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.