Saturday, March 31, 2018

Recuperation journey: When our son cooks dinner


We're about to dine on fusilli with kale, walnuts, and chicken sausage. The kitchen smells like garlic!

Seymour Recreation to hold summer camp registration



Logan urges veterans seeking work to attend Heroes 4 Hire in E. Hartford



A message from state Sen. George S.Logan, R-Ansonia:
If you are a veteran looking for work or know of one, the 2018 Heroes 4 Hire Career Fair is the place to be on April 4 [Wednesday].
More than 90 companies will be on hand looking to add dedicated veterans to their workforce.

Visit ctjobfairs.com for a list of companies, positions, and directions to Rentschler Field in East Hartford.

http://ctsenaterepublicans.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/Heroes-for-Hire.jpg



Recuperation journey: Buds


  Early spring is here ~ Happy Saturday!



Adam's House in Shelton seeks volunteers


Friday, March 30, 2018

Recuperation journey: Mostly gray day, beautiful sunset


Recuperation journey: Run, daughter, run


I didn't participate in today's Birchwood Drive 5K on the Ansonia Hilltop to benefit the American Cancer Society but daughter Allegra did. 
The route went up Ford Street so we just had to go down to the corner to catch an "action shot" of her.


Advance care planning topic of talk at Griffin Hospital in Derby

The Community Health Resource Center at Griffin Hospital will host a talk April 18 on how to plan for future medical decisions./  Contributed photo



DERBY - The Community Health Resource Center at Griffin Hospital will host a free talk on how to plan for future healthcare and medical decisions at 10 a.m. April 18.
Griffin Hospital Advance Care Planning Coordinator Lynn Aiksnoras will present “Advance Care Planning: Honoring Health Care Choices,” an open discussion on the three stages of Advance Care Planning in which individuals discuss and decide their future health care wishes in the event that they are unable to speak for themselves.

ACP is a process of understanding, reflecting on and discussing individual goals, beliefs and values to determine a person’s overall wishes, should a time come when he or she cannot make them for him or herself. ACP ensures that patients’ healthcare wishes are respected by loved ones and health care providers. 
This process also gives comfort and reassurance to healthcare representatives, enabling them to clearly understand patients’ end-of-life preferences.
This program is part of a series of free, educational forums hosted by the Community Health Resource Center in an effort to help improve the health of the community. To register or for more information, call Kerry or Deborah at 203-732-7399.

The Community Health Resource Center at Griffin Hospital, 130 Division St., is a traditional library that provides an array of medical and health information, including a large collection of easy to read health and lifestyle-related materials. 

The Center is open to the public to educate themselves on ways to enhance their well-being, prevent illness and play an active role in decisions about their health.


This is a press release from Griffin Hospital.


Patronize My Sister's Place in Ansonia, support The Umbrella Center


Sharing from a Facebook page:

"Don't know what to wear for your Easter Sunday best? Come in to MSP and check out our selection of Boutique clothing."


All proceeds from My Sister's Place, a thrift store at 380 Main St., Ansonia, benefit the Umbrella Center for Domestic Violence Services, a program of BHcare.

The store is open from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. today. 


Klarides-Ditria emcees Greek Independence Day celebration at Capitol


State Rep. Nicole Klarides-Ditria, R-Seymour, was mistress of ceremonies Monday for a Greek Independence Day celebration at the state Capitol. 
The event was hosted by the American Hellenic Educational Progressive Association. Greek Independence Day is celebrated annually on March 25. /Contributed photo


Thursday, March 29, 2018

Seymour Land Conservation Trust to hold beautification of Legion Pool park


Tea at Griffin Hospital in Derby to benefit Valley Breast Health Care Fund


DERBY - Calling all tea lovers! 
The Women’s Health Initiative invites the community to its Annual Tea Fundraiser from 2-4 p.m. April 22 at Griffin Hospital.
The Tea is open to everyone - men and women, wives and husbands, mothers, daughters, and granddaughters. 
The event will feature a sophisticated assortment of teas and savory foods and participants are encouraged to wear their favorite hat for a parade where the person with the best hat will be awarded a prize. 
There will also be door prizes and raffles.

The cost is $30 per person. Proceeds will benefit the Valley Breast Health Care Fund, which aims to ensure that no person, regardless of age or socio-economic condition, is denied screening mammograms or diagnostic testing for breast cancer, or financial assistance with diagnosed breast cancer related services such as wigs, transportation and groceries.


Reserve your seat by contacting Nancy at 203-734-6945 or nvbv@hotmail.com or Dorothy at 203-233-7639 or dott.g@hotmail.com.
Donations are also welcome.

The hospital is at 130 Division St.

The Women's Health Initiative is comprised of members of the community working toward a common goal of addressing and improving women's health issues.
This year’s event is co-chaired by Patricia Tarasovic and Kate Cosgrove.
The Initiative also includes co-chair Dr. Stephanie Wain, Darlene Breving, Cary Carpino, Christine Cooper, Dolores Chew, Dorothy Gandy, Antoinetta Hallett, Lisa Kechijian, Peggy Marlowe, Frank Michaud, Lisa McEachern, and Nancy Valentine. Membership is open to all interested persons.


This is a press release from Griffin Hospital.

Citizens' Engine Co. 2 in Seymour to host family breakfast fundraiser


Newsletter: SVDP in Derby makes Easter bright, 'Queen' visits Seymour


Dear readers,

Today's Valley Voice newsletter features Queen Elizabeth I visiting Seymour, St. Vincent De Paul distributing Easter goodies in Derby, and more.

Thanks for reading!

Patti and Ralph

Capitol Conversation with Valley lawmakers slated in Shelton


SHELTON - The New Haven Manufacturers Association and the Greater Valley Chamber of Commerce will host a Capitol Conversation with the Valley Legislative Delegation April 4.
The event will be held from 7:30-9 a.m. at PerkinElmer, 710 Bridgeport Ave. 

From a Facebook event page:

"Due to the security requirements at PerkinElmer, advance registration is required for this event. No walk-ins will be permitted.

"With the Legislative session in Hartford in full swing, please join us for a conversation with the members of our local Valley Legislative Delegation about the status of the state budget and other issues impacting the Valley business community. 
Legislators are reaching out to hear from you about your priorities. 

"This special forum will be held in the new Conference Center at PerkinElmer in Shelton. Although free to attend, due to security requirements pre-registration is required (no walk-ins)."
"Coffee and light refreshments will be provided. Free to attend."


Wednesday, March 28, 2018

Oxford Women's Spring Softball League seeks players


*Info shared from the City of Ansonia Facebook page.

Easter egg hunt slated Saturday in Shelton


Diabetes support group to host talks on nutrition at Griffin Hospital in Derby

The Diabetes Education & Support Group at Griffin Hospital will host presentations about low-carb eating for individuals diagnosed with diabetes./ Contributed photo

DERBY - The Diabetes Education & Support Group at Griffin Hospital will host two free presentations about low carbohydrate eating for individuals diagnosed with diabetes at 2:30  and 6:30 p.m. April 10 at the hospital, 130 Division St.
Topic of discussion for the meeting will be “Carbohydrate Counting: Putting Skills into Practice.” 
Carb counting is a great tool for diabetes self-management, while still eating a healthy variety of foods. 
The group will discuss how to correctly measure total carbohydrates, how to count fiber, understanding nutrition labels, what to do when dining out and eating combination foods. Record keeping and pattern management will also be discussed.
The presentations will be in the hospital’s Childbirth Education Classroom A. 
There will be free valet parking for the 2:30 p.m. session.

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.


Klarides sisters renew call to provide tax relief for disabled veterans

State Rep. Nicole Klarides-Ditria, R-Seymour, left, and House Republican Leader Themis Klarides, R-Derby./ Contributed photo

HARTFORD - House Republican Leader Themis Klarides and her sister, state Rep. Nicole Klarides-Ditria are continuing to fight to pass legislation that helps disabled veterans. 

House Bill 5231 will allow municipalities, with their legislative body's approval, to freeze property taxes on homes owned by certain disabled veterans and their spouse or surviving spouse.  
To be eligible, the veteran must have a service-connected disability and either the veteran or spouse must have lived in Connecticut for at least one year. 

House Republican Leader Themis Klarides said, "In these difficult economic times, we are aware that municipalities are struggling financially. That is why this bill was written to provide towns and cities an option to offer this opportunity rather than mandate it."

She continued, "Veterans who are injured as a result of their service live on fixed incomes and freezing their property taxes will help make living in our state more affordable."

Rep. Klarides-Ditria added, "Letting our local governments decide to freeze taxes for disabled veterans is something they should be allowed to do. Disabled veterans deserve this tax relief, and I will continue to fight to get this legislation passed."

The Veterans' Affairs Committee passed this legislation unanimously. Before the bill can become law it must pass both the House and Senate. 


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


Recuperation journey: Seen through the window


Showing his better side?

Hilltop Hose Co. 5 in Ansonia to hold annual flower sale


*Photo shared from Facebook.

Griffin Hospital in Derby seeks volunteers for retinal study



Yale-Griffin Prevention Research Center is seeking volunteers for retinopathy study./ Contributed photo


DERBY - The Yale-Griffin Prevention Research Center, located at Griffin Hospital, 130 Division St., is seeking volunteers for a study on retinopathy.

The study open to anyone over 18 years of age who has not had an eye exam for a year. Further eligibility will be assessed before the eye screening.

Participants will have a free eye exam in which images of their eyes are taken and an eye specialist reviews the images for any signs of diseases or conditions, specifically retinopathy, which usually does not have any symptoms. Retinopathy is a common eye disease in the United States and is a leading cause of blindness. 

People with certain conditions are at risk for developing retinopathy and should be screened every year.

To see if you qualify or for more information, contact Aisha Khan at 203-732-1265 ext: 223 or akhan@griffinhealth.org.

About The Yale-Griffin Prevention Research Center
The Yale-Griffin Prevention Research Center is committed to research pertaining to the primary, secondary, and tertiary prevention of chronic disease that is responsive to the priorities of the Lower Naugatuck Valley residents, the residents of Connecticut’s major cities, and other communities throughout the state. 


The center is dedicated to participatory research methods, to a robust research agenda inclusive of developmental/determinant, intervention, and translational research; to community involvement in public health; to the eradication of disparities in health and health care in the communities served; and to the dissemination of effective interventions in support of the national objectives of Healthy People 2010.


This is a press release from Griffin Hospital.


Valley Arts Council Prez to hold 2nd workshop at E Street Gallery in Derby


Recuperation journey: Going solar and a new ride for Ralph

Busy times here at the Villers' household.

On Monday Ralph's much needed, shiny new wheelchair arrived. 
We're all happy for him! It's going to take a bit of practice to get comfortable with it, but he'll get there.

And on Tuesday we went solar, almost six months to the day back in September when the solar panels were installed, free of charge.

I wasn't here to witness it but someone showed up and flipped a switch, or whatever he had to do. 
Going green and saving some green on our energy bill.


Dziekan to tend bar for charity at BAD SONS in Derby


Griffin Heart Wellness Committee to hold ceremony in Woodbridge

The Women’s Heart Wellness Committee to host its 13th Annual Women's Heart Wellness & Caring Heart Award Ceremony April 26 at Oak Lane Country Club, Woodbridge./ Submitted photo

DERBY - The Women’s Heart Wellness Committee at Griffin Hospital will host its 13th Annual Women's Heart Wellness & Caring Heart Award Ceremony April 26. 
The event will be held from 6-8:30 p.m. at the Birchwoods at Oak Lane Country Club in Woodbridge.
The theme of the dinner will be “Who’s That Woman in the Mirror?” featuring a panel of health experts discussing women’s health and answering questions related to healthy aging. 

There will also be a health fair with information on overall wellness and more. 
WTNH Health Reporter Jocelyn Maminta will be emcee.
The event will honor Barbara Casagrande, of Oxford with the Caring Heart Award. 
The Women’s Heart Wellness Committee will also present its Caring Heart Award to an individual from the Lower Naugatuck Valley who made significant contributions to the heart wellness of an individual or the community at large by his or her actions and/or volunteerism.

Tickets for the dinner are $35 per person and includes plentiful hors d'oeuvres and a complimentary glass of wine. 
To reserve a seat, visit griffinhealth.org/whw and click the event link at the bottom of the page. 
The deadline for reservations is April 22.
For more information, contact Eunice, 203-732-7107 or whw@griffinhealth.org.

The Women’s Heart Wellness Committee consists of healthcare professionals, heart patients, and women from throughout the Valley communities. 
The primary focus of the group is to increase heart health awareness among women, empower them to love and save their hearts, and ensure they are provided the means to do so through education and rehabilitation. Membership is open to all interested persons.


This is a press release from Griffin Hospital. 

Tuesday, March 27, 2018

Dine at Italian Pavilion April 4, support Derby High School PTO

Sharing this from Derby High PTO Facebook event page for a fundraiser at Italian Pavilion, 90 Pershing Drive, Derby. 
It will run from 11 a.m.-9:30 p.m. April 4.


Photo from Facebook
"Please stop down and see Mario and his staff for Lunch or Dinner and support the DHS PTO. You can dine in or take out all day. 
"Please let them know you are there to support the Derby High School PTO. They
will donate 20 percent from the day back to us!"

'Turnback Tuesday' features Coon Hollow Park in Derby

This week's Turnback Tuesday looks at Coon Hollow Park in Derby. 

This postcard was mailed in 1941 when the park was new. The park now houses the athletic ball fields near Derby High School off Chatfield Street and Nutmeg Avenue.


*Thanks go out to Derby Public Library staff for sharing interesting local history each week.  

Klarides-Ditria shares road-widening plan for Rte. 34, Derby-Milford Road


Dear Neighbors,
Below is a message from the Department of Transportation announcing that work will begin at the intersection of Route 34 and Derby-Milford Road for a road widening project in  Derby on April 1, 2018.

Operational Improvements On Route 34 At Derby-Milford Road
The Connecticut Department of Transportation is announcing that work will begin at the intersection of Route 34 and Derby-Milford Road for a road widening project in the Town of Derby on April 1, 2018.
The project consists of the construction of a right turn lane on Route 34 onto Derby-Milford Road by extending the edge of road to the south. 
Widening proposed on Derby-Milford Road will accommodate a three-lane approach to Route 34. A two-lane approach into the intersection from Sentinel Hill Road is also included in the overall construction. 
These additional lanes will reduce congestion and improve overall operations.
A minor retaining wall will also be needed for roadway support on the southeastern side of the intersection. The improvements also include modifying the turn radius for right turning vehicles from Route 34 onto Derby-Milford Road. Signal improvements will be required at the intersection to accommodate the two new left turn lanes on Derby-Milford Road. 
The existing guide rail on Derby-Milford Road will be replaced to meet current standards. Some vegetation will be evaluated for removal to improve sight lines at the intersection.
DOT Project No. 0036-0195 was awarded to NJR Construction LLC, at a cost of $1,792,638.65 on March 5, 2018, and is scheduled to be completed Nov. 30, 2018.
LANE CLOSURE INFO
Route 34: During the allowable periods, the contractor shall maintain and protect a minimum of one lane of traffic in each direction not less than 11 feet. For turn lanes, 10 feet shall be maintained for a minimum of 150 feet.
Derby-Milford Road and Sentinel Hill Road: During the allowable periods, the contractor shall maintain and protect at least an alternating one-way traffic operation, not less than 12 feet in width. The length of alternating traffic operation shall not exceed 300 feet.
The contractor shall maintain access to and egress from all commercial and residential driveways throughout the project limits.



Citizens Engine Co. in Seymour to hold Easter Plant Sale


Recuperation journey: Spring has sprung

I hereby declare that spring has now sprung.

Yesterday I released my gnomes back into the outside world, to do their jobs and guard the garden.

Therefore there shall be NO MORE SNOW. 



Monday, March 26, 2018

Valley Arts Council Prez to teach watercolors at E Street Gallery in Derby


Recuperation journey: Writing companion


I don't mind if Linus keeps me company and swishes his tail around my old camera. I actually thought it looked cute. He's always good for comic relief.

Santa brought me a better camera - with lots of bells and whistles that I don't really know how to use yet - so Linus can make himself at home (as if he didn't already!) 

These days my mantra is 'auto photo, auto flash.' It has been working out so far.


'Queen' addresses loyal subjects at Seymour Historical Society

Seymour resident Carolyn Ivanoff dressed as Queen Elizabeth I strikes a pose Sunday before her presentation at Seymour Historical Society./ Contributed photo


Stay tuned for more coverage in an upcoming issue of the Valley Voice newsletter.

Seymour Congregational Church slates turkey dinner, basket bonanza



*Information shared from the Seymour Congregational Church Facebook page.

Church to host Derby's B.E.S.T. 5K Run, Mile Walk in May


DERBY - Walnut Hill Community Church, at the corner of Smith and Ninth streets, is hosting Derby’s B.E.S.T. 5K Run/Mile Walk May 5.

Since its inception four years ago, this event has raised nearly $20,000 in funding for projects requested by teachers and administrators, that enriched, enhanced, and improved the educational experience of more than 1,500 students in the Derby Public Schools helping to Better Empower the Students and Teachers in Derby Public Schools to succeed.

Walt Mayhew, Pastor, Walnut Hill Community Church’s Valley Campus, explained the church’s involvement.
“Jesus told us to love God and love our neighbor," he said. "We also know the special place children had in Jesus' heart. So this event is a wonderful way for us to live out our faith and look to make our community a better place to live, work, and play.”

The race committee is promoting the event district-wide encouraging students and their families to register to participate in support of the event.
Committee members are also asking businesses in the community to join in the cause as sponsors to help defray the cost of the event in order to maximize the money that can be used to impact the education of Derby students. “Over the past years, we’ve made a difference, but there is still much to be done in order to maximize the impact for the students. throughout the district,” Mayhew said.

The Derby’s B.E.S.T. 5K Run/Walk will step off May 5 on the Derby Greenway starting on the industrial park access road behind BJs, at 20 Division St.
Check in on race day begins at 8 a.m.

The Fun Run begins for younger children begins at 8:30 a.m., while the 5K Run & Mile Walk start at 9 a.m.

Awards with be presented to the top finishers overall and by age group.

A free post-race raffle will be held and post-race refreshments will be served.

To register, sponsor, or for more information, visit www.derbysbest.org.

This is a press release from Walt Mayhew, Pastor, Walnut Hill Community Church.

Saturday, March 24, 2018

Recuperation journey: Spectacular Saturday sunset


My view shortly after 7 tonight. Had to share.


Eat at Panera Thursday, support Ansonia High School music department


Cassetti awards chocolate bunnies to egg hunt winners at Ansonia Armory

Kids of all ages, parents, and grandparents enjoyed the Ansonia Cultural Commission's second annual Easter Egg-stravaganza Saturday at the Ansonia Armory. 

The Easter Bunny surveys a chaotic scene as kids hunted for Easter eggs and candy in the Armory.


*Stay tuned for more photos in the next Valley Voice newsletter.

Seymour student wins state's annual fire prevention poster contest

Samuel Rodrigue, center, with his parents Glen and Melissa./ Contributed photo 

SEYMOUR - Seymour 5th grader Samuel Rodrigue was recently recognized as one of two New Haven County students who won the state's annual fire prevention poster contest.

Samuel and his parents, Melissa and Glen Rodrigue, attended the 2017-18 awards banquet of the Connecticut Fire Prevention Poster Program, along with Seymour Fire Marshal Paul Wetowitz and Chatfield-LoPresti School Principal Dave Olechna. 

"It was a great event that involves 4th and 5th graders around the state to draw posters and send a fire prevention message," Wetowitz said. 

Samuel, a student at Chatfield-LoPresti School, won a $150 prize and a certificate. 
The awards program held at the Chowder Pot Restaurant in Hartford, featured lunch, a magic show, and the awards presentation. Samuel's poster will be in next year's calendar and hang in the State Capitol building during fire prevention week in October. 

Wetowitz said Samuel competed amongst thousands of other students in fifth grade in New Haven County, with his poster one of the two winning selections.

Information submitted by Seymour Fire Marshal Paul Wetowitz.


Congratulations go to Samuel on his artistic  accomplishment! 

Friday, March 23, 2018

Shelton woman donates $700 to cardiac rehab at Griffin Hospital in Derby

Karynn Weinstein, left, presents Griffin Hospital Cardiac Rehabilitation Director Eunice A. Lisk with a $700 donation to help cardiac rehabilitation patients pay for their health insurance co-pays./ Contributed photo


DERBY - Karynn Weinstein of Shelton recently donated $700 to Griffin Hospital's Development Fund to help cardiac rehabilitation patients cover their health insurance co-pays.

Weinstein is a disabled community member with a professional background in physical education and exercise physiology. 
In 2017, she started A Divine Universe For All in 2017, a 50l(C)(3) charity to help people in need with life-saving medical treatments and medication, debt, and mortgage mediations and modifications.

For more information about Griffin Hospital’s Cardiac Rehabilitation program, visit griffinhealth.org

For more information about A Divine Universe For All, contact Weinstein at 203-456-1840 or karynn-weinstein@sbcglobal.net, or visit adivineuniverseforall.com.


This is a press release from Griffin Hospital.

Logan among state lawmakers honoring Bethany farmer

Contributed photo
State Sen. George S. Logan, left, R-Ansonia, joined with state lawmakers and the governor this week at the State Capitol to honor Lars Demander, center, of Clover Nook Farm in Bethany on being chosen as Connecticut's  Outstanding Young Farmer of 2018. Demander was joined at the event by family and friends.  
The Outstanding Young Farmer Award is given annually by the Connecticut Agricultural Information Council as part of the festivities surrounding Connecticut Agriculture Day.  Candidates are selected based on their achievements in their agricultural enterprises, involvement in the agriculture industry and their community, and their work on soil and water conservation projects.  
The purpose of the Outstanding Young Farmers program is to bring about a greater interest in the farmer to foster better urban-rural relations through the understanding of the farmers’ endeavors, to develop a further appreciation for their contributions and achievements, and to inform the agribusiness community of the growing urban awareness of the farmers’ importance and impact on America’s economy. 
The state winner is invited to compete in the National Outstanding Young Farmers Program, which is sponsored by John Deere.
Logan (www.SenatorGeorgeLogan.com) 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.