'Midsummer Night's Dream' exhibit opens in Derby

The Valley Arts Council held its opening reception for 'Midsummer Night's Dream' Friday night at E Street Gallery, 35 Elizabeth St., Derby. 

I urge you to check out the exhibit featuring art work that is both eclectic and unique.

Basement Systems employees begin The Big Build at Ansonia Nature Center

Basement Systems, Inc. CEO Larry Janesky and his employees lay the groundwork Friday for a new playground at the Ansonia Nature and Recreation Center.

Members of the Valley United Way's Corporate Volunteer Council will volunteer Saturday and Sunday to construct the wood and metal play scape.

The 25-year old playground was demolished in April after a child was injured by a large splinter. 
The play scape will feature five towers connected by bridges, a giant slide, and an accessible area for children with disabilities, among other amenities.
Work is slated to be completed by Sunday evening.



Stay tuned for a story in The Valley Voice newsletter next week. 

Softball marathon in Stratford to benefit Treasured Time

Nonprofit gives families 'the gift of moments' 

From the nonprofit's website:

Treasured Time's "mission is to grant the wishes of parents with life-threatening illnesses who want to create a lasting memory with their children."

Learn about honey bees, view wildlife photography at Kellogg Center in Derby

DERBY - Connecticut’s Department of Energy and Environmental Protection announces two free programs on July 23 at Kellogg Environmental Center.  

Saving Our Native Pollinators - (recommended for ages 12 and up) will be held from 10-11:30 a.m.

Registration is requested. 

Bring sunscreen and a picnic lunch to enjoy on the Kellogg grounds following the program.

Honey bees are not the only pollinators in trouble. Join others to learn about native pollinators and what simple changes can be made at home to promote regrowth in declining populations. 

The program will be led by Matthew Connors, Park Interpreter at Kellogg Environmental Center.

Like European honeybees, native bee and butterfly populations are in decline. Connors' presentation on Connecticut’s native pollinators will introduce participants to common native plants they depend on. 

There will be a discussion on at-home solutions to pollinator decline. 

After the program, there will be a tour of the Center’s restored native butterfly garden. Participants will identify plants and pollinators in the garden and in open fields.  There will also be an identification activity on wild grown native pollinator plants. To conclude, there will be a short introduction to on-going citizen science research programs that all are welcome to participate in to help Connecticut’s pollinators.

Wildlife and Habitats Exhibits - (all ages are invited to attend)

9 a.m.-4:30 p.m. (exhibit is open)

2 p.m. (meet the artist, Sophie Zyla)

Wildlife and Habitats is an exceptional photography exhibit by Sophie Zyla. 

Learn about her methods and life work studying and photographing wildlife. 

Zyla is an outstanding photographer and birder who has traveled all around the United States to get a glimpse of specific bird species and capture them on film. 

She has a background in conservation biology, environmental studies and has studied at New York Institute of Photography and Nikon School of Photography. 

The exhibit is open Tuesday through Saturday 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m. at the Kellogg Environmental Center through July 23. 

Sophie’s images can be found at: www.SophieZylaPhotoSZ.com  and are available for purchase from the photographer.

Both events take place at Kellogg Environmental Center, 500 Hawthorne Ave.  

For more information or directions call 203-734-2513 or email susan.quincy@ct.gov.

This is a press release from DEEP.

Derby Public Library schedules 'stroll' through Italy

DERBY - The Derby Public Library invites everyone to take A Stroll Through Italy, Past, Present, and Future, at 6:30 p.m. Aug. 8.

Mariann Millard, a certified tour director and dual U.S./Italy citizen, will guide participants on a virtual 

“passeggiata” (stroll), exploring the richness and diversity of Italy by weaving historical and modern events and facts about the country with pertinent personal anecdotes to illustrate its geography, language, cuisine, culture, politics, and economics.

Whether you have had your own Italian journey, are planning one, or just dreaming of one, come enjoy an evening of photographs and stories in a lively and engaging

manner.  

Registration is requested.  

For more information, stop by the Library, 313 Elizabeth St., call 203-736-1482, or visit www.derbypubliclibrary.org.        

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