Tuesday, March 31, 2015

DEEP reminds anglers opening day is April 11

Preseason trout stocking underway despite winter conditions
Connecticut’s Department of Energy and Environmental Protection is reminding anglers that recent changes to sport fishing regulations included moving the date of Opening Day of trout season forward by one week, from the third to the second Saturday in April. 

This means Opening Day for the 2015 season is April 11.

“We are excited about the additional fishing opportunities provided to anglers with this change to an earlier Opening Day,” said DEEP Commissioner Robert Klee. 

“This change provides an additional week of fishing opportunities for both resident and non-resident anglers targeting trout or fishing for other species such as largemouth and smallmouth bass found in trout waters.”
“Additionally, most of the state’s school-age anglers will also now have the opportunity to fish for trout during their spring breaks, as Opening Day will now come at the beginning of that school vacation for most school systems in Connecticut,” said Klee.

DEEP reminds school-age anglers ages 16 and 17 that they can obtain their 2015 fishing, hunting, and trapping licenses at ½ the adult price (most hunting permits, stamps and tags will also be ½ price for 16 and 17 year olds).
DEEP expects to stock over 341,000 trout in waters across the state in time for Opening Day of the 2015 trout fishing season April 11. Nearly 100 lakes and ponds and 190 rivers and streams are scheduled for stocking. 
The very cold temperatures, prolonged heavy snow pack and icy conditions have been challenging for DEEP stocking efforts.

“Stocking well over 300,000 fish prior to Opening Day is a monumental task in the best weather,” said Pete Aarrestad, Director of DEEP’s Inland Fisheries Division. “Due to the prolonged winter freeze and morning temperatures in the single digits, trout stocking got off to an unprecedented slow start in late February and early March. In spite of significant weather related setbacks we still hope to stock most of the usual water bodies that have historically been done prior to Opening Day. Should some areas not get stocked, we will provide that information to anglers prior to Opening Day via both print and electronic media.”
Trout anglers looking to test out their gear prior to the start of trout season can visit one of the state’s 15 Trout Management Areas, all are open for pre-season catch-and-release fishing. While many of the TMAs have yet to be stocked, they should all have reasonably good fishing from fall trout stockings.

Stocking scheduled
So far this spring, the Farmington River (above and below the year-round catch-and-release area), Hockanum River, Naugatuck River, Sleeping Giant (Mill River, Hamden) and Willimantic River TMAs have been stocked. 
Other TMAs scheduled for stocking before Opening Day are located on the Hammonasset River, Hockanum River, Mianus River, Mill River (Fairfield), Moosup River, Pequabuck River (including Coppermine Brook), Salmon River, Saugatuck River and Yantic River. Anglers can access up-to-date information about where and when trout are stocked on Facebook at www.facebook.com/ctfishandwildlife.

Anglers should consult the 2015 CT Angler’s Guide for detailed information on specific locations and angling regulations. 
Printed versions of the 2015 Angler’s Guide are now available at more than 350 locations statewide, including town halls, bait & tackle shops and other vendors selling outdoor equipment, DEEP facilities, and commercial marinas and campgrounds. 
Anglers are advised that there are several errors in the print version where the date for Opening Day was not updated to reflect the recent change in Opening Day from the third Saturday in April to the second Saturday in April. 

The electronic versions of the Guide can be found on the DEEP website at (www.ct.gov/deep/anglersguide) and have been fully corrected.

Additional fishing and fisheries related information can be found on the DEEP web site at www.ct.gov/deep/fishing. The web site has a wealth of information including; trout stocking location maps, annual fish stocking summary report, the very popular Youth Fishing Passport Program, and when you catch the big one, criteria for Trophy Fish Awards.  

Save the last-minute running around and purchase your 2015 fishing licenses directly online, or if you prefer, at one of the many participating town halls, tackle retailers, and DEEP offices. 
For a complete list of vendors, visit www.ct.gov/deep/fishing or call DEEP Licensing and Revenue, 860-424-3105.


This is a press release from the DEEP.

Seymour Ambulance to hold EMT course


SEYMOUR - The Seymour Ambulance Association will hold an EMT-Basic class beginning May 18 and running through July 14.

The class will meet Mondays through Thursdays from 8 a.m. to noon, with three Saturday classes.

Saturday classes will be held from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

All sessions are held at Seymour Ambulance Association, 4 Wakeley St.

The cost of the course is $750. It includes text, access to online course navigation, uniforms, and online test prep.

For more information or to register visit seymourems.org or contact Lea Zwally, 203-888-8843 ext. 4.


Info shared from the association's website.

Anti-bullying forum slated at Derby Library

DERBY - The Derby Public Library, 313 Elizabeth St will host the second annual Anti-Bullying Forum from 3-4:30 p.m. April 9.

The event is for ages 12-17.

Participants will increase their understanding of what bullying is, learn how to better deal with bully circumstances, and identify consequences associated with these confrontations.

Issues pertaining to social media bullying and school violence will also be addressed through interactive dialog and support materials in a relaxed environment.



The panel will include school administrators, police, and representatives from youth bureaus and other local agencies.

A light dinner will be provided.

Registration is requested. Call 203-736-1482.



This information is taken from an online community calendar sponsored by the Community Foundation for Greater New Haven and the New Haven Independent.

Oxford to host first food, arts fest



Save the date: the Town of Oxford will hold its first food and arts fest June 7. Festivities begin at noon.

According to information on the festival Facebook page, "25 [food] trucks and many vendors will gather for a beginning of summer celebration!"


Stay tuned for more information.

Volunteer opportunities available at Shelton community

Volunteering for Wesley Village in Shelton can be a rewarding experience./ Submitted photo

SHELTON - Wanted: Volunteers for Wesley Village.
Operated by United Methodist Homes, Wesley Village provides a wide range of opportunities for volunteers to serve senior citizens in a variety of housing and healthcare settings.  
Volunteers are needed to help in the following areas:  people who play the piano or guitar, transporting to and from beauty salon via wheelchair, friendly visitors, prayer shawl ministry, scrabble, flex and stretch, walking club, travel or history buff, pinochle player, poker, word games, trivia, and bingo.  
We will match your talents and skills with our needs.  

There are many opportunities for adults and students ages 14 and older. If you have time to help others and want a satisfying experience, an overall feeling of well-being and a healthier life – volunteer.   

Contact Barbara Quinn, Director of Volunteers at Wesley Village, 203-944-8292.


This is a press release from United Methodist Homes. 

Reminder: Way of the Cross planned Friday in Ansonia

ANSONIA - The seventh annual Good Friday Way of the Cross Procession sponsored by Ansonia and Derby churches will be held at noon Friday.

The walk symbolizes Jesus' journey on his way to his crucifixion.  

Each year clergy members and lay people participate in the solemn walk, which starts at Veterans Park next to City Hall (253 Main St.) and proceeds up Main Street to the Ansonia Armory.

Participating churches are First Congregational Church of Ansonia, First Congregational Church of Derby, Christ Episcopal Church of Ansonia, Clinton AME Zion Church of Ansonia.

John Zaleski, funeral director, Wakelee Memorial Funeral Home, participates each year and lends his sound system to the event.



This is a press release from the Rev. Marcia Eveland, pastor, First Congregational Church of Ansonia.

Derby Public Library plans book discussion, cooking demo

DERBY - The Derby Public Library has scheduled its next Lunchtime Book Discussion for 12:30 p.m. April 29.

The selected title is the enchanting novel, The Storied Life of A.J. Fikry by Gabrielle Zevin.

A.J. Fikry is the cantankerous owner of Island Books near
Hyannis, Mass.  His wife has died, sales are down, and he is slowly isolating himself from the community.

Then a mysterious package arrives that gives him the 
opportunity to see everything anew and change his life.  

This tale of transformation and second chances reminds us why we read.

Multiple copies of the book are available at the circulation desk.

Participants are asked to bring a sandwich and a friend as they “chat and chew."
Dessert and beverages will be provided.  

Registration is requested.  

Cooking demonstration
The Library has scheduled another cooking demo at 6:30 p.m. April 27.

The topic will be Springtime Soups.  

Stacey Ference of Savour Catering will show participants how to use spring's lighter and fresher flavors to make potato and leek, cream of asparagus, and gazpacho soup.

There will be samples of all demonstrated foods.

The class is for ages 18 years and older.  Registration is required.

For information, stop by the Library, call 203-736-1482, or visit www.derypubliclibrary.org.



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