Shelton fire prevention chief urges residents to remove cut holiday trees

SHELTON – The City's Fire Prevention Bureau would like to remind everyone to promptly remove "fresh cut" holiday trees from homes before they become dry. 
Ted Pisciotta, Assistant Chief, Fire Prevention, is concerned that those who delay with tree disposal could quickly create a very serious fire hazard. 

Check out this video Pisciotta provided.

Until such time the tree is removed, it is especially important to remember to keep the stand filled with water at all times. 
The bottom line is that the longer the tree remains in the home, the greater the fire risk becomes.

Once ignited, fire involving the entire tree could quickly result in rapid fire spread throughout the home. Not only will damage be extensive, but serious injury or loss of life is possible.

A tree will tend to become dry, especially when kept indoors over time. Needles on fresh trees should be green and hard to pull from the branches, and a needle should bend, not break. Also if needles fall off, the tree has been cut too long, has probably dried out, and is a very serious fire hazard. 
Trees should not be left up for longer than two weeks and be sure to keep the tree stand filled with water at all times. 
Dried trees should not be kept in the home, garage, or placed outside against the home.

Pisciotta said it is not uncommon to see residents keeping lights and Christmas trees up past December. The reality is, continued use of seasonal lighting and dried-out Christmas trees can pose significant fire hazards in and outside the home.

To reduce the risk of holiday light fires and keep equipment in good condition for next year, follow these storage suggestions from the National Fire Protection Association: 

• To unplug electric decorations, use the gripping area provided on the plugs. Never pull the cord to unplug a device from electrical outlets. Doing so can harm the cord’s wire and insulation and even lead to an electrical shock or fire.

• As you’re putting away electrical light strings, take time to inspect each for damage. Throw out light sets if they have loose connections, broken sockets or cracked or bare wires.

• Do not place a damaged set of lights back into the storage box for next year’s use.

• Wrap each set of lights and put them in individual plastic bags, or wrap the lights around a piece of cardboard.

• Store electrical decorations in a dry place where they cannot be damaged by water or dampness. Also, keep them away from children and pets.

Finally, as in every season, have working smoke alarms installed on every level of your home, test them monthly and keep them clean and equipped with fresh batteries at all times. 
Know when and how to call “911” for help.  And remember to practice your home escape plan.

For more information, the public is encouraged to contact the Shelton Fire Prevention Bureau at 924-1555 or on the web under “Public Safety” at www.cityofshelton.org     


This is a press release from Ted Pisciotta.              

Osbornedale State Park in Derby to hold First Day Hike

All 50 state park systems offer free guided treks Jan. 1

Kellogg Environmental Center / Photo from DEEP website

Connecticut’s Department of Energy and Environmental Protection joins America's State Parks and all 50 state park systems for free, guided First Day Hike Programs on New Year’s Day 2016.  

This year DEEP offers the following guided First Day Hikes: 

Kellogg Environmental Center, 500 Hawthorne Ave., Derby, 1 p.m., moderate, 2.5-mile hike of Osbornedale State Park.  Sponsored by CT State Parks & Public Outreach.  
Contact:  Diane Joy, diane.joy@ct.gov, 203-734-2513.  Awards ceremony at 3 p.m. for winners of the 2015 “Sky’s the Limit” Hiking Challenge.  

Hammonasset Beach State Park, 1288 Boston Post Road, Madison, 1 p.m., easy, one hour hike, meet at Meigs Point Nature Center. Sponsored by Friends of the Office of State Archaeology and Friends of Hammonasset.  
Contact:  Don Rankin, 203-245-9192

Mansfield Hollow State Park, Bassett’s Bridge Rd., Mansfield, CT, 11 a.m. (arrive by 10:45 a.m.), moderate, 2 hikes - 4.5 mile and 2.2 mile, meet in the Mansfield Hollow Recreation Area parking lot. Sponsored by Friends of Mansfield Hollow.  
Contact: Ron Manizza, 860-428-3667, pedlinron@gmail.com  

Scantic River State Park, Melrose Road, East Windsor, 1 p.m., moderate, 2.5 mile hike, two hours, meet in parking lot at end of Melrose Road off Broad Brook Road. Sponsored by East Windsor American Heritage River Commission.  Contact:  ahriver@sbcglobal.net 

Sleeping Giant State Park, 200 Mt. Carmel Ave., Hamden, 1:30 p.m. (arrive by 1:15 p.m.), strenuous, 1 ½ hr. and 2 ½ hr. hikes, meet at the bulletin board by the kiosk. Sponsored by Sleeping Giant Park Association.  
Contact:  hike_the_giant@yahoo.com 

State park staff and volunteers will lead the hikes, which average one to two miles or longer depending on the state park.  
For details on hikes in all 50 states visit America’s State Parks website, http://www.naspd.org/first-day-hikes-in-americas-state-parks-offer-invigorating-start-to-new-year/        

“With seasonably cold and dry weather predicted for New Year’s Day - taking a hike with your family and friends is a great way to begin the New Year,” said Robert Klee, DEEP Commissioner.  

“Whether you join DEEP for a guided hike or venture out on your own, you will not be disappointed in the variety of hiking trails that Connecticut has to offer. Our state has hundreds of miles of trails ready for you as you celebrate the first day of 2016.” 

“Studies have proven that getting outdoors is one good way to relax and recharge the body, mind and spirit,” said Lewis Ledford, NASPD’s Executive Director.   
“We hope that hiking along a trail in a state park will become part of an individual’s or family’s regular exercise routine.” 

America’s State Parks First Day Hikes offers individuals and families an opportunity to begin the New Year rejuvenating and connecting with the outdoors by taking a healthy hike on Jan. 1, 2016 at a state park.  
First Day Hikes provide a great way to get outside, exercise, enjoy nature and welcome the New Year with friends and family. 

“Last year, we hosted 41,000 people who hiked 79,442 miles in our state parks across the country when we launched America’s State Parks First Day Hikes,” said Priscilla Geigis, President of the National Association of State Park Directors (NASPD).  “Think of it as the start of a new and healthy lifestyle, for the whole family. Whether you’re staying close to home or traveling, join us at one of America’s State Parks on New Year’s Day.”    

First Day Hikes originated over 20 years ago at the Blue Hills Reservation, a state park in Milton, Mass.  
The program was launched to promote both healthy lifestyles throughout the year and year round recreation at state parks.  Last year marked the first time all 50 state park systems have joined together to sponsor First Day Hikes.

CT DEEP joins America's State Parks in their commitment to promoting outdoor recreation in state parks as a way to address obesity, especially among children.  
Getting kids outside and unplugged from video games and other electronic media creates a unique connection with nature that promotes physical and mental well-being and encourages creativity and stewardship of our shared resources.

The mission of the NASPD and America's State Parks is to promote and advance the state park systems of America for their own significance, as well as for their important contributions to the nation’s environment, heritage, health and economy.  

This is a press release from the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection.

Derby Historical Society to host Twelfth Night celebration Sunday

ANSONIA - Sample some colonial favorites and modern day dishes during the Derby Historical Society's annual Twelfth Night celebration from 1-4 p.m. Sunday at the Gen. David Humphreys House, 37 Elm St.

Humphreys House/Photo from Society's website

In Christian tradition Twelfth Night marks the end of the Christmas season.

Tours of the historic home will be given by costumed docents and demonstrations of colonial cookery will be held. 

The gift shop will be open during this fun event.

Admission is $5.

According to information on the Society's website, money raised will help support the ongoing restoration project on the Humphreys House. The money will be matched 100 percent thanks to a generous matching funds opportunity from the Persbacker Foundation.

Griffin Hospital in Derby schedules bereavement support groups

Griffin Hospital’s bereavement support groups will start new sessions in January./ Submitted photo

DERBY - Griffin Hospital is starting new support groups in January for anyone experiencing the loss of a loved one.

These groups provide grief education and support to ease the pain of loss as well as encourage healing and growth. The groups meet in an eight-week cycle at the hospital, 130 Division St.

There will be groups meeting on Wednesdays from 6:30-8 p.m., starting Jan. 6, and Tuesdays from 2:30-4 p.m., starting Jan. 26.

Due to limited capacity, pre-registration is required. 

To learn more or to register, contact Heather Billingham at 203-732-1132 or hbillingham@griffinhealth.org.

This is a press release from Griffin Hospital.

DEEP to announce hiking challenge winners at Kellogg Center in Derby

DERBY - Connecticut’s Department of Energy and Environmental Protection will announce the winners of 2015 Hiking Challenge -“The Sky’s the Limit” at the First Day Hike at 1 p.m. Friday (Jan. 1) at Kellogg Environmental Center, 500 Hawthorne Ave.

A total of 234 people successfully hiked all 14 of Connecticut’s highest peaks and are eligible to receive a hand-crafted walking stick made by Connecticut Wood Carvers Association. 

Fifty names will be drawn at 3 p.m. after the First Day Hike to determine the winners. 
More than 400 participants hiked at least 10 of the designated locations and received a hiking staff medallion and certificate.

“DEEP held this hiking competition for the first time this year that encouraged families and friends to enjoy Connecticut’s state parks and forests any time of the year,” said DEEP Commissioner Robert Klee. 
 “We learned that people like to participate in friendly competition to win prizes and by the high number of hikers who joined in we know the program was a success.”

Success Stories
The stories told by the participants proved that in this time of giving sometimes just an outstretched hand can be the best present of all. 
One father shared his story of what this challenge meant to him and his very special little boy. http://www.ctmq.org/tstl9-macedonia-brook-state-park/ “At some point, I had to hold his hand to get him up the incline. I didn’t really let go until the summit… probably a good quarter mile of hand-holding. He didn’t fight me with it (very unusual.) When I’d let go to wipe the sweat or whatever, he’d silently reach out his hand again, accepting of my help.”
Sometimes we all just need a helping hand.

Others told us how fathers and daughters reconnected by doing the hikes, about a marriage proposal, how walking in the woods benefited a man dealing with “seasonal affective disorder” and inspired him to visit all the state parks and perhaps write a book about his adventures! 
Young, and young at heart, who completed this challenge were very proud of their accomplishments and were amazed to see all the beauty that exists in Connecticut’s state parks and forests.

After hectic preparations for the holidays hopefully as Rachel Carson stated: “Those who contemplate the beauty of the earth find reserves of strength that will ensure as long as life lasts. There is something infinitely healing in the repeated refrains of nature - the assurance that dawn comes after night, and spring after winter.” 
Hopefully, we will all take time to enjoy the refrains of nature and renew our spirit.

Background on “The Sky’s the Limit"
Participants were required to hike any number of designated 14 peaks in Connecticut throughout 2015 and take two photos – one of themselves at a state park or forest sign and one at each location they hiked. Photos were emailed to DEEP for verification.

The 14 peaks were located in either a state park or forest and were located throughout the state.
Plans are currently underway to develop a new challenge for 2016.

For more information: www.ct.gov/deep/SkystheLimit.


This is a press release from the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection.

Teens to learn electro-mechanical basics at Derby Public Library

DERBY - The Derby Public Library invites young adults ages 12 to 17 to enjoy Teen Maker Space from 6-7:30 p.m. Jan. 19.

Participants will learn some electro-mechanical basics by assembling, activating, and operating solar-powered spider kits. 

Space is limited to 10 participants. Registration is required. 
Light refreshments will be provided. 

For more information stop by the Library, 313 Elizabeth St., call 203-736-1482, or visit www.derbypubliclibrary.org.

This is a press release from Tony DeLos, young adult librarian, Derby Public Library. 

Club, Master's Table to host breakfast at church in Ansonia

Derby Neck Library to host teen programs, Tech Talks, writing workshop

DERBY - The Derby Neck Library, 307 Hawthorne Ave., has scheduled activities for January.
Video games
From 2 to 4 p.m. Jan. 16 a Teen Video Tournament will feature the newly-released Super Mario Maker on Wii U. 
All teens and t'weens are invited to compete for a grand prize. Free refreshments will be available. Bring your friends for a fun time. 

Discussion group
At 12:30 p.m. Jan. 18 the Library will host Women’s Forum, a literary discussion group that focuses on short stories and poetry. This month’s stories are “Ted and Angeline” by Dinah Lampitt and “Stuff and Sawdust” by Valerie Thame. 
Copies are available at the library. Feel free to bring a light lunch; coffee and tea served. 

Tech Talks
On Jan. 18 at 6 p.m. and again at 10:30 a.m. Jan. 20 the library presents Tech Talks, a program which describes the latest in technology and how to best purpose it for your own needs. For this month’s topic call 203-734-1492. Your questions are welcomed.

Writers' Round
The Library hosts Writers’ Round, a monthly workshop for writers of all genres—scripts, prose, poetry, fiction, history, etc. at 6:30 p.m. Jan. 21. 
Bring your original works to share with others and join us in practicing your creativity with a writing prompt. 

Evening Book Club
The Library hosts the Evening Book Club at 6:30 p.m. Jan. 25.This group meets monthly in the Reading Room near the fireplace to discuss novellas written by award-winning authors. 
Among selections are fiction, memoirs, and on occasion non-fiction. This month we discuss “The Moon is Down” by John Steinbeck. 
Copies of the book are available at the library. 

For details on any program call 203-734-1492.


This is a press release from Patricia Sweeney, reference librarian, Derby Neck Library.

I'll meet you at the corner - Lizzie's Corner in Seymour

Downtown consignment shop to hold grand opening Saturday

Oxford resident Liz Pisano poses Monday in her new shop in Seymour. She's holding one of the decorative Re-Designed by Elizabeth bottles she creates. 

SEYMOUR - On Monday I had the pleasure of visiting Liz Pisano and family members as they were busy getting Lizzie's Corner Consignment and Gifts ready for Saturday's grand opening. 
The celebration will run from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m., Pisano said, since it is First Saturday, the monthly downtown shopping event. The shop is at 19 Bank St.

Wine stoppers, holders, and signs are for sale, as are Pisano's unique lighted bottles. 

She is accepting small furniture, home decor, wall art, new gifts, crafts, and anything wine-related. 

Fun gifts for the wine lover in your life. 

Wall decor!

Kitchen items.

Decorative soaps.

Pretty scarves hang in the window.

Brian Pisano was working hard Monday to get the store ready.

The shop offers a 50/50 split with consigners. Crafters should check with Liz Pisano for the monthly fee and commission information.

She said eventually she'll host Ladies Nights featuring chair massages and manicures. 
Pisano also is considering hosting fundraisers for local organizations, with a percentage of her sales on a particular day going to the nonprofit. 


For information call 203-888-1030.

TEAM in Derby seeks input from Valley residents

DERBY - TEAM requests public input as the agency embarks on planning for its 2016-2019 Strategic Plan. 

In order to plan effectively for the next three years, TEAM is seeking input from municipalities, organizations, and local residents to identify the needs within the community.

The survey seeks input on topics like jobs, education, housing, childcare, transportation, elderly, health care, community needs, and more. 

While TEAM has sought survey input from clients on specific topics, this is the first time that a comprehensive survey has been done across the Lower Naugatuck Valley community.

“Feedback from the survey will provide for critical guidance for TEAM’s planning and coordination of efforts to address the complex needs in our communities. I encourage all residents to make sure their voice is heard,” David Morgan, TEAM President/CEO, said. 
“Your responses will help continue to improve services in the Lower Naugatuck Valley and surrounding communities.”

The community is invited to participate by going online to: www.tiny.cc\TEAMsurvey.  
Paper copies are available at the following locations: 

• TEAM, Inc., 30 Elizabeth St., Derby
• Ansonia, Beacon Falls, Derby, Shelton, Seymour and Oxford City/Town Halls
• Local libraries – Ansonia, Derby, Shelton, and Seymour 

The anonymous paper survey will be available until Jan 15, 2016 and is expected to take less than 15 minutes to complete. The online survey is available until Jan. 21, 2016.  Your responses are confidential and extremely valuable.

For more information call 203-736-5420 ext. 207. 

This is a press release from TEAM Inc., a private, 501c (3) non-profit corporation whose mission is to connect individuals and families with solutions that lead to well-being, self-sufficiency and full participation in the community. 
It aims to achieve its mission by conducting activities that address the needs of economically disadvantaged individuals and families including resource mobilization, education, advocacy and service delivery. 
TEAM programs serve the communities of Ansonia, Beacon Falls, Bethany, Derby, Milford, Orange, Oxford, Shelton, Seymour and Woodbridge.

Dreaming of a (Seymour) Pink Christmas

My daughter guessed correctly about what I wanted for Christmas: a breast cancer survivor bracelet created by Ansonia resident Alyssa Antonucci, owner of Beads By Alyssa. 

If you haven't heard about BBAs please visit the website linked above. All of Alyssa's bracelet creations are beautiful and made with love.

Allegra bought the bracelet at Seymour Pink gift shop, 3 Franklin St., Seymour. 
The shop is closed until Jan. 5, when it will be open from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. 
I highly recommend checking it out! You'll have fun shopping while supporting a great organization. 

Shelton-based Monkey Love Drive kicks off 10th year

Contributed photo

Picture from the ninth annual Monkey Love Drive:  Back row from left: Ross James of J-Cuts; Jennifer DeLeon, LNV Boys & Girls Club; Suzanne Reilly, TEAM, Inc. and Nicole Polifka, Bright Horizons. 

Front row, left to right: Jennifer Sneider, owner, J-Cuts and Bonita Robinson, Milford Department of Children & Families.

SHELTON - Jennifer Sneider, owner of J-Cuts at 505 Howe Ave. has launched the 10th year of collecting stuffed monkeys for children.

Donations may be dropped off or mailed to J-Cuts through Feb. 8. 

Additional drop off locations will include Minuteman Press, 427 Howe Ave., Suite 2 and the Greater Valley Chamber of Commerce, 10 Progress Drive, second floor, both of Shelton. 
Each year, Minuteman Press of Shelton donates posters. 

This annual community event benefits abused and neglected children, impoverished, adopted and sick children, frightened children involved in police calls, as well as children treated for emergencies, cancer or other illnesses at local hospitals. 

This year, Mary Finnegan and Lenny Marconi will hold their sixth annual Monkey Love Sunday from noon-3 p.m. Jan. 31.
They have moved the event to Off the Hook Bar & Grill, 170 Ferry Blvd., Stratford. 
Last year, they collected more than 180 stuffed monkeys. They reserve the Sunday before Superbowl each year for this celebration. Stuffed monkey donations can be dropped off this day or any other day through Feb. 6. The public is free to stop by for food and fun.

They hope to have other pubs in the area join in this event by promoting a Monkey Love Sunday of their own to benefit area children in need. 

Finnegan said, “Any extra monkey we can collect is an extra smile and one more warm heart within a child who needs it the most.” 

The ninth annual Monkey Love Valentine Drive, held in 2015, collected and distributed more than 1,800 stuffed monkeys to the Boys & Girls Club in Ansonia and Milford, along with the Lower Naugatuck Valley Boys & Girls Club in Shelton; Yale-New Haven Children’s Hospital in New Haven; TEAM Inc. in Derby and Ansonia; BHcare Center for Domestic Violence Services in Ansonia; Griffin Hospital of Derby; the Department of Children & Families in Milford; International Institute of CT, Refugee Services division of Bridgeport.

Coordinators also shared 26 of the stuffed monkeys as “26 Random Acts of Kindness.”

Sneider uses her business as the main collection and drop off location. She wanted to help out by taking this drive over from the former owners of Luther’s Garage automotive repair business, which was located around the corner from her business.

“This is my sixth year being involved,” Sneider said. 
“It is an amazing feeling to know each and every one of these monkeys will find comfort in the arms of a child in need and the children will find comfort in these monkeys. Each year, we hope to have an even more successful drive to create miles of smiles on the faces of children to show them they are loved.” 

Stuffed monkeys have already been dropped off by members of the Milford Fire Department. This is their fourth year participating. 

Once again last year, Bright Horizons child care center at 3 Corporate Drive and United Methodist Women of First United Methodist Church, 47 Franklin St., Ansonia, joined in by holding collections of their own.

In addition last year, the United Methodist Women led by Barbara Tchakirides, crocheted 25 adorable and colorful stuffed monkeys. 

“We enjoyed crocheting these monkeys for a good cause – children,” Tchakirides said in 2015. “I asked coordinators if they’ll be collecting again next year [2016.] When I learned the drive will continue, I became very excited because we can get a head start on crocheting!” 

Area individuals, corporations and groups are also encouraged to become involved by holding collections of their own. 

In celebration of the 10th year, coordinators are hoping to mark this milestone by launching a “monkey love challenge” and have it go viral. They would like to have people participate by buying some monkeys, making a cute video, posting it on social media and calling out others to do the same, then mailing or bringing their donations to J-Cuts.

For health and safety reasons, stuffed monkeys must be new with tags.

J Cuts also holds an annual Back to School Book Bag & School Supply Drive beginning July 1 each year. 

For more information, call J-Cuts, 203-924-4107.


This is a press release from Monkey Love organizers.

Derby Public Library offers resume workshops

DERBY - The Derby Public Library is now offering Resume Workshops at 6:30 p.m. on the first Wednesday of each month. 

 

Participants are welcome to either start from scratch or bring copies of their existing resumes, cover letters as well, for review and optimizing.

Often a new resume can be created simply by making a number of subtle tweaks versus a whole new change. The next class will be held Jan. 6.

Registration is not required. For more 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.

Wesley Heights in Shelton to host 'Dinner with the Doc'

Wesley Village Medical Director Daniel Wollman. /Submitted photo

SHELTON - Lifestyle Transitions at Wesley Heights, an assisted living and memory support community on the Wesley Village Campus, will host a “Dinner with the Doc” event at 5:30 pm. Jan.14.

The discussion will be led by Wesley Village Medical Director Dr. Daniel Wollman, who provides both primary care and consulting services for memory and cognitive deficits. 

Wollman will facilitate a discussion for caregivers, offering strategies for dealing with memory loss and the aging process, and cognitive decline in older adults. 

A question and answer period will follow. 

This event will be held at Wesley Heights on the Wesley Village Campus at 580 Long Hill Ave.

Seating is limited; please RSVP to Lisa Bisson at 203.225.5024 if interested in attending. 

Dinner will be provided.  

“Lifestyle Transitions” at Wesley Heights is the newest addition to the Wesley Village Campus, offering 29 different apartment styles for specialized assisted living and memory care. 

The unique program offers a supportive environment for individuals with changing care needs. 

For more information about senior living options at Wesley Village, email Lisa at lbisson@umh.org or visit www.wesleyvillage-ct.org. 

Shelton business sponsors needy family through BHcare in Ansonia

Delivering a dose of holiday cheer at the drop off site, Assumption Church in Ansonia, are DiMatteo Group employees Rosemarie Esposito, second from left, and Barbara Gelozin, second from right, pictured with Debra Soulsby, far left, Development Coordinator, BHcare, and Tammy Burrell, right, Holiday Drive Chair and Secretary of the BHcare Board of Directors./ Contributed photo

The DiMatteo Group in Shelton and its caring staff of 22 certainly got in the spirit of giving this holiday season.
They pooled their resources and purchased a variety of gifts to help out a local family in need through BHcare in Ansonia.

“Giving back to the community is part of our company’s mission,” said John DiMatteo, President of DiMatteo Group. “We treat others as an extension of our family and are involved in many philanthropic service projects.”

Founded over 55 years ago, DiMatteo Group is a family-owned and operated business specializing in insurance, employee benefits, income tax and financial services.

“Ten years ago we established the DiMatteo Family Charitable Foundation and an annual golf tournament,” DiMatteo said. 

“The foundation was established as a tribute to our late father who was battling cancer at the time. Since then, we have contributed over $300,000 for various well-known local and national charities that fund research, education and finding a cure for diseases.”

“BHcare appreciates the generosity of the DiMatteo Group and all of their employees,” said Tammy Burrell, Chairman of the Holiday Drive and Secretary of the BHcare Board of Directors. “This gesture of kindness will bring joy to a local family and make a tremendous difference in their life. The DiMatteo Group exemplifies the true meaning of the holiday season.”

BHcare is a state-licensed, non-profit behavioral health care provider serving the Lower Naugatuck Valley, Greater New Haven, and Shoreline communities. For more than 30 years, BHcare – through its founding organizations, Birmingham Group Health Services and Harbor Health Services – has been providing hope and help for individuals, families and children affected by mental illness, domestic violence and substance abuse.

This is a press release from the DiMatteo Group.

Christmas lights, Christmas lights, there are Christmas lights in the Valley

 Seymour.

Derby.

Ansonia.

An interesting display on a street in Ansonia.

A well-lit house in Derby.

And our friend's house in Derby.


Merry Christmas!

Wishing everyone a wonderful holiday season

And I thank you for reading my blog!

Dear readers: May your holidays be merry and bright

Sharing a favorite photo from several years ago.

Lego Time slated Monday at Derby Public Library

DERBY - The Derby Public Library children's department will host Lego Time from 11 a.m.-noon Monday.

The program is for ages 4-11.There is no registration required for this program, just come on down.

The Library invites children ages 4-11 to use their creative talents and stir their imaginations during Lego Time. 
All levels of building skills are welcome to come by for this “drop-in” program. 

There is no fee to attend and all building materials will be provided.

The library is at 313 Elizabeth St.


This is a press release from Derby Public Library.

Griffin Hospital in Derby to offer massage, Reiki workshops

Griffin Hospital will host workshops on the ancient healing art of Reiki, seen here, and Soft Touch Massage this February./ Contributed photo

DERBY - Griffin Hospital, 130 Division St., invites the community to learn how to perform the healing benefits of Soft Touch Massage and Reiki with two workshops at the hospital in February.

The Soft Touch workshop will be held from 1-4 p.m. Feb. 20. 
The Reiki workshop is scheduled from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Feb. 27. Both therapies are offered to patients and their caregivers at Griffin Hospital as a way to reduce their anxiety, pain and stress.

Soft Touch is a therapeutic, relaxing and gentle rub that can be given to an individual's hands, feet, or back. 
The workshop is led by Licensed Massage Therapist Joanne Halstead, R.N., BSN, and Physical Therapist Nancy Corvigno, MSPT, PRPC. 
This basic-level training includes a demonstration of various Soft Touch techniques as well as opportunity for hands-on practice.

The cost is $30 for the public and free to current Griffin Hospital volunteers and staff. The registration deadline is Feb. 6. To enroll, contact Laura Murphy, Planetree Services supervisor at 203-732-7466.

Reiki is a complementary healing method based on ancient healing practices. It involves the conscious direction of healing energy - through the practitioner's hands - to the patient. 
When channeled properly, this energy promotes healing by relieving energy blockages to the body. The practice of Reiki is intended to bring balance to the energy fields thereby promoting healing on all levels.

Reiki Masters Eileen Carino, R.N.-BC, MA, ADS, and Mark Sampieri, R.Ph., will teach the basic concepts of Reiki, allowing ample time for hands-on practice. 
The cost is $125, including certificate and Reiki book. 
Griffin Hospital employees and current volunteers can register at the discounted rate of $25.

Workshop space is limited; pre-registration is required by Feb. 13. 

To register, call Laura at 203-732-7466.


This is a press release from Griffin Hospital.

TEAM Toys 4 Kids helps needy families in Valley

ANSONIA - Part of a former factory building downtown was once again transformed into a toyland thanks to the community's generous donations to TEAM Toys 4 Kids annual drive.

The "toy store" where clients were able to choose which toys they wanted for their children was set up on the second floor of 153 Main St.

Ansonia resident Thelma Nieves was one of many volunteers who helped set up the store.

Trucks and cars and toys oh my!

A new friend for one lucky child.

And there were lots of dolls.

Lou Fusco, culinary arts teacher at Emmett O'Brien Technical High School in Ansonia, brought his senior students to the store Friday to drop off 401 donated toys.


Read all about the annual Toys 4 Kids event in my story posted here in the Valley Independent Sentinel.