Valley lawmakers welcome regionalization study funds

HARTFORD - The Derby and Ansonia legislative delegation in Hartford - Democratic state Rep. Linda M. Gentile of Ansonia, House Republican Minority Leader Themis Klarides, Republican state Sen. George S. Logan of Ansonia, and Republican state Rep. Nicole Klarides-Ditria of Seymour welcomed funds for Ansonia and Derby for a study on the feasibility of regionalizing the two cities' education departments or the possibility of sharing these services.

The $168,500 grant, included in H.B. 5028, has been allocated to fund the study and will be administered by the Naugatuck Valley Council of Governments. 

“These funds are very important to cities like ours,” Gentile said."I am open to regionalization initiatives that if proven practical, would lead to more efficient services beneficial to our constituencies. This study will help us learn more about these possibilities and how beneficial this would be for Ansonia and Derby.”

Local decision

“Ansonia and Derby are smart to decide to study regionalizing their school systems,” 
said Klarides. “The state should help municipalities out in their efforts to regionalize, but it should always be up to the local residents to do so.” 

Logan said, "This is forward-thinking, common sense, bipartisan legislation which will benefit Ansonia and Derby taxpayers. I am proud to be a part of this team effort."

Klarides-Ditria said,“Regionalizing schools in Ansonia and Derby is something that has been talked about for years. I applaud the two cities' efforts to move forward with this study and thank my colleagues for supporting this study. It will not only save the state money but it will also help the local communities.” 

This is a press release from the state legislators' office.

The Hops Company in Derby to host fundraiser for pets Sunday

Neighborhood garden planned at Derby Public Library

DERBY - A neighborhood garden will be started in Derby Public Library's backyard at 3:30 p.m. Friday.

Volunteers are needed to help low-income families grow fresh produce that they can harvest.  

Volunteer to water plants, harvest vegetables, maintain garden beds, and work with residents. 

We welcome corporate teams, civic groups, high school and college students, garden community residents, church groups, professional gardeners, and more. The Library is at 313 Elizabeth St.

According to the Valley United Way website, "This free program offers not only the resources to create a garden but also training on nutrition, cooking, and canning. The hope is that Valley residents will be able to preserve the fresh food year-round."

To get involved visit: valleyunitedway.org, brian.rich@valleyunitedway.org, or call 203-926-9478.

This information is shared from the Derby Public Library website.

Center Stage in Shelton to present musical inspired by Civil Rights pioneers

Sharing information from Facebook:

Performances:

June 2nd at 10:30AM and 1:00PM
June 9th at 10:30AM and 1:00PM

Tickets: 
$15- https://m.ovationtix.com/cl/29405
Group rates available*
Suitable for all ages*

Cast:
Lily Polkadot- Ana Frentress
Penelope Square- Kayci Kekacs
Sky Square- Josh Hahn
Ms. Square- Ali Dunne
Mama Square- Katt Twohill

Synopsis: 
Polkadots follows 8-year-old Lily Polkadot who just moved to the “Squares Only” small town of Rockaway. 

As the first Polkadot in an all Square school, Lily faces an almost impossible task of gaining acceptance from her peers. From daily bullying, to segregated drinking fountains, Lily’s quest seems hopeless until she meets Sky, a shy Square boy whose curiosity for her unique polkadot skin blooms into an unexpected pal-ship. 

Inspired by Civil Rights pioneers Ruby Bridges and The Little Rock Nine, Polkadots serves as a colorful history lesson for the world, reminding us that our differences make us awesome, not outcasts.

Learn about diabetes at Seymour Community Center program

Plumb Memorial Library in Shelton to hold PJ Masks Party

SHELTON - Fans of Catboy, Owlette, and Gekko ages 1-8 and their caregivers are invited to join Miss Maura at 1 p.m. May 26 at Plumb Memorial Library for stories, games, and crafts inspired by our favorite PJ-wearing crime fighters. 

Photo from Facebook 

The Library is at 65 Wooster St.

This is an Exc-EL Grant funded program. 
Caregivers must remain with children for the duration of the program. 

Registration required by calling 203-924-9461 or http://engagedpatrons.org/EventsExtended.cfm…


This is shared from the Shelton Library System Facebook page.

Osborne Homestead Museum exhibit in Derby features fearless women

The museum is operated by the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection. 
For information call 203-734-2513.

Shake-the-Can Fundraiser in Seymour to support animal rescue

Recuperation journey: Patriotic neighborhood

I took this photo Friday on a beautiful spring afternoon. 
The neighborhood was quiet, and it felt both patriotic and peaceful.

Griffin Hospital in Derby to host AARP Driver Safety Program

Griffin Hospital will host an AARP Driver Safety Program June 9./ Contributed photo

DERBY - Griffin Hospital will host an AARP Driver Safety Program from 8:45 a.m.-1:15 p.m. June 9.

The AARP Driver Safety Program is the nation's first and largest refresher course for drivers. 

While the course is geared toward drivers age 50 and older, the course is open to everyone.

The training is designed to help you learn current rules of the road, how to operate your vehicle more safely in today's increasingly challenging driving environment, and make some adjustments to common age-related changes in vision, hearing, and reaction time. The course also covers such topics as how to maintain proper following distance at all times; the safest way to change lanes and make turns at intersections; the effects of medications on driving; how to minimize the effect of dangerous blind spots; the importance of eliminating distractions, such as eating, smoking, and cell-phone use; proper use of safety belts, air bags, and anti-lock brakes and ways to monitor your own and others' driving skills and capabilities.

Participants will gain a greater appreciation of driving challenges and how they can avoid potential collisions and injuries to themselves and others. 

As an added bonus, participants can check with their auto insurance company about discounts for completing the course.

The cost is $15 for AARP members and $20 for non-members. Make checks payable to “AARP.”

To register, call Esther, 203-732-1523.

The hospital is at 130 Division St.

This is a press release from Griffin Hospital.