Thursday, November 8, 2018
Recuperation journey: 'You lookin' at me?'
I caught a photo and the blue jay caught me capturing it.
He was busy clearing leaves out of the gutter for us. So helpful!
Recuperation journey: Thoughts on organ donation
Friday is my 18-month anniversary of receiving a kidney from a wonderful woman I'd never met.
I've since met her, and can't thank her enough for her gift.
I'm marking the day by writing a story to raise awareness of living organ donation.
Please look for it in our next Valley Voice newsletter.
Make crafts, learn firecraft skills in December at Ansonia Nature Center
ANSONIA - The Ansonia Nature and Recreation Center, 10 Deerfield Road, has scheduled fun activities for December.
WINTER WREATH WORKSHOP – 10 a.m. Dec. 1 Celebrate winter and the festive season as you create a wreath from fresh, locally grown greens, then decorate your masterpiece with natural trimmings. Enjoy some warm mulled cider and a cookie too!
Wreath frames and wire will be provided. Please bring your own hand clippers. Materials fee: $15. Please call to register.
NEEDLE FELTING FOR BEGINNERS - 1 p.m. Dec. 1
Join in this fun class and learn the art of needle felting. With just one barbed needle you can create some wonderful 3D animals. All supplies will be provided. Materials fee: $15.
Class size is limited to 12, so please register in advance. Ages 12 and up.
SCULPT-A-FOX – 2:30 p.m. Dec. 9
Do you love foxes? Join Ranger Jess to learn how to sculpt a fox out of clay using nothing but your fingers!
Time permitting, we’ll bake and paint them too. Just in time for the holiday gift-giving season! Fee: $6 per person.
PRINCIPLES OF FIRECRAFT – 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Dec. 15
Basic firecraft skills are very important for campers. Learn how to be the family camp-out fire starter in this session on the safe and efficient way to build and tend to a fire. Ranger Dan will teach us about wood gathering, fire safety, and fire starting with only one match. We’ll even roast some marshmallows!
Children must be accompanied by an adult. Fee: $6 per person.
To register for programs or for more information call 203-736-1053.
**And plan to start 2019 with a hike!**
JANUARY 2019
NEW YEAR’S DAY HIKE – 10 a.m. Jan 1
Bring a healthy start to your new year at the Nature Center. Our ranger will conduct this brisk walk while you learn a little natural history trivia along the way. Free. Please call to register. Inclement weather cancels.
***ONGOING PROGRAMS***
Pet Loss Grief Support Session – By appointment
Losing a beloved animal can be tragic and a very emotional time for humans. There are numerous resources to turn to for the loss of a human loved one, but limited options for when we lose an animal. This free support session is for those who have lost an animal or have one in the process of moving on. Please call Susan Wilson at 1-802-379-4449 for an appointment.
Sunday Guided Hikes – 1 p.m.
Join a Nature Center guide Sunday afternoons for fun, exercise, and learning about our trails!
Fiber Arts Group – Tuesdays, 6 p.m.
Get together with others to work on your fiber arts projects! Bring any kind of fiber work—knitting, felting, crocheting, etc. A great way to dedicate time to your handiwork and socialize too. Free.
Yoga for a Healthy Mind and Body – Thursdays, 6:30 p.m.
Hatha Yoga instructor and practitioner Pam Mellitz will lead us into a healthier lifestyle through stretching, breath control and gentle exercise.
The 90-minute classes require a mat or thick towel; dress for easy movement. Class is limited to 12 students. Cost is $7 per class. Please call Pam to register at 203-888-4124.
Creature Features – Saturdays, noon
Come to meet our furry, scaly, and feathery animal ambassadors. You’ll have the chance to touch and hold them in this free family program for all ages.
Kids invited to read to Spirit at Derby Neck Library
"At 5 p.m. Nov. 14 Miss Kathy will host another popular B.A.R.K. program and all ages are invited to drop in and be a reading kid to a guest dog here at the library.
"Spirit, who is a Newfoundland, is a great listener and will be here once again for children to read to. You can bring your own book or choose one of ours from the library. And if children simply want to stop in to just say hello and visit, that’s cool too.
"No registration is needed. Just drop in."
The Library is at 307 Hawthorne Ave., Derby.