Friday, September 2, 2016

Streep brings NYC socialite to life in 'Florence Foster Jenkins'

Meryl Streep as Florence Foster Jenkins

Florence Foster Jenkins loved to sing. And sing she did.
But she was undoubtedly the worst singer of her generation. Or dare I say any generation! 
And she certainly was not good enough to sing at Carnegie Hall. But she did. 

Jenkins (1868-1944) was a New York City socialite. Her life of great wealth and love of great music was brought to the silver screen by the one and only Meryl Streep. 

The movie, directed by Stephen Frears, also starred Hugh Grant as her devoted British stage actor husband, St. Clair Bayfield.

Jenkins, a soprano, is tone deaf, but she fancies herself a great opera singer. Her husband perpetuates that myth. He pays people to write positive reviews of his wife’s performance. 

The two have a marriage in name only, since Jenkins was infected with syphilis by her first husband when she was 18. But it’s clear they love each other.

The movie - rated PG-13 - also featured Simon Helberg as the pianist hired to accompany Jenkins’ off-key-to-say-the-least singing. Helberg’s character, Cosme McMoon, a gifted young pianist, politely calls Jenkins’ voice “flat.”


This is a fun film, and one that touches the heart and soul. Streep truly becomes the heiress whose ambition clouds rational thought processes. She really believes that her fingernails on the blackboard style of singing sounds good.


If you want to sit back and laugh go see Florence Foster Jenkins. You’ll definitely be entertained.


Crisco offers tips from police to help prevent car break-ins

HARTFORD - Noting recent news stories about car break-ins in Cheshire and the Valley, state Sen. Joseph J. Crisco, Jr. D-Woodbridge, is offering a list of tips from police to help prevent car break-ins.
Joseph J. Crisco

“A lot of this is just common sense: lock your vehicle, and keep your valuables out of sight,” Crisco said. 
“It’s unfortunate that some individuals try and make a living stealing from hardworking people, but if they are going to do that, we should make it as difficult as possible for them.” 

Tips offered by Crisco and police officials include:

  • First of all, roll up your car windows all the way and lock your doors every time you leave your vehicle unattended. This goes without saying!
  • Second, never leave anything visible inside your vehicle! This is the single most important thing you can do to prevent your car window from being smashed and your valuables stolen. Place valuables out of sight in your center console, under a seat, in a glove box, a map pocket, or in the trunk. Better yet – leave your valuables at home, or take them with you!
  • GPS units are the most common items stolen in car break-ins. Even the mere presence of a suction cup ring on your windshield or dashboard indicates to a thief that a valuable electronic is hidden in a console or glovebox, so clean that up!
  • Handbags, purses, wallets, gym bags, and briefcases are the second-most stolen items. Place these large items in the trunk if you can.
  • Unfortunately, putting large items in your trunk while in a parking lot might tip off a thief that you have good stuff to steal. Try to place large, valuable items in your trunk before you leave your house, or consider using the “pass through” feature from the rear seat to the trunk that some cars have.
  • CDs, DVDs, radar detectors, GPS units, cell phones and MP3 players usually have cords and chargers. You may not leave the big item out in plain view, but if a thief sees a cord or a charger, he knows that a valuable electronic is likely in the car too. Hide these cords and chargers as well! 
  • A lot of laptop computers, notebooks, and cell phones have cases, too. Place these out of sight!
  • Believe it or not, your loose change in a cup holder or open ash tray can also be inviting to thieves. Hide your loose change! 
  • Finally, if you have a car alarm, be sure to use it, but don’t count on it to deter a thief. A thief can get in and out of your car in about 30 seconds, too fast for even the most well-meaning citizen or police officer to respond.


This is a press release from Crisco's office.

Presentation on choosing community college slated at Derby Public Library


DERBY - The Derby Public Library, 313 Elizabeth St., will host Why Choose a Community College? from 6:30-7:30 p.m. Oct. 4. 

Bernie Shea, Assistant Director of Admissions at Housatonic Community College in Bridgeport will be the presenter.
As the price of college continues to soar, as more and more 
students continue to pile on student loan debt, where can the students of tomorrow find another higher level solution?

Community colleges can provide affordability, easier admission process, flexibility, smaller campuses, easy transitioning, post-degree options, networking opportunities, and hands-on experience.  

Come and learn more about the community college option.

Registration is requested.  
For more information, stop by the Library, call 203-736-1482 or visit www.derbypubliclibrary.org.


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


Shelton Historical Society to host Autumn Tea



SHELTON - The Shelton Historical Society will host the second annual Autumn Tea, complete with fancy hats, scones, and surprises, from 2-4 p.m. Sept. 17 at Huntington Congregational Church, 19 Church St.

Unique table settings and centerpieces created by members and friends of the Society will be featured.

Ladies who attend are encouraged to wear their best chapeau.  
The afternoon also provides an opportunity to showcase some of the special items that the Society
has in its collection. 

Members of the Historical Society’s youth group, the Teen Time Travelers, will assist and serve 
refreshments. 
Cost for the tea is $25 with proceeds to benefit Shelton Historical Society and its programs.

Reservations for the tea must be received by Sept. 7. and may be made by sending a check to the Shelton Historical Society, P.O. Box 2155, Shelton, 06484.
Please mark “tea party” in the memo line. 

Shelton History Center, owned and operated by Shelton Historical Society, is located at 
70 Ripton Road and consists of six historic structures.  

Late last year, the Brownson House, built circa 1822, suffered severe water damage during a storm 
as its roof was under repair.  

The Society has been working to repair and restore the house this year and proceeds from the tea will be directed toward that cause.

For additional information including directions, call 203-925-1803, visit 
www.sheltonhistoricalsociety.org or see Shelton History Center’s Facebook page.   


This is a press release from Tracey Tate, executive director, Shelton Historical Society.


Wesley Village in Shelton to host open house

Contributed photo

SHELTON - An Independent/Assisted Living and Memory Care Open House will be held at Wesley Village from 1-3 p.m. Sept. 18.

Tours of Wesley Heights Independent Living Cottages, Assisted Living Apartments and Lifestyle Transitions Memory Care will be available. 
Wesley Heights is located on the Wesley Village Senior Living Campus at 580 Long Hill Ave.

Wesley Heights Cottages are Independent Living market rate cottage rentals. 
All cottages offer one-floor living. Monthly market rental rates apply. 
Assisted Living apartments also offer one-floor living. Lifestyle Transitions offers Specialized Assisted Living and Memory Support options, with a unique design that allows for maximized independence throughout transitions of care. Options include a variety of apartment styles for individuals and/or couples. 

Lifestyle Transitions is located in the Northwest Wing of Wesley Heights Assisted Living Community. 
Please use Wesley Heights main entrance for all tours. (Parking is available by the main entrance.)

For more information or to RSVP, contact Lisa Bisson at 203-225-5024 or at lbisson@umh.org, or by visiting www.wesleyvillage-ct.org

To tour any other communities at Wesley Village, please visit the website or contact Lisa Bisson to schedule a personal appointment.


This is a press release from United Methodist Homes.


Shopping trip in October to benefit Troop 3 Boy Scouts


Vendors sought for Ansonia Harvest Festival


Derby Neck Library to offer class on essential oils


DERBY-  The Derby Neck Library, 307 Hawthorne Ave., will offer a free class on Essential Oils at 6:30 p.m. Sept. 27.

Come learn how essential oils can improve your quality of life by providing relaxation an uplifted spirit, and more. 

Beauty and general health tips also will be discussed. 

Free samples will be distributed by professional consultant Willetta Capelle of Derby. 
For details call 203-734-1492.


This is a press release from Patricia Sweeney, reference librarian, Derby Neck Library.