Thursday, January 7, 2021
Rochelle sworn in for second term as state representative
 |
| State Rep. Kara Rochelle |
HARTFORD - State Rep. Kara Rochelle, D-Ansonia/Derby, was sworn in yesterday [Wednesday] to represent the 104th District for the Connecticut General Assembly’s 2021 session.
Rochelle has been appointed as an Assistant Majority Leader.
She will serve as Vice-Chair of the Commerce Committee, and as a member of the Higher Education & Employment Advancement Committee, and Insurance & Real Estate Committee.
“I want to first thank the residents of Ansonia and Derby for allowing me to bring their voices to the capitol and work on behalf of our community. I also want to thank Speaker of the House Matt Ritter and House Majority Leader Jason Rojas for entrusting me with these leadership positions to help build a more resilient state,” Rochelle said. “I look forward creating and supporting policy that prioritizes economic recovery, relief for our hardworking residents, more affordable health care, and an easier way of life for residents. We will face many difficult decisions this session, but I am ready to roll up my sleeves and work hard to create meaningful progress for our community and our state."
In Rochelle's first term, she authored and passed legislation to expand the advanced manufacturing certificate program to high schools across the state. She supported implementing protections for individuals with pre-existing conditions, cutting and capping the cost of insulin, incrementally raising the minimum wage to $15 an hour, and cutting taxes for seniors.
This is a press release from state Rep. Rochelle's office.
Seymour Community Center to host fitness coach's 'WINTERvention' program
No matter if you are sitting by a pool or roaring fire, winter can be a time of increased caloric intake and decreased physical activity.
That’s a simple recipe for weight gain and a de-conditioned body.
What if this year, you could work with a certified fitness and behavior change coach to get a jump start on a healthier/fitter you for the New Year?
What if you could get doable "mini moves" on a regular basis created with you in mind, building movements to improve your current fitness level, all in the safety and comfort of your home - even if a chair if needed?
What if you could be a part of a private Facebook group, whose members are supportive and help you stay accountable to your personal goals - a place where you can find maximum support and be a cheerleader for change.
If a Health and Fitness "WINTERvention" is what you need, join Master Fitness and Intuitive Eating Coach Linda Gottlieb for a six-week intensive program starting Jan. 11 to get a fresh-eyed focus on your resolutions and goals.
Program will include:
- Time tested accountability tools/daily activity logs for chronicling your activities and accomplishments
- Weekly zoom meetings with the group for sharing, learning and busting through roadblocks
- Access to private Facebook group for communication throughout program
- Two mini moves each week posted to Facebook* for you to follow and refer to for proper exercise form and consistency
- Supervision, education and support from a veteran fitness and intuitive eating coach with over 30 years experience helping folks make important health and fitness changes
*Facebook Membership Required for Group Access
** Even without Facebook you will be an important part of the group!
***Minimum 10 People to run Program
** Program will take place via Zoom.
Register Now - $30 - 6-week Program
This is shared from the Seymour Community Center Facebook page.
Board of Education names Olson principal of Derby High School
DERBY - The Board of Education, on the recommendation of the Advisory Selection Committee and Superintendent of Schools Matthew Conway, unanimously appointed Jennifer Olson as principal of Derby High School.
Olson started in the Derby Schools in 2012 when she was appointed Irving School Principal. 
During her tenure at Irving, the school was certified with Exemplary School Climate Recognition through the Connecticut Association of Schools.
She and her team created a safe and supportive environment as the foundation of the turnaround work at Irving.
In 2017, Olson was a finalist in the selection process for the National Distinguished Principal Award or Elementary Principal of the Year Award.
In 2018 Olson was appointed to the position of Director of Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment for the District, providing better support for new learning initiatives, working side by side with our Director of Teaching and Learning, teachers, coaches, and principals to positively impact learning for students in every classroom.
Olson stepped up as the Interim Principal of Derby High School for the past four months from her District role. She was instrumental in the planning and implementation of the District Reopening Plan to support all schools through our reopening.
Olson said, “I appreciate the confidence and trust the Derby Board of Education and Superintendent has placed in me with this appointment. I am deeply committed and I am looking forward to working collaboratively with our terrific team at the high school to best serve our students and families. This is an exciting opportunity and I look forward to starting this new chapter.”
Conway said, “I am very excited for Jen and the District as she continues in the role of leading our High School through one of the most challenging times in our history. I am confident her proven turnaround work in our District will transcend across all classrooms at Derby High School. This is hard work and takes an all-in, “just one more” attitude by everyone involved. I know Jen and our amazing staff at DHS are up for the challenge.”
Board chairman Jim Gildea said, “The Board is always excited when we are able to see members of the Derby Public School family take on new challenges and grow within the school community. Jen has a proven track record of leading and turning around a school as evidenced by the work she did as leader of Irving School.
In 2018 Olson was appointed to the position of Director of Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment for the District, providing better support for new learning initiatives, working side by side with our Director of Teaching and Learning, teachers, coaches, and principals to positively impact learning for students in every classroom.
Olson stepped up as the Interim Principal of Derby High School for the past four months from her District role. She was instrumental in the planning and implementation of the District Reopening Plan to support all schools through our reopening.
Olson said, “I appreciate the confidence and trust the Derby Board of Education and Superintendent has placed in me with this appointment. I am deeply committed and I am looking forward to working collaboratively with our terrific team at the high school to best serve our students and families. This is an exciting opportunity and I look forward to starting this new chapter.”
Conway said, “I am very excited for Jen and the District as she continues in the role of leading our High School through one of the most challenging times in our history. I am confident her proven turnaround work in our District will transcend across all classrooms at Derby High School. This is hard work and takes an all-in, “just one more” attitude by everyone involved. I know Jen and our amazing staff at DHS are up for the challenge.”
Board chairman Jim Gildea said, “The Board is always excited when we are able to see members of the Derby Public School family take on new challenges and grow within the school community. Jen has a proven track record of leading and turning around a school as evidenced by the work she did as leader of Irving School.
"Jen is a proven problem solver, tireless worker and someone willing to think outside the box to address issues and challenges. We wish her good luck and look forward to her continued impact on our school system.”
This is a press release from Derby Public Schools.
Derby Public Library invites teens to virtual readings of graphic novels via Zoom
DERBY - Derby Public Library invites all young adults ages 12 and above to virtual gatherings for the reading/showing of Classic Graphic Novels on Jan. 13 and 27. The program runs from 3:30-4:30 p.m.
Zoom access links will be provided via email three days prior to meeting dates.
Sign up at the library’s Events Calendar at www.derbypubliclibrary.org.
For more information call 203-736-1482.
This is a press release from Tony DeLos, young adult librarian, Derby Public Library.
Ansonia High School alumni asked to complete survey
This is shared from the Ansonia Public Schools' Facebook page.
Join virtual story time on Thursdays at Derby Neck Library
DERBY - Join this Zoom meeting at 4 p.m. today to hear Miss Krissy at Derby Neck Library read from a series of choose-your-own-adventure books!
Participants will be able to vote in real time on what decisions are made in the story. Will we be victorious? Will we escape? Only you will get to decide!
This event is hosted on our Google Classroom!
Classroom Code: auxndrb
Classroom Code: auxndrb
*For safety reasons, the Google Classroom is only open to students and teachers in the Derby Public School System at this time.
If you're not from Derby and would like to attend, please send us a message to be added to our mailing list!
You will receive a meeting link shortly before the event starts.
This is shared from a Facebook event page.
Wesley Village in Shelton to host free webinar for caregivers
SHELTON - Seniors, caregivers, and family members are invited to participate in a free webinar offered by Wesley Village Senior Living Communities.
The webinar, “How To Keep Your Loved Ones Happy And Healthy In The New Year,” will be held from 2-3 p.m. Jan. 19.
Wesley Village, a senior living campus owned and managed by United Methodist Homes, will be partnering with Middlewoods of Newington senior living community, also part of UMH, to present this webinar.
The webinar will offer tips for getting a healthy start to the new year, with insights from one of our award-winning UMH Activities Directors, Laura Healy, who works with the team at Middlewoods.
She will share some simple ways your loved one can start or continue being physically active, engage their mind, and improve their overall emotional health and wellbeing.
“We often hear family members and caregivers share with us that they wish they could get their loved one to stop sitting so much and get up and get moving,” says Healy. “This can be a real struggle, especially for older adults who live alone at home. In this webinar, we’ll be sharing some practical exercise ideas to help you encourage your loved one to be more active while offering advice for improving cognitive and emotional health as well.”
Healy brings with her six years of experience working in health care and senior living settings as both a Certified Nursing Assistant and an Activities Director.
She enjoys working closely with older adults and individuals with cognitive deficits and has been a member of the UMH and Middlewoods team for nearly three years.
Healy is also a 2019 recipient of Leading Age CT’s Aging Services Award of Excellence and has been recognized in 2020 with the UMH “Values in Action” award for her outstanding commitment to caring and service with United Methodist Homes.
To register, please contact Lisa Bisson, 203.225.5024 or at lbisson@umh.org.
To RSVP online visit: https://attendee.gotowebinar.
Wesley Village senior living campus is located at 580 Long Hill Ave. and is part of United Methodist Homes, a local not-for-profit organization.
The Wesley Village campus offers assisted and independent living, memory support, skilled nursing, short-term rehab, and outpatient therapy and fitness services.
To learn more, visit www.wesleyvillage-ct.org.
This is a press release from United Methodist Homes.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)