Full moon captured on cold night in Derby

  A full moon is seen Tuesday night above Derby High School.

I was in the parking lot of Derby Middle School before Tuesday's special meeting of the Board of Education when I saw the moon and had to take a photo. 
Just looking at this scene makes me feel cold! 

The board voted Tuesday to name Martin J. Pascale, 37, of Waterbury as principal of Derby High School. He has been serving as acting principal since December. 

Griffin Hospital in Derby to host smoking cessation program

4 meetings scheduled in March
DERBY - Looking to kick the habit? 
Griffin Hospital is helping members of the community prepare to quit smoking with a free smoking cessation program starting March 4.

“That’s It – Learn to Quit” teaches a variety of methods to help individuals quit smoking. The program consists of weekly meetings scheduled for March 4, 11, 18, and 25 from 5:30-7 p.m.

“The goal of the program is to help you learn how to quit,” said Carrie O’Malley, a co-coordinator of the program. 
“There are different methods of quitting and managing nicotine withdrawal. If one method didn’t work for you in the past we’ll help you understand all your options.”

Through group discussion and interactive activities, participants learn how to develop a quit plan that addresses their personal behaviors and habit.

Strategies to manage nicotine withdrawal, behaviors, triggers, urges are all discussed, as well as weight control and stress management.

To register for “That’s It – Learn to Quit,” call O'Malley at 203-732-1476.


This is a press release from Griffin Hospital.

Troupe to present 'Romeo and Juliet' at Derby Neck Library

Valentine's Day performance slated 

DERBY - Valley Shakespeare Festival's first performance of its 2015 season will be a script-in-hand reading of William Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet.

The classic tale of the two ill-fated young lovers will be presented at 2 p.m. on Valentine's Day, Feb. 14, at Derby Neck Library, 307 Hawthorne Ave. 


With only seven actors, four music stands and minimal costuming and staging, VSF will perform the work in a framework which is guaranteed to convey all its dramatic passion and have you experiencing the play in a way you never before imagined.

Traditionally hailed as “the greatest love story of all time,” Romeo and Juliet is so much more, as lucky audience members will discover at this performance. Its themes of family allegiance, forbidden attraction, sexual awareness and abuse, violence and the struggle of youth coming of age in a dangerous and often hostile world are perennial, which is why it continues to be a story “for the ages.”

The production is being presented by Valley Shakespeare Festival and the Derby Neck Library free of charge, with a suggested donation of $10.
Seating is limited and reservations are suggested.

Valley Shakespeare Festival also will be offering Valentine-themed cupcakes, donated by “Sweet Sue’s Devilishly Delicious Delights” for sale at the event to help support the organization.

Visit www.vsfestival.org or call 203-513-9446 for more information and to make reservations for Romeo and Juliet.


This is a press release from Valley Shakespeare Festival, a non-profit theater company, fiscally-sponsored by Fractured Atlas, dedicated to bringing free Shakespeare to the communities of the Lower Naugatuck Valley.