Seymour to hold forum on school safety

Shelton Trails and Conservation to host wildflower hike in April

SHELTON - The Shelton Trails and Conservation Commission will hold a wildflower hike from 10 a.m.-noon April 21 at Birchbank Mountain. 

Date may be moved to April 28 if it's a late spring and wildflowers are not blooming. 
Check the Trails Committee's events blog page for updates: http://sheltontrailscom.blogspot.com/p/work-part.html.


*Information shared from a Facebook event page. 

Learn local history, enjoy live music in March at Derby Neck Library

 Derby Neck Library

DERBY - The Derby Neck Library will host Women’s Forum at 12:30 p.m. March 19. The meeting will include a powerpoint presentation by Pat Sweeney on “Connecticut and Valley Suffragists.” It will include details about Frances Osborne Kellogg, library founder and benefactor, who was involved in local activities to gain the vote for women. 
The public is invited to attend this well-researched lecture.  
Free coffee and tea will be served.

Tech Talks

Tech Talks, a monthly program to describe what is new in technology and how to best use it in your daily life, will be held at 10:30 a.m. March 21.

Identity fraud workshop

The Library will present a workshop led by Mike Savenelli on identity fraud, the latest scams, and more at 6:30 p.m. March 21.
Learn how to protect yourself and avoid becoming a victim of financial predators from a seasoned lecturer who will have handouts available for attendees. 

The Kerry Boys

The Kerry Boys will return to the library at 2 p.m. March 24, with their rousing ballads and entertaining approach to Irish music.  
This is a free event; come early to get your seats.

Evening Book Club

At 6:30 p.m. March 26 the Library will host the Evening Book Club moderated by Pat Sweeney, Ph.D.  
The selection this month is “The Bridge of San Luis Rey” by Thornton Wilder, who once lived in Hamden.   
Come and enjoy an interesting, stimulating discussion.  
Copies of the book are available at the library.  

For details on any program please call 203-734-1492. 
The Library is at 307 Hawthorne Ave.


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

Ansonia Little League seeks donations for tag sale at Armory

Sharing information from a Facebook event page: 

ANSONIA - Donate any gently used baseball or softball equipment to be sold by ALL in a tag sale. 
All proceeds go towards the league. Items to donate: pants, cleats, helmets, bags,
fielding and batting gloves, softball face masks.
Please bring all donations to the Armory during clinics from 6-8 p.m. today, Feb. 28 through March 9. 
The tag sale will be held from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. March 10. The Armory is at 5 State St.

Any questions, please contact Colleen at colleenrondon19@gmail.com.

Logan, state commissioner to host opioid awareness forum in Hamden

Logan, R-Ansonia, represents the 17th District.

Recuperation journey: Early bird catches better photos

Happy that there is no precipitation in the forecast for today. I'll take it one day at a time. 

Learn to quit smoking at Griffin Hospital in Derby

DERBY - Griffin Hospital, 130 Division St., will host a free talk on methods for quitting smoking at 6 p.m. March 12 at the hospital.

Richard Le Pera, Smoking Cessation Specialist and Exercise Physiologist, will host “That’s It – Learn to Quit,” an open discussion about the health risks of smoking and several methods that have helped individuals kick the habit. 

The talk will include information about Griffin’s free smoking cessation program, which combines group discussion and interactive activities to teach participants how to develop a quit plan that addresses their personal behaviors and habits, including strategies to manage nicotine withdrawal, behaviors, triggers, and urges as well as weight control and stress management.

This talk is part of Griffin Hospital's Healthy U program, a series of free wellness talks featuring Griffin Hospital medical experts and community partners providing trusted health information and answers to questions on a wide range of topics. 
Light refreshments will be served.

To reserve your spot or for more information, call 203-732-1511 or visit the calendar at griffinhealth.org.

This is a press release from Griffin Hospital.

Turnback Tuesday features stamps about Derby native-led Old Ironsides

Turnback Tuesday looks at commemorative stamps issued in 2012 of the victorious USS Constitution led by Derby native Commodore Issac Hull in the War of 1812. 

This important naval victory marked a turning point in the war. The ship was made of live oak, red cedar, hard pine, and a copper sheath. It carried 44 cannons, with three masts holding 72 sails and carried a crew of 450. 
The ship was dubbed “Old Ironsides.” This ship can be visited at the Boston National Historical Park in Massachusetts.

Recuperation journey: Goose racing captured

Here's Canada's Olympic swimmers racing Tuesday in Pickett's Pond at Osbornedale State Park in Derby. 
Go Team Canada!

Demolition of Peck School in Ansonia begins

It must be sad for folks who attended Peck School at 34 Holbrook St. in Ansonia to see it coming down today. I know I'd be sad to see my grammar school razed. Peck School has been vacant since 2000.

Nominations sought for Shelton High School Hall of Fame

SHELTON - The Shelton High School Hall of Fame Committee is seeking nominations for the Class of 2018.

The Shelton High School Hall of Fame was established as a way to recognize and honor in a permanent manner those who have excelled in their dedication to the community of Shelton High School and those who have made outstanding contributions both at Shelton High School and in the world which reflect positively upon Shelton High School.

The Shelton High School Hall of Fame was established in 2013 and the inaugural class was inducted in 2017.

Nominees fall into one of five categories recognized by the SHS Hall of Fame: Faculty/Staff/Administration; Alumni; Activities; Contributor and Groups.

Faculty/Staff/Administration includes any person having been employed by Shelton High School for 10 total years of employment or retired from Shelton High School with at least five years of employment and being one year removed from employment at Shelton High School.

Alumni include graduates of Shelton High School. 
Alumni shall become eligible for nomination six years after graduation from Shelton High School.

Activities shall be defined as participants/staff of co-curricular, extra-curricular, and athletic activities that have made significant contributions to Shelton High School. Contributor includes others involved in the Shelton High School community that do not fit into the other categories, but have made significant contributions to Shelton High School.

Groups include an organization, team, etc. Nominees must have shown dedication and/or made significant contributions to the Shelton High School community and/or represented the Shelton High School with dignity after leaving the school. 
Nominees must have upheld the integrity of the Shelton High School way both at Shelton High School and afterwards.
Nominees must have brought special recognition to themselves and/or the Shelton High School community.

To nominate a candidate, go to sheltonhigh.sheltonpublicschools.org. Under “About,” the Hall of Fame link has the 2018 nomination form.

Completed packets and nomination forms are to be submitted to the SHS Hall of Fame Committee c/o the Shelton High School main office. 

Deadline for submission is March 15.

Shops at Seymour to celebrate First Saturday

SEYMOUR - Greet the month of March and make The Shops At Seymour your destination for First Saturday from 10 a.m.-7 p.m. downtown. 
With several antique and consignment and gift shops, the treasures vary every day. 
Bring some friends for lots of fun. Enjoy one of the several restaurants and visit the specialty shops and galleries. 
There will be refreshments and door prizes at some shops.

This event is hosted by The Strand Theater, Lizzie's Corner Consignment and Gifts, Shops at Seymour, Tickled Pink, and The Uncommon Peacock.

*Information shared from a Facebook event page.

Easter egg hunt, breakfast planned at Sons of Italy Club in Derby

*Information shared from Sons and Daughters of Italy, Valley Regional Lodge Facebook page.

Valley mystery photo

Where in the Lower Naugatuck Valley did I take this photo? Any ideas? 
Please leave your responses/guesses in the comments section. 

Troop 25 in Shelton to hold bottle, can drive Saturday

• 
  
• SHELTON - Troop 25 Boy Scouts will hold a bottle and can drive from 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturday at The First United Methodist Church of Shelton, 188 Rocky Rest Road.

"The Scouts collect and sort redeemable cans and bottles to help pay for their 'Scouting Adventure.'

"Donations may be dropped off at The First United Methodist Church of Shelton the first Saturday of every month between 10 a.m. and 1 p.m.

"Thank you in advance for your support of our 

Scouts."

*Information shared from a Facebook event page.

'Queen Elizabeth' to speak at Seymour Historical Society

St. Patrick's Day celebration slated at Assumption Church hall in Ansonia

ANSONIA - The Knights of Columbus Valley Council 23 will host a St. Patrick’s Celebration from 5:30 to 9:30 p.m. March 17 in Assumption Church hall, 61 N. Cliff St.

The celebration features dancers from the Horgan Academy of Irish Dance and a DJ.

The price is $20 for adults; $10 for children under 12.
Dinner will include traditional corned beef and cabbage, carrots, potatoes, cold and hot drinks, and dessert.

 
Proceeds will benefit Unbound foster child Maura Cepeda, in memory of Father Sullivan’s mother Phyllis.

RSVP by March 12 to Rick, 203-893-8647 or by email to aurora.assumption@gmail.com.

Patronize McDonald's Tuesday in Derby, support Keystone Club

Recuperation journey: Learning about ancestors

Heredity, genealogy, genetics.

I'm intrigued by the DNA test kits available to help us to better understand ourselves and those who came before us.

A first cousin of mine recently got involved, and I'm curious to find out his results.

Have you taken advantage of this technology? If so I'd love to hear about your experience. Please leave me a comment! 

Recuperation journey: Bloomin'

Photo fun in the morning sun.

Have a sparkling Saturday before the rain that's in the forecast.

Shelton Historical Society to host women's suffrage program

Derby school officials, police team to host forum on safety, security

Sharing press release from Derby Public Schools:

DERBY - Derby Public Schools and the Derby Police Department invite you to attend a community forum on School Safety and Security at 6 p.m. Tuesday in Derby Middle School cafetorium. 

Learn about the advancements made in our schools to help protect against threats and provide for a safe learning environment for all staff and students. 
This will be an opportunity for you to share your thoughts and ask questions as they relate to school security. 
We very much welcome and value everyone’s input so together, as a family, we know we are doing everything in our power to protect the ones we love. 
We hope to see you on Tuesday.

The school is at 73 Chatfield St.

Newsletter features disability advocates seeking restoration of state funds

Dear readers,

Today's Valley Voice newsletter features Ralph's story about disability advocates who attended a hearing Wednesday at the Legislative Office Building, and more.

Thanks for reading,

Patti

Caregiver series slated at Griffin Hospital in Derby

Griffin Hospital and The Valley Senior Services Council will host a four-part series of talks to provide education, information, and support for caregivers. /Contributed photo

DERBY - Griffin Hospital and The Valley Senior Services Council invite caregivers - especially those caring for seniors - to a free four-part series to help provide education, information, and support.

The series starts March 15 with “Patient and Family Engagement,” a panel discussion on the “hows” and “whats” when seeking care or assistance from hospitals, skilled nursing care, assisted living facilities, home care, and local or state agencies.

On April 19, the talk will be “Advanced Care Planning,” providing information about advance directives the tools needed to help make decisions about care when one is unable to speak for oneself.

On May 17, representatives from Voices Against Lyme Disease and Griffin will present
“Summer Safety-Lyme Disease and Skin Cancer,” with information on how to help prevent and treat these diseases.

The series wraps up June 7 with “Caring for the Caregiver,” which will provide tips on how caregivers can take care of themselves so they can better care for others.

All presentations will start at 5:15 p.m. at Griffin Hospital, 130 Division St. Before each talk there will be a free light meal provided by Valley United Way and Griffin Hospital Lifeline at 4:30 p.m.

Registration is required for each event by calling 203-732-1511 or visiting griffinhealth.org/events.

This is a press release from Griffin Hospital.

Derby mayor to tend bar to benefit Center for Cancer Care at Griffin

Save the date: Pine Rock Park Fire Company in Shelton slates tag sale

Seymour Recreation to host Hot Shots competition for kids

Memoir of Appalachian life is topic of Derby Public Library discussion

DERBY - Derby Public Library will host its next monthly Lunchtime Book discussion at 12:30 p.m. March 28.
The featured book is “Hillbilly Elegy: A Memoir of a Family and Culture in Crisis” by J.D. Vance.

This memoir is a powerful account of growing up in the rust belt of Ohio and in an Appalachian town in Kentucky. The author escapes generations of poverty and becomes a Marine and Yale Law School graduate. 

The book is a probing look at the struggles of America's working class. 
The Vance family story begins in postwar America. Vance’s grandparents were “dirt poor and in love,” and moved north from Kentucky’s Appalachia region to Ohio in the hopes of escaping the poverty around them. 

Ron Howard is directing and producing a movie adaptation of the book, which was a New York Times bestseller.

Lunchtime Book Discussions are held the last Wednesday of the month. They are free and open to the public. 
Multiple copies of the book will be available at the circulation desk. Drop-ins are welcome; registration is not required. 

The Library is at 313 Elizabeth St. 
For more information call 203-736-1482.

This is a press release from Kathy Wilson, Head of Adult Circulation, Derby Public Library.

Recuperation journey: Early to rise gets a better view

What a beautiful sunrise! 

But the forecast says rain for today. 
Enjoy your Friday, whatever the weather. 

Wildlife photos, paintings on exhibit in Oxford Town Hall

Naugatuck YMCA to hold Rubber Duck 5K

Recuperation journey: Christmas cactus running late

Much like yours truly, who continues to enjoy our tabletop Christmas tree today (Washington's birthday), our Christmas cactus is on a delayed schedule.

It started to bloom a couple of days ago. 
And last week a friend posted a photo on Facebook that showed her Christmas cactus blooming.

Confused cacti, you could call them. 🌵 🌵 🌵

Enjoy a free breakfast at Assumption Church hall in Ansonia

Save the date: Seymour to hold annual town-wide tag sale in May

Sharing from Facebook:

Tag Sale Hosts & Shoppers, don't miss the Seymour Town Wide Tag Sale this spring - 5/12 8 a.m.-4 p.m. with a rain date of 5/19. 
Stop in Lizzie's Corner [Consignment and Gifts] or call to register your address, 203-415-4387. 

To help with advertising, a payment of $15 is needed before May 1. Early birds, pay $13 before April 1. 
Checks can be mailed to Lizzie's Corner, 36 Bank St., Seymour, CT., 06483.

Tina the Tooth to mark Children's Dental Health Month at Library in Shelton

SHELTON -Toddlers and kids up to age 4 are invited to meet Tina the Tooth from Commerce Park Children's Dentistry and Orthodontics at 10:30 a.m. Friday at Huntington Branch Library. 

 The Library is at 41 Church St.

Celebrate National Children's Dental Health Month as Tina explains the proper way to clean teeth. 

Learn the difference between foods that are bad for teeth and those that are good for teeth! 
Please register by calling  203-926-0111.

This is shared from the Shelton Library System Facebook page.

Shelton school officials, police to hold forum on safety

SHELTON -The school district will hold a Community Forum on School Safety at 6:30 p.m. Feb. 27 at Shelton High School, 120 Meadow St.

Leaders from the school district and police department will discuss current practices and hear concerns from families.


This is a press release from the office of Superintendent of Schools Chris Clouet.

Recuperation journey: Spring-like temps today, but there's always tomorrow

Is this Connecticut weather crazy or is it me?
Don't answer that!

My computer says it is 66 degrees here in Ansonia. Tomorrow it says rain with a high of 42.
I refuse to look past Thursday's forecast ~ we just have to take it as it comes. 
Easier said than done, I know.

As I wrote this I suddenly became nostalgic, thinking how my father always depended on a barometer on the wall. He'd tap it and the needle would move. Are you supposed to tap it? I don't know.

Klarides-Ditria supports major animal welfare initiatives

Dear Neighbors, Today, I joined my colleagues on the Animal Welfare Caucus to announce major animal welfare initiatives for the 2018 legislative session. Here are a few bills we will be fighting for this session: ✅ Adequate shelter for dogs in extreme weather ✅ Removing accelerated rehabilitation as an option for animal abusers ✅ Implementing recommendations from the Human Animal Welfare Task Force (Click on link below to WATCH)

https://www.facebook.com/REPNKD/videos/1613478805372762/ 

Learn about composting Saturday at Ansonia Nature Center

ANSONIA - Do you buy soil every year to amend your garden?
Have you started “composting,” but really just have a pile of veggie scraps sitting in your back yard?
Do you want to compost but don’t know if you have the time or space?

A Composting 101 program will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday at the Ansonia Nature and Recreation Center, 10 Deerfield Road. 

Domingo Medina, owner, Peels and Wheels Composting https://peelsandwheelscompost.wordpress.com/about/), will share the ins and outs of composting and why it’s so important given the impact waste has on the environment. 

You will hear the science, see the process, and build tangible skills that can enable you to start the process of composting at home. 

Already an expert composter? You can still learn something new about the health of the soil you make, or even share some of your own experience. 

Sign up now as space is limited.

Massaro Farm of Woodbridge is partnering with the Ansonia Nature and Recreation Center for this event.

Suggested donation is $6 for the presenter and the Ansonia Nature Center for their time and space.

Patronize Panera, support Derby High School PTO

Shelton lawmakers to offer update on 2018 session

CNA course to start March 12 at Griffin Hospital in Derby

Griffin Hospital School of Allied Health Careers will offer its Accelerated Certified Nursing Assistant program starting March 12. /Contributed photo

DERBY - Griffin Hospital School of Allied Health Careers is offering an evening session of its Accelerated Certified Nursing Assistant program starting March 12 to help individuals start a fulfilling career in health care.

The CNA course offers students an affordable and condensed six-week schedule with classes Monday through Thursday from 5-9 p.m.

Course content includes infection control, legal and ethical responsibilities, communications, body mechanics, moving and positioning residents, personal care skills, nutrition, measuring vital signs, and restorative care. 
The CNA course tuition fee includes the course book, CPR training, and malpractice insurance coverage for the clinical rotation. 
The CNA clinical experience will be at Griffin Hospital and a long-term care facility from 5-10 p.m. for 40 hours. 
After successfully completing the course and clinical experience, students will be qualified to take the state exam for certification as a Nursing Assistant in Connecticut.

For more information or to apply, call 203-732-1276 or visit griffinhealth.org/allied-health.

Griffin Hospital's School of Allied Health Careers was one of the first hospital-based schools of its kind to be authorized by the Connecticut Department of Higher Education and offers training, education, and certification for Phlebotomy, Nursing Assistant, and Patient Care Technician health care careers. 
Classes are taught by certified instructors in the Griffin Hospital Medical Building, 300 Seymour Ave.

This is a press release from Griffin Hospital.

Recuperation journey: Sunset seen from driver's seat

Taken with phone before the light changed.

Recuperation journey: View at 5:30 p.m. today

Amazing colors.

'Turnback Tuesday' features Derby Fur Company

This week's "Turnback Tuesday" features the Derby Fur Co. that was located at 206 Main St., Derby in the early 20th century.
It was said all roads led to the Derby Fur and Dress Shop. Owner I. Loberfeld made it his business to keep his inventory up to date and in style. His shop featured furs made to order, did repairs, and provided storage. 
These photos are of a token/coupon given by the company to its customers. The token reads: "Good for $1 for every purchase over $10." 


Thanks as always to the Derby Public Library for sharing this interesting local history.   

Newsletter highlights Seymour man's inspiring recovery after accident

Dear readers,

Today's Valley Voice newsletter features an inspiring Seymour couple, a panel discussion about human trafficking planned at a church in Derby, and more.

Thanks for reading,

Patti 

Health District to host Narcan training at Griffin Hospital in Derby

DERBY - The Naugatuck Valley Overdose Prevention & Education (N.O.P.E.) Campaign will hosting a Narcan & Opioids Community Training Session from 6-8 p.m. Thursday at Griffin Hospital Meditation Learning Center.
This training is free and open to the public but registration is required.

Training topics include:

- Overdose Prevention Strategies

- Signs and Symptoms of Overdose

- How to administer Naloxone

- Good Samaritan Law

- Support Information and Resources

Individuals with insurance should bring their insurance (or prescription) card for the mobile pharmacist. Free Narcan kits are available to those who are uninsured.

For information contact Jessica Stelmaszek, 203-881-3255 or at jstelmaszek@nvhd.org.

The hospital is at 130 Division St.