Griffin Health presents multi-skilled technician with staff excellence award

DERBY - Griffin Health recently hosted its annual Nursing Support Staff Appreciation Celebration to recognize its more than 300 caregivers who make vital contributions as coordinators between patients and nurses and doctors, including its 2026 Caregiver Excellence Award winner, Multi-Skilled Technician Rachel Layseca.

The Caregiver Excellence Award is given to an exemplary Griffin Health employee whom others believe demonstrates outstanding leadership qualities, the highest level of standards and excellent patient care, and consistently exhibits caring, commitment, and compassion towards patients and coworkers.

A four-year Griffin caregiver in the hospital’s Emergency Department, Rachel was selected for the award for being a leader who sets a high standard for herself and inspires those around her.

“Rachel is the kind of teammate every nurse hopes to work with,” the nomination for Rachel states. “When Rachel is assigned as your technician, you know you will have an outstanding partner who anticipates patient needs, communicates effectively, and works seamlessly with the entire health care team. She consistently demonstrates initiative, reliability, and a positive attitude, even in the fast-paced and unpredictable environment of the Emergency Department.”

Griffin Health congratulates Heart of Caring Award winner

Griffin Health recently hosted its annual Nursing Support Staff Appreciation Celebration to recognize its more than 300 caregivers who make vital contributions as coordinators between patients and nurses and doctors, including its 2026 Heart of Caring Award winner, Multi-Skilled Technician Moraima “Mo” Medina.

The Caring Heart Award is given to an exemplary Griffin Health nursing support staff member whom others believe to be truly committed, compassionate, kind and exemplifies the Planetree person-centered care philosophy.

A recently hired caregiver in the Griffin Hospital inpatient units, Moraima was selected for the award for her consistent person-centered care and compassion for patients.

“It is not unusual for Mo to go to the gift shop to buy little gifts for her patients such as lip balm for dry lips or balloons for a birthday,” the nomination for Moraima stated. “Mo is known to go visit her patients when they are transferred to other units. Specifically, there was a patient transferred for hospice care. Mo made a point to go visit with the patient and the family.”

Ansonia Police welcome Officer Wells to department; congratulations!

The Ansonia Police Department is proud to announce that Officer David Wells has successfully completed his Field Training Program and has officially been released to solo patrol status!

Please join us in welcoming Officer Wells to the Ansonia Police Department and the City of Ansonia. We’re excited to have him as part of our team and look forward to seeing him serve and connect with the community.

The next time you see Officer Wells out on patrol, give him a wave and say hello!

Welcome to Ansonia, Officer Wells!

Shared from the APD Facebook page.

Congratulations to all Julian A. Taylor award recipients in Ansonia

From left: award recipient Airieonna Richards, Ansonia Mayor Frank Tyszka, Committee Chair Diane Stroman.

The $5,000 award went to Airieonna Richards, a recent graduate of Ansonia High School with a 3.69 GPA!! 

Airieonna was involved in many extracurricular activities including Varsity Soccer, Varsity Tennis, FBLA, National Honors Society, Mu Alpha Theta Honors Society, Chargers in the making mentoring program, and Yearbook. 

This fall Airieonna will attend Quinnipiac University to study radiology.

The $100 award recipients include: Preston Poteete, Jewel Lewis, Volf Jean, Woodly Vixama, Amit Wragg, Destiny Taylor, Emily Depass, Lydia Steward, Daniel Perkins, Omarion Wynter, Beatrice Sherman, Xavier Reid, Don'Nijah Reese, Paige Diaz, Sarah Heslop, Kevin Bronson, Aubree Vereen, Evina Steward, Isreal Kalonji, Hendry Lombert and Aaliyah Marie Ballester.

Shared from the City of Ansonia Facebook page.

 

Ansonia Police Department congratulates 2 new recruit officers

The Ansonia Police Department is proud to introduce our two newest recruit officers, Laszlo Benedek (center left) and Joshua Segarra (center right) as they enter the Municipal Police Training Academy in Meriden. 

They will spend the next six months training before starting their field training to become a full time officer. Congratulations and good luck.

They are flanked by Chief Wayne Williams, left, and Mayor Frank Tyszka.

Derby Police Department welcomes, congratulates new recruit

Sophia Giglotti

Last evening, the Derby Police Department proudly welcomed our newest recruit, Sophia Gigliotti, who was officially sworn in during the Police Commissioners Meeting.

Recruit Gigliotti was administered the Oath of Office by Police Commissioner Tom DeGennaro as family, friends, and department members looked on. She will begin the police academy on Friday, July 10.

Please join us in welcoming Recruit Gigliotti to the Derby Police Department and wishing her the best of luck as she begins her academy training. We are excited to have her on the team and look forward to watching her succeed.

Congratulations, Sophia, and good luck at the academy!

Derby Police congratulate Chief Scott Todd on his retirement after 38 years

Chief Scott Todd

The Derby Police Department recognizes and celebrates the retirement of Chief Scott Todd after 38 years of dedicated service to our community.

Throughout his career, Chief Todd has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to public safety, professionalism, and the men and women of the Derby Police Department. His leadership, integrity, and dedication have left a lasting impact on our department and the City of Derby.

On behalf of the entire Derby Police Department, we extend our sincere gratitude for your decades of service and commitment to protecting our community. Thank you for leading this department with pride and dedication.

Please join us in congratulating Chief Scott Todd on his well-earned retirement. We wish him good health, happiness, and the very best moving forward.

Congratulations, Chief Todd, and thank you for your service! 

Shared from the Derby PD Facebook page.

Ansonia Police congratulate Lt. Patrick Lynch on his retirement after 36 years

Today, the Ansonia Police Department recognizes and celebrates the retirement of Lieutenant Patrick Lynch after 36 years of dedicated service to our department and the City of Ansonia.

Throughout his career, Lieutenant Lynch demonstrated unwavering commitment, professionalism, and leadership while serving and protecting our community. His dedication to the residents of Ansonia, as well as the officers and staff he worked alongside, has left a lasting impact on this department and the countless lives he touched throughout his career.

On behalf of the entire Ansonia Police Department, we thank Lieutenant Lynch for his 36 years of faithful service and wish him nothing but happiness, good health, and success in this next chapter of life.

Congratulations on your retirement, Lieutenant Lynch. Your service will not be forgotten, and your legacy will continue to be felt for years to come. Enjoy a happy, healthy, and well-deserved retirement!

Salvation Army Greater Valley congratulates Captain Fenton on her promotion

Captain Tatyana Fenton

ANSONIA - The Ansonia Corps wants to congratulate and celebrate Captain Tatyana Fenton on her promotion to the rank of Captain in The Salvation Army!

This promotion represents more than time in service—it reflects a continued commitment to God’s calling, faithful ministry, and a desire to serve others in Christ’s name.

Throughout her officership, Captain Fenton has sought to share the love of Jesus through worship, discipleship, community service, and compassionate ministry.

As the Ansonia Corps also approaches one year of ministry under the leadership of Captain Tatyana Fenton and Lieutenant Joshua Fenton, we take this opportunity to express our gratitude for their faithful service.

Their ministry continues to bear fruit through their willingness to answer God’s call and serve wherever He leads. Their love for God, dedication to the community, and commitment to sharing the Gospel have made a meaningful impact on countless lives.

Please join us in praying for Captain Tatyana and Lieutenant Joshua as they continue their ministry. May God guide, strengthen, and equip them for the work ahead. May He bless their leadership, renew their spirits, and use them mightily for His Kingdom.

Seymour Middle School teams congratulated on Junior NVL championships

 

Derby Public Library congratulates 2026 scholarship winner

Derby Public Library would like to offer a massive congratulations to Genesis Alvarado of Derby, 2026 Winner of Derby Public Library’s High School Scholarship Award. 

She will be attending the University of Connecticut this fall, and we wish her all the best in her studies!

Shared from the Derby Public Library Facebook page.

Ansonia Police officers recognized for dedication to child advocacy

Protecting children is more than a responsibility, it’s a commitment our officers carry with them every single day.

The Ansonia Police Department is honored to announce that both the department and several of its members were recently recognized through Pinwheels for Prevention by the South Central Child Advocacy Center for their dedication, investigative expertise, and continued efforts to keep children safe.

The Ansonia Police Department proudly received two awards recognizing the department’s overall commitment to going above and beyond in protecting children, supporting victims, and pursuing these sensitive investigations with professionalism, compassion, and care.

In addition, we are proud to recognize Detective Esposito, Detective Mendenhall, Detective Clifford, Officer Ribeiro, and Officer Troesser (not pictured) for also receiving awards for their outstanding efforts, investigative skills, and unwavering dedication to this important work.

Cases involving children require patience, empathy, attention to detail, and relentless commitment — qualities that these officers and detectives demonstrate every day. Their work reflects the department’s mission to serve and protect our community’s most vulnerable with integrity and compassion.

Please join us in congratulating these outstanding members of our department, as well as the department as a whole, for these well-deserved recognitions and for the meaningful impact they continue to make in our community.

Shared from the APD Facebook page.

Congrats to Ansonia cheer team on winning the NVL championship

From Ansonia Public Schools Sunday:

ANSONIA - Congratulations to our cheer team on winning the NVL Championship! 

This is the first time in school history that we have earned this title. Coach Jen has now won every championship during her tenure, including State and New England Championships.

Great job, ladies!

Seymour Police Department welcomes 2 new officers

The Town of Seymour is proud to introduce its two newest officers, who were sworn in this morning. 

Congratulations to Megan McFarland and Jayden Tomasella, who will begin the police academy tomorrow.
Pictured from left: Seymour First Selectwoman Annmarie Drugonis, Police Chief John Bucherati, Officer Jayden Tomasella, Officer Megan McFarland, Deputy Chief Michael Fappiano, and School Resource Officer Corey Tomasella.

We are honored to welcome these outstanding individuals to the Seymour Police Department family!

Shared from Annmarie Drugonis, First Selectwoman of Seymour Facebook page.

Congratulations to newly sworn-in commander of Seymour Police Department

Today, we proudly celebrate Sergeant Jason Uliano as he is officially sworn in as Commander with the Seymour Police Department.

With unwavering dedication, strong leadership, and a deep commitment to serving our community, Commander Uliano has earned this honor through years of exemplary service and integrity.

Your leadership continues to inspire those around you, and we are confident that your transition into this new role will bring continued excellence and strength to the department.

Congratulations Commander Uliano!

Shared from the Town of Seymour Police Department Facebook page.

Ansonia Police Department congratulates 2 new officers

APD photo

Congratulations to Officer Denyce Ruiz and Officer Anthony Santos for successfully completing their field training.

Officers Ruiz and Santos have spent the last 10 months training at the police academy and in the field training program, earning their police officer certification. We look forward to them having a long and healthy career at the Ansonia Police Department.

Shared from the department's Facebook page.

Congratulations to Ansonia Library on winning award for children's services

 From today's Ansonia Library Facebook post:

"We’re off to celebrate!  The Ansonia Library will close at 4 p.m. today so we can head to Hartford to be honored by the CT State Library for Outstanding Children’s Services! We’ll be back tomorrow for our regular hours...blue ribbon in hand!"

Winner of Derby Public Library scholarship essay contest congratulated

DERBY - The winner of Derby Public Library's 2025 Senior Scholarship essay is Julissa Flores! 

Please congratulate her on this accomplishment as she steps into the next phase of her educational journey! 

She is a graduate of Derby High School who currently manages a Dunkin Donuts in the valley and will be majoring in business and Marketing at Pace University in the fall.

Julissa expressed her love and appreciation of the library with such incredible eloquence:

"Libraries have been more than just a place filled with books for me—they have been a sanctuary, a second home, and a guiding light in my life. From a young age, I found comfort within the walls of my local library, a place where my curiosity was encouraged, and my dreams felt within reach. Libraries have provided me with knowledge, inspiration, and a sense of belonging, shaping me into the person I am today."

She went on to say....

"The library gave me access to a treasure trove of knowledge, fueling my intellectual curiosity and fostering a passion for reading that has carried me through every stage of my education.

And finally....

"Libraries are more than just buildings—they are pillars of education, growth, and community. Their impact on my life has been immeasurable, and I know they will continue to inspire and empower generations to come. Through libraries, I have discovered my potential, expanded my horizons, and developed a lifelong love for learning."

This is shared from the Library's Facebook page.

*Congratulations, Julissa, and all the best to you as you start your education at Pace University!  

Seymour High School Class of 2025 graduates congratulated

Members of the Class of 2025 file onto DeBarber Field Wednesday at Seymour High School. Photo by Jean Falbo-Sosnovich

Read about the 138th annual commencement ceremony here in a story by Jean Falbo-Sosnovich in the Valley Independent Sentinel. 

Derby Police Department congratulates 3 officers on promotions

Please join us in congratulating 3 members of our department on their well-deserved promotions!!!

Sgt. Frank DeAngelo has been promoted to the rank of Lieutenant.

Officer Joe Townsend and Officer Josh Cash have been promoted to the rank of Sergeant.

Each of these officers have consistently demonstrated leadership, dedication, and an unwavering commitment to serving our great little city.

Their hard work and professionalism has not gone unnoticed.

Thank you to Chief Todd, Mayor DiMartino, and Police Commissioners DeGennaro, Lenart, and Gloade for administering the oaths and presenting the promotional orders.

We look forward to the positive impact they will continue to make in their new roles.

This is shared from the Derby Police Department Facebook page.