Community to honor 2 at Black History Month program at Ansonia Senior Center

 

Save the date: Ansonia to honor 2 at Black History Month program

 

Save the date: St. Mary-St. Michael School to hold recognition dinner in Monroe

 

Seymour High School to induct members of Sports Hall of Fame

Congratulations to all the honorees!

Click here to read a story about the induction ceremony and banquet by Jean Falbo-Sosnovich in the Valley Independent Sentinel.

Seymour to hold police, fire departments' swearing-in ceremony today

 

This is shared from Citizens' Engine Co. No. 2 Facebook page.

4 Derby students receive prestigious superintendents' award

*CAPPS stands for the Connecticut Association of Public School Superintendents.

 

Tuesday's newsletter features Black History Month program at Ansonia City Hall

 

Check it out here:

https://3d62a228-eb5f-443c-a1ec-b9ff5c58ad34.filesusr.com/ugd/329bf6_afffc91dc26b42eb9c9dd9517ff9809b.pdf

Derby Public Schools names 2021 District Para educator of the Year

Amanda Troop
 

DERBY - Derby Public Schools has selected Amanda Troop as the 2021 District Para educator of the Year.

The Connecticut State Department of Education and the School Paraprofessional Advisory Council has established the Anne Marie Murphy Para educator of the Year Program to recognize the important role of the Para educator in supporting student achievement.  

The award is named in honor of Anne Marie Murphy, a Para educator who was killed in the Sandy Hook shootings.  

Troop is a one-to-one para educator for 7^th grade at Derby Middle School. She supports learning center students in their art, music, and physical education classes.  

Troop attended Irving Elementary School, Derby Middle School while it was housed in Derby High School as a 7-12 grade building, and graduated from Derby High School class of 2012. 

She continues to live in Derby and holds a second job at Shop Rite in Derby.  

Rachael Caggiano, Derby Middle School Principal said, “Amanda is well-deserving of the honor of Para educator of the Year for Derby Public Schools and Derby Middle School. Her passion and dedication to serving students and ensuring they are meeting success shines through in everything she does. "She makes a difference in the lives of our students each and every day!" 

Troop said, “I am so grateful to be honored as this year’s Derby Middle School and Derby District’s Para educator of the Year. Growing up, I went to Derby schools K-12, and I love being able to give back what I learned to the district. Every day I would leave school with a smile on my face simply because I love what I do.”

Superintendent of Schools Dr. Matthew Conway said, "We are so fortunate to have Amanda working with our kids every day. She has provided so much support in multiple ways and is always willing to assist. Most recently, she was immediately up and running with her own Google classroom to support our kids during our distance learning.”

Board of Education Chairman Jim Gildea said, “The Derby school system is fortunate to have such an enthusiastic, loyal, and innovative paraprofessional in Amanda. She can be counted on to offer creative ways to impact those students that she works with.  As an added benefit, Amanda has deep roots in Derby and having someone so connected to our great city with all its history is a huge asset.”

The District also recognizes its Building Level Para educators of the Year: Rita Mammano from Bradley School, Maria Ryan from Derby High School, Donna Kalafut from Little Raiders University, and Samantha Mahan from Irving School.  

This is a press release from Derby Public Schools.

Congratulations to all the honorees!

St. Mary-St. Michael School in Derby to honor alums, friends at gala

DERBY – St. Mary-St. Michael Elementary School will honor 10 school alumni and friends for their service to the school and their community at its upcoming “Light, Camera, Auction” Gala.

Thomas and Diane Baklik, Raymond and Lori Veillette, Glenn Gaetano, Charlie and Carmen DiCenso, Walter and Janis Yakimovich, and Christine DeCrisanti will receive awards at the Gala March 21 from 6-11 p.m. at Great River Golf Club in Milford.

The Bakliks and the Veillettes will receive the Guardian Angel Award which is given to individuals who have made an impact through service in their community, or for other humanitarian efforts that reflect the mission of St. Mary-St. Michael School.

Gaetano and the DiCensos will receive the Spirit of St. Mary-St. Michael School Award, which is given to alumni who have made a significant positive impact in their field or profession in the community in which they reside.

DeCrisanti and the Yakimovichs will receive the Christian Compassion Award, which is given to individuals or groups who have served the community and school in countless ways, embodying the spirit of generosity, kindness, and goodwill.

Tickets are $80 per person with tables of 12 available for $850. 

The event will feature a cocktail hour with passed hors d'oeuvres, dinner, a live and silent auction for many unique items, live music by Acoustic Brew, and dancing.

Event sponsorship opportunities are available as well as space in the event program book for advertisements, congratulatory, and in memoriam messages. 

Contact Principal Grace Torres at gtorres@stmarystmichael.org or 203-735-6471 for reservations and sponsorship information.

Proceeds from the Gala will benefit current educational initiatives and enrichment programs for the school. 

For more information about St. Mary-St. Michael School, visit stmarystmichael.org.

This is a press release from the school.

6 women to be honored at luncheon, fundraiser at Villa Bianca in Seymour

Contributed photo

SEYMOUR - The Valley Women's Health Initiative Thursday will honor women from Derby, Oxford, Stratford, and Milford at the 19th Annual Women Making a Difference in the Valley Tribute Luncheon and Breast Cancer Fundraiser.

The luncheon will be held from noon-2 p.m. at the Inn at Villa Bianca, 312 Roosevelt Drive.

The tribute recognizes outstanding women who have made positive contributions to the community and have demonstrated significant achievement in their fields of endeavor, both professional and volunteer.

This year’s honorees are Barbara Casagrande and Elizabeth Johnson, both of Oxford, Dr. Joyce Chung and Maggie Sessa, both of Derby, Kathy Radin of Stratford, and Elizabeth “Liz” Kennard of Milford. 

Jocelyn Maminta, Good Morning Connecticut at Nine co-anchor and Emmy Award-nominated Medical Reporter for News 8, will host the event.

Valley Breast Health Care Fund

Proceeds from the event benefit the Valley Breast Health Care Fund. 

Established in 2001, this fund is an effort to ensure that no person, regardless of age or socio-economic condition, is denied screening mammograms or diagnostic testing for breast cancer.

To purchase tickets or to make a donation, call 203-734-6945, nvbv1952gmail.com or send to N. Valentine, 18 Farrell Drive, Ansonia, 06401.    

The Women’s Health Initiative, Co-Chaired by Kate Cosgrove of Oxford and Dr. Stephanie Wain of Griffin Hospital, is comprised of members of the community working toward a common goal of addressing and improving women’s breast health issues.  

Committee members include Darlene Breving, Oxford; Cary Carpino, Derby; Dolores Chew, Beacon Falls; Christine Cooper, Seymour; Dorothy Gandy, Naugatuck; Antonietta Hallet, Southbury; Elizabeth Johnson, Oxford; Peggy Marlowe, Hamden; Lori Murphy, Derby; Monica Oris, Derby; Shayne Seccombe, Derby; Patricia Tarasovic, Oxford, Nancy Valentine, Ansonia.   Committee membership is open to all interested persons.

About The Valley Women’s Health Initiative

The Valley Women's Health Initiative is a coalition of health agencies, community leaders, and volunteers from the Valley community working toward the common goal of addressing and improving women's health issues including breast cancer awareness and heart disease.

To join or for more information, visit griffinhealth.org/VWHI.

This is a press release from Griffin Hospital.

Women Making a Difference in the Valley luncheon slated in Seymour

7 named to Shelton High School 2019 Hall of Fame

SHELTON - Seven members of the Shelton High School community ranging from legendary coaches to amazing teachers and impactful community members will be inducted into the school’s 2019 Hall of Fame.

The Shelton High School Hall of Fame was established in 2017 as a way to recognize and honor in a permanent manner those who have excelled in their dedication to the community of Shelton High School and those who have made outstanding contributions both at Shelton High School and in the world which reflect positively upon Shelton High School.

Shelton High School Hall of Fame committee chairman John Niski announced the latest members to be inducted. 

The Class of 2019 inductees are William Banfe, Elaine Biercevicz-Piazza, Kenneth Bobowick, Edward Finn, Maurice Martin, John McNamara, and Donald Ramia.

An induction banquet will be held at 1 p.m. Oct. 20 at The Stone Barn Restaurant, 175 Shelton Road, Monroe. 

Tickets are $50 per person. 

Checks can be made payable to Shelton High School Hall of Fame and sent to: Shelton High School Hall of Fame, 120 Meadow St., Shelton, CT., 06484, c/o John Niski. 

The deadline for purchasing tickets is Oct. 10.

Bill Banfe served as both housemaster and headmaster of Shelton Intermediate School and was involved in Shelton High School football for more than 20 years. 

He served as operations manager for the Shelton Public Schools System and was instrumental in the planning, design, and building project management of Shelton Intermediate School and Perry Hill School as well as the Shelton High School renovation.

Elaine Biercevicz-Piazza was a pioneering athlete, teacher, coach, and athletic director. A 1964 graduate of Shelton High School, she went on to teach physical education at Seymour High School and initiated girls’ basketball, softball, and swimming teams. She was athletic director at Lyman Hall High School for 27 years. Biercevicz-Piazza was a member of the legendary national champion Raybestos fast pitch softball team. 

She is a member of several other halls of fame including the New England Basketball Hall of Fame, the Connecticut Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame, the New Haven Tap-Off Club Hall of Fame, the Northeast Hall of Fame, and the Connecticut Amateur Softball Hall of Fame.

Ken Bobowick served as a longtime science teacher and department chair at Shelton High School for more than 30 years, during which time he inspired students to love science, particularly biological sciences, genetics, and environmental science. 

Bobowick was also the golf team head coach—in that role for 34 years—and the girls’ basketball assistant coach during several league, conference, and the 1993 CIAC Class LL State championship run.

Ed Finn was a legendary teacher as well as football and track coach at Shelton High School during the 1940s, 50s, and 60s. Finn has the most wins of any school football coach in Shelton, including two undefeated seasons. The current stadium at Shelton High School is named in his honor. Ed also held administrative positions including vice principal of Shelton High School and superintendent of schools. 

Maurice “Moe” Martin was a 1952 graduate of Shelton High School and was a standout member of the graduating class. Active in sports and school activities, including being a member of the only Shelton High School basketball team to win a state championship, Martin was a leader among his classmates. 

After retiring as the Judge of Probate for the City of Shelton, Martin volunteers his time with many civic organizations including the Boys & Girls Club of the Lower Naugatuck Valley, of which he is also a member of their Hall of Fame.

John McNamara was a teacher and marching band leader at Shelton High School for over 30 years. 

During his time as Shelton High School band director, McNamara led a band of over 350 members strong to appearances in the Rose Bowl and Washington, D.C. 

He successfully instilled a new sense of pride in a small Valley high school band and brought pride to the school and community by taking the band from coast to coast. He was also instrumental in acquiring a pipe organ that was installed by the Organ Society in the Shelton High School auditorium, drawing some of the most prominent organists of the day to perform at Shelton High School.

Don Ramia was a 1964 graduate of Shelton High School and a standout athlete on the football team. He was an industrial arts teacher at Shelton High School and went on to become both housemaster and headmaster of Shelton High School. 

Ramia also served as the vocational education coordinator for the District and was responsible for the overhaul of several adult education programs.

For more information about the Shelton High School Hall of Fame, contact committee chairman John Niski.

This is a press release from John Niski. 

Congratulations to all the honorees!

33rd annual celebration at Griffin Hospital in Derby honors nurses

Carol Lauer of Naugatuck

DERBY - Griffin Hospital recently held its 33rd Annual Nurse Day Celebration to honor its more than 350 staff nurses and present awards to those nurses who provided exceptional care during the year.

Carol Lauer, RN, BSN, of Naugatuck was named a winner of the 2019 Nightingale Award for Excellence in Nursing. 

Originally developed by the Visiting Nurse Association of South Central Connecticut, the Nightingale Award celebrates outstanding nurses and elevates the nursing profession. 
The goals of the Nightingale Award program are to encourage retention, inspire future nurses, focus public attention and recognize the breadth and scope of nursing practice at the local level.

Dike Miller of Shelton

Marge Fischer, Clinical Director of the Childbirth Center at Griffin Hospital, right, presented Kristen Richards of Prospect with the Richard Stivala, M.D., Obstetric Nursing Excellence Award.

Heather Kean of Seymour, and Susan Bouton, of Oxford, received Shirley Yale Nursing Scholarship Awards.

Julianna Butler of Derby

Also during the celebration, Dike Miller of Shelton received the Mary Schumacher Nursing Leadership Award, Kristen Richards of Prospect, received The Richard Stivala, M.D., Obstetric Nursing Excellence Award; Heather Kean of Seymour and Susan Bouton of Oxford received Shirley Yale Nursing Scholarship Awards.

Julianna Butler, MST, of Derby, won the Donald Torok Memorial Scholarship.

This is a press release from Griffin Hospital.


Congratulations to all the awardees!

Congratulations to the Nick Collicelli Legacy Award winners!

Dinner slated at La Sala Banquet Hall in Derby

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.

Luncheon at Wesley Heights in Shelton recognizes centenarians

Centenarians celebrated at Wesley Heights in Shelton./Contributed photo

SHELTON - Wesley Village staff, residents, and guests gathered at Wesley Heights Assisted Living Community to celebrate the birthdays of six centenarians with a special luncheon June 22. 

The event recognized five Wesley Heights residents who had or would be celebrating 100 years or more during 2016. 

Residents who were honored included: Helen Hagner (102), Isabel Roberts (102), Edna Flanagan (100), Susan Perkins (100), and John Girolamo (100). 

Also honored at the event was former Wesley Heights resident, Minnie Sutton, who celebrated her 106th birthday in May.

Sutton now resides at Bishop Wicke Health and Rehabilitation Center, which is also located on the Wesley Village senior living campus, along with Wesley Heights.

The event, organized by Wesley Heights Activities Director Linda Fera and Resident Services Coordinator Donna Brice, included special guest speakers Chaplain Cathy Nickse, Coordinator of Spiritual Care for Wesley Village; David Lawlor, President and CEO of United Methodist Homes; and  Mayor Mark Lauretti. 

Proclamations were issued to each centenarian and hand-delivered by Lauretti who posed for a photo with each honored resident. 

Lawlor shared words of wisdom from each of the centenarians and thanked them for their influence. “For all of the wisdom you bestow upon us and the way you support your fellow residents and our staff, we thank you very much for being part of Wesley Village. Happy Birthday!”

Wesley Village is a campus of senior living and care communities including Crosby Commons Independent/Assisted Living Community, Wesley Heights Independent/Assisted Living Apartments and Cottages, Lifestyle Transitions Assisted Living & Memory Care, and Bishop Wicke Health and Rehabilitation Center. 

The campus, located at 580 Long Hill Ave., is owned and operated by United Methodist Homes, a local, mission-based, not-for-profit organization serving all members of the community. 

To learn more about the continuum of care offered at Wesley Village or the mission of UMH, please visit www.wesleyvillage-ct.org.  

This is a press release from United Methodist Homes.

Luncheon at Wesley Heights in Shelton recognizes centenarians

Centenarians celebrated at Wesley Heights in Shelton./Contributed photo

SHELTON - Wesley Village staff, residents, and guests gathered at Wesley Heights Assisted Living Community to celebrate the birthdays of six centenarians with a special luncheon June 22. 

The event recognized five Wesley Heights residents who had or would be celebrating 100 years or more during 2016. 

Residents who were honored included: Helen Hagner (102), Isabel Roberts (102), Edna Flanagan (100), Susan Perkins (100), and John Girolamo (100). 

Also honored at the event was former Wesley Heights resident, Minnie Sutton, who celebrated her 106th birthday in May.

Sutton now resides at Bishop Wicke Health and Rehabilitation Center, which is also located on the Wesley Village senior living campus, along with Wesley Heights.

The event, organized by Wesley Heights Activities Director Linda Fera and Resident Services Coordinator Donna Brice, included special guest speakers Chaplain Cathy Nickse, Coordinator of Spiritual Care for Wesley Village; David Lawlor, President and CEO of United Methodist Homes; and  Mayor Mark Lauretti. 

Proclamations were issued to each centenarian and hand-delivered by Lauretti who posed for a photo with each honored resident. 

Lawlor shared words of wisdom from each of the centenarians and thanked them for their influence. “For all of the wisdom you bestow upon us and the way you support your fellow residents and our staff, we thank you very much for being part of Wesley Village. Happy Birthday!”

Wesley Village is a campus of senior living and care communities including Crosby Commons Independent/Assisted Living Community, Wesley Heights Independent/Assisted Living Apartments and Cottages, Lifestyle Transitions Assisted Living & Memory Care, and Bishop Wicke Health and Rehabilitation Center. 

The campus, located at 580 Long Hill Ave., is owned and operated by United Methodist Homes, a local, mission-based, not-for-profit organization serving all members of the community. 

To learn more about the continuum of care offered at Wesley Village or the mission of UMH, please visit www.wesleyvillage-ct.org.  

This is a press release from United Methodist Homes.

Derby to honor 1st Athletic Hall of Fame inductees

*Shared from an online community calendar sponsored by the Community Foundation for Greater New Haven and The New Haven Independent.

School in Derby to recognize alumni, friends at annual dinner

DERBY- Five alumni and friends of St. Mary-St. Michael Elementary School will be recognized from 6-9 p.m. March 12 at the Inn at Villa Bianca in Seymour.

The 2016 honorees are: Marc J. Garofalo and four others who will be announced.
A keepsake program book is being produced and advertisements, congratulatory and “in memoriam” messages are available by contacting the school office.

The cost is $40 per person, with tables of 10 available at a cost of $350.

Reservations are requested by March 4 and may be made by contacting Mrs. Coppola at lcoppola@stmarystmichael.org, or 203-735-6471.

The school is at 14 Seymour Ave.