He was 'hiding' in the forsythia.
Photo taken through the window.
Thursday, April 25, 2019
Rochelle's autism bill receives bipartisan support in the House
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| State Rep. Kara Rochelle |
HARTFORD - Legislation proposed by state Rep. Kara Rochelle, D-Ansonia, received unanimous bipartisan approval Wednesday by the House of Representatives.
H.B. 6184, An Act Concerning Access to Information on Early Childhood Interventions, will next be voted on by the Senate.
The bill will require: (1) the Office of Early Childhood to develop a document concerning developmental milestones experienced by children from birth to age five and information on how to access the Child Development Infoline; and (2) child care centers, group child care homes, and family child care homes to post copies of such document on the premises of such centers and homes in a prominent location for parents or guardians to see regularly.
“Signs of autism are often present as early as 18 months of age and early intervention can make a big difference for children on the spectrum,” Rochelle said. “I was focused on creating a bill that will foster awareness amongst child care providers and parents about early childhood developmental milestones and what to do if a child is struggling to hit milestones. The first step to getting a child help is knowledge.”
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, approximately 1 in 59 children was diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorder in 2018.
“I heard concerns from our local educators that more children must be evaluated for early intervention earlier than kindergarten," Rochelle said. "It is scientifically shown that the earlier the intervention the better the outcome for children with autism and other developmental delays.
"Thank you to all my legislative colleagues and advocates who helped this bill move forward.”
This is a press release from Rochelle's office.
Congratulations to Ansonia High School senior on national scholarship
To attend Catholic University of America in Washington, D.C.
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| Ansonia High School senior Kaitlyn Caple |
ANSONIA - Kaitlyn Caple, a senior at Ansonia High School, has been selected as a National Honor Society Scholarship semifinalist.
She is the first AHS student to win this prestigious award, chosen from more than 11,000 applicants this year.
She will receive a $3,200 scholarship toward higher education.
She will receive a $3,200 scholarship toward higher education.
Kaitlyn, known as “Kait” at AHS, has been President of her class all four years, is Vice President of the National Honor Society, and has been a Student Representative to the Ansonia Board of Education for two years. She is a two-sport athlete, having been a cheerleader for four years and member of the tennis team for four years, serving as captain the past two. She has two part-time jobs. Her community service work is extensive and reaches back more than a decade.
So, when does this 18-year-old student sleep? Kait laughs and said she fits it in and tries to be very organized in order to juggle her many responsibilities.
Her smile is infectious as she talks about life at Ansonia High School and her next life - attending The Catholic University of America in Washington, D.C.
“Here at Ansonia High School, it is a nice environment. That’s what I was looking for in a college,” she said.
Catholic University offers numerous community service activities, and she plans to jump into a few. But what attracted her the most was the university’s staff. “Every teacher at Ansonia High School works to challenge us, because they want the best for us. That’s what I feel I will also get [at Catholic University].”
According to the National Association of Secondary School Principals – which is the parent organization of the National Honor Society – Kait was picked for the scholarship because she exemplifies the four pillars of the National Honor Society: scholarship, service, leadership and character.
She said she tried to volunteer for the Holy Rosary Italian Festival when she was six years old, but was told she was too young. “The priest told my mother I would have to wait at least until I was seven. So I did.”
She said she tried to volunteer for the Holy Rosary Italian Festival when she was six years old, but was told she was too young. “The priest told my mother I would have to wait at least until I was seven. So I did.”
What encouraged her to volunteer so much of her time? She said she is the youngest of three and she “just wanted to be like my two brothers. Everything they did, I wanted to do.” And she wanted to do more.
In addition to volunteering at Holy Rosary Church since she was seven, she has joined numerous clubs at AHS, including founding the Junior State of America Club at AHS as well as serving as the regional Director of Activism. She also is Co-President of the Valley United Way High School Volunteer Council and Youth Leadership group.
It was JSA that led her to serving on the Ansonia Board of Education. Kait said she appeared at a board meeting to ask for permission for the club to go on several field trips. After speaking to the board, she was asked to serve as their first Student Representative. “It has been one of the coolest things I have ever done,” she said. She is now breaking in a new representative, AHS junior Lexi Brinkmann.
“Kait has always been self-motivated and driven,” says Rachel Sopko, English teacher and National Honor Society adviser. “Kait has an innate desire to help others, and this shows in all that she does. Whenever we need a volunteer for something, Kait is always the first to step up. She has been an outstanding member of our community, and I know that she will do great things at The Catholic University of America. It has been a pleasure getting to know her over the years, and I am so proud of all that she has accomplished. She truly proves that thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world.”
As for the scholarship she has won, Kait said it was an extensive application, but she is grateful that she did it because she can use the money. Nationally, only 575 students were selected as semifinalists in this NHS Scholarship Program. Kait will be studying electrical engineering in college and hopes to earn a master’s degree in engineering management. She knows her leadership experience at Ansonia High and in the community has shaped her future - and she is forever grateful.
For more information about the National Honor Society, the scholarship, and the 2019 recipients, visit www.nhs.us.
This is a press release from Ansonia Public Schools.
*Congratulations to Kait on her achievements and all the best in her future endeavors!
This is a press release from Ansonia Public Schools.
*Congratulations to Kait on her achievements and all the best in her future endeavors!
Local police departments listed for expired medication disposal
This Saturday - April 27 - is National Drug Take Back Day!
Check in with your local Police Department to find out where you can drop off your unused and expired medications. Also, check out any of these 24/7 locations.
*Shared from the Alliance for Prevention and Wellness Facebook page.
Learn to ID edible plants, take bird walk, more at Ansonia Nature Center
CONSERVATION PROJECT: Weekend Warriors Part 1 – May 4, 9 a.m.–1 p.m.
Ranger Dan is seeking naturalists who want to help keep our park beautiful. Managing our precious landscape requires your help! Together we will continue the legacy of this nature preserve.
Part 1 will focus on controlling invasive plant species around our open fields. Great for teen-aged Scouts and adult volunteers. Bring water, snacks, gloves, and trimming tools. Call to register.
Part 1 will focus on controlling invasive plant species around our open fields. Great for teen-aged Scouts and adult volunteers. Bring water, snacks, gloves, and trimming tools. Call to register.
PIGEONS: SMARTER THAN YOU THINK – May 5, 2 p.m.
Licensed wildlife rehabilitator Megan Eaton will bring her pigeon friends for this unique meet and greet. Megan has spent the last three years rehabbing every pigeon brought to her door. At this family-friendly program, meet some of her rescues and learn all about one of the earliest domesticated and most misunderstood birds: the pigeon. FREE; donations appreciated.
LAVENDER BATH BOMBS FOR MOTHERS’ DAY – May 11, 10 a.m.
Join us in making these wonderful bath bombs. Each attendee will make a batch, learn how to mold them, and prepare them as gifts. For 8 years old and up.
MATERIALS FEE: $12 per person. Please register; class size limited.
MATERIALS FEE: $12 per person. Please register; class size limited.
FAIRY HOUSES AND TEA PARTY – May 11, 1 p.m.
Join Ranger Amie at Pavilion #2 to design tiny homes for fairies and gnomes from bark, moss, stones, and other natural decorations. Materials will be provided. Celebrate these magical creatures during the fairy tea party.
Bring tea party food to share if you would like. Please register for this FREE family program.
Bring tea party food to share if you would like. Please register for this FREE family program.
ADVENTURES IN EDIBLE PLANT FORAGING – May 18, 10 a.m.
Karen Monger is the author of the 3 Foragers blog, which she runs with her husband, Robert. Come join them for a short lecture and a hike to discover and identify edible plants in the park. Their mission is to impart their knowledge of wild edible plants to others. FEE: $6 per person for this family program.
NATURE EXPLORERS – Wednesdays, May 22, 29; June 5, 12; 10 a.m.
Join us for this four-week pre-school/toddler program for children ages 2-5 and their adult explorer. Participants will have fun exploring nature every week in these outdoor classes. The classes are typically loosely structured and influenced by the seasons and the interests of the children. We will go outside for a short hike and to explore nature every class so please dress for the weather. Classes will end with a light snack (provided or bring your own) and conversation. TUITION: $40 for all 4 weeks, space permitting (cash or check payable to Ansonia Nature Center), due at the first class. Class is limited to 10 children. Please call to register: 203-736-1053.
MIGRATORY BIRD WALK – May 25, 9 a.m.
Warblers, catbirds, and grosbeaks, oh my! Join Ranger Jess for a migratory bird experience. The Ansonia Nature Center is the home to many migratory birds. See redstarts, common yellow throats, towhees, and more during this birding adventure.
This is a slow-paced walk on uneven terrain. Dress for the weather and bring your binoculars. FREE; please register.
This is a slow-paced walk on uneven terrain. Dress for the weather and bring your binoculars. FREE; please register.
JUNE 2019
CONNECTICUT TRAILS DAY – June 1, 9 a.m.
Join Nature Center Director Alison Rubelmann and Ranger Daniel Bosques for this morning walk. Discover the beauty of the Nature Center’s typical New England woodland during the CT Forest and Park Association’s annual Trails Day weekend. We might get lucky and find a lady slipper or two.
This moderate hike will also focus on the history of the land, and we will visit the settlement of the Paugasucks. Bring water, a snack, and bug spray, and wear sturdy shoes. Suitable for older children and adults. FREE.
To register for programs call 203-736-1053.
This is a press release from the Ansonia Nature and Recreation Center.
This moderate hike will also focus on the history of the land, and we will visit the settlement of the Paugasucks. Bring water, a snack, and bug spray, and wear sturdy shoes. Suitable for older children and adults. FREE.
To register for programs call 203-736-1053.
This is a press release from the Ansonia Nature and Recreation Center.
Recuperation journey: Sunrise or sunset
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