Derby's B.E.S.T. run/walk fundraiser slated on Greenway

DERBY - The annual 5K run, mile walk, and fun run to benefit Derby Public Schools will be held Sept. 24. 

The fundraiser is hosted by Walnut Hill Community Church on the Derby Greenway.

Read all about it here.

Cassetti visits kids on last day of YMCA summer program in Ansonia

Ansonia Mayor David S. Cassetti visited children Friday morning on the final day of the Valley YMCA summer camp. 
He told them about the 'Young Gloves' boxing program for children he is launching Sept. 1 at the Ansonia Armory.


Stay tuned for a story and more photos in an upcoming issue of The Valley Voice newsletter.

Newsletter highlights forum in Ansonia on race relations and policing

Dear readers,

Here's the link to our latest Valley Voice newsletter.

It features a story on a forum Wednesday in Ansonia that started a community conversation about race relations and policing.

Thanks for reading!

- Patti and Ralph

Griffin Hospital in Derby to host free series for caregivers

Griffin Hospital and the Alzheimer’s Association Connecticut Chapter will host a free Family Caregivers Series for those caring for a loved one with dementia starting Sept. 13./ Contributed photo

DERBY - Griffin Hospital and the Alzheimer’s Association Connecticut Chapter will host a free Family Caregivers Series to help those caring for a loved one with dementia.

“This series will provide valuable information, resources and support for those caring for a person with Alzheimer's disease and other types of dementia,” said Maria Tomasetti, South Central Regional Director of the Alzheimer’s Association Connecticut Chapter.

The series will begin Sept. 13 with “Understanding and Responding to Dementia-Related Behaviors.” 

Tomasetti will discuss how during the middle stage of dementia, the person with the disease often starts to exhibit new behaviors that can be confusing for a caregiver. Attendees will be able to identify common triggers for dementia-related behaviors, identify/assess these challenging behaviors, and list strategies to address some of the behaviors.

On Oct. 11, Tomasetti will present “Dementia Care Safety Precautions and Strategies,” focusing on wandering/getting lost, MedicAlert/Safe Return, driving, home environment awareness and modifications, and medication safety.

The series will finish Nov. 1, with Tomasetti leading “Quality Connections,” which will review the importance of structuring the day for a person with dementia and explore activity options, considering the person's life story to help make quality connections. 

Tomasetti also will present a summary of the Alzheimer's Association’s programs and services.

All talks will be from 6-7:30 p.m. in the hospital Dining Room, 130 Division St. A light dinner will be served at 5:30 p.m.

Space is limited and registration is required for each talk. To register, call Esther Jones, of Griffin Hospital’s Community Outreach and Valley Parish Nursing Program, at 203-732-1523.


This is a press release from Griffin Hospital.

St. Jude Church in Derby to hold 8th annual festival

Photo of picnic shared from St. Jude Church website

DERBY - Parishioners of St. Jude Church will hold their eighth annual Family Labor Day Festival from 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Sept. 5 on church grounds, 71 Pleasant View Road.

Read all about the family-oriented picnic here in a story by New Haven Register correspondent Jean Falbo-Sosnovich.

Registration slated Saturday for boxing program at Ansonia Armory

Community forum in Ansonia focuses on race, policing in Valley

U.S. Sen. Richard Blumenthal addresses a community forum on race and policing Wednesday night at the Joseph A. Doyle Senior Center in Ansonia. More than 50 people attended the forum hosted by the Valley NAACP.

At far left is Derby Police Chief Gerald Narowski, and next to him is Seymour Police Chief Michael Metzler. Seated behind the lectern is Shelton's Interim Police Chief Shawn Sequeira. Ansonia Police Chief Kevin Hale also was in attendance.