Members of the Charles Merriman Society, Children of the American Revolution (C.A.R.) taking part in the Trumbull-Porter Chapter Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) Valentines for Veterans workshop Jan. 11 at Salem Lutheran Church in Naugatuck were surprised with a national Youth Activities Award. The award recognized the group’s support of the military in 2013-14. Pictured, Phyllis Schaar, right, of the Ladies Auxiliary to the VFW Post 7330 in Oakville presents the award to C.A.R. members, back row from left, Lauren Burger of Naugatuck, Alec Marshall and Liza Marshall of Watertown and Caileigh Murray of New Caanan; front row from left, Londyn Burger of Naugatuck, Anna Nichols and Molly Nichols, both of Prospect. –CONTRIBUTED
Naugatuck residents and members of Salem Lutheran Church, from left, Londyn Burger, Carolyn Burger and Lauren Burger participate in the 7th Annual Trumbull-Porter Chapter DAR Valentine workshop Jan. 11 at the church. Over 190 Valentine cards were made during the workshop that will be distributed to the veterans at the VA Hospitals in West Haven, Rocky Hill and Newington as part of the National Society Daughters of the American Revolution (NSDAR) Salute to Hospitalized Veterans. Over 50 pounds of candy was collected and then bagged to be given as favors for the veterans as well. Another 19 pounds of hard candy was donated to be shipped to active duty service men and women. –CONTRIBUTED
Richard and Robin Sills, of Naugatuck, Richard Sills has specialized in sales and estimating for the Torrington Supply Company for 33 years. Robin Sills has served as the physician relations specialists and patient advocate for Naugatuck Valley Radiology Associates since 2003. She was a nurse for Saint Mary’s Hospital for 21 years. The gala will be held Feb. 1 at the Aqua Turf Club in Plantsville. For more information, call at (203) 709-6391 or visit www.stmhfoundation.org. –CONTRIBUTED
NAUGATUCK — Dawn Orsini, vice president of retail banking at Ion Bank, has been chosen as a “New Leader in Banking” for 2013. The Connecticut Bankers Association and Connecticut Banking magazine asked bankers throughout the Nutmeg State to nominate individuals that they believe are “rising stars” in the banking profession. Nominees needed to be employed at a Connecticut bank, be 50 years old or younger, and be making a significant contribution to their institution or community. Orsini, a Morris resident, was among a handful of other individuals that were chosen for the honor. She was recognized Jan. 16 at a Gala Awards Ceremony and dinner hosted by the Connecticut Bankers Association. –CONTRIBUTED
Naugatuck residents and members of Salem Lutheran Church, from left, Ciara Spears, Kelli Grzeika, Sharon Hurlbut and Alissa Grzeika participate in the 7th Annual Trumbull-Porter Chapter DAR Valentine workshop Jan. 11 at the church. Over 190 Valentine cards were made during the workshop that will be distributed to the veterans at the VA Hospitals in West Haven, Rocky Hill and Newington as part of the National Society Daughters of the American Revolution (NSDAR) Salute to Hospitalized Veterans. Over 50 pounds of candy was collected and then bagged to be given as favors for the veterans as well. Another 19 pounds of hard candy was donated to be shipped to active duty service men and women. –CONTRIBUTED
USA Martial Arts member Jonah Randis (pictured) won first place in the junior orange belt sparring division at the Cheezic Tang Soo Do Tournament Jan. 12 at Holy Cross High School in Waterbury. Christian Giordano finished second in the junior red belt sparring division. –CONTRIBUTED
Dr. J. Alexander and Mrs. Abagail Palesty, of Beacon Falls have been named co-chairs of Saint Mary’s Hospital Gala 2014, “A Night in Venice.” Dr. Palesty is a board-certified general surgeon and surgical oncologist with Saint Mary’s Hospital and the Breast & Oncology Center in Southbury. Abagail Palesty has served as an account manager for Walgreens Infusion Services since 2011 and a former staff member of Saint Mary’s Department of Surgery. The gala will be held Feb. 1 at the Aqua Turf Club in Plantsville. For more information, call at (203) 709-6391 or visit www.stmhfoundation.org. –CONTRIBUTED
Sokol’s Taekwondo recently honored students during its annual powerful words awards ceremony and pizza party. The ceremony is held for students who completed all 12 months of the powerful words character building lessons. Twenty-seven students were recognized and 19 gold metals and eight silver medals were awarded. –CONTRIBUTED
The Woodland Regional High School advisory program provided gifts and toys for 78 children of the Greater Waterbury area during its 13th annual Toy Drive. Janine Altamirano of the Waterbury Department of Public Health described the students’ effort as ‘over the top’ and said that ‘they brightened this holiday season for many.’ The drive was run by Spanish teacher Loren Luddy advisory under the leadership of Kaylee McClintick and Alexa Charette along with Katie Bolduc, Jalyxea Colon, Sara Fowler, Caine Jimmo, Michael Kenney, Kevni Kica, Megan Lynch and Jacob Mancini. –CONTRIBUTED
Sokol’s Taekwondo recently honored students during its annual powerful words awards ceremony and pizza party. The ceremony is held for students who completed all 12 months of the powerful words character building lessons. Twenty-seven students were recognized and 19 gold metals and eight silver medals were awarded. –CONTRIBUTED
