Senior safety in spotlight at Derby Library

DERBY - The Derby Public Library will host a program, Senior Safety and How to Avoid Scams, at 6:30 p.m. April 14. 

Tracey Parks from BHcare's The Umbrella Center for Domestic Violence Services will lead the conversation.
Learn more about what you can do to help a friend, neighbor, or family member who is being bullied, controlled, or financially harmed.

There is help, and knowing the signs is the first step.  

Registration is requested.

For more information, 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. 

TEAM's 'Men Who Cook' returns to Valley in April

ANSONIA - Join the fun at the eighth Annual “Men Who Cook” as it returns to the Valley April 25. 

This is a unique spring evening out with friends and family at the Valley’s most popular event. 
Let someone else cook while you enjoy a wide variety of dishes and desserts prepared by 98 “celebrity chefs.”
The Men Who Cook are not professional chefs; they are dedicated community neighbors who want to share their cooking talents and camaraderie with you and your friends.

What’s on the menu? 
Go international with Hungarian Goulash, pulled pork tacos, hot German potato salad, empanadas, and unique pasta dishes. 
Prefer grilled food? Try wings or chili. 
If you are a sea foodie, try the seafood gumbo, or shrimp and grits.
Sample the porketta, fried ravioli bites, eggplant parmesan, or the Philly cheesesteak.
Remember to leave room for dessert, featuring chocolate mousse, ginger cookies, key lime pie, or fried Oreos. 

Chairpersons are Charles Sullivan, David Grant and Jeff Westine.

And the chefs who’ll proudly wear the Men Who Cook aprons are: 

Joseph Apicella, Kevin Atterbury, Pastor Edward Barnes, Chandler Barnes, Jack Betkoski, Beacon Falls First Selectman Chris Bialek, Juan Bonilla, Harry Burlakoff, Bill Calderara, Michael Caleca, Patrick Carey, Keenan Carey, Ansonia Mayor David S. Cassetti, Echo Hose Ambulance Corps Chief Mike Chaffee, John Coscia, Jack Cowell, Dexter Davis, Ed DeMarseilles, Dr. Steve DiBenedetto, Dr. Jay Dworkin, David Eisenman, Mark Foley, Brian Fonck, John Gentile, Nick Gentile, Anthony Giobbi, Roger Giori, Bruce Goldson, Terri Goldson, Chris Hill, Dave Hill, Shelton Police Chief Joel Hurliman, Craig Jones, David Jones, state Sen. Kevin Kelly, Pat Kelley, Mike Kieley, Tim Kieley, Richard Knoll, Patrick Lahaza, Kevin Lantowsky, Pete Larsen, Dan L’Atrella, Joe Laucella, Paolo Mancuso, Michael Marques, Tim McColl, Dan McGinnis, Paul McGinnis, Tim McGinnis, state Rep. Ben McGorty, Sherrod McNeill, John Mihalko, Seymour First Selectman Kurt Miller, James Mills, Michael Mills, Makai Mills, Dave Monahan, Nelson Morales, Rick Moore, West Haven Mayor Edward O’Brien, Chris O’Connor, Jack O’Donnell, John Paul Olival, Dan Onofrio, Marcello Onofrio, Tim Oppel, Win Oppel, Fred Ortoli, Dave Pendagast, state Rep. Jason Perillo, John Petrillo, Jorge Pezo-Candelario, Rick Ponce DeLeon, John Rollinson, Joshua Rosado, Andrew Rose, Chris Sansone, Rick Scaife, Mike Shirling, Anthony Simonetti, Fernando Solis, Kevin Spooner, Robert Stabile, Fred Stanek, Dr. Ira Stein, Jeff Stone, Nicholas Tarasovic Sr., Nicholas Tarasovic Jr., Dominick Thomas, Ben Trabka, John Trentacosta, Philip Tripp, Lorie Vaccaro, Rob VanEgghen, Hector Velez, Ken Weinstein, Blake Williams, Stuart Williams, and John Yeager.

Special MC for the event is Chaz of Chaz and AJ in the morning on 99.1 PLR.
The Electric Lady Band featuring George Logan will provide entertainment and dancing music. 
Men Who Cook runs from 6-11 p.m. at Warsaw Park, 119 Pulaski Highway.
Only $55 per person includes food, beer/wine, and soft drinks. You can bid at the Valley’s greatest silent auction and dance away the night’s calories with music.

The Platinum Marquee Sponsor for Men Who Cook is the Bassett Family Fund and Naugatuck Valley Savings and Loan is Marquee Sponsor.

To sponsor Men Who Cook or donate an auction item, call Trish Wigglesworth, 

203-736-5420 ext. 221. To purchase tickets,  call Trish or obtain tickets online at www.teaminc.org. 

All proceeds from this fundraiser benefit the programs provided by TEAM, Inc. serving the needs of individuals and families living in the Valley.

This is a press release from TEAM Inc.,  a private, 501(c)3 non-profit corporation whose mission is to connect individuals and families with solutions that lead to well-being, self-sufficiency and full participation in the community. 
It aims to achieve its mission by conducting activities that address the needs of economically disadvantaged individuals and families including resource mobilization, education, advocacy and service delivery. 
TEAM programs serve the communities of Ansonia, Beacon Falls, Bethany, Derby, Milford, Orange, Oxford, Shelton, Seymour and Woodbridge.            

Ansonia, Milford to share recycling equipment

Mayors join forces to save money 

Ansonia Mayor David S. Cassetti, left, and Milford Mayor Ben Blake pictured with an asphalt recycler. / Contributed photo

MILFORD -  Ansonia Mayor David S. Cassetti and Milford Mayor Ben Blake recently discussed a plan to share certain equipment belonging to the City of Milford that will result in savings for residents in both communities.

The meeting marked the beginning of a new relationship between the two municipalities. Ansonia's Superintendent of Public Works Doug Novak and Milford Public Works' Director Chris Saley have had several conversations regarding shared services over the course of the past several months.

The first initiative in this cost-saving endeavor will be the shared use of Milford's Bagela asphalt recycler. 
Nearly a decade ago, the City of Milford acquired this piece of machinery that uses waste asphalt or milled material and turns it into new "hot patch" asphalt, which can be used to fill potholes on local streets. 
Saley described the process as "extremely efficient," adding that recycling the used asphalt "significantly reduces transport and disposal costs."

The Connecticut Department of Transportation has acknowledged that this has been the worst pothole season that we have seen in generations. Both mayors see this as a serious problem and agreed that the shared use of the asphalt recycler would serve as an immediate solution to reducing costs for their respective communities in undertaking the daunting task of filling these potholes.  
Under the new agreement, Ansonia will deliver broken asphalt from its roads to Milford, which will process it into new asphalt and then sell it back to Ansonia at a rate of $50/ton - a savings of up to 50 percent. 
The machine itself generates approximately 10 tons of new asphalt per hour, producing an ample amount to supply both cities with the quantities needed to repair their respective streets.
The state of Connecticut is encouraging all municipalities to regionalize services and equipment wherever appropriate and has also offered other incentives and grants to encourage these activities.
"I am proud of Ansonia's and Milford's public works departments and in particular I want to thank Mayor Blake for his cooperation on this agreement. It is a win-win for both of our communities and it's nice to know we have a friend in Milford," Cassetti said.

"It has been a pleasure to work with my counterpart in Milford, and I am looking forward to a continued partnership," Novak said. "This simple solution will help both of us more forward. It's good for Ansonia and good for Milford."

Cassetti added, "The increasing shift of the local tax burden to homeowners is particularly problematic for Ansonia residents. We have a responsibility to our residents to look at any way possible to lower their tax bill. This will move us one step closer to lessening the tax burden."


This is a press release from Cassetti's office.

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.

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.