Seymour funeral home collecting blankets for 2 Valley nonprofits

SEYMOUR - Miller-Ward Funeral Home is sponsoring its annual New Warm Winter Blanket Drive next week.

The drive will benefit The Salvation Army-Greater Valley in Ansonia and the St. Vincent De Paul Thrift Shop in Derby.

Please drop off new blankets for adults and children from Monday (Dec. 4) through Dec. 8  from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the funeral home, 260 Bank St. (Route 67, across from Klarides Village). 

*Sharing information from a Facebook event page.

Celebrate Shelton to host tree lighting Friday

Seymour Public Library accepting food donations to pay overdue fines

* This started Saturday but I just noticed it today. You have until Jan. 6 to support the food drives!

Re-posting as reminder: Seymour Pink to host holiday open house

Ansonia Animal Shelter collecting items for VA Hospital in West Haven

Choir to perform holiday music at Three Saints Orthodox Church in Ansonia

Seymour Public Library posts holiday-themed activities for children

            
SEYMOUR - The Seymour Public Library children's department will host a variety of fun and educational activities in December.

12/5 - 10:30 a.m. – Lynn Lewis - Music and Movement for ages 0-6 with a special visit from RUDOLPH!!  A fun time for everyone!

12/7 - 10:30 a.m.– Science Snoopers ‘Otterly Wonderful!’ features for natural science, story and craft for ages 2 and up.  Must be able to sit and listen.

12/7 - 4 p.m. – StoryKids’ Book Club for K-Gr 2.  Book talks, craft and a snack. Child must have some reading ability.

12/8 – 3:45 p.m. – Origami!! Create a wonderful holiday creation. For YAs age 10 and up!

12/13 - 4 p.m. – Nutmeggers’ - YA Book Club for Gr 5 - 8.  Book talk, craft and a snack - features the Intermediate Nutmeg Nominees.

12/14 – 10:30 a.m. - Preschoolers’ Crafty Holiday Party! Stories, games, crafts and refreshments for infants - 6 year olds!

12/14–  4 p.m. – BookChatters’ Book Club for Grades 2-4.  Book talk, craft, and a snack. It features the Magic Tree House Series 

12/15,16 – All day - Drop in Winter Craft table! Drop in and make a fun winter/holiday themed craft – all are welcome!

12/21 – 4 p.m. – ‘The Club’ book club for grades 8 and up. Teen advisory~ Book talk, snacks, and more.

All programs are free! fun! and formative!

Some have limited enrollment; registration is required for all.
For information call 203-888-3903, visit us on Facebook or at www.seymourpubliclibrary.org.

The library is at 46 Church St. 

This is a press release from Ann Szaley, head of children's services, Seymour Public Library.

Osborne Homestead in Derby decked out for holiday season

DERBY - Area garden clubs have once again adorned the Osborne Homestead Museum for the holiday season, a tradition that goes back more than 30 years. 
This year's theme is "Holiday at the Opera." The house looks beautiful!

The elegant Colonial Revival-style estate at 500 Hawthorne Ave. is the lifelong home of businesswoman, conservationist, civic leader, and philanthropist Frances Osborne Kellogg. She died there in 1956 at age 80.
The museum is operated by the state Department of Energy and Environmental Protection. 
Kellogg's uncle was an opera critic and she frequently attended the opera in New York City with him.   

Members of the Derby Garden Society decorated a bedroom (shown above) once used by Eva A. Little, who was Frances Osborne Kellogg's bookkeeper and companion. 
Kellogg gave life usage of the home to Little, who died in 1976 at the age of 101.

Please check out my story and photos of the decorations in the latest Valley Voice newsletter.

'Turnback Tuesday' on Wednesday features Housatonic River in Derby

This week's 'Turnback Tuesday' features the Housatonic River or "Ousatonic" as it was originally spelled. 
The river was named by the Paugussett Tribe as Potatuck which means “River with Falls” or “Great River.”
The Housatonic actually starts near Pittsfield, Mass. and runs for 148 miles into Long Island Sound. 
In the early 1800s, factories were built along the river. These factories in Birmingham harnessed the water to power their turbines and water wheels. 
A covered bridge was built in 1839 to connect Shelton to Derby and the Ousatonic Dam was dedicated in 1870. Dikes were installed along parts of the river after the Flood of 1955. 
Not all use of the river was for commercial purposes as recreational boating was very common. 
In fact, the Yale University boat crews used the river to practice and race, hence the Gilder Boathouse on Roosevelt Drive. 
This picture was taken standing on the Derby/Shelton Bridge in 1904. You can see the dam in the background and Oak Cliff Cemetery to the right on the hill.

Thanks go out to the Derby Public Library for providing this interesting local history!

Event in Derby to benefit Helping Heroes Fly charity

Sharing from a Facebook event page:

"Two Roads & THC are coming together again for the second annual Road Home for the Holidays event!
"Proceeds from the event go directly to the Helping Heroes Fly charity organization which helps reunite military service men and women with their families for the holidays.

"The night features:
*Ugly Holiday Outfit Competition at 9 p.m.!
*Raffles featuring excellent Two Roads Prizes!
*Different Holiday & Beer Themed Games with Two Roads Prizes!
*All-Star Two Roads Tap List!

"Two Roads & THC are donating $1 per pint of Two Roads sold throughout the event!" 

The fundraiser will be held from 3-9 p.m. Friday at The Hops Company, 77 Sodom Lane, Derby.

Troop 105 selling Christmas trees at Hilltop Hose in Ansonia

Valley Chamber of Commerce in Shelton to host Cyber Security talk

Cyber Security Best Practices:

Essential Do's & Don'ts

SHELTON - In today's technology-controlled world, cyber security has never been more important. 
But for the average person, there is a ton of information flying around much of which can be wrong or hard to understand. 

The Greater Valley Chamber of Commerce will host a free session at 8 a.m. Dec. 7 that aims to give attendees an easy to understand breakdown of what you need to know and a checklist of items for personal and business survival.
The Greater Valley Chamber of Commerce is located at 10 Progress Drive, 2nd floor.

Click here for more information.


This is a release from the Chamber.

Griffin Hospital in Derby to host community health discussion

DERBY - Griffin Hospital and the Naugatuck Valley Health District invite the public to a free discussion, “Improving Community Health in the Valley” from 5-7 p.m. Monday (Dec. 4) at the hospital, 130 Division St.

This open discussion will feature an overview of the Valley’s 2016-2018 Community Health Improvement Plan (CHIP), which was developed based on community input on health priorities and data from the “Understanding the Valley Region” report published last fall.

The CHIP includes the following seven key focus areas for improvement:
Creation of a Community CARE Team; Chronic Disease Management and Prevention; Substance Use Prevention; Childhood Obesity Prevention; Lung Cancer Screening/Smoking Cessation; Asthma Prevention and Self-Management; and Healthy Homes.

Participants will learn more about the CHIP and will be invited to share their input about improving community health and well-being in the Valley.

Please RSVP to 203-732-1511 or register on Griffin’s online calendar at griffinhealth.org.


This is a press release from Griffin Hospital.

Ansonia Police post winter parking, snow removal regulations

ANSONIA - Winter Parking Regulations will be in effect from Dec. 1, 2017 through March 31, 2018, police said today.

There shall be in the city a Twenty Four (24) hour a day, seven (7) days a week parking ban on all city streets and highways. 

The purpose is to allow snow equipment to remove snow and ice as quickly as possible from all city streets and highways, with the following exceptions:

For this winter season: 

Motor vehicles shall be allowed to be parked, starting on Dec. 1, 2017, on the odd-numbered side of municipal streets continuing until March 31, 2018.

City streets that display “No Parking Signs” shall be exempt from alternate side parking during the winter parking season in the area designated by the “No Parking Signs.” 

These streets include: South Cliff Street, North State Street, Crescent Street (Howard Ave to Day St.), Franklin Street (Jackson to Wakelee Ave), Colony Street, Division Street and North Spring Street (from Hill Street to Jewett Street), High Street (Lester St. to Howard Ave), Doyle Drive, Fourth Street (Gatison Park area), Church St., Holbrook St. (Pork Hollow to Jackson St.) and Pork Hollow.

Parking is only permitted on the even-numbered side of the following streets, regardless of the calendar year:

• Fifth Street; 
• Jewett St. (North Spring Street to Platt Street); 
• Hotchkiss Terrace (the area west of Kathy Lane); 
• North Cliff Street ;
• Colony Street, north of Gardner’s Lane;
• Park Place.

Parking is prohibited on the following streets: Stage Coach Road, Remer Street, Union Street, Crowley Street, Pleasant Street, Beaver Street, (North Street to the Seymour Line), Holbrook Court and Father Lar Drive, Lawton Terrace, Crescent Street (Howard Ave to Lester St.), North Fourth Street, Prospect Street, (Moulthrop St. to Viselli Court), Rockwood Ave. Ext., Viselli Court, Walkers Court, Oak Lane, and Carver St. 

Parking is prohibited on Main Street, West Main Street, and East Main Street from midnight to 6 a.m. 

Any person receiving a written notice for violating the regulation must either submit payment of $15, or file a formal appeal, to the Police Department within ten (10) days. The fine will increase to $30 after ten (10) days.

Residents should also be aware of the city regulation that requires the removal of snow and ice from sidewalks within 12 hours from the end of the snowfall.
The owner of the land and or the person having care and control of the property shall be responsible for the removal.  

Any violation of this may result in an infraction for violation of a town ordinance.

Christ Church in Oxford to hold Grinch-themed cookie walk, fair

Sharing from a Facebook event page:

"Please join us for the Christ Church ..Look for the Grinch COOKIE WhoALK & FAIR
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 2
9am‐2pm
470 Quaker Farms Road, Oxford

Thousands of COOKIES to choose from‐ $8 per pound
MARTHA MAE WHOVIER BOUTIQUE
Featuring candles, bath bombs, jewelry and more
GRINCH BAKERY:Offering cakes, pies, breads, fudge & fruitcakes
Whobalation to include Homemade Soups, Complimentary Tea Table, Crafts, & Raffle."

Derby Public Library slates movie, pizza, baking program for teens

DERBY - The Derby Public Library invites young adults ages 12 to 17 to Holiday Teen Movie, Pizza, and “Baker” Space from 5:30-7:30 p.m. Dec. 19.
Participant creativity will be applied to a variety of bakery treats. 

All materials will be provided. 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 Tony DeLos, young adult librarian, Derby Public Library.

Recuperation journey: Another beautiful sunrise

Have a great Wednesday.

Logan to hold Coffee Hour at diner in Hamden

Logan, R-Ansonia, represents the 17th District in the state Senate.

Recuperation journey: Serendipitous meeting

There's nothing like a quick run to the store to pick up "a few things" to bring one back almost a decade in time. 

That's what happened to me this afternoon when I was going back into my car. 
I heard, "Patti, Patti!" and turned around to see a friend I had lost touch with for at least nine years.

She looked great. We exchanged a few quick stories - of course mine was about my kidney transplant. I won't say what she told me, because I'm not sure if it's something to publicly divulge.

There is a reason that we bumped into each other. And I know it's a good one.

Fireworks to accompany Santa's arrival at Seymour Land Trust

Food bank donations sought for Valley needy

Meet Santa Saturday at Huntington Branch Library in Shelton

SHELTON - Meet Santa Day will be held from 9:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Saturday at Huntington Branch Library, 41 Church St.

Drop in to meet Santa, listen to Christmas stories, and make a festive craft. 
Please bring an unwrapped toy to donate to TEAM'S Toys 4 Kids drive for local needy children. 

This event is sponsored by TEAM, Inc., the Huntington Branch Library, Huntington Fire Company #3, and Echo Hose Ambulance Corps.


*Sharing this information from the Shelton Library System Facebook page.   

Naugatuck band to perform Sounds of Season at Seymour Middle School

SEYMOUR - The Seymour Culture and Arts Commission will sponsor a "Sounds of the Season" concert

presented by the Naugatuck Community Band at 7 p.m. Dec. 16 at Seymour Middle School. 

The school is at 211 Mountain Road. 
The concert is free. 
Enjoy both traditional and newer holiday musical selections!


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

Tuesday is a global day of charitable giving

Read about a few of the Valley's nonprofits participating in Giving Tuesday in the current Valley Voice newsletter.

St. Paul's Episcopal Church in Shelton to hold Community Carol Sing

Sharing from a Facebook event page: 
"Request your favorite carol to be sung, and we will sing it, accompanied by the organ in the historic church!"

Newsletter features 'Trail of Glitter' fundraiser in Seymour, more

Dear readers,

Today's Valley Voice newsletter features tonight's fundraiser in memory of Nina Poeta at Seymour Land Trust, St. Mary-St. Michael School students performing at the Derby tree lighting Friday, and more.

Thanks for reading,

Patti and Ralph

TEAM seeks toy donations at Derby HQ, drop-off sites in Valley

Santa recently visited Seymour resident Tom Baklik at the 13th annual breakfast event at Baklik's home to collect toys for needy children./ Contributed photo

DERBY - The 2017 Valley Toys 4 Kids Campaign is under way and TEAM, Inc. seeks to provide more than 1,200 needy Valley children with something special under their Christmas tree this year. 

This campaign collects new, unwrapped toys for the under-served children ages birth to 12 years of age in the Lower Naugatuck Valley.

More than 70 TEAM volunteers attended the annual Toys 4 Kids kickoff breakfast recently hosted by the Derby Senior Center. 

Breakfast was prepared and served by Emmett O’Brien Technical High School culinary students under the direction of culinary department head, Chef Perfecto Valle. 

Diane and Tom Baklik, owners of The Yankee Clipper Barber Shop, celebrated the spirit of caring and giving by hosting their 13^th annual Christmas Breakfast which garnered more than 700 toys to kick off the toy drive. 

“Christmas is a difficult time of year for the families we serve due to the expense and expectations of the season," said David Morgan, TEAM President/CEO. 

“The holiday toy program really is an incredible program - it makes the kids’ faces light up to be able to still "have a holiday" and it really relieves a huge burden of stress from parents who have very little financial resources to purchase toys. Many of our children suffer the effects of poverty every day, continuously going without, knowing that luxuries like new toys or clothes are simply not available to them. 

"Our message is that Christmas should be fun and not just about survival. Contributions to TEAM’s Toys 4 Kids Toy Drive help our families provide a festive holiday for their children.”  

Donations of new, unwrapped toys to Toys 4 Kids can be dropped off at TEAM, Inc. headquarters, 30 Elizabeth St., weekdays between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., and various drop-off sites throughout the Valley. 

The list of drop off sites can be found on TEAM’s website. 

Financial donations are accepted and should be sent to TEAM, Inc., Valley Toys 4 Kids Campaign, 30 Elizabeth St., Derby, 06418. 

The annual Toys 4 Kids program provides thousands of Christmas toys for children from low income families across the Valley - children who otherwise might “go without” during the holidays. 

“Christmas can be a financially and emotionally challenging time for families already concerned about money. With the toys collected along with financial contributions, we will be able to fulfill the Christmas holiday dreams of many less fortunate children, who otherwise might have been overlooked," said Diane Stroman, TEAM’s Executive Vice President. 

Last year due to the generosity of the community, TEAM was able to provide 1,234 children with toys to place under their Christmas trees.  

Applications to receive toys are currently being accepted weekdays from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. until Dec. 15 TEAM, Inc.’s headquarters at 30 Elizabeth St.  

Parents/guardians who apply for the program must meet low-income eligibility requirements and provide identification and proof of residence for themselves and a birth certificate or social security card for their children.

For information on donations, volunteering, or the application process, contact Diane Stroman at  dstroman@teaminc.org or 203-736-5420 ext. 234. 

This is a press release from TEAM Inc., a private, 501c(3) non-profit corporation whose mission is to strengthen our community by educating, supporting and empowering individuals and families. 

TEAM programs serve the communities of Ansonia, Beacon Falls, Bethany, Derby, Milford, Orange, Oxford, Shelton, Seymour, and Woodbridge. 

Recuperation journey: Fiery cloud spied from parking lot in Ansonia

Looking at the sky is always an interesting endeavor. 

Klarides sisters to collect items for CT veterans at Derby Public Library

GOP lawmakers from Valley seeking donations

Lizzie's Corner in Seymour collecting new, unwrapped toys for TEAM

Sharing a note from Elizabeth Anderson, owner, Lizzie's Corner Consignment and Gifts, 36 Bank St., Seymour:

"We are so excited to be a TEAM, Inc. Toys 4 Kids collection site. Please bring a new unwrapped toy to Lizzie's Corner Consignment and Gifts to help a local child. 
"To thank you we will offer 10 percent off your whole purchase."

Seymour Land Trust to host 'A Trail of Glitter' fundraiser today

All are welcome to attend from 6:30-9:30 p.m. today at Seymour Land Trust, 13 Chatfield St., Seymour.

Credit union supports Valley Goes Pink campaign at Griffin in Derby

Griffin Hospital events coordinator Lisa Nista recently received $1,000 for the Valley Goes Pink from, left to right, Greater Valley Chamber of Commerce President Bill Purcell, Mutual Security Credit Union President/CEO Larry Holderman, and credit union Executive VP Hank Baum./ Contributed photo

DERBY - Mutual Security Credit Union recently donated $1,000 to Griffin Hospital’s Valley Goes Pink campaign to help improve breast cancer services in the Lower Naugatuck Valley area.

The donation was collected through the sale of pink bracelets at Mutual Security’s branches.

The Valley Goes Pink is a grassroots, community-wide effort to increase awareness about breast cancer and the importance of early detection, support The Hewitt Center for Breast Wellness at Griffin Hospital, and to celebrate the charitable spirit of the region’s businesses and organizations.

Mutual Security Credit Union is open to everyone who lives, works, worships, or attends school in Fairfield, Litchfield, and New Haven County. 

Originally founded in 1954, Mutual Security is now one of the largest state-charted, community-based credit unions in Connecticut. Visit mscu.net, or call 800-761-2400 for more information.

This is a press release from Griffin Hospital.

Recuperation journey: Sad to learn of passing of a former colleague

Yesterday I was saddened to read of the passing Wednesday of Seymour resident Pauline Lounsbury, longtime reporter for the former Evening Sentinel. 

Reading her obituary reminded me of what a great reporter Pauline was - no one could cover Seymour more thoroughly and with more sources than she! 

We were a small staff, and Pauline often worked mornings by herself in a tiny bureau on Bank Street in Seymour before she arrived in the Ansonia newsroom. I remember her jokingly refer to herself as the "chief of the Seymour bureau." 

Pauline is the fourth journalist with whom I worked closely for 14 years at the Sentinel who sadly has passed away. 

I send my sincere condolences to Pauline's family. May she rest in peace.

Recuperation journey: Sunny Sunday in Derby

I missed getting a photo of the gorgeous sunset today but I did get this photo in Derby this afternoon while the sun was still shining.

Operas depicted in holiday decorations at Osborne Homestead in Derby

DERBY - Daughter Allegra and I visited the Osborne Homestead Museum on the day after Thanksgiving, as we have for many years in the past. It's a holiday tradition for us to tour the beautifully decorated home of businesswoman and civic leader Frances Osborne Kellogg. 
These little figures caught my eye in the studio. They depict characters in Richard Wagner's opera, "Das Rheingold."

Holiday tours will run through Dec. 17. Tours will be offered Thursdays through Sundays from 10 a.m.-4 p.m.  
On Fridays, Dec. 1, 8, and 15, from 4-7 p.m., the museum will present “Twilight Tours” to display the shimmering glow of the decorations. 

The Osborne Homestead Museum at 500 Hawthorne Ave. is operated by the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection.

Stay tuned for more photos of the decorations based on several operas in an upcoming Valley Voice newsletter. 

Author/illustrator to sign books at holiday marketplace in Ansonia Armory

Derby artist Richard DiCarlo will be signing his new children's book Saturday at the Holiday Marketplace in the Ansonia Armory. 

46th annual Seymour Christmas Parade steps off Sunday

The 46th annual Seymour Christmas Parade will step off at 2 p.m. Sunday.

Read all about it here in a story by New Haven Register correspondent extraordinaire Jean Falbo-Sosnovich.

Recuperation journey: Belated birthday cake, present

We finally sang Happy Birthday to Cameron, whose 27th birthday was Thursday. 
That's what happens when you are born the day after Thanksgiving and occasionally your birthday falls on the holiday.

Beacon Falls fire company selling Christmas trees at firehouse

Photo from fire company's Facebook page.

BEACON FALLS - The Beacon Hose Company #1 Christmas tree sale is open for the season.

Come on down to 35 N. Main St. and get a fresh-cut Fraser fir for $45.  

Free trimming and delivery offered in town. 

Hours are 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.

*Information shared from Facebook.

NHSO to perform holiday concert at Shelton High School

SHELTON - Celebrate the holiday with the New Haven Symphony Orchestra’s Holiday Extravaganza at 3 p.m. Dec. 17 at Shelton High School, 120 Meadow St.

Led by NHSO pops conductor Chelsea Tipton, this program of seasonal favorites will include Sleigh Ride, a Christmas carol sing-along, and more, plus the return of fan favorite Connor Bogart! 

Please click here for ticket information.

Recuperation journey: Happy Leftover Stuffing for Breakfast Day

🦃 🦃 🦃 It's a beautiful Saturday morning and yours truly was wondering what to write about when I decided to have some leftover stuffing for breakfast. 
Voila! Instant blog post subject matter. 
Write about what you know, they say.
So I did just that, once again. 

Happy weekend! Don't stress yourself out in the stores. The merchandise will be there next week. 

Re-posting as reminder: Small Business Saturday is today in Seymour

Sharing from a Facebook event page: SEYMOUR - Small Business Saturday will be held from 10 a.m.-8 p.m. today downtown. It is hosted by Lizzie's Corner and the Shops at Seymour. "Shop local at our Small Business Saturday event and receive a free Shop Small tote bag courtesy of American Express and the Shops at Seymour. Door prizes and refreshments will add to the fun!"

Santa to visit Ansonia Friday for tree lighting

Recuperation journey: Sunrise

Have a sparkling Friday!

Recuperation journey: Happy Pie for Breakfast Day

I don't do Black Friday. Not my idea of a good time.

But I do indulge in leftover pie for breakfast.
Hmm ... should I have apple or pumpkin?

Today I'll visit the beautiful Osborne Homestead Museum that is decorated each holiday season by area garden club members. This year's theme is "Holiday at the Opera."
Today is the first day; the schedule is:

"Holiday tours will run through Dec. 17. Tours will be offered Thursdays through Sundays from 10 a.m.-4 p.m.  

On Fridays, Dec. 1, 8, and 15, from 4-7 p.m., the museum will present “Twilight Tours” to display the shimmering glow of the decorations."

The museum is at 500 Hawthorne Ave., Derby. Don't miss the beautiful decorations. They'll put you in the holiday spirit.