Derby Board of Education to hold workshop Tuesday on excess cost funding

DERBY - The Board of Education is inviting the public to participate in an informational session covering Excess Cost Funding at 6 p.m.Tuesday.

The board is hosting a 30-minute workshop where members of the public will have the opportunity to hear from a number of state representatives and gain a deeper understanding of how the current Excess Cost Funding formula is impacting our district.

Planning to attend are state Representatives Nicole Klarides-Ditria, Mary Welander, Kara Rochelle, state Sen. Jorge Cabrera, and Co-Chair of the Legislative Education Committee, Jeff Currey - along with members of the Derby Board of Education and Superintendent of  Schools Dr. Matthew J. Conway, Jr.

Derby Board of Education Chairman Jim Gildea said, "Each child who is a part of the Derby public school family deserves to be educated. As part of that charge, we have seen our special  education costs rise significantly through the years. We feel that now more than ever we as a school system need to work with our area legislators towards ensuring that Derby receives their full share of the excess cost grant and the special education assistance we need. Our special education forum on Tuesday is one small step towards beginning the collaboration process with our
legislative delegation."

Conway said, "The state has historically underfunded the excess cost grant, leaving
municipalities with the extreme financial burden of costs for special education programs. This is an unsustainable model that unfairly impacts economically distressed municipalities with a high transient population."

The workshop will be held in the Derby Middle School cafetorium or you can participate via Zoom at the link below:


https://us02web.zoom.us/i/82639798664

Meeting ID: 826 3979 8664

This is a press release from Derby Public Schools.

Seymour slates forums on American Rescue Plan funding

Seymour residents - mark your calendars for next week! 

The Town of Seymour has been awarded $4.8 million in American Rescue Plan funding. Join any one of these meetings to hear the town's plans on spending the funds, and share what you think the town most needs. 

How should these funds be spent for the greatest benefit to residents?

This is shared from TEAM, Inc.'s Facebook page.

Greater Valley Chamber accepting Women in Networking grant applications

The Women in Networking Entrepreneurial Grant program provides financial assistance to women 18 years of age or older whose business is located in the towns of Ansonia, Beacon Falls, Derby, Oxford, Seymour, or Shelton. 

The money is intended as grant-in-aid for expenses to enhance the applicant's current business or to start a business. 

The grant may be used for expenses such as equipment, marketing, training/certification/recertification courses necessary to reach the applicant's business goals.

Since it's inception in 2004, the WIN Entrepreneurial Grant has supported the dreams of 61 women-owned businesses through grants and scholarships totaling close to $60,000. Due to the members’ outstanding passion for philanthropy and helping others, in 2007 the Grant Committee established the WIN Entrepreneurial Grant Fund through the Valley Community Foundation to ensure it will continue for future generations.

The initial grant of $500 allowed a young massage therapist to purchase a credit card machine to allow for safer transactions with her clients. Since that time, the program has supported the purchases of items such as commercial grade mixers, refrigerators, and computer equipment to assistance with marketing campaigns, industry certifications and scholarships to WBDC training sessions with past grants ranging in size from $500 to $2,400.

The WIN (Women In Networking) Council was formed in 2002 as a way to share hurdles unique to women in business by providing a warm, friendly atmosphere that is supportive, educational, and dynamic. 

Members are a mix of female entrepreneurs, business owners, and key players in B2B services. WIN is a committee of the Greater Valley Chamber of Commerce.

Women-owned business in the Valley (Ansonia, Beacon Falls, Derby, Oxford, Seymour, and Shelton) can contact the Greater Valley Chamber of Commerce for a copy of the 2021 application. Application due date is Oct. 1. Distribution of funds will be in early December 2021.

This is shared from a Greater Valley Chamber of Commerce Facebook event page. 

Klarides-Ditria: SBA prioritizes small businesses in PPP funding

The U.S. Small Business Administration announced the latest round of Paycheck Protection Program funding opened last month has already succeeded in making major improvements to the program’s implementation:

For businesses with fewer than 10 employees, the share of funding is up nearly 60 percent.

For businesses in rural communities, the share of funding is up nearly 30 percent.

The share of funding distributed through Community Development Financial Institutions and Minority Depository Institutions is up more than 40 percent.

“The SBA is a frontline agency working to create an inclusive economy, focused on reaching women-owned, minority-owned, low- and moderate-income, rural, and other underserved communities in meaningful ways. While reported data illustrates we have made real strides in ensuring these funds are reaching underserved communities, we believe we can still do better,” says SBA Senior Advisor Michael Roth.

“The important policy changes we are announcing further ensure inclusivity and integrity by increasing access and much-needed aid to Main Street businesses that anchor our neighborhoods and help families build wealth.”

The SBA will:
Establish a 14-day, exclusive PPP loan application period for businesses and nonprofits with fewer than 20 employees.
Allow sole proprietors, independent contractors, and self-employed individuals to receive more financial support by revising the PPP’s funding formula for these categories of applicants.
Eliminate an exclusionary restriction on PPP access for small business owners with prior non-fraud felony convictions, consistent with a bipartisan congressional proposal
Eliminate PPP access restrictions on small business owners who have struggled to make federal student loan payments by eliminating federal student loan debt delinquency and default as disqualifiers to participating in the PPP; and
Ensure access for non-citizen small business owners who are lawful U.S. residents by clarifying that they may use Individual Taxpayer Identification Number to apply for the PPP.

The 14-day exclusivity period will start on Wednesday, Feb. 24, 2021 at 9 a.m., while the other four changes will be implemented by the first week of March. 

The SBA is working on the program changes and will communicate details throughout this week.

These actions will help to lay the foundation for a robust and equitable recovery for small businesses across the country.

Small businesses employ nearly half of the American workforce; they create 2 out of 3 net new private-sector jobs; they reinvest 68% of revenues to build and sustain communities. Borrowers can apply for the Paycheck Protection Program by downloading the First Draw PPP loan application or Second Draw PPP loan application and working with a participating PPP lender through the SBA Lender Match tool.

Through SBA’s nationwide district offices, the Agency will work in close partnership with the Administration to further leverage its resource partner network and expand on multilingual access and outreach about the PPP. 

Updated PPP information, including forms, guidance, and resources is available at www.sba.gov/ppp and www.treasury.gov/cares.

Sincerely,

BHcare's The Umbrella Center receives $2,500 from Archbishop's Annual Appeal

BHcare’s The Umbrella Center for Domestic Violence Services recently received a check in the amount of $2,500 from the Archbishop’s Annual Appeal through its Vicariate Outreach Program.

The funding will help UCDVS continue to provide free and confidential services to nearly 8,000 victims of domestic violence and their children each year. 

UCDVS provides emergency safe shelter, 24-hour crisis services, counseling, court advocacy, support and other crucial services to those fleeing from domestic abuse. 

“We are so grateful for the continued support of the Archbishop’s Annual Appeal” said Esperina Stubblefield, Director of UCDVS. “This funding is needed more so than ever before. As the pandemic surges, calls to our hotlines remain steady and our clients’ needs are increasing. These funds will help us meet those needs and we are so thankful.”

UCDVS is a program of BHcare that provides services for victims and children of domestic violence free of charge. 

Each year, nearly 8,000 domestic violence victims, survivors and their children walk through the door of UCDVS looking for shelter, help and hope. Learn more at bhcare.org.

About the Archbishop’s Annual Appeal

Since 1981, the Archbishop’s Annual Appeal has been able to assist tens of thousands of people – regardless of race, religion, or color – across the Archdiocese of Hartford, with health care, education, housing, emergency expenses, and in numerous other areas. 

It is through the Archbishop’s Annual Appeal Vicariate Outreach Program and the generosity of its donors the appeal is appeal to assist a wide array of community-based charities throughout Hartford, New Haven and Litchfield counties. 

This is a press release from BHcare.

Rochelle: COVID Relief Fund grants available for nonprofit arts groups

 

Nonprofit arts organizations can now apply for one-time COVID Relief Fund for the Arts grants and matching funds between $5,000 and $750,000.

The Connecticut Office of the Arts will accept applications between Oct. 23 and Nov. 3.
The $9 million in grants are being made available through the federal CARES Act.
Funding is available for performing arts centers, performing groups, and schools of the arts.

Learn more about the eligibility requirements and application process here.
You can read the Governor's announcement here.


This information is shared from a press release from state Rep. Kara Rochelle, D-Ansonia/Derby.

Rochelle: FEMA approves funding for crisis counseling in CT

 

HARTFORD -The State of Connecticut has received approval from the Federal Emergency Management Agency to provide crisis counseling to those who have been impacted by COVID-19. 

The program will be administered by the Connecticut Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services in cooperation with the Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection. 
The $669,404 grant will provide the following services:

• Crisis counseling to persons experiencing homelessness who are in shelters, hotels, and in the community, as well as staff in these facilities;
• Crisis counseling to senior citizens in congregate care settings and the community; and
• Enhancement of crisis counseling call-line services provided through United Way 2-1-1.

This information is from a press release from state Rep. Kara Rochelle, D-Ansonia.

Community Foundation releases $1.3M to help nonprofits cope during pandemic

NEW HAVEN - The Community Foundation for Greater New Haven's (The Foundation) President & CEO Will Ginsberg announced that The Foundation distributed $1.3 Million in grant-making today to help Greater New Haven nonprofits cope during the COVID-19 pandemic; some of these grants would have normally been awarded in the next 6-12 months while others were directed by donor advised fund holders. 

Thirty-one nonprofits serving Greater New Haven received $1.1 Million of accelerated funding, including 3 grants made by The Foundation’s partner in philanthropy, the Valley Community Foundation.

“Knowing that regular income sources are on hold for many nonprofits, we are hopeful that this acceleration of funding provides some immediate relief,” said Ginsberg. “This is just one of several steps The Foundation is taking to provide assistance in our community of twenty towns and cities.”

On March 20, The Foundation announced it had created a Greater New Haven COVID-19 Community Fund in partnership with United Way of Greater New Haven.  

The Fund now has $1 Million in contributions from donors and $500,000 from The Foundation. Community-wide fundraising continues; the public is invited to give to the Fund online and help build resources for the recovery of the community. The first grants from this new Fund are expected to be made next week. 

For more information about the Greater New Haven COVID-19 Community Fund and to donate online visit www.cfgnh.org/covid19fund. 

U.S. community foundations (nearly 187 in 49 states and Washington D.C.) are moving decisively to help those in need during the COVID-19 crisis, mobilizing more than $282 Million, as of March 27. These funds are providing critical support to those who are facing challenges such as lost income, housing and food instability.

About The Community Foundation

Thanks to the generosity of three generations of donors, The Community Foundation for Greater New Haven is composed of hundreds of individually named funds and distributes millions of dollars in grants annually to build a stronger Greater New Haven region. The Foundation’s 20-town service area includes: Ansonia, Bethany, Branford, Cheshire, Derby, East Haven, Guilford, Hamden, Madison, Milford, New Haven, North Branford, North Haven, Orange, Oxford, Seymour, Shelton, Wallingford, West Haven, Woodbridge. 

For more information about The Community Foundation, visit www.cfgnh.org, find us on Facebook at www.facebook.org/cfgnh or follow us on Twitter at www.twitter.com/cfgnh

Rochelle supports legislation to assist senior citizens

State Rep. Kara Rochelle

HARTFORD - State Rep. Kara Rochelle (D- Ansonia/Derby) is proud to support tax relief for those who receive Social Security and pensions and an increase in funding for the Meals on Wheels program, both included in the 2019 budget. 

In addition to these budgetary efforts to support seniors, Rochelle supported four additional bills focusing on seniors’ well-being and quality of life. 

Legislation passed in the most recent session included funding initiatives that will help keep seniors in their homes as long as possible, requiring appropriate staffing levels in nursing homes, providing the public access to a searchable database of people who may be a risk to our seniors and people with disabilities, and requiring certain health care providers to receive training in recognizing the signs of and symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease and dementia.

“Our older neighbors, friends, and loved ones deserve pathways to age with stability, proper support, and dignity," Rochelle said. "These legislative efforts all work toward that goal. I’m proud to be a part of improving the lives of our seniors and look forward to continued efforts in future sessions.”

A closer look at the bills:

The Budget

· Tax Relief for Seniors: This year’s budget implements tax cuts for seniors on Social Security and for those who receive pensions. For Social Security recipients who earn a total income of less than 75k/year or couples who earn less than $100,000k/year the state will no longer be taxing social security income. For those who earn above these thresholds, you will receive a 75 percent tax credit on social security. For those receiving pensions: starting this year and going forth every year until we reach zero the state will be reducing pension taxes on those earning less than $75k/year for an individual and $100k/year for a couple by 14 percent each year.

· Increase in Meals on Wheels Funding: This year’s budget saw an increase in funding for Meals on Wheels, critical for supporting thousands of seniors across the state and many seniors here in Ansonia and Derby.

Legislation

· HB6170, An Act Increasing Funding For Aging In Place Initiatives – funds various initiatives to help our older neighbors remain in their own homes as long as possible with proper support as needed.

· SB375, An Act Concerning Nursing Home Facility Staffing Levels- ensures the well-being of nursing home residents by requiring nursing homes to provide clear safety data to the state including but not limited to the number of nurses that will direct patient contact for each shift and minimum number of required staff for each shift.

· SB832, An act Concerning Registries of Persons Found Responsible For Assaults Or Other Abuse, Neglect, Exploitation, Or Abandonment Of Elderly Persons Or Persons With Disabilities – provides the public with access to a searchable database of perpetrators of crimes and other substantiated abuse, neglect, exploitation or abandonment of elderly persons or persons with disabilities.

· SB827, An Act Concerning Alzheimer’s Disease and Dementia Training And Best Practices – requires certain health care professionals who provide primary care or emergency treatment for adults to receive training in recognizing the signs and symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease dementia. 
This bill also establishes a working group to develop recommendations on improving the care for Alzheimer’s disease and dementia patients.


This is a press release from Rochelle's office.

Naugatuck Valley Health District to help with remediation of lead issues

Plumb Memorial Library in Shelton to host program on college funding

Advanced College Funding Solutions
Plumb Memorial Library
65 Wooster St., Shelton
April 23, 7 p.m.

Join this free, open to the public, program and learn about college funding. 
Learn about the various programs and methods to make college more affordable.

*This info is shared from the Shelton Library System Facebook page.

BHcare's The Umbrella receives $4K from Archbishop's Annual Appeal

EAST HAVEN - BHcare’s The Umbrella Center for Domestic Violence Services has received a check in the amount of $4,085 from the Archbishop’s Annual Appeal through its Vicariate Outreach Program.

The funding will help UCDVS provide free, confidential services to more than 6,000 victims of domestic violence and their children each year. 

Services such as emergency shelter, 24-hour crisis hotlines, walk-in crisis centers, counseling, advocacy and other supports are provided to those fleeing from domestic abuse. 

“The Umbrella Center for Domestic Violence Services is extremely grateful for the gift and enthusiastically received the check on behalf of the nearly 6,200 victims we served last year,” said Esperina Stubblefield, UCDVS Director. “The money will help bridge funding gaps for much needed services and assistance to victims that are not funded by the state or local grants”.

UCDVS is a program of BHcare that provides services for victims and children of domestic violence free of charge. 

Each year, more than 6,000 abused women and their children walk through the door of UCDVS looking for shelter, help, and hope. 

Learn more at bhcare.org.

About the Archbishop’s Annual Appeal

Since 1981, the Archbishop’s Annual Appeal has been able to assist tens of thousands of people – regardless of race, religion, or color – across the Archdiocese of Hartford, with health care, education, housing, emergency expenses, and in numerous other areas. 

It is through the Archbishop’s Annual Appeal Vicariate Outreach Program and the generosity of its donors the appeal is able to assist a wide array of community-based charities throughout Hartford, New Haven, and Litchfield counties. 

This is a press release from BHcare.

BHcare's The Umbrella receives $4K from Archbishop's Annual Appeal

ANSONIA - BHcare’s The Umbrella Center for Domestic Violence Services recently received a check in the amount of $4,000 from the Archbishop’s Annual Appeal through its Vicariate Outreach Program.

The funding will help UCDVS provide free, confidential services to more than 6,000 victims of domestic violence and their children each year. 

Services such as emergency shelter, 24-hour crisis hotlines, walk-in crisis centers, counseling, advocacy, and other supports are provided to those fleeing from domestic abuse. 

“With the recent budget cuts and uncertainties in the state, we remain grateful for the continued support of the Archbishop’s Annual Appeal funding,” said Esperina Stubblefield, UCDVS Director. 

“The need for our services continues to increase making these funds critical to our programs and services.”

UCDVS is a program of BHcare that provides services for victims and children of domestic violence free of charge. 

Learn more at bhcare.org.

About the Archbishop’s Annual Appeal

Since 1981, the Archbishop’s Annual Appeal has been able to assist tens of thousands of people - regardless of race, religion, or color - across the Archdiocese of Hartford, with health care, education, housing, emergency expenses, and in numerous other areas. It is through the Archbishop’s Annual Appeal Vicariate Outreach Program and the generosity of its donors the appeal is appeal to assist a wide array of community-based charities throughout Hartford, New Haven, and Litchfield counties. 

This is a press release from BHcare. 

BHcare receives $20K to support collaboration with PCRC

BHcare received a $20,000 grant from the SeaChange-Lodestar Fund for Nonprofit Collaboration to support its affiliation with the Lower Naugatuck Valley Parent Child Resource Center. 
The funding will be used to cover legal fees, accounting, and IT integration of the organizations. 

Together, the organizations create a comprehensive system of care for children, adolescents, teens and adults who are struggling with mental illness and/or addiction.  
Parents and children can now receive on-site services at the same time and families can find the support they need. PCRC clients aging out of children’s services will remain in the same care system, increasing outcomes and decreasing the likelihood of “falling through the cracks”. Shoreline families will have a local option for treatment, support, and care. 
A full service organization treating clients throughout their lifespan will ensure continual and continued access to the treatment and supports they need to live independently in the community.

The SeaChange-Lodestar Fund for Nonprofit Collaboration makes grants to encourage and support mergers, acquisitions, joint-ventures, and others types of formal, long-term collaboration between nonprofits.

PCRC provides children's behavioral health services for more than 1,200 children and families across 26 communities. 

This is a press release from BHcare, a regional community provider of behavioral health, addiction prevention, and domestic violence services for the Lower Naugatuck Valley, Greater New Haven, and Shoreline communities.  
For more information, visit www.bhcare.org.

Foundations give $150K in grants to support BHcare, PCRC affiliation in Valley

DERBY - BHcare has received two-year grants of $75,000 from The Community Foundation for Greater New Haven and $75,000 from The Valley Community Foundation to support its affiliation with the Lower Naugatuck Valley Parent Child Resource Center. 
The funding will be used to integrate care for Valley families and increase children’s services in the Greater New Haven and Shoreline communities.

Together, the organizations create a comprehensive system of care for children, adolescents, teens, and adults struggling with mental illness and/or addiction.  
Parents and children can now receive on-site services at the same time and families can find the support they need. 

PCRC clients aging out of children’s services will remain in the same care system, increasing outcomes and decreasing the likelihood of “falling through the cracks.”
Shoreline families will have a local option for treatment, support, and care. A full service agency treating clients throughout their lifespan will ensure continual and continued access to the treatment and supports they need to live independently in the community.

“As one, we will have tremendous opportunity to provide even better care for our clients and families,” said Roberta J. Cook, CEO/President of BHcare. “Together, we can work to close the gaps in services, and build stronger and healthier communities.”

“The grants from the two Community Foundations will help to greatly enhance behavioral health services to children and families in our communities,” said Michael J. Wynne, Vice President, Children’s Services at PCRC.

The Community Foundation for Greater New Haven is a philanthropic institution that was established in 1928 as the community's permanent charitable endowment. Its mission is to create positive and sustainable change in Connecticut's Greater New Haven region by increasing the amount of and enhancing the impact of community philanthropy.

PCRC provides children's behavioral health services for more than 1,200 children and families across 26 communities. 

BHcare is a regional community provider of behavioral health, addiction prevention, and domestic violence services for the Lower Naugatuck Valley, Greater New Haven and Shoreline communities.  

For more information, visit www.bhcare.org.

This is a press release from BHcare. 

Crisco, Gentile welcome funding for Derby Public Library repairs

DERBY - State Sen. Joseph J. Crisco, Jr., D-Woodbridge, and state Rep. Linda Gentile, D-Ansonia, - both of whom represent Derby or a portion of Derby in the legislature – are welcoming a recent decision by the State Bond Commission to pay half the cost of needed repairs to the Derby Public Library.

The State Bond Commission voted on Sept. 30, 2016 to approve $100,000 to repair water damage and make exterior pathway improvements at the Derby Library; the total estimated cost for the two projects is $200,000.

Funding for the Derby Library renovations was included in the 2007 state bonding bill, which was approved on a bipartisan and nearly unanimous vote of 162-1 in the House and Senate.

“The Derby Library is over 110 years old, and I think it took about 90 years to even update it,” Crisco said, referring to the library’s 7,200 square-foot addition in 1990 that essentially doubled the size of the building that is on the National Historic Register.

“Now the state is chipping in on the cost of repairing this building, which continues the tradition of public-private investment that began in 1902 when Mr. and Mrs. Wood donated the land, the building, and $5,000 for library books on the condition that Derby match those funds and maintain the library. I am proud to say that a century later, the State of Connecticut is helping Derby and its residents to keep that promise, and to protect and preserve this gorgeous and valuable community resource.”

“Despite the advancement of technology, libraries continue to serve a vital service to the community,” Gentile said. “These funds will help to safeguard their future. Repairing and preserving the Derby Public Library is long overdue.”

This is a press release from Crisco's office.

Lawmakers expect state funding for Ansonia High School upgrades

HARTFORD - State Rep. Linda M. Gentile, D-Ansonia, Derby, and state Sen. Joseph Crisco, Jr., D-Woodbridge, are expecting the State Bond Commission to approve funds for Ansonia High School.

A $381,000 grant-in-aid will be used by the school district for improvements at the school. It is discretionary money that can be spent for general improvements, building alterations, repairs, needed technology, new equipment or any project that addresses building or site deficiencies that will promote the health, safety, and learning of the student population.

"I know that this funding will be put to good use," Gentile said. “AHS is a beautiful facility that needs to be carefully maintained to remain an attractive building and campus where students can be safe, inspired to learn and grow into young productive adults."

“State aid for our schools isn’t just confined to ECS grants. It’s also reflected in state investments like this bonding for Ansonia High,” said Crisco. 

“I’m committed to investing in Ansonia’s students and their public education.”  

Crisco’s district includes Ansonia and seven other towns.

Bonding for this project was part of the 2016 state budget adjustment.

This is a press release from Crisco's office. 

Derby expected to receive $2.99M for athletic field project

Plans call for multipurpose field, relocation of baseball field

 HARTFORD - State Rep. Theresa Conroy (D-Seymour, Beacon Falls, Derby), state Rep. Linda M. Gentile (D-Ansonia, Derby) and state Sen. Joseph J. Crisco, Jr. (D-Woodbridge) today announced the imminent approval of state funding for Derby. 

The State Bond Commission is expected to approve $2.99 million for an athletic field project when it meets Sept. 30.

The project consists of construction of a new multipurpose artificial turf field with rubberized track, and the relocation and construction of a baseball field in Derby.  

The multipurpose field will be located off Kings Court. 
The location of the baseball field will be determined after a public hearing.

“This is great news for all the teams that will utilize this facility. I am especially delighted for the high school and middle school track programs who have been without a usable home track for meets for more than a decade,” Conroy said.

“Replacement of the high school's athletic field and track is critical to the health and well-being of our young people,” Gentile said. “Athletics plays a critical role in their overall development, especially during their secondary school years. I am very pleased that the state is approving these funds for the Derby High School community."

The budget for the project is $2.99 million so the entire cost should be covered by the state grant.

“This is fantastic news for the entire Derby community,” said Superintendent of Schools Matthew Conway. 

“This funding will provide much needed updates to our athletic facilities, fields and programs and provide greater access for all kids and adults. This will help preserve and carry on Derby’s long tradition and pride it holds for sports that spills over into every other part of a child’s life and will continue to define us as a family and what makes this family and city the great place that it is.”

“I played sports throughout high school and college, so I know how much pride students and parents take in their athletic achievements as well as their academic achievements. It’s a source of pride for the entire town, too,” Crisco said. 
“The kids in Derby deserve this. They’ve gone on long enough without sufficient athletic facilities, and I want to see them succeed and be happy. I think this state bonding will help accomplish that.”  

Conroy said, “I want to thank my legislative colleagues, Superintendent Matt Conway, the Derby Board of Education - especially Kenneth Marcucio - and Mayor Anita Dugatto for their dedication to this project. Our unified voice helped make this funding a reality.”

The state Bond Commission meets at 10:30 a.m. Sept. 30 in room 1-E of the Legislative Office Building.

This is a press release from Connecticut House Democrats.

Seymour Historical Society to present talk about Charles Island

Courtesy Seymour Historical Society

SEYMOUR -The Seymour Historical Society, 59 West St., will host a presentation about Charles Island at 2 p.m. Sept. 25. 

Charles Island consists of just 14 acres off the Milford coast in Long Island Sound. 

Nowadays it serves as a state sanctuary for herons and egrets. 

Yet it has a long and unusual history. 
In this program, Michael Dooling, the archivist at the Mattatuck Museum in Waterbury, will discuss his research that led to a book on this exotic place. 

He’ll describe its Native American roots, its apparent “discovery” by famous explorer Adrian Block in the 1600s, and the many tales claiming that infamous pirate William Kidd buried treasure there. 
Dooling will also discuss how the island hosted a 19^th-century tourist resort, a 20^th-century religious retreat - and a most bizarre boxing match. 

There is no admission charge for Seymour Historical Society members; admission is $5 for non-members. 
Doors open at 1 p.m. Seating is strictly limited to 65 people, so arrive early to claim a seat.

For information call 203-881-2156 or contact psussman@snet.net. 
Visit us on Facebook, or at www.seymourhistoricalsociety.org.   

The Valley Community Foundation provides major funding for Seymour Historical Society programs. 




This is a press release from Seymour Historical Society.

Lawmakers hail funds for school upgrades in Ansonia, Derby, Hamden, Naugatuck

HARTFORD - State Sen. Joseph J. Crisco, Jr., D-Woodbridge, and state Rep. M. Linda Gentile, D-Ansonia, announced today the State Bond Commission has approved nearly $3 million for general improvements to school buildings in Ansonia, Derby, Hamden, and Naugatuck, thanks to votes they made in 2015 to support Connecticut’s public schools.

On Friday, the State Bond Commission approved a combined $2.79 million for Ansonia, Derby, Hamden, and Naugatuck to make various school improvements, including windows, doors, boilers, heating and ventilation systems, communications/technology systems, lockers, floors, ceilings, restrooms, lighting, energy efficiency, entryways, driveways, parking areas, play areas, athletic fields, various equipment, roof repairs, and installation or upgrade of security equipment.

Ansonia and Derby received $1.225 million each; Hamden, $95,000; and Naugatuck, $245,000. 
The funding was approved as part of the 2015 state bonding bill, which pays for state capital projects and grant programs, including school construction, economic development, municipal aid, and housing development and rehabilitation programs. 
Crisco and Gentile both voted for that bill.

“Maintaining and modernizing the educational infrastructure that local taxpayers and the state created long ago is one of the most important functions of government; this funding  protects our investment and allows school children to prosper and grow in ways we could not have envisioned when some of these schools were built decades ago,” Crisco said. “I’m proud to be a part of protecting and updating our school buildings to ensure the success and well-being of our children.”

“I know that the administrators in the Ansonia and Derby school districts are appreciative of these funds," Gentile said. 
“It’s important that we provide the best possible environment for students to achieve academically, socially and physically. These dollars will be put to good use at school buildings in both towns.”

This funding is specifically tied to the state’s Alliance District program, which Connecticut created in order to support 30 different school districts seeking to dramatically increase student outcomes and close achievement gaps by pursuing innovative reforms. 
In total, Connecticut’s Alliance schools serve more than 200,000 students in 410 different schools. 


This is a press release from Crisco's office.