Massaro Farm in Woodbridge slates activities in May

WOODBRIDGE - Massaro Community Farm, 41 Ford Road, has announced a list of activities during the month of May.

May 6 - 9 a.m. and again at 11:30 a.m. Beekeeping Workshop: Inspecting the Hive. 
Join us for the third installment of backyard beekeeping led by expert instructors of CT Beekeeper's Association. Only canceled in the event of steady rain. Suggested donation $10/pp. No advance registration necessary.

May 20 - 8 a.m. Spring Migration Bird Walk around the farm with Katie Blake, the Bird Friendly Communities Manager at Audubon CT. Bring binoculars or borrow one of ours. No advance registration necessary. 

May 20 - 9 a.m. and again at 11:30 a.m. Beekeeping Workshop: Spring Hive Maintenance. Join us for the fourth installment of backyard beekeeping led by expert instructors of CT Beekeeper's Association. Only canceled in the event of steady rain. 
Suggested donation $10/pp. No advance registration necessary.

May 21 - noon-5 p.m. Celebrate Spring! Plant Sale and Maypole festival. Organic vegetable seedlings, flowers, and perennials for sale. Medicinal Herb workshop; Organic lawn care workshop; Maypole dance. Spine checks and chair massages - Thrive Chiropractic. 
Cooking demo. Live music with The Jolly Beggars. Farm Belly Food Truck. Lots to see and do! 

Registration open for Summer Camp at Massaro Farm! Aug. 7-11 and 14-18. Half day farm-based camp program for children ages 6-9 years old. $150/child per week includes snack and crafts. 

More information can be found at www.MassaroFarm.org or by calling the farm office: 203-736-8618. 


This is a press release from Massaro Community Farm.

Spring is in bloom at cemetery in Seymour

Beautiful blossoms brighten a gray day Sunday at Trinity Cemetery on West Street in Seymour.

Spring sunset

This evening's sunset view out of the back window is similar to others, except now there are leaves starting to sprout on the branches. Happy spring!

Newsletter features surprise party for Ansonia resident

Dear readers,

Our latest Valley Voice newsletter is out. I wrote about a surprise party given in Derby Saturday in honor of a 93-year old Ansonia resident who has served the community over many decades. 
We also feature photos from the grand opening of Smile Dental Center in Shelton. 

Please click here to check it out.

Thanks for reading,

Patti

Children's author entertains in Shelton for Read Across the Valley Day

Ryan SanAngelo performs./ Photo by Evelyn North 

SHELTON - The Valley Early Childhood Regional Council of the Valley Council for Health and Human Services hosted a breakfast this week for Read Across the Valley. 
The annual event was held at the Harry B. Brownson Country Club.

Children's author Ryan SanAngelo entertained elected officials, educators, and community members at the event, who later read to children in early education classrooms in the Valley. 

SanAngelo is the author of a picture book, Spaghetti Eddie, a story about a boy who loves to eat spaghetti.

                               

Sharing message about paving project from Derby City/Town Clerk

To All Derby Residents and travelers using Derby Avenue in Derby, Ct.,

This office has been informed by the Department of Public Works that the milling and paving of Derby Avenue between Main Street and Division Street will take place beginning the evening of April 30.

All should be aware of the following:

Between Division Street and Main Street, Derby Avenue will be closed and there will be no parking allowed during the follow times:

April 30 at 7 p.m. until 6 a.m on May 1, for milling.

May 1 at 7 p.m. until 6 a.m. on May 2 for milling.

May 7 at 7 p.m until 6 a.m. on May 8 for paving.

May 8 at 7 p.m. until 6 a.m. on May 9 for paving.

Police will direct the detour during the closure times.

Any questions regarding the milling and paving project may be directed to the Department of Public Works at 203-736-1468 or by visiting http://www.derbyct.gov/Function/.

Gentile, Logan urge caution during Rt.115 resurfacing project

The Connecticut Department of Transportation has announced a nighttime milling and resurfacing project will be performed on Rt. 115 (Derby Avenue) in Derby and Ansonia, from this Sunday to the morning of May 9. 

State Rep. Linda M. Gentile, D-Ansonia, and state Sen. George S. Logan, R-Ansonia, would like to caution drivers during this construction period. 

“I am asking all motorists and commuters to be patient and to use caution while the DOT undergoes this project,” Gentile said. 

“Safety is of the upmost importance and I hope that residents will take precautions during this time.”

"Many residents may not be aware that this road work will be taking place," Logan said. "We are helping ConnDOT spread the word so that area motorists can plan accordingly."

The project consists of milling and resurfacing a .85 mile segment of Rt. 115 in Derby and Ansonia. Work hours will be from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. 

Motorists should expect lane closures on Rt. 115 between Rt. 34 and Division Street.  

Traffic control personnel and signing patterns will be utilized to guide motorists through the work zone. The regular work schedule for this project is 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. (Sunday-Friday).

Motorists should be aware that modifications or extensions to this schedule may become necessary due to weather delays or other unforeseen conditions.  

Motorists are advised to maintain a safe speed when driving in this vicinity. 

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

         

Tag sale in Derby to benefit Boy Scout Troop 3

Night out to benefit Adam's House in Shelton

Fourth-graders help stock Colony Pond in Ansonia

Fishing instructor Dave Connelly of Ansonia helps students stock Colony Pond.

ANSONIA - Colony Pond received a second stocking of trout this month when the Department of Energy & Environmental Protection added nearly 150 delectable trout to the city pond at Abe Stone Park. 

Earlier this month, the DEEP had initially stocked the pond with 200 trout.
The stocking is in preparation for the Bill Stokes Memorial Fishing Derby at the pond May 6, from 9 a.m.-noon.

Forty fourth-grade students from Mead and Prendergast Schools participated in stocking the pond by emptying pails of trout.

An osprey was spotted on two occasions attempting to pluck dinner from Colony Pond without much luck while Mayor David S. Cassetti showcased his pond-stocking talents on one occasion.

A DEEP attendant on site indicated that typically most of the stocked trout, raised at Burlington Nursery in Connecticut, will likely end up on dinner tables this spring and summer.

Mayor David S. Cassetti joins students Monday at the pond stocking.


*Note: Photos from City of Ansonia.

DEEP offers tips to CT residents on avoiding black bears

Credit Paul J. Fusco/DEEP Wildlife Division

A common misconception is that a tagged bear is a problem bear, and a bear with two ear tags was caught on two different occasions because it was causing problems. Actually, every bear receives two ear tags (one in each ear) the first time it is handled by DEEP. Most tagged bears have not been caught as problem bears, but rather as part of a project researching the state’s population.

The Department of Energy and Environmental Protection reminds residents to take steps to reduce encounters and potential conflicts with black bears. 

These steps are increasingly important because Connecticut’s bear population continues to grow and expand and bear activity increases in early spring. 
In 2016, approximately 6,700 bear sightings from 134 of Connecticut’s 169 towns were reported to the DEEP Wildlife Division.

“If you genuinely care about bears, you should never feed them – either intentionally or unintentionally,” said Susan Whalen, DEEP Deputy Commissioner. 

“Bears become habituated, losing their fear of humans, when attracted to homes by easily-accessible food sources. Such bears spend more time in neighborhoods and near people, increasing public safety fears, and the likelihood that the bears may be hit and killed by cars or meet with some other misfortune.”

Connecticut residents should take the following simple steps to avoid problems with black bears:

• NEVER feed bears.
• Take down, clean, and put away bird feeders by late March. Store the feeders until late fall. Clean up spilled seed from the ground.
• Store garbage in secure, airtight containers inside a garage or storage area. Double bagging and adding ammonia to cans and bags will reduce odors that attract bears. Periodically clean garbage cans with ammonia to reduce residual odor. Garbage for pickup should be put outside the morning of collection and not the night before.
• Protect beehives, livestock (including chickens), and berry bushes from bears with electric fencing.
• Supervise dogs at all times when outside. Keep dogs on a leash when walking and hiking. A roaming dog might be perceived as a threat to a bear or its cubs.
• Do not leave pet food outdoors.
• Keep barbecue grills clean. Store grills inside a garage or shed.
• Avoid placing meat scraps or sweet foods in compost piles.

If you encounter a bear while hiking, make your presence known by yelling or making other loud noises. Never attempt to get closer to a bear to take a photo or video. 

If a bear does not retreat, slowly leave the area and find an alternate hiking route. 
If the bear persistently approaches, be offensive towards the bear – make loud noises, wave your arms, and throw sticks or rocks. Never run. While camping, keep a clean campsite, and make sure food and garbage are inaccessible (for example, keep food in a cooler stored in the trunk of a car and never have food in your tent).

In the rare instance when a bear appears to be aggressive toward people, residents should immediately contact the DEEP’s 24-hour dispatch line at 860-424-3333.

Bear sightings reported by the public provide valuable information to assist the DEEP Wildlife Division in monitoring the black bear population. 
Anyone who observes a black bear in Connecticut is encouraged to report the sighting on the DEEP’s website at www.ct.gov/deep/wildlife or call the Wildlife Division at 860-424-3011. Information on the presence or absence of ear tags, including tag color and numbers, is particularly valuable. 
A common misconception is that a tagged bear is a problem bear, and a bear with two ear tags was caught on two different occasions because it was causing problems. Actually, every bear receives two ear tags (one in each ear) the first time it is handled by DEEP. 
Most tagged bears have not been caught as problem bears, but rather as part of a project researching the state’s population.

To obtain fact sheets and other information about black bears, visit www.ct.gov/deep/blackbear or contact the Wildlife Division.

This is a press release from DEEP. 


*Note: A bear has been spotted in Seymour in recent days, according to photos posted on Facebook.

Spring Fling Showcase slated at Woodbridge Senior Center

Ansonia High School ranked 34th in Connecticut, receives bronze medal

ANSONIA - Ansonia High School is ranked 34 out of more than 200 Connecticut high schools, receiving a bronze medal in the 2017 Best High Schools Rankings, which was released by U.S. News & World Report this week.

According to U.S. News, the awards “reflect which schools are most successfully preparing students for college, based on students participating in and achieving passing scores on Advanced Placement tests. For a school to be eligible for an award, its students must also do well on the appropriate statewide tests and graduate at high rates.”

A week ago, Gov. Dannel Malloy announced that graduation rates were up throughout Connecticut. 

Ansonia High’s graduation rate grew from 76.5 percent in 2012 to nearly 89 percent in 2016. 

U.S. News reported that of Ansonia High’s 584 students, 37 percent participated in Advanced Placement tests last year, and 34 percent received a passing grade.

“This is the first time our high school has earned a medal in the Best High Schools Ranking,” Dr. Carol Merlone, Superintendent of Schools, said. “We are thrilled! This is reflective of our students’ desire to prepare for college and take on challenges. While our budgets have been extremely tight and we’ve had to make numerous cuts to programs and staffing in recent years, we have been able to maintain and expand our college-credit courses thanks to the dedication of our staff and the use of grant funds.”

A total of 48 Connecticut high schools received a gold, silver, or bronze medal in the 2017 Best High Schools Rankings. 

U.S. News uses four steps in determining the awards: 

Step 1: Examining reading and math results on the state’s proficiency tests, then factoring in the percentage of economically disadvantaged students. Step 2: Comparing the school’s math and reading proficiency rates for disadvantaged students with statewide results, then selecting schools that were performing better than their state averages. Step 3: Schools with graduation rates lower than 75 percent were excluded. Step 4: A College Readiness Index was calculated, based on the school’s AP participation rate and how well the students did on those tests.

AHS currently offers 11 Advanced Placement (AP) courses, eight UConn courses, three Housatonic Community College courses, and two University of New Haven courses. 

During the 2015-16 year, nearly 100 juniors and seniors earned college credit from one of the UConn, HCC or UNH courses, and 46 seniors enrolled in AP courses. 

Ansonia High Principal Terri Goldson said, “This May, 118 AHS students are scheduled to take several different AP exams, and we will continue to seek ways to increase the early college experience courses students are exposed to. We are honored to know that we have been recognized by U.S. News and World Report and received a bronze medal; however, we won’t be satisfied until we attain a gold medal.”   

This is a press release from Ansonia Public Schools. 

Foot health is topic of talk at Griffin Hospital in Derby

The Diabetes Education & Support Group at Griffin Hospital will host a free presentation on foot care for individuals diagnosed with diabetes./ Contributed photo 

DERBY - The Diabetes Education & Support Group at Griffin Hospital will host a free presentation on foot health at 2:30 p.m. May 9 at the hospital, 130 Division St.

Podiatrist Dr. Luke Jeffries, of Yale Podiatry Group, will present “Foot Care & Prevention of Foot Complications” in the hospital’s Childbirth Education Classroom A. There is free valet parking.

The Diabetes Education & Support Group meets September - June on the second Tuesday of each month to discuss the management of diabetes, its challenges, and day-to-day dietary concerns. Individuals with diabetes and their caregivers are welcome to attend.

No registration is required. 

For more information, call Mary Swansiger, 203-732-1137.

This is a press release from Griffin Hospital. 

Message sent on behalf of Derby school superintendent shared

Good Afternoon,

At 11:30 a.m. a strange odor was reported at Derby Middle School. 

Our emergency system was activated and a code green was called. 
Students evacuated to the auditorium at the high school. 911 was called and fire and police responded. 

Utilizing a thermal imaging detector, it was determined the source of the odor to be coming from a computer monitor.  

The fire department cleared the building and students returned to their classes.

This information is from Superintendent of Schools Matthew Conway's office.

Griffin Hospital honors volunteers at annual dinner in Seymour

Griffin Hospital Volunteer Scholarship winners are, from left, Melissa Healey of Ansonia High School, Rachael Tong of Oxford High School, and Oxford resident Christianne Zito of St. Joseph High School in Trumbull./ Contributed photo

DERBY - Griffin Hospital recently honored its volunteers for selflessly giving their time and talents to the hospital in 2016 at its Annual Volunteer Recognition Dinner at The Inn at Villa Bianca in Seymour.

A total of 375 hospital volunteers logged more than 41,427 hours last year while serving as ambassadors, candy stripers, bakers, shuttle drivers, room service, soft touch therapy providers, writers of vital patient stories and many more roles that benefited hospital patients, visitors, and staff.

“This recognition not only highlights the volume of hours selflessly given by volunteers throughout this past year, but acknowledges the true value of their work which touches the lives of patients, their families and hospital staff in countless ways,” said Diane Betkoski, MS, RD, LNHA, Director of Planetree Services at Griffin Hospital.

Betkoski thanked the volunteers for the heartfelt human interactions they provide each day and for the community spirit they bring to the hospital.

High school students honored

Griffin Hospital also awarded its annual scholarships of $1,500 and $1,000 to high school volunteers going on to college next school year.

For 49 years, Griffin Hospital has awarded scholarships to community students pursuing advanced education.  
To qualify for these scholarships, the students must have volunteered over 100 hours at the hospital, been in high academic standing, have been accepted into an accredited college or university, demonstrated initiative and perseverance and possess exemplary moral character.


This is a press release from Griffin Hospital.

Club in Shelton hosts 200 teens at regional summit

SHELTON - The Boys & Girls Club of the Lower Naugatuck Valley hosted the Boys & Girls Club Northeast Regional Torch Club Summit last weekend at its Raymond P. Lavietes Clubhouse.  

The Torch Club is a small-group leadership and service club for boys and girls ages 11-13, and it is chartered by Boys & Girls Clubs of America. 

Members came together in a fun, safe, learning environment that reinforced the Torch Club’s values and traditions in four pillar areas: service to Club and community, education, health and fitness, and social recreation.  

More than 200 teens and advisors from 17 different Boys & Clubs across the Northeast region attended. 
The purpose of the summit is to inspire youth across the Northeast to feel confident that they are capable of achieving anything they put their minds to. 
The focus is to motivate Torch Club members to express their individuality and become more confident in knowing that they truly make a difference in this world.  

Workshops covered a range of issues, including peer pressure, drug trends, suicide prevention and making the right choices. Fun activities centered around health such as Yoga, Zumba and sport safety.  
The highlight of the summit was a special guest speaker, Shaun Derik, a performing artist who has dedicated his life to helping people, young and old, reconnect with their passion and go after their dreams.  Derik is the founder of Dreamsong, a production company designed to deliver inspiration and relevant content for today’s dreamer. 

The Boys & Girls Club of the Lower Naugatuck Valley has been changing the lives of young people in our area for more than 60 years. 
With programs ranging from homework assistance to nutrition to sports, we help all young people to reach their full potential, but especially those from disadvantaged circumstances. 

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.

Insurance official featured on Logan's Access TV show

State Sen. George S. Logan’s latest edition of “The Senate Reports” features Connecticut Insurance Department Consumer Affairs Director Gerard O’Sullivan, left.  
O’Sullivan discusses the state agency’s many efforts and initiatives to help answer Connecticut residents’ questions about insurance. 

The Department’s free Consumer Helpline is (800) 203-3447 and questions on any insurance topic can be sent toinsurance@ct.gov. 
On the web:  www.ct.gov/cid.  
The show can be viewed at www.SenatorGeorgeLogan.com and at www.AccessTV.org. 
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. 

This is a press release from Logan's office.

Valley Arts Council to host Open Mic night at E Street Gallery in Derby

Derby school district selects 2018 Paraeducator of the Year

Paraeducator of the Year Pamela Stoll

Derby Public Schools selected Pamela Stoll as the 2018 District Paraeducator of the Year.

The Connecticut State Department of Education and the School Paraprofessional Advisory Council have established the Anne Marie Murphy Paraeducator of the Year Program to recognize the important role of the paraeducator in supporting student achievement. 
The award is named in honor of Anne Marie Murphy, a Paraeducator who was killed in the Sandy Hook shooting.
“Pam is a tremendous asset to our school. She is dedicated, caring and committed to working with our students. In the classroom, Pam supports teaching and learning and provides direct instruction to students in reading and math during small groups. Her love of students and desire to see them succeed is evident in everything she does. Pam is very deserving of this outstanding recognition,” Principal Jennifer Olson said.
“In addition to working in the classroom, Mrs. Stoll runs the morning breakfast program. She makes sure that students start their day off right. She notices if a student needs some extra attention or someone to talk to when they get here and makes sure they are taken care of before going to class,” said Candy Lebel, Grade 2 teacher.

“Mrs. Stoll is a hard-working, goal-driven individual with a kind heart that I look up to every day,” said Nicholas Bartoli, Student Teacher/Irving School Teacher Intern.
“Mrs. Stoll plays a vital role in the success of my first grade classroom. She assists my teaching and provides a supportive, respectful environment. She effortlessly engages students in learning and instruction. Pam is a valuable member of our school community,” Grade 1 teacher Heather Landolfi said.
Superintendent of Schools Matthew Conway said, "Pam Stoll represents and defines what paraeducators do for our children. She is relentless in her support of all children and goes above and beyond expectations to meet their needs.”

The school district also recognized Building Level Paraeducators of the Year: Elaine Levi from Little Raiders University; Mary Livoti from Bradley School; Alicia Proscino from Derby Middle School; and Roseann Lizza from Derby High School. 


This is a press release from Derby Public Schools. 

Valley lawmakers to host business forum at O'Brien Tech in Ansonia

'Turnback Tuesday' features East Derby dwelling

This week's "Turnback Tuesday" features a photo of Andrew Johnson's house. It was built in 1798 on the corner of Bank and Gilbert Streets in Derby. The house was dismantled in 1928 and supposedly relocated to Westchester County, N.Y. 
Johnson was one of Truman Gilbert's business partners, who had established Derby's first lumber yard. Johnson was born in April of 1765, but details of his death are unknown.


Thanks go to Derby Public Library for sharing this interesting local history.

Taco eating contest at Seymour restaurant to benefit TEAM

Newsletter features family's struggle with esophageal cancer

Dear readers,

The latest Valley Voice is out. It features a local family fighting the good fight against the devastation caused by esophageal cancer, and job shadowing at Griffin Hospital.

Please click here to read all about it.

Thanks,

~ Patti and Ralph

Derby Historical Society fundraiser features music by Dead Fish for Christmas

The Derby Historical Society's second annual CT Libations event Monday at The Hops Company in Derby raised funds for the restoration project at the David Humphreys House and Museum in Ansonia.  

Museum in Derby to celebrate Frances Kellogg's 141st birthday in May

Visitors will learn about Renaissance woman's favorite things 

DERBY- What do Maria von Trapp and Oprah Winfrey have in common? A list of their favorite things! 

Frances Osborne Kellogg

Visit the Osborne Homestead Museum, 500 Hawthorne Ave., and learn about Frances’ favorite things! 
From May 6-28 the Museum will be celebrating Frances Osborne Kellogg’s 141st birthday with a special museum tour and photography exhibition. 

Visitors will see rare photos of Frances and understand her life by learning about the things that made her happy.
Born on May 11, 1876 during the Victorian Era, Frances was a Renaissance woman - running her family’s businesses, breeding prized Holstein-Friesian cattle, inviting celebrities to speak and perform in Derby, and holding many civic positions. 
But it wasn’t all work and no play. Frances took time to smell the roses, literally. In this special exhibition, visitors will learn about her favorite flowers, animals, hobbies, and more.

Everyone has their favorite things! Visit the museum throughout the month of May and learn about Frances’ favorite things. 
 They might become your favorite things or you’ll learn what you and the “Lady of Derby” have in common! 

The Osborne Homestead Museum, a facility of the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection, is open for free guided tours on Thursdays and Fridays from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Sundays from noon to 4 p.m. 
For more information call 203-734-2513 or email donna.kingston@ct.gov.


This is a press release from DEEP.

Learn chronic disease management at Griffin Hospital in Derby

Griffin Hospital is hosting a Live Well Chronic Disease Self-Management Workshop starting June 8./ Contributed photo

DERBY- Griffin Hospital will host a free six-week workshop starting June 8 to help individuals suffering from health conditions take back control of their lives.

The Live Well Chronic Disease Self-Management Workshop provides health information and strategies to help those with health conditions like pain, anxiety, diabetes, depression, heart disease, and arthritis increase their energy and take control of their health.

Along with clinical care, participants will learn ways to cope with difficult emotions, depression, and stress/anxiety, reduce pain, improve mobility, increase energy, increase physical activity, eat healthier, use medications appropriately, and solve everyday problems and communicate effectively with family and health care providers.

The workshop will be held from 10 a.m.-12:30 p.m. on Thursdays starting June 8 at the hospital, 130 Division St.

The Live Well Chronic Disease Self-Management Workshop is sponsored by the Connecticut Department of Social Services Aging Services Division, Connecticut Department of Public Health and Griffin Hospital.

To register, call Esther Jones at Griffin Hospital’s Community Outreach and Valley Parish Nurse Program, 203-732-1523.

This is a press release from Griffin Hospital. 

Wildlife outside my window this morning

I just looked up information about squirrels and learned that Jan. 21 is Squirrel Appreciation Day. Who knew? Must remember to celebrate next January.

Click here for some "nutty facts" about squirrels.

Ansonia Nature Center to celebrate Earth Day April 29

ANSONIA - The Ansonia Nature and Recreation Center, 10 Deerfield Road, will hold an Earth Day celebration from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday.

The event will include plantings, hikes, live animals, environmental exhibitors, and a special guest. 
Storyteller Leslie Elias will create Grandmother Turtle masks with families for $5, and then perform the Iroquois creation myth.

An Audubon biologist will present the 2016 Bird Habitat Assessment findings for the Nature Center property. 
Food and snacks will be available from local vendors and the Nature Center bake sale. 
Admission is free.