3 teachers at O'Brien in Ansonia receive grant to attend training conference

Pictured from left, O'Brien teachers Diane Salmeri, Mary Parady, and Francesca Ford./ Contributed photo

ANSONIA - Fund for Teachers has awarded Emmett O’Brien Technical High School teachers a grant to attend the Omega Institute in Rhinebeck, N.Y. July 23 –July 28 to attend a conference, Mindfulness in Education Teacher Training.

The $4,800 grant award called “Mindful Teachers” will allow team leader, grant writer Mary Parady, EL & Language Arts teacher and team members Francesca Ford, English teacher, and Diane Salmeri, Hairdressing and Cosmetology teacher the opportunity to learn, explore and research effective techniques into the way of mindful education and to introduce and implement mindfulness into the academic and trade areas. 

Schools worldwide are turning to mindfulness and social and emotional learning as antidotes to rising stress, and attention deficit. Research shows students and teachers in school systems that have adopted mindfulness are happier, more focused, more compassionate, emotionally regulated and less impacted by stress.
Daniel Rechtschaffen, Morris E. Ervin Jr., and Rachel Brown will lead the conference. 

The teachers attended an orientation dinner at The New Haven Lawn Club May 2 with 125 Connecticut fellows. The O’Brien fellows spent the evening with an amazing group of teachers travelng around the world to enrich the lives of their students.

Fund for Teachers supports educators' efforts to develop skills, knowledge and confidence that impact student achievement. 

By trusting teachers to design unique fellowships, Fund for Teachers grants validate teachers' professionalism and leadership, as well. 

Since 2001, Fund for Teachers has invested $22 million in nearly 6,000 teachers, transforming grants into growth for teachers and their students.

This is a press release from the school.

Club awards $28,949 in scholarships to 20 Valley students

SHELTON – The Boys & Girls Club of the Lower Naugatuck Valley held its 2017 Scholarship Award Ceremony Tuesday.

Linda Welch, Chair of the Scholarship Committee, awarded 20 students with a combined total of $28,949 in college scholarships.  

The scholarship recipients were: Samantha B., Matthew B., Megan B., Jess C., Holly C., Mackenzie C., Kiara D., Alina G., Julia H., Kyle H., Emily K., Jaylen L., Sabrina M., William M., Yancere P., Keith P., Taylor Q., Tayliah Q., Marila S. and Lauren S. 

The scholarships and awards amounts were as follows: 

Coram Gardens Civic Association - $7,000

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 our 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 seven 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 - $5,000

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. 

Fortin Family Foundation - $5,000

This new scholarship is being awarded for the first time this year, to a member of the graduating class to further their post-high school education at an accredited post-high school institution. A recipient may reapply for such scholarship in ensuing college years up to a maximum of four years.

George & Beatrice Ryan - $2,949

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 George 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,” Ryan said.  “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 Boys & Girls Club of the Lower Naugatuck Valley.

Hectic morning

Chillin' in front of the screen door on another busy day, catching a slight breeze.

Newsletter highlights mock crash at Ansonia High School

Dear readers,

While I'm recuperating from surgery my husband Ralph is taking over all aspects of The Valley Voice.

Please click here to read about this week's mock crash staged in the parking lot at Ansonia High School. 

~ Patti

Crosby Commons in Shelton recognizes accomplishments of resident, 98

Pictured from left, Lori Pisani, Executive Director, Crosby Commons, CALA award winner Tim Donovan, Crosby resident John Balogh, and Crosby Commons Activity Director Kelly Coppola./ Submitted photo

SHELTON - Tim Donovan, an eight-year resident of Crosby Commons Independent and Assisted Living Community, was recently recognized by the Connecticut Assisted Living Association with the Distinguished Resident Accomplishment Award. 

This award honors the service and accomplishments of senior living residents. 

Donovan was nominated to receive this prestigious award because of his extraordinary example of aging and his exceptional contributions to the community. 

“Tim, at the tender young age of 98, is a true gentleman. A man of integrity, sincerity, honesty and humor,” said Lori Pisani, Executive Director of Crosby Commons. 

Many of Donovan’s award-winning watercolor paintings have been displayed throughout Crosby Commons and the Derby art gallery. 

He also effortlessly leads weekly art classes at the Shelton Senior Center and is a member of the Connecticut Classic Arts Association.

Donovan generously volunteers his time and organizes Crosby Common’s morning Flex and Stretch exercise class. Additionally, at least three days a week, he leads his fellow residents in a miniature bowling game. 

“The laughter, chatter, cheering, and encouragement fills the entire community during this fun game,” Pisani said. Even more impressively, Donovan has participated in many road races hosted by United Methodist Homes. His “Can Do” attitude successfully places him over the finish line. His friends and family could not agree more with Pisani when she says, “Tim Donovan is a special person and role model to us all.”

Donovan and 19 other selected recipients throughout the state were honored at the Aqua Turf Club in Plantsville. Congratulations go out to all CALA award winners! 

Crosby Commons is located on the Wesley Village Campus and offers independent and assisted senior living. 

The campus is located at 580 Long Hill Ave. It is owned and operated by United Methodist Homes, a local mission-based, not-for-profit organization. 

To learn more, visit www.wesleyvillage-ct.org or contact Lisa Bisson, 203-225-5024.

This is a press release from United Methodist Homes.

20th annual walk in Derby Saturday to benefit Spooner House

Participants pose at last year's walk./ Submitted photo  

DERBY - Spooner House is accepting registrations for walkers, runners, and helping hands to be part of the 20th Annual Walk for the Hungry and Homeless at the Derby Greenway Saturday,starting at 9 a.m. (rain or shine). 

Registration is at the fountain on Division Street beginning at 8:30 a.m. with a 9 a.m. kick off. 
Participants can register online to form a team, join an existing team or register as an individual and are asked to make donations in any amount suitable, ask others to sponsor you for additional funds and seek matching donations from employers. 
However, a minimum donation of $20 will be required for each participant to receive the commemorative walk T-shirt*. All proceeds benefit the Spooner House. 

Joe Neumann & the Big Beat band will be performing at the Walk.

From 4 to 7 p.m. today (Friday), walkers will have the opportunity to pick up their walk T-shirt* and drop off their pledge form in advance during a special Community Open House at Spooner House, 30 Todd Road, Shelton. Every participant will receive an entry into a drawing for an assortment of gift cards and there are prizes available for the team raising the most money, the individual raising the most money and the team with the most participants.

For walk registration and sponsorship forms or more information call 203-225-0453 ext.102 or

e-mail Kate Pipa at kpipa@actspooner.org. 
The website actspooner.org has a link to the walk registration page and all forms as well.

The entire walk route is 3.4 miles along the Naugatuck River, but participants may travel any distance they choose and water will be provided at the halfway point along the 1.7-mile Greenway. 

The Derby Greenway provides a safe, vehicle-free, boardwalk style route with great scenery along the Naugatuck River. Strollers are welcome and participants may begin the route whenever they arrive. Please use the Division Street entrance and meet at the Derby Greenway fountain. Parking is available at BJ's.

The annual EcoFest will be held the day of the walk, on the other end of the Greenway on Caroline Street.

This year, sponsors including the following companies, have stepped forward to support the annual Walk for the Hungry and Homeless. 
The Gold Sponsors are: Dworken, Hillman, LaMorte, and Sterczala, P.C.; Vibrant Health; Newtown Savings Bank; Valley Community Foundation and AD-MERICA. 
The Silver Sponsors are: Tuttle Insurance Group; Calvert Safe & Lock, Gary's East Coast Service, ElectriCable Associates and Pepe Reality.
This year’s Bronze Sponsors include: St. Thomas the Apostle Church in Oxford; R.D. Scinto, Inc.; O.E.M. Controls, Inc.; Stelray Plastic Products, Inc.; New Haven Terminal; Venman + Co. LLC; DataTel, LLC; Aquarion Water Co.; Peralta Design, and SoVita Chiropractic.

Drawing prize sponsors are: Royal Bakery, Shelton Adams Hometown Market, Legend’s Pizzeria, Vazzy’s Italian Cucina, Giove’s, Young Nails, Sassafras Restaurant, Amici’s Restaurant, Longhorn Steakhouse, and Shelton Car Care.

Pre-registration is not required, but encouraged so participants won't have to get up as early on Saturday  and still be guaranteed a walk T-shirt.



This is a press release from Spooner House.

Logan, colleagues welcome Civil Air Patrol representatives to Capitol

Contributed photo

State Sen. George S. Logan, R-Ansonia, and state lawmakers recently welcomed Connecticut Wing Civil Air Patrol members to the state Capitol’s historic Senate Chamber.  

The Civil Air Patrol is the all-volunteer official auxiliary of the United States Air Force.  

In Connecticut, the CAP performs search and rescue as well as emergency and disaster relief services. 

Logan, who serves as Vice-Chair on the legislature’s Veterans Affairs Committee, represents Ansonia, Beacon Falls, Bethany, Derby, Hamden, Naugatuck, and Woodbridge. 

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

On the web: www.SenatorGeorgeLogan.com.  Attached photo, from left, state Sen. Len Suzio, Lt. Col. Darren Cioffi, state Sen. Heather Somers, Logan, and Col. Ken Chapman.

MDA fundraiser slated Sunday at Lakewood Lanes in Waterbury