MultimediaSlideshows Community snapshots By mycitizensnews - August 2, 2013 0 67 Hidden Acres Therapeutic Riding Center riding instructor Alex Santoro of Rocky Hill recently received her PATH (Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship International) International certification for therapeutic riding instruction. PATH is a professional organization which establishes standards for quality equine-assisted activities and therapy. To become a PATH certified therapeutic riding instructor, candidates must have a solid foundation of horsemanship and then receive training and mentorship to develop the skills needed for providing safe and beneficial equine-assisted activities for individuals with physical, developmental and emotional challenges. For more information, visit www.PATHint.org or www.hiddenacrestrc.org. –CONTRIBUTED The Prospect U12 girls travel team participated in the South Central District and went undefeated in league play this past spring season. Pictured front row from left, Bridgette Riffe, Cristiana Santos, Haley Wolfanger, Alanna Carasone, Julia Accetura, Rebekah Wallace and Nicole Sherman. Back row from left, coach Ryan Smith, Juliana Villano, Kerrigan Shaw, XiuXiu Sammis-McCoy, Michealla Mastropietro, Mia Piccolo and Eliza Smith. Missing from photo, Grace Parker and coach Sarah Wallace. –CONTRIBUTED David Marimekala, 7, of Naugatuck (seated) played the national anthem during the flag raising ceremony at Naugatuck’s Fourth of July celebration July 3. –CONTRIBUTED The Trumbull-Porter Chapter Daughters of the American Revolution recently installed new officers for a three-year term. Newly installed officers include Regent Katharine ‘Katie’ Gabrielson from Naugatuck. Pictured standing from left, State Vice Regent April Staley, Librarian Beth Johnsen, Historian Marylee Sorman, Registrar Freda Carreiro, Corresponding Secretary Bonnie Rutherford, Chaplain Rev. Jody Gurerra, 2nd Vice Regent Pat Rockwell, and 1st Vice Regent and Recording Secretary Paula Vitetta. Seated, Honorary Chapter Regent & Treasurer Carol Bauby and Gabrielson. –CONTRIBUTED Project Purple recently awarded a $35,000 grant to Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center in Boston to establish the Project Purple Pancreatic Cancer Research Fund. The fund’s mission shall be used only for pancreatic cancer research. Project Purple, founded by Beacon Falls resident Dino Verrelli, is a nonprofit organization with a mission of raising awareness and funds towards a cure of pancreatic cancer. ‘This fund follows in our mission of helping to find a cure for pancreatic cancer and we are super excited to be partnering with the amazing staff at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center as well as one of the leading pancreatic surgeons in the world in Dr. A. James Moser,’ Verrelli said, Pictured from left, Susan Hurley with Project Purple, Moser, Verrelli and Dr. Bret Schipper of Project Purple. –CONTRIBUTED Sarah McDonnell, a 2013 graduate of Holy Cross High School, recently received the 2013 Nellie and Ruth Cowdell Scholarship. The scholarship, awarded by the Prospect Historical Society, is awarded to a graduating senior from Prospect who is attending an institution of higher learning. McDonnell will be attending Bryant University in the fall. During her high school career, McDonnell was the president of Students Against Destructive Decisions, a Special Olympics volunteer and the captain of varsity cheerleading. Pictured from left, Scholarship Committee member Linda Weingart, Prospect Historical Society President Nancy Via, McDonnell, Scholarship Committee member John Guevin and Scholarship Committee Chairperson Beth Whalen. -MATT BUONAIUTO Naugatuck Valley Savings and Loan President and CEO Bill Calderara, right, awards Naugatuck High School graduate Sarah Chandler the Ronald D. Lengyel Scholarship recently. The $1,000 scholarship was established in honor Ronald D. Lengyel and is given to Naugatuck High School seniors who plan to continue their education. Lengyel is a former CEO, president and chairman of the Board of Naugatuck Valley Savings and Loan. Chandler will be continuing her education at Central Connecticut State University where she intends to pursue an athletic training major. –CONTRIBUTED Naugatuck Valley Savings and Loan President and CEO Bill Calderara, right, awards Naugatuck High School graduate Sarah Chandler the Ronald D. Lengyel Scholarship recently. The $1,000 scholarship was established in honor Ronald D. Lengyel and is given to Naugatuck High School seniors who plan to continue their education. Lengyel is a former CEO, president and chairman of the Board of Naugatuck Valley Savings and Loan. Chandler will be continuing her education at Central Connecticut State University where she intends to pursue an athletic training major. –CONTRIBUTED