Ansonia Nature Center slates September activities

Learn about organic gardening, fiber arts, birds, more 

ANSONIA - The Ansonia Nature and Recreation Center, 10 Deerfield Road, has posted its September schedule of activities.

MONDAY NIGHT TRAIL RUN – Mondays in August, September, October, 5:30-6:30 p.m.

This is a call to all of the runners who want something that is out of the ordinary! 

Ranger Dan will lead you through our 156-acre network of trails, while you burn off the weekend's extra calories. 
We guarantee that this FREE program is the best way to start off your week. Please register and wear appropriate footwear.

FAMILY ORGANIC GARDEN PROGRAM – Tuesdays, August, September and October

ANC will be continuing family-friendly activities in our organic garden. Learn about growing a variety of fruits and vegetables. Dress appropriately; keep in mind you will get water and soil on your clothing. FREE, with the potential to take home fresh local produce!

FIBER ARTS GROUP – Tuesdays starting Sept. 5, 5:30–7:30 p.m.

Get together with others to work on your fiber arts projects! Bring any kind of fiber work - knitting, felting, crocheting, etc. A great way to dedicate time to your handiwork and socialize too. FREE.

FALL TERM JUNIOR RANGERS – Registration begins Sept. 7; class runs Thursdays, Sept. 14–Nov. 2, 3:30–5 p.m.

Calling all kids 11 to 14 years old who love nature! Has your child wanted to work with animals, garden, help maintain our trails, and help with special events? 
This is the opportunity to help the Nature Center in our eight-week after-school program. Parental permission is required. Class size is limited; this class fills up fast! FREE.

NATURE EXPLORERS – Wednesdays, Sept. 20, 27; Oct. 4, 11, 10 a.m.

Join Wendy for our preschool/toddler program. This 4-week session 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: $40 per four-week session (cash or check payable to Ansonia Nature Center).

BIRDS ON THE MOVE – Sept. 30, 9 a.m.

Join Ranger Jess for this informative program. She will concentrate on the end-of-summer journeys taken by our “flying friends” to faraway places each year. Find out who’s going and who’s staying put! FREE.


This is a press release from the Ansonia Nature and Recreation Center. 

Recuperation journey: Buh-bye, Acyclovir

Today is the three-month anniversary of my transplant surgery. 
That means the first birthday party I'm planning to host for my new kidney will be in just nine months! 

Since I'm now three months out, today is the last day I have to take an anti-viral infection medication (Acyclovir). 

I was able to stop taking an anti-fungal pill after the first month, and after six months I'm looking forward to stopping an anti-bacterial infection medication, Bactrim. 

I am recording this journey for my own records, but also because I hope to raise awareness of the importance of organ donation. 
If you're a healthy adult, please consider becoming an organ donor. 
It really is the best gift you can give to another person.

Nature Nick brings Animal Adventures to Seymour Public Library

Nature Nick of Sound Beach, Long Island, N.Y. shows children a hedgehog during a presentation Wednesday at Seymour Public Library.

Here Nature Nick shows off a falcon that he said catches its prey in mid-air and can fly as fast as a race car.


Stay tuned for more photos of the presentation in an upcoming Valley Voice newsletter.

Sports Talks continue on Thursdays at Derby Public Library

DERBY - The Derby Public Library is now in its 12th season of Sports Talks.  
These informal sessions are held every Thursday at 10 a.m. throughout the baseball season.  
They are facilitated by radio talk show host, author, and Major League Baseball Rules Consultant Rich Marazzi of Ansonia.  
Each session includes trivia contests, videos, lively conversation, and more.  
All ages, from rookies through veterans, are invited to join Rich and his group of Silver Sluggers.  
No registration is necessary. 

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 Cathy Williams, Director, Derby Public Library.

Getting tech school in Ansonia ready for the first day of classes

Wednesday morning's clear blue sky served as a perfect backdrop for a summer photo. When I was driving past Emmett O'Brien Technical High School in Ansonia I noticed workers getting the building ready for the upcoming school year, and had to stop and take a photo. Students will go back to classes at the Prindle Avenue school on Aug. 29.

Derby-Shelton Rotary Club planning 5th annual Hoptoberfest

Sharing info from a Facebook event page:

The Hoptoberfest festival is sponsored by the Derby-Shelton Rotary Club through The Derby-Shelton Rotary Foundation (a 501c(3) non-profit). All proceeds raised will go back to the Derby and Shelton communities based on the needs of the club's charitable partners. 

Over the past four years, the club has raised close to $60,000, allowing it to help fund valuable programs in the Valley.
They include a Sponsor A Kid Program at the Boys and Girls Club in Shelton, the Valley United Way food bank, the Parent Child Research Center in Derby, literacy programs in Derby and Shelton public schools, and other worthwhile projects.
Your help and participation in this event is critical to its success.

What: Participants can expect wings from different restaurants (including the Dew Drop Inn), over 80 craft beers with unlimited samples, and live music. 
Entry also will include a commemorative tasting cup.

Where: Hoptoberfest is held at the Rotary Pavilion at 101 Canal St., Shelton.

When: Sept. 9 from 1-5 p.m.

Online ticket price: $30/ticket (online ticketing closes at midnight Sept. 8.)

At the door ticket price (if available): $40/ticket (CASH ONLY at the door)

Special notes: Must be 21 or older to enter. Maximum ticket sales will be capped at 1,500 to ensure enough wings and beer for all. 

Ansonia mayor, officials to host forum on blight