Charles J. Boulier, III, President & CEO of Ion Bank and Ion Bank Foundation announced that the Ion Bank Foundation awarded $71,500 in grants to 17 area non-profit organizations. The funds are used to support a wide variety of projects and programs in the communities served by the bank. The recipients are: Area Congregations Together, Inc. Spooner House, Shelton $2,000; Boys and Girls Club of Greater Waterbury $2,500; Cheshire Community Food Pantry, Cheshire $10,000; Children's Community School, Waterbury $5,000; CT Assoc. of Human Services, Family Economic Success Program, Waterbury $3,000; CT Food Bank, Waterbury Mobile Pantry $3,000; CT Partnership for Children, Seymour $2,500; Habitat for Humanity of Greater New Haven, Hamden $3,000; Habitat for Humanity of Greater Waterbury $3,000; Jane Doe No More, Naugatuck $4,000; Mattatuck Museum Historical Society, Waterbury $3,500; Neighborhood Housing Services of Waterbury $5,000; New Britain Museum of American Art, Naugatuck Valley $2,500; Shakesperience, Waterbury $6,000; St. Vincent DePaul Mission of Waterbury $11,000; Waterbury School District, FIRST Robotics $2,000; Waterbury Symphony Orchestra, Bravo! Waterbury $3,500. "We are very pleased to award needed funding to these area agencies that provide valuable services to our local communities", said Charles J. Boulier III. The Ion Bank Foundation has gifted over $5.8 million in donations since it was established in 1998.

Terri's Flower Shop to Petal It Forward on October 19th

Terri's Flower Shop will be hitting the streets of Naugatuck on October 19, 2016 handing out hundreds of flowers to random citizens to help brighten up their week, as part of the 'Petal it Forward' program, in partnership with the Society of American Florists (SAF), of which Terri's Flower Shop is a member. 'Petal It Forward' is in response to the release of data by SAF showing the positive emotional benefits of flowers. University research reveals that flowers have an immediate impact on happiness and a long-term positive effect on moods. With this data in mind, the Petal It Forward team is not only spreading happiness to lucky Naugatuck residents who receive the flowers, but arming these recipients with the tools they need to Petal it Forward and spread happiness to others: An extra flower bouquet to share with a loved one, coworker or even a stranger. Stephanie Fusco of Terri's Flower Shop and the Petal It Forward Team will give away 180 bouquets to people on the street. After receiving their flowers, recipients are asked to spread the happiness by gifting their extra flower bouquet, and sharing their happiness on social media using #petalitforward. For more information on the benefits of flowers, visit www.aboutflowers.com  and www.aboutflowersblog.com 

StayWell Health Center Holds Grand Opening in Naugatuck

StayWell Health Center celebrated the opening of their Naugatuck location with a ribbon cutting ceremony on October 13th. StayWell provides adult primary care, pediatrics, adult and pediatric dental care, behavioral health and women's health. Visit them at 30 Church Street or head to www.staywellhealth.org to learn more about their services.