BHcare to host vigil in New Haven to honor, remember domestic violence victims

Every October, the nation observes Domestic Violence Awareness Month to bring to light an issue that effects all of our communities. 

Every 9 seconds, a woman is battered in the U.S. 

One in four women and one in seven men in the U.S. are victims of domestic violence at some point in their lives.

To raise awareness about domestic violence, BHcare’s The Umbrella Center for Domestic Violence Services will hold a vigil to honor survivors and remember the victims of domestic violence.

The 17^th Annual Sound of Hope will be held at 1 p.m. Oct. 5 at Long Wharf Pier, New Haven.  

The vigil will include the reading of names of those who have died as a result of domestic violence. 

Each person will receive a flower to toss into the harbor. The flowers represent the hopes and struggles of the survivors as they strive to become free from violence. The flower also gently reminds us of the lives that have been 

taken from us due to domestic violence.

Guest speakers include state Rep. Robyn Porter, Vice Chair of the Appropriations Committee, and Julie Johnson, UCDVS Family Justice Center Project Coordinator.

For more information about the vigil, or about domestic violence services call 203-736-2601, ext. 1381, or visit www.bhcare.org.  

If you need immediate assistance, please call our 24-hour domestic violence hotline 1-888-774-2900.

UCDVS is a program of BHcare that provides services for victims and children of domestic violence free of charge. Each year, over 6,000 abused women and their children walk through the door of UCDVS looking for shelter, help and hope. 

Learn more at bhcare.org.

This is a press release from BHcare.

Baroque operatic rock duo from Shelton, Seymour ink record deal

Suzanne Vick and Richard Demko

Vocalist and Shelton native Suzanne Vick, and writer/producer Richard Demko, a Seymour resident formerly of Monroe, have scored a record deal with West Haven Indie label HMG Recordings. 

The duo call themselves "DEMKOVIC" and their debut album, "Breathe," is scheduled to be released in the fall of 2016. 

Vick and Demko started working together in 2007 when they played in the local funk/jam band Electric Mayhem. 

The two eventually left the group due to what Demko describes as "life," but he always knew he would eventually find himself working with Vick again. 

After a few years of musical hiatus, Demko started writing again and could think of no one other than Vick to bring his latest batch of songs to life.  

When asked to describe DEMKOVIC’S musical style Demko said it is "very deep, emotional, operatic rock with elements of heavy guitars, big drums, deep bass, and flowing, dynamic, layered vocals.”

Vick is thrilled to have the opportunity to work with Demko again in such a different capacity than their first musical venture.  

“This project is a creative dream come true for me,” Vick said. “I’m a classically-trained vocalist, but don’t usually get the opportunity to utilize that training or my four-octave range. Rick’s writing and production push me to expand past what I think I can do vocally and the results are amazing and very satisfying.”

Information about their album release along with tour dates and other information can be found on social media @DEMKOVIC or on the web at www.demkovic.com.

This is a press release from Richard Demko.

Ansonia Harvest Festival features music, magic, food, fun for all

Magicians Incredulous Chris, left, and Presto Pete perform Saturday on stage in front of Ansonia City Hall.

The Bantam Band plays old-time songs on Main Street.

Ina Cassetti, wife of Ansonia Mayor David S. Cassetti, works at the cotton candy machine.

Seymour artist Betsy Rosenberg chats with Valley Arts Council President Rich DiCarlo, who also is activities chairman for the City of Ansonia. Some of Rosenberg's artwork, After Midnight Creations - Art Inspired by Soul, can be seen in the foreground. 

Chance's Meow, featuring feline accessories of every description, was one of the many vendors along Main Street. 

This young girl was showing off her gymnastic skills in a bounce house set up in the park next to City Hall. 


Please stay tuned for more photos in the next edition of The Valley Voice newsletter.

Shelton company holds 11th annual golf tourney, raises funds for 3 area nonprofits

The 11th annual DiMatteo Family Charitable Foundation Golf Tournament was an overwhelming success, and contributed more than $33,000 to three nonprofits.

Representing this year’s beneficiaries are from left, Raymond Baldwin, Jr., President/CEO of St. Vincent’s Special Needs Services in Trumbull; Dianne Auger, President/CEO of St. Vincent’s Medical Center Foundation, for St. Vincent’s SWIM Across the Sound in Bridgeport; Joseph Pagliaro, Jr., President, Board of Directors of the Boys & Girls Club of the Lower Naugatuck Valley in Shelton, with Rosemarie Esposito and Robert Lesko, both of Shelton, board members of the DiMatteo Family Charitable Foundation./Contributed photo

      STRATFORD - Golf and giving went hand in hand recently when more than 120 golfers swung their clubs at the 11th Annual DiMatteo Family Charitable Foundation Golf Tournament. 
     Organized by the DiMatteo Group in Shelton, supporters played a round of golf at Oronoque Country Club in Stratford to benefit three local nonprofits.

         The DiMatteo Family Charitable Foundation split the $33,000 proceeds equally between the Boys & Girls Club of the Lower Naugatuck Valley in Shelton, St. Vincent’s Special Needs Services in Trumbull, and St. Vincent’s SWIM Across the Sound in Bridgeport.

The Foundation was established by the DiMatteo Group 11 years ago as a tribute to Anthony “Tony” DiMatteo, their late father and company founder, who was battling cancer at the time. 

        “Our Family Foundation in conjunction with our Golf Tournament is committed to supporting various organizations that have made a difference in the lives of our family, clients, and staff,” said John DiMatteo, President of the DiMatteo Group. 
         “Since its inception over a decade ago, we have contributed over $330,000 for various well-known local and national charities that fund research, education, and finding a cure for diseases.”

  Founded over 56 years ago, the family-owned and operated business specializes in insurance, employee benefits, income tax, and financial services. Giving back to the community is part of the company’s mission.

  A committee of nearly 25 volunteers planned this annual golf tournament.  
 The following volunteers deserve special recognition for volunteering more than five years:  Shelton residents Lena DiMatteo, Rosemarie Esposito, Loretta Lesko, Robert Lesko, Natalie Lesko, Barbara Gelozin, Nancy Opitz, Karen Minopoli, and Maureen Yash; Bethany residents John DiMatteo, Kim DiMatteo, and Michael DiMatteo; Maria Rodrigues of Milford, Sue Doolan of Orange, Genie Tricarico of Seymour, and Debbie Bobela of Monroe.

         Many area companies and business associates of DiMatteo Group contributed to the tournament as sponsors. Top gold sponsors included: Liberty Mutual Insurance, Fairway Payments, The Hartford, Anthem BlueCross BlueShield and the DiMatteo Group. Park City Ford of Bridgeport was the hole-in-one sponsor.

          At the silver sponsor level, the following generous sponsors were: Preferred Tool and Die, Inc. of Shelton, 3PL Worldwide, Inc. and Berliner Insurance. 
         Other event sponsors included: Commonwealth Cares Fund, Inc., Acadia Insurance, Selective Insurance, and CATIC Financial, Inc.

            In addition, for over a decade, Steve Geremia from Safelite AutoGlass in Bridgeport has organized a "Hit the Windshield" putting contest on the day of the tournament and donates the prize and the proceeds. 

            John DiMatteo added, “We are extremely grateful to all our friends, family, and customers who have so generously contributed to our golf tournament. This annual event is the major source of funding for our Family Foundation and we want to recognize the community’s ongoing support.”

            Some of the past beneficiaries of the golf tournament have included: Project Purple, National Kidney Foundation, the Umbrella Center for Domestic Violence Services, The Kennedy Center, Juvenile Diabetes Association, American Heart Association, Spooner House, Homes for the Brave Female Soldiers/Forgotten Heroes, and MovingWithHOPE.           

               DiMatteo Group continues to maintain its foundation of integrity, personalized service and treating others as an extension of the family. “We have successfully transitioned the business from our parents and founders to the second generation with three siblings and two spouses, each of whom manages a key department,” said John DiMatteo. 

             Three siblings serve as officers of the company. John DiMatteo of Bethany specializes in financial planning and works with his wife, Kim DiMatteo, a partner in the business.  
             Loretta Lesko of Shelton, the second youngest sibling, serves as Vice President, and is in charge of Operations, while her husband Robert Lesko is a partner.  
            In addition, Rosemarie Esposito of Shelton, the eldest sibling, is the agency’s Treasurer, an Enrolled Agent and manages DiMatteo Group – Tax & Accounting Services LLC.  View www.dimatteogrp.com for more information.


This is a press release from the DiMatteo Group.

Celebrate Shelton to host handmade market Oct. 2

SHELTON - Celebrate Shelton will host the only Sunday handmade market on Oct. 2 to coincide with the annual Shelton Day festival. 

Hours are 11 a.m.-4 p.m. in the Conti Building, 415 Howe Ave.

Elle Sera will perform from 11 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Entertainment  for 1:30-4 p.m. to be announced.


*Info shared from a Facebook event page.

CT Kids Closet sale slated next weekend at Warsaw Park in Ansonia

Photo from Facebook event page

ANSONIA - Warsaw Park on Pulaski Highway will be the place to be Sept. 30 and Oct. 1 and 2 as more than 100 parents gather to recycle their children's outgrown clothes and gear at CT Kids Closet. 
There will be 20,000 to 30,000 items set up and organized with a great online management system.

Clothes, toys, baby gear, sports, costumes, games, outdoor toys, furniture, purses for mom, shoes and more. Sizes infant up to juniors. 
Open free to the public from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday and 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Sunday. 

Sunday is discount day. If it says "Discount YES" then it is 50 percent off! 
A pre-sale event will be held from 7-9 p.m. Friday. Admission for the pre-sale event is $10. 
Tickets can be purchased at the door. 

To participate as a consignor, visit www.ctkidscloset.com. Consignors make the lion's share of the profit (up to 75 percent) and set their own prices. You don't even have to be present to sell. 


*Sharing this information from a Facebook event page.

Seymour Library slates October activities for children

SEYMOUR - A variety of fun activities for kids is planned in October at Seymour Public Library.

10/4 and 18 -10:30  a.m. - Family Place Playgroup.  Many different types of play and social interaction – craft table and a brief circle time. Fun time to spend with old and new friends! 

10/6 - 4 p.m. - StoryKids’ Book Club for K-Gr 2.  Book talks, craft and a snack. Child must have some reading ability.

10/12- 4 p.m. - Nutmeggers’ - YA Book Club for Gr 5 and up. Book talks, craft, and a snack - features the Intermediate Nutmeg Nominees.

10/13 - 10:30 a.m. - Science Snoopers - ‘Clever Crows.’ Natural science and a craft for ages 2 and up - must be able to sit and listen.

10/13 - 4 p.m. - BookChatters’ Book Club for Gr 2-4. Book talks, craft and a snack - features the Magic Tree House Series 

10/14 -3:45 p.m. - Pumpkin Decorating – You bring the pumpkin, we provide the decorations! Light refreshments served. For all ages.

10/19 and 26 (continues in November) - 10:30 a.m. - Lap Sit stories, finger plays, songs, and fun for 6-24 month olds.

10/20 (continues in November) - 10:30 a.m. - Story hour stories, songs, finger plays, and a craft for 2-5 year olds.

10/20 - 4 p.m. - ‘The Club’ book club for grades 8 & up.  Teen advisory~ Booktalk, Snacks & more!

10/25 - 10:30 a.m.– Lynn Lewis - Music and Movement for ages 0-6. A fun time for everyone!!

10/27 – 10:30 a.m.– Preschool Halloween Party – Preschoolers parade the Library in costume and then party with stories, games and refreshments! All are invited to come in costume! For infants - 6-year olds.

10/28 – 3:45 p.m.– YA Origami – Join Miss Tina and make Origami creations!

All programs are free, fun, and formative! Some have 

limited enrollment.

Registration is required for all programs.

For information call 203-888-3903.

Visit us on Facebook or at www.seymourpubliclibrary.org.              

The Library is at 46 Church St.

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