Seymour Police welcome canine to force

Pictured from left, Seymour Police Officer John Oczkowski, resident Noel Peel who donated funds for the canine, training, and a fully-equipped Ford Expedition SUV, First Selectman Kurt Miller, and Fredda Peel pose with K-9 Officer Sage after Wednesday's Board of Police Commissioners' meeting. 


Please check out my story in the Valley Independent Sentinel.

Ceremony in West Haven to mark 25th anniversary of ADA

WEST HAVEN - Disability rights are civil rights, and the Americans with Disabilities Rights Act allows people with disabilities to participate in all of society.

The 25th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act will be the focus of a celebration starting at 5 p.m. Thursday (July 23) at Savin Rock Conference Center.

The event is sponsored by the Americans with Disabilities Act Coalition of Connecticut (ADACC). 

The ADA was signed into law in 1990 by former President George H.W. Bush.

The landmark legislation prohibits discrimination against the disabled and affords them the same opportunities available to those who are not living with a disability. 

Mayor Edward M. O’Brien will read a proclamation and participate in a flag-raising ceremony at 6:30 p.m. outside the conference center, 6 Rock St.

O’Brien said, “One in five people in the United States has disabilities and that number is constantly increasing from age, accidents, or even combat.

“As a result, the Americans with Disabilities Act is ever more important. It was passed almost unanimously by Congress and signed by President George H.W. Bush on July 26, 1990. Today marks 25 years commemorating the rights established for disabled individuals providing them with everything from transportation, communication, medical diagnostic equipment and information technology. It pleases me to see that such an effective act is still in existence today.”

Marc Anthony Gallucci, executive director, Center for Disability Rights, also will speak at the event. 

He said, “This 25th anniversary is a great opportunity to celebrate the positive impact that the Americans with Disabilities Act has had in the lives of millions of persons with disabilities.”

Keri McLaughlin, program manager, Community Connections, part of the nonprofit West Haven Community House, said the ADA “has been a tremendous help” to her clients in getting a job and maintaining it. 

She said after ADA was enacted society has shown more  “tolerance and acceptance” of those with disabilities. 

The West Haven Community House website says the organization

“exists to facilitate healthy, productive, independent and meaningful lives for children, adolescents and families, and individuals with disabilities.”

Thursday’s festivities will include an interactive educational exhibit about the ADA, and members of the public will get a chance to try out an adaptive, recumbent bicycle, Gallucci said. 

An acoustic duo will entertain from 5-7 p.m., followed by a rock band performing from 7-8 p.m., he said.

There will be balloons for children and Gallucci said the public is invited to celebrate and enjoy anniversary cake with CDR staff and members and event collaborators.

In addition to CDR the following collaborators are working to make the event a success: West Haven Community House’s Community Connections, City of West Haven, City of Milford & Concerned Citizens for People with Disabilities, Inc., Agency on Aging, and Bodie’s Place of Milford.

Note: My husband, Ralph, and I are members of the Center for Disability Rights and I wrote this press release for the organization.  

Please join us Thursday at Savin Rock for this fun event! 

E Street Gallery in Derby holds grand opening

Valley Arts Council members' work recognized at 'Artrageous' event

DERBY - The Valley Arts Council's reception Friday drew a big crowd to celebrate its new E Street Gallery and to open its latest show, "Artrageous!," featuring a variety of creative paintings, photos, collages, sculptures, and more. 

The gallery, 35 Elizabeth St., is next door to its former location. 
If you haven't yet visited, I recommend that you do so! It's a beautiful venue.

Pictured from left are winners of the Peoples' Choice awards: Tom Rudne, second place, Matt Irizzary, first place, and Dawn Kraemer, third place. 

Congratulations go out to all three artists on their honors!

Derby Scout Troop departs on trip to England

Contributed photo

DERBY – Twenty nine scouts, leaders, and family members of Boy Scout Troop 3 and Venture Crew 33 in Derby have departed for a two-week visit to Derby and London, England.

While in Derby, England the group will be hosted by Scout families of the 107 Derby Scouts and Trent Explorers, who were hosted by Troop 3 families in 2013.

The Scouts will also participate in the Peak International Encampment with 7,000 Scouts from throughout Europe.

The event is located on the estate of the Duke and Duchess of Devonshire.

Pictured with the group is Derby Mayor Anita Dugatto, third from left in front row, who provided letters and items for the group to present to her Derby, England counterpart. The group is under the direction of Troop 3 Scoutmaster Randy Ritter and Venture Crew Advisor Mike Flora.

In addition to Ritter and Flora, the group includes leaders Sarah Frager and Matt Moran, Scouts Colby Mcliverty, Kevin Flora, Mikaela Flora, Mike Flora, Joshua Moscato, Elliot Moscato, Naveen Madivala, Brandon Kling, Matt Cafaro, Rebecca Cafaro, Adam Sroka, Anthony Bartholomew, Ben Grasso, Lou Richetelli and James Chopak.

Family members and chaperones include Robin Jones, Deb Moran, Felicia Monaco, Vincenza Bartholomew, Mark, Patricia, Samantha, and Rosie Richetelli, and Kathy Moscato and Greg Kiley.



This is a press release from Troop 3 Scoutmaster Randy Ritter.

Memory care topic of discussion at Shelton community

Contributed photo

SHELTON - Lifestyle Transitions at Wesley Heights, a new memory support community on the Wesley Village campus, will host a “Dinner with the Doc” memory care discussion at 5:30 p.m. July 28.

The discussion will be led by Wesley Village Medical Director Dr. Daniel Wollman, who provides both primary care and consulting services for memory and cognitive deficits.

Wollman will facilitate a discussion for caregivers, offering strategies for dealing with memory loss and cognitive decline in older adults. 
A question and answer period will follow with Faith Wajdowicz, RN, Vice President of Clinical Services for Wesley Village. 

This event will be held in the new Lifestyle Transitions memory care neighborhood at Wesley Heights on the Wesley Village Campus at 580 Long Hill Ave. 
Seating is limited for this event; RSVP to Lisa Bisson at 203-225-5024 if interested in attending. Dinner will be provided.  

“Lifestyle Transitions” at Wesley Heights offers specialized assisted living in a secure, supportive environment for those living with memory loss. Deposits are now being accepted for new studio apartments. 
For more information about memory care options at Wesley Village, email Lisa at lbisson@umh.org or visit www.wesleyvillage-ct.org. 


This is a press release from United Methodist Homes.

Ansonia Rec plans trip to Red Sox-Yankees game

CWV in Derby to host House of Heroes fundraiser

DERBY - Catholic War Veterans Post 1562, 112 Derby Ave., will hold its fourth annual fundraiser to benefit House of Heroes Connecticut at 2 p.m. July 25.

House of Heroes provides no-cost home repairs to military personnel and their spouses.

Cost is $20 per person; kids under 12 admitted free. The event is open to the public.
There will be food, a raffle, games, and a cash bar, with music by Murray the Wheel.

Donations are welcomed and appreciated.

For more information call 203-734-9748 after 1 p.m.


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