Recuperation journey: Pet peeve, third edition

I really don't want to keep writing about pet peeves but on Saturday a driver angered me again. 
And I think what happened is worth sharing to raise awareness.

My husband, Ralph, drives a wheelchair accessible van, as regular readers of our newsletter no doubt know. 

He received a lovely note on his windshield Saturday because he took up two spaces in the East Main Street parking lot in Ansonia. It was so lovely that the writer felt the need to use the F Bomb to make his or her lovely point. 

OK, sometimes when the parking is tight, or there are no handicapped spaces, Ralph needs to take up two spaces to drop the lift so he can exit the van.
I'd like to ask our friendly note writer how he or she would feel if someone they cared about needed to drive or be driven in a wheelchair van and someone was extremely rude to them. 

This isn't the first time we've gotten a lovely note from a friendly driver. For some reason the F Bomb is always included. Interesting.

I know we're not the only family that deals with this nonsense. 
Earlier this year a mom with a daughter who uses a wheelchair posted on an Ansonia Facebook page that someone constantly parked in the handicapped parking space at the Joel E. Smilow Clubhouse on Howard Avenue. 
That person did not have a handicapped permit and his or her rudeness routinely made the mom's life and that of her daughter much more difficult.

By the way, my husband is chairman of the Ansonia Cultural Commission and was one of the main organizers of Saturday's Ansonia Harvest Festival. 
He got the note after 11 hours of volunteering on Main Street during the fabulous fest.

Our family agrees anger only drains our energy and we should feel sorry for ignorant people who go through life being rude toward others.

GOP Town Committees to hold fundraiser at BAD SONS Beer Co. in Derby

Bubbles + kids = old fashioned fun today at Ansonia Harvest Festival

Entertainers Pete and Chris brought out the bubbles during their act in front of City Hall for some good clean fun.

Derby Police to hold child car seat safety clinic today

DERBY - The Derby Police Department is hosting a free event to promote child car seat safety as part of Child Passenger Safety Week from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. today (Saturday). 
The department is at 125 Water St.
During the event, parents and caregivers can come to the police department for an educational inspection and demonstration to ensure that any car seats in your vehicles are properly installed.


This is shared from the Derby PD Facebook page. 

Harvest Festival is today in downtown Ansonia ~ Come on down!

Logan to host coffee hour at Three Brothers Diner in Hamden

Logan, R-Ansonia, represents the 17th District.

Recuperation journey: Looking at the sky

... while waiting tonight for takeout.

Save the date: Shelton Youth Service Bureau to sponsor Trick or Trunk

Morning Star Lodge #47 to hold car show at Seymour High School

Ansonia Middle School PTSO seeks members, officers

Ansonia Middle School is at 115 Howard Ave.

The Valley Goes Pink schedules fundraisers in Shelton, Derby

The 9th annual Valley Goes Pink invites the community to a fun-filled week of beer, bingo, and bras!

Bras for the Valley offers an exciting night of fashion and entertainment starting at 6 p.m.  Oct. 4 at Il Palio, 5 Corporate Drive, Shelton. 
This highly-anticipated event will feature ART BRAS designed by volunteers that will be showcased in a fashion show and live auction. Tickets are $40. Call Jodi at 203-521-2233 for sponsorships or to enter a model!

The 4^th Annual Pinktoberfest will start at 5 p.m. Oct. 8 at Wellington's, 51 Huntington St., Shelton. 
The event will feature Yuengling beers, a special Germanfest tasting menu and giveaways.

Bingo for Boobies will start at 6 p.m. Oct. 9 at The Hops Company, 77 Sodom Lane, Derby. Enjoy a fun-filled night of bingo and great prizes, including a flat screen TV. A $25 donation includes 10 bingo sheets and pizza. Call Sue for reservations at 203-400-1068.

The Valley Goes Pink is a grassroots, community-wide effort throughout the Lower Naugatuck Valley to create awareness about breast cancer and the importance of early detection, support the Hewitt Center for Breast Wellness at Griffin Hospital, and showcase partnering organizations.

For information on how you can go Pink, including a calendar of events, visit griffinhealth.org/pink, like us on Facebook, or contact the Griffin Hospital Development Fund at development@griffinhealth.org or 203-732-7504.


This is a press release from Griffin Hospital.

Sharing for a Shelton resident who needs a kidney

Shelton resident Bill McGuire needs a kidney. 
I saw this posted on Facebook and as a recipient of a kidney from a living donor last year I wanted to share.

I'm hoping someone will step up to be tested and give the gift of life! 

Seymour Public Library relocates 'Mostly Motown' concert to Community Center

The Community Center is at 20 Pine St.

Derby artist's exhibit extended at Easton Public Library

Valley Arts Council President Rich DiCarlo poses at an opening reception at Easton Public Library for his show, Wonderlust, with Easton resident Dolly Curtis, who curated the exhibit. 
The show has been extended until Oct. 15.

Assumption Church Breakfast Club in Ansonia to serve free meal

Churches to hold Service of Remembrance Tuesday in Shelton

SHELTON - Valley Episcopal Churches will hold a non-denominational Service of Remembrance at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday at the Church of the Good Shepherd, 182 Coram Ave.

“We would like to welcome all members of the community, families who have a loved one struggling with a substance use disorder and families who have lost a loved one to a substance use disorder,” said Rev. Deacon Thomas Mariconda.  
“It is important for us to acknowledge and support families to help reduce the stigma and shame associated with substance use disorders and overdose deaths. Last year 1,036 people died in Connecticut from an accidental drug overdose.”

An important part of the Service of Remembrance will be offering up the first names of those who continue their work of recovery, the first names of family members who are affected by addiction, and the first names of those who have died from addiction. Anyone can submit a person’s name by mail to Church of the Good Shepherd, in care of Service of Remembrance, 182 Coram Ave.

After the service an educational presentation led by representatives from BHcare’s Alliance for Prevention & Wellness will be in the church hall to answer questions, provide Narcan training, and encourage parents to walk through experience a “hands on” search for clues of high-risk behaviors in a typical home environment known as “Hidden In Plain Sight.”

After exploring the exhibit, adults can engage in a dialogue to understand the hidden clues, risky behaviors, and how to have tough conversations with youth.

The mission and purpose of the Episcopal Churches in the Naugatuck Valley, the South Central Region, and throughout the state of Connecticut is to proclaim the Good News of the Kingdom, to teach, baptize and nurture new believers, to respond to all human need by loving service, to seek to transform unjust structures of society, to challenge violence of every kind, and to pursue peace and reconciliation, and strive to safeguard the integrity of creation and sustain and renew the life of the earth.


This is a press release from BHcare.

Plumb Memorial Library in Shelton hosts book club for 3rd, 4th graders

Between the Pages Book Club
Plumb Memorial Library
65 Wooster St., Shelton
6:30-7:30 p.m. Oct. 24

Love to read or just need more practice? 
Join Miss Maura for a monthly book club for readers in 3rd and 4th grades only. 
Participants will read a monthly book at home then meet in Plumb library for an interactive book discussion and fun activities. 
Each registered child will receive a FREE copy of the book! Caregivers must remain in the library during book club.
*Book Club will take place in the Upstairs CT Room at Plumb! 

The October Book: Leroy Ninker Saddles Up by Kate DiCamillo.

Registration is required in person at Plumb Memorial Library or by phone only, 203-924-9461 as we have a limited amount of spots and no wait list.
Sponsored by Shelton exc-EL Grant.


This is shared from the Shelton Library System Facebook page.

Hazardous waste collection day slated Nov. 10 in Ansonia

Griffin Hospital in Derby to hold prostate cancer screenings

 Griffin Hospital will offer free prostate cancer screenings Oct. 17 at the Center for Cancer Care at Griffin./ Contributed photo

DERBY - Griffin Hospital will host free prostate cancer screenings with a sports tailgate feel from 4-6 p.m. Oct. 17 at the Center for Cancer Care at Griffin Hospital, 350 Seymour Ave.

Prostate cancer screenings are recommended for men at 50 years old. Men at higher risk, including African-American men and men who have a first-degree relative (father or brother) diagnosed with prostate cancer before age 65, should be screened at age 45. 

Men at a very high risk (multiple family members diagnosed with prostate cancer before age 65 years) should be tested at age 40.

In addition to the screenings, participants and family members can enjoy a tailgate party buffet at the Center for Cancer Care. 

The screening is sponsored by Griffin’s Health Initiative for Men (HiM), which encourages men to have an annual physical and to raise awareness about men’s health issues such as prostate cancer and colorectal cancer.

“We strongly encourage the men in our community to take advantage of these free screenings,” said Dr. Joseph Camilleri, Urologist, Griffin Faculty Physicians.“As the second-leading cancer killer in men, prostate cancer is a serious disease, but it can be successfully treated if caught at an early stage. This event will be a combination of preventative screening and education, so men know what symptoms to look for and they can share this information with friends, family and neighbors.”

The screening will take 10-15 minutes. Space for the free screenings is limited, so early registration is encouraged. 

To register, call 203-732-1280.

About Prostate Cancer

Approximately 1 in 7 men in the U.S. will be diagnosed with prostate cancer. As with most cancers, early diagnosis is important to improve chances of cure. Screening, although controversial, is important because early prostate cancer usually causes no symptoms. 

There have been tremendous advances in the treatment of prostate cancer making treatments more effective and causing much less side effects. 

For further information on your prostate health, contact your physician or call Griffin Faculty Physicians Urologists at (203) 732-2651 or visit griffinfacultyphysicians.org.

This is a press release from Griffin Hospital. 

Recuperation journey: Sunbathing

Perfect morning to catch some rays. (Photo taken through the window.)

Lodge in Derby to host flag raising, celebration on Columbus Day

Valley Regional Lodge #151

Sons of Italy

Lorenzo Durante, President

In cooperation with

The Cities & Towns of the

Naugatuck River Valley

cordially invite you to help us celebrate

Columbus Day 2018

Monday, October 8, 2018

11 a.m.

Sons of Italy – 73 High Street – Derby, CT

Program

Invocation

Pledge of Allegiance & National Anthem

Italian Flag Raising

Tribute to Columbus & Brief Remarks

Benediction

Lunch Reception following

Please RSVP  ASAP

Kathryn Gasparini – 203-734-6261

Recuperation journey: Morning photo fun

  Are you lookin' at me?

Registration opens for Commodore Hull 5K race in Shelton, Derby

A Thanksgiving Day tradition since 2002

Registration is now open for the 2018 Commodore Hull Thanksgiving Day 5K Road Race.

The registered runners have been increased from 750 to 800 this year, and online registration will close as soon as that limit is reached. There will be no registrations taken on race day.
Registration fees have been kept at their same low $25 level again this year. Grammar and high school runners receive a discount and register for $10. Our 70+ runners get an even better deal - they register free of charge.

Registration fees for all runners goes up to $30 on Nov. 20. 

Divisions are (male and female): 18-19, 20-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, and 60-69. Special Divisions: Grammar School, High School, Holstein (male - 200 lb. minimum, female – 160 lb. minimum), and 70 and over.

There are no race refunds once you have registered; however, should something change and you can’t run, you can transfer your registration to another runner for a $5 fee.

Disposable Bib Chip Technology will once again be provided by Fast Track Timing, LLC, and race results will be available almost instantaneously through their phone app.
Awards will be presented to the first-place male and female runners overall, and the top three male and female finishers in each division. Special awards will go to the top three male and female runners in the High School Division.
Race packet pickup will be held at the Boys & Girls Club at One Positive Place, Shelton on Nov. 18 and 21. 

Runners are strongly encouraged to pick their packets up on these days. Goody bags are guaranteed to the first 500 runners to pick their race bibs up.

Greco & Haines, flagship sponsor since 2002, will once again be providing a quality race shirt to all the runners.

Diane Stroman has been named honorary starter at this year’s race.
Shaye Roscoe, Executive Director of the Boys & Girls Club of the Lower Naugatuck Valley, said, “We are thrilled that Diane has been selected as our honorary starter. Diane is a dedicated and active member of our community whose compassion and advocacy has positively impacted countless lives throughout the years.”
Diane has served our community for more than 35 years and retired this year from her position as Vice President of TEAM Inc. She is deeply passionate and very knowledgeable about the community’s needs. Diane lives in Ansonia where she grew up and has two children and two grandsons.
“When I look over the list of past honorary starters, I am humbled to have been asked,” Diane said. “It is a great honor to be selected. This race is a testimony of how the Valley and surrounding towns can come together in support of one another. I look forward to seeing the runners, friends, and families at the starting line.”
Jimmy Tickey, chair of the race committee, said, "I am thrilled to serve as Chair of our Commodore Hull Thanksgiving Day Road Race in downtown Shelton. Every year, about 800 runners - with their friends and family cheering them on - join us on Thanksgiving morning for a special 5K road race. The morning is always filled with gratitude and our strong Valley spirit, and I am so pleased to be a part of this great Valley tradition."
To keep up to date about all race happenings, visit www.BGC-LNV.org/commodore-hull-5k and sign up for our newsletter, or contact Ann Wheeler at 203-924-7462, AnnWheeler@BGC-LNV.org.
The original race website is still active, and will remain available until all the information, dating back to the first race in 2002, is brought over.
You can find this treasure trove of race history at www.electronicvalley.org/derby/HullRace/index.htm.

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 Club.

State senators announce proposed Rte. 8 safety improvements in Seymour

HARTFORD - State Senators Eric Berthel, R- 32, and Kevin Kelly, R-21, announced proposed safety improvements to a dangerous section of Route 8 in Seymour. 

The changes are a result of the legislators’ request for a Department of Transportation traffic study of the high-incident section of the highway.

“The section of Route 8 near Exit 22 contains a sharp, horizontal curve that has seen a growing number of accidents as traffic increased,”  Berthel said. “My colleagues and I asked the DOT to study conditions and traffic patterns in the area to find ways to make it safer for drivers.”

In a letter from the DOT, Commissioner James Redeker writes that staff performed pavement surface testing in both directions of the highway. Tests found the section of the roadway provides sufficient friction to help vehicles slow down and stop.

“I am glad that the DOT looked beyond the surface condition of the roadway for opportunities to make the area safer,” Kelly said. “We know that a number of factors can contribute to vehicle accidents, including weather, speed, and visibility. Providing a more advanced warning of the approaching curve and including the DOT’s proposed retroreflective delineators on the media barriers could go a long way to addressing divers’ ability to see and respond to the roadway.”

The letter noted that the speed limit on Route 8 is 55 mph and the curved portions of the road specifically are marked 50 mph. However, monitoring of the area found a large number of vehicles exceed 70 mph.

The senators acknowledged that increasing State Police presence, as suggested by the DOT, should prompt drivers to slow down in the area. They also applauded the proactive measures the DOT is suggesting to help make the highway safer for drivers and passengers.

The letter stated that DOT would continue working with Seymour’s Local Traffic Authority and Seymour Police to improve safety in the area.

Berthel represents the communities of Bethlehem, Bridgewater, Middlebury, Oxford, Roxbury, Seymour, Southbury, Washington, Watertown, and Woodbury.

Kelly represents the communities of Monroe, Seymour, Shelton, and Stratford.

This is a press release from the CT Senate Republican Office.

Recuperation journey: Another pet peeve

I'll try not to make this pet peeve stuff a habit, but it's related to my pet peeve post from Monday.

Scene: You are the first one in line stopped at a red light. The light turns green. 

The idiot behind you HONKS at you if you don't put your foot on the gas in a nano-second. 

This goes on all the time, and I was reminded of it today when the person behind me honked as I was taking my life in my hands driving in downtown Ansonia.

Today is half-price day at BHcare's My Sister's Place online store

Half-Price Hump Day at SupportUmbrella.org. 

Visit our online store from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Wednesday and get half-off all the products in our already rock-bottom priced “Bargain Basement” section. 

As always, all items ship free and all proceeds benefit BHcare’s The Umbrella Center for Domestic Violence Services.

https://supportumbrella.org/product-categ…/bargain-basement/

My Sister's Place thrift store is located at 380 Main St., Ansonia.

This information is shared from My Sister's Place Facebook page.

Mayor's Breakfast in Derby to benefit Housatonic Council, Boy Scouts

Vigil in New Haven to honor domestic violence survivors, remember victims

NEW HAVEN - To raise awareness of domestic violence, BHcare’s The Umbrella Center for Domestic Violence Services will hold a vigil to honor survivors and remember the victims of domestic violence. 

The 19th Annual Sound of Hope will be held at 1 p.m. Oct. 3 at Long Wharf Pier. 

The vigil will include the reading of names of those who have died as a result of domestic violence. Each person will receive a flower to toss into the harbor. The flowers represent the hopes and struggles of the survivors as they strive to become free from violence. The flower also gently reminds us of the lives that have been taken from us due to domestic violence.

Every October, the nation observes Domestic Violence Awareness Month to bring to light an issue that affects all of our communities. Every nine seconds, a woman is battered in the U.S. One in four women and one in seven men in the U.S. are victims of domestic violence at some point in their lives.

Kevin Glen, Deputy Chief of Police of North Haven, will be guest speaker and members of local police departments will be recognized for their role in the fight against domestic violence. 
The following will be recognized: 
Sgt. Clifford Hill, Sgt. Matthew Falcon, Officer Valdemar Queiroga of North Haven; Sgt. Craig Michalowski, Sgt. Anthony Rybaruk, Det. Jeff Vailette, Officer Luke Rasile, Officer Joe Carangelo, Det, Joseph Finoia, Sgt. Joseph Mulhern, Officer Jason Anderson, Officer Anthony Fiorillo, Lt. Joseph Murgo, and Sgt. Paul DeCrosta of East Haven; Sgt. Dom Eula and Officer Jacob Cheesman of Branford; Officer Scott Shumway, Officer Eric Pesino, Officer Jeff Suchy, Officer Chris Lawrence, Officer Paul Vitale, Sgt. Jim Evarts, Sgt. Craig Dixon, Det. Lenny Soto, Officer Maegan Moran, and Det. Cherelle Carr of New Haven; and Officer Brian Salemme. 

For more information about the vigil, or about domestic violence services call 203-736-2601, x1381, or visit www.bhcare.org.  
If you need immediate assistance, call our 24-hour domestic violence hotline, 1-888-774-2900.

UCDVS is a program of BHcare that provides services for victims and children of domestic violence free of charge. 
Each year, more than 6,000 abused women and their children walk through the door of UCDVS looking for shelter, help and hope. 

Learn more at bhcare.org.


This is a press release from BHcare.

Save the date: Halloween Hoopla on tap at Warsaw Park in Ansonia

Boy sets up cider stand in Derby, uses proceeds to help Branford food bank

Here's a feel good story contributed by Cindy Barbian, manager at St. Vincent De Paul thrift shop on Roosevelt Drive in Derby:

DERBY - This 12-year-old boy, JD, lives in Branford, and his grandparents live in Derby near St. Vincent de Paul Thrift Shop and Food Bank.  

Barbian said each year he comes out to the parking lot on Park Avenue behind the SVDP building and sells something.

Last year JD sold lemonade and chocolate chip cookies; this year he sold apple cider.  

With the proceeds he purchases canned goods for a food bank in his hometown of Branford. 

Kudos to JD for caring for those less fortunate in his community!

Newsletter: Ed Strang Day on Derby Green, fashion show fundraiser photos

Dear readers,

Today's Valley Voice newsletter features Valley children enjoying the 24th annual Ed Strang Day on the Derby Green, and a fundraiser in Ansonia for TEAM.

Thanks for reading,
Patti

Klarides-Ditria says DOT to improve exit 22 on and off-ramps in Seymour

SEYMOUR - State Rep. Nicole Klarides-Ditria announced today that improvements will be made by the Department of Transportation to the exit 22 on and off-ramps on Route 8. 

Klarides-Ditria wrote a letter in 2017 asking the Department of Transportation to review the safety of the exit 22 on and off-ramps on Route 8 in both directions. 

"I received many complaints that exit 22 on Route 8 was unsafe," said Klarides-Ditria. "I want to thank the Department of Transportation for reviewing this matter and making the necessary improvements to the area to prevent accidents and keep residents safe."

The DOT will enhance the visibility of the curve in the vicinity of exit 22 by installing signing and will relocate existing warning signs to warn drivers earlier of the curve. 

In addition, retroreflective delineators will be installed on the median barrier.

This is a press release from Klarides-Ditria's office.

'Turnback Tuesday' features Connecticut postcard

This week's "Turnback Tuesday" features this postcard for the State of Connecticut. 
In the top right-hand corner is a part of the Great Seal of the State of Connecticut. 
The three grape vines support and bear fruit while the ribbon below contains the Latin motto “Qui Transtulit Sustinet” which means “He who transplanted sustains.” 
This has been a part of the seal since May of 1784.


Thanks as always to the Derby Public Library staff for sharing interesting state and local history each week!

Flea market slated Saturday at First Baptist Church in Shelton

SHELTON - A large outdoor community flea market will be held from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday at First Baptist Church, 178 Leavenworth Road. Rain date is Oct. 6.

"We are excited to announce that in addition to multiple tag sale tables, we also have many vendors joining us, including Lularoe, Paparazzi Jewelry, Tupperware home products, Steeped Tea (a popular line of loose tea), Color Street Strip Nails, beaded jewelry, honey and honey- made products, Mason Jar decor, and an Anderson Windows vendor. 

"There will also be a table with pumpkins and fall treats for sale. Be sure to come hungry because there will be a food table offering burgers, hotdogs, and beverages for sale. 
"This event will raise funds for our church ministries to the community and beyond."


This information is shared from a Facebook event page.

Christ Church in Oxford to hold workshop for families about addiction

BHcare program at Shelton church to remember those lost to addiction

Senior sports leagues slated at Seymour Community Center

Griffin Hospital in Derby to host program for Alzheimer's caregivers

DERBY - Griffin Hospital and the Alzheimer’s Association will host a free two-part series for caregivers of those with late-stage Alzheimer’s on Oct. 9 and Nov. 13 at the hospital, 130 Division St.

In the late stage of Alzheimer’s disease, caregiving typically involves new ways of connecting and interacting with the person with the disease. 

This two-part series will feature stories of caregivers and professionals about resources, monitoring care, and providing meaningful connection for the person with late-stage Alzheimer’s and their families.

All talks will be from 6-7:30 p.m. in the hospital dining room. A light dinner will be served.

Space is limited and registration is required for each talk. 

To register, call Esther Jones, of Griffin Hospital’s Community Outreach and Valley Parish Nursing Program, at 203-732-1523.

This is a press release from Griffin Hospital.

Recuperation journey: Pet peeve revealed

I've always tried really hard to keep things positive, especially what I write in a blog post.

But I can't help but complain about the way people drive.

It's not a race, people! I don't want to feel like I'm taking my life in my hands when I pull out of my driveway.
We're all on the road to get to work or school, go shopping, bring the kids somewhere, or to get a cup of coffee in our local drive-thru. 

Why must we drive 20 miles per hour over the speed limit to accommodate the idiot behind us? I can't understand why everyone is in such a rush.

It's not a race. It's not a competition. It's daily life.

Please slow down!

Citizens Engine Co. #2 in Seymour to host family breakfast

Ansonia receives $385,000 for Main Street safety improvement project

Gov. Dannel P. Malloy announced Friday towns across Connecticut would be receiving grants to help improve safety. 

Ansonia will receive a grant totaling $385,000 towards a safety improvement project which will include sidewalk and bump-out installations as well as improvements to street lighting.
“The safety of our community should always be a top priority,” said state Rep. Linda Gentile, D-Ansonia. “There are so many great benefits from Ansonia’s economic health to the physical health of our residents in addition to improved safety that will come with new sidewalks and improved lighting. With this grant we have an opportunity to make Ansonia healthier and safer for all ages to walk and enjoy the great things our community has to offer. I thank the Governor for this investment in our town.”

Over 40 towns and cities were selected to receive state grants totaling $12.4 million administered by the Connecticut Department of Transportation. 
The funding will be used to support a variety of projects that improve safety and accessibility for pedestrians and bicyclists.
For more information on the Community Connectivity Grant Program, please visit: http://ctconnectivity.com.