Check out the 'Go' exhibit at Main Street Gallery in Ansonia

Logan to host coffee hour at Three Brothers Diner in Hamden

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

Breakfast slated in Oxford to benefit CT Partnership for Children, Inc.

Oxford Center Fire Company is located at 484 Oxford Road, Oxford. 

Patronize Panera in Derby, support Griffin Hospital Development Fund

Recuperation journey: Sunny morning visitor

Quick capture through the window on a cold Thursday morning.

Derby Public Library discussion to highlight book on women's history

DERBY - In celebration of Women’s History Month, the featured book at Derby Public Library's Lunchtime Book Discussion is “The Other Einstein” by Marie Benedict.  
The discussion will be held at 12:30 p.m. March 27 at the library, 313 Elizabeth St.

The book offers a window into a brilliant, fascinating woman whose light was lost in Albert Einstein’s enormous shadow. 

It is the story of Einstein’s wife, a brilliant physicist in her own right, whose contribution to the special theory of relativity is hotly debated and may have been inspired by her own profound and very personal insight.

Einstein may not have been the only mastermind behind his groundbreaking ideas about relativity. 

It turns out the renowned theoretical physicist collaborated a great deal with his first wife, Mileva Marić, a Serbian woman of modest means who was one of the few women to study math and science at the Zurich Polytechnic School where the two met.  
Did giving Mileva his Nobel Prize earnings assuage his guilt for her unacknowledged assistance and confirm her contribution to his work? 
Benedict makes a strong case that the brilliant woman behind him was integral to his success, and creates a rich historical portrait in the process. 

Lunchtime Book Discussions are held the last Wednesday of the month and are free and open to the public.
Multiple copies of the book will be available at the circulations desk.  
Drop-ins are welcome; no registration required.  
For information call 203-736-1482.

This is a press release from Kathy Wilson, Head of Adult Circulation, Derby Public Library.

Derby Little League to host annual bus trip to casino

Smile Dental Center to host fundraiser for Shelton Intermediate School

Ansonia High School presents Appreciation Award to Logan

*This is shared from Logan's Facebook page.

Rochelle responds to Lamont's proposed budget

HARTFORD - State Rep. Kara Rochelle, D-Ansonia and Derby, issued the following statement in response to Gov. Ned Lamont’s two-year proposed budget. 

Kara Rochelle

“Governor Lamont presented to the legislature his version of the budget last week and I want to assure you that in the history of the General Assembly the legislature have never passed a budget as a Governor has presented it.
"I hear the concerns of our residents and this is the first step in a long process of revision. The bipartisan Appropriations and Finance Committee is analyzing the Governor’s proposal and working to produce a budget that reflects the legislature’s priorities. Following that proposal, we can expect additional negotiations that I hope will lead to a balanced, bipartisan budget that benefits the most people,” Rochelle said. 

“I will be critically analyzing each budget proposal to ensure the people of Ansonia and Derby are being fairly considered," she said. "My priority is to continue advocating for the working class, rebuilding the middle class, proper funding for our schools, improving our train service, and spurring economic development, decent wages, tax relief for working class families, reigning in healthcare costs, and building the long-promised Valley Fire School amongst other issues that deeply affect our residents,” Rochelle said. 

“I encourage residents to be in touch, attend my twice-monthly community conversations in Ansonia and Derby, and share your questions, concerns, and ideas for how best to move forward," she said. "I will share with residents via Facebook and Email opportunities to make their voices directly heard at legislative public hearings. I want to thank everyone who has participated so far. I look forward to working hard for all of you over the next several months.” 

The governor’s proposed budget is the first step in a drafting process that typically produces a unified and blended budget from various parties by the end of the legislative session. 

Lamont’s budget can be accessed here: https://portal.ct.gov/Office-of-the-Governor/2019-Legislative-Proposals.

The Appropriations Committee will hold public hearings at the Legislative Office Building on the following dates, which residents can use as an opportunity to share their thoughts on Gov. Lamont’s budget proposal. 

Thursday, Feb. 28 at 6:30 p.m. in Room 2C

Friday, March 1 at 6:30 p.m. in Room 2C

To access the calendar, click here. 

This is a press release from Rochelle's office.

Klarides-Ditria supports bill to enhance school safety

HARTFORD - State Rep. Nicole Klarides-Ditria, R-Seymour, submitted testimony last week in support of legislation that seeks to enhance classroom safety and school climate.

Klarides-Ditria

Under the bill, H.B. 7110, boards of education would be required to revise their safe school climate plans to include provisions relating to disruptive or injurious incidents that occur in classrooms, to develop and implement a state-wide school climate survey, and to require the Department of Education to provide assistance to school districts relating to school climate.

Klarides-Ditria said, “It is crucial that we highly prioritize the safety of students and teachers. Giving teachers the ability to remove dangerous students for a short time with the requirement that they follow designated protocols will protect the rights and safety of the child in question, the teacher, and fellow students."

A similar bill was passed by the House and Senate last session but was vetoed by Gov. Dan Malloy. 

For more information about the people or to track legislation visit, cga.ct.gov.

This is a press release from Klarides-Ditria's press secretary Spencer Rubin. 

Christ Episcopal Church in Ansonia to host pancake dinner

ANSONIA - Christ Episcopal Church, 56 S. Cliff St., will hold a pancake dinner from 5:30-7 p.m. March 5, Shrove Tuesday.
Pancakes, sausage, applesauce, and lots of fun! Free will donations will be accepted.

*Shared from a Facebook event page.

Mindfulness workshop slated at Shelton Intermediate School

Mindfulness...for Stress Reduction, Relaxation and a Better You! 
This program will be presented by Dr. Lori Monaco at 6:30 p.m. Monday, March 4 at Shelton Intermediate School, 675 Constitution Blvd. North.

This lecture discusses mindfulness, how to create mindfulness in your life, and why this is so vital and necessary for today’s living. 
There is a meditation segment so be prepared to feel like you are going to float away by the end of the workshop! 

Cost is $25. Please register at vrae.org

*Information shared from Dr. Lori Monaco's website linked on the Greater Valley Chamber of Commerce online newsletter. 

Griffin Hospital to host free workshop at Shelton Senior Center

Griffin Hospital is hosting a free Live Well Chronic Disease Self-Management Workshop starting March 11 at the Shelton Senior Center./ Contributed photo

SHELTON - Griffin Hospital will host a free six-week workshop starting March 11 at the Shelton Senior Center to help individuals suffering from health conditions take back control of their lives.

The Live Well Chronic Disease Self-Management Workshop provides health information and strategies to help those with health conditions like pain, anxiety, diabetes, depression, heart disease, and arthritis increase their energy and take control of their health.

Along with clinical care, participants will learn ways to cope with difficult emotions, depression, and stress/anxiety, reduce pain, improve mobility, increase energy, increase physical activity, eat healthier, use medications appropriately, and solve everyday problems and communicate effectively with family and health care providers.

The workshops will be held on Mondays March 11, 18, 25, and April 1, 8, and 15 from 9:30 a.m.-noon at the Shelton Senior Center, 81 Wheeler St.

The Live Well Chronic Disease Self-Management Workshop is sponsored by the Connecticut Department of Social Services Aging Services Division, Connecticut Department of Public Health and Griffin Hospital.

To register or for more information, call Esther Jones at Griffin Hospital’s Community Outreach and Valley Parish Nurse Program, 203-732-1523.

This is a press release from Griffin Hospital.

Valley Goes Pink to hold Bingo for Boobies at The Hops Company in Derby

Shared from The Valley Goes Pink Facebook page.

Derby Neck Library to host The Kerry Boys, Dinner and a Movie, more

DERBY- The Derby Neck Library hosts Dinner and a Movie for ages 18 and older at 5:30 p.m. March 7.  

This month’s feature film is “Bohemian Rhapsody” shown on blu-ray.  

Free refreshments will be served, including a pizza dinner at intermission. 

Valley in World War II 

On March 11 at 6:30 p.m., the Library presents The Valley in World War II, a powerpoint lecture by Patricia Sweeney, Ph.D.  Topics covered include the career of library benefactor Frances Osborne Kellogg and excerpts from her letters, as well as the range of factory production, fashions, entertainments, rationing rules, and home life. 

Women's Forum

The Library hosts Women’s Forum, a literary discussion group, at 12:30 p.m. March 18.  
This month the focus is on two short stories; free copies are available at the library.  
Feel free to bring a light lunch; we serve coffee and tea. 

The Kerry Boys to perform
The Library hosts The Kerry Boys in concert at 2 p.m. March 23.
Enjoy the best of Irish ballads and popular tunes, performed in a most engaging manner.  This is a free event; please call ahead to reserve your seat.  

Evening Book Club

The Library hosts the Evening Book Club moderated by Patricia Sweeney, Ph.D. at 6:30 p.m. March 25.
This month’s discussion focuses on “The Tenth Man” by Graham Greene.  
Copies of this novella are available at the library.  

For information call 203-734-1492. The Library is at 307 Hawthorne Ave.


This is a press release from Patricia Sweeney, reference librarian, Derby Neck Library.

Recuperation journey: Iridescent feathered friend

Visitor seen bopping across the yard this morning. 
I took this photo through the window and was amazed to see how iridescent the grackle's coloring is.

Cindy's Hair Co. holds grand opening in downtown Ansonia

Ansonia Mayor David S. Cassetti, pictured third from right, and several dignitaries welcomed Cindy’s Hair Co. to downtown Tuesday with an official ribbon cutting.

Originally based in downtown Seymour for 26 years, owner Cindy Boladz and her daughter Cassie recently relocated the business here. 

The 1,250-square-foot space offers inspiring high ceilings with exposed brick for customers and staff of six to enjoy.

Located at 50 Main St., Cindy’s Hair Co. is open Tuesday through Saturday and serves both men and women.

This is a press release from Cassetti's office.

Derby Public Library to host rock painting workshop

Sharing from Derby Public Library Facebook page:

"Take part in The Kindness Project, a trend where people paint rocks and hide them around town for others to find as an act of random kindness.
Newcomers and experienced "rockers" alike please bring a smooth, palm-sized rock to paint; all other supplies will be provided. We will have ideas for designs to create, but you're encouraged to bring your own design if you choose!

Adults and teens 12 and over are welcome.
Seating is limited to 20; registration is required at https://bit.ly/2GIuJzr or 203-736-1482."

The workshop will be held at 6:30 p.m. April 1.

The Library is at 313 Elizabeth St., Derby.

Seymour Recreation to hold bus trip to Yankee Stadium

Derby Public Library accepting essay submissions for scholarship prize

Buy a shamrock, help people who are living with a muscle disease

#MDAShamrocks season is here! 

When you donate, you are helping fund research so kids and adults with MD, ALS, and related illnesses can live longer and grow stronger!

*Note: This annual fundraiser hits home for me and my husband Ralph. 
He is living with a form of Muscular Dystrophy and has used a wheelchair for more than 20 years.   

Save the date: Greater Valley Chamber to host SchmoozaPalooza

SHELTON -SchmoozaPalooza aka Valley Business Expo will be held from 2:45-6 p.m. April 17 at Greater Valley Chamber of Commerce office, 10 Progress Drive.
The expo is hosted by the Valley Chamber and Young Emerging Professionals.

Now accepting exhibitor applications! Contact Laura at the Chamber.

Bring your friends, co-workers and clients to preview the latest products and services from exhibitors in a fun and casual networking environment. The evening will also include music, networking, food tastings, and more.

From promoting your company, making new contacts, and generating sales leads to winding down after work with a drink and tasty treats from some of the Valley's best restaurants and caterers, the SchmoozaPalooza experience is all about business in action and making connections.
Free to attend; walk-ins welcome.

This is shared from a Facebook event page.

Learn about Peeps, celebrate spring at Plumb Memorial Library in Shelton

SHELTON - Join Miss Maura to celebrate the first day of spring in “PEEPology” from 6:30-7:30 p.m. March 20 at Plumb Memorial Library! 

Together we will craft a house, a skateboard and a car fit for everyone’s favorite spring candy, PEEPs, and other tasty treats too! 

Registration required. Caregivers must remain with their children for program duration.
Open to kids 3-13 years old.
Only kids need to register; there are 20 spots and 3 on the wait list.

Register at the library, 65 Wooster St., or at 203-924-9461, or at http://engagedpatrons.org/events.cfm?siteid=2661.


This is shared from the Shelton Library System Facebook page.

Career Coach to visit Ansonia Library in March

Learn to prevent Type 2 Diabetes in program at Griffin Hospital in Derby

DERBY - Griffin Hospital is helping individuals change their lives to prevent Type 2 Diabetes with a free educational program starting March 5.

Prevent T2 Lifestyle Change Program is an evidenced-based, year-long program designed for people with pre-diabetes and those who are at high risk for type 2 diabetes and want to lower their risk. Studies show that this program can prevent diabetes 58-71%. 

“If a healthcare professional has said that you or a loved one is at risk for diabetes, have pre-diabetes, have gestational diabetes, or have high blood sugar or glucose, then this program can help you make healthy lifestyle changes and prevent or delay diabetes,” said Certified Diabetes Educator and Prevent T2 Lifestyle Coach Mary Swansiger.  

Weekly meetings will be held from 5-6 p.m. Tuesdays at Griffin Hospital starting March 5. The program meeting schedule is weekly, one-hour sessions for four months, followed by meetings every other week for four months, and finally, monthly meetings for the remaining four months.

Prevent T2 helps participants achieve moderate weight loss by eating well and being active.

By the end of the first six months, the goal is for participants to lose at least 5-to-7 percent of their starting weight, and get at least 150 minutes of physical activity each week at a moderate pace or more. 

By the end of the second six months, the goal is for participants to keep off the weight they have lost, keep working toward their goal if they haven’t reached it, lose more weight if they wish, and keep getting at least 150 minutes of activity each week.

The program is sponsored by Griffin Health and Agency on Aging of South Central Connecticut.

To register, or for more information, contact Mary, 203-732-1137, or mswansiger@griffinhealth.org.

This is a press release from Griffin Hospital.

Recuperation journey: Windy morning

Have a great Monday!

Ansonia readies opening of concession stand at Colony Pond

City of Ansonia photo

ANSONIA - With last week’s installation of the Colony Snack Shack sign at Abe Stone Park, it’s another reminder that spring outdoor activities are just around the corner.

In a few short weeks the concession stand at Colony Pond will be opening, after being shuttered for nearly 50 years.


This information is shared from the City of Ansonia Facebook page.

Logan urges attendance at hearing in Hartford on school regionalization

State Sen. George Logan, R-Ansonia

HARTFORD - Multiple bills that would force towns and cities to regionalize school districts will be discussed at a public hearing in Hartford on Friday, March 1.

The proposals, made by Connecticut Democrats, include a bill that would force any school district with fewer than 2,000 students to regionalize. 
Another bill would force any town with a population of fewer than 40,000 to consolidate with other towns to form new school districts matching the state probate court districts (click to view a map of what regions could look like).

While encouraging towns to share services can be beneficial, forcing towns and cities to regionalize their school districts without considering their unique needs raises concerns.

This public hearing is an opportunity to make your voice heard and share your opinion on these proposals. 
Here’s how to speak out:

Send a brief email to edtestimony@cga.ct.gov.
Put “Bill 457 and Bill 738” in the subject line.
Include your name and town.
If you can, attend the public hearing at 1 p.m.  Friday in Room 2E of the Legislative Office Building, 300 Capitol Ave. 
If you cannot attend you can still submit testimony as explained above.

You can read more and track the bills at the following links:
Senate Bill No. 457
Senate Bill No. 738

Do you support forced regionalization?
Yes
No

This is a press release from state Sen. George S. Logan.

Exchange Club to hold mini-golf fundraiser at Smilow Clubhouse in Ansonia

Master's Table to hold 2 dinners at Assumption Church hall in Ansonia

Ansonia resident, 95, honored at Black History Month celebration

State Rep. Kara Rochelle Saturday presented an official citation from the General Assembly to Alphonso Smith, 95, during an event at Abundant Life Fellowship Ministries in Ansonia. 
Smith, a World War II Army veteran, was one of several Ansonia residents recognized at a Black History Month celebration for his decades of volunteer contributions to the community.

Please stay tuned for more photos and videos from the event in an upcoming Valley Voice newsletter.

Save the date: Mini-golf tourney to raise funds for Team Seymour Pink

St. Vincent de Paul thrift shop in Derby Fill A Bag sale starts Monday

The bag sale starts Monday, Feb. 25. 

St. Vincent de Paul thrift shop is at 237 Roosevelt Drive, Derby. It is open from 9:30-2:30 p.m. Monday through Saturday. 
Proceeds from the shop support the nonprofit's food bank.

Save the Date: CT Hurricanes to sponsor run/walk on Derby Greenway

Seymour Public Schools to present 5th anniversary Rise Up show

Lizzie's Corner Consignment in Seymour to celebrate Dr Seuss' Birthday

SEYMOUR - Join the folks at Lizzie's Corner Consignment and Gifts March 2 to celebrate Dr. Seuss’s Birthday and Read Across America! There will be refreshments, Cat in the Hat reading and more! 
All ages welcome. 

Please bring cat food or towels to give to the animal shelter in honor of The Cat in the Hat.

Lizzie's Corner Consignment and Gifts is at 36 Bank St. For information call 203-888-1030.


*Shared from a Facebook event page.

Ansonia planning 3 beautification 'Clean & Green' projects this spring

Colony Pond at Abe Stone Park.

ANSONIA - With spring just around the corner, the timing is ripe to begin planning 2019 Ansonia beautification projects.

Mayor David S. Cassetti’s ongoing “Clean & Green” initiatives for Ansonia continue with the announcement of three beautification efforts he expects will move forward this spring and summer. 

And if all goes as planned, most of the cost will be paid in full or part by business sponsorships and net proceeds from sales to date of Wakelee Ave trolley track collectibles.

“We’re getting positive feedback from businesses in town who have offered sponsor support to pay in full or greatly subsidize three important low cost, high impact projects my administration is targeting for completion this year,” said Cassetti.

VOLUNTEER REQUEST & ANSONIA BEAUTIFICATION FUND

The City will soon announce an Open Request For Resident Volunteers to participate in upcoming plantings around town including the Mayor’s annual Earth Day litter cleanup. 
Also, an Ansonia Beautification Fund will be started that will accept private and business donations in any denomination, and used exclusively for defined beautification projects.

One of the first city resident in-kind donations received was last week by the Eaton Family of Ansonia who donated eight assorted trees for planting at Abe Stone Park.

The 2019 improvements and beautification projects include: 

ARMORY GROUNDS: Phase II Landscaping

A canopy of assorted varieties of wild flower, daffodils, shrubs, and evergreen plantings will be added to the highly visible Armory hillside. 

This follows last year’s extensive Phase I invasive vegetation removal and planting of 15 trees, rose bushes, and wild grass/clovers ground cover on the hill. 

ABE STONE PARK & COLONY POND:

A bevy of improvements is planned for the 25-acre Abe Stone Park and Colony Pond. 
Included will be restoration of the children’s playground, basketball court repair; installation of a volleyball area; adding more than a mile of hiking trails through hillside park woods and around colony pond including installation of nearly 200 feet of boardwalk; adding a pond boat launch to allow kayaks/canoes/row boats; creating a picnic grounds with picnic tables and cooking grills. 
Also opening this spring will be the Colony Snack Shack. Shuttered for more than 50 years, it has been completely refurbished.

FIREHOUSE/FARREL BELL RESTORATION:

Historic bell

Professional restoration of the large historic 1877 firehouse bell formerly located atop Farrel Manufacturing on Main Street. 

When restored, the bell will be moved from storage in Public Works to a new home at Webster Hose Memorial Park on Central Street for public viewing.

Webster Hose
Memorial Park

For more details on each beautification proposal, please visit: www.cityofansonia.com

Business or private donation interest to any of these or future beautification projects should contact Cassetti’s office, 203-736-5900 or gmartin@ansoniact.org.


Photos and press release from the Mayor's Office.

Book club to hold first meeting at Beacon Falls Public Library

BEACON FALLS - Beacon Falls Public Library will host the first meeting of the Non-Fiction Book Club at 6:30 p.m. March 19.

Copies of Stephen Greenblatt's "The Swerve: How the World Became Modern" are available at the Circulation Desk.

The Library is at 10 Maple Ave.

*Shared from the Library's Facebook page.

Troop 11 to collect food donations Saturday at Seymour Stop & Shop

Reminder: TEAM offering free income tax preparation at 3 locations

Nominations sought for Legacy Awards in memory of Ansonia educator

Nick Collicelli

ANSONIA - Family and friends of the late Nick Collicelli are seeking nominations for the third Annual Legacy Fund Dinner May 8. 

Awards will be presented to an individual and/or organization who best exemplifies the ideals that were essential to the life and career of Nick Collicelli - a promotion of unity, tolerance, and diversity to foster lasting change within our communities.  

Candidates from the Valley communities or whose efforts contribute to the Valley, will be chosen in the following categories:

• Educator
• Youth
• Community member
• Community organization

Nominations are due by March 15, 2019. 
To nominate a candidate, send a letter describing the nominee’s accomplishments to Chris Collicelli at collicellilegacy@gmail.com.  

Be sure to include your contact information.

Thank you.


This is a press release from Chris Collicelli.