Program at Kellogg Environmental Center in Derby to feature rodents and more

DERBY - Connecticut’s Department of Energy and Environmental Protection announces a family friendly program, Lagomorphs and Rodents.  

Join staff educators at 10 a.m. April 15 at Kellogg Environmental Center to learn about mice, squirrels, beavers and their cousins – lagomorphs – which include rabbits and hares.

Now that spring is here and warm weather is right around the corner, we welcome many outdoor activities and see more wildlife.  

Learn about common species that are often overlooked, that have interesting stories and are important to the environment.  
Learn the importance of conservation efforts for the New England cottontail and ways you can help protect its numbers and increase its habitat.  

The program includes examination of bones and skulls along with a hike for wildlife evidence and animal observations.  Dress for the weather and wear footwear for possible muddy conditions.  

The program is offered free of charge; donations are welcome.  

Kellogg Environmental Center is located at 500 Hawthorne Ave.  
For information, directions, or to register, call 203-734-2513 or contact Donna Kingston at donnakingston@ct.gov.


This is a press release from DEEP.  

Heav'nly Donuts in Derby to host annual food drive for Spooner House

DERBY - Heav’nly Donuts will host the popular Dust-Off Car Cruise and collection of non-perishable food items to benefit Spooner House and Valley Food Bank from noon-5 p.m. April 9. 

Spooner House at 30 Todd Road, Shelton has the mission of providing food, shelter and support services to people in need. 
The goal is to over-fill a classic 1948 Crosley station wagon with donated canned goods and other food items.

The Dust-Off Cruise will take place at Heav'nly Donuts, 653 New Haven Ave. and this year is the 31st annual car cruise. The goal is to collect 4,500 total donated food items. Last year the event filled the Crosley wagon with at least 4,161 food items. This event also provides the perfect reason to bring out your classic car in preparation for the cruising season.

Heav’nly Donuts normally runs the classic cruises every Sunday afternoon from Mothers’ Day until late October. 
The April Dust-Off Car Cruise kicks off a tradition started five years ago by the Derby Heav'nly Donuts. Cruisers and spectators who come to see all the great cars and motorcycles and who also bring canned goods and non-perishable food items, will be helping some of this years hardest hit people.

"It is very expensive to live in Connecticut, and meeting general living expenses is more difficult for families with low or very little income. Our mission is to help non-profit organizations such as Spooner House and the Valley Food Bank," said Ernie Badas, owner of Heav'nly Donuts. 

"All charities and non-profits have lost substantial portions of their operating budget due to the state cuts, which are making it even harder than last year for Spooner House to provide food, shelter, and other support services for people who need assistance in the lower Naugatuck Valley."

In case of inclement weather, the rain date will be April 16, which is Easter. 

For information call 203-734-4185.

Non-profit Area Congregations Together, Inc.  was formed in 1979 to help fill gaps in the lower Naugatuck Valley's social service network. 
Today, Spooner House is operated by ACT and is a facility that provides food, shelter and support services to approximately 175 men, women and children each year. More than 4,000 individuals have been served by the Food

Bank this past year, comprising more than 120,000 meals. 


This is a press release from Spooner House.

Volunteer opportunities available at facility in Shelton

SHELTON - Are you an active adult looking for a great way to stay busy while helping others? 

Join our Wesley Village volunteer team! 

Wesley Village is currently looking for active adult volunteers to share their interests and experience with our residents. 

As a Wesley Village volunteer you could: lead an arts and crafts class, play cards and games, call bingo, cook and bake, share your musical talent, lead a discussion group, share your hobbies and interests, help with clerical tasks, lead a walking group, interview residents for life stories articles, start a book club, visit with a resident one-on-one, lead a spiritual program (prayer group, bible study, hymn sing, etc.), assist with special events, or offer your time and talents in any number of ways. 

Interested adults are invited to apply. Volunteers with evening and/or weekend availability are most-needed at this time. 

If you can commit to volunteer at least two hours a month and would like more information on becoming a Wesley Village volunteer, contact Vicky Dompierre at 203.944.8279 (vdompierre@umh.org) or visit www.wesleyvillage-ct.org. 

(For website visitors, please scroll to the bottom of the page and click on Volunteer Opportunities.) 

The Wesley Village Campus is located at 580 Long Hill Ave. and includes: Crosby Commons Independent/Assisted Living Community, Wesley Heights Independent/Assisted Living Community, Lifestyle Transitions Assisted Living/Memory Care Community, and Bishop Wicke Health and Rehabilitation Center. 

The campus is owned and operated by UMH, a local, mission-based, not-for-profit organization.

This is a press release from United Methodist Homes.

DeLauro visits TEAM in Derby, Caring Heart awards presented at Griffin Hospital

Dear readers,

The latest Valley Voice newsletter is now available. 
Please check it out here. 

U.S. Rep. Rosa DeLauro

We feature U.S. Rep. Rosa L. DeLauro's visit to TEAM offices in Derby Monday to talk about proposed cuts to heating assistance.

Thanks for stopping by!

~ Patti and Ralph