Saturday, June 30, 2018

Recuperation journey: Bzzzz ...


Daughter Allegra and I enjoyed making bumble bees Friday evening with several other ladies in a needle felting class at Lizzie's Corner, 36 Bank St., Seymour.


This is the third class we've attended led by needle-felter extraordinaire Kayleigh Mihalko. 

We've made a cactus, a sheep, and a bee. Next up is a snowman to celebrate "Christmas in July."

I'm not very crafty but I enjoy the challenge of turning strands of fiber into felt that eventually become recognizable items.  

My Sister's Place collecting new, gently used Ansonia school uniforms


My Sister's Place is a family thrift shop at 380 Main St., Ansonia. 
It offers new and gently used clothing, shoes, accessories, housewares and more at discount prices.
All proceeds benefit BHcare's The Umbrella Center for Domestic Violence Services.


Shelton History Center to offer tours of Brownson House

Historic Brownson House in Shelton. / Contributed photo
SHELTON - The Shelton Historical Society will be open for guided tours of the Brownson House at Shelton History Center, 70 Ripton Road, on the second Sunday of each month through November.
The tours will begin July 8 from 1-4 p.m. 


Although the house was built c. 1822, it has been furnished to demonstrate how a middle-
class farm family coped with the rapidly changing society of the early 1900s.    
The interpretation of the Brownson House to the year 1913 recently earned an Award of Merit from the Connecticut League of History Organizations.  
This honor was received at an annual conference June 4 and is given to institutions that demonstrate the highest of professional standards and contribute to a greater understanding of state and local history.
“A great amount of research, time, and community support went into this effort to take the house’s appearance back in time to 1913,” says Marty Coughlin, President of the Shelton Historical Society.  
“The changes that have been made in the house allow us to tell the stories of early 20th century life associated with both the urban and rural areas of Shelton.”

Other buildings on the grounds, which include the 1872 Trap Fall School and the Wilson Barn, built c. 1860, will be open for viewing as well.  

For additional information about Shelton 
History Center, call 203-925-1803, visit www.sheltonhistoricalsociety.org or see the 
Facebook page.  

This is a press release from Tracey Tate, executive director, Shelton Historical Society.


Friday, June 29, 2018

Recuperation journey: Summer sunset


I had to stop when driving home Friday evening and take a photo with my phone of this stunning sunset as seen from the Ansonia Hilltop. Happy summer!

Ansonia woman, 77, reported missing/ FOUND

Update from Ansonia Police Department sent at 9:17 p.m.:  
Missing person Brinda Lebron has been located safe and well in Stratford. 
Thank you for your assistance.

Brinda Lebron
ANSONIA - The Ansonia Police Department is investigating a missing person case involving Brinda Lebron, a 77-year-old black female with Alzheimer's, who left her home on Farrell Drive sometime today [Friday]. 

Lebron is 5 foot 3 inches tall and weighs 130 pounds and she has black hair and brown eyes. 
It is unknown what clothing she was wearing. Prior to moving to Ansonia Lebron lived in Stratford and has in the past left Ansonia and gone to Stratford. 
If anyone sees Lebron please contact the Ansonia Police Department at 203-735-1885 or your local police department.


This is a press release from Lt. Patrick Lynch.

Boys & Girls Club in Shelton to hold Pre-K open house


SHELTON - The Boys & Girls Club of the Lower Naugatuck Valley will hold an open house for the Pre-K program from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. July 10 at 1 Positive Place.

Parents are welcome to take a tour, meet the teachers, and see the classroom. 
Interactive sessions are available from 8-9 a.m., noon-1 p.m., and 5-6 p.m.
Head teacher Nikki Stockmal will be on hand to answer questions and provide information for interested parents.
Pre-K program participants have countless opportunities to learn each day, with the chance to develop fine and gross motor skills, participate in dramatic play and arts, be constructively engaged with other children and adult staff, and develop math, literacy, and critical-thinking skills, including numbers and letters. 

The program is open to all 3-5 year olds who aren't enrolled in school; children must be fully potty trained. 
Two nutritious snacks will be provided; parents must provide lunch.
The Boys & Girls Club of the Lower Naugatuck Valley has been changing the lives of young people for more than 60 years. With programs ranging from homework assistance to nutrition to sports, we help all young people to reach their full potential, but especially those from disadvantaged circumstances.

For more information about the Pre-K program, contact Nikki Stockmal at NikkiStockmal@BGC-LNV.org or 203-924-9329.


This is a press release from the Boys & Girls Club of the Lower Naugatuck Valley.

Thursday, June 28, 2018

Newsletter: Sculpture installed in Seymour, Ansonia holds block party


Dear readers,

Today's Valley Voice newsletter features a sculpture installation at Tingue Dam in Seymour and photos from Ansonia's Block Party Saturday.

Thanks for reading,

Patti and Ralph

Recuperation journey: Whatchamacallits bloomed


Rainy morning photo fun.



These usually bloom around Father's Day.

Renaissance Faire on tap at Warsaw Park in Ansonia


ANSONIA - The Faire will be held from 11 a.m.-6:30 p.m. Saturday and Sunday and July 7-8 at Warsaw Park,119 Pulaski Highway. 
There are also Saturday night shows from 7-9 p.m. 
The event is rain or shine.

From Faire website:
"Explore an interactive fantasy world set in a time long ago where elves, fairies, orcs, goblins, animal-kin, dwarves, and magic are REAL.
Come visit our very own Flippyn Byrd Tavern!
Serving Beer, Hard Cider, and MEAD!
Throughout the Day and into the Night,
You'll See:
Comedy ~*~ Action ~*~ Games
Stage Shows ~*~ Music ~*~ Magic
Live Combat ~*~ Delicious Food
Unique Vendors ~*~ Thrilling Storyline
Kids Games." ht,
You'll See:
Comedy ~*~ Action ~*~ Games
Stage Shows ~*~ Music ~*~ Magic
Live Combat ~*~ Delicious Food
Unique Vendors ~*~ Thrilling Storyline
Kid


State Street reconstruction in Ansonia postponed

From the City of Ansonia Facebook page:


Due to unforeseen circumstances, the reconstruction and removal of grate on State Street has been postponed until further notice. 
We are hopeful this delay will only be a couple of weeks.


Chamber of Commerce holding registration for Leadership Greater Valley

Sharing note from Chamber President Bill Purcell: 

Once again, your Chamber is proud to join with the Valley United Way and the Valley Council of Health & Human Service Organizations in presenting the outstanding Community Leadership Program this fall.

Since its inception, the program has graduated more than 300 leaders who are serving their companies and our community in extraordinary ways.
Starting Sept. 13, this nine-week program will take you on an extraordinary journey of self-discovery and leadership development.

Please click here to learn more about this program and to register yourself or your key employees.

Learn more about the Leadership Greater Valley program and its benefits to you and your company by contacting Nancie at 203-925-4981 or nancie@greatervalleychamber.com.

Bear? Where?

Attention Ansonia Hilltop residents: 
This morning I read on Facebook that a black bear has been sighted moseying around the 7th Ward. Pond Drive and Chester Street were mentioned.
Connecticut DEEP photo 


I thought I'd share this for those who don't regularly read Ansonia Community Updates and Forum on Facebook.




Wednesday, June 27, 2018

Ansonia posts road closing notice starting Monday for construction


Road closing notice: Beginning Monday, July 2, State Street from the corner of North Cliff Street, down to the light at the intersection of State/East Main/North Main, will be closed until Friday the 6th. 

Access will be available to the YMCA and traffic will be able to turn left out of North Cliff. 
This closure is due to the major construction to eliminate the storm grate in the road. Thank you for your cooperation during the construction. 
Road signs will be posted as needed.

*Shared from the City of Ansonia Facebook page.

Duo to perform songs from 1968 at Derby Public Library

Jan and Willie Nininger. / Facebook photo
DERBY - The Willie & Jan Band will return to Derby Public Library at 6:30 p.m. July 23.
The Library will rock to songs from 1968 including Simon & Garfunkel's Mrs. Robinson, Games People Play, and a selection of Beatles' tunes. 

Space is limited; registration is required at https://bit.ly/2lAeHLv or by calling the Reference Desk, 203-736-1482.

The Library is at 313 Elizabeth St.

*This information is shared from the Derby Public Library Facebook page. 

Boy & Girls Club to host golf classic at Brownson Country Club in Shelton

SHELTON - The Boys & Girls Club of the Lower Naugatuck Valley will host its annual John “Red” Larsen Golf Classic Aug. 27 at Brownson Country Club. 


Curtiss-Ryan Honda of Shelton is once again the Hole-in-One Sponsor, and Hot Tamale Mexican Grill & Bar in Seymour is the Skill Prize Sponsor. 
For more information and a registration or sponsorship form, visit www.BGCLNV.org.

The tournament will have an 11 a.m. registration and lunch, followed by a noon shotgun start.
Entry fee of $210 per golfer includes 18 holes of golf and cart, driving range, buffet lunch, refreshments on the course, social hour with open bar and dinner (after golf), and tournament gift. 
A raffle, as well as live and silent auctions, will also be available. 
Entries should include names, handicaps, and contact email or phone number sent to John “Red” Larsen Golf Classic, Boys & Girls Club LNV, One Positive Place, Shelton, 06484. Checks should be made payable to the Boys & Girls Club LNV.

Sponsorships available
Anyone wishing to become a sponsor, purchase a tee sign, or donate an auction item should contact Lisa Savoid or Ann Wheeler, 203-924-7462, LisaSavoid@BGC-LNV.org or AnnWheeler@BGC-LNV.org
Gold Tournament Sponsorships of $2,500 include a foursome of golf, tee sign, recognition at the awards dinner, inclusion in press releases, and a full-page ad in the tournament program. 
Silver Sponsorships of $1,500 include a foursome of golf, 3/4-page ad in the program, and sign. 
Beverage Cart Sponsors of $1,000 receive 1⁄2-page ad in the program, a large sign on the beverage cart, and a tee sign. 
Bronze Sponsors of $1,200 receive a 1⁄2-page ad in the program, tee sign, and foursome of golf. 
Green Sponsors of $500 receive a 1⁄2-page ad in the program and a tee sign. 
Table & Tee Sponsor get to have a table on the course with promo materials, listing in the program and tee sign. 
Tee Sponsors of $150 receive a listing in the tournament program and tee sign. 
Deadline for all sponsorships is Aug. 6.
The Boys & Girls Club Golf Classic, which has run 45 consecutive years since 1972, is dedicated to John “Red” Larsen. 
Red participated in almost every tournament and was Chairman for more than half. It was common to see Red stuffing “tee-favor bags” on Sunday night or putting out sponsor signs in the morning mist. 
His love for children and his dedication to the Boys & Girls Club were rivaled only by his love for his family and the game of golf.

The Boys & Girls Club of the Lower Naugatuck Valley has been changing the lives of young people in our area for 60 years. 
With programs ranging from homework assistance to nutrition, to sports, all young people are helped to reach their full potential, but especially those from disadvantaged circumstances. 
Proceeds will help provide services regardless of a family’s ability to pay.

For information about the Boys & Girls Club of the Lower Naugatuck Valley, visit www.BGC-LNV.org.


This is a press release from the Club.

Tuesday, June 26, 2018

Recuperation journey: Looking at the sky

No visible sunset? No problem. The waxing gibbous moon was available tonight for a photo. 🌝 It will be a full moon Wednesday.

Girl, 14, reported missing in Ansonia


Update: Lt. Patrick Lynch reported Tuesday morning: "Samiyah Freelove the juvenile reporting missing yesterday has been located and is safe. Thank you for your assistance."


ANSONIA - The Ansonia Police Department is looking for 14-year-old Samiyah Freelove who was reported missing by her family today. Samiyah is 5 feet 5 inches tall and weighs 220 pounds. 
She was last seen wearing a white T-shirt, dark blue mesh shorts with blue and white Nike sneakers carrying a grey backpack with her name on it. 
Anyone who has seen Samiyah is asked to please call the Ansonia Police Department at 203-735-1885.

'Turnback Tuesday' features long-gone telephone booth in Derby

This week's "Turnback Tuesday" looks at telephone booths. 
Once located across the country, they are virtually non-existent now. 
The first coin-operated public telephone was located in a bank in Hartford in 1889. Outdoor phone booths made their entrance in the early 1900s. 
The booth pictured above was located on Route 115 near Division Street, Elm Street in Ansonia, and Derby Avenue in Derby.


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

Ansonia Library posts schedule of children's activities in July, August




The Ansonia Library is at 53 S. Cliff St. 
For information, call 203-734-6275.

Monday, June 25, 2018

St. Vincent De Paul Thrift Shop in Derby holding sale


*Info shared from the St. Vincent De Paul Thrift Shop and Food Bank Facebook page.

St. Vincent De Paul Thrift Shop is located at 237 Roosevelt Drive, Derby.

Newsletter: O'Brien students create cranes for cancer patients, Derby Day


Dear readers,

Today's Valley Voice newsletter features Emmett O'Brien Tech students creating paper cranes, Derby Day photos, more.

Thanks for reading!

Patti

Top 10 graduates in Ansonia High School Class of 2018 win plaudits


Ansonia High School's Top 10 students in Class of 2018. / Contributed photo

ANSONIA - Stephanie Umeugo is valedictorian of the Class of 2018 at Ansonia High School, Interim Principal Sara Crooks has announced. Stephanie and the rest of the Top 10 students of the class were honored June 6 at a banquet hosted by the Ansonia Board of Education at the high school. 
In addition, they led their classmates during the commencement exercises June 18 in the Thomas McQueeney Gymnasium at AHS.
Nearly all of the top 10 students have earned 20 or more college credits by completing several college-level courses offered by Ansonia High School, and most of the students are going to potentially earn up to 26 more college credits for courses they recently completed. 
With each course ranging in value from $608 to $3,738 and higher, many of the top 10 graduates may potentially save over $30,000 thanks to courses taken at AHS.

The completed courses taken by the majority of the Top 10 include these Advanced Placement courses: Statistics, Biology, Chemistry, Language and Composition, and U.S. History. 

Students have also taken advantage of numerous other courses, including Physics I and II, Calculus, Computer Science, Modern Western Traditions, Digital Electronics, Art III, Accounting, and Psychology. 
Many college-level courses are offered as a result of a partnership with the University of New Haven, UConn, and HCC (Housatonic Community College).

Stephanie C. Umeugo, valedictorian, is the daughter of Ikechukwu and Ijeoma Umeugo, and she is a leader in many academic and scholastic activities. She is president of the National Honor Society, vice president Student Ambassadors, and an executive board member with the Valley United Way School Volunteer Council. Stephanie is a member of Future Business Leaders of America, the Human Relations Club, the Yearbook committee, and the Cooperative International Studies Program. She has been a Julian Taylor Award recipient, is a PSAT Scholar and an SAT Scholar. She has volunteered in a mentoring program and was a volunteer at Yale-New Haven Hospital for two summers. Stephanie has helped at community events, such as planning book drives, promoting literacy with younger children, and helping to raise awareness for terminal illnesses. Stephanie has earned 26 college credits from numerous UConn and AP courses, and she is awaiting the results from several other courses that could add 21 more credits to her transcripts. 
She will be majoring as a Physician Assistant at Quinnipiac University in the fall.

Yao Dong son of Yu Hua Tiang and Hui Dong, is salutatorian. Yao is a member of the National Honor Society and the AV Club at AHS. He has earned 33 college credits and is awaiting the results from three courses that could add 15 more credits. He will major in Computer Science at the College of William and Mary in Virginia.

Victoria Ortega, the daughter of Jenny Ortega and Winston Ortega, is ranked third. 
She is the historian for the National Honor Society, president of the National Art Honor Society and captain of the volleyball team. Victoria is a member of the Global Scholars Club, is a Sikorsky Credit Union intern at AHS and is an SAT Scholar. In the community, she is a candy striper volunteer at Griffin Hospital and has volunteered for American Red Cross blood drives, Read Across America and Pennies for Cancer. She is a graduate of the University of New Haven Gen Cyber Agent Academy and is the logo contest winner for the CT Police Chief’s Association. Victoria has earned 21 college credits and has taken additional courses that could provide 16 more credits. She will be majoring in Mechanical Engineering and Robotics at Carnegie Mellon University in Pittsburgh. 

Jesse Brookins, son of Frank Brookins and Barbara Brookins, is fourth in his class.
Jesse is a member of the National Honor Society and Global Scholars Club. He has earned 22 college credits and may earn an additional 26 from courses taken this year. Jesse will be majoring in Computer Science and Mathematics at the University of Massachusetts at Amherst in the fall.

Benjamin Jesulaitis, son of Frances Jesulaitis and Eric Jesulaitis, is fifth in his class. 
Ben is a member of the National Honor Society, the Human Relations Club, Student Government, the Drama Club and the AV Club. He is an SAT Scholar and recipient of the Spanish Excellence Award. 
In the community, Ben works at Rite Aid, has volunteered for the Ron Foley Run, and participated in Bright Light Musicals for four years. Ben has earned six college credits for AP courses and may earn four more. He will major in Mathematics and minor in Education at Stony Brook University in New York.

Katherine Wojcik, daughter of Malgorzata and Miroslaw Wojcik, is ranked sixth. 
Vice-President of her class, Katherine is also co-president of the Human Relations Club, vice president of the National Honor Society and treasurer of the Student Ambassadors club. She is a member of the Global Scholars Club, Future Business Leaders of America and the United Way High School Volunteer Council. She is an SAT Scholar. 
In the community, she has participated in the Valley United Way Youth Leadership Program, where she served as vice president, is a volunteer CCD teacher on Sundays at St. Joseph’s Parish and a lector on Sundays. She has volunteered in a mentoring program at John G. Prendergast School and at Yale-New Haven Hospital. Katherine has earned 26 college credits and may earn at least 20 more for courses completed this year. 
This fall, she will major in business at SCSU, in the honors college.

Joshua Rodrigues, son of Jazmin Benavides, is ranked seventh. 
Treasurer of the National Honor Society and vice president of the Global Scholars club, Josh is a Sikorsky Credit Union intern at AHS and a CAPT Scholar. In the community, he has completed more than 100 hours of volunteer service at Griffin Hospital and 50 additional hours at a variety of community programs. Joshua has earned 21 credits and can potentially earn another 20 for courses taken this year. He will be majoring in Chemical Engineering at Cornell University in the fall. 

Dr. Carol Merlone, Superintendent of Schools, conducted an interview with Joshua in early June. 
The interview can be viewed on YouTube, https://youtu.be/6Zl686EG-Wk.

Elizabeth Cavanaugh, daughter of Melissa and Steve Cavanaugh, is eighth in her class. 
She is a member of the After School Chorus, Drama Club and the National Honor Society. An SAT Scholar, she was selected as a winner of the CT Association of Public School Superintendent’s Award this year. In the community, Elizabeth is active in the Reclaim Christian Church, where she has volunteered in the church nursery, as a member of the church praise team, and with the sports camp. Elizabeth will major in Chemical Engineering at the University of New Haven.

Tamarrah Haynes, daughter of Yvonne Gonzalez, is ranked ninth. 
She is a member of the National Honor Society and the Spanish National Honor Society. In the community, Tamarrah has been a volunteer for Hope for the Warriors and is an Ansonia Pop Warner Cheerleading coach and co-coordinator. She has earned 18 credits and may earn an additional 12 from courses taken this year. 
Tamarrah will be attending St. John’s University in the fall.

Kelly Zarka, daughter of Kenneth and Martha Zarka, is ranked 10th. 
She is a president of the Class of 2018 and captain of the Softball and Volleyball teams. She is co-president of the Human Relations Club and a member of the National Honor Society, Spanish Honor Society and the Global Scholars Club. In the community, Kelly volunteers at the Church of the Assumption and works at Rita’s Italian Ice. Kelly has earned 10 college credits and may earn another 12 this year. 
She will major in Nutrition and Dietetics at the University of Rhode Island.


This is a press release from Ansonia Public Schools.  

Congratulations and best wishes!

Echo Hose Ambulance in Shelton to sponsor blood drive Tuesday


Sharing info from Echo Hose Facebook page:

SHELTON - Echo Hose Ambulance Corps will sponsor the "Battle of the Badges Blood Drive" at Echo Hose Ambulance Training Center, 
286 Howe Ave. Hours are 10:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m.

Go to REDCROSSBLOOD.ORG use Sponsor Code: Shelton EMS or call to schedule an appointment: 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).

Doughnuts donated by Donut Crazy, homemade baked goods and T-shirts (while supplies last).

You can streamline your donation experience and save up to 15 minutes by visiting RedCrossBlood.org/RapidPass to complete your pre-donation reading and health history questions on the day of your appointment.

Sunday, June 24, 2018

The Pop Rocks rock at Derby Day Saturday


Entertainment on the Green at Derby Day Saturday featured Connecticut-based The Pop Rocks, a fabulous '80s' tribute band.  


Derby Neck Library program to focus on America's musical roots


DERBY - America's musical roots will be the topic of a program at Derby Neck Library at 6:30 p.m. Thursday.

Craig Harris, bluegrass musician and author, leads a musical journey with stories to tell about the country's musical heritage.

For information call 203-734-1492. The Library is at 307 Hawthorne Ave.


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

Saturday, June 23, 2018

Duck delights all ages at downtown Derby Day

This little one is so happy with his Spiderman balloon Saturday on the Derby Green it's hard to know if he realizes there is a giant duck standing behind him.

A unique gyroscope ride was set up on the Green. Dizzy in Derby?