DEEP: Fewer lifeguards at state swimming areas

Connecticut’s Department of Energy and Environmental Protection today reminded state park visitors that the number of lifeguards at state park swimming areas will be significantly reduced as the end of the summer swimming season fast approaches. 

At this time of year, many lifeguards leave their positions to return to school, but the DEEP maintains coverage wherever possible through Labor Day weekend.  
After Labor Day, Sept. 7, there will be no lifeguards on duty at any of Connecticut’s state park swimming areas.

"With the last summer days of swimming fast approaching, the DEEP encourages everyone to enjoy the outdoors, and use sound judgment when swimming at Connecticut’s state park beaches,” said DEEP Deputy Commissioner Susan Whalen. 
"With a reduced number of lifeguards on duty as the summer winds down, remember to stay within designated swimming areas, parents watch your children, and don't drink alcohol then swim." 

Weekday Coverage, Aug. 26-Sept. 4

Most of the state park swimming areas are unguarded weekdays from now through Labor Day. Swim areas will be posted with signs where there are no lifeguards on duty. 

Weekends and Holidays

Lifeguards will be on duty at the following state parks this weekend and Labor Day Weekend:

Hammonasset Beach State Park, Madison-East Beach

Squantz Pond State Park, New Fairfield

During the summer season, DEEP maintains lifeguards at the following eight state park designated swimming areas:

Hammonasset Beach– Madison

Rocky Neck – East Lyme

Sherwood Island – Westport

Silver Sands – Milford

Black Rock – Watertown

Burr Pond – Torrington

Indian Well – Shelton

Squantz Pond – New Fairfield


This is a press release from the state Department of Energy and Environmental Protection. 

Ansonia Cultural Commission posts upcoming events

Ansonia to host free movie Friday

Derby educators hold convocation, unveil high school 'redesign'

Derby Mayor Anita Dugatto addresses educators Monday at Derby Public Schools' convocation in the Derby High School gym.

Please click here to read my story in the Valley Independent Sentinel about the event and about the recently completed 'redesign' at the high school.

Wednesday was the first day of school in the district. 

Children's book clubs, movie planned at Seymour Library

SEYMOUR - The Seymour Public Library will host the following activities in September:

9/3 -  4 p.m. – StoryKids’ Book Club for K-Grade 2 . Book talks, craft and a snack  -  Child must have some reading ability.

9/9 -  4 p.m. – Nutmeggers’ Book Club for Grade 5 and up. Book talks, craft and a snack - features the Intermediate Nutmeg Nominees.

9/10 – 4 p.m. – BookChatters’ Book Club for Grade 2-4.  - Book talks, craft and a snack - features the Magic Tree House Series. 

9/16, 23, 30 –  10:30 a.m. – Morning Mini Movies for preschoolers.  We read a classic children’s book and show its movie version.  Child must be able to sit and listen.

9/22 – 10:30  a.m. – Lynn Lewis - Music and Movement for ages 0-6.  A fun time for all!

All programs are free, fun, and formative!

Some programs have limited enrollment; registration is required for all.

For information call 203-888-3903, visit us on Facebook, or visit us at                  

www.seymourpubliclibrary.org


This is a press release from Ann Szaley, children's librarian. 

Re-posting: Dinner tonight to support 2 Ansonia families

Nyah Marcano and Leah Rondon / Shared from Prendergast PTO Facebook page

ANSONIA – A ziti dinner fundraiser and a balloon fundraiser will be held to support the families of two six-year old children, who lost their lives in car accidents a week ago. 

Nyah Marcano, a Prendergast student, and Leah Rondon, a Mead student, were about to enter first grade Thursday, the first day of the 2015-16 school year.

The ziti dinner fundraiser will be held at Ansonia High School on Thursday. There will be three waves of dinner times: 4 p.m.; 5:30 p.m. and 7 p.m. 

Volunteers from Ansonia Public Schools, the Ansonia Fire Department, the Ansonia Police Department, Ansonia Rescue Medical Services and other agencies will be assisting. 

Admission to the ziti dinner is $10 for adults; $5 for students; and free to children ages 6 and younger. 

A balloon fundraiser, “Ansonia Goes Blue for Nyah and Leah,” will be held this weekend as well. 

Mayor David S. Cassetti is providing a banner that will span Main Street, promoting this special remembrance. Anyone wishing to purchase a balloon for $5 will be asked to complete a form with their name and address and submit the form with their cash payment by this Friday, Aug. 28 to Mead or Prendergast School. Volunteers from Mead and Prendergast School and their parent-teacher organizations will fill the balloons and deliver them to the purchaser’s address on Saturday, Aug. 29. 

For purchasers who live outside of Ansonia, the balloons will be tied outside Mead and Prendergast School.  

Anyone wishing more information may call the schools: Mead School, 203-736-5090, and Prendergast School, 203-736-5080.

The Valley United Way will be serving as fiduciary for all funds that are raised.

This is a press release from Ansonia Public Schools.

Ansonia's pageant contestant wins hearts at market place, concert

Madison Greenlaw

Congratulations go out to Madison Greenlaw, 8, of Ansonia, for winning in the photogenic category at a pageant earlier this month in Stamford. She also won several trophies.

Last month I had the pleasure of meeting Madison and her mother, Samantha Greenlaw, above, at the Valley Market Place in Veterans Park next to Ansonia City Hall. 
At the time Madison was selling her artwork to fund her participation in the pageant. She returned Wednesday to the market place to show off her sash and meet her fans. 

Wishing this sweet young lady all the best in her future endeavors!

The R&B/Funk band All Funk'd Up rocked the park after the market place. All in all it was a fun evening to close out the Cultural Commission's summer concert series.