'Turnback Tuesday' features Derby Lodge of Elks

April 17, 1900 marked the day that the Derby Lodge of Elks, No. 517, officially came into being. Discussions had begun in early February of that year when several prominent Derby men proposed the idea of forming a social club in town. 
On Feb. 20, 1900, it was agreed that a lodge of Elks - a subordinate of the Grand Lodge of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks - should be formed. 
The original Derby chapter consisted of 61 members and the original location of the club was on lower Main Street. The club eventually moved to its current location at 73 Elizabeth St. in 1915.

*Thanks go to Derby Public Library staff for providing this interesting local history each week!

Recuperation journey: Something new, to me anyway

Strawberry tomatoes and blueberries grown at Gazy Brothers Farm in Oxford.

My daughter Allegra and I visited the Seymour Farmers' Market Tuesday and learned something new. 
Neither of us had heard the term strawberry tomato before! We only knew about cherry and grape tomatoes. 
We really enjoyed the strawberry ones - they were sweet and delicious. 
I may have to return next week for some more.
One learns something new every day!

All produce pictured is from Gazy Brothers Farm, 391 Chestnut Tree Hill Road, Oxford.

The last two photos show some of the handmade decorations and gourmet oils and vinegars available at Lizzie's Home Consignment and Gifts, 26-36 Bank St., Seymour.
Owner Elizabeth Anderson also sells a popular, locally made honey and I surprised my husband, Ralph, with a jar. It's his favorite.


The Seymour Farmer's Market is open from noon-6 p.m. Tuesdays on Pine Street, adjacent to the Community Center. 
It will be there through October. 
Check it out if you haven't already!

Friends of Derby Neck Library to hold annual book sale

DERBY - The Friends of the Derby Neck Library, 307 Hawthorne Ave., will hold their annual book sale from Aug. 19-27 at the library during regular hours - Monday-Thursday 10 a.m.-8 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday 1-5 p.m.

Come select from hundreds of books, CDs, and DVDs that are suitable for all ages.  

Seasonal raffles for school supplies and Labor Day themes will also be available.  

Some baked goods will be for sale as well.  

Come by and support the library. 

For details call 203-734-1492.

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

Photographer to hold workshop at Kellogg Environmental Center in Derby

DERBY - Connecticut’s Department of Energy and Environmental Protection invites beginner and intermediate photographers to join Chane Cullens for a free Photography Workshop at Kellogg Environmental Center at 10 a.m. Aug. 19.
Cullens is a member of the Flagpole Photographers Club in Newtown.


Cullens will share how to visualize the outdoors and natural scenes to create outstanding photographs.  

There will be a short lecture followed by an outdoor experience to practice and learn the techniques and approaches to make your photos come alive.  
This workshop is for beginner and intermediate photographers looking to boost their skills.  

Cullens is an experienced photographer receiving recognition for New England’s best black and white portrait (2017), two photos selected in TOPS in Connecticut (2016), and best nature photo in Flagpole Photographers Annual Competition (2017).

The public is invited to come and enjoy the beauty of wildlife, plants, and landscapes from around Connecticut through photographs by Cullens and other members of the Flagpole Photographers Camera Club.  
This new exhibit can be viewed Tuesday through Saturday, 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m. through Aug. 22 at Kellogg Environmental Center, 500 Hawthorne Ave. 

This program is offered free of charge, donations are always welcome.  
Registration is required for the photography workshop, please email donna.kingston@ct.gov or phone 203-734-2513 or 203-34-2514. 

This is a press release from Connecticut DEEP.

Friday marks final 2017 Downtown Sounds event in Shelton

And the event sponsors: