*Stay tuned for more photos in the next issue of The Valley Voice newsletter.
Friday, November 30, 2018
Ansonia holds annual Christmas tree lighting
Close to 200 attend annual event at Veterans Park
*Stay tuned for more photos in the next issue of The Valley Voice newsletter.
*Stay tuned for more photos in the next issue of The Valley Voice newsletter.
Seymour Historical Society to host visits with Santa at Matthies mansion
SEYMOUR - One of the best parts of the Christmas season is to see the smiles on children’s faces when they visit Santa.
That’s why the Seymour Historical Society invites kids of all ages to come visit with St. Nick from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Dec. 8.
He and Mrs. Claus will set up shop in the beautiful and historic Katharine Matthies home, 59 West St.
For more information, contact psussman@snet.net or call 203-888-2086.
This is a press release from the Seymour Historical Society.
This is a press release from the Seymour Historical Society.
Thursday, November 29, 2018
Emmett O'Brien Tech in Ansonia posts first quarter honor roll
ANSONIA - Emmett O'Brien Technical High School administrators have announced the first quarter honor roll.
12th Grade - High Honors
Jose Aguilar, Gianna Bacchiocchi, Andrew Barna, Victoria Caserta, Shakane Cooper, Jason Coppola, Don-nique Davis, Katherine Davis, Antonio Diaz, Faith DiFronzo, Matthew Drzal, Jordan Epps, Maxwell Gazda, Matthew Haggerty, Timothy Halmose, Robert Hudak, Celeste Hunter-Pines, Alexa Kish, Dayna Kneissl, Thomas Lender, Edwin Maldonado, Nicholas Mammano, Albert Marko, Jan Mazan, Devin McCarthy, Alexander McGaw, Gleneiddys Miranda, Kener Monge, Amber Niklewski, Emaly Pereira, Nyasia Perez, Anella Porto, Jhonny Rocha, Jasmine Rodriguez, Jacob Sikorski, Jennaigha Zawadka
11th Grade - High Honors
Bianca Abad, Charles Almeida, Kenneth Amaya Ramos, Gina Beattie, Emma Brown, Paulina Cartagena, Kinga Cieslik, Aniyah Davis, Silvia DeSouza, Mateo Espada Giraldo, Rianna Frazier, Mary Gaughan, Jarred Gionfriddo, Chandler Gonzalez, Zakiya Gray, David Hudak, Anthony Iorfino, Brooke Jensen, Kylie Johannessen, Anneliese Koch, Samantha Kovalsky, Christopher Kulas, Julie LaPrade, Adlemo Lia, Milenna Ligi, Evan Mansfield, Dante Manson, Antonella Mazzacco, Miranda McGuire, Chryshayra McLaughlin, Kimani McNeil, Paul Melo, Cheyenne Michols, Brooke Middlemass, Ashanti Morales, Samantha Muncy, Samir Murga, Trinity Nguyen, Ainsley Panza, Haley Penna, Dianna Perez-Santana, Joshua Quinn, Ryan Rocheleau, Andrea Rooney, Juliana Rousseau, Sara Rupp, Morgan Rzasa, Robert Saddig, Aaliyah Sanchez, Ashanti Sanders, Angie Sandoval, Albert Satkowski, Elton Sela, Anthony Sibilia, Kevin Sotelo, Renee Tabone, Isabella Thomas, Darleane Veloz, Ryan Weid, Edward Windsor
10th Grade - High Honors
Kendyl Auddino, Kian Barahona, Connor Bartel, Dylan Bellinger, Katharine Bellone, Mark Black, Daniel Brolet, Daniel Brush, Bridget Calderon, Sean Casey, Maria Choudhry, Nashua Colon, Ayanna Cruz, Kaniya Dangerfield, Angelis DeJesus, Remo DiLorenzo, Madison Dirgo, Jake Douglas, Michael Eheman, Michael Fanelli, Cheyenne Fedor, Nicholas Forren, Joseph Gokey, Omar Gonzalez, Marek Gordiski, Kyle Graham, Rosemary Hall, Jenna Hickey, Isabella Januario, Francis Jones Theresa Kardos, Dylan Keefe, Samantha Klubek, Shelby Kwoka, Jaiden Lake, Scarlett Lockwood, Mahalah Lombardi, Sean Martin, Jacknell Matos, Kelly Meier, Hezekiah Melendez, Anelisse Mendez, Jocelin Miranda, Brody Moore, Matthew Murdock, Logan Re, Michael Rodriguez, Nicholas Romano, Thomas Rowland, Evan Sanchez, Marc Santacapita, Ryan Scarpulla, Hope Schreiber, Meghan Schulte, Jase Sevas, John Svehlak, Jacob Theroux, Angelica Zapata
9th Grade - High Honors
Ashley Arriaga, Ruben Baez, Gianna Baligad, Joseph Basso, Manolo Bermeo, Mateo Bermeo, Anazia Bess, Ashley Betty, Jackson Bialek, Alannah Black, Athan Brady, Jacob Calderon, Ty’Qweshia, Javon Capeles, Makayla Carey, Jazmin Carmon, Jocelyn Cheever, Lyric Christopher, Maximus Chuenka, Alexa-Maria Clark, Trevor Coble, Noah Darrow, Jessenia DeJesus, Daniel Deveny Jr., Amaya DeVillegas, Anya Dombroski, Julia Dota, Bayron Espinosa, Joshua Fardy, Aidan Figueroa, Nyanah Fussell, Jazmin Gerardi, Mark Getchell, Shawna Glasgow, Alyssa Greenlaw, Maurice Grey, Alissa Hansen, Tanashia Hatchett, Joshua Hayden, Alyssa Iorfino, Belle Jason, Zyhira Jeudy, Mackenzie Johnson, Alejandra Juarez, River Kaleo, Tyler Kerr, Sean Kneissl, Nicholas Kokenos, Helen Kowarik, Shane Long, Michael Lopez, Auriana Lucas, Elisabeth Lundequist, Aaliyah Maldonado, Imani Marche, Max Marsden, Michael Marti, Jayson Masciola, Sanaa McNeill, Jeffrey Mercer, Malachi Messere, Taylor Middlemass, Christopher Molina, Juan Mondragon, Elijah Moore, Jhonattan Mora, Antonio Morel, Joseph Moscato, Jacqueline Muncy, Mary Noel, April Nowinski, Stephen O’Brien, Devon Oestreich, Andrea Pecor, Matthew Pelaccia, Ayanna Perez, Yaelis Perez, Fernanda Perez-Tello, Natalia Perruccio, Anthony Russo, Michael Rybinski, Avianna Sapiente, James Scerba, Brandon Siblia, Kayla Strengowski, Lexi Strengowski, Laci Sullivan, Trinity Sullivan, Alyssa Swanson, Joseph Syrowsky, Olivia Thomas, Lea-Renee Tillotson, Nathan Tynan, Michael Ullrich, Aixa Vazquez, Skylar Warner, Sanaa’ Wint, Kasia Wlazlo, Daniel Zealor, Andrew Zembruski
This is a press release from the school.
Congratulations to all the students on their achievement!
Congratulations to all the students on their achievement!
Recuperation journey: Looking at the morning sky
Last quarter moon in a clear sky; 56 percent visible.
Have a great Thursday!
Wednesday, November 28, 2018
Seymour Town Clerk seeks donations, participants for memorial fund
*From the Office of the First Selectman Facebook page.
Logan to host coffee hour at Acropolis Diner in Hamden
Logan, R-Ansonia, represents the 17th District.
Tuesday, November 27, 2018
Derby-Shelton Rotary offers sand, salt to senior citizens, disabled
If you are interested in receiving a bucket, sign up at the Derby or Shelton Senior Centers or contact Kim Ryan at Kim@curtissryan.com with the word Sand in the subject line, or at 203-929-1484, x 227.
Individuals residing in housing developments that already provide sand are not eligible. Deadline for sign up is Dec. 1.
Rotary Club is the world’s hardest working service organization. The Rotary motto is Service Above Self, and Rotarians are involved in projects such as curing the world of Polio and providing a dictionary to every third grader in Derby and Shelton.
Learn more about Rotary at www.derby-sheltonrotary.org.
This is a press release from the club.
Hotchkiss Hose Co. in Derby to give Santa a lift on Popcorn Ball Sunday
*Shared from the Friends of Hotchkiss Hose Company 1 Facebook page.
'Turnback Tuesday' highlights motor boat club in Derby
"Derby, Conn.: 15 boats, racing under the auspices of the Naugatuck Valley Motor Boat Club, competed for a trophy offered by Col. Watson J. Miller. This trophy must be won 3 times consecutively before it becomes property of the winner. The boats were handicapped according to the results of a race held the previous week.
"The race was over a 10-mile course on the Housatonic River. 3 boats - Louise II, Vamoose, and Lorclei - were disqualified for exceeding the speed made in a previous trial. Genevieve, owned by A. H. Smith, won by 1 second over No Name, owned by W.A. Gordon, and takes the trophy for the time being."
Thanks as always to the Derby Public Library staff for sharing interesting local history each week.
Hip replacement surgery topic of free talk at Griffin Hospital in Derby
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| Philip Minotti, M.D. |
Orthopedic surgeon Philip Minotti, M.D., will discuss the advanced direct anterior approach for hip replacement, which offers important advantages over standard surgical procedures. Direct anterior hip replacement patients generally experience less pain along with a shorter length of stay in the hospital and faster recovery.
Minotti will answer any questions attendees may have.
Minotti will answer any questions attendees may have.
These seminars are offered monthly at Griffin Hospital. Refreshments will be served.
For more information or to reserve your spot, call Griffin Hospital Orthopaedic Care Specialist Amy Gagne, 203-732-7524.
This is a press release from Griffin Hospital.
Monday, November 26, 2018
Recuperation journey: Christmas plants catch my eye
Vibrant red poinsettias brighten a gray Monday afternoon at Veterans Park in Ansonia.
Griffin Hospital in Derby to host talk for caregivers of special needs students
DERBY - The Community Health Resource Center at Griffin Hospital will host a free talk Dec. 6 to help caregivers of students with special needs advocate for their loved ones' education.
Kevin Daly, Health Care Information Specialist with PATH Parent to Parent/Family Voices of Connecticut, will lead “The ‘Soft Skills’ of Special Education Advocacy,” a presentation for parents of students with disabilities who want to sharpen their advocacy skills.
Topics include: best practices for school-home communications; how to get involved in the decision making process; how to prepare for school meetings (including PPT and 504); obtaining a free copy of your child’s school records; where to find help when you need it.
Daly has worked as a special education advocate with hundreds of Connecticut families for more than 20 years.
PATH/FVCT is a statewide grassroots parent organization that has been around for over 30 years. PATH/FVCT is dedicated to offering excellence in emotional and informational support to families, promote partnerships with families of diverse backgrounds, and collaborate with health care providers and community organizations to improve services and policies that serve our children.
PATH/FVCT has the support of two of the largest networks of families of children with unique abilities and special health care needs.
This program is part of a series of free, educational forums hosted by the Community Health Resource Center in an effort to help improve the health of the community.
To register or for more information, call Kerry or Deborah, 203-732-7399.
The hospital is at 130 Division St.
The Community Health Resource Center at Griffin Hospital is a traditional library that provides an array of medical and health information, including a large collection of easy to read health and lifestyle-related materials.
The Center is open to the public to educate themselves on ways to enhance their well-being, prevent illness, and play an active role in decisions about their health.
This is a press release from Griffin Hospital.
Tree lighting slated Sunday on Huntington Green in Shelton
SHELTON - The annual tree lighting on the Huntington Green will be held at 5 p.m. Sunday.
RJS Designs, LLC (Holiday Decorators) is hosting the event.
Christmas music entertainment will be provided by Music Teachers Network, LLC, caroling, cocoa, and cookies.
Mayor Mark Lauretti will visit. Santa will stop by on a firetruck from Huntington Fire Company No.3, and TD Bank Shelton branch will be handing out goodies.
*Information shared from a Facebook event page.
Sunday, November 25, 2018
Local artist to host exhibit of her photos at 92nd Street Y in NYC
The 92Y (www.92y.org), a community and cultural center in New York City, presents “Captured in the Art,” a solo exhibition of photographs by Deborah Sofferman.
The exhibition will be open to the public on the third floor of the 92Y.
Exhibition dates are Nov. 27-Dec. 20.
Viewing hours are Monday-Thursday 9 a.m.- 7:30 p.m.; Friday 9 a.m .-6 p.m., and Saturday and Sunday, 9:30 a.m.-5 p.m.
There will be two opening receptions to meet Sofferman.
Viewing hours are Monday-Thursday 9 a.m.- 7:30 p.m.; Friday 9 a.m .-6 p.m., and Saturday and Sunday, 9:30 a.m.-5 p.m.
There will be two opening receptions to meet Sofferman.
One is on Tuesday (Nov. 27), from noon-2 p.m. to commemorate “Giving Tuesday,” a program initiated by the 92Y in 2012.
The second reception will be held from 6-8 p.m. Dec. 5.
Sofferman presents candid photographs she captured of artists who create art in the 92Y Art Center.
Sofferman presents candid photographs she captured of artists who create art in the 92Y Art Center.
“I enjoy bringing viewers into the realm of being an observer in a very private moment of the artist’s creative process time,” Sofferman said.
She used her iPhone to take the photographs. “I like the immediacy. I always have the iPhone with me and am less likely to miss the shot. As a photographer and ceramic artist, I understand firsthand the process of being motivated by the desire to actualize an image from within.”
Sofferman said, “In these photos, there’s more than just the visual component you see. There’s everything around and behind it: the pull of the artists’ interest to be captured by their art, the obstacles they face in getting to the studio, their willingness to give themselves to the task. And now, for this exhibit, to share themselves …“Caught in the Art.”
Sofferman added another dimension to the exhibition: viewers can read selected quotations from various 92Y artists about their creative experiences.
This is the first photography exhibition for the Art Center lobby. Emily Coyne, Manager of the 92Y Art Center, said, “We are grateful to Deborah for capturing the creative spirit found in the 92Y Art Center’s studios. This exhibition allows us to share the joy of art-making found in all of our studios. Our student artists and designers find their voice, passion, and mastery of skill in our studios. The dialogue students create with their artwork, instructors, and fellow students greatly enrich their lives outside of the studio.”
All photographs from “Captured in the Art” will be available for sale.
Sofferman will donate the proceeds to the 92Y Art Center program. She said, “I’d like to thank the 92Y, especially the Art Center, for their support, enthusiasm, and vision. And I’m immensely grateful to shine a light on these wonderful artists who freely allowed me to witness their process.”
This exhibition continues Sofferman’s ongoing docu-series titled @PeopleLookingAt which can be viewed on Instagram and her website https://PeopleLookingAt.com
The inspiration for her “Caught in the Art” series in part can be traced back to when she posed for renowned artist Raphael Soyer. “We became friends and while he was painting me I was looking right back at him and observing his expressions. I was first inspired by that exchange which I now experience when photographing artists in the midst of creating their art. It's about synergy.”
Deborah Sofferman is the wife of Dr. Bruce Sofferman of Smile Dental Center in Shelton. For more than three decades they have donned Pilgrim costumes to collect Thanksgiving food donations for Spooner House and Valley Food Bank in Shelton. Their daughter, Sophia, has joined them each year since she was an infant. She dresses as a Native American for the annual food drive.
She used her iPhone to take the photographs. “I like the immediacy. I always have the iPhone with me and am less likely to miss the shot. As a photographer and ceramic artist, I understand firsthand the process of being motivated by the desire to actualize an image from within.”
Sofferman said, “In these photos, there’s more than just the visual component you see. There’s everything around and behind it: the pull of the artists’ interest to be captured by their art, the obstacles they face in getting to the studio, their willingness to give themselves to the task. And now, for this exhibit, to share themselves …“Caught in the Art.”
Sofferman added another dimension to the exhibition: viewers can read selected quotations from various 92Y artists about their creative experiences.
This is the first photography exhibition for the Art Center lobby. Emily Coyne, Manager of the 92Y Art Center, said, “We are grateful to Deborah for capturing the creative spirit found in the 92Y Art Center’s studios. This exhibition allows us to share the joy of art-making found in all of our studios. Our student artists and designers find their voice, passion, and mastery of skill in our studios. The dialogue students create with their artwork, instructors, and fellow students greatly enrich their lives outside of the studio.”
All photographs from “Captured in the Art” will be available for sale.
Sofferman will donate the proceeds to the 92Y Art Center program. She said, “I’d like to thank the 92Y, especially the Art Center, for their support, enthusiasm, and vision. And I’m immensely grateful to shine a light on these wonderful artists who freely allowed me to witness their process.”
This exhibition continues Sofferman’s ongoing docu-series titled @PeopleLookingAt which can be viewed on Instagram and her website https://PeopleLookingAt.com
The inspiration for her “Caught in the Art” series in part can be traced back to when she posed for renowned artist Raphael Soyer. “We became friends and while he was painting me I was looking right back at him and observing his expressions. I was first inspired by that exchange which I now experience when photographing artists in the midst of creating their art. It's about synergy.”
Deborah Sofferman is the wife of Dr. Bruce Sofferman of Smile Dental Center in Shelton. For more than three decades they have donned Pilgrim costumes to collect Thanksgiving food donations for Spooner House and Valley Food Bank in Shelton. Their daughter, Sophia, has joined them each year since she was an infant. She dresses as a Native American for the annual food drive.
Recuperation journey: Cameron's journey
"View from my hotel room. This overlooks the Kista neighborhood, which has been described as the Silicon Valley of Europe."
*Posted by a proud mama.
Recuperation journey: God morgon
I thought I'd throw some Swedish in the mix since our son landed in Stockholm about an hour ago.
He recently changed jobs and the company he works for sent him there for 10 days.
Today I'm thankful for texting!
[God morgon means good morning.]
He recently changed jobs and the company he works for sent him there for 10 days.Today I'm thankful for texting!
[God morgon means good morning.]
Saturday, November 24, 2018
Seymour Ambulance Association offers pictures with Santa event
SEYMOUR - Members of the Seymour Ambulance Association invite residents to have their picture taken with Santa Dec. 1 and 2 at 4 Wakeley St.
Even the furry children are welcomed! Hours are 9 a.m.-5 p.m. both days.
While you are waiting for your photos to print, you can watch a movie, make a craft with one of the elves, write a letter to Santa, or enjoy some goodies.
Photos are $14 for one sheet, or $35 for a package of three sheets. Sizes include one 8x10, two 5x7, or nine wallets.
Contact Cindy at 203-888-8843 ext. 5 or at picswithsanta@seymourems.org with any questions.
Hope to see you all there!
*Shared from a Facebook event page.
Seymour Public Library to host crafts, visit from Rudolph, more
SEYMOUR - The Seymour Public Library, 46 Church St., has scheduled a variety of fun activities for children in December.
Dec. 4 - 10:30 a.m.– Lynn Lewis! With Special Appearance by Rudolph! Music & Movement – singing & dancing & fun for all ages!!
Dec. 6 - 4 p.m. – StoryKids’ Book Club for K-Gr 2. Book talks, craft and a snack. Child must have some reading ability.
Dec. 7 – 3:45 p.m. – Origami for YAs - come & create a great origami craft! Ages 10 & up
Dec. 11 - 10:30 a.m. – Science Snoopers ‘Seasons Senses!’ - Natural science, story and craft for ages 2 & up. Must be able to sit & listen.
Dec. 12 - 4 p.m.– Nutmeggers’ Book Club - YA -for grade 5 & up. - Book talk, craft, & a
snack - features the Intermediate Nutmeg Nominees.
Dec.13 – 10:30 a.m. - Preschoolers’ Winter Crafty Party! Refreshments, stories, games & crafts for all preschoolers! 0-6 years.
Dec. 13 - 4 p.m. – BookChatters’ Book Club for Gr 2-4. - Book talk, craft, and a snack - features the Magic Tree House Series.
Dec. 14 and 15 – Friday & Saturday All Day - Drop-In Winter Craft Table - Come in & Create!
All Programs Are Free! Fun! & Formative!
Some have limited enrollment; registration required for all.
For information call 203-888-3903, visit us on Facebook, or visit www.seymourpubliclibrary.org.
For information call 203-888-3903, visit us on Facebook, or visit www.seymourpubliclibrary.org.
This is a press release from Ann Szaley, head of children’s services, Seymour Public Library.
Friday, November 23, 2018
Ansonia resident to host meet and greet at Christmas Tree Lighting event
DO NOT BE ALONE THIS HOLIDAY SEASON!
Let's make this the first of many meet and greets!
We will meet up on the steps of the Post Office at 237 Main St., Ansonia at 5 p.m. and make our way to Veterans Park by 5:30 p.m.
Everyone is invited! Dress warmly! 'Tis the season for new friends!
*Shared from a post by Karen Parks on the Ansonia Community Updates and Forum Facebook page.
Derby Public Library to hold YA Wednesdays in December
DERBY - The Derby Public Library invites all young adults ages 12 to 17 to join the fun of YA Wednesdays from 6-7:30 p.m. each week in December.
Sony Play Station Four (PS4), Nintendo Wii, board games, and Legos will be available.
Sony Play Station Four (PS4), Nintendo Wii, board games, and Legos will be available.
Light refreshments will be provided.
For more information stop by the Library, 313 Elizabeth St., call 203-736-1482 or visit www.derbypubliclibrary.org.
This is a press release from Tony DeLos, young adult librarian, Derby Public Library.
This is a press release from Tony DeLos, young adult librarian, Derby Public Library.
Thursday, November 22, 2018
Recuperation journey: Waxing gibbous moon
Took this about 45 minutes after posting previous moon photo. No power lines in sight this time!
Stay warm, local friends. It's rather brisk out there.
Stay warm, local friends. It's rather brisk out there.
Recuperation journey: Almost-full moon on Thanksgiving
... featuring silhouetted tree branches and power lines. It's so cold not sure if I want to go out and try again.
The moon today,Thursday, is waxing gibbous with 99 percent illumination.
Full moon is Friday.
Recuperation journey: Giving thanks for my cat
So this morning I'm standing at the stovetop making stuffing, minding my own business, when the cat of the house starts horking (my word) right nearby, under the table.
Ugh. Must he? I guess so.
And as cat owners know, it always sounds much worse than it is.
But like always, I thanked him for horking - luckily he doesn't understand sarcasm - and told him I hope he feels better!
Wishing my readers a Happy Thanksgiving!
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| File photo |
Ugh. Must he? I guess so.
And as cat owners know, it always sounds much worse than it is.
But like always, I thanked him for horking - luckily he doesn't understand sarcasm - and told him I hope he feels better!
Wishing my readers a Happy Thanksgiving!
Wednesday, November 21, 2018
Osborne Homestead in Derby features 'Storybook Holiday' decorations
DERBY - I had the good fortune of getting a sneak peek today of the 'Storybook Holiday' decorations at the Osborne Homestead Museum.
Each room in the stately 19th-century house at 500 Hawthorne Ave. was beautifully adorned to depict this year's storybook theme.
I've always loved the story of 'Snow White,' and so the dining room featuring her and the Seven Dwarfs instantly became one of my favorites.
This is part of the studio, which is decorated in a 'Jack and the Beanstalk' theme. That's the giant's foot at the upper right!
The museum will be open for tours starting Friday (Nov. 23) and running through Dec. 16. Hours are 10 a.m.- 4 p.m. Thursdays through Sundays.
Holiday Twilight Tours are from 4-7 p.m. Nov. 30, Dec. 7, and 14.
For information call 203-734-2513.
Stay tuned for more photos in the next issue of The Valley Voice newsletter.
Each room in the stately 19th-century house at 500 Hawthorne Ave. was beautifully adorned to depict this year's storybook theme.
The museum will be open for tours starting Friday (Nov. 23) and running through Dec. 16. Hours are 10 a.m.- 4 p.m. Thursdays through Sundays.
Holiday Twilight Tours are from 4-7 p.m. Nov. 30, Dec. 7, and 14.
For information call 203-734-2513.
Stay tuned for more photos in the next issue of The Valley Voice newsletter.