Derby Public Library to present virtual talk on honoring veterans

DERBY - In a virtual presentation at 6:30 p.m. May 3, Hamish Lutris, Associate Professor of History, Political Science, and Geography, Capital Community College in Hartford, discusses ways veterans of U.S. wars have been recognized for their service, and how that recognition has changed over time. 

The presentation will range widely, from creating our first veterans’ organization, the Cincinnati, to observing holidays like Memorial Day, sponsoring the creation of national cemeteries, and passing the GI Bill, among others.

Register here https://bit.ly/3a7xgQG by 4:30 p.m. May 2 to receive the Zoom Link and password.

This is shared from the Derby Public Library Facebook page.

Derby Board of Education recognizes 7 students

DERBY - At a recent meeting of the Committee of the Whole the Derby Board of Education  recognized seven students.

Isabelle Chevarella, a grade 12 student at Derby High School, has been selected to receive the SCASA Memorial Scholarship. 

This scholarship is given in honor of former Hamden Superintendent Dr. Alida Begina and former East Haven Superintendent Martin DeFelice, Jr. 

The scholarship is awarded to students who intend to major in education and work in K-12 public education, who have demonstrated involvement in the education field, e.g. tutoring, peer advising, or student teacher club, etc., who has demonstrated high academic achievement of a G.P.A. of at least 3.0 and is a student of high moral character. 

In Isabelle’s essay to the committee for consideration she references her father as her influencing factor in her decision to pursue education stating, “His passion for teaching and putting his students first has motivated me to follow in his footsteps.” 

Isabelle plans to major in history education.

The Board also recognized six of our students who received the SCASA Student Recognition Award. 

The award is presented to a female and male student at the highest level in each school who exhibit the following criteria: community service and service to others; academic prowess relative to ability; and leadership to the school community. 

The Board recognized Brianne Fernandez, Grade 5, Bradley School; Eduar Barillas, Grade 5, Irving School; Gianna Akter, Grade 8, Derby Middle School; Joseph Izquierdo, Grade 8, Derby Middle School; Destiny Lewis, Grade 12, Derby High School; and Bryce Cotter, Grade 12, Derby High School.

Dr. Matthew J. Conway, Jr, Superintendent of Schools and President of SCASA aid, “It is always exciting to call out and recognize the incredible attributes of our students and share with the world the great things they are doing every day to be impactful both in school and our community. The scholarship award is especially meaningful because of what it represents; honoring the past contributions of both Dr. Begina and Martin DeFelice, Jr. while supporting future leaders as they embark on the rewarding journey.”

Jim Gildea, Board of Education Chairman said, “The Derby school system is fortunate to have such an amazing group of students. Their accomplishments are special and deserving of recognition. They are the best that the Derby school system has to offer and we are proud of them.”

This is a press release from Derby Public Schools.

Seymour Public Library to host Food Explorers program via Zoom

SEYMOUR - Join Katie, Registered Dietitian from Food Explorers, at 4:30 p.m. April 23 to make Mac & Cheese Cups! 

The program is hosted by Seymour Public Library.

You’ll need the following ingredients for this recipe: dried pasta (elbows), 2 TBSP butter, 1/4 cup flour, 1 onion, 2-3 cups milk, cheddar cheese, plus optional breadcrumbs and Parmesan.

You will also need a muffin tin.

Registration is required for this program.
Register in advance for this meeting:
https://us02web.zoom.us/.../tZEscu...

After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.

This is shared from the Seymour Public Library Facebook page.

Rochelle, Griffin Health schedule 3 mobile clinics to Vax the Valley

State Rep. Kara Rochelle, D-Ansonia and Derby, and Griffin Hospital have coordinated three mobile vaccine clinics with local partners for Ansonia and Derby residents. 

These are walk-up clinics and no appointment is required.
The clinics are scheduled for the following dates:

• April 26 from 4-7 p.m. at Iglesia de Dios Nuevos Comienzos, 101 Elizabeth St., Derby.
• April 28 from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. at the Boys and Girls Club of the Lower Naugatuck Valley, 28 Howard Ave., Ansonia.
• April 30 from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. at Abundant Life Fellowship Ministries, 195 N. Main St., Ansonia.

The clinics will administer the Pfizer or Moderna vaccines. 

Residents of Ansonia and Derby must bring photo ID and proof of residence. Insurance is not required, but residents who have insurance should bring their insurance card. 

Vaccines will be administered on a first come, first served basis while supplies last.

"These clinics are a way for residents who are having difficulty accessing transportation or securing an appointment to get vaccinated against COVID-19. The most important part of moving the Valley forward from the pandemic is ensuring our friends and neighbors can protect themselves against the virus," said Rochelle. 

"Thank you to Griffin Hospital for being a strong partner on this initiative as well as Pastor Ulysses and Leslie Youngblood from Abundant Life Fellowship Ministries and the Life, Health, and Wellness Center, respectively, Pastor Dennis Maroquin of Iglesia de Dios Nuevos Comienzos, and Breon Sanders, Unit Director for the Joel E. Smilow Clubhouse of the Boys and Girls Club of the Lower Naugatuck Valley, for always lending a helping hand to our community and making these spaces available for residents to receive their COVID-19 vaccine."

Residents who may have questions about the safety or effectiveness of the COVID-19 vaccines can reach out to Griffin Hospital 203-204-1053 or Rochelle at Kara.Rochelle@cga.ct.gov for in-depth information about the vaccine. 

Additional information about the vaccines is available at https://bit.ly/3tnJuMR.

Throughout the pandemic, Rochelle has worked closely alongside local nonprofits and faith groups to ensure residents in need had access to personal protective equipment (PPE) like gloves, masks, and hand sanitizer. 

Rochelle continues to work with community partners to connect residents with food support, rent and mortgage assistance, health care, utility assistance, and connect small businesses to critical resources.

This is a press release from Rochelle's office.