Tuesday, November 14, 2017

'Turnback Tuesday' features first Episcopal Church in Valley


This week’s Turnback Tuesday features the first Episcopal Church in the Valley. 
Originally built on Elm Street in Ansonia (part of Derby in the 1700s), the church was located directly across the street from the Congregational minister’s home. 
The church was completed in 1746 and used until 1799. 
Rev. Richard Mansfield, who served the church from 1748 to 1820, is actually buried where the pulpit once stood. A new larger church was then built and dedicated in 1799. 
Sometime after this, the original church on Elm was moved across the street and physically connected to the David Humphreys House. 
In the colonial period, it was common practice to reuse existing structures, even more so than today. Interestingly enough, Sarah Riggs Humphreys, David’s mother, used the addition as a summer kitchen, and that addition still stands today.


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

Recuperation journey: Mission accomplished

I hid the second Valley Rocks CT rock I found

This is what it looks like:


I found it in Derby and I hid it in plain sight in a building in Ansonia. 
I hope when someone finds it that he or she posts it on the Valley Rocks CT Facebook page.

Now I'm looking forward to finding another Valley Rock.

Derby Neck Library to host dinner and movie

DERBY - Derby Neck Library, 307 Hawthorne Ave., will host “Dinner and a Movie” at 5:30 p.m. Dec. 7 for those ages 18 and older. 

This month’s film, shown on blu-ray and a large screen, is Trains, Planes and Automobiles starring Steve Martin and John Candy - a comic romp with a proven duo of actors. 

Free movie refreshments are served, including pizza dinner at intermission. 
For details call 203-734-1492.

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

Celebrate Shelton slates Santa visit, tree lighting Dec. 1

Sharing info from a Facebook event page:

SHELTON - Celebrate Shelton will host its 4th Annual Community Tree Lighting at  6 p.m. Dec. 1 at Veterans Memorial Park, 38 Canal St. East.

Free hot cocoa and cookies will be served by members of the Boys & Girls Club of the Lower Naugatuck Valley.


Special guest will be a visit from Santa! 
Festivities will include caroling and ornament decorating.
Santa will be on hand for the tree lighting at 7 p.m.

Santa to arrive by train in Seymour Dec. 2, help light tree

SEYMOUR - The Seymour Culture and Arts Commission is ready to host another holiday tradition on Dec. 2.
Santa will come in on the train to help residents light the tree and bring in the Christmas season. 


The Seymour High School Chorale will lead sing-a-long carols starting at 5:45 p.m. and Santa will arrive at approximately 6:10 p.m.
He will travel down Bank Street on his motorized sleigh, light the tree, and pose for pictures.

There will be face painting, strolling carolers, letters to Santa at the Post Office, hot dogs, and all the glamour and glitz of First Saturday at the fabulous Shops at Seymour. 
The downtown shops will all stay open late for holiday shopping. 

*Sharing information from a Facebook event page.

Recuperation journey: B&W photo fun


I took this photo Thursday at the Sofferman family's 31st annual Thanksgiving food drive outside 1000 Bridgeport Ave., Shelton. 

It's always a good time to donate to a local food bank!