Hilltop Hose in Ansonia to hold Jim 'Skinny' Evans Memorial Tag Sale

ANSONIA - The Fall 2017 Jim “Skinny” Evans Memorial Tag Sale, sponsored by Hilltop Hose Co. #5, will be held rain or shine from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Oct. 21.

The firehouse is located at 80 Pulaski Highway (Rte. 243). 

A selection of holiday decorations is available for sale, as well as household items.         
All proceeds will be donated to the Jim “Skinny” Evans Mack fund, established in 2011 to support the refurbished Mack firetruck and the garage built to house it. 

For more information about the sale, leave a message at 203-410-8403.

This is a press release from the fire company.

Library to host historian's talk on 'Lost and Found Treasures of Seymour'

SEYMOUR - In the depth of the Depression Franklin D. Roosevelt set up the Works Progress Administration, giving work to many of the unemployed. 

A survey of historic buildings dating prior to 1810 was one of the WPA projects - out of that project, the Federal Writers’ Project produced a series of books promoting historic sites in all 48 states (as of 1938).

The Connecticut survey is now available online at the State Library website. 

Marion O’Keefe, Seymour Town Historian, will present a program at 6:30 p.m. Sept. 27 with photographs and stories about the 32 entries from Seymour including what was found, lost, and what the survey missed.

For information call the Library, 203-888-3903. The Library is at 46 Church St.

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

'Turnback Tuesday' features Derby newspapers in the 1800s

This week's "Turnback Tuesday" features Derby's early newspapers. 

The Derby Journal was the city's first paper and began publication in 1846 with the office located on 139 Main St. 
During its time, The Journal underwent several name changes including The Derby Transcript in 1867. The paper again changed its name in 1889 to The Evening Transcript. 
Eventually the company was shut down in 1902, leaving The Evening Sentinel as the Valley's only local newspaper until that, too, folded in 1992. 
This image was taken in the mid to late 1860s. The building still remains and fortunately Derby Public Library has most of The Evening Transcript available on microfilm from 1848-90.


Thanks as always go to Derby Public Library staff for sharing interesting local history and photos.

Dedication of Richard O. Belden Cultural Center slated Sunday in Shelton

Plumb Memorial Library in Shelton to host programs on Bicentennial Quilt

SHELTON - Plumb Memorial Library, 65 Wooster St. will host a four-part series of programs celebrating the city's past through the renowned Shelton Bicentennial Quilt.
The series will begin Oct. 4 at 7 p.m. and run for four weeks.
The program is co-sponsored by the Plumb Memorial Library and the Sarah Riggs Humphreys-Mary Silliman Chapter, NSDAR.

The Bicentennial Quilt contains 44 squares in a quilt about 112 inches wide and 71 inches long. It was created in 1976 to show a history of Shelton over the years. 

It will be used to depict the four topics of the series: the history of recreation, farming, manufacturing, and transportation.

Light refreshments will be served. Registration is required.

To register, contact Plumb Memorial Library at 203-924-1580; RSVP is appreciated.

Derby Neck Library slates October activities

Dinner and a Movie

DERBY - The Derby Neck Library, 307 Hawthorne Ave., hosts Dinner and a Movie for ages 18 and older at 5:30 p.m. Oct. 5.

This month’s feature film, Wonder Woman, will be shown in blu-ray on a large screen.  

Free movie refreshments will be served, including a pizza dinner at intermission.  

Women's Forum

The Library hosts Women’s Forum, a literary discussion group at 12:30 p.m. Oct. 16. 

This month’s readings are two stories by James Herriot focusing on cats and dogs.  Copies of the stories are available at the library.  

Feel free to bring a light lunch; we serve coffee and tea.  

Tech Talks

At 10:30 a.m. Oct. 18 the Library presents Tech Talks, a monthly program that discusses what is new in technology and how to best use it in your daily life.  

Meet the Author

The Library presents Meet the Author, featuring Beth Caruso, author of “One of Windsor: The Untold Story of America’s First Witch Hanging” at 6:30 p.m. Oct. 19.  

This exciting novel, based on detailed historical research, describes the events leading to this seminal event in the American colonies.  

The author will have books for sale and signing.  

History of Beer 

At 6:30 p.m. Oct. 26 the Library presents Will Siss on A History of Beer in Connecticut.  

Meet the author of a fascinating historical study and celebrate Octoberfest enjoying a beer tasting with samples from local breweries, including Derby.  Attendees must be ages 21 and older only, and registration is required. 

Evening Book Club

The Library hosts the Evening Book Club, meeting at our fireplace seating area at 6:30 p.m. Oct. 30.  

This month’s novel  is Kaye Gibbons’s “A Virtuous Woman.”  

Copies of the novel are available at the library. Join us for an informative and stimulating talk. 

For details on any program call 203-734-1492.

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

Recuperation journey: Breezy

weather.com image

This morning when I went out to take down the patio umbrella there was a lovely breeze.

I realize it's caused by a Category 1 hurricane churning out in the Atlantic - go away, Jose - but it felt really nice. 

Like most folks, I can't stand the mugginess.

weather.com image

Fortunately here in Southern Connecticut we are only under a Tropical Storm Watch; the storm is predicted to remain offshore. 

So we should not see too much damage. Fingers crossed. 
Stay safe, everyone!  

Support sought for My Sister's Place in Ansonia

ANSONIA - My Sister’s Place Thrift Store & Donation Center has supported victims of domestic violence for more than 30 years. 

All store proceeds benefit BHcare’s Umbrella Center for Domestic Violence Services.

The store prides itself on offering quality items for resale to the community. 

More than 25 volunteers work tirelessly, seven days a week, sorting through box after box of donations. 
Sometimes they find items that cannot be used. Any item that has mold or mildew, has been contaminated by rodents, has an unpleasant odor and/or is badly damaged is disposed of and will not be sold in the store.

The generosity of donors is appreciated and staff and volunteers try their best to get every dollar possible out of the items donated. 
Ripped and stained clothing pieces are sold as rags and wires are stripped from broken electronics for resale/recycle. 

“At a time of uncertainties with the state budget, we are truly grateful for the support we receive from My Sister’s Place,” said Esperina Stubblefield, Director of The Umbrella. “This source of revenue allows us to continue to help thousands of victims of domestic violence."

UCDVS provides free and confidential services to more than 6,000 victims of domestic violence and their children. 
Services such as emergency shelter, 24-hour crisis hotlines, walk-in crisis centers, counseling, advocacy, and other supports are provided to those fleeing from domestic abuse. 

My Sister's Place, a program of BHcare, offers quality new and gently used clothing, furniture and housewares at discount prices. 

To learn more visit the store, 380 Main St., or visit www.bhcare.org and www.facebook.com/MySistersPlace.


This is a press release from BHcare.