Cards sought to honor state veteran on his 90th birthday

Sharing from Shelton resident who is proud of her Dad, part of 'The Greatest Generation'

WWII Army hero Paul Panagrosso 

By DEBBIE BARBIERO
Paul Panagrosso entered World War II by joining the U.S Army at age 18 to be part of the 106th Infantry Division. 

He was captured by the Germans on the first day of the Battle of the Bulge, Dec. 16, 1944. 
After marching for days in snow he was placed in Stalag XIA and then transferred to Stalag IIIA. Eventually he was sent off to a work camp where he spent untold hours unloading railroad ties. 

Panagrosso during WWII

In April 1945 the work camp was evacuated and he had to march east. His feet were frostbitten and he needed the aid of a cart for this journey. Near the Elbe River he and his group stopped to take shelter. That evening the town came under attack by advancing Americans and they were liberated, ending five months of captivity. 

He was 165 pounds when he entered the Army. But when he arrived at Camp Lucky Strike in France for treatment he weighed only 100 pounds. 
After just one month at the hospital he was on a ship back to the States. 

He received a 60-day furlough and reassigned to Camp Devens, Mass. where he waited after being told he would soon be deployed to the Pacific to fight Japan. 
The war thankfully ended before this occurred and he was released from the Army in December, 1945. 

Like so many other Americans our father was part of “The Greatest Generation.”

To show our appreciation we are hoping to flood his mailbox with greetings in celebration of his 90th birthday on July 5. 

Please send cards to: 

Paul Panagrosso, P.O. Box 193, Chaplin, CT., 06235.

I'm PROUD to say, this is my Dad! 
I am so grateful he is still with us. He is my HERO!

Ansonia slates soccer registration

ANSONIA - Registration for fall soccer for new and returning players will be held from 6:30-8 p.m. today and Thursday at the Ansonia Armory, 5 State St., at the corner of North Cliff Street.

Dues are $65 for Recreational Players (In-Town)
(Born 8/1/2005 – 7/31/2011) and $85 for Travel Players (New Haven County) (Born 8/1/2001 – 7/31/2003)

Requirements:

• Proof of Ansonia residency (utility bill or other official U.S. Mail)

• Birth Certificate (Photocopy we can keep, if possible)

• Dues payment: check payable to “Ansonia Soccer Club”

• Registration form signed by parent or legal guardian

This information is shared from an online community calendar sponsored by the Community Foundation for Greater New Haven and the New Haven Independent.

Derby Historical Society unveils unique train layout

Daughter Allegra, who sometimes transforms into a Colonial-era docent at the Derby Historical Society, poses Saturday next to the organization's 'Derby Junction' train layout during Connecticut Open House Day. 

The train layout is set up in a new, climate-controlled building behind the David Humphreys House, 37 Elm St., Ansonia. It depicts factories, churches, city halls, and bridges of the Lower Naugatuck Valley circa 1918.

Below are several other views of the approximately 8-foot by 12-foot display:

Stay tuned for a story in the Valley Independent Sentinel.

Derby Historical Society slates 25th annual silver tea

Actress to perform 'Helen Keller - Champion of the Disabled'

Ansonia man to receive award for community service

Founder of Prendergast School Dad's Club

Saleh Hanaif

Congratulations go out today to Ansonia resident Saleh Hanaif for being selected to receive a prestigious award next week from the state Commission on Children.

You can read all about Hanaif's honor in this release in the Valley Independent Sentinel.

Derby Library to host craft class featuring recycled items

DERBY - The Derby Public Library, 313 Elizabeth St., has scheduled a Recycle, Re-purpose,

and Reuse Craft Class at 6:30 p.m. July 6.

Ansonia Animal Control Officer Jeanie Roslonowski will return to the Library to guide participants, ages 18 and over, in “mindless coloring," and to show them what can be done with tea bags.

Come and relax and see your creativity emerge.

The class will also include information on conservation and animal issues.  

Registration is required. 

For information, stop by the Library, call 203-736-1482, or visit www.derbypubliclibrary.org.

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

Derby Historical Society to unveil train building Saturday

Gen. Humphreys House, 37 Elm St., Ansonia (Photo from Facebook)

ANSONIA - Step back in time at the Derby Historical Society's Connecticut Open House Day celebration from noon-4 p.m. Saturday.

Tour the Gen. David Humphreys’ House, 37 Elm St., and/or enjoy an outside, walking tour of the historic Elm Street district, led by costumed docents.

Colonial chores, activities, and demonstrations will be performed throughout the day.

The organization will be opening its train building to the public for the first time. The building houses a layout of “Derby Junction” circa 1918. This layout depicts the cities of Ansonia, Derby, and Shelton.

Be sure to stop by the gift shop. Admission is free; a $5 donation for tours is suggested.

All donations will benefit the Derby Historical Society and the Humphreys House Restoration Project.

Parking is available in the lot behind the Humphreys House, and on nearby Thomas Street.



This information is shared from an online community calendar sponsored by the Community Foundation for Greater New Haven and the New Haven Independent.