Newsletter features rededication of Civil War monument in Derby

A Derby resident makes his way to rededication ceremony on the Green.

Dear readers,

Today's Valley Voice newsletter features Monday's rededication of the refurbished Civil War monument on the Derby Green.

Thanks for reading,

Patti 

Actress/storyteller to perform at Derby Historical Society's annual Silver Tea

Photo used with permission

Tammy Denease portrays Joan Jackson 

DERBY - The Derby Historical Society will host actress Tammy Denease performing "Joan Jackson - An Unchained Love Story" at its annual Silver Tea July 9. 
The fundraiser will run from 2-4:30 p.m. at LaSala Banquet Hall, 73 High St. 

Call 203-735-1908 or 203-734-5765 for more information or reservations. Tickets are $30.

Learn more at www.hiddenwomen.org.

Recuperation journey: When in Derby ...

make a quick stop at Pickett's Pond in Osbornedale State Park. 

Shelton Libraries to launch summer reading program at community center

Hip-Hop Dance Party 
SHELTON - Kids of all ages are invited to a Summer Reading Kick Off Party at 10:30 a.m. June 16 at the Shelton Community Center. 

Celebrate our combined Summer Reading Program with a Hip-Hop Dance Party with DJ Austin Dailey. 
His smooth moves will sure be a hit! Registration for this program will begin June 2, with the party occurring June 16. 
Contact either Plumb Memorial (203-924-9461), or Huntington Branch (203-926-0111) to register or sign up online:  http://engagedpatrons.org/EventsRegister.cfm…


This info is shared from the Shelton Library System Facebook page.

Oxford Historical Society slates book talk on CT Open House Day

Recuperation journey: Roof bath captured

Head first!

I realize the photos are blurry but be advised I took them through a glass door. It's the thought that counts.

TEAM in Derby names community room in Ansonia resident's honor

(Photo shared from TEAM Inc.'s Facebook page.)


Congratulations go out to retired TEAM vice president Diane Stroman on this much-deserved honor! 

Reminder: 5K Friday in Ansonia to benefit Leah Fund in child's memory

ANSONIA - A 5K race or two-mile walk to benefit the Leah Rondon Fund will step off at 6 p.m. Friday at John C. Mead Elementary School, 75 Ford St.
The Fund in memory of Leah Rondon was established by her parents in 2017 at the Valley Community Foundation. 
Leah Rondon, 6, was tragically killed in a motor vehicle accident in August, 2015. She was about to enter first grade at Mead School.

Register for the event at www.leahrondonfund.org.

Learn stress-relieving technique at Griffin Hospital in Derby

Contributed photo

The Community Health Resource Center at Griffin Hospital will host a talk June 7 about a stress-relieving Emotional Freedom Technique known as “tapping."

DERBY - The Community Health Resource Center at Griffin Hospital will host a free talk about a stress-relieving Emotional Freedom Technique at 10:30 a.m. June 7.

Stacey Altomari, a certified EFT Level 1 & 2 practitioner, will discuss how EFT, also known as “tapping,” can help individuals lower stress, and improve focus and sleep. 

EFT is a non-invasive and painless technique that combines acupressure and modern psychology to help a person feel calm and safe.

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 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.

Derby School District names Paraeducator of the Year

Melissa Stevens

DERBY - Derby Public Schools has selected Melissa Stevens as the 2019 District Paraeducator of the Year.

The Connecticut state Department of Education and the School Paraprofessional Advisory Council has 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.
Irving School Principal Jennifer Olson said, “Melissa is an outstanding Paraeducator who has worked in the District’s Behavior Learning Center the past two years. 
"Her enthusiasm for teaching shows daily in her interactions with students and other staff in the building. No matter how challenging the day is Melissa is always positive and encouraging to the students to do their best. 
"Not only is Melissa a wonderful role model for our students, the relationships she has developed with staff members here at Irving School are supportive and caring. In the classroom, she is always willing to jump in and help where needed including toilet training students, working one-to-one, completing DTI sessions or volunteering to cover a class when needed. 
"Her kindness, compassion, and patience has allowed students to make major gains socially, academically and behaviorally. Melissa is very deserving of this outstanding recognition.”

Superintendent of Schools Dr. Matthew Conway said, "Ms. Stevens’ presence is vital to the success of our Behavioral Learning Center. Ms. Stevens possesses that unique nurturing, supportive, and calm approach necessary to maximize learning for our students.”
Board of Education Chairman Jim Gildea said, “The Derby school system is lucky to have Melissa on our team. She plays a critical role in our behavioral learning center and always gives of her time generously and is able to build close relationships with at-risk and high need students.”

The District also recognizes the Building Level Paraeducators of the Year: April Pruzinsky from Bradley School, Renee Gooden from Derby Middle School, and Steve Wilson from Derby High School.


This is a press release from Derby Public Schools. 

Bingo to benefit Center Stage Theatre in Shelton

SHELTON - Center Stage Theatre, 54 Grove St., will host Leapin' Lizards Bingo at 7 p.m. June 6.

"Celebrating our 13th Season! Get ready for summer with Center Stage and Leapin' Lizzards Bingo! Doors open at 6:30 p.m. Purchase six or more tickets for reserved seating.

"Call the Box Office at 203.225.6079 for more info and tickets!"

*Information shared from a Facebook event page.

Griffin Hospital in Derby to hold Wellness for Life series

Griffin Hospital will offer its 12-week lifestyle change program Wellness for Life starting June 12./ Contributed photo

DERBY - Griffin Hospital is helping individuals make the change for a healthier life this summer with its Wellness for Life program.

Wellness for Life is a 12-week, evidence-based lifestyle change program that helps prevent and treat many chronic diseases. 
According to a report by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, 80 percent of chronic diseases, like obesity, diabetes, hypertension, and high cholesterol, can be prevented with better lifestyle choices in nutrition, activity and emotional health.

Starting June 12 from 1-3:30 p.m., the program offers a custom fitness evaluation, individual nutritional guidance, one-on-one coaching, and small, interactive health seminars so participants can make a commitment to a healthier life. 
Each participant also receives a Fitbit, which helps track participants’ activity, sleep patterns, and food intake.

“Making changes for a healthy lifestyle isn’t easy – it requires one-on-one guidance and on-going support,” said Wellness for Life Program Director Eunice Lisk. 
“This program helps people assess their lifestyle, provides them with a personalized plan to increase vitality and gives one-on-one and group support every step of the way to better health.”

Wellness for Life focuses on hands-on learning, featuring an activity monitor, health coaching, and weekly group sessions to establish healthy weight control, lowered cholesterol and blood pressure, better sleep and energy, and increased personal strength and resilience.

Since its start in 2015, Wellness for Life participants have seen significant weight loss and reductions in blood pressure, and the program has received high satisfaction scores from participants in meeting expectations and for presentations by the expert speakers.

Wellness for Life meets at The Center for Cancer Care at Griffin Hospital, 350 Seymour Ave.

For more information about Wellness for Life, visit griffinhealth.org or call Program Director Eunice Lisk, MS, at 203-732-7107.


This is a press release from Griffin Hospital.

Firemen's Carnival in Seymour starts Thursday

Sharing from Citizen's Engine Company Facebook page: 

Carnival update: With these flyers - available at Seymour businesses as well as at the gate on opening night -you’ll get $5 off of your ride bracelet on Thursday night! 
Ride bracelets will be available all three nights, with this coupon good for Thursday only. 

These coupons, as well as the posters around town, were misprinted by the carnival company. 
They show the correct address of the carnival -Pine Street - but beneath that they say French Memorial Park. 

The carnival is NOT at French Park. It is being held at Ronald Mitchell Randall Memorial Field, adjacent to the Seymour Community Center at 20 Pine St.

Turnback Tuesday features son of wealthy Derby family

Turnback Tuesday looks at a member of the Wood family of Derby. 

Orris G. Wood was the second son of Col. and Mrs. H. Holton Wood. He was born in 1886, and was one year younger than his brother, Harcourt, the namesake used for Derby Public Library.

Orris graduated from Harvard in 1909 and went on to become Vice President of the State National Bank, then in a partnership with Eastbrook & Co. in Boston. 

Orris was married and had six children. He is 12 years old in this photo.

Thanks to the Derby Public Library for sharing this interesting local history each week!

Adam's House in Shelton to host blanket-making event

SHELTON - Adam's House, a grief education center at 241 Coram Ave., will host a blanket making event for volunteers at 6 p.m. June 19.

The organization needs volunteers to help replenish its blanket supply. Organizers ask volunteers to make fleece blankets to give to grieving children throughout the year.

No blanket experience needed.

*Information shared from a Facebook event page.

NHSO to perform Billy Joel, Elton John music at Shelton High School

SHELTON - The music of Billy Joel and Elton John will be performed by the New Haven Symphony Orchestra at 3 p.m. Sunday at Shelton High School, 120 Meadow St.

Piano Man meets Rocket Man … guest artists Jean Meilleur and John Regan, backed by the full orchestra, will play Billy Joel and Elton John’s biggest hits, including Big Shot, Circle of Life, Tiny Dancer, Movin’ Out, and more.

Featuring:

Chelsea Tipton, conductor
Jean Meilleur and John Regan, piano and vocals
Tickets: $35 or $49; KidTix free with adult; College students, $10 

Buy tickets


Series Sponsor

*Information shared from the orchestra's website.

Recuperation journey: My mother in 1932

Today I forced myself to peek into a box in which my mother kept old photos and found this gem! I'm so gIad I took that peek.

She was 8 in the spring of 1932; that's how I came up with the year.

ARMS slates shred event fundraiser at Ansonia City Complex

Huntington Chapel in Shelton to hold 2-day tag sale

Ansonia announces summer concert series

Civil War monument on Derby Green rededicated on Memorial Day

The refurbished Soldiers' Monument on the Derby Green that features a Union soldier from the Civil War was rededicated Monday after the Derby-Shelton Parade. 
Another ceremony is planned on an as-yet undetermined date in June, organizers said.

*Please stay tuned for more coverage in an upcoming issue of The Valley Voice newsletter.

Sharing Longfellow poem to mark Memorial Day today

Decoration Day

Sleep, comrades, sleep and rest
On this Field of the Grounded Arms,
Where foes no more molest,
Nor sentry's shot alarms!

Ye have slept on the ground before,
And started to your feet
At the cannon's sudden roar,
Or the drum's redoubling beat.

But in this camp of Death
No sound your slumber breaks;
Here is no fevered breath,
No wound that bleeds and aches.

All is repose and peace,
Untrampled lies the sod;
The shouts of battle cease,
It is the Truce of God!

Rest, comrades, rest and sleep!
The thoughts of men shall be
As sentinels to keep
Your rest from danger free.

Your silent tents of green
We deck with fragrant flowers;
Yours has the suffering been,
The memory shall be ours.

            - Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

*A big thank you goes to Derby Town Clerk Marc Garofalo for sharing this poem in an email.   

Shelton Land Conservation Trust to sponsor program on organic gardening

Valley United Way announces winner of prestigious Flynn Award

Ruth Parkins of Shelton

Valley United Way has announced Ruth Parkins will receive the 48th Charles H. Flynn Humanitarian Award Thursday at United Way’s 2018 Volunteer Celebration to be held at the Inn at Villa Bianca in Seymour.  

The award is the Valley's oldest and most prestigious community service award. It is named for the late editor of The Evening Sentinel.  

It has been presented annually since 1971 for a lifetime of service to the community.   

Parkins is an active community volunteer, an Executive Board member and a past chair of Valley United Way’s Board of Directors. 

She is also a member of the Corporate Volunteer Council and a Valley Community Reviewer for the Community Foundation of Greater New Haven’s Responsive Grants Program.

Parkins is employed by the Iroquois Pipeline Operating Co. where she manages community and government relations, stakeholder outreach, and corporate giving. 

She graduated summa cum laude from Sacred Heart University with a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration and earned her Master’s degrees in Business Administration and Public Administration from the University of New Haven.

She currently chairs the communications committee for the Interstate Natural Gas Association of America, and is a member of the Northeast Gas Association’s Public Awareness and Communications Subcommittees.

Served on P&Z for 10 years

As a community leader and volunteer, Parkins was an elected member of the City of Shelton’s Planning & Zoning Commission for 10 years, serving as its Chairman from 2009-2017. She currently represents Shelton on the Naugatuck Valley Council of Government’s Regional Planning Commission and also serves as an Executive Committee member on the Shelton Economic Development Corporation’s Board of Directors. 

She received the Greater Valley Chamber of Commerce’s Gold Seal Award in 2010, and the Shelton Economic Development Corporation’s 2014 Raymond P. Lavietes Award for Outstanding Leadership & Vison.

Parkins has been a resident of Shelton for more than 40 years and has two grown daughters, Jessica and Sarah. 

Sharon Gibson-Ellis, Valley United Way President said, “Ruth is very deserving of this significant award.”

People interested in attending can go to www.valleyunitedway.org or call Valley United Way, 203-926-9478.

This is a press release from Valley United Way.

Cactus anyone? Learning to make a felt one was fun at Lizzie's in Seymour

Shelton resident Kayleigh Mihalko, needle felter extraordinaire, describes the first step in creating a cactus out of wool fiber during a class Friday at Lizzie's Corner in Seymour.

The brown wool she is holding served as the "dirt" in a tiny terra cotta pot.

My daughter Allegra created this cactus.

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

Valley mystery photo

Where in the Lower Naugatuck Valley did I take this photo in April 2017?

Please play along and leave your response in the comments. 
The location will be revealed next week.

Car show in July to benefit Ansonia Youth Football & Cheer

Ansonia, Derby GOP endorse Jaumann for 104th District

From left: Derby Mayor Richard Dziekan, Joseph Jaumann of Ansonia, Ansonia Mayor David S. Cassetti./ Contributed photo

ANSONIA - Republicans Wednesday unanimously endorsed local attorney and Ansonia Alderman Joseph Jaumann as their candidate for the 104th District House Seat.

“I am humbled and honored to have the support of everyone here tonight, and I look forward to spending the summer and fall talking to as many people in our district as I can about the issues facing Connecticut and the Valley area,” Jaumann said to delegates during the party convention at Copper City Bar and Grill.
“Connecticut is at a crossroads - we can’t afford another two years of failed policies that have resulted in lost businesses and jobs. I’m eager to fight for on behalf of all residents - Republicans, Democrats, and Unaffiliated - to reverse the course our state is on."

The district covers Ansonia and Derby, an area that has seen Jaumann serve in various volunteer roles over the years, from his position in local government to his volunteer work as an Ansonia Little League coach.
Jaumann said he is eager to join resurgent House Republicans in the General Assembly where, during the two legislative sessions, they maintained a laser focus on the state’s budgetary troubles while offering alternatives to radical revenue-raising concepts floated by Democrats.

“Joe Jaumann will be a true advocate for the Valley,” said Ansonia Mayor David S. Cassetti. “Joe is a staunch supporter of economic revitalization and someone who realizes that our residents can’t afford new taxes on their cell phones, tires or trips to local restaurants,” Cassetti said. 
“We need leaders in Hartford who are willing to look beyond tax hikes as the first and last solution to our state’s problems.”

“Ansonia and Derby need elected representatives willing to fight for deep structural change,” said Derby Mayor Richard Dziekan. “Joseph Jaumann is committed to Connecticut and for the betterment of our residents.”

This is a press release from the Jaumann campaign. 

Eat at Five Guys in Oxford Thursday, support PCRC

Still time to 'Fill a Truck' with food at Ansonia Transfer Station

Sharing from the City of Ansonia Facebook page:

"2 Days remaining for our Public Works Fill a Truck for our local food bank. Transfer Station will be open until 2:45 today [Friday] and 11:45 tomorrow, Saturday to collect donations. Thank you to all that have donated thus far!"

Prendergast 6th grader wins cooking contest at Griffin Hospital in Derby

Contributed photo

From left: Nicole Gregory, Grade 5, Bradley School in Derby, Rocco Grella, Grade 4, Maple Hill School in Naugatuck, Naomi Ortiz, Grade 6, Prendergast School in Ansonia, Brooklyn Neff, Grade 5, Perry Hill School in Shelton, and Victoria Koether, Grade 6, Seymour Middle School, competed in the 5th Annual Valley Initiative to Advance Health and Learning in Schools (VITAHLS) Healthy Cooking Competition Finals at Griffin Hospital.

DERBY - Prendergast School sixth grader Naomi Ortiz of Ansonia, was top chef at the 5th Annual Valley Initiative to Advance Health and Learning in Schools (VITAHLS) Healthy Cooking Competition.

Ortiz’s Sweet Chili Salmon with White Jasmine Rice was named best by a panel of judges that included experts in cooking and youth health at Griffin Hospital May 15. 

Ortiz’s recipe beat out tasty and healthy Asian fusion-inspired entries by Rocco Grella, Grade 4, Maple Hill School, Naugatuck; Victoria Koether, Grade 6, Seymour Middle School; Brooklyn Neff, Grade 5, Perry Hill School, Shelton; and Nicole Gregory, Grade 5, Bradley School, Derby.

“We look forward to this contest every year because it provides a fun and exciting way for local students to showcase their talents for cooking, and it encourages healthy eating and cooking at home and in the local community,” said Kim Doughty, MPH, PhD, VITAHLS Coordinator at the Yale-Griffin Prevention Research Center (PRC).

The five contestants advanced to the finals by winning local competitions in their school district. 

All finalists received a personalized apron, gardening tools and seeds from Massaro Community Farm, a gift card to Sports Center of Connecticut, and a cookbook. 

Ortiz received all of this plus a Big Y gift card, passes to Rockin’ Jump Trampoline Park in Trumbull, a one-month membership to the Valley YMCA, and a gift certificate to Wild Kanji hibachi restaurant in Shelton. 

VITAHLS is a childhood obesity prevention initiative collaboration between Griffin Hospital, Yale Griffin PRC, and the Ansonia, Derby, Seymour, Shelton, and Naugatuck school districts. 

Since 2011, VITAHLS has integrated a variety of nutrition and physical activity programs into the existing school structure to help reduce childhood obesity.

This is a press release from Griffin Hospital.

Congratulations to all the young chefs who competed!

Shelton Police announce street closings for Memorial Day Parade

Sharing from the Department's Facebook page:

St. Mary-St. Michael School in Derby to host open house

Seymour Memorial Day Parade to step off Sunday

SEYMOUR - The annual Seymour Remembers Memorial Day Parade will be held Sunday at 11:30 a.m. 

There will be a ceremony at 11 a.m. prior to the start of the parade at the reviewing stand at the corner of Bank Street and Main Street.

The parade will start at French Memorial Park and proceed west on New Haven Road (Route 67) to Main Street where it will turn left and head to the downtown area. 

It will proceed on Main Street to Broad Street, turn right across the bridge and disband at the Seymour Community Center. 
Members of the Sikh community will be passing out ice cream bars free of charge along the route. 
This year's Grand Marshal will be Ron Callanan. He served in the Army from 1966-72 including active duty from 1966-68 in Vietnam with the 1/9 Air Cavalry. 

Callanan was awarded the Air Medal as well as the Bronze Star. 

He also served as a member of the Memorial Day Parade Committee until recently stepping down. 

Any organizations interested in participating in the parade or march should contact adanka@seymourct.org.


This information is shared from the town's website. 

Greater Valley Chamber of Commerce slates golf classic in Shelton

Center Stage Education Center in Shelton to hold open house

SHELTON - Center Stage Theatre is increasing its education program and offerings with dedicated classroom space in the former St. Joseph School. 
The building is at 430 Coram Ave.

Join us for an open house at the Center Stage Education Center from 10 a.m.-noon June 16 where you can learn about memberships, individual class registrations, after school programs, camps, workshops, volunteer opportunities, and more. 
Raffles, snacks, early bird registration deals and more! 

Don't forget to visit the Shelton EMTs and paramedics downstairs at the Echo Hose Ambulance Center who will be our neighbors.


This is shared from a Facebook event page.

Reminder: Coffee hour slated Friday at Valley Diner in Derby

Recuperation journey: Continuing education, watercolor edition

I must admit I didn't paint this seahorse. 

Please stay tuned for a story about a watercolor class I took in the next issue of The Valley Voice newsletter. 

Recuperation journey: Shell game

Regular readers know I've been putting egg shells out in the yard several times a week for the blue jays. 

Today I spied this guy enjoying one of the shells. 
(Photo taken through a needs-to-be-washed glass door.)

Create gift for Dad, sign up for summer program at Seymour Public Library

SEYMOUR - Seymour Public Library, 46 Church St., has announced fun and educational children's programs for June.

6/1 – 3:45 p.m. – YA Origami – Make a great Origami creation! For ages 10 & up!

6/5 – 10:30 a.m. – Lynn Lewis! Music & Movement – singing & dancing & fun for all ages!

6/6 – 10:30 a.m. – Lapsit with your baby- books, formative play & music for the 6-24

month old child. Siblings are welcome!

6/7 – 10:30 a.m.– Story Hour stories, songs play & a craft for the 2-6 year old. Siblings are welcome!

6/7 - 4 p.m. – StoryKids’ Book Club for K-Gr 2.  Book talks, craft and a snack. Child must have some reading ability.

6/12 - 10:30 a.m. – Science Snoopers ‘Neat Feet!’ – Natural science, story and craft for ages 2 & up. Must be able to sit & listen

6/13 – 4 p.m. – Nutmeggers’ Book Club - YA -for gr. 5 & up. Book talk, craft & a snack - features the Intermediate Nutmeg Nominees.

6/14 - 4 p.m. – BookChatters’ Book Club for Gr 2-4.  - Book talk, craft and a snack - features the Magic Tree House Series

6/15-16  – Friday & Saturday – Drop In Craft Table! Create something for Father’s Day all day long. For all ages!

6/27 – Summer Reading Program – sign-ups begin, come in and get your package, join in the fun! Sign-ups continue thereafter.

All Programs Are Free! Fun! & Formative!

Some programs have limited enrollment.

Registration is required for all programs.

For information call 203-888-3903, visit us on Facebook or at www.seymourpubliclibrary.org.

This is a press release from Ann Szaley, head of children's services, Seymour Public Library.