Boo! It's almost time for Trick or Treat

May all the ghosts you encounter be friendly ones.  

Hope Lives raises $4K for Hewitt Center for Breast Wellness in Derby

Maria Ammar, center, presents staff from The Hewitt Center for Breast Wellness at Griffin Hospital with a ceremonial $4,000 donation from the 13th annual Hope Lives fundraiser./ Contributed photo

DERBY - The 13th Hope Lives event raised $4,000 for breast cancer screening services at The Hewitt Center for Breast Wellness at Griffin Hospital.

Hope Lives is associated with Horizon of Hope, a national campaign by Longaberger Baskets to raise funds for the American Cancer Society’s breast cancer research and local breast cancer services.

For the past 13 years, Longaberger Independent Consultant Maria Ammar of Woodbridge has organized a luncheon fundraiser as part of the campaign. 

The donation will be used to help local women pay for breast cancer screening services and to purchase a lymphedema sleeve for a woman in need.

About The Hewitt Center for Breast Wellness 

The Hewitt Center for Breast Wellness at Griffin Hospital opened in 2011 and primarily serves the Lower Naugatuck Valley and surrounding communities. 
It combines state-of-the-art technology, a team of highly trained physicians and staff, and a Planetree healing environment to offer patients a comprehensive range of personalized breast care and wellness services.  The Hewitt Center for Breast Wellness features two new, state-of-the-art digital mammography suites with 3D mammography (tomosynthesis) capability, a breast ultrasound suite, and the most advanced system available to perform stereotactic biopsy.  

The Center also utilizes a rapid diagnostic model where patients are often given test results the same day imaging tests are performed, and if indicated, follow-up testing (ultrasound, breast biopsy) and even consultation with a breast surgeon are often available the same day if the patient’s schedule permits. 

For more information, call 203-732-1300 or visit griffinhealth.org/cbw.


This is a press release from Griffin Hospital.

Recuperation journey: First step

We can now check off #1 on the to-do list.

Our son Cameron had surgery two weeks ago for a fractured hip after a bike accident. 
He and I just returned from an appointment with an orthopedic surgeon. I'm sure the doctor doesn't particularly like taking over a case that was started by another surgeon but it is what it is.
He was fine and didn't say anything like that but still I wonder.

Next up this evening is a physical therapy evaluation at Griffin Hospital in Derby. 
Coincidentally I'm bringing Cam to the same room that our Movin' On Fitness exercise class is held on Tuesdays. 
The only reason we're not having class today is because it's Halloween and the Trick or Treaters take precedence. 

Have a fun Halloween! We're going to try!

That time Ralph and I dressed up for Halloween

It was a party. In the '80s. 
He was Jimmy Olsen. I was Lois Lane. Never did see Superman.

Have a Happy Halloween!  👻  👿  👽 

Open hearth cooking demo planned at Humphreys House in Ansonia

ANSONIA - Derby Historical Society will hold its Open Hearth Cooking Demonstration from 1-4 p.m. Nov. 18 at the David Humphreys House, 37 Elm St.   
Docents will be cooking 18th-Century seasonal favorites over an open hearth. 

Enjoy a small sample of these delicious items, along with some some modern day tastings, and a cup of mulled cider.

While visiting, stay for a tour of the historic Humphreys House, the birthplace of David Humphreys, aide-de-camp of Gen. George Washington. 

The gift shop also will be open during this event. 

Parking is available in rear of the house or on nearby Thomas Street.

This is a press release from Derby Historical Society.

St. Mary-St. Michael School in Derby to hold shred day

Newsletter: Breast cancer awareness in Valley, Rotarians helping seniors

Dear readers,

In today's newsletter I write about some of the activities I was able to attend to support Seymour Pink and The Valley Goes Pink. 
It also features an upcoming talk in Seymour by a Vietnam veteran and a community project of the Derby-Shelton Rotary Club.

Please check it out!

Patti

Wine tasting at Inn at Villa Bianca in Seymour to benefit Treasured Time

Recuperation journey: Nocturnal 'fun' with furry friend

Regular readers of my post-kidney transplant journey may recall the anti-rejection meds I take have an unwelcome side effect: interrupted sleep. 
Dare I say sleep deprivation is not fun.

Happily for the past week I've been doing much better. Until last night, when furry friend Linus woke me up. 

Are you talking about me?

But the way he did was so cute that I couldn't get upset.
He was snuggled against me and I woke up because he was snurring loudly. 
Snurring is how we describe a combination of snoring and purring. Linus does it often and I find it adorable.  

Master's Table to host Thanksgiving at Assumption Church hall in Ansonia

Veteran to speak about Vietnam War at Seymour Public Library

Breakfast on tap Saturday at Assumption Church hall in Ansonia

Recuperation journey: Diamonds are a girl's best friend

To the untrained eye this blurry photo may seem to indicate I found the grand prize in the Diamond Dig Thursday at Marks of Design in Shelton. 
But sadly I didn't find it; this is a quartz gemstone, and that's sand on my palm from digging into a trough filled with sand for the aforementioned diamond. 
I read that a lucky woman did find it, but she wasn't identified.

I "dug up" two pieces of clear quartz and two peridot gemstones. 
Participants purchased a pail like the one shown and the price, $40, was a donation for The Valley Goes Pink.

The fundraiser for The Valley Goes Pink was sponsored by Kate Marks, owner of Marks of Design at 389 Bridgeport Ave., Shelton. 

The Valley Goes Pink is an initiative to raise awareness about breast cancer and support The Hewitt Center for Breast Wellness at Griffin Hospital in Derby. 
As a 6.5-year survivor of breast cancer I was more than happy to support this worthwhile cause. 

*Stay tuned for more photos in an upcoming issue of The Valley Voice newsletter.

Church in Ansonia readies Countdown to Christmas fair

ANSONIA - Christ Episcopal Church, 56 S. Cliff St., will hold its annual holiday fair at 9 a.m. Nov. 11.
It will feature a basket raffle, craft vendors, kid's shopping room, pot pies, cookie walk, breakfast, lunch, and more.

*Information shared from Facebook.

Halloween 'pranks' affect homeowners on Ansonia Hilltop

This is a community-oriented blog, and since I live on the Ansonia Hilltop I thought I'd share information I just read this morning on the Ansonia Community Updates and Forum Facebook page.

Hilltop residents said their houses and cars were hit with blue paintballs late Friday night. 
Streets they mentioned are Prindle Avenue, Bruns Road, and Greenfield Drive.

Let's hope the perpetrators are found and punished.

Valley Chamber to host real estate forum at Basement Systems in Seymour

Shelton Trails Committee to host annual full moon hike

Sharing from Facebook page:
SHELTON - What could be more fun than a walk through woods and meadows by the light of the full moon? 

Won't you join us at 7 p.m. Nov. 4 at Nicholdale Farm for our annual full moon hike? 
Rain date is Nov. 5.

Visit the Trails Blog for important additional information and to check for any cancellations or changes: 
https://sheltontrailscom.blogspot.com/p/work-part.html .

Communi'tini' fundraiser in Shelton to support Valley United Way

Ansonia mayor to give State of the City Address

ANSONIA - Mayor David S. Cassetti this week announced his fourth annual State of the City address will be held Nov. 1 at the new Farrel-Pomini world headquarters, located atop Fountain Lake (1 Farrel Boulevard).

The event will start at 7 p.m.

The State of the City Address is held in connection with Ansonia Charter Section 8(9), which obligates the mayor to provide an annual report “showing the situation, state, and condition of the city in relation to its government, finances, and improvements.”

As in past years, the address will feature updates on city finances, economic development projects, and other municipal initiatives spearheaded by Cassetti.

“I could not think of a more fitting location to hold this year’s State of the City Address,” he said.

“The Farrel-Pomini Corporation represents Ansonia’s past and future; a testament to our rich history as a manufacturing powerhouse and bright future as a technological innovator in a global marketplace.”

Three years ago the City of Ansonia secured more than $2 million in federal and state grants to build an access road to the top of the Fountain Lake Industrial Park, paving the way for the Farrel-Pomini Corporation’s relocation from downtown Ansonia to a new state-of-the-art facility, and also opening up the park for future tenants.

Visitors to this year’s State of the City Address will be traveling the very same access road on their way to the event.

“Ansonia’s historic spirit of innovation is alive and well, from the high-tech Farrel-Pomini Corporation on Fountain Lake, down to City Hall on Main Street,” Cassetti said.

“I look forward to updating residents on our efforts to recharge and revitalize this great City of Ansonia.”

Recuperation journey: Found fall foliage

On the Ansonia Hilltop ...

the Derby Hilltop ... 

and the Ansonia/Derby town line.


What a beautiful afternoon! Happy Friday! 

Emmett O'Brien Tech in Ansonia to hold mattress sale fundraiser

Sharing from a Facebook event page:

Photo from Facebook

ANSONIA - Emmett O’Brien Technical High School, 141 Prindle Ave., is hosting a mattress fundraiser Nov. 4.
The gymnasium will be converted into a mattress showroom from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. 
The showroom will feature:
- over 20 mattress sets on display for you to try
- name brands for less than retail (Simmons, Serta, Therapedic, etc.)
- all sizes and styles available (latex, gel memory foam, spring)
- adjustable power bases, premium pillows, and frames available
- full manufacturer warranties
- local pickup or delivery is offered about 12 days after the event
- cash, check, or credit cards accepted
- financing available.

Every purchase supports local students, even if you just want a pillow! 
It's just like shopping at a retail store, but you get to save money and help support your local school.

Starting set prices: twin ($259) full ($279) queen ($299) king ($499).
Mention this post to save $50 off any set.

For more information email:
btonne@customfundraisingsolutions.com

Valley Shakespeare Festival announces 2018 tour program

SHELTON - Valley Shakespeare Festival, the Naugatuck Valley’s only nonprofit outdoor theater company, has announced its 2018 tour program, VSF2U. 

In addition to its annual outdoor production in July, VSF will bring its unique brand of classical theater to your organization’s own venue! 

Over the past five years VSF entertained and educated audiences in schools, senior centers, homeless shelters, libraries, restaurants, and yes, even bars. 
Each of these venues brings with it its own set of challenges, but also wondrous varieties of opportunity.

The 2018 tour offering will be Shakespeare’s classic tale of ambition-gone-bad, Macbeth. 

No matter what your organization’s mission is, be it education (VSF’s Education Initiative program is designed in compliance with Connecticut's common core directives to include lessons in literacy, historical perspective and social integration), team-building (a new “must” in today’s corporate world), or just plain entertainment the  Valley Shakespeare Festival’s tour program has you covered.

The Education Initiative program is designed specifically with schools in mind. 

It includes a 30 minute in-classroom workshop led by our professional teaching artists prior to a full adapted performance of the play (which lasts approximately 90 minutes) and concludes with a 10-15 minute Q&A. 
The classroom workshop prepares students for the performance and concentrates on helping them to understand the language, the historical and social perspective of the time, and to interpret its lessons and apply them to contemporary issues.

Some or all of the above components of the tour program can be adapted to your organization’s needs, choosing as many or as few of the program’s three components as you require. 

The cost can be adjusted accordingly.

Capacity is limited to 150 audience members per performance as the program is an interactive environment.

VSF2U’s MACBETH will run from late April through mid-May, 2018. The program is one of the least costly of its kind and books up quickly, so we encourage all interested organizations to contact us as soon as possible to save your date.

For information, call 203-513-9446 or email info@vsfestival.org.

VSF2U brings the classics to your door in a relaxed, inclusive, accessible atmosphere designed to educate, enlighten and entertain!

This is a press release from Valley Shakespeare Festival.

Halloween bash slated at Bad Sons Brewery in Derby

Sharing from Facebook post:

"Our Mischief Eve Bash will be a family friendly day filled with live music, fun, games and prizes. 
"Contests will include stein holding, egg toss, toilet paper wrap, pumpkin painting, candy corn guess, candy corn relay and more.
"Winnie Lynn and Liberty Rock food trucks will be here as well as buckets of wings from Dew Drop Inn too! We will also be launching BAD SONS doing GOOD THINGS charity tap line with the Boys & Girls Club of the Lower Naugatuck Valley. 
"Come party with us and cause a bit of mischief too!"

Bad Sons Brewery is located at 251 Roosevelt Drive, Derby.

Wesley Village in Shelton breaks ground for expansion

Groundbreaking ceremony held recently for expansion of Lifestyle Transitions at Wesley Village in Shelton./ Contributed photo

SHELTON - Wesley Village has officially broken new ground.

Senior living campus officials today announced the expansion of Lifestyle Transitions, a specialized assisted living and memory support neighborhood, originally opened in January 2015.

Lifestyle Transitions offers a secure, supportive environment for those needing a higher level of attention and engagement, and for those in the early to mid-stages of memory loss. 

Unique to Wesley Village, Lifestyle Transitions provides a mission-based, relationship-centered approach to care, as well as: affordable pricing, a wander-protection system, 24-hour staffing with caregivers trained by the Alzheimer’s Association, nurses seven-days a week, on-site physician services, engaging activities, a variety of apartment styles for individuals or couples, education and support services for residents and families, and a specialized design to maximize independence. It also focuses on developing daily routines for successfully managing individualized physical, social, and cognitive challenges. 

The expansion will include 20 new specialized assisted living apartments in three added wings within the Wesley Heights community at Wesley Village. 

Additional spaces will include a family-style kitchen for baking; a great room for entertainment, exercise, art classes and more; lounges for reading, visiting and relaxing; and an enclosed outdoor courtyard for gardening, walking and fresh air. The design, colors, textures, lighting, and furniture were chosen with the help of senior living design consultants to create both vibrant and soothing spaces that best meet resident needs.

Wesley Village is located at 580 Long Hill Ave. and is owned and operated by United Methodist Homes, a local not-for-profit organization. 

The campus offers assisted and independent living, skilled nursing, short-term rehab, and outpatient therapy and fitness services. 

To learn more, visit www.wesleyvillage-ct.org or call 203-225-5024. 

This is a press release from United Methodist Homes.

Lawmakers pass veto-proof state budget

3 Valley Republicans react to approval

HARTFORD - House Republican Leader Themis Klarides, state Rep. Nicole Klarides-Ditria, and state Sen. George A. Logan Thursday announced the final approval of a bipartisan budget that averts Gov. Dannel Malloy’s devastating education cuts to cities and towns and installs structural municipal mandate reform that will provide long-term relief sought by local leaders and the taxpayers they serve. 

House Republican Leader Themis Klarides, R-Derby,  said, “This is a day of hope for the people of Connecticut. The budget we have put in place includes historic spending constraints that will hedge against future deficits. While this budget is not perfect, it reflects the core Republican components of spending restraints, less borrowing so that we can finally start living within our means.”

Klarides said the state will be able to close the massive deficit with less than a 1 percent increase in taxes and fees. The bulk of the tax hikes are on cigarette sales and the hospital taxes that will be refunded by the federal government once the state completes its application to the Federal Centers for Medicaid and Medicare Services.

State Rep. Klarides-Ditria, R-Seymour, added, “It has been 117 days without a state budget in place, and over a month since the governor’s reckless executive order went into place. Our communities would have been devastated if the governor continued to control the state finances. 

"As a freshman state representative, I was proud to see Democrats and Republicans work together to craft a budget that makes real structural changes. We still need to make more spending and tax reforms, but this budget moves us in that direction.”

State Sen. George S. Logan, R-Ansonia, said, “This bipartisan budget provides predictable municipal aid so that Ansonia and Derby know what they can count on from the state. This plan averts the deep cuts contained in the governor’s executive order.  It does not shift teacher pension costs onto towns and cities.  We cap state spending and borrowing. We do not increase the sales tax or income tax.  We do not put a tax on cell phones.  We protect funding for individuals with disabilities.  We protect funding for mental health and substance abuse treatment to fight the opioid epidemic.  We protect services for seniors, including the CT Home Care Program, Meals on Wheels and non ADA dial a ride.  It is an honor to represent Ansonia and Derby, and we will always work tirelessly to protect taxpayers.”

The budget features a variety of spending constraints:

 •    Finally, implements an effective cap on state spending;

•    An annual bonding cap of $1.9 billion in borrowing, a half billion less than what Connecticut put on its credit card last year;

•    A revenue cap that prevents the state from spending all the money it expects to take in annually. Somehow we always seem to fall short of revenue projections;

•    A volatility cap that will automatically send any excess revenue to the Budget Reserve Fund.

In addition, the budget also blocked tax increases on income, sales, and hotels and new taxes on cell phones, secondary homes, and restaurants.  

The approved budget also prevented the teacher pension shift to municipalities and will phase-in exemptions of taxes on Social Security, pensions, and estates.   

The budget passed the House 126-23, after several hours of debate, a margin that would overturn another veto by the governor. 

For more information on the bipartisan budget, visit cthousegop.com/budget. 

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

Gentile lauds House passage of bipartisan state budget

HARTFORD - State Rep. Linda Gentile, D-Ansonia, Thursday praised the bipartisan state budget ending Connecticut's fiscal crisis and restoring potential cuts for Ansonia and Derby.

State Rep. Linda Gentile

The budget passed the House of Representatives in a 126-23 vote. 

“This truly bipartisan budget is a win for both Ansonia and Derby, who were locked in limbo during the budget crisis,” Gentile said. “In addition to rejecting damaging cuts, this budget does not shift undue financial burdens onto local property taxpayers, invests in job creation efforts along with innovation and manufacturing, protects our community hospitals, and pushes Connecticut in the right direction.”

Under the governor’s executive order, both Ansonia and Derby were set to lose a significant amount of funding in municipal aid for the 2017-18 fiscal year. 
Specifically, Derby was set to lose $1.6 million and Ansonia was set to lose approximately $664,000. Under the bipartisan budget, all of this funding is restored.

“I have heard from town officials and residents that the potential cuts under the governor’s proposal would have been damaging to our communities and I am proud to have worked with members across the aisle to successfully restore them,” Gentile said. 

Additionally, the budget:

• Restores funding for scholarships for low and middle-income students, like the Roberta Willis Scholarship;
• Enacts a state spending and bonding cap;
• Maintains the property tax credit of $200 for seniors and families with dependents;
• Continues investments in job creation programs such as the Small Business Express, Manufacturing Assistance, Innovation Places and Brownfield Remediation.

The budget will now head to the governor’s desk for approval. 

This is a press release from Linda Gentile's office.

Downtown Ansonia restaurant to host soccer night fundraiser

TEAM in Derby to offer energy assistance to residents of 10 area towns

DERBY - Families and individuals seeking financial help to offset their winter heating bills may apply to TEAM for assistance.

Families and individuals may qualify for help if they fall below these income limits: $34,366 for household of one, $44,940 for a two person household, $55,514 for a three person household, $66,089 for a four person household.

Applicants are deemed eligible based on review of their total household gross income, such as job earnings, unemployment compensation, social security, pension etc.; household size; and liquid assets, as shown through bank statements. 

If an applicant is approved for assistance, TEAM will make direct payments to their home heating provider. 

Both homeowners and renters who are residents of Ansonia, Beacon Falls, Bethany, Derby, Milford, Orange, Oxford, Seymour, Shelton, and Woodbridge can apply for energy assistance from TEAM.

To schedule an appointment with TEAM Energy Assistance, call 203-736-5420 and follow prompts for Energy Assistance, or in Milford, 203-783-3253; Woodbridge, 203-389-3429; Orange, 203-891-4787, and Bethany, 203-393-2100, ext.124.

This is a press release from TEAM Inc., a private 501(c) 3 non-profit corporation whose mission is to strengthen our community by educating, supporting and empowering individuals and families. 

Recuperation journey: Photo fun

Autumn sky this afternoon.

Recuperation journey: Stocking up on medical equipment

Bed rails, bed tables, and cushions, oh my. But fortunately no bed pans.

We have a fully-accessible ranch house but we still need more stuff. Ralph uses a wheelchair and now we have a walker user - our son Cameron recovering from hip surgery - here too. 
Thank goodness for online shopping. 

I suppose our mail carrier and our FedEx and UPS delivery people aren't happy with us. 
It is almost a daily occurrence for us to get a delivery.

Ralph recently purchased needed equipment  and that was before Cameron's bike accident, fractured hip and subsequent recuperation journey.

The garage is now full of cardboard boxes from a variety of shipments. The cat has enjoyed sitting in a few of them, but he bores easily and the fun doesn't last. 

46th annual Arts and Crafts Show slated at Oxford Center School

Griffin Hospital in Derby to host workshop on living with chronic disease

Griffin Hospital will host a Live Well Chronic Disease Self-Management Workshop in November./ Contributed photo  

DERBY- Griffin Hospital will host a free six-week workshop in November 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 workshops will be held at the hospital, 130 Division St. 
Dates and times of the workshop are being finalized.

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 at 203-732-1523.

This is a press release from Griffin Hospital.

Friends of the Ansonia Library to hold holiday book, bake sale

ANSONIA - The Friends of the Ansonia Library will hold a holiday book/bake sale from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Nov. 11 at Ansonia Library, 53 South Cliff St.

The sale will feature used books in great condition with a special holiday selection and raffle.

For information call 203-734-6275 or email fotalansonia@gmail.com.

Workshops slated in 5 Valley towns to focus on Rte. 8 corridor

Naugatuck Valley Council of Governments is conducting a transportation study of the Route 8 corridor that includes Metro North train service and bus service.  

For more info: http://t8corridorstudy.com/