Friday, August 31, 2018

Store in Ansonia to host fundraiser for Valley Shakespeare Festival, TEAM


Griffin Parish Nurses to offer screenings at Seymour Public Library

The Library is at 46 Church St., Seymour. 

Copper City Bar & Grill to host fundraiser for Ansonia Police Department


Plumb Memorial Library in Shelton to hold volunteer orientation

Volunteer Orientation
Plumb Memorial Library, 65 Wooster St., Shelton
5:30 p.m. Sept. 11


This event is mostly geared for teens but is open to anybody living in Shelton. Grade 7 and up!
Register by calling 203-924-1580 or at http://engagedpatrons.org/EventsExtended.cfm?SiteID=2661&EventID=349097&PK


*Information shared from the Shelton Library System Facebook page.

Ansonia School Readiness coordinator seeks to build program


*Information shared from Facebook.

Friends of the Library Book Club to meet at Seymour Community Center

SEYMOUR - The Friends of the Seymour Public Library Book Club will be reading "The Woman in Cabin 10" by Ruth Ware. 

Since the Library's lower-level is undergoing refurbishing, discussion of this book will be held at 1:30 p.m. Sept. 18 at Seymour Community Center, 20 Pine St., Room 107. 
Pick up a copy of this book at the Library's circulation desk and join in the fun.

Information shared from a Facebook event page.

St. Jude Church to hold 10th annual festival on Labor Day holiday

St. Jude Church photo
DERBY - St. Jude Church parishioners will host their 10th annual family festival Monday on church grounds, 71 Pleasant View Road.

Read all about it here in a story by New Haven Register correspondent Jean Falbo-Sosnovich.


Create art, learn to de-clutter, watch a movie at Derby Neck Library


DERBY - The Derby Neck Library, 307 Hawthorne Ave., will host Dinner and a Movie for ages 18 and older at 5:30 p.m. Thursday.
This month’s feature film is “Book Club.” 
This is a free event; movie refreshments will be served, including pizza at intermission.

Simplify your life
At 6 p.m. Sept. 12 the Library presents Anita Taylor, professional organizer and author demonstrating how to Organize Your Clutter. Learn the systems and easy solutions to simplify your things. 

Copies of Anita’s book will also be available to purchase.

Women's Forum
The Library hosts Women’s Forum, a monthly discussion group, at 12:30 p.m. Sept. 17.

For this session the focus is on two witty short stories: “The Whistle” by Benjamin Franklin, and “My Financial Career” by Stephen Leacock. Copies are available at the library.
Feel free to bring a light lunch. Coffee and tea will be served.

Evening Book Club
At 6:30 p.m. Sept. 24 the Library hosts the Evening Book Club, which focuses on novellas and memoirs by authors of note. 

This month’s selection is “Joy School” by Elizabeth Berg. Copies of the book, including large print editions, are available at the library.

Art class 
The Library offers a free session of Pixel Art Creation for teens and tweens at 4 p.m. Sept. 26.  

Learn to use perler beads to create your own favorite characters, such as Pikachu, to keep and enjoy.

Calligraphy lesson
The Library presents a lesson in Calligraphy run by Debby Reelitz, specialist and instructor, at 5:30 p.m. Sept. 27. 

This is a free, two-hour session in which you will create an illustrated, decorative initial (versal letter) to keep. 
Make a gift for yourself or a loved one. Please register as seating and supplies are limited.

For information and registration, call 203-734-1492.

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

Thursday, August 30, 2018

Waiters Go Pink to raise funds at Wellington's Restaurant in Shelton


SHELTON - Volunteers will wait on you for dinner Oct. 1 at Wellington's Restaurant, 51 Huntington Plaza, and all their tips go to The Valley Goes Pink. 
The Valley Goes Pink is Griffin Hospital's grassroots effort to raise awareness about breast health and to raise support for the Hewitt Center for Breast Wellness.
The annual Waiters Go Pink fundraiser runs from 5:30-9 p.m. Oct. 1.

Reservations are essential. Please call 203-929-0336.

*Information shared from a Facebook event page.

Ansonia Harvest Festival to feature pie baking contest


Charters Hose #4 in Ansonia to host Haunted Firehouse Night


Recuperation journey: Throwback Thursday - 1992 edition


Looking back to a day in the summer of '92 when my mother and I took the kiddos to Little Bit Farm in Seymour. 
Yes that's our son on the left with the long, long locks. 
He was only about 20 months old at the time and I didn't want him to lose those blond curls. That's my excuse! 

Naugatuck Valley Health District offers information on heat-related illnesses

From the City of Ansonia Facebook page:

"With the continuing heat and high humidity, please take a moment to review the attached chart for heat related illnesses. From the Naugatuck Valley Health District website. http://nvhd.org/"



NBC CT show to highlight Seymour Pink Saturday

Sharing this from Seymour Pink's newsletter:

SET YOUR DVR

"This Saturday morning Seymour Pink will be highlighted on NBC Connecticut's Today Show.  
Mary Deming and one of our HEROES, Annie Pringle, will be interviewed about our mission and about the upcoming Pounding the Pavement for Pink 5K.  
Make sure to watch in the 9 a.m. hour."

'Read Away Fines' in September at Derby Public Library

Photo from Facebook
COMING IN SEPTEMBER!! 
DERBY -“Read Away Fines” Program for ALL AGES! 
Derby Public Library will waive a penny of fines for every minute of reading you do in September up to $10 (Derby Public Library fines only). 
This includes job-related, homework, test prep, comic books, even Mom and Dad reading to you. Teens reading to or with younger children gets both of you credit! 
For details about the program visit here.

For more information, visit derbypubliclibrary.org or call 203-736-1482.
The Library is at 313 Elizabeth St.

*This information is shared from the Library's Facebook page.

Wednesday, August 29, 2018

Oxford Ambulance Association to hold EMT courses


Griffin Hospital in Derby to honor chairman of Capital Campaign

Driving force behind development of Center for Cancer Care
 Alan Mathog will receive Griffin Hospital’s President’s Award at the 2018 Griffin Gala Sept. 29./ Contributed photo

DERBY- The 2018 Griffin Gala will honor a driving force behind the Center for Cancer Care at Griffin Hospital.
Alan Mathog will receive Griffin Hospital’s President’s Award at the Gala Sept. 29 at Quarry Walk in Oxford. 

Mathog was chairman of the Breaking New Ground Capital Campaign that raised $5.5 million for the development of Griffin’s Center for Cancer Care which celebrates its 10th anniversary this year.
“Alan’s passion and strong leadership were instrumental to the campaign becoming the most successful fundraising effort in Griffin Hospital’s history which allowed us to achieve our vision of providing the Valley community with comprehensive, person-centered cancer treatment services in an inspirational healing environment close to home,” said Griffin President and CEO Patrick Charmel.
Mathog is currently the president of PMA Management Corp. of New England, located in Wallingford, which provides results-driven third-party administration and risk services. 
He has participated on advisory boards for numerous insurance companies, and has taught economics and finance at the University of New Haven and Southern Connecticut State University, lectured at the University of Hartford, and University of Connecticut, authored articles on Risk Management for trade journals and magazines, and is a frequent speaker for professional organizations.

The 2018 Griffin Hospital Gala will offer a unique look into the future of health care and will feature lavish food prepared by OnTheMarc Caters, tantalizing auction items, and lively music provided by La Blanc Entertainment from 6-11 p.m.

In addition to the Gala, Quarry Walk will also be the site of an advanced medical office campus designed for Griffin’s vision of a “new generation of care,” focusing on preventative services, chronic disease management, and care coordination to enhance the health and wellbeing of individuals that live and work in the region.

Tickets start at $185 per person. Black tie suggested. Proceeds from the Gala will help Griffin advance the development of this next-generation population health approach.
For more information on tickets or sponsorship opportunities, contact Lisa Nista, 203-732-7384 or email lnista@griffinhealth.org, or visit griffinhealth.org/gala.


This is a press release from Griffin Hospital.



Cornhole for a Cause, antiques, more to highlight First Saturday in Seymour



SEYMOUR - During the Shops at Seymour First Saturday celebration this week Lizzie's Corner Consignment and Gifts, 36 Bank St., will offer cornhole for the adults, kids' activities and more to benefit Seymour CARES (Coco’s Animal Rescue Efforts of Seymour).

The playing will begin once the streets are closed and will run from 4-8 p.m.
Suggested donations are old towels and blankets or any pet-related items.
Live music will fill the streets from 6-8 p.m.  Stroll the downtown, stop for tea, a cupcake, and lots of treasure hunting. 
The antique and specialty shops are quite a treat! 
The Strand Theater will be running a movie too!

*Information shared from a Facebook event page.

Signups slated at Ansonia Armory for Pinky Silverberg boxing program



The Ice Cream Shoppe in Shelton to hold Cabaret Day

SHELTON - Come meet our Little Witches from noon-2 p.m. Sept. 9 at the Ice Cream Shoppe,  59 Bridgeport Ave.
Photo opps, coloring, and of course yummy ice cream! 

The Ice Cream Shoppe is the official community partner for Little Witches, a children's show, running Oct. 6-28 at the Downtown Cabaret Theatre in Bridgeport.

*Information shared from a Facebook event page.

Great Hill United Methodist Church in Seymour to hold Basket Bonanza


SEYMOUR - Great Hill United Methodist Church will hold its annual Basket Bonanza from 5-8 p.m. Oct. 13.
The evening of fun and entertainment will begin with a preview of the baskets from 5-6 p.m. During the preview hour, tickets are placed in the cup corresponding with any of the baskets; the baskets are given away starting at 6 p.m. More than 75 special theme baskets and door prizes will be handed out.
For the admission price of $15 hot and cold hors d’oeuvres, desserts, and beverage will be served and patrons will receive 25 free basket tickets, a door prize ticket and a grand prize ticket. Children 10 years old and under will be admitted free. 

Basket themes include movie, travel, spa, handyman, entertaining, sports, kids, baby, pets, hobbies, cooking, seasonal, and more.  

This year’s Grand Prize Basket will include a variety of gift cards with an estimated $500 value.
The church is at 225 Great Hill Road.


*Information shared from a Facebook event page.

Fools on the Hill to perform at Veterans Park in Ansonia tonight


Tuesday, August 28, 2018

First United Methodist Church in Ansonia to host annual Chicken BBQ

ANSONIA - Save the date for the First United Methodist Church's Annual Chicken BBQ from 4-6 p.m. Sept. 29. 
The church is at 47 Franklin St.
Tickets are $15 per person, $7.50 for children 6-12 years. Children under age 5 are admitted free accompanied by family. 
The menu includes barbecued chicken, roasted potatoes, corn on the cob, cole slaw, rolls, hot dogs for the children, dessert, and a surprise dessert for the children attending! All children must have a reservation prior to that Saturday.

Pumpkin painting and games will be available for the children.
Contact Bev Tidmarsh for more information at fbae77west@gmail.com.


This is shared from a Facebook event page. 

Greater Valley Chamber of Commerce to host Valley Day at Beardsley Zoo


Recuperation journey: My limit was 10 minutes out there

   Steamy Tuesday at Colony Pond in Ansonia.

Dinner at O'Brien Tech to support church's Honor Ansonia Blue fundraiser


The Rev. John Hinson, pastor, First Baptist Church of Ansonia, and his wife, Maude, are planning their third annual Honor Ansonia Blue fundraiser at 4 p.m. Oct. 4 at the church, 141 Prindle Ave. 
Their goal is to raise $40,000 to purchase life-saving equipment for the Ansonia Police Department. 



Save the date: Singer/actress to perform at Ansonia Library tea social


'Turnback Tuesday' features transportation between Derby, New Haven

This week's "Turnback Tuesday" looks at one of the early modes of transportation between Derby ("Birmingham”) and New Haven. 
This picture shows the stagecoach waiting for its next daily run to New Haven. 
Many modes of transportation have been employed over the years - walking, horseback, carts and wagons, carriages, railroads, rivers and canals, horse cars and horse railways, bicycles, trolleys, and automobiles.


Thanks to the Derby Public Library staff for sharing interesting local history each week!  

Morning Star Lodge #47 to hold car show at Seymour High School


Treasured Time to host Driving for Memories Golf Outing in Monroe


Seymour-based Treasured Time, Inc. is hosting its second annual “Driving for Memories” Golf Outing Sept. 12. This is a rain or shine event. 
If you are not a golfer, but would like to attend, you can join us for the dinner reception and auction only for $50 per person.  

Registration is open and we are still in need of teams so please contact us today! To register go to http://treasuredtime.org/treasured-time-driving-for-memories-sept-12th-2018/
You can pay by credit card or mail, email or fax the registration form and payment to the contact info listed on the form.  

Our featured family and “Gift of Moments” recipients for this event is the Pantalone family of Simsbury. 
Pantalone family/ Contributed photo

Patrick Pantalone, 39, was always healthy and athletic. 
However, his whole life changed when he was diagnosed with Chronic Kidney Disease in 2014. While he is currently on the transplant list he must get dialysis three times a week to keep his levels from becoming toxic. 
These treatments make him very tired and unable to spend the quality time he was once able to with his wife Marisol, and their four children.

Since his diagnosis, Patrick has lost a lot of time from work and while his employer has been very understanding, the missed time has caused a financial strain on the family. 
Patrick would love nothing more than to spend time with his family, away from the financial stresses and the stresses associated with his diagnosis. He longs for the opportunity to create a memory with his family that will last a lifetime.
Treasured Time will give the Pantalone family the “Gift of Moments” in the fall. Visit www.treasuredtime.org and make a donation today!

This event is sponsored by the Shelton Exchange Club, People’s United Bank, Kyle Phillips Insurance, and Robert Gamberdella.

Treasured Time, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) organization whose mission is to grant the wishes of parents with life-threatening illnesses who want to create a lasting memory with their children.  

To see how you can help make a difference, visit www.treasuredtime.org.

Monday, August 27, 2018

Save the Date: Ansonia center to host breast cancer awareness event


Archdiocese recognizes pastor at Assumption Church in Ansonia

Contributed photo

Congratulations go to the Rev. James M. Sullivan, pastor of Assumption Church in Ansonia.
He recently was named the 2018-2019 Distinguished Catholic Elementary School Pastor by the Archdiocese of Hartford.

You can read the full release printed in the New Haven Register here

Derby-Shelton Rotary Club to present annual Shelton Day

Photo from Facebook
Save the date for the annual Shelton Day celebration Oct. 7, presented each year by the Derby-Shelton Rotary Club. 
This street festival along Howe Avenue will feature live music and other entertainment, food trucks, arts and crafts vendors, and more. The event is rain or shine.
For information contact:

Derby/Shelton Rotary Club
P.O. Box 224
Shelton, CT 06484
203-567-0252
Sheltonday@derby-sheltonrotary.org

*Information shared from a Facebook event page.

Enjoy tea, 2 TV episodes Tuesday afternoon at Derby Neck Library


DERBY - The AFTERNOON TEA V group will continue to provide two popular television series to enjoy Tuesday at Derby Neck Library. 

At noon you may watch the latest episode of Mr. Selfridge, and at 1 p.m. you’ll be able to watch the next episode of the highly acclaimed hit series, The Handmaid's Tale.

Tea, coffee, and biscuits are always available. No fee or registration required. Simply drop in and bring your friends.

The Library is at 307 Hawthorne Ave. 

*Info shared from the Library's Facebook page.

Diabetes care is topic of talk at Griffin Hospital in Derby

Contributed photo
DERBY - The Diabetes Education & Support Group at Griffin Hospital will host a free presentation about the latest in diabetes care at 6:30 p.m. Sept. 11 at the hospital, 130 Division St.
Board Certified Endocrinologist Dr. Liqun Song, of Griffin Faculty Physicians, will discuss the latest treatments in diabetes care, including newer medications and continuous glucose monitoring.
Song will also be available to answer questions.
The presentation will be in the hospital’s Childbirth Education Classroom A.

The Diabetes Education & Support Group meets September-June on the second Tuesday of each month to discuss the management of diabetes, its challenges, and day-to-day dietary concerns. Individuals with diabetes and their caregivers are welcome to attend.


No registration is required. 
For more information, call Mary Swansiger, 203-732-1137.


This is a press release from Griffin Hospital.

Recuperation journey: 'No goats, no glory'


Our son Cameron treated us to a Hartford Yard Goats' game Sunday. 
It was easy for us to get to Dunkin' Donuts Park, but not so easy for him. 
Cam lives in Brooklyn and had to take two trains to get to Hartford. But he didn't mind, it was his idea!

It was our first time at the park and we enjoyed taking in the atmosphere of being at a Minor League Double A baseball game.

Truth be told I'm not a big sports fan. 
It has been a while since we've gone to a game. Remember the New Haven Ravens?

But I enjoyed learning new expressions - "no goats, no glory," "goat vision," and "ready, set, goat" come to mind.




Sadly the Trenton Thunder defeated our team 8-3. 
Next up the Goats face the Binghamton Rumble Ponies for four games, and the New Hampshire Fisher Cats over Labor Day weekend.

Go Goats!

I must say we'll be returning to DD park because, as they say, there's always next year. 

Sunday, August 26, 2018

Recuperation journey: And now for something completely different

Good morning all,

I won't be posting today. Our son is treating the four of us to an afternoon of family fun ... and the weather looks to be perfect!  

Stay tuned for a report. 




Saturday, August 25, 2018

Save the date: Ansonia Harvest Festival is Sept. 29


Recuperation journey: Stylized Saturday sunset


Nice sunset this evening but I had trouble taking a good photo. So I came up with this version.

Plumb Memorial Library in Shelton offers Tai Chi classes

Plumb Memorial Library is at 65 Wooster St., Shelton. Call  203-924-1580 and ask for available slots.

YEP event at River Rock Tavern in Derby to support Harvest House


Reminder: CT Hurricanes to perform tonight at Seymour High School.