'Turnback Tuesday' highlights history of Star Pin Co. in Shelton

Turnback Tuesday is showcasing another item from Derby Public Library’s collection: an 80th Anniversary pen for the Star Pin Company.

Star Pin was established Sept. 25,1866 in 5,000 feet of floor space with 10 employees. They moved to Canal Street, Shelton in 1875, and by 1935, the this location boasted 125,000 square feet of space.

Star Pin Co. manufactured bank and toilet pins, wire hair pins, hooks and eyes, hook and eye tape, and paper boxes.

Thanks as always goes to the Derby Public Library staff for sharing interesting local history each week.

Rochelle applauds expansion of advanced manufacturing at Derby High School

 

State Rep. Kara Rochelle, at right, pictured with students in Derby High School's Advanced Manufacturing Training Program at a May 2019 ribbon-cutting ceremony. / Contributed photo

DERBY - State Rep. Kara Rochelle (D-Ansonia/ Derby) praised the anticipated expansion of Housatonic Community College's Advanced Manufacturing Technology Certificate Program at Derby High School to adult residents interested in careers in Advanced Manufacturing.

 

The program will be housed in Derby High School's Advanced Manufacturing Technology Lab and will be offered nights and weekends, tuition-free to eligible Valley residents. 

Credited- and non-credited certification classes and internship opportunities with local manufacturers will be offered.

 

This program is still in development and leaders are evaluating program interest. 

Valley residents can complete an online survey expressing their desire to learn more and potentially enroll in the program by visiting https://www.derbyct.gov/news/post/11243/. The survey will be used to inform program opening and planning efforts. 

Housatonic Community College will follow-up with those who complete the survey to provide more information about the application and enrollment process.

 

"This program will give our residents a meaningful pathway to climb the economic ladder and gain the technical training need to secure not just a good-paying job, but a career path with room for future advancement. This can truly help those who have found themselves unemployed or are underemployed and looking for a path to economic stability," said Rep. Rochelle. "Thank you to Joe Carbone, Rich DuPont, Derby Superintendent Matthew Conway, and my colleagues in the Connecticut General Assembly who have supported initiatives, like this one, to expand manufacturing training throughout the state."

 

During the 2019 legislative session  Rochelle authored and passed legislation to strengthen the manufacturing workforce pipeline by expanding the regional community-technical college Advanced Manufacturing Certificate Program to more public high schools across Connecticut, prioritizing expansion of the program to school districts in distressed municipalities and requiring programs to be offered to adults during nights and weekends.

“I want to thank State Representative Kara Rochelle for championing this effort to train workers and create access to good paying jobs.  Manufacturing has a vibrant future in Connecticut, one with enormous potential to expand opportunities and prosperity,” said Joe Carbone, President and CEO, The WorkPlace. “I encourage all jobseekers near the Naugatuck Valley to complete the online survey and provide feedback on the Advanced Manufacturing Technology Certificate Program.”

 

This initiative is an effort between the WorkPlace, Housatonic Community College, and Derby Public Schools, and builds off the existing Advanced Manufacturing Certificate Program offered to Derby High School students.

"This is fantastic news for our manufacturers, large and small, whose demand for Advanced Manufacturing Technology skill sets has not diminished in these COVID-19 times.  In fact, that demand has increased given our aging workforce and the volume of business manufactures see now and well into the future. 

This partnership at Derby High School presents the Greater Derby-Ansonia community a solid opportunity to leverage their community and economic development goals and objectives and it aligns itself very well with the Governor's Workforce Council's strategic plans in support of Advanced Manufacturing," said Rich DuPont, President of Resource Development Associates and Director of Community and Campus Relations for the Advanced Manufacturing Technology Center at HCC.

 

Manufacturing is experiencing a revival in Connecticut and one of its top obstacles to growth is hiring and retaining qualified workers. Currently, one-third of the manufacturing workforce is aged 55 or older and state and industry leaders anticipate a wave of retirements in the coming years.

 

Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, manufacturing was the third fastest growing field in Connecticut, employing over 162,000 people. While the sector has not fully recovered, it has rebounded and experienced a 50 percent gain. 

Manufacturers are becoming more interested and involved in high-tech areas, such as computer and software programming and additive manufacturing processes, further increasing demand for highly-skilled employees.

 

Recently, Connecticut received a $10 million grant from the U.S. Department of Labor to establish a manufacturing and technology training initiative program modeled off existing programs similar to the Valley's and others across the state, to boost in-demand workers in Connecticut.

 

"We are thrilled to partner with The WorkPlace and HCC to offer this life changing opportunity to our families, as we together, work to build an even stronger workforce to meet the growing demands of our business partners and the need for highly skilled individuals in the field of Advanced Manufacturing," said Derby Public Schools Superintendent Matthew Conway.

 

"This is a very exciting opportunity for people to acquire the skills necessary to fill manufacturing jobs in our local communities. I truly hope people take advantage of this unique opportunity," said Joseph DiBacco, Superintendent of Ansonia Public Schools.

 

The entry level annual salary students can expect to earn in Advanced Manufacturing is $35,000 to $40,000. According to the Connecticut Business & Industry Association, the annual average wage for skilled workers in Advanced Manufacturing is $95,118.

This is a press release from state Rep. Kara Rochelle.

'Turnback Tuesday' (on Wednesday) highlights hardware manufacturer

Turnback Tuesday has a card sent to Wilcox & Howe Co. from the Birmingham National Bank. Wilcox & Howe, started in 1870 by D. Wilcox, manufactured all descriptions of carriage hardware and specialty forgings for light buggies.

As demand grew, they added bicycle forgings to their product lines. Wilcox & Howe had several buildings on the canal in Shelton.

By 1896, they were selling all over the US and exporting to South America, Africa, and Australia.

Thanks to the Derby Public Library staff for sharing interesting local history each week!

'Turnback Tuesday' features Star Pin Co. in Shelton

Turnback Tuesday shows a package of needles manufactured by the Star Pin Co.
The company was established in Wells Hollow (Town of Huntington) on Sept. 25, 1866. 
Prompted by their success, they moved to the new village on Canal Street in 1875, then later expanded in 1906, doubling their floor space. Charles E. Clark served as President from 1896 -1913. Clark also served as Treasurer for Derby Public Library from May, 1901 to May, 1913. 

The question has been asked: "Where do all the pins go?" The manufacturer says: “They are headed in one way and pointed in another."


Thanks as always to the Derby Public Library staff for sharing interesting local history each week!

'Turnback Tuesday' from 4 years ago features Sterling Piano Co. in Derby

This week's "Turnback Tuesday" photo is of the Sterling Piano Co. in Derby. 

It is shown overlooking the canal that united Ansonia and Birmingham in the Water Street area. 

It has since been filled in, with Home Depot now occupying the spot that was previously occupied by Farrel's until the year 2000. In the background is the Naugatuck River.

*Posting just for fun ~ something to read about other than, well you know.

'Turnback Tuesday' highlights The Bassett Co. in Derby

Turnback Tuesday visits one of the oldest manufacturing companies, The Bassett Co. 
It was started in 1836 by David Bassett who was the pioneer auger manufacturer. 
In 1842, the property was passed on to his son, Robert N. Bassett. Robert continued to make augers and added galvanized pump chains to the production line. 
He brought much success to this metal specialty manufacturing company with corset steels, dress stays, etc. In 1859, they produced hoop skirt wire and then added covered corset wire.


Thanks as always to the Derby Public Library for sharing interesting local history each week!

Rochelle backs legislation to assist vets' re-entry into workforce

State Rep. Kara Rochelle

HARTFORD - State Rep. Kara Rochelle (D-Ansonia, Derby) supported legislation passed this session aimed at assisting veterans’ re-entry into the workforce by using transferable skills in the manufacturing industry to the benefits of their leadership qualities and core values in the classroom. 
Also passed was a bill to help families of certain members of the Armed Forces obtain in-state student status for the purpose of tuition charges. 

A closer look at the bills:

• SB 968, An Act Establishing A Military To Machinists Program For Veterans - This bill provides a jobs pipeline for our veterans re-enter civilian life while strengthening Connecticut's manufacturing industry. Veterans have transferable skills that would be a fit in the field of manufacturing and this program bridges gaps in training and provides access to good paying jobs in manufacturing.
• SB 951, An Act Concerning Veteran Enrollment In Certain Alternate Route To Certification Programs - This bill reserves 15 percent of available seats for veterans in certain alternate route to certification programs to help veterans become certified teachers. Our veterans' leadership skills and core values would certainly be beneficial in the classroom.
• 
  
• HB 7248, An Act Concerning In-State Student Status For Spouses And Children Of Certain Members of The Armed Forces - This bill allows spouses and children of certain members of the armed forces to be considered in-state students for the purpose of tuition charges.  

This is a press release from Rochelle's office. 

Osborne Homestead Museum to exhibit cultural artifacts from Derby

DERBY - Visit the Osborne Homestead Museum throughout August and view cultural artifacts celebrating civic pride in Derby.  

In honor of the smallest city in Connecticut, the Osborne Homestead Museum, 500 Hawthorne Ave., will have a special exhibition of cultural artifacts from Derby.  

From the hunting and fishing grounds for several Native peoples to a prosperous agricultural economy, a successful foreign maritime trade, and manufacturing, Derby was a flourishing city.  

As a community leader Frances Osborne Kellogg promoted civic pride, the arts, and land conservation; she eventually donated her land, the largest area of green space in Derby, to the state of Connecticut.  

The Made in Derby exhibition will feature objects from the museum collection, such as the Derby Silver Company’s products, and replicas that were made in Derby and the Greater Naugatuck Valley.  

The Osborne Homestead Museum is a facility of the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection. It is open for free guided tours on Thursdays and Fridays from 10 a.m.-3 p.m., Saturdays from 10 a.m.-4 p.m., and Sundays from noon-4 p.m.  

For more information call 203-734-2513. 

This is a press release from the Osborne Homestead Museum.

Yogurt company to hold ribbon cutting in Ansonia Wednesday

ANSONIA - After a year of learning curves and the door knocking required for any new start up business, Ansonia’s own Stani Dairy Yogurt Co. is ready for its official ribbon cutting ceremony.

The open to the public event is scheduled for 11 a.m. Wednesday at the company's 5 Howard Ave. corporate manufacturing headquarters. Those attending will be treated to yogurt samples and can even view the yogurt making process.

Co-owner/founder Kali Emmanouil said their Greek style yogurt line is being distributed to select specialty markets and small through mid-size multi-location supermarkets including Adams (Shelton), Highland Park (Glastonbury area) and others. 
In addition, supplying large volume food service operations has become a niche.

Stani recently hired additional staffing and is planning to hire more. While experience is not necessary, a background in food regulation and manufacturing compliance is a plus.

The company’s current flavors include plain, blueberry, honey blend, strawberry, and peach. Additional flavors are in development.

Yogurt samples distributed throughout City Hall last week produced a solid “thumbs up” from anyone who could wrestle a cup away from Mayor David S. Cassetti.

To learn more visit www.stanidairy.com.


This is a press release from Cassetti's office.

Rochelle announces increase in education funds for Ansonia, Derby

HARTFORD - State Rep. Kara Rochelle, D-Ansonia and Derby, announced Friday the state budget approved Monday night provides an increase in ECS funding for Ansonia and Derby’s education systems.
Ansonia will receive an increase of $605,415 each year, equaling an increase of over $1.8M over the next two years.
Derby will experience an increase of $414,815 each of the next two years, equalling an increase of over $1.2M in ECS funding.

“As promised, education funding will continue to increase from the state for our schools in Ansonia and Derby,” Rochelle said. “Additionally, as both cities are Alliance Districts, these ECS funds are protected by Alliance statutes, meaning that the increased state funds are protected from supplanting and must be used toward initiatives to improve educational outcomes for our children, while towns are held responsible to maintain their foundational educational obligations.” 

The state also settled a lawsuit that was a major liability for the state of Connecticut. It allows small hospitals like Griffin - the 104th District's largest employer - to have stronger long-term financial stability, and is a settlement supported by CT Hospital Association.

Rochelle also successfully secured funding for Ansonia High School students who want to pursue an Advanced Manufacturing Certificate Program offered in Derby. 

“Another important priority was to give our students the necessary skills to compete for the 12,000 open advanced manufacturing jobs in Connecticut, one of the state’s largest growing fields. By securing this funding for Ansonia students, we are providing pathways to good paying, stable jobs with room for career advancement. Derby students similarly attended the Advanced Manufacturing Program with no tuition charged to the school district in the first year, I made sure to secure the same opportunity for the Ansonia School District,” Rochelle said.

The 2019 Legislative Session ended Wednesday. Rochelle will host a series of events this month to update the public on legislative initiatives enacted this session.

This is a press release from Rochelle's office.

House passes Rochelle's bill on expansion of manufacturing programs

This is shared from state Rep. Kara Rochelle's Facebook page:

"Legislative Update: HB5833 (my bill to expand Advanced Manufacturing Certificate Programs into more high schools) has unanimously passed the House! We are one step closer to creating more opportunities for students and adults to access the training needed to compete for the 12,000 good-paying manufacturing jobs currently open in our state. 
"Thank you to all my colleagues who have shown support and collaborated on this bill. On to the Senate!"

Turnback Tuesday (on Wednesday) features Alling brothers of Derby

Turnback Tuesday looks at two prominent brothers of Derby. Amos H. (born 1823) and Charles B. (born 1824) Alling of, A.H. & C. B. Alling. 
The two formed a partnership in 1845 and then moved their business to Derby in 1858 because of the water power available. 
They manufactured woolen hosiery and underwear. The business was at the corner of Caroline and Main Streets and lasted until 1912.


*Thanks as always to the Derby Public Library staff for sharing interesting local history with the community each week!

O'Brien Tech in Ansonia to host Young Manufacturers Academy

Free summer program offered to Grades 7-9

*Information shared from Ansonia Public Schools' Facebook page. 

Rochelle's manufacturing training bill wins bipartisan support

State Rep. Kara Rochelle’s proposed legislation received unanimous, bipartisan approval Thursday by the Committee on Higher Education and Employment Advancement. 

H.B. 5833, An Act Establishing a Pilot Program for the Expansion of Advanced Manufacturing Certificate Programs, will next be voted on by the House this session. 

The bill aims to establish a pilot program to expand advanced manufacturing certificate programs offered by regional community-technical colleges to up to eight public high schools throughout the state. 
Students from the selected school and surrounding high schools will be able to apply and participate in the certificate program, which will be available to students free of cost.  
At Housatonic Community College, this same certificate program costs $8,500. 
Credits earned in Rochelle’s pilot program will count toward both the student’s high school credits and toward the Advanced Manufacturing certificate program. 
The bill also requires night and weekend classes to be available for adults.  
Rochelle, a Democrat, represents Ansonia and Derby.

“I toured the Housatonic Community College Advanced Manufacturing Program a year ago and learned of its efforts to create a first-in-the-state partnership with our own Derby High School. Ever since I have been fiercely dedicated to establishing and expanding access to these certificate programs,” Rochelle said. “I worked tirelessly from the day I was sworn in to author and craft a bill that will give our students and working class residents a real pathway to the training needed to compete for these good paying, middle class jobs in a field with room for advancement.” 

According to the Connecticut Department of Labor, there are over 12,000 open jobs in advanced manufacturing in Connecticut and 30,000 are expected to open over the next 10 years due to a retirement wave.  
Manufacturing is also the third largest growing job sector in Connecticut. It is crucial to strategically invest in workforce training to ensure that this industry is supported.

“I would also like to thank my Derby colleagues Minority Leader Themis Klarides and Representative Nicole Klarides-Ditria for recently signing on to support my bill, touring the Derby facility, and producing a video to highlight the program. We need to rebuild, reinvest, and reinvent Connecticut. I am excited to introduce my bill in the House this session and collaborate with colleagues to make this important initiative a reality for our residents,” Rochelle said. 


This is a press release from Rochelle's office.

Klarides-Ditria tours new facility at Thule in Seymour

From left: state Rep. Nicole Klarides-Ditria, Edmund Farmer, vice president, product development, and Pat Monahan, vice president, operations. /Contributed photo 

SEYMOUR - State Rep. Nicole Klarides-Ditria Friday visited Thule, one of Seymour's largest employers, to tour the company’s new facility and talk to officials about the business climate in Connecticut. 

Thule's U.S. headquarters has called Seymour home since 1992. 

The company recently built a 75,000-square foot building, its third at the location. 

Klarides-Ditria said, "We are proud that Thule has called Seymour home for more than 25 years. It's great to see a Connecticut company that is growing and is continuing to expand."

Thule currently employs more than 200 people at the Seymour headquarters. 

In addition, the company is highly interested in going "green." At the new facility, company officials have installed filters that turn their smog into usable energy and also they use reusable pallets instead of cardboard.

"As a state, we need to support the many employers that we currently have here and work with them on ways we can help them thrive," added Klarides-Ditria. "I will continue to work to help manufacturers and make sure they have access to a skilled work force."

For more information about Thule visit www.thule.com. 

This is a release from Spencer Rubin, press secretary. 

Derby Neck Library to host movies, history lecture, more

DERBY - The Derby Neck Library begins its second year of watching streaming features at “Tuesday Afternoon Tea-V” at 1 p.m. Jan. 8. 

To start the year the fare is Mystery Matinee—featuring Agatha Christie’s famous Belgian detective, Hercule Poirot, portrayed by distinguished actor David Suchet.  

Following each film is a discussion session. Free tea and biscuits are served throughout the showing.  
This is a free event; no registration is required. 

Valley Labor History

At 6:30 p.m. Jan. 17 the Library presents a powerpoint program on “Valley Labor History.”  
Researched and narrated by Patricia Sweeney, Ph.D., this lecture focuses on the most intense, dramatic events circa 1915-1919, when the lower Naugatuck Valley had a high rate of labor disruption and attracted notice from prominent labor leaders. 

Manufacturing companies discussed include Farrel of Ansonia and Blumenthal of Shelton, among others.  

This is a free event; no registration is required.  

Teen Movie Choice

The Library hosts Teen Movie Choice at 2 p.m. Jan. 19.  

All teens and tweens are invited to a free film with movie refreshments provided, including pizza. 

Attendees get to vote on the feature to be screened from a select list of recent releases and proven classics. Registration is required, as seating is limited to 20 people.  

Women's Forum

On Jan. 21 at 12:30 p.m., the Library hosts Women’s Forum, a literary discussion group.  This month’s focus is on two short stories involving strange events:“All But Empty” by Graham Greene and “How It Happened” by Arthur Conan Doyle.  
Copies of the stories are available free prior to the meeting. Feel free to bring a light lunch; we serve coffee and tea.  

VITA volunteers

On Jan. 27 from 1-4 p.m., the Library opens its Community Room for use by VITA volunteer tax preparers.  

Participants must call TEAM in Derby, 203-736-5420 for information and to schedule an appointment.  

Throughout tax season, the VITA group will be at the library on Sunday afternoons.

Evening Book Club

The Library hosts the Evening Book Club at 6:30 p.m. Jan. 28. 
This month’s selection is “The Inheritance,” a novella by Louisa May Alcott.  
Copies of the book are available at the library prior to the meeting.  
Join us for an informative and stimulating talk moderated by Patricia Sweeney, Ph.D.

The Library is at 307 Hawthorne Ave. For information call 203-734-1492 .

This is a press release from Patricia Sweeney, reference librarian, Derby Neck Library.

Newsletter features 2 thriving Ansonia businesses

Dear readers,

Today we focus on two Ansonia businesses - a manufacturer and a dental practice - in our Valley Voice newsletter.

Thanks for reading,

Patti and Ralph

Capitol Conversation with Valley lawmakers slated in Shelton

SHELTON - The New Haven Manufacturers Association and the Greater Valley Chamber of Commerce will host a Capitol Conversation with the Valley Legislative Delegation April 4.
The event will be held from 7:30-9 a.m. at PerkinElmer, 710 Bridgeport Ave. 

From a Facebook event page:

"Due to the security requirements at PerkinElmer, advance registration is required for this event. No walk-ins will be permitted.

"With the Legislative session in Hartford in full swing, please join us for a conversation with the members of our local Valley Legislative Delegation about the status of the state budget and other issues impacting the Valley business community. Legislators are reaching out to hear from you about your priorities. 

"This special forum will be held in the new Conference Center at PerkinElmer in Shelton. Although free to attend, due to security requirements pre-registration is required (no walk-ins)."
"Coffee and light refreshments will be provided. Free to attend."

Newsletter features food trucks rolling into Shelton, jobs for Ansonia

Dear readers,

Our latest Valley Voice newsletter features Food Trucks in the Valley to benefit Spooner House in Shelton, and a manufacturer's plan to relocate to Ansonia.

Thanks for reading,

Patti and Ralph 

Logan tours Bridgeport manufacturer, meets student intern from Derby

Pictured from left: Bridgeport Fittings Vice President of Manufacturing and Engineering Larry Smith, Electrical and Tools Supervisor Brian Quinn, state Sen. George S. Logan, intern Matt Hanock, Vice President of Manufacturing Frank Timmery, owner Tom Auray./ Submitted photo

State Sen. George S. Logan Friday toured Stratford-based Bridgeport Fittings, Inc. to get an overview of the small manufacturer’s history, mission, workforce, and safety protocols. 
Bridgeport Fittings is a leading supplier of quality fittings to the industrial, commercial, and residential channels of the electrical industry.

Logan, who serves on the state legislature’s Regulations Review Committee, is working with Stratford state Sen. Kevin Kelly and other lawmakers at the state Capitol to help pass policies which help small businesses like Bridgeport Fittings thrive. 

Logan said he was pleased to meet Derby resident Matt Hanock, a member of Emmett O'Brien Technical High School’s Class of 2018. Hanock is working as an intern at Bridgeport Fittings. 

On the web: www.bptfittings.com and www.SenatorGeorgeLogan.com. 

Logan represents Ansonia, Beacon Falls, Bethany and Derby; and parts of Hamden, Naugatuck and Woodbridge. He can be contacted at George.Logan@cga.ct.gov and at 800-842-1421.

This is a press release from Logan's office.