VALLEY OPPORTUNITIES Fall 2004 / Volume 2, Issue 2 A Community Newsletter Winter 2005 INSIDE Valley Community Foundation Philanthropy …Page 1 The Search for Scholarships …Page 2 United Valley Libraries …Page 3 Helping Seniors Connect to Care …Page 4 Yale Know-How Comes to the Valley …Page 5 Back-to-School Fun & Clothes …Page 6 Developing Skills of Valley Workforce …Page 7 People Making a Difference …Page 8 Kellogg Environmental Center …Page 9 Programs for People Page 10 Valley Council of Governments …Page 11 David Humphreys House …Page 12 Valley Council of Health & Human Services …Page 13 Cairways Helps Fight Asthma …Page 14 Happenings & Opportunities …Page 15

The Newsletter of the Valley Advisory Committee and the Valley Council for Health and Human Services Community Assets…Centralized Philanthropy

COVER STORY VALLEY COMMUNITY FOUNDATION CONTINUES TRADITION OF VALLEY PHILANTHROPY

In an effort to increase and central- making the foundation become a reali- board of local citizens. The current ize philanthropy in the community, a ty. The Committee helps the Communi- board members are James Ryan, Chair- group of community leaders formed the ty Foundation service charitable needs man, William C. Bassett, James E. Cohen, Valley Community Foundation (VCF) in in the Lower Naugatuck Valley. David Grant, M. Elizabeth Kennard, February 2004. The Valley Community Foundation, Joseph A. Pagliaro, Jr., Mary L. Pepe, “The creation of a Valley communi- Inc. is a supporting organization of The David Rifkin, Kenneth Schaible and ty foundation has long been a dream of Community Foundation for Greater Alan Tyma. many in the Valley,” said Jimmy Ryan, New Haven and serves the towns of To learn more about philanthropic board member of the new foundation Ansonia, Derby, Oxford, Seymour and opportunities in the Valley, please call at its public announcement. Shelton. The foundation is led by a the VCF at 203-225-0880. Joseph Pagliaro, Sr. (deceased), first Chairman of the VCF emphasized the Center Cover Photo: Board of Directors and Staff of Valley Community Founda- tion. Front (l to r): James Cohen, Mary Pepe, Angela Powers, Drew Alden, David foundation’s importance for the Valley’s Rifkin. Back ((l to r): Jimmy Ryan, Alan Tyma., Joseph Pagliaro, Jr., David Grant, future. Liz Kennard, Catherine Adsitt. Not pictured: Bill Bassett, Ken Schaible. “We have a local opportunity to leave a legacy of generosity and invest- ment for the people who will live here VALLEY OPPORTUNITIES EDITORIAL COMMITTEE for generations to come,” Pagliaro said. Michael J. Wynne, Chairman, Valley Council for Health and Human Services Ryan, now Chairman of the Com- Cindy Mariani, Director of Communications, The Community Foundation for Greater New Haven munity Foundation, credited the Valley Advisory Committee, a group of Valley Joyce Barcley, Chairperson, Valley Council’s Marketing Committee volunteers assisting The Community Nancie Gray, Vice President of Marketing, Greater Valley Chamber of Commerce Foundation for Greater New Haven, for Catherine Adsitt, Executive Director, Valley Needs and Opportunities. Norbert Kovacs, Community Volunteer

SPECIAL THANKS TO Valley Opportunities OUR FUNDERS We hope you enjoy the stories pre- sented in this issue of Valley Oppor- Volume 2, Issue 2 Valley Advisory Committee and its Valley Needs & Opportunities Project tunities and would love to hear sug- Published by: • The Community Foundation for gestions for future editions. If you The Valley Advisory Committee of Greater New Haven have a story idea, contact: • The Katharine Matthies Foundation The Community Foundation for Catherine Adsitt, AICP Greater New Haven The Valley Council for Health and Executive Director 75 Liberty Street, P.O. Box 418 Human Services Ansonia, CT 06401 • The Community Foundation for Valley Needs & Opportunities (203) 736-0367 Greater New Haven c/o Valley United Way www.valleyadvisorycommittee.org • The Katharine Matthies Foundation 75 Liberty Street • The William Caspar Graustein P.O. Box 418 Editors Memorial Fund Norbert Kovacs • Griffin Hospital Ansonia, CT 06401 Catherine Adsitt • Valley United Way (203) 736-0367 Design & Layout • CT Legislature’s Arts Grant Program Fax (203) 732-8831 Q Company Communication Special Thanks to Valley United Way! Valley United Way serves as fiduciary for both the Valley [email protected] Shelton, CT Needs and Opportunities Project and the Valley www.valleyadvisorycommittee.org Council for Health and Human Services.

1 Valley Opportunities Community Assets…Scholarship Opportunities

THE SEARCH FOR SCHOLARSHIPS By Deanna Parks

Being a senior in high school can • If you are looking for scholarships be a stressful time; the quest for the only available to students in the Val- perfect college, the anxiety of waiting ley, you can find them in The Schol- for that acceptance or denial, and all of arship Directory, but here are a few: the other things that go along with sen- • Ansonia Rotary Scholarship ior year. • Beacon Fall’s Junior Women’s Club Scholarships are something that Scholarship most students need and want to help • Parlato Scholarship them pay for the high price of tuition. • Gerald & Helen B. Bogen Scholarship Fortunately, there are resources, in addi- • Naugatuck Valley Medical Society tion to our schools, that can help you Scholarship find scholarship information. • David S. Miles American Legion As a recent high school graduate, I Scholarship can offer you some resources that can • Shelton High Alumni Association be a great help in the quest for scholar- Scholarship ships. These resources not only helped • Babette Rogol Scholarship me, but they have helped many of my Deanna Parks Photo by Fred Ortoli I hope you find these resources and friends as well. scholarships helpful to you. Good luck • Fastweb.com is a great resource for arships available to CT students as on your scholarship search and enjoy scholarships. First you fill out a pro- well as students nationwide. This your senior year! file on everything from academics to material is available in print, on the Deanna Parks was a student at Ansonia hobbies. Then Fastweb will give you web, and on CD ROM. To request a High School. Among her many high school a listing of all of the scholarships you print copy or to view the directory activities, she was a member of the Valley Unit- may qualify for. In most cases, these online, visit www.cfgnh.org or send a ed Way’s Youth Leadership Program. Deanna scholarships are offered to students written request to: has worked part-time for the Greater Valley across the nation. Community Foundation Chamber of Commerce while home on break • Another great resource is The Schol- for Greater New Haven from the University of New Haven. She found arship Directory. The Scholarship 70 Audubon Street three scholarships through her scholarship Directory features a listing of schol- New Haven, CT 06510 search, totaling $3,500.

COMMUNITY GIVING PROVIDES FUNDING OPPORTUNITY

Successful campaigns recently have resulted in the abil- portation and obesity. All three issues have drawn major ity of Valley United Way to put an additional $100,000 of attention both locally and nationally during the last year. funding back into the community before the end of the year Valley United Way will be looking for innovative proposals in the form of special issues grants. from local nonprofit agencies to address the issues. Local During the past year, members of Valley United Way’s groups will be encouraged to work collaboratively on the Board of Directors have been reviewing both the Valley issues. Grant applications will be accepted through the end Needs and Opportunities Study of the Valley and the new of October, and the Board will make funding decisions by Community Impact Model of United Way of America. After the end of November. research and outreach, the Board of Directors decided to More information about this new impact that commu- focus on three areas to be addressed with the new funding. nity giving has provided can be found on United Way’s web The issues are early childhood development, trans- site (www.valleyunitedway.org).

Valley Opportunities 2 Community Assets…Regional Programs

UNITED VALLEY LIBRARIES: WORKING TOGETHER, OFFERING MORE

United Valley Libraries, a partner- ship of libraries that individually serve the communities of Ansonia, Beacon Falls, Derby, Oxford, Seymour, and Shelton, has brought an exciting new dimension to programming that bene- fits the entire lower Valley region. United Valley librarians are cur- rently collaborating to present a “One Book, One Valley” celebration. Best described as a huge book discussion with accompanying themed activities, the project is scheduled to kick off late this fall and run through National Library Week in April, 2005. A survey released in July by the National Endowment of the Arts confirms that Catherine Adsitt, Executive Director if Valley Needs & Opportunities presents a reading for pleasure has declined $3,000 check to United Valley Libraries to be used toward hiring a grant writer. steadily in this nation over the last 20 (l to r) Elspeth Lydon, Catherine Adsitt, Judy Augusta, Cathy Williams years. The “One Book, One Valley” project challenges Valley residents to “One Book, One Valley” aims to foster to take part. buck this trend and have a good time personal growth, improve physical and To set the stage for “One Book, One doing it. Through “One Book, One Val- mental health, and heighten public Valley,” dozens of volunteers in May ley,” Valley people will read with a awareness. Because the One Book Pro- started reading seven books. In Sep- common goal and take part in discus- ject happens Valley wide, people have tember, the volunteers ranked the sions and theme-related activities. a greater choice of activities and places books using pre-set criteria. The book receiving the highest score from the volunteers will be the focus of the Valley librarians plan One Book One Valley event. “One Book, One Valley” celebration this fall. The libraries have hired a grant writer, with the assistance of a $3000 grant from Valley Needs & Opportunities, to seek funds for the One Book project. On Sunday, November 7th, United Valley Libraries also sponsors a day trip to Salem, MA. Salem gained noto- riety during America’s colonial era and retains great historical significance to this day. There is a $25 fee for this trip. Contact the public or private library in any participating Valley town for more information about either UVL program.

3 Valley Opportunities Community Assets…Linking People

HELPING SENIORS CONNECT TO CARE By Norbert Kovacs

When many elderly think about their health care options, one of the first things to pop into their minds NEWS FLASH! may be going to a nursing home or Valley Needs & Opportunities has engaged Mt. Auburn Associ- relying on a visiting nurse. But have ates to conduct a progress review and update to the regional assess- you heard about the program that ment report published in 2000. helps seniors decide in the first place Over 40 members from the community have met with represen- between home care and a nursing tatives to provide their input. home? How about low-cost trans- Look for more information about this review and update during portation so an elderly person even the next few months! The comprehensive community planning sup- can get to a health professional? port provided by the regional assessment and Valley Needs & Oppor- Bob Bohannon is director of elder- tunities is an asset to all sectors of the community. ly services at TEAM, Inc. He refers many elderly in the Valley to “connec- tive” care, services whose main job is linking the elderly to the care they need. One such program is CHOICES. Specially trained volunteers and pro- fessionals with CHOICES help the eld- erly with the various (and often con- fusing) forms they need to complete for Medicare, Social Security and Title 19, Connecticut’s medical assistance pro- gram for people with low incomes. Economic development specialists discuss progress and changes CHOICES also assists with applying for with consultants. the new federal prescription drug cards and ConnPace, the state’s prescription on Aging of Southern Connecticut to selors, usually within the elderly per- assistance program for people with low ask about the program. The Agency son’s town, who can help them. incomes. Seniors can call the Agency provides names of CHOICES coun- CHOICES has no fee to enroll; all par- ticipants must be ages 65 or older. Members of the Senior Services Committee of the Valley Council Another option connecting seniors discuss plans for the upcoming year. to care is the Home Care Program, run by the state Department of Social Ser- vices through the Agency on Aging. The Home Care Program checks on elderly in their home to see if they can clean, cook and take medications inde- pendently. Home Care, then, consults with the elderly person and their fam- ily about services the elderly person would need so he or she can continue living on their own. Home Care com- continued on page 11 Photo by Catherine Adsitt

Valley Opportunities 14 Community Assets…Capacity Builders

VALLEY NEEDS AND OPPORTUNITIES BRINGS YALE KNOW-HOW TO THE VALLEY By Norbert Kovacs

could coordinate their program strategy, activities and goals. The Tool’s first of four parts is developing a problem statement. An agency names the problem it will address in the statement. In the Tool’s second part, deciding goals, an agency ver- balizes its goal. The agency, at this point, considers problems it would face pursuing its goal: perhaps, money, space and enrollment, even why a program like theirs failed. An agency also examines assumptions for success like the space where it will house the program. A group names short term and long term goals. In addi- tion, the group develops a vision statement based on how their resources fit their goals and after deciding if they can accomplish what they want. For instance, an agency could consider if it has a proper staff or work space. Marilyn Cormack of Birmingham Group Health Services admitted the value of a goal-setting phase. “It could help YALE SOM students (l to r) Hannah Blitzer, Fuphan Chou, Lee Green, Sean Myers, and Sheng Xuan Huan decide whether to keep a program and how to organize information.” By implementing plans, the Tool’s third part, an Joyce Barcley saw how helpful the work of Hannah agency designs ways to realize its goals and acts on them. Blitzer, Sean Myers and Sean Green could be. Blitzer emphasized implementation’s role for grant writing. “The people who write grant proposals for community “Your funders want to know how you’ll spend their money.” agencies often don’t think about outcomes,” said Barcley, The Tool’s fourth part, measuring outcomes, is where a who works for the Southwest Connecticut’s workforce board, community group looks at indicators, preferably quantifiable The WorkPlace, Inc. results, that it achieved its goals. But Blitzer, Myers and Green did. The three, who are stu- If indicators reveal disappointing results, a group may dents at the Yale School of Management, participate in the need changing goals or reconsidering plans. Client Outreach Program that provides business-consulting Pat Kaplan of New Haven Legal Assistance attested to the services to local non-profits. Working with team members growing importance of measuring outcomes for her agency. Fuphan Chou and Sheng Xuan Huang, they created an out- continued on page 11 comes based management tool for the Valley Needs and Opportunities Project, which they presented to the Valley Yale SOM students present Outcomes Measurement Tool Council for Health and Human Services, May 4th. The students developed the tool to help Valley Needs and Opportunities evaluate and plan its services. “During the development phase, we saw the broader application the tool could have in the community,” says Catherine Adsitt, Execu- tive Director of Valley Needs. One person who agreed was Jack Walsh, President of the Valley United Way, who sits on a Valley Needs and Opportu- nities sub-committee. “He has forwarded the tool to the United Way’s agencies and asked them to voluntarily use it this year,” explained Adsitt. The students believe an agency planning with the tool

15 Valley Opportunities Community Assets…Corporate Volunteers

BACK-TO-SCHOOL FUN AND CLOTHES By Norbert Kovacs

Photo by Fred Ortoli “Anything we can do to Claims Department at The promote success in school is Hartford, volunteered as chair important,” said Sharon DeDo- of the clothing drive. She said nato, Administrator, GE Inter- her company encourages its national, Inc. in Shelton. employees to donate to events As a member of the Valley like the clothing drive and United Way’s Corporate Vol- give time to the community. unteer Council, DeDonato DeDonato, likewise, testi- coordinated GE’s participation fied to GE’s philosophy and in the Valley United Way’s Vol- commitment to the commu- unteer Action Center’s (VAC) nity: “Giving back to the com- Back-to-School Clothing Drive. munities in which we operate VAC picks an elementary CVC Members at Oxford back to school event. is a hallmark of GE employ- school in the Valley each year ees, and every individual’s to benefit from the event. In a twist on Former VAC Director Joy DeMarchis responsibility.” tradition, VAC this year chose to help recruited volunteers for the clothing Eighty-eight children benefited from three schools in Oxford: Great Oak Mid- drive from VAC’s Corporate Volunteer the clothing drive this year. Each received dle School, and two elementary schools, Council, which comprises volunteers two pairs of pants, two shirts, a pair of Quaker Farms School and Oxford Center from businesses operating in the Valley. sneakers, a winter coat, underwear, socks School. Each Council business member and a backpack filled with school sup- Students receiving free lunch at the committed to sponsoring a certain num- plies. Volunteers purchased clothes with schools were eligible to participate. After ber of children. How each company actu- a child’s favorite color, even clothes fea- VAC discussed the clothing drive with the ally collected the necessary clothing var- turing their favorite super-hero. Children schools, those schools asked parents and ied. GE International, GE Supply and GE this year also received a book geared to guardians of qualified students whether Consumer Finance—three GE companies their age level. they wanted to participate. A question- with offices in Shelton—committed to Children received their clothes at a 2 naire about clothing sizes, favorite colors sponsoring 19 children. Different work hour party on August 26th held at Quak- and general preferences was filled out for groups at GE fostered a friendly compe- er Farms School. There, they met the vol- each participating student. tition to see which team would be first to unteers who helped them. gather the needed Oxford school officials thank the vol- (seated) Adrienne Cabral, Iroquois Gas Transmission Service, (standing, l to r) Jennifer Strang, OCI Chemical and Rita items for their unteers and VAC for their efforts. “We feel Shirra, OCI Chemical. child. very grateful,” said Frank Samuelson, Like GE, vol- Principal of Great Oak Middle School. “I unteers at The hope the kids feel very excited,” said Rita Hartford’s Shelton Spruck of Oxford Schools’ Central Office. office shopped for “I can’t imagine how it would be as a clothes as a part child not having new clothes on the first of a team build- day of school.” ing exercise. The To learn more about the Corporate Volun- Hartford bought teer Council and its annual projects which clothes for 10 include the Back-to-School Clothing Drive for children. Kids, Week of Caring and more, please contact Maria Nicolia, the Volunteer Action Center, Valley United Way, team leader in the 203-735-9331.

Photo by Fred Ortoli Valley Opportunities 6 Community Assets…Workforce Development & Transportation

MANUFACTURING TRAINING NETWORK DEVELOPS SKILLS OF VALLEY WORKFORCE By Michael Kelly

Employee training is alive and me if I could work overtime, all I could well in the Valley. The Greater Valley say was okay. Now I can answer him in Manufacturing Training Network complete sentences.” (GVMTN), sponsored by the Greater The Network will be starting the Valley Chamber of Commerce and second round of Leadership courses in What Is The Workplace, Inc., has been con- September and October, with two sec- ducting multiple courses in English as tions of Lead Person training hosted by Metropool? a Second Language (ESL) and Leader- Dresser Instruments in Stratford, one ship, and is gearing up for several section of Leadership II hosted by MetroPool, Inc., founded in computer courses. Spectrum Plastics in Shelton, and one 1980, is a private, non-profit cor- Three sections of ESL with a total section of Leadership II hosted by of 28 students are currently running, Thule, Inc. in Seymour. The Network poration whose mission is to one hosted by Derby Cellular Products expects around 60 to 70 students to deliver transportation demand in Derby, one by Spectrum Plastic attend. The instructors are Anne Peck management solutions to Molding in Ansonia, and one by OEM and Wilbur Pike from Naugatuck Valley improve mobility and ease the Controls in Shelton. Instructors from Community College. movement of people, improving Literacy Volunteers in Bridgeport During the first day of class, leader- assessed each student and placed them ship students are asked to list charac- workforce effectiveness, econom- at the class level that would challenge teristics essential to being a successful ic well being and quality of life. but not overwhelm them. leader, to name their own greatest MetroPool specializes in The classes teach grammar and strengths, and to think about three of creating customized commuter pronunciation and also treat cultural the challenges they have faced as a and occupational issues. Some learners leader. These issues are later revisited to mobility programs that meet the are professionally high level and want examine how the course has helped requirements of employers of to go higher. Others are struggling to them gain new skills and how the stu- any size. MetroPool also pro- communicate better at a basic level. All dents have applied those skills to the vides extensive relocation serv- want to improve their communications job. at work, in the community, and within The Network also is looking to start ices to ensure a smooth transi- their families. computer classes in various Microsoft tion for commuters traveling to This is the second round of ESL. software and is considering using the a new worksite. All services are The first round of three classes, which new mobile career coach operated by provided at no cost with the were completed in February, made a CT Works in Bridgeport. support of the Connecticut big difference in many of the students’ Through the efforts of the Chamber lives. These were some comments stu- and The WorkPlace, Inc., the Network Department of Transportation. dents made after the first round of has received funding from the Com- For information on how you classes: “Writing and presenting munity Foundation of Greater New can give your employees a bet- reports is easier. I can identify proce- Haven, the Matthies Foundation, and ter commute, contact MetroPool dures that are good, and introduce and the Connecticut Department of Eco- talk about problems the right way.” nomic & Community Development to at 1-800-FIND-RIDE or visit “When I went to the bank, the nor- help defray part of the instruction and www.metropool.com. mal teller was able to understand me management of the programs. Network and did not have to call a translator.” member companies match the grants “Before, when my supervisor asked with cash and in-kind contributions.

7 Valley Opportunities Community Assets…People Making a Difference

VALLEY VOLUNTEERS RECOGNIZED! By Joy DeMarchis Photo by Fred Ortoli

2004 Recipients of Volunteer Action Center Awards

Each year organizations throughout the Valley recognize some of the special people who live, work and give here. Though we are not able to recognize all the dedicated peo- ple who, themselves, are assets to our community, a few are JOSEPH A. PAGLIARO, SR. listed below – these are the recipients of the Valley United 1940 - 2004 Way’s Volunteer Action Center’s Awards for 2004. The Volun- teer Center annually receives nominations from local social The Valley lost a true community asset on June 14, 2004, service, municipal and educational organizations and recog- with the tragic death of Joseph A. Pagliaro, Sr. Joe had a long nizes outstanding community volunteers. and distinguished career in the Valley as owner of the James Tickey, received the Youth Award. Jimmy serves as Riverview Funeral Home and the Edward F. Adzima Funer- President of the Interact Club at Shelton High School that al home and made an indelible mark on the community organizes clothing drives, bowl-a-thons and other community with his active leadership and participation in civic areas. oriented activities to benefit those most in need. Recently, he Joe was very active in community philanthropic efforts. was elected President of the State of Connecticut Future Busi- He was central to the formation of Valley Community Foun- ness Leaders of America in addition to serving as Public Rela- dation and was the first chairman of the organization. His tions Officer for Valley United Way’s Youth Leadership Program. involvement in the area included the Valley United Way, Gail Grant and Karen Giordano of Shelton High School Birmingham Group Health Services, Shelton Economic Interact Club accepted the Youth Group Award. As faculty Development Corporation, the Lower Naugatuck Valley Boys advisors these two women organize students who have the & Girls Club and United Methodist Homes among the many drive, determination and energy to collect food for their in- organizations Joe devoted his time, talent and funds to. house food bank, provide activities for Shelton Day, Adopt a Commitment to civic government in Shelton was also Family for the holidays, move and dispense food for Spoon- much a part of Joe’s life. He served as a member of Shelton’s er House and organize clothing drives. This year their team Planning and Zoning Commission for more than twenty participated in the Umbrella’s Bowl-A-Thon and raised years and served as Chairman of the organization. $3,500 in donations alone. “He did it all for his family, we were first in his life,” says Elaine Battaglino of Ansonia received the Adult Award. Joseph A. Pagliaro, Jr. Elaine is a Parent and Teacher Organization President. Though Joe is no longer with us, he left this communi- According to Carol Merlone, principal of Mead School, ty a better place for having been a part of it. “Elaine goes beyond her duties as PTO President. She organ- continued on page 10

Valley Opportunities 8 Community Assets…Our Environment

KELLOGG ENVIRONMENTAL CENTER EDUCATES VALLEY ABOUT NATURE by Norbert Kovacs

Diane Joy admires the beauty of sionals can consult many foresters and standards. Elementary and secondary Osbornedale State Park. The 400 acre wildlife biologists and access up-to- schools statewide, as well as Scout and park, lying at the confluence of the date environmental data through the youth groups, have used “Food, Land Housatonic and Naugatuck Rivers in DEP network. “Food, Land and People” and People.” Derby, features captivating ponds, is one such curricula used nationwide. Kellogg also has programs that trails, and butterfly and rock gardens. The curricula, as adapted by Kellogg, directly enroll children. Their Wild Joy is Director of the Kids Program takes place Kellogg Environmental Cen- during the summer for chil- ter at Osbornedale. Kellogg’s dren ages 12 to 15 at main job is educating teach- Osbornedale. Wild Kids ers and equipping them to children build wildlife teach students about the tracks and monitor animals environment. The service visiting those tracks. Chil- seems in demand. “Teachers dren also create platforms are looking to get students where turtles can bask in more involved in environ- the sun. “Kids give back to mental learning,” said Joy. the park that way, so the Kellogg staff personally public can enjoy it more,” helps teachers who turn to said Dave Celotto, environ- them, both with training and mental educator for Wild by lending equipment to Kids. Front of Kellogg Environmental Center help classes. “Sometimes, Photo used with permission of Connecticut Department of Environmental Protection Celotto hopes Wild Kids teachers feel uncomfortable about teaches how Connecticut’s agriculture does more than teach youth about changing how they teach to address differs from that of other states. nature. “We want them to be lifelong the environment,” explained Joy. “Our program teaches students promoters of the environment,” he As part of Connecticut’s Depart- how agriculture impacts them and said. ment of Environmental Protection, what it shows about them,” said Sue Kellogg’s educational offerings Kellogg enjoys many advantages when Quincy, state coordinator for Food, benefit children in several ways, Joy developing environmental curricula Land and People, who works at Kellogg. believes. With critical thinking skills, for interested teachers. Kellogg profes- According to Quincy, teachers find for instance. “We teach children how to Rose Garden the Food, Land think, not what to think,” said Joy. Photo used with permission of Connecticut Department of Environmental Protection and People activi- “Children learn to ask questions they ties easy to inte- want answered.” grate into the Kellogg’s educational offerings also classroom. “You stress hands-on learning rather than don’t need to buy reading from textbooks. “Kids find it a lot,” said Quin- very exciting. When they dissect an cy. “Most materi- owl pellet, kids are weighing, measur- als come from ing and learning anatomy,” Joy said. people’s kitchens.” The Kellogg Environmental Center, located Quincy says the at 500 Hawthorne Avenue, Derby, is open 9 program helps am – 4:30 pm, Tuesday through Saturday. To children K-12 learn more about Kellogg, call 734-2513 or meet math and visit www.dep.state.ct.us/educ/kellogg. social studies

19 Valley Opportunities Community Assets…Programs for People

NO ONE SHOULD HAVE Sue Reilly, Valley YMCA presents TO CHOOSE BETWEEN Robert Gaudio with BUYING FOOD OR the Sharon Bryce Holly Community MEDICINE Hero Award Photo by Fred Ortoli Most people experience times in their lives when money’s tight and tough choices need to be made. The Pre- scription Assistance Program can help find low-cost or free prescription medications for those who qualify. Valley residents are eligible if they meet income guidelines, have no health insurance or a She designs the store set up, unpacks toys and sorts, prices plan that does not include prescription drug coverage and be and places them in order to distribute to the children and a U.S. citizen or a permanent resident. families during the holiday season. Prescription Assistance coordinators are located at the Val- Robert Gaudio of The Connecticut Hospice Home Care ley Women’s Health Coordination Center and Community Volunteers received the prestigious Sharon Bryce Holly Com- Health Connection. People interested in the program will need munity Hero Award. Robert provides hours of travel time to provide the coordinators with information to help them fill ensuring that cancer patients are able to get their appoint- out the applications by providing proof of income and resi- ments, treatments and run general errands. He covers the dency status, an original prescription written by their doctor, entire Valley area and accompanies patients to support and and will be asked to bring the forms to the doctor office for a comfort them. Robert gives patients the gift of friendship by signature. helping them and their families maintain a quality of life During the last year, the Prescription Assistance Program, when they are near the end of their own. administered by the Women’s Health Coordination Center at Robert VanEgghen of PerkinElmer, Inc. received the Cor- Griffin Hospital has helped 44 people access medications with porate Volunteer Council Award. Robert “Bob” is the Co- a combined savings of $74,000. One call can verify if a specific Chair of the Corporate Volunteer Council. He spearheaded medication is available. Medications, when prescribed, dis- its 2003 Annual Week of Caring project to benefit Derby Day pensed, and administered correctly, are some of the best pre- Care Center, in addition to serving on numerous committees vention and treatment healthcare tools available. within the organization. Bob is also a very active member of For more information about this program or to make an appointment, AmeriCares and is known for volunteering from sun up to please call the Prescription Assistance Coordinator at Women’s Health Coor- sun down to “get the job done.” dination Center at Griffin Hospital, 732-1330 or patients receiving primary continued on page 11 care at Community Health Connection call 503-3586. Photo by Fred Ortoli

Volunteers, continued from page 8 izes fund-raisers and programs that are held in the school. Elaine is a person that is always there to help and doesn’t expect recognition for her efforts.” The Friends of Ansonia Nature Center, Inc. were the proud recipients of the Adult Group Award. This grass roots group of volunteers began in 1991 and numbers 350 mem- bers today. A core group of members plan annual Earth Day Celebrations and together they have overseen the Redwing Pond House Project to teach preschoolers respect for the nat- ural world and prompt an appreciation for its beauty. Jean Collins of Derby won the Living Treasure Award. Ms. Collins has been a dedicated volunteer at TEAM, Inc. for Diane Stroman of TEAM, Inc. presents Jean Collins with five years and commits herself to the Toys for Tots Program. Living Treasurer Award

Valley Opportunities 101 Community Assets…Our Towns Working Together

THE VALLEY COUNCIL Yale, continued from page 5 OF GOVERNMENTS “Our funders want our outcomes measured. To succeed in by Richard Eigen getting funds, things depend less on deciding ‘Will our plans work?’ than on ‘Does it work according to a tool?’” Michael Wynne, chair of the Valley Council, recom- mended Council agencies apply the Tool to one of their pro- grams. Walsh said the Tool was “a simple and easy model anyone could use.” Putting the tool in perspective, Myers said, “If we con- sider design first, evaluation will be easier.” Community groups may obtain a copy of the Outcomes Measurement Tool by contacting Catherine Adsitt at (203) 736- 0367 or by logging on to www.valleyadvisorycommittee.org.

Seniors, continued from page 4 pletely funds the services it finds needed for seniors. (l to r) VCOG Members: Derby Mayor Marc J. Garofalo, For a more direct case of “connective” care, there’s the Ansonia Mayor James T. Della Volpe, Shelton Mayor Mark A. Lauretti and Seymour First Selectman Robert J. Koskelowski. Valley Transit District. The Transit District provides seniors with low-cost transportation to doctors’ visits and other STAFF CHANGES pre-scheduled health care. Transportation is arranged 24 The Valley Council of Governments (VCOG) which hours in advance and based on a donation. Most trans- replaced the former Council of Elected Officials (CEO) portation offered is within the Valley, but travel to Bridge- approximately two years ago is undergoing a staff facelift. Its port, New Haven and Waterbury can be arranged as well. Executive Director and Regional/Transportation Planner Bohannon thinks the service is well-geared to seniors. have both retired. The Regional/Transportation Planner “Some elderly who move to the Valley from surround- retired in August after 30 years. The Executive Director will ing cities still want to see providers in their old communi- be retiring effective November after 23 years. This gives the ties, and Valley Transit lets them do that. Also, it can be good new COG the opportunity to hire its own staff. Given the for people without a car or who have trouble driving on the length of stay of the previous staff, the new staff may be highway.” here a long time and have a major impact on the Valley over To learn more, please call the Agency on Aging of Southern Con- the next few decades. necticut or the Home Care Program at 203-785-8533, TEAM, Inc. at 736-5420 and/or Valley Transit District at 735-6824. EMS COMMITTEE FORMED In March, the VCOG formed a committee to study emergency medical services and paramedical activities in Volunteers, continued from page 10 the Valley. This amounts to a tremendous undertaking in Deanna Parks received the Youth Leadership Award. what has been tried before but never resolved. A committee Deanna served as the Secretary of Valley United Way’s Youth was set up to make a recommendation to the full COG for Leadership Program. She brought boundless energy and action. The committee consists of Dr. Gregory Boris, D.O., enthusiasm to the membership by organizing, leading and Griffin Hospital; Barbara Martin, SCCEMS Representative; creating new fundraising initiatives to increase donations. Mayor James Della Volpe, Ansonia; and Karen Spargo, Corrine Pefrushonis received the High School Volunteer NVHD Executive Director. The Mayors are responsible for Council Award. Corrine is a 2004 graduate from Emmett public safety in their communities. The questions for the O’Brien High School. She was a member of the High School committee are how a regional model or a model based on Council for two years and was instrumental in coordinating individual communities having their own operations would the 2nd Annual Holiday Celebration for Kids in the Valley at affect response times and costs. Griffin Hospital gave $15,000 Shelton Farmer’s Market. In addition to all of her efforts with to the COG for this study and the Community Foundation the High School Volunteer Council, she served as President for Greater New Haven gave $2,000 for consultant and of her class and was an active member of the Youth Leader- administrative support. ship Program.

11 Valley Opportunities Community Assets…Our History

DAVID HUMPHREYS HOUSE PROVIDES LINK TO VALLEY HISTORY By Norbert Kovacs

“The house really brings colonial style clothes. The history to life,” said Terri children spin wool, weave, Goldson, assistant principal and cook soup over an open at Mead School in Ansonia, hearth. reflecting on the David Day in 1762 provides a Humphreys House. nice break from listening to The house’s role as a lectures, thinks Linda Cop- window into the Valley’s past pola, principal at Bradley is pretty recent. Completed School in Derby. “Children in 1698, the house originally get to experience things lay within the borders of hands-on,” she said. Derby but later became part The Humphreys House of Ansonia. When the Derby continues to hold social sig- Historical Society bought the The David Humphreys House nificance for the Valley. house in 1961, it was a run- Used with permission of the Derby Historical Society “Children nowadays can down, three family home. take things for granted,” Coppola said. The home, which now receives sev- Humphreys ran thriving wool and cot- “When they see how rudimentary life eral thousand visitors annually was ton mills in the Valley. Moreover, he was, they appreciate what we have redeveloped with funds from the City founded the new town of today.” of Ansonia, through the Redevelop- Humphreyville, which became Sey- Coppola added that the house has ment Agency, using Community Devel- mour. special meaning for Bradley School, opment Funds from the US Department The David Humphreys House, since the school’s address is David of Housing and Urban Development where Humphreys lived, is listed on the Humphreys Road. “After the visit, chil- and local donation. The Society began federal registry of national landmarks. dren get the idea that history happened renovating the house in 1976 to restore The first floor of the house features in the area,” she said. the house to its 18th century appear- artifacts on Derby’s history and memo- “Visiting the Humphreys House, ance. The renovation effort was led by rabilia about Commodore Isaac Hull, children see how this great country was Dorothy Larson. “She was a wonderful another Revolutionary War figure from built,” said Goldson. person and was a community asset,” Derby. The second floor features usable The David Humphreys House, located at says Ansonia resident James Ryan. spinning wheels and looms. Rotating 37 Elm Street, Ansonia, is open Monday to Fri- David Humphreys, the house’s exhibits at the house have included day, 1-4 pm. For more information, please call namesake, served the country as a gen- one on lantern light slides. the Derby Historical Society at 735-1908. eral during the Revolutionary War. He “We do the temporary exhibits to Interior of the Humphreys House was a trusted friend of George Wash- keep things fresh, so people keep com- Used with permission of the Derby Historical Society ington, who sometimes asked his ing back,” said Robert Novak, director advice. Humphreys also was the first of the Derby Historical Society. American ambassador to a foreign One of the main draws at the country, representing the U.S. in Portu- house is the Day in 1762 program for gal. Later as ambassador to Spain, he fifth graders. learned sheep breeding. The breeding “In 1762, Humphreys was 10, about techniques he brought back to this the age of fifth graders today,” said country “dramatically improved the Novak, explaining the program’s name. quality of American wool,” according to During Day in 1762, fifth graders the Connecticut Sons of the American take the names of actual children who Revolution web site. In the 1800’s, lived in Humphreys’ time and wear

Valley Opportunities 121 Community Assets…Our Health & Human Service Community

The Valley Council for Health & Human Services

The Valley Council for Health & Human Services is a partnership network that works to build the capacity of our health and human services delivery system. This community asset provides a forum for organizations in our community to work together. Below is news and information about some of our members: Community Health Connection Girl Scouts Rise CHC provides family practice, internal medicine, in National Rankings ob/gyn and pediatric services to disadvantaged residents Connecticut Trails Council of Girl of the Valley. Podiatry, dermatology and geriatrics serv- Scouts, already the largest organization for ices began recently. CHC also participates in the Con- girls in the state, is now the 12th largest council in the necticut Diabetes Control Program. nation, according to Girl Scouts of the USA. In addition, CHC has a bilingual entitlement coordi- The council rose four steps in the national rankings nator. The coordinator helps uninsured people receive this year. It currently serves 28,938 girls and 10,032 adults general assistance and Medicare. The agency also does – of the more than 75,000 girls and 20,000 adults outreach to assist residents in the Valley’s housing proj- involved in the Girl Scout organization in Connecticut - ects. To learn more, please call CHC at 736-5000. in 107 communities. For information about Girl Scouting, call (800) 922- Birmingham Group Health Services 2770, or visit www.girlscoutscttrails.org on the Internet. (BGHS) Celebrates 25th Anniversary VNA of South Central CT Turns 100 Birmingham Group Health Services (BGHS) will cele- 2004 marks the 100th birthday brate its 25th Anniversary this year. It is an exciting mile- of the Visiting Nurse Association of stone for the organization that began as a small, commu- South Central Connecticut. nity-based mental health center. BGHS has evolved into a VNA/SCC began as the District comprehensive behavioral healthcare organization. Nurse Association of Ansonia, Birmingham Group Health Services, which mainly Derby and Shelton in 1904. serves the poor, working poor, and economically chal- VNA/SCC assisted during the lenged, has seen tremendous expansion over the past flu epidemic of 1914 to 1917 and few years and credits community support for much of its trained military nurses during success. World War II. The agency operated “It’s a tremendous organization that was built, in part, an emergency room in the Valley by concerned citizens. Twenty-five years later, it is still nur- with one hospital bed until the opening of Griffin Hos- tured and supported by those who have an interest in pital. After flooding caused by Hurricane Diane, making the Valley a better place to work and live,” says VNA/SCC vaccinated thousands of Valley residents Irene Smith, a previous BGHS Board Chair and longtime against typhoid. volunteer. Today, VNA/SCC serves 35 towns across south cen- For more information about BGHS, or the 25th Anniversary tral Connecticut. Active in the Valley Council for Health Celebration, call 736-2601, or visit www.bghealth.org. & Human Services, VNA/SCC maintains its Valley roots. Announcing! CTWorks Career Coach Connecticut’s First Mobile One-Stop Career Center

The Career Coach is a self-contained vehicle equipped with state-of-the art telecommunications equipment, offering Southwestern Connecticut’s residents a full array of employment, career upgrading and computer training services. The Coach will be at the Ansonia Housing Authority every Wednesday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. for Job Search, Resume Building, Introduction to computer software programs (PC basics, Word, Excel, PowerPoint), and limited free time for computer use. Check www.ctworkssw.org for the most current schedule.

13 Valley Opportunities Community Assets…Outreach

YOUR OPINION MATTERS! The Valley Needs and Opportunities Project would like to hear your comments, suggestions, and questions about our newsletter, the Valley community, and/or business, leadership, philanthropy, and volunteer events, trainings, and oppor- tunities. Please mail your comments to: Valley Needs and Opportunities • P.O. Box 418 • Ansonia, CT 06401 • (203) 736-0367 Or complete this form on-line at www.valleyadvisorycommittee.org. Types of articles that I would like to see in future editions of Valley Opportunities: ❑ Spotlight on interesting residents ❑ Ways volunteers make a difference ❑ Philanthropy ❑ Spotlight on business leaders ❑ Community and economic development ❑ Other ______

Comments: ______Name: ______Phone: ______E-mail:______Mailing address:______

CAIRWAYS HELPS KIDS FIGHT ASTHMA By Norbert Kovacs

Jamie Ives liked CAIRWays from its beginnings. All residents of Ansonia, Beacon Falls, Derby, Naugatuck, “We had a family with four children enroll on the first Seymour and Shelton who are parents or care-givers of chil- day we offered it,” said Ives, Health and Nutrition Coordina- dren diagnosed with asthma are eligible for the program. To tor for TEAM’s Head Start. reach children CAIRWays may help, the program networks CAIRWays, which stands for Childhood Asthma Indoor with local physicians for referrals. The program also works Risk Reduction Ways, was established earlier this year by the with families through its partner agencies, TEAM Head Start, Naugatuck Valley Health District. The goal of the program is Naugatuck Head Start and Shelton Public Schools. All school that Valley children make fewer emergency room visits, hos- systems in the Valley participate in the program. pital admissions or urgent care visits to the physician because When parents enroll a child at Head Start, TEAM checks of asthma and that Valley children have fewer school for asthma in his or her health history. If the child has asth- absences because of asthma. Tricia Sullivan, administrative ma, TEAM asks the parent if they would like to be referred to RN for CAIRWays, along with a registered sanitarian and a CAIRWays. Parents who consent are notified by Sullivan, who housing officer help qualified children with asthma directly does a phone assessment and schedules a home visit date. in children’s homes. The sanitarian identifies a home’s indoor Sullivan has contacted school systems in the Valley, and asthma triggers, such as mold, second-hand smoke, roaches they are passing along information about CAIRWays to fam- and dust mites, and recommends how to reduce or eliminate ilies of students with asthma. them. Sullivan reviews the child’s medication and asthma Sullivan is in the process of sending CAIRWays infor- treatment regimen. The program services are free. mation along to Valley summer camps. The CAIRWays mission is challenging. The asthma rate EPA funds for CAIRWays end in October 2005. The for children across the nation is rising. In the Valley, 362 chil- Health District will continue it with renewed EPA funding if dren, aged 14 or younger, made emergency room visits relat- possible or make CAIRWays one of its standard programs. ed to asthma from 1999 to 2000, more than double the 167 Ives wishes CAIRWays the best. “The way it’s designed, seen from 1995 to 1996. it should be very beneficial.” Arguing with these statistics, the Health District con- To learn more about CAIRWays, call the Health District vinced the Environmental Protection Agency to fund the at 924-9548. CAIRWays initiative.

Valley Opportunities 141 Community Assets…Happenings and Opportunities

Thanksgiving Day Road Race Holiday Gala at the Towers Come celebrate the exploits of leg- endary naval hero Commodore Isaac Birmingham Group Health Services (BGHS) will Hull by running through the historic hold its 3rd Annual Holiday Gala on December 10th, downtowns of Derby and Shelton on from 7:00pm to 11:30pm at Scinto Towers in Shelton, Thanksgiving morning! Be part of the CT. Tickets are $125.00 each. The event features live Valley’s newest holiday tradition by run- music, dancing, open bar, gourmet hors d’oeuvres, ning in the Third Annual Commodore carving stations, a silent auction and more. All proceeds Hull Thanksgiving Day 5K Road Race. benefit BGHS. For tickets/info call: (203) 736-2601. Burn off the calories and have plenty of time to get to the morning football games and back home for the traditional turkey. Full details at http://electronicvalley.org/derby/Hull- Race/index.htm.

The Visiting Nurse Association Valley Interfaith Caregivers’ of South Central Connecticut November 21, 2004 1:00 pm - 5:00 pm Festival of Trees The Visiting Nurse Association of South Central Connecti- cut, Inc. will be holding a “Home Sweet Home” gingerbread Saturday, November 20th • contest at the University of New Haven. For further informa- 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM tion please contact Kitty Champlin at 203.777.5521, ext. 2105 Shelton Senior Center • 81 Wheeler St., Shelton All proceeds from the Festival of Trees will benefit Covenant to Care the program and services provided by Valley Inter- Covenant to Care is seeking congregations who are faith Caregivers, Inc. VIC is a 501(c) (3) organization interested in mentoring children of women prisoners in the providing free services to elderly and disabled indi- Greater Bridgeport area. All training, screening of volunteers viduals in Shelton, Ansonia, Derby, Seymour, Oxford, and social work assistance provided. Call 860-243-1806 and and Beacon Falls. ask for LaShawn Henderson if you would like a presenta- For more information call tion, could introduce her to your clergy, or would like to get (203) 922-1201 a program started in your congregation.

Valley Enrichment Program Valley Enrichment Program, a collaboration between Valley Regional Adult Education and the towns of Ansonia, NVCC EVENTS Derby and Shelton, offers courses in a variety of general interest topics. Courses in a variety of topics, include com- NVCC Jazz Band • Dec. 8, 8 p.m. • NVCC Mainstage Theatre puters, health, recreation, arts and crafts, and more are offered. Registration and classes are coordinated with Valley NVCC Chorus • Dec. 10, 8 p.m. • Battel Chapel, Yale Univ. Regional Adult Education’s free programs, like GED and ESL. NVCC Chorus • Dec. 12, 3 p.m. • NVCC Mainstage Theatre Visit www.vrae.org for the latest catalog of courses, or call Donations will be accepted at the door. (203) 924-6651 for more information. For more information about academic programs at Naugatuck Valley, visit us on the Web at www.nvcc.commnet.edu. Adopt-A-Social Worker Program Covenant to Care continues the Adopt-A Social-Worker CONTACT: Janice Battista, Public Relations Associate program. Adopt-A-Social Worker matches child protective (203) 575-8276 [email protected] services workers with faith communities in order to respond to the immediate and on-going needs of abused, neglected 750 Chase Parkway • Waterbury, CT 06708 and impoverished children and their families. For more information, please contact Cindy Stasko, (203) 574-0365.

15 Valley Opportunities