Friday, July 10, 2015

Troop 3 Eagle Scouts recognized in Derby ceremony

Troop 3 BSA’s recent Eagle Scouts, from left, Steven Tracz, Dominic Livoti, and Matthew Moran, with Derby Mayor Anita Dugatto. / Contributed photo


DERBY – Steven Tracz, Matthew Moran, and Dominic Livoti, Housatonic Council BSA Troop 3 Derby’s 297th, 298th,and 299th Eagle Scouts respectively, were recently recognized during a Court of Honor ceremony held at the Troop’s sponsor, Derby Second Congregational Church.

Eagle Scout Ryan Cafaro of Ansonia served as master of ceremonies and the invocation was given by the Rev. Larry Crasilli, of the Second Congregational Church.

Mayor Anita Dugatto presented citations and gifts on behalf of the City of Derby and Scout Executive Kevin Bishop provided congratulations on behalf of Housatonic Council BSA. Also presenting a proclamation were state Reps. Linda Gentile, D-Ansonia, and Themis Klarides, R-Derby.

Letters of congratulations were received from Gov. Dannel P. Malloy, President Barack Obama, and U.S. Sen. Christopher Murphy.

Steven Tracz, 18, is the son of Mike and Cindy Tracz of Derby. He has an older sister, Hollie and older brother Mike Jr., Troop 3 Eagle Scout #274.

Steven is a recent graduate of Notre Dame High School in West Haven, where he participated in cross country, football, and indoor and outdoor track, was a member of Team ND and the outdoorsman club. Steven is a member of the Paugassett Hook and Ladder Fire Company in Derby and an Emergency Medical Responder with the Storm Ambulance Corps.

As a member of Troop 3, Steven attended the 2011 West Coast trip, 2012 trip to the Florida Sea Base, National Scout Jamborees in 2010 and 2013, and was selected to represent Troop 3 as an exchange Scout to Ireland in 2012. Steven has been and Endman in the Scout Gang Show for four years. He has worked on the aquatics staff at the Strang Scout Reservation and is working there currently. He has earned a total of 40 merit badges.

Beautified area of cemetery in Derby
For his Eagle project, Steven and his fellow Scouts beautified an area of St. Michael’s Cemetery on Silver Hill Road in Derby, which included grinding away seven stumps, laying down asphalt curbing, cutting down a tree, building two planters and putting up a new sign.

Steven will attend Anna Maria College in Paxton, Mass. in the fall and will be majoring in Paramedicine. After college he plans to follow in his cousin's footsteps and become a U.S. Navy SEAL.

Matthew C. Moran, 18, is the son of Albert and Debra Moran and the brother of John Moran. Matthew was a Tiger Cub in Pack 109 in Naugatuck before moving to Pack 3 Derby. Matthew advanced through the program earning the Arrow of Light Award before joining Boy Scout Troop 3 in 2008.

Upon joining Troop 3, Matthew became a part of the Ghost Rider Patrol serving as Grubmaster, Scribe, Quartermaster, and Assistant Patrol Leader before becoming Patrol Leader, where he led the Ghost Riders to win both the Housatonic Council BSA Fall Camporee and the Klondike Derby.

Matthew served Troop 3 as Senior Patrol Leader and then as a Junior Assistant Scoutmaster. He currently is an Assistant Scoutmaster. Matthew is the Activities Director of Venture Crew 77 Ansonia and a choir director of the annual Scout Gang Show for the past 5 years. He has earned a total of 30 merit badges. 
Matt is a third generation Troop 3 Scout, along with his dad, Al, and grandfather, John Moran.

In addition to attending many weeks of summer camp at Edmund D. Strang Scout Reservation, Matthew has participated in Troop 3 activities such as trips to Boston and New York City. Matthew attended the 2010 Scout Jamboree in Virginia to celebrate the 100th anniversary of Scouting. In 2011, Matthew participated in Troop 3’s Pacific Coast Adventure. 
In 2014, Matthew was selected to represent Troop 3 as an exchange Scout to Limerick, Ireland with fellow Eagle Scout Justin Patten. This summer Matt will serve as a leader on Troop 3 and Crew 33’s trip to Derby, England.

Matthew is a recent graduate of Seymour High School where he was a member of choir, performing arts club, cooking club, CISP, and was President of their chapter of Tri-M music honor society. He attends St. Mary’s Church and teaches third grade religious education classes. Matt works at St. Joseph’s Center in Trumbull as a receptionist.

Installed outdoor classroom at school
Matt’s Eagle Scout project benefited St. Mary-St. Michael School in Derby, of which he is an alumnus. His team of volunteers installed a new sign and an outdoor classroom with four benches that converts into picnic tables. 
The classroom will provide the students with the opportunity to learn in a different environment.

Matthew will attend Southern Connecticut State University, majoring in Elementary Education and Administration.

Dominic Cristopher Livoti, 18, resides in Orange with his parents Mary and Dominic Livoti and two older sisters, Olivia and Sara. 
Dominic is a graduate of Amity Regional High School where he was a member of the rugby club and football team. He is a member of St. Mary’s Church.

Dominic joined Cub Scout Pack 3 Derby in 2003, earning the Arrow of Light award. As a member of Troop 3 and Crew 33, he has earned a total of 60 merit badges, including nuclear science and climbing. Also, at Edmund D. Strang Scout Reservation he earned the mile swim award as well as the kayaking BSA award.

As a member of the Housatonic Council contingent, Dominic attended the 2010 National Scout Jamboree at Fort A.P. Hill, Virginia and the 2013 National Scout Jamboree at Bechtel Summit, West Virginia. Dominic also participated in the 2011 West Coast Adventure Trip, New Hampshire skiing trips, Salem, Mass. Halloween trips, and numerous top 10 Scout trips, as a member of Troop 3 and Crew 33. Dominic has served Scouting as a patrol scribe, patrol quartermaster, patrol leader, troop quartermaster, crew quartermaster and crew president. He has also been an end man and participant in many Scout Gang Shows.

Collected children's books, constructed displays
Dominic’s Eagle Scout community service project involved collecting children’s books and constructing book displays that were placed in the Ansonia YMCA, Adult Education Center in Shelton, Shelton Community Center and both Ansonia and Shelton Boys and Girls Clubs of the Lower Naugatuck Valley. With the help of the Shelton Readiness Council these book displays allow children access to free books to bring home and keep.

Dominic will attend Eastern Connecticut State University, majoring in Environmental Science with plans of becoming a National Parks Ranger.

“Housatonic Council BSA and Troop 3 Derby are extremely proud of the efforts of Steven, Matthew, and Dominic. Through Scouting they have learned the importance of giving back to the community and becoming good citizens, and we have every confidence Scouting has helped prepare them to be successful in the future," Troop 3 Scoutmaster Randy Ritter said. Ritter coordinated the court of honor program.

Troop 3 was founded in 1914, and continues to be sponsored by the Derby Second Congregational Church, where it will resume meeting each Wednesday at 7 p.m. beginning Sept. 10.

For more information on joining Scouting, call 203-732-0343


This is a press release from Scoutmaster Randy Ritter.

Derby Library offers resume workshops, sports talks

DERBY - The Derby Public Library offers Resume Workshops at 6:30 p.m. on the first Wednesday of each month.

During these sessions, participants are welcome to either start from scratch or bring
copies of their existing resumes, cover letters as well, for review and optimizing.  

Often a new resume can be created simply by making a number of subtle tweaks versus a whole new change.

The next workshop will be held at 6:30 p.m. Aug. 5.  
Registration is not required.  

Sports Talks
The Derby Public Library is now in its 10th season of Sports Talks.  
These informal sessions are held every Thursday at 10 a.m. throughout the baseball 
season.  
They are facilitated by radio talk show host, author, and Major League Baseball 
Rules Consultant Rich Marazzi. Each session includes trivia contests, videos, lively 
conversation and more.  

All ages, from rookies through veterans, are invited to join Rich and his group of Silver Sluggers.

No registration is necessary.  

For more information, stop by the Library, 313 Elizabeth St., call 203-736-1482 or visit  
www.derbypubliclibrary.org


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

Thursday, July 9, 2015

Salvation Army in Ansonia offers women's ministry

Valley residents work on a craft during a women's ministry meeting Wednesday at the Salvation Army Greater Valley Corps, 26 Lester St., Ansonia. Pictured from left are Thelma Nieves, Edith Morales, Mary Ann Belhumeur, Carmen Berdicia, Morales' sister, and Salvation Army Major Dora Garcia. 

Stay tuned for a story in the Valley Independent Sentinel.


Treasured Time to host outdoor movie in Derby

Sharing info from Seymour-based nonprofit's Facebook event page:

Treasured Time is excited to host its first Outdoor Movie Night! 

Come enjoy a fun family evening viewing of “The Sandlot” under the stars with us on July 25 at Derby Little League field, 55 Nutmeg Ave.

Price: $5/person Admission

Come early for the best seats! Bring your chairs & blankets!

The concession stand will be open for snacks and drinks!

Try your luck at our many themed raffle baskets!

We will have "glow" items for sale as well!

This is a shine only event. In case of inclement weather, check the Treasured Time Facebook page for an announcement or call 203-446-1068.


* Treasured Time thanks the following for their support: the City of Derby, Derby Little League, Shop Rite, and Bounce Party Express. 




Ansonia Library to host discussion about mystery novel

ANSONIA - The Ansonia Library’s monthly book discussion series will feature "And Then There Were None" by Agatha Christie. 

The discussion will take place at 11 a.m. July 23 in the Library’s Community Room.

The book discussion program is free and open to the public.

Copies of the book are available at the library’s circulation desk.

The Library is at 53 S. Cliff St.



This information is shared from the Library's website. 

O'Brien Tech in Ansonia posts honor roll

ANSONIA - Emmett O'Brien Technical High School, 141 Prindle Ave., today announced the honor roll for the fourth marking period.

Congratulations to all the students on their achievements!

12th Grade - High Honors
Israel Amaro,  Patrick Cote, Mysti Dahlman, Anthony DeCampos, Shea Fevrier, Spencer Gazda, Ryan Genest, Nelson Gines,  Gloria Gordillo,  Michael Greathouse, Sophia Haack, Jordan Herrin, Gabriel Jeannin, Dominick Kane, Giani Krajewski, Jordan Maida, Lisa Malinowski, Marc Mastropetre, Dakota Meiers, Melissa Millette, Kristina Molnar, Matthew Mulligan, Akweley Narh, Jazmarie Ortiz, Owen Pawlak, Daniel Pregano, Faith Richardson, Josiah Rosario, Annaleise Sabatino, Kayla Sciarretti, Benjamin Smith, Beth Smith, Jalen Utitus, Christina Victoria, Justin Wagner, Robert Wilcox, Michael Wojnagi

11th Grade - High Honors
Samantha Alves, Dean Andrade, Cameron Auddino, Ashley Baldassare, Dylan Barton, Nicole Belade, Michael Belardinelli, Kevin Bundock, Brittany Catone, Sean Coyle, Charlyn Cruz, Giavanna Dalby, Breanna DelGrosso, Makayla Eaton, Madison Feigenblat, Kristen Garcia, Dylan Goncalves,  Joel Goncalves, Hannah Gordon, Shannon Gregory,Tatyana Hunt, Garrett Kichar, Madisan Ligi, Ashley Lisboa, Corey Maiorino, Steven Mastronardi, Gabrielle Montanez, Ricardo Mosquera, Nicole Parker, Andrea Piccirillo, Jenna Randall, Jordan Riley, Pilar Rodriguez, Emily Salvati, Derek Schlaich, Tawnee Swiski, Sara Targouski, Dalina Tavarez, Holly Zheng

10th Grade - High Honors
Abraham Abdel-Hack, Ashley Ambrose, Jesse Bronko, Miranda Carbajal, Lily Desmond, Brandon Fahy, Jillian Feigenblat, Annie Froschl, Brianna Gessner, Victoria Hubbell, Cameron Hunt,  Nathaniel Johnson, Samantha Johnson, Connor Jurzynski, Rachel Krystopowicz, Melody Ky, Brianna Lanzieri, Tatiana Liu, Rachel Malinowski, Zachary Mathieu, Jessica Mercado, Eric Miner, Donald Nowell, Britney Onidi, Melani Piacentini, Dakota Potucek, Daniel Rooney, Emma Rupp, Matheu Sagehorn, Lukas Santilli, Adam Sroka

9th Grade - High Honors
Darien Acosta, Reginald Alves, Joshua Andes, Atinuke Ariyibi, Tamera Armistead, Dominic Campbell,  Justin Castle, Benjamin Cesero, Jillian Cohn, Allison Dalton, Thomas Dapp, Kayla Dutreuil, Margarita Falcone, Frantzeska Guerrier, Ryan Haggerty, Matthew Hester, Kimberly Horton,  Aisalynn Hurd, Jessica Johndro, Matthew Linley, Zackary Liptak, Julia Loverci,  Albert Martinez, Jakob Moore, Jordan Perry, Ginger Roberts, Rachel Rowland, Shane Sabetta, Michael Struber, Breanna Toomey


12th Grade – Honors
Joseph Alfano, Damaris Annuzzi, Kenneth Belanger,  Francis Bialy, Dondre Bibby, Jessica Boothe, Daniel Crowley, Destiny Damiani, Matthew Goncalves, Desiree Gonzalez, Jacob Gonzalez, Katherine Loaiza, Frankie Poplaski, Antonio Rodriguez, Shelby Roedts, Steve Rolinek, Joseph Santos, Michael Sollami, Luz Valenzuela, Alexander Walker, Jayson Yevich


11th Grade – Honors
Jordan Abraham, Hubert Adams, Ramon Alvarez, Christal Alves, Katherin Barco-Bonilla, Sydney Blum,  Briana Campana, Ashley Dalton, Matthew Dias, Megan Evans, Jose Figueroa, Daniel Froilan, Naomi Haywood, Betzy Luna, Christopher Marganski, Adrienne McNeill,  Keyine Rucker, Richard Sarfo, Hannah Sargeant, Star Schaer, Matthew Scott, Aleeki Shortridge, Thomas Simna, Taijah Smith, Netanya Terry, Greg Torres, Scott Toth, Dorian Valdiviezo

10th Grade – Honors
Caitlyn Abbott, Elliott Almeida, William Barrett, Felicity Berrios, Wayne Bishop, Roland Brantley, Troy Brown, Dayanara Davila, Jake Fearnley, Rudy Feliz-Ramirez, Terrance Gallishaw, Ervin Gee, Eija Geyer, Logan Glass, Meghan Gomulinski, Jayden Kahyaoglu, Matthew Koller, Eden Markoya, Rocio Martinez, Andrew Mueller,  Joel Otero, Carmen Pagan, Samantha Pietrafesa,  Zachary Sampiere, Jared Saunderson, Hailey Servidio, Timothy Sirois, Nicole Velez

9th Grade – Honors
Joshua Calderon, Tyler Ceccarelli, Jonathan Conniff, Cristhiana Coutinho, Veronica Crespo-Acevedo, Kyle Dumschott, Brendan Gilbert, Austin Goncalo, Tyreek Green, Matthew Hanock, Todd Henry, Nakita Huenerberg, Luke Kohut, Matthew Lexa, Santiago Llanos, Michael Lombard, Nyurka Luna, Jaden Marquez, Hayley Marsden, Gianna Martinez, Marcus Melendez, Alejandro Menaez-Lopez, Brenna Mills, Elisabeth Molnar, Dylan Morosko, Jasmin Murga, Maria Olivares, Marina Pacheco, Hayley Palange, Anthony Pennatto, Joseph Radin-Morabito, Cristina Rodriguez, Sebastian Rodriguez, Nathan Shulick, Lindsay Sigetti,
Edward Smith, Steven Smith, Ashley Teixeira, Carine Valcin, Shawnah Whitaker        



This is a press release from the school.                               

Bob's Fault Band rocks Ansonia




Plaudits go out to the classic rockers in Bob's Fault Band, local musicians who gave a great performance Wednesday at Veterans Park next to Ansonia City Hall.

The concert was the first of five in a series sponsored by the Ansonia Cultural Commission.

Next up will be The Bernadettes on July 22. Looking forward to it!