Griffin Hospital, 130 Division St., and Safe Kids Greater Naugatuck Valley invite the community to visit the hospital April 10 from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. for National Safe Kids Day.

“Safe Kids Day is a day to celebrate kids and take action to keep kids safe,” said Cathi Kellett, Safe Kids Greater Naugatuck Valley Coalition Coordinator.

Many people are surprised to learn that injuries from car crashes, fires, drownings, poisonings, and falls are the top health threats to children in the United States, Kellett said. Throughout the world, an estimated 1 million children die of injuries each year, and nearly all of these tragedies are preventable.

Visitors to the Safe Kids Day table will learn about the many free Safe Kids programs offered in their community to help keep children safe.

For more information, contact Kellett, 203-732-1337, or at ckellett@griffinhealth.org.

This is a press release from Griffin Hospital. 

Egg hunt planned for children at Seymour Public Library

This is a release from Ann Szaley, children's librarian, Seymour Public Library. 
The library is at 46 Church St., Seymour.

Newsletter highlights Easter egg painting, fundraiser in Seymour, more

Dear readers,

The latest Valley Voice newsletter is out. 
Please click here to read about Ukrainian Easter egg painting, Rich Dziekan throwing his hat into the Derby mayoral ring once again, and more.

Thanks for reading,

Patti

Seymour Public Library slates fun programs for children in April

SEYMOUR - The Seymour Public Library has scheduled a variety of fun and educational children's programs in April.

     

4/6 -10:30 a.m. - Science Snoopers ‘Animal Babies.’ Natural science, story and craft for ages 2 and up.  Must be able to sit and listen.

4/6 - 4 p.m. - StoryKids’ Book Club for K-Grade 2. Book talks, craft, and a snack. Child must have some reading ability.

4/7 -  3:45 p.m. - YA Origami – create Origami art – for ages 10 and up.

4/11 - 10:30 a.m. - Animal Show on the Go!  Live animals visit us – for all ages.

4/11 -  2 p.m. - Danny Magic! An amazing comedic magic show – for all ages.

4/12 - 10:30 a.m. - Lionheart Puppets presents ‘The Little Red Hen,’ a classic tale.

4/12 - 4 p.m. - Nutmeggers’ - YA Book Club for Grades 5 - 8. Book talks, craft, and a snack - features the Intermediate Nutmeg Nominees.

4/13 - 10:30 a.m. - Cartooning Clay Workshop! For ages 5 and up - limited space.

4/13 - 4 p.m. – BookChatters’ Book Club for Grades 2-4. - Book talks, craft and a snack - features the Magic Tree House Series. 

4/18 - 10:30 a.m.- Lynn Lewis - Music and Movement for ages 0-6.  A fun time for everyone!!

4/20 - 4 p.m. - ‘The Club’ book club for grades 8 and up.  Teen advisory - Book talk, snacks, and more!

All programs are free! fun! and formative!

Some programs have limited enrollment; registration is required for all programs.

For information call 203-888-3903, visit us on Facebook or at www.seymourpubliclibrary.org.

This is a press release from Ann Szaley, children's librarian, Seymour Public Library.

Logan, conservationists celebrate World Water Day

Contributed photo

State Sen. George S. Logan, R-Ansonia, joined with an alliance of environmental and preservation organizations from across Connecticut Wednesday to celebrate water on “United Nations World Water Day."  
Logan, vice-chairman of the legislature’s Public Health Committee, discussed the need for lawmakers to safeguard Connecticut’s water resources when setting policy. He noted that protecting and conserving water should be a top priority in Connecticut and worldwide.  

Logan represents Ansonia, Beacon Falls, Bethany, Derby, Hamden, Naugatuck, and Woodbridge. 

He can be reached at George.Logan@cga.ct.gov and 800-842-1421.  

Pictured from left: The Nature Conservancy’s CT Director of Government Relations David Sutherland, Logan, Rivers Alliance of CT Executive Director Margaret Miner, and state Sen. Tony Hwang.

BHcare names Valley native as director of development

BHcare announced today that Joy DeMarchis has joined the organization as Director of Development. 

DeMarchis

DeMarchis is responsible for developing a comprehensive strategic plan for fundraising and development initiatives and to increase BHcare’s visibility in the community. 

She will also oversee the organization’s events including our Bowl-2-Benefit, Shoreline Benefit featuring Cupcake Wars, Pedal for PCRC and the Great Give. 

DeMarchis will split her time in the Ansonia and Branford offices and is responsible for the supervision of the development staff.

“I’m excited for the opportunity to work with the dedicated team at BHcare,” DeMarchis said. “I look forward to helping the organization continue to provide quality behavioral health, addiction and domestic violence services for the Valley, Greater New Haven and Shoreline communities.” 

DeMarchis recently returned to Connecticut from Tampa, Fla. where she served as the assistant vice president of international and domestic business development. 

Her nonprofit experience includes serving on the executive team of Mary Wade Home of Greater New Haven, development director of United Way of Greater Waterbury and director of the Valley United Way Volunteer Action Center. 

DeMarchis is the first recipient of the Connecticut Association of Fundraising Professionals Excellence in Leadership award for her work to spearhead a “Best in State” award and philanthropy conference for the organization from 2011-2015.  She is a founding member of the Greater New Haven Exchange Club. 

DeMarchis is a past Chair of Communications for the Best Buddies of CT walk, former Chair of the Stratford YMCA Youth Campaign, and served on the Women’s Business Council, and an active member of the Greater New Haven Chamber of Commerce and Greater Valley Chamber of Commerce. 

She also was a grant reviewer for the Valley Community Foundation and William Casper Graustein Foundation.

Community provider

BHcare is a regional community provider of behavioral health, addiction prevention, and domestic violence services for the Lower Naugatuck Valley, Greater New Haven and Shoreline communities.  

For more information, visit www.BHcare.org.

This is a press release from BHcare.