DeLauro honors veterans' sacrifices

WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Rep. Rosa L. DeLauro, D-3, released the following statement today commemorating Veterans Day:

“When their nation asked them to, our veterans put on the uniform, they went overseas, they fought to keep us safe, and they gave the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty. Since the founding of our republic, American soldiers have been the guardians of our freedom. We can never take them for granted – the sacrifices they and their families have made, and the peace they have secured.

“Veterans are heroes to us all, and we honor your commitment, your service and your sacrifice. Our thoughts and prayers go out to them and their families on this day of remembrance,” she said.

DeLauro has been holding an “Honoring the Greatest Generation” appreciation series to honor World War II veterans in Connecticut’s 3rd Congressional District. At those events she presents each of the World War II veterans there with a challenge coin as a sign of her appreciation and shares photographs of her trip to Normandy on the official Congressional delegation for the 70th anniversary of the D-Day invasion.


This is a release from DeLauro's office.

St. Mary-St. Michael School in Derby honors veterans

Chorus performs patriotic songs Monday at school's Veterans Day program.

Principal Linda Coppola reads names of the veterans related to students and staff.

Eighth grader Brandon Coletta was recognized for taking third place at the state level in a "True American Hero" essay contest sponsored by the Catholic War Veterans. His essay will now be judged at a national competition. 
With him is Evelyn Browning, President, Ladies Auxiliary, St. Michael's Post 1562, Catholic War Veterans in Derby.
Coletta wrote about his father who died of cancer in 2002.

The honorees listen to the program.

Derby resident Bernard Williamson, a Korean War-era veteran of the U.S. Marine Corps, plays Taps outside the school.

Below are a few photos of students greeting and thanking veterans after the program.

Kudos to Principal Linda Coppola for teaching students the importance of honoring those who serve in the Armed Forces.

Derby Historical Society plans annual Thanksgiving reception

DERBY - The Derby Historical Society will hold its 24th Annual Appeal and Thanksgiving Reception from 5-7 p.m. Nov. 24 at Grassy Hill Lodge, 77 Sodom Lane.

Community leader and businessman Ned Miller will be honored with the John Ireland Howe Award. 

Freeman Homestead./ Derby Historical Society photo

Guest speaker will be Dr. Warren R. Perry, Director, Africana Studies Archaeology Lab at Central Connecticut State University.  

Perry will discuss his findings at the “Freeman Site,” the former home of Black Governor Roswell Freeman in the Derby Neck section of the city. 

Donors of $40 or more to the Annual Appeal will receive a complimentary ticket to attend this great program.

For information, call 203-735-1908.

This post is taken from a press release from the historical society.

O'Brien Tech in Ansonia wins plaudits on fundraiser success

School goes pink in October

All eyes were on the ball during the school's recent volleyball tournament. 

Pink was the color of the day.

Going for the save.

Emmett O'Brien's mascot, a condor, goes pink too.

Even 'Batman' went pink. The tournament was held on Halloween. 

ANSONIA - The staff and students at Emmett O'Brien Technical High School spent October raising funds for The Hewitt Center for Breast Wellness at Griffin Hospital in Derby.

The school recently presented $1,825 to the Center. 

Please check out my story in the Valley Independent Sentinel.

Seymour High School to stage 'Annie'

SEYMOUR - The Seymour High School music department will stage the musical "Annie" Nov. 21 and 22 in the school auditorium, 2 Botsford Road.

Check out the details in the press release posted in the Valley Independent Sentinel.

Derby Library class to focus on creating crafts from recyclables

DERBY - The Derby Public Library has scheduled another Recycle, Repurpose, and Reuse craft class at 6:30 p.m. Dec. 9.

Ansonia Animal Control Officer Jeanie Roslonowski will return to the Library to show participants more ways to create Holiday Gifts - Going Green, by recycling everyday

household items.  

The class for ages 18 and over also will include information on animal issues.  

Registration is required. 

For more information, visit the Library at 313 Elizabeth St., or call 203-736-1482.


This is a press release from Cathy Williams, Director, Derby Public Library.

Yale Russian Chorus performs in Ansonia

Assumption Church hosts concert 

Yale singers light up sanctuary with a cappella performance. 

ANSONIA - I attended a wonderful concert with friends Saturday at Assumption Church.

The talented members of the Yale Russian Chorus, led by artistic director Mark Bailey, sang secular and sacred Slavic music to a small but approving audience in the sanctuary.

At the end of the concert they introduced themselves. The chorus is made up of undergraduate and graduate students, and it was interesting to learn what they are studying. 
The members hail from as far away as Beijing, Los Angeles, and Sacramento, and as close as Harwinton, Darien, and North Haven.

We were surprised to be treated to a delicious dinner buffet in the church hall after the performance.

I want to publicly thank the church members who served us a variety of homemade hot and cold food. 
Much appreciated! 
It was the first time I had ever tried borscht, and it was delicious!