Derby collecting broth, noodles for St. Vincent De Paul food bank

Hundreds enjoy Santa's visit to Ansonia's tree lighting Friday

... including state Sen. George S. Logan, R-Ansonia.

Contributed photo

Logan visits with Santa and Hailey Grasso, a second grader at John G. Prendergast Elementary School in Ansonia. 
State Rep. Linda M. Gentile, D-Ansonia, was also on hand for the festivities in Veterans Park next to City Hall.

Please stay tuned for more photos from the event!

Recuperation journey: Waxing gibbous ~ 93% illumination

It's another looking at the sky post.

Saw the moon while driving, had to stop and take a quick photo. 
The moon will be full on Sunday. 
You've been warned.  

Mayor 'Santa Clausetti' of Ansonia reviews sled giveaway contest entries

Submitted photo

"The entry deadline has arrived for the Great Ansonia Sled Give-A-Way Contest to celebrate the anticipated opening of Ansonia Winter Playground at Linett Park. 
"Pictured is Mayor Santa Clausetti looking over the more than 300 contest entries, from mostly good boys and girls, received at City Pole.

"Santa Clausetti will be selecting up to 50 winners of brand new Flexible Flyer Sleds or Flying Saucers.
"Contest winners will be contacted by Rudolph or Frosty next week with instructions on where and when to collect their prize.

"Additional details on Ansonia Winter Playground opening to be announced shortly. 
"The playground will include a 250-foot long sledding hill, 2,250-square foot ice skating rink, fire pit, flood lights, and weekend snack truck."

This is a release from City Hall.

Recuperation journey: Happy December

Although I admit I haven't gotten around to decorating for the holiday season as of today, I love the month of December.

Not only do I love Christmas, I love the fact our daughter Allegra was born on my birthday during Christmas week. 
She arrived a week late and that "stubbornness" on her part gave me the best birthday present ever. It's always fun to share a cake on our special day.

I'm looking forward to getting together with family and friends in the coming weeks to celebrate the season. 

Everything in life has become more intense for me this year after having received the amazing gift of a kidney from my wonderful donor.

This recuperation journey has certainly made me appreciate each new day.  

Happy December.

St. Vincent De Paul Thrift Shop in Derby seeks donations of toys

Sharing from the St. Vincent De Paul Thrift Shop Facebook page:

"Our shop is a super low-cost shopping alternative for many families. And that includes shopping for donated gently used and new toys! All proceeds support our food bank! 
"So please think of us if you're clearing out outgrown toys of your own or find a great deal on some new toys. Setting up a used toy collection at the office is a fun holiday activity!"


* Please consider supporting SVDP; it's a wonderful organization that helps many needy families in the Valley.

Quartet sings at reception after inauguration of Ansonia Mayor Cassetti

The Classics of New Haven performed Motown songs at a reception Thursday after the inauguration of Ansonia Mayor David S. Cassetti to a third term. 
About 150 people attended the ceremony held at Emmett O'Brien Technical High School in Ansonia.