Memories of Floods of '55 will be revisited at ceremony in Ansonia

This book of flood photos was published by The Evening Sentinel newspaper in December, 1955.

ANSONIA - The city of Ansonia will commemorate the 60th anniversary of the floods of 1955 with a ceremony at 4 p.m. Wednesday (Aug. 19) at Vartelas Park, located near the intersection of Maple Street and Olson Drive, adjacent to the Maple Street bridge.

Back to back hurricanes dumped catastrophic amounts of rainfall on the Lower Naugatuck Valley that August, and the Naugatuck River overflowed its banks on Aug. 19, 1955, leaving devastation in its wake.
Another hurricane caused more flooding on Oct. 16, 1955, just as communities were rebuilding from the torrential August rains.

In a release, Mayor David S. Cassetti said the city will "recognize the roles the first responders played in the response to the greatest natural disaster our Valley has seen."

At noon Aug. 20,1955 President Eisenhower declared Connecticut a major disaster area. 

DEEP to host chef's talk at Kellogg Center in Derby

DERBY - Connecticut’s Department of Energy and Environmental Protection will host “Harvesting Flavors” a program presented by Jim Calkins, Executive Chef/Owner of Seasonal Catering, 101 Elizabeth St.

Kellogg Environmental Center (DEEP photo)

The program will be held at 2 p.m. Aug. 30 at the Kellogg Environmental Center, 500 Hawthorne Ave.  
Calkins is an experienced chef working with local flavors and foods to create seasonal offerings.  

Calkins’ program is a follow-up to a presentation he gave earlier this spring on planning your garden for herbs and flowers that boost flavor and culinary skills.
  
This program will highlight the methods of harvest, preservation and use of common herbs, flowers and plants for teas, herbal enhancement of food, spices and rubs. All participants will enjoy this unique session – previous participation is not required. 

Many of the plants spotlighted are common to your garden or farmers’ markets and participants will learn what flavors a garden can provide for this season and next.  
The herbs and flowers found in gardens have uses that go beyond what is commonly thought.  

Guests will taste dishes that use the common herbs of gardens and learn the steps from harvest to preservation for herbs, flowers and fruits.  
Drying and fresh materials will be provided for participants to have hands-on experience and to take home and try some new flavors.

    

The fee for the two hour workshop is $10 per person to cover costs of food, plant material and beverages which will be provided by Calkins through Seasonal Catering. 
This workshop is designed for adults or older children.  
Space is limited and registration is required to attend and participate.  

For further information, directions or to register call 203-734-2513 between 9 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., Tuesday through Saturday or email donna.kingston@ct.gov.


This is a press release from DEEP. 

2 rescued from Ansonia house fire

This was the scene of a house fire at 2 Greenfield Drive, Ansonia, this morning. Ansonia Mayor David S. Cassetti said an elderly woman and her son were rescued from the residence. Their dog also made it out safely.

Stay tuned for a story in the Valley Independent Sentinel.