Recuperation journey: Scene from Griffin 5K finish line in Derby

Daughter Allegra and I did pretty well this year - if I do say so myself - at the 5K Walk/Run to benefit the Center for Cancer Care at Griffin Hospital in Derby.

I really believe my new kidney gave me the energy to not come in last or even near the end of the walkers. That was a first!
Son Cameron ran the 5K this year and snapped this photo of us. It was a fun morning.

Ansonia Harvest Festival is today on Main Street

Halloween concert on tap at Seymour Middle School

SEYMOUR - The Culture and Arts Commission will sponsor a Halloween concert by the Naugatuck Community Band at 7 p.m. Oct. 28 at Seymour Middle School.

Join us for an evening of Halloween favorites. Costumes are encouraged. 
The band will be in costume and will offer Halloween treats to concertgoers. 
The school is at 211 Mountain Road.


Sharing this information from an online community calendar sponsored by The Community Foundation for Greater New Haven and The New Haven Independent.

Friends of Ansonia Library to host tea social featuring one-woman show

Seymour C.A.R.E.S. to hold fundraiser Saturday at Stop & Shop

*I posted this last Friday; the organization is  holding the event again Saturday (Sept. 30).

SEYMOUR - Volunteers from Seymour C.A.R.E.S. will be shaking cans from 9 a.m.-noon Saturday at Stop & Shop, 15 Franklin St. 

Please stop by and make a donation for cats and dogs in need.
In addition, food donations for the Seymour/ Oxford Pet Food Bank will also be accepted. 



Sharing information from an online community calendar sponsored by The Community Foundation for Greater New Haven and The New Haven Independent.

Walnut Hill Community Church in Derby to hold Coffeehouse Showcase

DERBY - Walnut Hill Community Church will host Coffee House Showcase from 7-10 p.m. Oct. 6 at the church, 27 9th St. 

Admission, coffee, and light refreshments are free.

A house band will perform for sets 1 and 3 offering a wide variety of music from various eras and genres. 

Set 2 will feature individual and group karaoke, an opportunity to showcase and perform vocally and/or instrumentally. 

The goal is simply to create a fun, free event where people from all over the Valley can kick back, enjoy themselves, and maybe even make some new friends.

This is shared from an online community calendar sponsored by The Community Foundation for Greater New Haven and The New Haven Independent.

Saturday is Limb-Girdle Muscular Dystrophy Awareness Day

I'm sharing because Saturday is a meaningful day for me and my husband, Ralph, since he suffers from this debilitating disease. 

Although it's hereditary he is the only one of seven siblings to be afflicted. 
Thankfully Ralph's five sisters and one brother escaped it.  

Over the years people have asked why Ralph needs to use a wheelchair. Many assume he was in an accident. 
But no, the truth is he has a progressive disease that brings with it a whole different, unique way of life.

Raising awareness is always a good thing to do.

Friends of Derby Neck Library to hold trip to La Salette Shrine

Valley United Way kicks off annual campaign; sets $1.1 M goal

SHELTON - Valley United Way celebrated 50 years of service Sept. 21 at Veterans Park with its annual Campaign Kickoff to honor its dedication to building a stronger community.

This followed Valley United Way’s seventh Harvest House where more than 200 volunteers, led by Valley United Way's Corporate Volunteer Council, helped companies deliver more than 50,000 items of food. 

The food was received the next day by the five food pantries that serve the Valley.

After Harvest House, Valley United Way kicked off its campaign year. The event included a performance by Center Stage, live music, food trucks, and an inspiring speech from U.S. Rep.  Rosa L. DeLauro, D-3, who spoke about the significant work of Valley United Way and the importance of working together to address food insecurity. 

The event would not have been possible without its sponsors: BIC Corp., Edgewell Personal Care, Newtown Savings Bank, and Pitney Bowes.

Valley United Way has set a goal to raise $1.1 million by June 30 by working together with local business owners, corporations, employees and residents to raise, invest and leverage funds.  United Way fights for every person in every community and we can't do it without the community's support.

Leading this year's efforts is Valley United Way's Campaign Chair Jimmy Tickey. Hee has a strong sense of service to his community and has been involved with the Valley United Way since he was in the Valley United Way Youth Leadership Program. 

During Tickey’s Call to Action at the Campaign Kickoff he said, "Last year we had a lofty goal and, together, we not only met our goal but surpassed it. This year we set an even higher goal and with all of your help, I know we can meet our goals and positively impact the lives of our most vulnerable populations here in the Valley.” 

If you, your business or company is interested in Working for a Stronger Community alongside Valley United Way, call Daniel Pearson, Resource Development Manager, 203-926-9478 or email daniel.pearson@valleyunitedway.org. 

This is a press release from Valley United Way.

Work begins on 700-foot extension to Ansonia Riverwalk

Ansonia Mayor David S. Cassetti Thursday points toward work that has begun on Segment 8, an approximately 700-foot extension to the Ansonia Riverwalk. A groundbreaking ceremony was held on the site, located at the end of North Division Street. 
Cassetti said the Riverwalk continuation project solidifies his commitment to improve the quality of life for all Ansonia residents.


Stay tuned for more information in an upcoming issue of The Valley Voice newsletter.

Early fall foliage on Ansonia's Main Street

I was in downtown Ansonia Wednesday evening and noticed this tree in Veterans Park had already started to turn red.

Recuperation journey: Transplant ties

A cousin and I have more in common than just being part of the McDonald family.

I had a kidney transplant May 9, and my cousin, John, just marked his 16th anniversary of getting a kidney donated to him from a close friend in August, 2001.

We both learned way back when we were in our 20s that we had inherited Polycystic Kidney Disease, a disease that has afflicted many in the family.

Since John was driving through Connecticut today on his way to a high school reunion in Massachusetts he asked me to meet for lunch. And we did just that.
It's nice to have a flexible schedule so I can occasionally fit in fun stuff!

We chatted about kidneys and anti-rejection meds, and we shared childhood memories of extended family members and the fun times we spent at get-togethers. 


It was really great to see him. I hope we can get together again in the near future.  

Fill-A-Truck event slated at Ansonia Animal Shelter

Osborne Homestead Museum in Derby to host Holiday at the Opera

One of my favorite local events to celebrate the holiday season is visiting the Osborne Homestead Museum. 
Members of area garden clubs always do a wonderful job decorating the Colonial Revival house at 500 Hawthorne Ave. in Derby.

This year the clubs include: Derby Garden Society, Garden Club of Orange, Long Hill Garden Club, Naugatuck Garden Club, Olde Ripton Garden Club of Shelton, Oxford Garden Club, Jen Plasky AIFD, Roxbury Bridgewater Garden Club, Women Redefining Retirement Milford, and Ye Olde Kellogg Garden Club. 

This year’s theme pays tribute to Frances Osborne Kellogg’s love of the opera, according to a release from the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection, which operates the museum.
It continues: "Kellogg frequently attended the Metropolitan Opera, and her uncle Henry Krehbiel was a famous music and opera critic.
"As president of the Women’s Club, Frances invited many opera singers, such as Caterina Jarbora, John Brownlee, and Marjorie Lawrence, to perform in Derby. Because of her love of this musical genre, each room will represent operas seen by Frances and her family and friends." 

*Sharing this information from an online community calendar sponsored by The Community Foundation for Greater New Haven and The New Haven Independent.

'Turnback Tuesday' features first mayor of Derby

This week's "Turnback Tuesday" features an image of Derby's first mayor, Thomas Jefferson O'Sullivan. 

Although Derby was officially recognized by the state of Connecticut in 1675, it wasn't until after Ansonia's separate incorporation as a city in 1893 that Derby's current boundaries were set, after which O'Sullivan was elected mayor of the City of Derby. 

Born in 1852 in Preston, Ct., O'Sullivan first attended medical school in Burlington, Vt. and eventually earned his medical degree in New York. 
After graduating in 1876, he practiced in Worcester, Mass. for two years before returning to Connecticut and setting up a new practice in Derby. 
He remained in Derby until his death around 1900.

Thanks go out to the Derby Public Library for sharing this interesting local history with the community.

Recuperation journey: Yet another post about naps

My cousin, Susan, told me recently she enjoyed reading my NAP (natural aging process) recuperation journey post, and when she saw this sleep shirt while shopping at the GAP she had to get it for me. 
She thought it was perfect, and it is!

😁
Thanks for thinking of me, Sue. 

Halloween scavenger hunt slated at Osborne Homestead in Derby

DERBY - Have a Phantas-tic time at the Osborne Homestead Museum with a special Halloween scavenger hunt and tour from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Oct. 28.
Hear the gruesome tales of the museum’s artworks, such as the gory legend of Queen Tomyris who beheaded a Persian king! 
Find icky treasures, herbs from the witch’s garden, ghoulish gourds, and more on the museum scavenger hunt!

Have a frightfully fun start to your Halloween weekend! All ages are welcome!  
The tour and scavenger hunt are appropriate for children under 12 and those with a low tolerance for gooey-ness and icky-ness.

The Osborne Homestead Museum, a facility of the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection, is open for free guided tours on Thursdays and Fridays from 10 a.m.-3 p.m., Saturdays from 10 a.m.-4 p.m., and Sundays from noon-4 p.m. It is located at 500 Hawthorne Ave. 

For information call 203-734-2513 or email donna.kingston@ct.gov.

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

Assumption School in Ansonia collecting items for hurricane victims in P.R.

*Sharing this information from the City of Ansonia Facebook page.

Seymour Town Wide Tag Sale slated Saturday

SEYMOUR - The fall town-wide tag sale will be held from 8 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday.

The deadline for residents to register their address has been extended until 8 p.m. today, Sept. 26. Registration fee is $15.

For more information contact Elizabeth Anderson, owner, Lizzie's Corner at 36 Bank St., at 203-415-4387.

Hungry? Greater Valley Restaurant Week starts Monday

Make a bittersweet vine wreath, take a hike, more at Ansonia Nature Center

ANSONIA - The Ansonia Nature and Recreation Center, 10 Deerfield Road, has a variety of programs scheduled in October.

NATURE EXPLORERS – Oct. 4, 11, 10 a.m.

Join Wendy for our preschool/toddler program. This 4-week session, which began in September, is for children ages 2–5 years old with an adult. These outdoor classes will be fun exploring and learning through play. We will learn about nature and science through activities such as hiking, exploring, singing, games, reading, and making crafts. Every class is outside!!!! TUITION: $20 to join us for these 2 weeks, space permitting  (cash or check payable to Ansonia Nature Center). Please call to register.

BITTERSWEET WREATHS – Oct. 7, 2 p.m.

Bring your own clippers and gardening gloves for this workshop led by Ranger Dawn. When you collect these beautiful orange-berried vines, you’re actually helping the park by removing this invasive plant species. FEE: $5. Please call to register.

ROPE MAKING: The Ancient Way – Oct. 14, 1 p.m.

A beginner’s chance to learn a skill practiced long ago.  Learn which native plants have been used to make rope.  Children must be accompanied by an adult who will assist in creating a sample to take home. FEE: $6 per person. Please call to register.

AUTUMN FESTIVAL – Oct. 21, 11 a.m.–4 p.m.

Celebrate this wonderful season with the staff and the Friends of the Ansonia Nature Center (FANCI)! Take a ride through our community gardens and fields in our horse-drawn story wagon, where you’ll hear some spooky Halloween tales! Learn about bats, spiders, and owls! Have some fresh apple cider and baked goods. Visit the Nature Shop to buy some creepy and crawly nature-related items. Enjoy nature-related exhibitors and vendors. You can try your hand at pumpkin painting, get your face painted, and make some original crafts. All proceeds will benefit the Nature Center. RAIN or SHINE. No park admission fee. Call us for more information at 203-736-1053. 

CREEPY CRAWLIES – Oct. 28, noon

Hold a real life tarantula, hear a cockroach hiss, and learn all about insects. Arthropods are fascinating creatures! Join us for this special Creature Feature family program. FREE. Please call to register.

SUNDAY GUIDED HIKE: Fall Foliage – Oct. 29, 1 p.m.

Join the Nature Center naturalist for a stroll through our woodlands, old fields, and wetlands. Enjoy the beauty and the crisp fall air while learning about New England’s flora and fauna. Wear appropriate shoes.


This is a press release from Ansonia Nature Center.

Newsletter features Harvest House VII in Shelton

Dear readers,

Today's Valley Voice newsletter features Valley United Way's Harvest House VII constructed last week by volunteers at the Shelton Riverwalk.

Thanks for reading,

Patti

BHcare's Umbrella Center to hold 18th annual vigil in New Haven

To raise awareness of domestic violence
BHcare’s The Umbrella Center for Domestic Violence Services will hold a vigil to honor survivors and remember the victims of domestic violence. 

The 18th Annual Sound of Hope will be held at 1 p.m. Oct. 4 at Long Wharf Pier, New Haven.
The vigil will include the reading of names of those who have died as a result of domestic violence.

Each person will receive a flower to toss into the harbor. The flowers represent the hopes and struggles of the survivors as they strive to become free from violence.

The flower also gently reminds us of the lives that have been taken from us due to domestic violence.

Every October, the nation observes Domestic Violence Awareness Month to bring to light an issue that effects all of our communities.

Every nine seconds, a woman is battered in the U.S. One in four women and one in seven men in the U.S. are victims of domestic violence at some point in their lives.

Police to receive recognition awards

Pilar Gonzalez, Deputy Assistant State’s Attorney, will be guest speaker and members of local police departments will be recognized for their role in the fight against domestic violence.

The 2017 Police Recognition awards include Officers Maria Frey, Officer Kate Bruno and Capt. Vaughan Dumas of the Milford Police Department; Detective. Freddy Salmeron, Detective Mike Torre, Officer Maegan Moran, Officer Matthew Vernik, Officer Brandon Cain, Officer Joshua Smereczynsky, Officer David Simpson, and Lt. Renee Dominguez of the New Haven Police Department; Detective Craig Casman, Detective Jonathan Suraci, Officer Audrey Jefferson and Officer Kimberly Paris of the West Haven Police Department, and Officer Meredith Anderson of the Guilford Police Department.

For more information about the vigil, or about domestic violence services call 203-736-2601, x1381, or visit www.bhcare.org.
If you need immediate assistance, please call the 24-hour domestic violence hotline 1-888-774-2900.

UCDVS is a program of BHcare that provides services for victims and children of domestic violence free of charge.
Each year, over 6,000 abused women and their children walk through the door of UCDVS looking for shelter, help and hope.

Learn more at bhcare.org.


This is a press release from BHcare.

Public invited to Ansonia school's open house to mark its 100th anniversary

Sharing from a Facebook event page:
ANSONIA - Julia Day Nursery and Kindergarten will hold an open house to celebrate its 100th anniversary from 2-4 p.m. Oct. 22.

Visitors can look at the building, the playground, and a slideshow featuring pictures past and present of the school.
Refreshments will be served.

Julia Day Nursery is at 76 Central St. 

Friends of Seymour Public Library to hold used book sale

SEYMOUR - The Friends of the Seymour Public Library will hold a used book sale from 10 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Saturday. 

The Library is at 46 Church St.  

Public parking signs installed in downtown Ansonia

City of Ansonia Facebook page photo

Sharing from the City of Ansonia Facebook page:

"A reminder about public parking available downtown! Below is a listing of available free downtown parking. 

"Look out for new signage designating the city's West and East Main Street lots."

LOT #2: West Main St (185 spaces)

LOT #3: East Main St (170 spaces)

ON STREET PARKING: (300 spaces)

SENIOR CENTER PARKING: (30 Spaces)

Adjacent [to] Crave Restaurant (Open to public after 5pm weekdays & all day weekends)

Architecture tour slated at Osborne Homestead Museum in Derby

DERBY - Travel back in time with a special architecture tour of the Osborne Homestead Museum Oct. 14 from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. 

Explore the transformation of this modest 1800s farmhouse into an elegant 20th century Colonial Revival style home. 

Frances Osborne Kellogg

Learn about Frances Osborne Kellogg’s profound attention to detail, the architectural career of her husband Waldo Kellogg, and his design influences in the home.

Whether you’re into the Cape Cod style craze or romantic over Italianate architectural style, come to the Osborne Homestead Museum and gain an appreciation of this Colonial Revival style home. 

The Osborne Homestead Museum, a facility of the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection, is open for free guided tours Thursdays and Fridays from 10 a.m.-3 p.m., Saturdays from 10 a.m.-4 p.m., and Sundays from noon-4 p.m. 
It is located at 500 Hawthorne Ave.

For additional information call 203-734-2513 or email donna.kingston@ct.gov.

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

School in Derby to host bus trip to Foxwoods Casino

DERBY - St. Mary-St. Michael School is hosting a bingo/casino bus trip to Foxwoods Casino Oct. 14.

The bus will depart the school, 14 Seymour Ave., at 7:30 a.m. and return around 6:30 p.m. The trip will provide attendees plenty of time to play bingo or enjoy other games and attractions at the casino. 

There will also be bingo on the bus.

The cost is $30 per person and includes a free slots play coupon and a free food coupon that is good for the casino’s all-you-can-eat buffet. The coupons are only available to individuals 21 years and older.

Proceeds will support the St. Mary-St. Michael Home School Association, which supports the needs of the school.

For reservations or more information, contact Gene at 203-893-9663 or Christian at 203-520-1480. 

Or send your reservation to: St. Mary-St. Michael School, 14 Seymour Ave, Derby, 06418. Please make checks payable to “St. Mary-St. Michael HSA.”

This is a press release from the school.

Church event honors Ansonia Police Department, raises funds for gear

Ansonia Police Chief Kevin Hale Saturday joins Maude Hinson, wife of the Rev. John Hinson, pastor, First Baptist Church in Ansonia at Honoring Ansonia Blue - Back the Blue. The Hinsons organized the event.
The second annual Police Appreciation Day and Block Party raised funds for life-saving police gear.


*Stay tuned for more photos from the event in an upcoming issue of The Valley Voice newsletter.

Next Valley Goes Pink event will be Oct. 8 in Shelton

SHELTON - The 8th Annual Valley Goes Pink invites the community to enjoy a night of painting and socializing for a good cause at Paint for Pink Oct. 5 at 6:30 p.m. at Vazzy’s Cucina, 706 Bridgeport Ave.

Events are being held in September and October to support the Valley Goes Pink. Please click on this earlier post for a complete list.

Participants can enjoy a night of “drinking creatively” while they eat, drink, and follow along as a local artist teaches how to paint a piece of art. 
Reservations are required by calling Jodi, 203-521-2233.

The Valley Goes Pink is a grassroots, community-wide effort throughout the, Valley to create awareness about breast cancer and the importance of early detection, support the Hewitt Center for Breast Wellness at Griffin Hospital, and showcase partnering organizations all at the same time!

For more information about “going pink” and joining the campaign visit griffinhealth.org/pink or contact the Griffin Hospital Development Fund at 203-732-7504, Jodi Dawley at 203-521-2233 or dawleypink@yahoo.com, or Sue Petrizzo at 203-400-1068 or petrizzopink@yahoo.com.



This is a press release from Griffin Hospital.

Derby Public Library to host book discussion

DERBY - The Derby Public Library has scheduled its next Lunchtime Book Discussion for Oct. 25 at 12:30 p.m.  

The selected title is The Guests on South Battery by Karen White.  

This novel set in historic Charlestown, S.C. combines the paranormal with history and romance.
  

Just when Melanie Trenholm is about to return to her real estate job after the birth of her twins, a phone call with no voice on the other end makes her fearful that the ghostly apparitions that have stayed silent for more than a year are about to invade her life again.  

Then, on her first day back, a young woman, Jayne Smith, walks into the office to discuss selling a house that she has just inherited from 

someone she doesn’t know. 
Family mysteries and old secrets soon begin to resurface.  

Dessert and beverages will be provided.  Registration is requested.  

For 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.

Seymour C.A.R.E.S. to hold fundraiser Saturday

SEYMOUR - Volunteers from Seymour C.A.R.E.S. will be shaking cans from 9 a.m.-noon Saturday at Stop & Shop, 15 Franklin St. 

Please stop by and make a donation for cats and dogs in need.
In addition, food donations for the Seymour/ Oxford Pet Food Bank will also be accepted. 



Sharing information from an online community calendar sponsored by The New Haven Foundation and The New Haven Independent.

Sharing another photo taken at Shelton Riverwalk

I also meant to post this photo earlier. It was a beautiful first day of fall morning at the Riverwalk!

Center Stage in Shelton to hold tag sale Saturday

Enjoying perfect weather, river views at Shelton Riverwalk

I caught views of the Housatonic River Friday morning at the Shelton Riverwalk. I was there to cover the 'deconstruction' of Harvest House VII by volunteers and staff of Valley agencies that feed the needy. 

View of Derby across the river. 

Derby Greenway is in the background.

Valley nonprofit reps take down Harvest House VII at Shelton Riverwalk

Valley United Way's Harvest House VII was deconstructed Friday morning at the Shelton Riverwalk.

A corner view of the 400-square foot house built out of donated, non-perishable food.

Stay tuned for more about Valley United Way's Harvest House VII in an upcoming Valley Voice newsletter.

Recuperation journey: Sunrise reflection

My view to the north at 6:43 a.m. Sunrise reflected on the clouds. 

Happy First Day of Autumn. I'm looking forward to the colorful foliage ahead. Who's with me?

Recuperation journey: Guest photo shoot

Hi - This isn't really my journey, but it did occur during what I consider my "recuperation period." 
First six months post-transplant is the most crucial...I think! And it has only been 4.5 months.

Daughter Allegra had an eventful walk in our quiet neighborhood this evening. 
She was startled by some local wildlife in a storm drain. 

She said the little guy (or gal) popped out and back in, and hoped he (or she) wasn't stuck.

This pic's a little blurry - I'd imagine the photographer was a bit startled - but you can see two little heads poking out from the drain. They look like twins. Siblings? Husband and wife? Mother and daughter? Who knows.
I'm glad Allegra had her phone with her to capture these fun photos for me to post.