Monday, March 18, 2019

Ansonia Library to present Game Night Wednesday


Klarides, Carpino back bill to help recovering addicts find employment

State Rep. Christie Carpino, R-Cromwell, left, and state Rep. Themis Klarides, R-Derby./ Contributed photo

HARTFORD - The state legislature’s Labor Committee recently moved legislation forward that will help individuals recovering from substance abuse find quality employment opportunities. 
The legislation, co-sponsored by Republican Leader Themis Klarides (R-Derby) and state Rep. Christie Carpino (R-Cromwell), was approved to go to the House of Representatives as a result of the committee’s vote on the bill. 

Klarides said, “It’s important to consider all available resources when it comes to helping our neighbors, friends, or colleagues who are recovering from addiction. Addiction isn’t prejudiced and anyone can fall victim to it. In light of the ongoing opioid crisis, it’s critical that we do not stigmatize or make it harder for people who are trying to make a positive turn in their lives. I commend the action of the committee and look forward to shepherding this bill through the entire legislative process.” 

The bill establishes a task force to investigate strategies to increase employment opportunities for people recovering from substance abuse. 
The task force’s appointments will be determined through legislative leadership. Prior to the beginning of next session, the task force will present its findings and put forth recommendations for future legislation and community action. 
“I spoke with constituents on the road to recovery about the hurdles when it comes to securing meaningful employment. The continuum of care for those battling addiction can be improved if there is a mechanism to connect those in recovery programs to potential employers. If we are truly in the business of improving people’s lives, this is a step in the right direction towards helping a very vulnerable population,” said Carpino. 
After the positive action of the committee, both Klarides and Carpino hope when this comes up for a vote in the House of Representatives it will be acted upon favorably. 


This is a release from press secretary Greg Mackinnon.

Recuperation journey: Sunday sunset seen from backyard


When I took this photo of Sunday's colorful sunset I didn't even notice what looks like the silhouette of a bird on the tree limb. 

Derby-Shelton Rotary scholarship program undergoes changes

The Derby/Shelton Rotary Club’s Scholarship Program is undergoing some major changes for 2019. 
The biggest change comes in the form of combining the largest scholarships that were offered on a rotating basis to Derby and Shelton High School. 
Now, each school will be offered an $8,000 scholarship each year. 
The scholarships will be paid at the rate of $2,000 per year for each student during their four-year course of study. The Derby Scholarships will now be known as the Martin Chromik / Cas Turaj  Scholarship and the Shelton Scholarship will be known as the George Tierney / Harry Fowler, Jr. Scholarship. 

In addition to the two $8,000 scholarships, the Club awards one-year scholarships (deceased Rotarians Robert W. Dickgeisser and Edward Handi) valued at $1,500 per year depending on the scholarship. 
In 2017 the Club also began awarding a $1,000 President’s scholarship for each school.
Funds for this worthwhile project are derived from an endowment fund built through the club’s annual fundraising auction. 
There are two scholarships reserved for students in Derby High School and two for those at Shelton High School. 
Three others may be awarded to a student from either school. 

Scholarship applications are made available from the Guidance Departments at the respective schools early in the year and the deadline for application is May 5. 

Follow the links below to learn more about each scholarship and the past winners. 
Click here to see some of the previous winners. Click here for an application in Word format.

Shared from the Club's Facebook page.


Learn about LGBTQ services available at Griffin Hospital in Derby


DERBY- Griffin Hospital will host an informational supper on the LGBTQ services available at the hospital April 4 from 6-8 p.m.
The supper is open to the LGBTQ community, friends and allies to connect with Griffin Health and learn what it can do to provide better care for everyone. 
Topics of discussion include advance care planning, HIV/STD/STI Testing and Counseling, PrEP/PEP for patient at risk for HIV, hormone therapy and monitoring, and gender confirming surgeries.
The event will also feature members of the Griffin Health medical staff who will discuss what specialties they can bring to meet the unique needs of the LGBTQ community. 
The physicians include urologist Dr. Arnold Rivera, endocrinologist Dr. Chi Tang, OB-GYN Dr. Michael Kessler, and plastic surgeon Dr. John Reilly.
There will also be opportunities for questions.
The hospital is at 130 Division St.

To register or for more information, call 203-732-7399 or email griflib@griffinhealth.org.


This is a press release from Griffin Hospital.

OSHA seminar slated at Greater Valley Chamber of Commerce in Shelton


Olde Ripton Garden Club in Shelton to hold film on spring planting

SHELTON - The Olde Ripton Garden Club will show “Martha’s Spring Gardening” at 10 a.m. April 1 at Plumb Memorial Library, Community Room (downstairs), 65 Wooster St. 
Members are admitted free; visitor fee is $5. 
Refreshments will be served.  


The film features  topics including early spring fertilizer, dividing hellebores, new herb gardens, planting primroses, and arranging seasonal alliums and tulips.
The Club will host a talk by horticulture chair Joyce Fedorko on projects for April in the garden. Members will display flowers and arrangements from their homes and gardens of the season.
A member drive is currently under way and new members are encouraged to join at any level of gardening - from beginner to master gardener! 

Projects include working on community gardens around town, holiday decorating at public buildings in Shelton, a garden therapy program with seniors, and youth gardening in Shelton schools.

Annual dues for membership are $35 for monthly meetings (except January and February). 

Meetings include speakers, a light lunch, great conversation, and friendly activities. 
Interested persons are invited to attend this meeting to see if they want to join. 
For more information visit www.olderiptongardenclub.org or Like Us on Facebook at: Facebook.com/SheltonORGC.


This is shared from the Club's Facebook page.

Ansonia Animal Hospital in Seymour to host kitten shower

🐾🐾🐾Kitten Shower!🐾🐾🐾

When: 2-5 p.m. March 30
Where: 876 South Main St., Seymour at the Ansonia Animal Hospital.

The shelter will be collecting donations to be prepared for kitten season...

-Kitten food: wet and dry
-Any brand of cat litter
-KMR kitten replacement milk
-Cat toys

Thank you in advance!


*This info is shared from the Ansonia Animal Shelter Facebook page.

Abundant Life Fellowship in Ansonia to host meeting for single mothers


Brush up on life drawing skills tonight at Ansonia Armory