Wednesday, March 18, 2015

Students from Bungay School in Seymour applauded for excellence in art, music

State organization holds recognition dinner
Alexa Tamburrino
Gabriel Sand


















SEYMOUR - Bungay Elementary School staff congratulates Gabriel Sand (from Ms. Garofalo’s class) and Alexa Tamburrino (from Mr. Milia’s class) for being chosen as this year’s Connecticut Association of Schools' award recipients.

Gabriel received the Elementary Arts Award for art, and Alexa received the Elementary Arts Award for music.

This program recognizes students with outstanding citizenship, cooperative skills, and artistic ability in performing or visual arts at the elementary level.

Gabriel and Alexa, along with their parents, attended a dinner Feb. 24 at Aqua Turf in Southington.

Bungay School staff thanks Gabriel and Alexa for representing our students and school.


Photos and information were submitted by Bungay School.



Congratulations go out to Alexa and Gabriel on their awards! Wishing them all the best in their future endeavors.

Tuesday, March 17, 2015

School in Derby to hold flea market in May


DERBY - Reserve your spot for the St. Mary-St. Michael Schoolyard Flea Market 9 a.m.-1 p.m. May 16 (rain date: 9 a.m.-1 p.m. May 17), 14 Seymour Ave.
Spots for the day are $25, you keep the money for everything you sell. 

Table rental available for $10. Please note items not sold must go home with you. 
Contact Carla Lombardo to reserve your spot at (203) 231-4648 or email: beadog15@yahoo.com .


This is a press release from St. Mary-St. Michael School.

Safe Kids, Griffin Hospital, Derby Elks offer car-seat training

Griffin Hospital will host a free child car seat clinic and give away car seats April 15. / Submitted photo 

DERBY - Safe Kids Greater Naugatuck Valley, Griffin Hospital and the Derby Elks are teaming up to offer a free training on child car seats and a seat giveaway from 2-6 p.m. April 15 at Griffin Hospital’s Community Outreach parking lot, 4 Mountain St.

This training will help answer questions about safety requirements for children in various car seats. At the end of this training, participants will receive a free seat appropriate to their child’s needs and instruction on proper use.

To be eligible for the giveaway, participants must pre-register. Free seats are limited, so the program will be filled on a first come, first served basis. 

To sign up or for more information, call Cathi, 203-732-1337 no later than April 8. Please have the age, weight and height of your child when registering.


This is a press release from Griffin Hospital.


State organization recognizes Seymour PTA volunteers


Bungay School Principal Mary Sue Feige and Vice Principal Kris Boyle are pictured with the Bungay PTA Executive Board:  Aimee Cronin, Donna Tomas, Jessica Lepri, Sam Pollastro, Fran Marsala, Alice Cronin, Becky Coscia, Kim Farmer (Roxy Layton and Sherry Lia, not in picture) as they were honored at the Connecticut Association of Schools Volunteer Banquet March 4 at the Aqua Turf Club in Southington.  

CAS proudly celebrates this event annually to publicly acknowledge the work of parents and other volunteers for their contributions to schools across the state.  
More than 450 participants from 68 elementary, middle and high schools were treated to a four course meal and were entertained by pianist Kim Quinn from Albert D. Griswold Middle School in Rocky Hill.

Honorees were presented with plaques and corsages to commemorate their service.
Karen List, retired Superintendent from West Hartford was the guest speaker.  
In her speech she explained:  “Whether it is box tops, or baskets, or classroom projects, the volunteers are the key to keeping our schools up and running.”  
She said, “Giving - of money, of time, of effort, empowers all of us. Yet I realize that most of you volunteer out of the goodness of your hearts, not because you think it will lower your blood pressure or make you feel more powerful in the world. You volunteer because you’re that kind of person - giving, altruistic, aware of life’s true priorities. There is an old Malayan proverb that says, One can pay back the loan of gold, but one dies forever in debt to those who are kind. I’m here today in gratitude - for your time, yes, and for your kindness.  From the bottom of my heart and from everyone you have ever helped over the years: a heartfelt thank you.”

Bungay Elementary School in Seymour is proud to recognize its hardworking PTA Executive Board members. 
Their motto is "Children First." They go over and beyond to support our school, our staff and most importantly our students.  
They work tirelessly to raise funds to provide enriching choices of activities, after-school programs, cultural arts, book fairs, family events, staff appreciation days, and so much more. 
Their contributions to the success of our school are immeasurable and are an important part of our educational environment. Their dedication, their time, and their efforts help make Bungay School a great place to be.
We are grateful for their dedication, their time and extraordinary efforts. We are pleased to share this special evening with them.


The Connecticut Association of Schools celebrates the contributions of volunteers who share their time, talents, and commitment to quality education in Connecticut schools.


This is a press release from Bungay School.


Monday, March 16, 2015

Derby Public Library to mark National Library Week

Annual book sale slated
DERBY - The Derby Public Library will join libraries across the country in celebrating 
National Library Week, April 12-18.  

First recognized in 1958, this is a national observance sponsored by the American Library Association.
It is a time to celebrate our nation’s libraries and librarians and to promote library use and support. 

The Library has scheduled many special programs and events for all ages in recognition of this special week, including the Annual Spring Book Sale. 

Amnesty Week
In addition, an Amnesty Week has been designated. No fines will be collected from 
April 13-18.  
This is everyone’s opportunity to do some spring cleaning and find those overdue Derby Public Library items and return them without any fines. 

Previous fines for already returned items will not be waived. Also, fines for lost or damaged items will not be waived.  

For more information on events scheduled for this special week, stop by the Library at 313 Elizabeth St., call 203-736-1482, or visit www.derbypubliclibrary.org.


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

Griffin Hospital in Derby sponsors 'Paint-A-Duck' contest

This duck is decorated for the contest. / Contributed photo

DERBY - Griffin Pharmacy & Gifts’ 5th Annual “Paint-A-Duck” Contest is underway.

This annual art contest invites members of the community to show off their painting skills and help support The Hewitt Center for Breast Wellness at Griffin Hospital in Derby.

Participants can purchase a “Paint-A-Duck” kit at Griffin Pharmacy & Gifts, located on the ground floor of Griffin Hospital at 130 Division St. or at the Boutique at The Center for Cancer Care at Griffin Hospital, 350 Seymour Ave.

The Hewitt Center for Breast Wellness receives $1 for every paint kit purchased.

Participants can decorate their duck using the eight different color paints included in the kit or improvise with their own. Props and accessories are also allowed.

All entries must be dropped off at Griffin Pharmacy & Gifts by April 24.

Each entry will be displayed inside Griffin Pharmacy & Gifts as they are submitted.

A panel of judges will decide the winning duck in each of the following categories: Most Creative; Best Use of Props; Best Theme; Best Group Effort; Best Senior Entry; Best Children’s Entry (Age 5 & under); Best Children’s Pre-Tween (Age 6-8); Best Tween Entry (Age 9-12); and Best Teen (Age 13-19).

Each winning category will receive a $25 Gift Certificate to Griffin Pharmacy & Gifts. Winners will be announced by May 1.

For more information, call (203) 732-1490 or email gpg@griffinhealth.org.


This is a press release from Griffin Hospital.

Ansonia celebrates Irish heritage Saturday in rain

Ansonia Mayor David S. Cassetti recognized lifelong Ansonia resident Horace Behrle, above, by naming him Mayor for the Day on Saturday. 
Behrle, who was born 79 years ago in a tenement on Main Street, said he was honored to have the opportunity. He joked, "Everybody gets a raise."  
Over the years Behrle has served on several city boards and commissions, and volunteers as an ambassador at the Center for Cancer Care at Griffin Hospital in Derby. 




Behrle had the honor of raising the Irish flag with Cassetti. The Irish flag will fly for a week at City Hall.


After raising the flag in the pouring rain, Behrle shares a laugh with, from left, Alderman Lorie Vaccaro, Economic Development Director Sheila O'Malley, and Mayor David S. Cassetti.


The Rev. Jeff Gubbiotti, pastor, Church of the Assumption in Ansonia, waits under cover for the ceremony to start. He offered an invocation and a blessing. 


Ansonia High School music teacher Maria Tangredi, right, and senior Jennifer Godfrey, chorus co-president, sing the Star Spangled Banner at the flag-raising ceremony. 


Rain doesn't stop the dancers from Kathleen Mulkerin School of Irish Dance in West Haven from strutting their stuff. 


Great job! Their teacher, Kathy Carew, said the dancers are scheduled to give 30 performances Tuesday, St. Patrick's Day. 



Mayor David S. Cassetti, at podium, listens to Irish music performed by Take Four, a Trumbull-based a cappella quartet. The members are from left, David Hunter, Scott Parch, Jordan Kugler, Victor Lembo.


State Rep. Linda M. Gentile, an Ansonia resident, was on hand for the festivities, and DJ Phyllis Kaplan played Irish music. Gentile said it was all about "tradition."

The event was hosted by the city's Cultural Commission.