Recuperation journey: R.I.P. 'Mr. Valley'

William C. Powanda

I was so saddened to receive a message Wednesday evening that one of the Valley's biggest cheerleaders had passed earlier that day. 

Ansonia native Bill Powanda, 78, of Seymour loved the community he called home and wasn't shy about revealing that affection. 
That prompted many to refer to him as 'Mr. Valley.' 
Having known Bill since 1978 in my work at the former Evening Sentinel and later at the New Haven Register I'd say that is a perfect nickname.
Bill seemed to know everything about the Valley and was one of a very few go-to guys for journalists with questions about the history and people of the region. 
Bill always returned my calls and I'd inevitably learn something from our conversations. He'd invariably sprinkle humorous anecdotes into a phone call.

Bill worked at Griffin Hospital in Derby for 38 years, and when he retired as vice president in 2013 I had the privilege of writing this story for the New Haven Register about him.    

I've yet to read his obituary and I know when I  do it will be through tears.

R.I.P. Mr. Valley. You will be missed.

Seymour Fire Department to help Santa deliver toys

*Shared from Great Hill Hose Company Facebook page.

Center Stage in Shelton to present 'A Christmas Carol'

Griffin Hospital in Derby to host AARP Driver Safety Program

Griffin Hospital to host an AARP Driver Safety Program  Dec. 1./ Contributed photo

DERBY - Griffin Hospital will host an AARP Driver Safety Program from 8:45 a.m.-1:15 p.m. Dec. 1 at the hospital, 130 Division St.

The AARP Driver Safety Program is the nation's first and largest refresher course for drivers. While the course is geared toward drivers age 50 and older, the course is open to everyone.

The training is designed to help you learn current rules of the road, how to operate your vehicle more safely in today's increasingly challenging driving environment, and make some adjustments to common age-related changes in vision, hearing, and reaction time.

The course also covers such topics as how to maintain proper following distance at all times; the safest way to change lanes and make turns at intersections; the effects of medications on driving; how to minimize the effect of dangerous blind spots; the importance of eliminating distractions, such as eating, smoking, and cell-phone use; proper use of safety belts, air bags, and anti-lock brakes and ways to monitor your own and others' driving skills and capabilities.

Participants will gain a greater appreciation of driving challenges and how they can avoid potential collisions and injuries to themselves and others. 

As an added bonus, participants can check with their auto insurance company about discounts for completing the course.

The cost is $15 for AARP members and $20 for non-members. Make checks payable to “AARP.”

To register, call Esther at 203-732-1523.

This is a press release from Griffin Hospital.

Recuperation journey: Chuckles

I met a domestic dove today at the Ansonia Nature Center. His name is Chuckles.

Recuperation journey: Fading fall foliage ...

at Osbornedale State Park in Derby. 

Ansonia PD to hold Stuff A Jeep Friday at Stop and Shop