Ansonia cancels ice skating today


Today's ice skating at the new rink has been cancelled because of warm weather, city officials announced.

Learn maple sugaring, sewing, illustrating, more at Ansonia Nature Center

ANSONIA - The Ansonia Nature and Recreation Center, 10 Deerfield Road, will host a variety of fun and educational activities in March. 

ANNUAL MAPLE FESTIVAL – March 5, 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Start with a delicious pancake breakfast with real maple syrup, sausages, juice, coffee, and tea from 8–10 a.m. for $8. 
We’ll also have a maple bake sale, crafts, live animal presentations, tree-tapping demos, and more! All proceeds benefit our critter care. 

HEATHER’S KORNER SEWING CLASSES: Sewing an Owl Pincushion (Class 3) – March 6, 2 p.m.
This class is for children 7–10 years old accompanied by an adult. Each child will sew an owl pincushion. Fee: $15. Materials are included. Please pre-register; space is limited.

NATURE’S CHILD: Maple Sugaring –  March 11, 10 a.m.
Do you know that trees make sugar? Join a Nature Center naturalist to learn how they make it and how we can make it into maple syrup. Sample real Nature Center syrup on ice cream. 
TUITION: $6 per child ($4 for family-level FANCI members and Ansonia residents). Please pre-register for this class for preschoolers and their adults. 

ILLUSTRATE AESOP’S FABLES – March 12, 2 p.m., includes free book. Week 4 is “The Fox and the Stork.”  
Join children’s book illustrator and Nature Center Ranger Amie Ziner, as she guides you through illustrating an Aesop’s Fables story, using the Nature Center’s real animal specimens. Easy step-by-step instruction will help you create an acrylic painting, featuring animals, nature, and a lesson in each story! 
Appropriate for people with some painting experience, ages 8 to adult, who are able to follow the instruction with some supervision. At the end of each 2-hour class you will have a page for your book, including the text of the story. FREE, Aesop’s Fables book.

A PLACE CALLED HOPE: Live Raptors – March 13, 2 p.m.
Join A Place Called Hope, a raptor rehabilitation and education center, as they share four birds of prey for an all-ages presentation. This will be an up-close and personal encounter with a hawk, a falcon, and two owls. Learn ways that you can actually help lessen conflicts wildlife may encounter in your own backyards. This interactive presentation will last 1 hour. Cameras are encouraged. 
FREE, but donations will be accepted. Please pre-register.

OWL PROWL – March 18, 6 p.m.
“Whoooo” wants to join us for this night hike? Learn about owls’ amazing adaptations while we stroll through our woodland trails listening for the Nature Center’s nocturnal inhabitants. Quiet is the key, so this program is geared for 8 year olds and up. The hike will be 1.5 miles on uneven terrain. Please wear appropriate clothing and foot gear, and call to register, as space is limited. FREE.

BLUEBIRDS IN THE FIELD – March 19, 2 p.m.
The Nature Center is proud to be a refuge for many native and migratory bird species. Located on our property are a number of boxes that we build to ensure these birds have a safe and comfortable place to call home. Join Ranger Dan in the construction and placement of three bluebird boxes for one of our wetland fields. FREE.

SPRING EQUINOX DRUMMING –  March 19, 6 p.m.
Let’s wake up the earth gently as we make music together by the fire. Bring your own drums and musical instruments. Dress for the outdoors. Adults and supervised children are welcome. FREE: Admission is a canned good for Spooner House. Please pre-register.

ANSONIA COMMUNITY ORGANIC GARDEN PLOT – March 20, 11 a.m.
Have you always wanted to grow your own vegetables but don’t have enough property or sun for your own garden?  No worries—the Nature Center has plenty of fertile spots in full sun just for you. 
Sign up for your own garden plot with ACOG President Pat Evans. We will meet at the Nature Center’s visitor center and walk to the organic gardens.

ILLUSTRATE AESOP’S FABLES – March 26, 2 p.m., includes free book, Week 5 is “The Lion and the Mouse.”
Join children’s book illustrator and Nature Center Ranger Amie Ziner, as she guides you through illustrating an Aesop’s Fables story, using the Nature Center’s real animal specimens. Easy step-by-step instruction will help you create an acrylic painting, featuring animals, nature, and a lesson in each story! 
Appropriate for people with some painting experience, ages 8 to adult, who are able to follow the instruction with some supervision. At the end of each 2-hour class you will have a page for your book, including the text of the story. FREE Aesop’s Fables book

ART PAINTING PARTY FUNDRAISER – April 2, 3–5 p.m. 
The Ansonia Nature Center and FANCI will host an art class fundraiser for “The Playground Fund 2016” at Kokopelli music and arts center in Seymour. 
Join us for an afternoon of music, and painting. All art materials provided. Bring your own beverage, snacks and your enthusiasm. Leave with a wild painting and a warm feeling FEE: $30 per person. Please register at www.kokopellimusicandarts.com Wine and Easel, 2016 classes. 
Class size limited to 35 participants.

SPRING TERM JUNIOR RANGERS 
Open registration; program begins April 14, at 3:30–5 p.m., for eight weeks, ending June 9.
Calling all children 11 to 14 years old who love nature! Has your child wanted to work with animals, garden, help maintain our trails, and help with special events? 
This is the opportunity to help the Nature Center in our 8-week after-school program. Parental permission is required. Class size is limited; this class fills up fast!  FREE.

Call 203-736-1053 for more information on any programs.


This is a press release from the Ansonia Nature and Recreation Center.


Tech Time sessions offered at Derby Public Library

DERBY - The Derby Public Library offers monthly Tech Time sessions.  
Every third Wednesday of the month at 6:30 p.m. and every third Thursday of the month at 10 a.m. a staff member 
will be on hand to answer tech-related questions and concerns.  

The March dates will also include a demonstration of the Library’s recently purchased 3-D printer.  
Whether you are having trouble downloading e-books, searching databases, completing online job applications, 
scanning/sending documents and photos, etc., your problems will be addressed. 

Next sessions will be held at 6:30 p.m. March 16, and at 10 a.m. March 17.

No registration is needed.  
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.

Valley Shakespeare Festival to present 'Tartuffe' in Shelton


Don't MISS the EVENT of the SEASON!

Theatre in the BAR
See what $5 can get you...
SAVE BIG on Thursday, March 10th
by using code PREZ to save $10 a TICKET

SHELTON - Performances by the talented Valley Shakespeare Festival players will be March 10 and 11 upstairs at Porky's Cafe, 50 Center St.
Doors open at 6 p.m., show is at 7 p.m. 
Table seating is $20; general admission is $15. 

For tickets call 203-513-9446 or click HERE.


This is a release from Valley Shakespeare Festival.