Crisco, Conroy welcome grants for Beacon Falls, Woodbridge

HARTFORD - State Sen. Joseph J. Crisco, Jr. D-Woodbridge, and state Rep. Theresa Conroy, D-Beacon Falls, Derby, Seymour, today welcomed nearly $1 million in state Small Town Economic Assistance Program (STEAP) grants to Woodbridge and Beacon Falls.

The funds will go toward renovating the regional animal shelter in Woodbridge, and reconstructing a portion of West Road in Beacon Falls.

“This regional animal shelter has been saving taxpayers money and providing more resources for needy animals than before, but of course we need upkeep on our investment, and that’s what this state funding will help accomplish,” Crisco said. 
“I am so glad the state has a program like STEAP that can help small towns afford the cost of capital projects, expansions and renovations; the quality of life improvements and local tax savings that these STEAP funds help bring about are both real and valuable.”

“West Road in Beacon Falls can be dangerous, especially during heavy rain and extreme cold,” Conroy said. “When the legislature created the Small Town Economic Assistance Program, this is exactly the type of funding that was envisioned. We want to make sure small communities like Beacon Falls can invest in its infrastructure.”

Woodbridge received a $400,000 state STEAP grant to support the planning and construction of the renovation of the interior and exterior of the existing regional animal shelter that jointly serves Woodbridge and Bethany. This project will benefit the three communities and aid in the humane treatment and care of animals in the region.

Beacon Falls received a $500,000 state STEAP grant for the reconstruction of West Road.  
Beacon Falls is experiencing several maintenance and safety problems at the lower section of West Road, where several of the drainage structures and piping runs are undersized or were previously installed at substandard slopes.  
The project will eliminate several hazardous conditions, including road repair of deteriorated pavement, flooding onto private properties, and icing on the roadway.

Gov. Dannel P. Malloy announced 16 various state STEAP grants today; the grants assist smaller communities with infrastructure and capital improvement projects. 

“By partnering with our smaller communities, our state can assist towns with infrastructure projects that will help them grow, remain competitive, attract businesses, and bring added value to residents for years to come," Malloy said. 
“These STEAP grants allow us to get funding directly to municipalities to complete projects that make Connecticut a better place to work and live.”

Since 2011, small towns across Connecticut have received approximately $230 million in STEAP funds.


This is a press release from Crisco's office.

Connecticut educators endorse Conroy

The Connecticut Education Association, which represents 43,000 educators in the state, has endorsed Theresa Conroy for state representative.

State Rep. Theresa Conroy

Sheila Cohen, CEA president, said, “Theresa’s support of children, teachers, and public education is clear. CEA is proud to endorse Theresa Conroy for state representative.”

During her tenure in the legislature, state education funding to Seymour, Derby and Beacon Falls has increased, despite difficult state budgets.  
In addition, Conroy has worked to secure more than $4.5 million for her district in school construction grants.  

Conroy also acquired state funds for a new athletic field and softball field at Seymour High School.

In addition, Conroy has been a champion for advanced manufacturing training at the state’s technical high schools.

“I was proud to have Sen. Chris Murphy accompany me on Platt Tech’s shop floor to see how our young people are developing important skills for the future.  They will be the next generation of manufacturers in our state,” Conroy said.

Conroy noted that the state’s technical high schools and community colleges are terrific resources that train students for high-skill careers.

This is a press release from Linda Fusco, Conroy's campaign chairman.

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.