Tuesday, July 14, 2020

Naugatuck Valley Health District: Update on COVID-19 cases

A message Tuesday from Jessica Stelmaszek, MPH, Director of Health:

Good evening,
NVHD has received reports of 15 new cases and six laboratory-confirmed COVID-19 associated deaths since the last data report on Friday, July 10.

The increase in these local statistics is due to data entry into the State of CT Electronic Disease Surveillance System and does not necessarily mean the individuals tested positive or passed away in the time since Friday.


Recuperation journey: Looking at the sky





 Interesting clouds on Tuesday evening. They  remind me of mashed potatoes. 

Ansonia Public Works' bulk pickup ends Wednesday, to resume Sept. 1

Just a reminder that Public Works bulk pickup for the spring/summer session ends tomorrow, to allow staff to continue with summer responsibilities. 
It will resume again on Sept. 1. Thank you.

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

Rochelle secures $500K to demolish building in downtown Ansonia

State Rep. Kara Rochelle


ANSONIA - State Representative Kara Rochelle (D-Ansonia/Derby) has secured $500,000 for a building demolition project in downtown Ansonia.

The funding has been included on the State Bond Commission's July 21 meeting agenda and will help fund the demolition of a partially collapsed industrial building at 35 North Main St. in Ansonia. The Commission must authorize the funding during its meeting.

"This project is critical for Ansonia and the Lower Naugatuck Valley's long-term economic growth and despite the challenging financial circumstances our state faces, I am incredibly appreciative and thankful Governor Ned Lamont sees the value in investing in economic development opportunities in our region, which I have advocated passionately for on behalf of the hardworking people of Ansonia and Derby," Rochelle said.

This funding comes despite the COVID-19 global pandemic, which has affected nearly every aspect of state and national economies, leaving many states, including Connecticut, facing significant budget hardships and having to make difficult decisions on how to invest limited resources.

“Investing in our local communities is critical to our state’s economic future. This project in Ansonia will become a wonderful part of the fabric of the community and residents should be proud that the state is providing this support for local development," Lamont said.

For well over a year, Rochelle has advocated diligently to obtain this vital funding to clean up the property that is situated at the corner of Main Street and North Main Street in an area Rochelle has eyed for redevelopment. Ansonia is the most economically-distressed municipality in the state, and remediation of the blighted parcel will lay the groundwork for future development and growth in the city as well as the lower Naugatuck Valley region.

"This property, once made available for future development, will bring good-paying jobs to Valley residents, expand the city's grand list, and give the City the opportunity to potentially lower taxes, or invest in additional services and amenities for residents," said Rochelle. "I want to thank City Hall, specifically Ansonia Economic Development Director Sheila O'Malley, for providing me the documentation that I requested for the application. This was the only request the city's Economic Development Office specifically submitted to my office. I am pleased to come through on this project and I am glad to be able to deliver."

Development of this parcel of land is critical in creating momentum for further downtown development that will help ease financial challenges the region faces. 
Securing this bonding is a critical step in setting Ansonia's economic outlook on the path towards growth and prosperity.


This is a press release from Rochelle's office.


Tennis courts at Nolan Field in Ansonia are cleaned, ready for use

Mayor David Cassetti asks "Tennis Anyone?"
The city's three tennis courts at Nolan Field have been prepped, cleaned and are now ready for tennis enthusiasts to enjoy. 

Take in a few sets for exercise and hone your tennis skills!


*Shared from the City of Ansonia Facebook page.

Adam's House in Shelton to host 'Good Grief: Connecticut' webinar

How not to say the wrong thing to someone grieving 
SHELTON -​ The death toll from the coronavirus has claimed more than 4,300 lives in Connecticut. 
As businesses slowly reopen and residents re-emerge from quarantine, we all seem to know a colleague, friend, or neighbor who has lost a loved one.

Don’t miss this free, upcoming webinar, “Good Grief: Connecticut” at 10 a.m. July 29 hosted by the non-profit grief Center, Adam’s House. 
In this free Facebook Live event, Adam’s House Founder and Executive Director Allison Wysota will team up with Licensed Professional Counselor Caitlin Iannucci to share practical tips and suggestions on how to talk with a colleague, friend, family member or neighbor who has lost a loved one - so the conversation isn’t awkward or uncomfortable. And so you don’t say the wrong thing or make things worse.
Ultimately, what Wysota and Iannucci have found and will share are profoundly simple strategies for approaching one of the most painful and stressful topics affecting us all.
“We’ve opted for an ‘Ask Me Anything’ format because that’s the best way to have candid conversations about grief and loss,” Wysota said. “We’re thrilled to have veteran television producer Mercedes Velgot moderating the event. No one can keep the discussion real, raw, and relevant better than Mercedes.”

You can see all the details about the webinar and reserve a spot here: ​https://www.adamshousect.org/livestreams


This is a press release from Adam's House.


'Turnback Tuesday' highlights original Derby Public Library book cards

Turnback Tuesday is sharing the original Book Cards used at the [Derby Public] Library. 
Cards like this are still used today by many libraries. At the same token, many libraries are using a computer print out sheet to tell you when items are due back. 
The handwritten number after the stamp return dates are believed to be an individual’s card number. 
These cards go back to 1903 and are part of the library’s history and collection.

*Thanks goes to the Derby Public Library staff for sharing interesting local history each week. 


Center Stage Theatre in Shelton to host Comedy Club on outdoor stage


Recuperation journey: Morning moon in a clear sky


The moon today is in waning crescent phase,36 percent illumination. 

Have a sparkling day and keep looking up!

Household hazardous waste collection slated at Crosby High School in Waterbury