Gallery at Plumb Memorial Library in Shelton displays artist's work

The Gallery at Plumb Memorial Library is featuring art

by Jacqueline A. Berg now through Dec. 11.

From the Shelton Library System:

"Jackie is a lifelong painter and creative who majored in journalism at the University of Iowa and was employed as a copywriter for the Chicago Tribune in the mid-1940s. 

"She was later instrumental in the founding of her late husband John Berg’s advertising agency in Stamford, playing a crucial creative role as art director and strategist in the early years of the successful company.

"While raising a family in New Canaan, Jackie found time to take oil painting instruction at the Silvermine Art Guild in Norwalk and created still lifes and scenes inspired by her travels. The oil paintings, watercolors, and pencil drawings will be on display in the library gallery until Dec. 11, 2025."

Singer/songwriter Susan Carson's solo performance rocks Derby Green

Singer/songwriter/guitarist Susan Carson of Stamford gave a wonderful performance Thursday night on the Derby Green. 

The city's final concert of the season was slated for Tuesday but inclement weather rescheduled Carson's appearance. 

The crowd may have been small but those in attendance enjoyed her eclectic mix of music, ranging from Blind Faith and Jefferson Starship to Johnny Cash.

Friends and I told Carson she needs to make a return visit to Derby next year!

Ansonia native to perform at New York Comedy Club in Stamford

 

Ansonia Farmers' Market open today until 1 p.m.

Ansonia Mayor David S. Cassetti makes a purchase at the downtown farmers' market.

ANSONIA - Just a reminder from Mayor Cassetti that Week 14 of the Ansonia Farmers' Market is today, Friday from 10 a.m.-1 p.m.

Located across from the train station, the weekly market includes fruits and vegetables from Gazy Brothers Farm, breads, fresh mozzarella, and pesto from Beldotti Bakery in Stamford, and jams, jellies, and pies from Ansonia’s own Amski's Delights.

Come on down – it’s prime time corn and tomatoes season! Yum!!

Shared from the City of Ansonia Facebook page.

Ansonia Farmers Market open today

Farmers Market Week 13

ANSONIA - Just a reminder from Mayor David S. Cassetti that Week 13 of the Ansonia Farmers Market is today/Friday from 10 a.m.-1 p.m.

Located across from the train station, the weekly market includes fruits and vegetables from Gazy Bros. Farm in Oxford, breads, fresh mozzarella and pesto from Beldotti Bakery in Stamford, and jams, jellies, and pies from Ansonia’s own Amski’s Delights.

Come on down - it’s prime time corn and tomatoes season!

This is shared from the City of Ansonia Facebook page.

Ansonia Farmers' Market features produce, plants, pies, jellies, breads, cheeses

Today my husband Ralph and I attended the season opening of the Farmer's Market in downtown Ansonia. 

Gazy Brothers Farm of Oxford was there as were Beldotti's Bakery of Stamford, and Ansonia's own Amski's Delights - jams, jellies, pies, pie fillings. 

We bought lettuce, golden zucchini, Italian bread, grape jelly, and pepper jam. Looking forward to consuming it all! 

The market on West Main Street across from the train station will be open from 10 a.m.-1 p.m. every Friday through the growing season. 

Make sure you check it out!

Farmer's Market in downtown Ansonia is open today

Sharing from City of Ansonia Facebook page:

Farmer's Market 10 a.m. ~ 1 p.m. today! Fall is here . . . have you tried some acorn or butternut squash from Gazy Brothers Farm? Or are you still craving fresh, homemade mozzarella and great breads from Beldotti Bakery. 

And last but not least, don't forget the scrumptious pies and delicious jams and jellies (new fall flavors too) from Amski's Delights.

Opens at 10 a.m., be the first in line!

DiMatteo Insurance in Shelton donates 87 baskets of supplies to children in shelters

Kim DiMatteo of Bethany, left, branch manager at DiMatteo Insurance in Shelton, an affiliate of Cross Insurance, holds some of the items in the back-to-school themed baskets that were assembled and donated by DiMatteo Financial, DiMatteo Insurance, and ACBI Insurance, all in Shelton. She is with two employees from DiMatteo Insurance, Linda Ayles of Monroe, center, and Jamie Nickerson of New Milford./ Contributed photo

Shelton-based DiMatteo Insurance recently delivered 87 summer beach baskets to children living in shelters in Norwalk and Stamford.

“The children absolutely loved the assortment of items they received in their summer beach baskets,” said Lisa Cooper, Case Manager of Open Door Shelter, Inc. in Norwalk, one of three shelters that received a generous donation organized by DiMatteo Insurance. “This kind gesture was so unexpected and made everyone so happy.”

The baskets were brimming with kid-friendly, back-to-school items, including: markers, crayons, stuffed animals, foam balls, bubbles, and more.
This annual tradition to aid homeless children in the region was started by DiMatteo Insurance over 20 years ago, when the company typically distributed Easter baskets. 

Due to the pandemic, the community project was delayed until August.
Baskets were delivered to Open Door Shelter, Inc. and Domestic Violence Crisis Center, both in Norwalk, and Inspirica, Inc. in Stamford. 

Each basket was filled with age-appropriate necessities specifically for children age birth-3 years of age and 13-17 years of age.

“This donation came at the right time,” said Anita Lai, Manager of Community Initiatives at the Domestic Violence Crisis Center. “With no camp and no school in session for months, the baskets were distributed to 17 very appreciative and excited children. We sincerely thank the DiMatteo family and their associates for their ongoing thoughtfulness over the past two decades. They are so committed to helping others.”

Since its inception, nearly 2,000 baskets have helped thousands of area children in need. The baskets were assembled and donated by DiMatteo Financial, DiMatteo Insurance and ACBI Insurance, all located in Shelton. 

Their employees, family, friends, and clients and contributed to the success of this annual community outreach project.
Kim DiMatteo of Bethany, branch manager of DiMatteo Insurance, an affiliate of Cross Insurance, and Zaibel Torres of Bridgeport, receptionist, spearheaded this community service drive.
“I want to personally thank the seven employee volunteers who spent weeks preparing for this worthwhile community project,” said DiMatteo. “Initially, I started the basket giving program over 20 years ago with my husband, John, and my three children, Anthony, Michael, and Jessica. Now it’s expanded into a much anticipated annual tradition throughout Fairfield County.”
DiMatteo Insurance supports many other local charities through the DiMatteo Family Charitable Foundation. 

The Foundation was established more than 15 years ago as a tribute to their founder and late father Anthony “Tony” DiMatteo, who was battling cancer at the time. 

Since then, the Foundation has contributed more than $412,000 for various well-known local and national charities that fund research, education, and finding a cure for diseases.


This is a press release from DiMatteo Insurance of Shelton, which is affiliated with Cross Insurance, one of the largest independent insurance providers in the nation.

Headquartered in Bangor, Maine, this partnership has enabled DiMatteo Insurance to broaden its market opportunities, including expanded personal and commercial lines in New England and throughout the United States.
Visit www.DiMatteoInsurance.com for more information or call 203-924-4811.

Recuperation journey: Summer harvest

 I visited the weekly Farm Market in downtown Ansonia today and found some pretty colors provided by Gazy Brothers Farm in Oxford.

The market runs from 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Fridays on West Main Street. 

It also features homemade jams and pies from Amski's Delights of Ansonia, and breads and fresh mozzarella from Beldotti Bakery in Stamford.

Check out the market next Friday. You won't be disappointed!

Farmer's Market slated Friday in downtown Ansonia

*The market runs from 10 a.m.-1 p.m. 

Farmer's Market to open Friday in downtown Ansonia

"Tomorrow is the day! The downtown Farmer's Market opens at 10 a.m through 1 p.m. Come on down for some fresh fruits, vegetables, and flowers from Gazy Brothers Farm, along with great homemade mozzarella, fresh breads, and pesto from Beldotti Bakery. 
"Please remember to wear your masks."

*Information shared from the City of Ansonia Facebook page.

Gazy Brothers Farm to set up market on Fridays in Ansonia starting June 19

ANSONIA - Mayor David S. Cassetti today announced the return of Ansonia’s weekly Farmer’s Market in downtown beginning June 19. Its location remains the same, next to the parking lot adjacent to Crave restaurant on Main Street.

Hours are: 10 a.m.-1 p.m. every Friday through late October.

The market is presented by Gazy Brothers Farm of Oxford and this year will include Beldotti Bakery of Stamford featuring artisan breads and pastry, and Saint X Specialty Foods of Norwalk, featuring gourmet pesto and fresh mozzarella. 

Gazy Bros. will provide in-season produce beginning with greens, herbs, tomatoes, and strawberries and will expand its produce line throughout the season.

“Delivering a quality weekly farmer’s market to our city has been a priority of mine for years,” said Cassetti. “For the first time last summer, this vision was delivered consistently to our doorsteps by Gazy Bros.”

Gazy Bros. said their debut season on Main Street in Ansonia last year proved solid and are looking forward to this summer with an expanded product line for city residents.

The market will accept WIC and Senior farmer's market vouchers, cash, checks, and credit cards.

This is shared from the City of Ansonia Facebook page.

Save the dates: Walks in May to support Epilepsy Foundation

Seymour-based Treasured Time receives MassMutual Foundation grant

STAMFORD - Treasured Time, Inc., a not-for-profit organization whose mission is to grant the wishes of parents with life-threatening illnesses, has received a $10,000 grant from the MassMutual Foundation as part of a national Community Service Award program. 

Treasured Time is one of 22 organizations nationally to receive an award.  

The MassMutual Foundation made the grant as a tribute to the volunteer efforts of Anthony Truino, a MassMutual agent with Barnum Wealth Management in Stamford.

“We are stronger when we come together as a community, and our Community Service Awards program recognizes a group of MassMutual financial professionals who embody this spirit, working with members of their respective neighborhoods, towns and cities, helping nonprofits with which they are involved grow and thrive,” said Dennis Duquette, Head of MassMutual Community Responsibility and President of the MassMutual Foundation.   

“We are proud of the time and energy Anthony dedicates to better his community and delighted to support the great work MassMutual financial professionals do with organizations across the country.”

Treasured Time serves families where a parent has a life-threatening illness and they have at least one child between the ages of 3 and 18. The goal is to create a fun, safe, and memorable experience for the family.  

“All too often the specter of illness creates an environment tinged with sadness and concern.  By granting the parent’s wish, we can help lift that sadness for at least a few days.” says Suzanne Major, Founder and Chairman of the Board of Treasured Time.  “We call it ‘giving the gift of moments’ and this grant will enable us to create special memories for more families.”

Anthony has been the Chief Executive Officer of Barnum Wealth Management since 2010.  He has been committed to Treasured Time since 2014 and has dedicated countless hours of time and talent to help the organization grow and flourish.  “I am very pleased that my dedication to Treasured Time has been recognized by the MassMutual Foundation,” said Anthony.  “This grant will provide much needed funding to continue supporting our community by granting the wishes of families who need some happy time in the midst of illness.”

About the MassMutual Foundation

The MassMutual Foundation strives to broaden economic opportunity for America's youth and their families by investing in financial education for middle and high school students across the United States and economic development and education locally in Springfield, Mass. 

The Foundation is a reflection of MassMutual’s longstanding dedication to corporate citizenship and its unwavering commitment to the communities in which we do business. 

To learn more about the MassMutual Foundation visit www.massmutual.com/responsibility.

About MassMutual

MassMutual is a leading mutual life insurance company that that is run for the benefit of its members and participating policyowners. MassMutual offers a wide range of financial products and services, including life insurance, disability income insurance, long term care insurance, annuities, retirement plans and other employee benefits. 

For information, visit www.massmutual.com.

This is a press release from Treasured Time.

Crisco recognized by Connecticut Captive Insurance Association

State Sen. Joseph J. Crisco of Woodbridge, right, was named a 'Legislative Champion.' / Submitted photo

The Connecticut Captive Insurance Association has named state Sen. Joseph J. Crisco, Jr., D-Woodbridge, as one of its “2016 Legislative Champions” for his leadership on insurance and risk management policy issues.

The CCIA (www.conncaptives.com) formally recognized Crisco Thursday at its 2016 Annual Captive Insurance Symposium at the Sheraton in Stamford.

“Thanks to your work on behalf of this critically important industry in Connecticut, you have helped create new jobs in the accounting, actuarial, legal and insurance fields, which continue to make Connecticut the top state in the nation for insurance and insurance- related businesses,” CCIA President Tom Hodson said. 

“Your hard work and dedication is being recognized on behalf of the many individuals and businesses that are part of the growing captive insurance industry in Connecticut.”

“There was an opportunity a few years ago to update Connecticut’s captive insurance laws, and to make us more competitive on a national scale, and we’ve done that,” said Crisco, who is Senate Chairman of the legislature’s Insurance and Real Estate Committee. 

“Insurance is big business in Connecticut, and it’s an even bigger business since we made these captive insurance changes, so I’m very proud and honored that the CCIA is recognizing my hard work on behalf of them and on behalf of the corporations that benefit from our captive insurance opportunities here in Connecticut.”

A captive insurance company is generally defined as an insurance company that is wholly owned and controlled by its insureds; its primary purpose is to insure the risks of its owners, and the insured parties benefit from the captive insurer’s underwriting profits. When an insurance plan offered by a mainline insurance company doesn’t meet a company’s particular risk needs, that company might then form its own captive insurer.

Connecticut’s 2011 legislative revision of its existing captive insurance law made Connecticut a more attractive place to locate a captive insurance company, in part due to a first-year tax credit of $7,500 for newly established captives, fine-tuned language about what constitutes “common ownership and control” for the purpose of aggregating tax liability among multiple insurers, and an easier path for captive insurance companies to satisfy various IRS demands.

This is a press release from Crisco's office.  

DiMatteo Group in Shelton brightens holiday for homeless in region

Children living in shelters receive Easter baskets          

Four area shelters in Fairfield County recently benefited from the generosity of the DiMatteo Group in Shelton, who delivered nearly 120 Easter baskets to homeless children in the region.

Anthony DiMatteo and Alida Ballou

assembled Easter baskets and delivered 

them to needy children. /Contributed photo 

Since this annual drive was started over 15 years ago, more than 1,600 baskets have brightened the lives of area children.

Kim DiMatteo of Bethany, a partner and vice president of the DiMatteo Group in Shelton, along with two of her children and their friend, spearheaded this community service project.
Each basket was filled with age-appropriate necessities. 

The majority of the funds for the baskets were donated by The DiMatteo Family Charitable Foundation.

Baskets were delivered to: Norwalk Emergency Shelter and Domestic Violence Crisis Center, both in
Norwalk, and Inspirica, Inc. and Domestic Violence Crisis Center, both in Stamford.

“We spent weeks preparing, shopping and volunteering for this greatly anticipated community service project,” said DiMatteo. “This year my son, Anthony, and my daughter, Jessica, along with their friend Alida Ballou, assembled 80 baskets, while the remainder was donated by generous individuals.

“I am especially proud of this group of dedicated young people who took the time to assemble and deliver the gift baskets. Their act of kindness embodies our company’s mission to give back to the community. Each of the shelters was so appreciative and grateful for the tremendous volunteer effort we put into this worthwhile community project.”

Founded over 55 years ago, DiMatteo Group in Shelton is a family-owned and operated business that specializes in insurance, employee benefits, income tax and financial services.

Visit wwwdimatteogrp.com for more information.

This is a press release from DiMatteo Group.