Logan to host senior fair Wednesday at Warsaw Park in Ansonia

ANSONIA - A Valley tradition for more than three decades aimed at helping area senior citizens make the most of their golden years will return to Warsaw Park Wednesday.

State Sen. George S. Logan, R-Ansonia, will host the annual Senior Health and Wellness Fair from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Oct. 17 at Warsaw Park, 119 Pulaski Highway.
The fair annually draws hundreds of seniors who can take advantage of numerous free services geared toward their health and well-being.

Logan, a Republican whose 17th District includes Ansonia, Beacon Falls, Bethany, Derby, Hamden, Naugatuck and Woodbridge, said he’s honored to carry on the longtime Valley tradition.

“This free event is now an established tradition for Valley seniors,” Logan said. “It started more than 30 years ago by former state Senator Gary Hale. My predecessor, former state Senator Joe Crisco, continued the tradition to make this event better and better. 
"I then picked up the baton because it’s a great way to help Valley seniors get their flu shots, get free health screenings and get key information about health services in our region. So tell a friend. Tell a neighbor. Join us at Warsaw Park on Wednesday.”

This year’s senior fair will feature more than 50 vendors to arm seniors with information and screenings to help them live their best lives.
Vendors will include the Naugatuck Valley Health District, administering flu shots; Griffin Hospital, offering colon screenings; the state Office of Healthcare Advocate, who will discuss identify theft and how to protect oneself from it; Connecticut Society for Respiratory Care, offering lung function tests; My Eye Doc, offering vision screenings; TEAM Inc., providing information on volunteer care-giving services and Meals on Wheels program; and Yale-New Haven Hospital.

There will be a free lunch for all who attend.
Seniors in Ansonia and Derby needing a ride to the fair can call Valley Transit District at 203-735-6408 for a lift.

For more information about the fair, contact Peggy Tibbals, director of public affairs for the Senate Republicans, at 860-240-8884 or by email peggy.tibbals@cga.ct.gov .

This is a press release from Logan's office. 

Blood pressure screenings slated at Seymour Public Library

SEYMOUR - Griffin Hospital Community Outreach and Parish Nursing will sponsor free blood pressure screenings from 9:30-11:30 a.m. Thursday at Seymour Public Library.

The nurses also will provide  health information to attendees. 
The Library is at 46 Church St.


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

Kellogg Center in Derby seeks Project FeederWatch volunteers

DERBY - Know the difference between American goldfinch and yellow warbler? 
Are you a beginner or seasoned birdwatcher? Become a FeederWatcher!
The Kellogg Environmental Center is seeking volunteers for its Project FeederWatch program. 

Volunteers will monitor birds and maintain the bird feeding stations at Kellogg Environmental Center from November 2018 to March 2019 on Fridays and Saturdays. Come to the center from 9-10:30 a.m. Saturday to attend a Project FeederWatch training.

Project FeederWatch is a citizen science project that studies the distribution and populations of winter bird species across the country. 

 Volunteers monitor and count the number of birds at the center’s bird feeders during pre-selected days between November and March. The data is carefully recorded and sent to the Cornell Lab of Ornithology for compilation, analysis and publication. Project FeederWatch is well suited for students, teachers, families, retirees, and people who have an interest in birds and who enjoy watching wildlife.

All ages are welcome, but children under the age of 12 must be accompanied by adults. Handouts and refreshments will be available.

The training is free and open to the public. Pre-registration is requested.

For more information and to register, contact 
Kellogg Environmental Center, 203-734- 2513 or donna.kingston@ct.gov. 
The Kellogg Environmental Center is a facility of the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection. It is located at 500 Hawthorne Ave. 
It is open Tuesday through Saturday from 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m.


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

Oxford PTO slates clothing drive, shred day fundraiser at Center School

OXFORD - The Oxford Parent Teacher Organization will hold a Clothing Drive and Shred It Day fundraiser at Oxford Center School from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Oct. 27.

Shred Drive:
A truck from Secure Shred It will be at the school and will shred all documents on site. Oxford PTO encourages people to protect themselves and their families against identity theft by attending the event. 

People can destroy unwanted junk mail, old family papers, documents, and confidential home/office papers safely and easily at the event. It is also a good way for people to recycle, PTO members say. 
People who cannot attend the event can still participate. 
Shredding prices start at $10; for more on how to do so, or for more information on the event, contact Lisa Suttile at mominxoxford4@me.com or at 203-217-0500.

Clothing Drive:

The Oxford PTO will conduct its semi-annual clothing drive in conjunction with Shred It Day Oct. 27-28 all weekend at Oxford Center School GAZEBO, 462 Oxford Road (Route 67).
PLEASE BE SURE BAGS ARE SEALED AND LEFT IN THE GAZEBO.

Items being collected include gently used clothing (men, women, children), shoes, accessories (belts, pocketbooks, scarves, ties, hats), linens (bedding, curtains, tablecloths, towels), stuffed animals and toys (nothing breakable or too large).

All items should be placed in tightly sealed plastic garbage bags. 

Fragile items, as well as any books, large outdoor furniture, car seats or VCR tapes will not be accepted. Cleats that are donated need to be placed into a separate bag and marked accordingly.

This is shared from Oxford PTO Facebook page.

Paint a pumpkin Saturday at Gazy Brothers Farm in Oxford


Sharing from Gazy Brothers Farm Facebook page:

"Since we had so much fun at the fall fest [Sunday], and didn't get a chance to break out the painting table, we decided to get out the paints and have fun with what's left. 
"Space is limited, so please RSVP with how many pumpkins will be needed. 

"Small pumpkins are $3, Medium pumpkins are $5, Large or fancy are $10. We will be setting up in the greenhouse to stay warm and dry!"

'Turnback Tuesday' features mansion in East Derby


'Turnback Tuesday' looks at this mansion home at 40 Bank St., Derby, built by Robert N. Bassett in 1886. 
He owned it until 1892 when the new owner became Henry Sawyer until 1897. The incredible thing about this home was that, in 1902, it was separated into three parts and moved to new locations in Derby. 
The center portion was moved to the corner of Bank and Gilbert Streets (still there), the left section to Crescent Street (still there), and the right section to Commerce Street and Derby Avenue (no longer there). 
The move was made to make room for the new Franklin School. 
The second photo (back view, sepia) is courtesy of Seymour resident Marian O’Keefe.


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

Derby Public Library to host authors of 'Phantom Messages'


DERBY - Derby Public Library to present  “Phantom Messages: Chilling Phone Calls, Letters ...” from 6:30-7:30 p.m. Oct. 22.

Join authors Bill and Jimmy on a mission to unravel the mysterious world of impossible communication. 

You’ll hear from witnesses and experts on scientific and paranormal theories, examine evidence and case characteristics, and share real life paranormal messages of hope, terror, time slips, and wonder. 
Bonus author investigations are also included. If you enjoy hauntings and UFO phenomena, you’ll love exploring the unforgettable “Phantom Messages”!

Copies of “Phantom Messages” and Hall’s other books will be available for purchase/signing.
Space is limited; registration is required online or by calling 203-736-1482.

The Library is at 313 Elizabeth St.

*Information shared from Facebook.


Children's author to visit Plumb Memorial Library in Shelton

SHELTON - Children’s author Bill Rockwell joins Ms. Kim to read his story, George, at 10:30 a.m. Oct. 24 at Plumb Memorial Library.

Come listen to the story, enjoy refreshments and a craft, and get a free copy of the book signed by the author!  

The program is for ages 3-7; registration is required here or at 203-924-9461. 

The Library is at 65 Wooster St. 
Additional books available for purchase (cash only).

*Shared from the Shelton Library System Facebook page.

Recuperation journey: Looking at the sky


So nice to look up and see blue. Took pictures of the sky this morning with my phone. 
Truth be told I need a new memory card for my camera. The ones I have been using are worn out. 


Still waiting for colorful fall foliage!