Cassetti wishes Ansonia residents a Happy Easter

Easter message from City Hall:

ANSONIA - "On behalf of the City of Ansonia, I would like to take this opportunity to wish all of the residents of this great city a Happy Easter," Mayor David S. Cassetti said.  

"Please take time to celebrate with family and friends and enjoy the day."

School in Shelton presents Stations of the Cross

St. Joseph School student portrays Jesus in Passion Play.

*Sharing this information from the Facebook page of St. Joseph School:

SHELTON - The sixth, seventh and eighth grade students at St. Joseph School Wednesday presented the Living Stations of the Cross. 

This special presentation features contemporary Christian music and highlights those who witnessed Jesus' journey to the Cross.

The next performance will be held at 7:30 p.m. on Good Friday at St. Joseph Church, 50 Fairmont Place.

Special thanks to Angela Mantero for organizing and running the play.

Photo Credit: Victoria Lee Photography, LLC

Griffin Hospital in Derby to present talk about better sleep

DERBY - Griffin Hospital is offering a free talk to break down the ABCs of Zs at 6 p.m. April 21 in the hospital's Meditation and Learning Center, 130 Division St.

Dr. Marya Chaisson, director of The Sleep Wellness Center at Griffin Hospital, will present “Better Sleep for Better Health,” a discussion about the health risks of getting too little sleep, tips for getting better sleep, and warning signs of sleep apnea.

There will also be information about Griffin Hospital’s new lifestyle change program, Wellness for Life. 

This comprehensive, evidence-based, and medically supervised program offers hands-on and personalized learning in nutrition, exercise and reducing stress to help individuals change to a happier, healthier life.

The talk is part of Griffin Hospital's Healthy U education series, which features Griffin Hospital medical experts and community partners providing trusted health information and answers to questions on a wide range of topics. 
Light refreshments will be served.

To reserve your spot or for more information, call 203-732-1511 or visit the calendar at griffinhealth.org.

This is a press release from Griffin Hospital.

Nonprofit in Derby helps to make Easter brighter for Valley needy

More than $55K in food and gifts distributed

Colorful Easter baskets were distributed to more than 100 families Wednesday at St. Vincent De Paul Helping Hands of the Valley in Derby. / Contributed photo

Clients line up outside SVDP in Derby Wednesday for Easter dinner fixings and baskets. / Contributed photo

By Cindy Barbian
SVDP Thrift Shop Manager
DERBY - More than 100 Valley families received assistance Wednesday from St. Vincent De Paul Helping Hands of the Valley at its annual Easter distribution.
The total amount of the distribution was $55,691.
As in previous years Jim Guarrera and his crew from Carey and Guarrera Real Estate in Shelton carried bags of food to clients waiting in their cars.
Sandi Bailie, director, and I handed out brightly-wrapped Easter baskets filled with candy and toys.

Each family received five bags of non-perishable groceries, and a sixth bag, which included lettuce, celery, cantaloupe, carrots, bacon, kielbasa, bologna, American cheese, hot dogs, ground beef, butter, bread, and a fresh-baked pie.

They also received a gallon of milk, a bag of potatoes, a bag of onions, a spiral ham, and a $10 grocery store gift card.

Colorful Easter baskets and candy bags were given to everyone.

The fresh produce, meat, and dairy products were purchased by the agency.
The non-perishable foods were collected during food drives held at local churches.

Donations of the Easter baskets and candy came from individuals, churches, and organizations throughout the Valley.

A local church donated funds that enabled the agency to purchase the hams.

For information about St. Vincent De Paul Helping Hands of the Valley, or to volunteer, call 203-734-7577.



A big thank you goes out to Cindy Barbian for sending along the release and photos.

Save the date: Derby Day is June 27

Seymour students raise $307 for animal shelter

Pictured are Seymour Middle School students Joshua Magri, Taylor Dauphinais, Olivia D’Antona, Madeline Coco, Mackenzie Foreman, Rachel Moon, and Taylor Andrzejewski, School Resource Officer Corey Tomasella, Seymour Middle School Principal Bernadette Hamad, teacher Brian Cleveland, teacher Deborah Esposito, and Seymour Animal Control Officer Deborah Ice. / Contributed photo

SEYMOUR - Members of the Seymour Middle School Small Steps Club Wednesday presented the Seymour Animal Control Officer Deborah Ice with a check for $307.
The students raised the money from a bottle and can drive they recently held at Seymour Middle School.
Club Advisor Brian Cleveland said, “The students’ goal was to collect 6,100 cans and bottles that would be enough to fill 38 contractor-size trash bags. They easily achieved that goal.” 
Club President Taylor Andrzejewski said, “We wanted to raise money for the animal shelter because a majority of the animals left there by their previous owners need some type of medical attention.”  

Once the cans were collected, Club Advisor Deborah Esposito called in Seymour Police School Resource Officer Corey Tomasella and Seymour Schools Director of Security Rich Kearns to coordinate the delivery of the recyclables to a recycling center in Naugatuck.  

The Small Steps Club is a group of students who work together to help those in need in the community. 
Student Madeline Dunham said people should make sure they stop by the Seymour Animal Shelter to find themselves a pet which will be a companion and a lifelong friend.
Seymour Middle School Principal Bernadette Hamad praised her students' accomplishment.

This is a press release from Rich Kearns, Seymour Schools Director of Security.


Kudos to the Small Steps Club members for their efforts in raising funds to donate to the town's animal shelter!

    

Paper-making program slated at Kellogg Center in Derby

DERBY - Connecticut’s Department of Energy and Environmental Protection will hold an April program at Kellogg Environmental Center on paper making for the entire family. 

The program is free of charge; donations welcome.     

DEEP website photo

Children and adults are invited to come and explore all that is paper at 10:30 a.m. April 25.
Paper is a common material and has a great many uses.  

Participants will begin with a brief look at the history of paper making and learn how to use paper to make a variety of crafts.

Participants will try their hand at making their own paper. Additionally you will be able to recycle paper to make collages, pop-ups, bags, beads, cups, seed starters and other items.

This is a great time to come and explore paper and its many uses and reuses while learning some new craft techniques.    

Dress for mess and bring a reusable bag to take home your collection of items. 

Registration is requested. 

For further information, directions, or to register call 203-734-2513 or email donna.kingston@ct.gov. 

The Kellogg Environmental Center is at 500 Hawthorne Ave.

This is a press release from DEEP.