Career Coach to visit Derby Public Library

DERBY - The CT Works Career Coach will return to the Derby Public Library from 10 a.m.- 3 p.m. Dec. 12. 

During both the morning session, 10 a.m.-noon, and the afternoon session, 1-3 p.m.,  

instructors will offer the class, Create a Great Resume.

Participants must attend the full session. The classes are free and open to the public.

Registration is requested; walk-ins will be welcomed on a first come, first served basis.

The CT Works Career Coach is a project of The WorkPlace, Inc. operated by Career Resources. 

For information call the library, 313 Elizabeth St., or call 203-736-1482. 

This is a press release from Cathy Williams, Director, Derby Public Library.

Derby Historical Society plans fair at Humphreys House in Ansonia

ANSONIA - Join the Derby Historical Society members and friends on Dec. 7 for a cup of hot cider at the organization's annual Christmas Fair at the David Humphreys House, 37 Elm St. 
The fair will run from 10 a.m.-3 p.m.

There will be activities and workshops for children available at a nominal cost. 

They will be making pomanders, Jacob’s ladders, and punched-tin lantern ornaments.  

Visit the gift shop to find that unique gift. The shop sells toys, local history books, watercolor prints, and an exclusive ornament.

Purchase Christmas cookies at a Cookie Walk to save on baking time and trouble. 

All proceeds from this event go to educational programs for children and will benefit the David Humphreys House.

The house is located at 37 Elm St. (across the street from the Elm Street Cemetery). 

Limited parking is available in the rear of the building. Additional parking is available on nearby Thomas Street. For information call 203-735-1908.
Donations are always appreciated.

The Derby Historical Society is a regional historical society dedicated to preserving, maintaining and celebrating the rich and varied history of the Lower Naugatuck Valley. 

The Derby Historical Society welcomes all visitors and is also available to support researchers, school or other program needs. 
Staff offices are located at the Sarah Riggs Humphreys House, 37 Elm St. 

For more information, visit www.derbyhistorical.org.


This post is taken from a press release from the Derby Historical Society. 

Master's Table to host Christmas dinner at church in Ansonia

Fitness club opens at Seymour plaza

Greater Valley Chamber of Commerce President Bill Purcell, right, speaks at the grand opening celebration Saturday at Balance, a fitness facility at Klarides Village in Seymour. 
Pictured from left are Seymour Economic Development Director Fred A. Messore, Glenn Hutchinson of Wilton, co-owner, Bob Virgulak of Norwalk, co-owner, and Deputy First Selectwoman of Seymour Nicole Klarides-Ditria.

Seymour Economic Development Director Fred A. Messore tries out the gym equipment at the grand opening of Balance in Seymour.

Seymour resident Tammy Chi, 5, gets her face painted at the celebration by Sarah Liz from TeachArt2Me of Glastonbury.


Please check out my story about the opening in the Valley Independent Sentinel.

10th annual breakfast in Seymour to benefit TEAM Toys 4 Kids

This is always a popular event that supports a great cause!

Employee at Griffin Hospital in Derby wins plaudits

Donna Hayes cuts celebratory carrot cake at last week's meeting of the Circle of Friends breast cancer support group at the Center for Cancer Care at Griffin Hospital in Derby. / Photo by Allegra Villers 

DERBY - I couldn't let much-deserved 'I Take It Personally' employee recognition go by without publicly applauding Donna Hayes, oncology social worker at the Center for Cancer Care at Griffin Hospital. She is among a group of hospital employees who earned the recognition in October.

I know from experience Donna goes above and beyond to help patients work through challenges with health insurance providers and other issues. I'm so grateful for her support.

Donna performs her job with caring (and hugs) for everyone she encounters. 

Congratulations on your honor and all the best in the future, Donna! 

Event planned Friday to benefit Seymour Pink

 This fun fund-raiser will be held at 67 West Hair Designers, 39 New Haven Road, Seymour.

Agency celebrates grand opening in Ansonia

Ansonia Mayor David S. Cassetti, fourth from left, helps Big Brothers Big Sisters staff celebrate the grand opening Saturday of the nonprofit's donation center and offices in Ansonia. Cassetti's son, David, holds the ribbon at left. At far right is Bill Purcell, President, Greater Valley Chamber of Commerce.


ANSONIA - Saturday was a big day for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Southwestern Connecticut as staff celebrated the grand opening of a donation station and call center here.

Big Brothers Big Sisters was established in 1904. The organization works to recruit and match adults with at-risk children who need mentoring to help them boost their self-confidence and academic achievement.

The Bridgeport-based nonprofit serves Fairfield County, Greater New Haven, and the Lower Naugatuck Valley, Ellen Tracy, executive director, said. 

The facility is at 7 Clifton Ave. at the corner of Division Street. A call center was relocated from North Haven to Ansonia. The site also houses an operations center.
Operations manager Ken Kuntz lives in Ansonia and noticed the location had been vacant for a while. 
He said, "The Valley has always been a great place for us (for donations) and I thought this is the place we should be."

In 2009 a foundation was established to handle donations of used clothing, shoes, household items, appliances, books, toys, and more. 
Donated items are re-sold at Savers stores in Connecticut to benefit Big Brothers Big Sisters. 

For donation information visit www.bbbsdonate.org.

Derby Public Library to host holiday event

Connecticut Yuletide Carolers to perform

DERBY - The Derby Public Library invites everyone to its Annual Holiday Open House from 11 a.m.-7:30 p.m. Dec. 15.

Over the years the day's activities have expanded.  From 1:30-4 p.m. Marc Weissman will entertain 

visitors on the keyboard as he plays the sounds of the season. 

In what has become a holiday tradition, the evening festivities will include a visit from the Connecticut Yuletide Carolers from 6-7:30 p.m.

These traditionally-garbed Carolers will fill the cold winter air with the warm sounds of the season, bringing holiday cheer to young and old alike.

They will stroll throughout the Library, inviting everyone to sing along with them. Cookies and punch will be available throughout the day. There will also be free holiday-themed basket raffles open to all visitors.

As usual, this beautiful historic building will be decked, inside and out, in all its holiday glory. Everyone is invited to take part in this special day.  

For information, stop by the Library at 313 Elizabeth St., call 203-736-1482, or visit 

www.derbypubliclibrary.org.        


This is a press release from Cathy Williams, Director, Derby Public Library.