We're getting closer to spring

Just a reminder to set your clocks ahead an hour before you go to bed tonight. 

Spring, that season of rebirth, is almost here! The vernal equinox is on March 20.

I'm sure I'm not the only Valley resident happy about this!

Paint & Pour planned at Derby restaurant

Artist Steve DiRienzo of Derby is vice president of the Valley Arts Council.

Valley Shakespeare Festival slates auditions

* Update: Hours added

OPEN LOCAL EQUITY & NON-EQUITY AUDITIONS 

for VALLEY SHAKESPEARE FESTIVAL

A Midsummer Night’s Dream (AEA and Non-AEA)

As You Like It (Non-Equity School Tour) 

All roles open.

Local CT AEA/Non-AEA Auditions March 21

TIME: 8-11 a.m., noon-4 p.m.

PLACE: Shelton Community Center, 41 Church St., Shelton

Please prepare two contrasting 1-2 minute Shakespeare monologues.  If you play guitar or an instrument please bring it and have a 16 bar selection ready.  You may be asked to stay and read from the script after you have auditioned.  Please be familiar with shows for which you are auditioning.

 Also, bring a picture/resume stapled together.

Members of Actor’s Equity can make an appointment for Saturday, you may reach us at the number below from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. daily.  
For more information please do not hesitate to e-mail us at vsfestival@gmail.com or call us at 203-513-9446.

Production Details

As You Like It (Non-Equity School Tour $150-$200 per week + housing for out-of-town actors)

Rehearsal: April 27-May 1, 9 a.m.-6 p.m. daily.

Tour: May 3-8.  Early mornings. 

Actors who sing/play instruments encouraged! Eight cast members: five males, three females.

Every actor has ASM duties and should be comfortable leading a 30-minute workshop with students and teachers before performances.

Orlando (M)

Rosalind (F)

Celia (F)

Duke Frederick/Duke Senior/Audrey (M)

Silvus/Charles the Wrestler (M)

Oliver (M)

Adam/Phoebe (F)

Jaques/LeBeau (M)

A Midsummer Night’s Dream SPT contract pending (minimum $224 per week).

Rehearsal: June 22-July 8, 9 a.m.-6 p.m. 

Performances: July 9-12  at 8 p.m. (four performances)

Outdoor free production to the community.  Many characters are doubled, actor’s must have strong characterization through the text.

Male/Female actors and actress from ages 16-50 needed.

Theseus/Oberon (M)

Hippolyta/Titania (F)

Philostrate/Puck (M)

Egeus/Peter Quince (M)

Demetrius (M)

Lysander (M)

Hermia (F)

Helena (F)

Nick Bottom (M)

Francis Flute/Peasebottom (M)

Robin Starveling/Cobweb (M)

Tom Snout/Moth (M)

Snug/Mustardseed (M)

Fairy 1/Attendant (M)

Fairy 2/Attendant (F)

This is a press release from Valley Shakespeare Festival.

DeLauro salutes civil rights marchers on 50th anniversary of 'Bloody Sunday'

NEW HAVEN - U.S. Rep. Rosa L. DeLauro, D-3, released the following statement today marking the 50th anniversary of “Bloody Sunday.”

“I salute the extraordinary courage and commitment of those civil rights marchers who, 50 years ago today, marched across the Edmund Pettus Bridge, demanding their right to vote. All Americans owe them a debt of gratitude for pushing our nation to be a better place.

“A direct line can be drawn from ‘Bloody Sunday’ to the day the landmark Voting Rights Act was signed. That law has been responsible for most of the progress made towards outlawing discriminatory voting practices over the last 50 years. Unfortunately the Voting Rights Act is now under assault and its values are being dishonored. Congress must pass a revised, renewed, and strengthened Voting Rights Act this year to protect the most fundamental right of our democracy.”

In June 2013, the Supreme Court issued a ruling that invalidated a key section of the Voting Rights Act, significantly weakening it.

The decision struck down the formula used to determine if covered state and local governments are in compliance with the Voting Rights Act.


This is a press release from DeLauro's office. 

Church to hold Easter Run-Walk on Derby Greenway

DERBY - Walnut Hill Community Church’s Derby campus is holding its third annual 5K Easter Run-Walk To Fight Domestic Violence April 4 on the Derby Greenway.

Net proceeds will go to BHcare’s Umbrella Center for Domestic Violence Services.

“We’ve been asked what motivates us, as a church, to get involved in such community-based events,” said Walt Mayhew, pastor, Walnut Hill Derby campus. 

“The answer is simple. It is how we live out our faith in obedience to Jesus’ teachings to love God and our neighbors.”

Mayhew said the Easter Run-Walk serves “neighbors” desperately in need who because of fear and shame often remain silent.

“Domestic violence is taking place all around us. The statistics are both shocking and disturbing. In addition to raising funds to serve victims of domestic violence, we want to spread the word that help is available,” Mayhew said.

He cited national statistics to demonstrate the widespread nature of domestic violence, as published in the Huffington News: Nationally, 1 in 4 women will experience domestic violence in their lifetime. Every nine seconds, a woman is beaten in the U.S. Domestic violence has killed more people in the U.S. than the number of soldiers who died in the war in Afghanistan during the same period.”

Mayhew hopes that with the increased awareness of domestic violence, more people in the community will come out this year and walk in the event. 

He said, “This event is a relatively easy way to stand against domestic violence. Come out and walk with us. Get some people to sponsor you. You can make a difference.”

Last year, the Umbrella provided free emergency safe shelter, 24-hour crisis, counseling, advocacy, support and other crucial services to over 9,000 victims of domestic violence and their children. During that same period their 24-hour hotline fielded nearly 3,000 calls last year. All services offered by the Umbrella are free of charge and confidential.

The Easter Run-Walk will start on the industrial park access road behind BJ’s Warehouse located at 20 Division St. 

To register or for more information, visit www.easterrunwalk.com.

Check-in on race day begins at 8 a.m.

The Fun Run for younger children starts at 8:40 a.m., while the 5K Run-Walk starts at 9 a.m. 

Awards will be presented to the top finishers overall and by age group.

A free raffle will be conducted for prizes provided by sponsors and post-race refreshments will be served.

This is a press release from Walt Mayhew, pastor, Walnut Hill Community Church, Derby campus.