St. Mary-St. Michael School of Derby slates annual alumni recognition event

DERBY - St. Mary-St. Michael School will hold its annual Alumni Recognition Ceremony & Auction on March 4 from 6-10 p.m. at Tashua Knolls, 

40 Tashua Knolls Lane, Trumbull.

Come help us honor our 2023 recipients:
Derby Police Department
Tony Staffieri
Maria Conlon
Randy Ritter
Jim Gildea
For more information, call 203-735-6471 or visit www.stmarystmichael.org

This is shared from the school's Facebook page.

Network this Wednesday at Greater Valley Chamber's Schmoozapalooza

Schmoozapalooza 2.0 Wednesday, Oct. 12, 2-5 p.m. Trumbull Marriott Shelton  180 Hawley Lane, Trumbull

Join the Greater Valley Chamber of Commerce for the 20th Anniversary of this exciting Table Top Expo & Business After Hours. More than 60 area businesses will be exhibiting their latest products and services in a FUN and casual networking environment.   The afternoon will also include music, cash bar, door prizes, and food tastings from some of the region’s best restaurants and caterers.   So bring your coworkers, clients, and friends to this FREE networking event in partnership with our friends at the Bridgeport Regional Business Council (BRBC).   Special thanks to our Sponsors: AFC Urgent Care, Griffin Health, ION Bank, Minuteman Press, Mutual Security Credit Union, Peralta Design, Progressive Diagnostics, RJS Designs, WEBE 108 FM, STAR 99.9 FM, WPLR 99.1 FM, and WICC 600 AM.   To help us with our planning, please register HERE This is a press release from the Greater Valley Chamber of Commerce.

Griffin Health expands COVID-19 testing, opens site in Trumbull, adds hours

Griffin Health has expanded its free COVID-19 testing./ Contributed photo

DERBY - Griffin Health has expanded its free COVID-19 testing in Connecticut with a new drive-through COVID-19 testing site in Trumbull and expanded hours at its sites in Naugatuck, Farmington and Middlebury.

The new testing site opens Tuesday, Dec. 8 at Unity Park on Unity Park Road in Trumbull from 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Additionally, Griffin’s free COVID-19 drive-through testing sites in Naugatuck, Farmington, and Middlebury will also be open from 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.

The Naugatuck testing site is located at Ion Bank, 1430 New Haven Road and is open on Wednesdays. 

The Farmington testing site is located at Tunxis Community College, 271 Scott Swamp Road, and is open on Thursdays. 

The Middlebury testing site is located at Quassy Amusement Park, 2132 Middlebury Road, and is open on Fridays. 

No appointment is necessary for the Trumbull, Naugatuck, Farmington, and Middlebury testing sites.

Griffin’s COVID-19 testing site at Griffin Hospital, 130 Division St. is open daily from 7 a.m.-3:30 p.m., with extended hours Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday from 7 a.m.-6 p.m. 

Tests are by appointment only for the Griffin Hospital site. Contact the Griffin Call Center at 203-437-6815 Monday-Friday between 8 a.m. and 3 p.m. Individuals without a doctor’s note for testing can use the promo code “Community” to schedule a test.

All test sites will have results available within 24-48 hours. A valid ID is required for all test sites.

Visit griffinhealth.org/covid for more information.

This is a press release from Griffin Hospital. 

 

Shelton lawmakers, SBA official to hold Facebook Live Town Hall meeting

State Sen. Kevin Kelly (R-21) and state Representatives Jason Perillo (R-113), and Ben McGorty (R-122), are hosting a town hall meeting on Facebook Live on Thursday, April 30 at 7 pm.
The lawmakers will be joined by Julio C. Casiano, Deputy District Director of the U.S. Small Business Administration. The lawmakers will be discussing the state's response to the COVID-19 pandemic including relief programs available to help Connecticut small businesses and workers through the U.S. Small Business Administration.

Constituents can watch the town hall meeting live on Facebook at: www.FB.com/senatorkevinkelly, www.FB.com/Rep.JasonPerillo or www.FB.com/RepMcGorty

The public can submit questions ahead of time to Kevin.Kelly@cga.ct.gov. Include "Town Hall Meeting" in the subject line.

State Senator Kevin Kelly
State Representative Jason Perillo
State Representative Ben McGorty
U.S. Small Business Administration


*Information shared from a Facebook event page.

Cornhole tournament in Trumbull to benefit Ansonia child, 6

Cornhole Tournament on tap to benefit Seymour Cheerleading

Enjoy trampoline park in Trumbull, support Ansonia's Mead School

Wesley Village to offer virtual dementia tour at event in Trumbull

SHELTON - Are you struggling to understand your loved one’s dementia? 

Are the challenges they are facing a mystery to you? 

Experience the 
Wesley Village Virtual Dementia Tour™ and walk in their shoes. 
The Shelton senior living campus is offering this “simulation tool” Jan. 18 at the Trumbull Marriot, 180 Hawley Lane,Trumbull. 

Experts from the Lifestyle Transitions Specialized Assisted Living and Memory Support Community at Wesley Village will serve as your guides. Sessions will be offered at 4, 5 or 6 p.m. 
To reserve your space or to learn more, contact Lisa Bisson, 203-225-5024 or lbisson@umh.org. Space is limited.

To learn more about Lifestyle Transitions and its expansion opening this Spring, visit Wesley Village for an Open House from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Jan. 21, 580 Long Hill Ave. 

This is a press release from United Methodist Homes.

Recuperation journey: Running 5K in 7-degree temperatures; congrats to all

I'm quite proud of Daughter Allegra, who ran her second 5K Monday at the annual New Year's Day Chilly Chili run in Orange that supports the Amity Teen Center. 
The temperature was about 7 degrees; not sure if it made it up to 8.
In a wacky twist, it was snowing when Allegra ran her very first 5K last month in Trumbull.

She discovered several students from the Derby Middle School Running Club had participated in the chilly Chili race.
I reached out to Jenn Moffat who works in the athletic department at Derby High School for information. 
The six who participated were Emma Hyder, Kylin Santamaria, Sofia Rudus, Leah Gilbert, Cassidy Ngaoprasewsack and Sonny Khanaphalaxay. 

"Leah, Emma, Cassidy, and Sonny came in either first or second place in their age groups, taking home four trophies," Moffat said. 
"These kids train all year round. They don't seem to be phased by the temp. 
"They compete in many 5Ks throughout the year as well. [I] can't wait to see them run and enjoy the high school level of competition in a few years."

Contributed photo

Congratulations to the Derby Middle School runners and their coach, Mike Vozzo, who braved the frigid weather and ran.
According to thew iResultsLIVE! site, 379 runners entered the race, and 288 finished.

I am happy to report that Allegra was not the last one over the finish line! 

Lauretti donates $5,000 from golf classic to Kennedy Center in Trumbull

Mayor Mark Lauretti of Shelton, right, presents Martin D. Schwartz, President and CEO of The Kennedy Center in Trumbull with a check from the Mayor’s Annual Charity Golf Classic./ Contributed photo

 

SHELTON - Mayor Mark A. Lauretti recently surprised the Kennedy Center with a big donation over the holiday season with proceeds from his annual charity golf tournament.

 

“We want to personally thank Mayor Lauretti and the supporters of his golf tournament for their generous donation to The Kennedy Center,” said Martin D. Schwartz, President and CEO. “This substantial contribution has been earmarked for general operating expenses, which will benefit the 2,000 people with disabilities we serve throughout the region.”

 

Lauretti added, “I have been involved with The Kennedy Center for several decades. This major rehabilitation agency provides people with disabilities many employment and community resources throughout the region, including in Shelton. In fact, several years ago, I hired an outstanding Kennedy Center worker in my office at City Hall.  

"I am honored to provide this worthwhile organization with a $5,000 donation from the Mayor’s Golf Tournament, so they can continue helping others.”

 

The Kennedy Center, founded in 1951, is an internationally accredited, non-profit, community-based rehabilitation organization that currently serves more than 2,000 individuals annually. 

The agency actively responds to the needs of the community by offering innovative, comprehensive service options to persons with disabilities and special needs, from birth to senior years.

 

The Kennedy Center operates 31 community experience programs, 16 group homes, an industries program composed of six businesses, supported and competitive employment and job placement services, a family support and respite service, travel training, and a variety of children’s programs. 

 

For more information visit www.thekennedycenterinc.org.

Someone I know ran her first 5K in the snow ~ in Trumbull

Daughter Allegra should be proud. I know I'm proud of her accomplishment. 
She started running about two months ago, and Saturday she finished the Bridgeport Police Activities League annual 5K road race. 

There were 97 entrants, and Allegra placed near the end. But she was happy to report she wasn't the last one to cross the finish line. 

These are two scenes from the 67th annual Christmas Village at the Bridgeport PAL Complex in Trumbull where the 5K began. 

The route went through Beardsley Park and part of Beardsley Zoo - that must have been fun! 
Allegra said she "was very cold and very wet," but she "had a good time."

Kennedy Center to display artwork at Kellogg Environmental Center in Derby

“Keep your love of nature, for that is the true way to understand art more and more.”
- Vincent Van Gogh

DERBY - Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection’s Kellogg Environmental Center is privileged to display the works of 16 talented artists from the Kennedy Center, Trumbull.

The Kennedy Center is a private, not-for-profit, community-based rehabilitation organization that supports individuals with disabilities.

Kellogg Environmental Center will host an opening from 5:30-7 p.m. Tuesday, May 9 where the public is welcome to attend and meet the artists.

The exhibit will be on display through June 12.

Many artists at The Kennedy Center are influenced by nature and their artwork often portrays this unique view of the world around them.

This show was inspired by vibrant, imaginative ecosystems that often come to life through the artwork: the heron emerging from behind the grass, the majestic mountains standing proudly, and the wild, blooming flowers.

Some artwork is inspired by their own communities and the Connecticut scenery, others reflect a broader, more global scope. These adult artists, each one a resident of Connecticut, have shown us their own eclectic interpretations of the things that one may take for granted. By enhancing the natural elements with bold color, detailed line, and provocative compositions, the images on the surface are given new life. Their artwork blossoms with possibility and invites the viewer to experience their world.

Artists participating in this special display are: Charles Best, Barbara Cobb, Ryan Curl, Michael Donahue, Alice DuBois, William DuBois, Ryan Gall, James Graves, Teresa Kiraly, Carolyn Kordish, Meghan McCormack, Marie Merceron, John Mitchell, Michael Oprendek, Maria Santiago, and Debra Willis.

The Kennedy Center promotes optimal participation and inclusion in the community by offering innovative, comprehensive services. One way that this is accomplished is through the expressive arts.

By collaborating with local centers and organizations, the diverse talents of individuals with disabilities can be witnessed in an inclusive, creative space.

Kellogg Environmental Center, 500 Hawthorne Ave., is open Tuesday through Saturday from 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m. There is no charge.

Call the Kellogg Environmental Center, 203-734-2513 or email donna.kingston@ct.gov for further information or directions.

For more information about the Kennedy Center and its services, visit www.thekennedycenterinc.org.


This is a press release from Connecticut DEEP.

Valley United Way slates 3rd annual community gala in Trumbull

* Note: This invitation was received on Jan. 3, the RSVP date.

Group shot taken at last year's community gala at the Trumbull Marriott./ Photo by Fred Ortoli

Kennedy Center to recognize volunteers from Shelton, Trumbull at annual gala

Steve and Bonnie Smith of Shelton are being honored at The Kennedy Center 52nd annual Four Seasons Ball Nov. 5./ Contributed photo

            

This year’s 52nd Annual Four Seasons Ball Nov. 5 will feature double the fun when two extraordinary couples will be honored.
This wonderful philanthropic evening to benefit The Kennedy Center's Residential Services will be held at the elegant Rolling Hills Country Club, 333 Hurlbutt St., Wilton. 

This popular ball will recognize Tribute Journal honorees Nancy and Joe Dennin of Trumbull, and Bonnie and Steve Smith of Shelton. 

Both couples have shown exceptional dedication to improving the lives of individuals with disabilities. 
In addition, they are both parents of a child with disabilities and have volunteered and supported The Kennedy Center for many decades.

Black tie optional and elegant attire is requested for one of the longest running charity galas in Fairfield County. Come enjoy this year’s dramatic theme, “Black & White.” Beginning at 7 p.m., enjoy a social hour with hors d’oeuvres, followed by a full-course dinner and dancing to the band Cracked Ice until midnight.

The ball is being spearheaded by co-chairs Michele Macauda and Richard Burke of Monroe. 
Committee members are: Trumbull residents Vanessa Fahy, Nancy Dennin, and Martin D. Schwartz; Fairfield residents Corey Allen, Maryla Colandrea, and Anne Foley; Shelton residents Bonnie Smith and Dottie Kellersman; Jo Ann McMullan of Westport, Robin Berry of Monroe, Gina Ciliberto of Shelton, and Deb Kane of Derby.

Also playing a major leadership role, are Bill Purcell of the Naugatuck Valley and Elizabeth Capobianco of Milford, co-chairs of the Tribute Journal. 

Members of the Tribute Journal include the following community leaders: Dan Long of Cheshire, Shelton residents Len Berger and Gina Ciliberto; Joe Giaccone of Danbury, Martin D. Schwartz of Trumbull, Jo Ann McMullan of Westport, and Deb Kane of Derby.

Proceeds from the ball will benefit The Kennedy Center’s residential services for people with disabilities, including: 16 group homes; a supported living option program, a family support and respite service, and the nationally recognized Caring for the Caregiver Program that offers support for parents of family members who are developmentally disabled.

Many sponsors have given generously to make this 52nd anniversary celebration special. 
The Platinum Sponsors are Dorothy B. Larson of Fairfield, Michele Macauda and Richard Burke of Monroe, and People’s United Bank; Sapphire Sponsors are William and Gloria Paul Family Foundation, and R. D. Scinto, Inc. At the Emerald level are the Foley Family of Fairfield and Fairfield University. Merit Insurance and BlumShapiro are Ruby Sponsors.

The Dennins of Trumbull
The Dennins met in graduate school in 1963 in Madison, Wis. where Joe earned a MA and PhD in Mathematics and Nancy earned a MA in Mathematics.

Currently, Joe is in his 40th year as a math professor at Fairfield University. In 2005, the Fairfield University chapter of the American Association of Professors selected him as Colleague of the Year, and in 2011, honored him with a Lifetime Achievement award. He received a BA in Mathematics from the College of the Holy Cross.

Nancy is in her 10th year teaching math at St. Joseph High School after 26 years at New Canaan High School. Nancy received the Edythe M. Slyffe award from the Mathematics Association of America for Excellence in Teaching. She received a BA in Mathematics from Hunter College.

The Dennins have always been strong supporters of The Kennedy Center on many levels and were selected Volunteers of the Year in 2007. Joe is serving his third term on The Kennedy Center Board. He has served on many committees, including the Annual Meeting, Golf and Annual Giving Committees. Nancy chaired the decorating committee for the Cabaret in its beginning years. 
The couple created Logoland for the Kennedy Center, whose purpose is to sell items with the agency logo and increase the visibility of The Kennedy Center in the community.

In addition, the Dennins are strong supporters of Special Olympics Connecticut and in 1999 were inducted into the SOCT Hall of Fame as winners of the Bozzuto Family Award. Both served nine years on the SOCT Board of Directors and are currently the local co-coordinators for the Trumbull Program. Joe serves as the Chairperson for the State Golf Committee. They have also served on the Westport Penguin Plunge and the Southwest Regional Qualifying Games. The Fairfield County Sports Commission presented Nancy with the 2007 SOCT Sportsperson of the year award.

Joe is on the Board of Directors of the Connecticut Down Syndrome Congress. While at New Canaan High School, Nancy coached the school mathematics team to three straight New England Championships. In the last millennium, with Joe as coach, the Danbury Debs twice won the Connecticut State fast pitch softball tournament and advanced to the finals of the New England regional.

The couple has four children: Peter (wife Katherine); Elizabeth (husband Chris); Michael (wife Jeni); and David, a client at The Kennedy Center; and 10 grandchildren.

The Smiths of Shelton
The Smiths met while both were students at Syracuse University. Since then, they have juggled demanding professional careers while raising a family and giving back to the community. 
Their daughter, Alison, is a consumer of The Kennedy Center. They also have a son, Brian (wife Adrienne) and two grandsons.

Steve is currently a board member of The Kennedy Center and previously served as Board Chair. He chairs the Marketing Committee and has served on the Board Advisory, Long Range Strategic Planning, Nominating and Golf Committees.

Steve was on the organizing committee for the Special Olympics World Games in 1995 and subsequently served nine years on the Board of Directors of SOCT, two years as Board Chair. He received the Susan St. James Award for Leadership and has been inducted into the Special Olympics Connecticut Hall of Fame. In addition to a B.S. in Marketing from Syracuse, he holds an M.S. in Management from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute and has operated Smith & Company, Market Research Consultants for the past 30 years.

Bonnie has recently retired from the Savings Bank of Danbury where she was Vice President of Human Resources for the past 19 years. 
She also spent nine years on the Board of Directors of SOCT where she chaired the Human Resources Committee. She has been inducted into the Shriver Society which recognizes individuals who are major supporters of the organization. Bonnie also serves on the Employer Advisory Committee for The Bridge to Independence and Career Opportunities which assists lower income women find meaningful employment. In 2015, she was named a Woman of FIRE by the Commercial Record which recognizes women in the Finance, Insurance and Real Estate sectors who have made a difference in their community.

Bonnie has volunteered at the Kennedy Center’s Autism SpectRUN and served on the committee for the Four Seasons Ball. 
In addition to a B.A. in Journalism and Political Science from Syracuse, Bonnie also holds an M.S. in Counseling and Human Resources from the University of Bridgeport.

Tickets for the Four Seasons Ball are $200 per person and may be ordered online at www.thekennedycenterinc.org. 

For more information, call 203-365-8522, Ext. 213.


This is a press release from the Kennedy Center.

Shelton company holds 11th annual golf tourney, raises funds for 3 area nonprofits

The 11th annual DiMatteo Family Charitable Foundation Golf Tournament was an overwhelming success, and contributed more than $33,000 to three nonprofits.

Representing this year’s beneficiaries are from left, Raymond Baldwin, Jr., President/CEO of St. Vincent’s Special Needs Services in Trumbull; Dianne Auger, President/CEO of St. Vincent’s Medical Center Foundation, for St. Vincent’s SWIM Across the Sound in Bridgeport; Joseph Pagliaro, Jr., President, Board of Directors of the Boys & Girls Club of the Lower Naugatuck Valley in Shelton, with Rosemarie Esposito and Robert Lesko, both of Shelton, board members of the DiMatteo Family Charitable Foundation./Contributed photo

      STRATFORD - Golf and giving went hand in hand recently when more than 120 golfers swung their clubs at the 11th Annual DiMatteo Family Charitable Foundation Golf Tournament. 
     Organized by the DiMatteo Group in Shelton, supporters played a round of golf at Oronoque Country Club in Stratford to benefit three local nonprofits.

         The DiMatteo Family Charitable Foundation split the $33,000 proceeds equally between the Boys & Girls Club of the Lower Naugatuck Valley in Shelton, St. Vincent’s Special Needs Services in Trumbull, and St. Vincent’s SWIM Across the Sound in Bridgeport.

The Foundation was established by the DiMatteo Group 11 years ago as a tribute to Anthony “Tony” DiMatteo, their late father and company founder, who was battling cancer at the time. 

        “Our Family Foundation in conjunction with our Golf Tournament is committed to supporting various organizations that have made a difference in the lives of our family, clients, and staff,” said John DiMatteo, President of the DiMatteo Group. 
         “Since its inception over a decade ago, we have contributed over $330,000 for various well-known local and national charities that fund research, education, and finding a cure for diseases.”

  Founded over 56 years ago, the family-owned and operated business specializes in insurance, employee benefits, income tax, and financial services. Giving back to the community is part of the company’s mission.

  A committee of nearly 25 volunteers planned this annual golf tournament.  
 The following volunteers deserve special recognition for volunteering more than five years:  Shelton residents Lena DiMatteo, Rosemarie Esposito, Loretta Lesko, Robert Lesko, Natalie Lesko, Barbara Gelozin, Nancy Opitz, Karen Minopoli, and Maureen Yash; Bethany residents John DiMatteo, Kim DiMatteo, and Michael DiMatteo; Maria Rodrigues of Milford, Sue Doolan of Orange, Genie Tricarico of Seymour, and Debbie Bobela of Monroe.

         Many area companies and business associates of DiMatteo Group contributed to the tournament as sponsors. Top gold sponsors included: Liberty Mutual Insurance, Fairway Payments, The Hartford, Anthem BlueCross BlueShield and the DiMatteo Group. Park City Ford of Bridgeport was the hole-in-one sponsor.

          At the silver sponsor level, the following generous sponsors were: Preferred Tool and Die, Inc. of Shelton, 3PL Worldwide, Inc. and Berliner Insurance. 
         Other event sponsors included: Commonwealth Cares Fund, Inc., Acadia Insurance, Selective Insurance, and CATIC Financial, Inc.

            In addition, for over a decade, Steve Geremia from Safelite AutoGlass in Bridgeport has organized a "Hit the Windshield" putting contest on the day of the tournament and donates the prize and the proceeds. 

            John DiMatteo added, “We are extremely grateful to all our friends, family, and customers who have so generously contributed to our golf tournament. This annual event is the major source of funding for our Family Foundation and we want to recognize the community’s ongoing support.”

            Some of the past beneficiaries of the golf tournament have included: Project Purple, National Kidney Foundation, the Umbrella Center for Domestic Violence Services, The Kennedy Center, Juvenile Diabetes Association, American Heart Association, Spooner House, Homes for the Brave Female Soldiers/Forgotten Heroes, and MovingWithHOPE.           

               DiMatteo Group continues to maintain its foundation of integrity, personalized service and treating others as an extension of the family. “We have successfully transitioned the business from our parents and founders to the second generation with three siblings and two spouses, each of whom manages a key department,” said John DiMatteo. 

             Three siblings serve as officers of the company. John DiMatteo of Bethany specializes in financial planning and works with his wife, Kim DiMatteo, a partner in the business.  
             Loretta Lesko of Shelton, the second youngest sibling, serves as Vice President, and is in charge of Operations, while her husband Robert Lesko is a partner.  
            In addition, Rosemarie Esposito of Shelton, the eldest sibling, is the agency’s Treasurer, an Enrolled Agent and manages DiMatteo Group – Tax & Accounting Services LLC.  View www.dimatteogrp.com for more information.


This is a press release from the DiMatteo Group.

Ansonia's Gordon-Visselli Post adjutant recognized at state convention in Trumbull

Gordon-Visselli Post 50 Adjutant Patrick Henri accepts award from American Legion State Commander Paul Spedallarie./ Contributed photo

ANSONIA - Gordon-Visselli American Legion Post 50 was recognized at the Department of Connecticut American Legion Convention July 7 at the Trumbull Marriott through an award presented to Post Adjutant Patrick Henri. 

Henri received the Herbert L. Emanuelson Plaque which is awarded annually to the Legionnaire who has rendered the most outstanding contributions to Community Service. Cited were Henri’s various roles in city government, involvement in patriotic events, and public outreach through Post 50. Henri was also the 2013 recipient.

The Connecticut Department of the American Legion annually conducts an award ceremony at its Summer Convention to recognize contributions of individuals and Posts in the categories of Americanism, Community Service, Membership, Post Activity and Veterans Affairs.

Post Officers for 2016-17 are: Commander Jack Granatie, Senior Vice-Commander Mike Heise, Junior Vice-Commander Bill Ritchie, Adjutant Pat Henri, Finance Officer Bill Nimons, Chaplain Tom Henri, and Sargent-at-Arms Larry Cramp.

Any veteran interested in joining Ansonia Post 50 may call Mike Heise at 203-308-7845. 
Monthly meetings will begin in September after a summer break, at 7 p.m. on the second Thursday of each month at the Ansonia Armory, 5 State St. 

Continued and new membership enhances our capabilities throughout the community. There are missions here at home worthy of your time and talent. 
We invite you to join our ranks and muster with us.


This is press release from Patrick Henri.

Knights of Columbus from Shelton, Trumbull churches paint school

Knights of Columbus from St. Catherine of Siena, St. Theresa, and St. Lawrence churches recently painted more than 4,000 square feet of St. Catherine Academy in Fairfield. Pictured from left are Al Cerino, of St. Catherine’s of Siena, Deacon Frank Masso of St. Lawrence, Christian Meagher, and J.P. Rizzitelli, of St. Catherine of Siena, and Chris Lehaney, of St. Theresa./ Contributed photo

Knights of Columbus from St. Catherine of Siena and St. Theresa churches in Trumbull and St. Lawrence in Shelton recently painted more than 4,000 square feet of St. Catherine Academy in Fairfield.

Knights and volunteers from the three churches painted the school’s main hallway, receptionist office, physical therapy room and vocational room over the course of four days. 
The school hadn’t been painted in roughly four years and needed a fresh coat of paint as well as spackling in several places.

“This is a wonderful act of faith in action,” said Helen Burland, executive director of St. Catherine Academy. “We are so appreciative of the time and effort that was put in to make our building shine. I hope that members of these councils will be regular visitors to Saint Catherine’s. They are always welcomed!”

St. Catherine Academy is a special education school serving students of all faiths who are impacted with autism, intellectual, and developmental disabilities. 

The facility is intentionally designed to help students transition from former environments to one that encourages greater independence. Students develop positive self-esteem and self-confidence while acquiring the necessary skills to reach their potential for independent living or a return to a mainstream environment.

“As Knights of Columbus, it is our duty to act upon Jesus’ call to love thy neighbor as thyself,” said Christian Meagher, grand knight of Knights of Columbus Council 5806 at St. Catherine of Siena. 
“When Helen told us that the school needed a new coat of paint, brothers from these three councils enthusiastically answered the call. We were all proud to help this wonderful school and support its mission to make sure everyone gets a quality education and assistance in becoming independent.”

Knights of Columbus from St. Lawrence Church, from left, Bill Wolf and Greg Marty help paint St. Catherine Academy in Fairfield./ Contributed photo

Meagher thanked Benjamin Moore for donating the paint for the project, Jersey Mike’s Subs for donating lunch for the volunteers, and members of all three parishes who donated labor, funds, and supplies for the project.

For more information about the Knights of Columbus, visit kofc.org. 
For more information about St. Catherine Academy, visit stcatherineacademy.org.


This is a press release from Christian Meagher.

Author to discuss railroad history at Shelton community

Crosby Commons Assisted Living Community. / Contributed photo

SHELTON - Local rail-trail historian and author Sue A. DelBianco will offer a slide presentation, "Rails to Back Trails," at 2 p.m. April 28 at Crosby Commons Assisted Living Community on the Wesley Village Campus, 580 Long Hill Ave. 

The presentation will use captivating images to tell the story of the train line that ran from Bridgeport-Pittsfield, Mass., promoting industry and linking communities from 1840-1942. 

Today, the abandoned rail corridor from Trumbull-Newtown has become one of Connecticut's best recreational trails called "Rails to Trails". Why did the train line vanish? DelBianco will tell you the real story. 

This presentation is free and open to the public. DelBianco will also have copies of her video, "Rails to Trails: A Journey Back in Time,” which tells the story of the train line from Bridgeport through the Trumbull Valley. 

Light refreshments will be available. 

For information contact 203-225-5000.   

This is a press release from United Methodist Homes.