Seymour Recreation slates winter activities

Klarides sisters vote to restore funding of Medicare Savings Program

HARTFORD - House Republican Leader Themis Klarides and state Rep. Nicole Klarides-Ditria joined their colleagues Monday to restore funding to the Medicare Savings Program. 

The program helps more than 100,000 seniors and individuals pay for Medicare co-insurance, deductibles and premiums. 

The MSP plan was approved in the House and Senate by veto-proof majorities. 

“The House sent a strong message today with its overwhelming support for restoring much-needed resources for more than 100,000 elderly and disabled Connecticut residents who rely on Medicare for their health care needs," Klarides said. "The state’s dire fiscal condition has made this year a challenging one when it comes to balancing the budget and setting priorities, and while there will be difficult decisions in the months ahead, today we were able to provide this group of people a bit of the stability they’ll need to budget for their health-care costs heading into the summer.”

Klarides-Ditria said,“I heard from many seniors and individuals with disabilities that heavily depend on the Medicare Savings Program about the importance of restoring the funding for this program. 

“My colleagues and I worked together to find a bipartisan solution to restore the funding this year for MPS. Our mounting fiscal crisis continues to deepen, and as we move forward it is vitally important that we address our fiscal challenges by prioritizing state spending and reforming state government.” 

Among the methods used to restore program funding is a requirement that Gov. Dannel Malloy reduce the number of managers and consultants - a provision included in the adopted budget ignored by the governor. 

Other components include moving human resources-related functions of some state agencies into the state’s Department of Administrative Services, and requiring the governor to find savings in Executive Branch functions while limiting his ability to cut more than 10 percent from any one program.

The 2018 legislative session - a so-called short session - starts Feb. 7 and will see lawmakers focus primarily on issues tied to the state budget. 

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

Logan wishes Gentile well in her upcoming retirement

HARTFORD - State Sen. George S. Logan, R-Ansonia, today issued the following statement upon learning that state Rep. Linda Gentile, D-Ansonia, will not seek re-election to the state House of Representatives. 

"Linda is a well-respected, hard-working and fair-minded legislator. She is someone I admire, and we have worked well together on a host of issues to try to improve the lives of Ansonia and Derby residents. Linda has represented the 104th District with class, and I know I speak for many when I thank her for her 14 years of state service. I wish her all the best in the future.”

This is a press release from Logan's office.

Ansonia Parks and Recreation to offer free ice fishing class at Armory

ANSONIA - A free ice fishing class is being offered by the Parks & Recreation Department in January. 

The class is taught by certified instructors from the Department of Energy & Environmental Protection C.A.R.E. Program. 
C.A.R.E. is an acronym for Connecticut Aquatic Resources Education. 

The instructors are experienced fishermen who volunteer to share their experience and expertise with anyone wanting to learn.
The classroom instruction will take place at the Ansonia Armory Jan. 30 from 6:30-8:30 p.m. It
covers the basics of the equipment, safety, dress, rules and regulations and species identification.

Participants will have an opportunity to practice what was covered in the classroom session.
The event is in Torrington on Feb. 3. The Torrington event is “No Child Left Inside” Winter Festival. 
Various winter activities are offered at Burr Pond State Park. Ice fishing is one of the main attractions and again all loaned tackle and bait is provided completely free. 
Additional information about the fishing event will be available at the classroom session.

The Armory is located at 25 North Cliff St.
Advance registration is required to insure sufficient materials are provided for the class. 

The class is open to all ages, and participants, not just Ansonia residents. It is recommended children under the age of 12 be accompanied by an adult. 
Register by calling Dave Connelly, chief instructor, at 203-231-0946. 

Gentile to step down from post as state representative in 104th District

State Rep. Linda M. Gentile, D-Ansonia, today announced retirement from her position as state representative for the 104th District.  

Elected for the first time in 2004, Gentile will be serving her seventh and final term. She was re-elected in 2016.

State Rep. Linda M. Gentile

Gentile issued the following statement:

“After much thought, careful consideration and discussion with family, it is with mixed emotions that I am announcing my retirement from the position that I have held for the past 14 years, State Representative for the 104^th District.  

"I have decided that it is time for me to move on to the next chapter of my life. Although I will not be seeking re-election for a job that I have loved, working for the communities and people that I love even more, it does not necessarily mean that I will be fading away forever. My intention is to remain active, albeit on a much smaller scale. I would like the opportunity to spend more time traveling and making memories with my family and friends, and do all of the things that I have not been able to do as much as I would like to because of my public service responsibilities.

"I have worked hard to make a positive difference for all of the people who live in the wonderful small cities of Ansonia and Derby. I am hopeful that as I leave, I have accomplished my goal and I am leaving a legacy that will make my family proud. Those that know me best know that I have a top five list of reasons for doing this job and leading by example. That top five list, is of course, my grandchildren.

"Just recently, I was looking at family pictures and campaign memorabilia. When I first ran for this position, I was much younger, much thinner, and had no grandchildren. I look at my life now and I realize that it is time. It is time to step back and enjoy the extra time that I will have with John, who has been by my side every step of the way, Jonathan and Sarah and Sarah and Chris, who have lovingly supported me from the beginning, and my grandkids.  I hope that I have inspired them to be independent and strong, treat all people with dignity and respect, and to work hard for what they believe is right and just.

"I may, at some point, look for a new opportunity but as I said previously, it is time.  It is time to move on and give someone else a chance. It is my belief that it must be someone with a great deal of energy, passion, and understanding. It takes much energy to do the job effectively on a daily basis and great passion for, and understanding of the issues facing the communities. It requires someone who will embrace and fight for all of the democratic principles that we hold so dear. 

"It has been an honor and privilege to serve all of the good people of the district. It is something that I will always hold dear to my heart. I will always be grateful for the support and friendship that so many have given me over the years. 

"May God bless you all and may 2018 bring all of us good health, much happiness, and new hope for a decisive democratic victory!”

This is a press release from Gentile's office.

  

BHcare to hold 30th annual Bowl-2-Benefit The Umbrella in Milford

*Sharing this information from BHcare website:

• Saturday, March 10, 2018

• Bowlero, 1717 Boston Post Road, Milford

• 5 Bowling Sessions: 9 a.m., 11:30 a.m., 2 p.m., 4:30 p.m. and 7 p.m.

• Join us for the 30th Annual Bowl-2-Benefit BHcare’s The Umbrella Center for Domestic Violence Services!

  One of the largest events of its kind in the state, the event unites over 1,200 concerned citizens, businesses, school, organizations and community leaders in the fight against domestic violence.

  HOW DOES IT WORK?
  Teams of 4-5 bowlers of all ages and skills are welcome to participate. Teams must pre-register for one of the five bowling sessions.

  There is a $5 per bowler registration fee and all bowlers are asked to raise $50 in pledges. Participants receive 90 minutes of bowling, event t-shirt, shoe rental, soft drink and a chance to win some great prizes.

  Pre-register your team by contacting Kati Lewantowicz at klewantowicz@bhcare.org or (203) 446-9739, ext. 1327.
• 
  
• THE FACTS, THE PROGRAM
  Every 9 seconds, a woman is battered in the United States. 

  You can make a difference by bowling a strike against domestic violence!
• The Umbrella Center for Domestic Violence Services provides emergency shelter, 24-hour crisis hotline, counseling, court advocacy and support services to over 7,000 victims and their children each year.

• TEAM REGISTRATION

• We are in the process of our creating new online registration. If you are signing up beforehand, please call Kati Lewantowicz in the Development Department, 203-446-9739, ext. 1327.
• 
  

Assumption School in Ansonia to host Around the World open house

Job seekers: Career Coach to visit Ansonia Library

ANSONIA - The American Job Centers Career Coach will visit the Ansonia Library from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Friday to offer job search assistance.

Learn valuable skills to help you land your dream job! 

The American Centers Career Coach is operated by Career Resources.

The Library is at 53 South Cliff St.