'Turnback Tuesday' features downtown Derby store

This week’s Turnback Tuesday features photos of the Howard & Barber Department Store, established in 1858 and formerly located at 268-270 Main St. in downtown Derby. 
Charles R. Howard and George E. Barber operated their business knowing full well that honestly-priced, quality merchandise was what customers wanted most. 
Famous for its one-stop shopping approach, the store offered gingham fabric, brass-trimmed beds, velour and corduroy upholstered furniture, dining room tables, curtains and drapes, women’s hosiery, gloves and men’s three-piece chamber suits. 
The top photo, taken in 1884, shows the staff and storefront. 
The bottom left photo highlights some of the store’s ornate decorating while the bottom right photo shows the gentlemen’s garment room, which was located on the second floor.


Thanks go out to the Derby Public Library for sharing this interesting local history.  

Make wreath, learn firecraft, count birds at Ansonia Nature Center

ANSONIA - The Ansonia Nature and Recreation Center, 10 Deerfield Road, will host a variety of educational activities in December.

WINTER WREATH WORKSHOP – Dec. 2, 10 a.m.

Space is limited to 20 wreaths SO PLEASE CALL SOON TO REGISTER.
Celebrate winter and the festive season as you create a wreath from fresh locally grown greens, then decorate your masterpiece with natural trimmings. 
Enjoy warm mulled cider and a cookie too! 

Wreath frames and wire will be provided. Please bring your own hand clippers.
MATERIALS FEE: $15. Call 203 736-1053 to register.

PRINCIPLES OF FIRECRAFT – Dec. 9, 1 p.m.

Basic firecraft principles are very important to know. Whether or not you’re the family camp-out fire starter, knowing how fire works is paramount to safety. 
Join Ranger Dan in learning about wood-gathering, fire safety, and fire starting with only one match! Children must be accompanied by an adult. Dress for the outdoors. 
FREE. Please call to register 203-736-1053

CROCHET 101 – Dec. 10, 2 p.m.

Join Ranger Jess to learn the skill of crochet. She will teach you the basics so you can create a snowman. It’s a great time of the year to create unique gifts for family and friends! MATERIALS FEE: $7. Please call to register.

118TH ANNUAL CHRISTMAS BIRD COUNT – Dec. 16, 12:30 p.m.

This annual survey provides important data to assess the increase or decline of avian populations worldwide. After an early morning start, the New Haven Bird Club will stop at the Nature Center for their lunch at 12:30. 
Be ready to join members of the club to look and listen along the park’s trails. For adults only. 
FREE. Please call to register.

NEW YEAR’S DAY HIKE – Jan. 1, 2018, 10 a.m.

Bring a healthy start to your new year at the Nature Center. Our ranger will conduct this brisk walk while you learn a little natural history trivia along the way. 
FREE. Please call to register. Inclement weather cancels.


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

New Dungeons & Dragons club to meet twice a month at Ansonia Library

Seymour Historical Society to host chef's talk on Civil War cooking

Ansonia to hold basketball registration at Armory

Macaroni & Meatball Supper at Derby church to benefit Boy Scout Troop 3

DERBY - A homestyle macaroni supper with meatball, sausage, sauce, bread, salad, soda, coffee, and dessert will be held from 5:30-8:30 p.m. Saturday at St. Mary's Church, 212 Elizabeth St. 
The annual event is a fundraiser for Boy Scout Troop 3.

Cost is $10 for adults; $8 for children 16 and under. 
Reservations required. Call 203-929-6616 or email ray.oppel.cpa@sbcglobal.net.


*Sharing from a Facebook event page.

Program on safety for children slated at Huntington Branch Library

SHELTON - A program on Home/Fire/911 Safety for Kids will be held at 1:30 p.m. Thursday at Huntington Branch Library, 41 Church St.

A representative from Griffin Health will teach children, ages 3-5, the definition of an emergency and the ways in which police officers, firefighters, and EMS workers help us. 

Stay for hands-on activities including using a special phone that simulates calling 911. 

Please register at http://engagedpatrons.org/EventsRegister.cfm…


*Sharing from the Shelton Library System Facebook page.

Seymour Middle School 8th graders to collect turkeys for food banks

SEYMOUR - Seymour Middle School eighth graders and staff will sponsor their 16th annual frozen turkey drive from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Nov. 18.

They will collect frozen turkeys for families of the Seymour school district, the Seymour-Oxford Food Bank, and Spooner House in Shelton. Donations will be collected at Seymour Middle School, 211 Mountain Road, and Chatfield-LoPresti School, 51 Skokorat St.

*Sharing this information from several sites.

Recuperation journey: Looking at the sky

I saw these cottony clouds this morning and had to go out in the chill to capture them.

Have a great day and don't forget to exercise your right to vote!

2nd annual boxing show slated Saturday at Ansonia Armory