Griffin Hospital in Derby to offer talk on hip replacement surgery


DERBY - Griffin Hospital will offer a free presentation on minimally invasive hip replacement surgery at 5:45 p.m. Sept.18 at the hospital, 130 Division St.
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. 
Dr. Minotti will be available at the end of the presentation to answer any questions from attendees.

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.

Annual Labor Day weekend Greek festival in Orange starts today


ORANGE - Odyssey, the 39th annual festival celebrating Greek food, music and culture, starts today at St. Barbara Greek Orthodox Church, 480 Racebrook Road.

The four-day Labor Day weekend party features authentic Greek cuisine (gyro, souvlaki, moussaka, saganaki, Greek salads, meze, pastries, loukoumades, and more), live Greek music and dancing, Greek dance lessons, bustling Greek marketplace, giant tag sale, cooking demonstrations, raffle, church presentations and tours, kids’ activities (rides, games, magic shows) and more.

Hours: noon-10 p.m. Fri., Sat., Sun., 8/30, 8/31, 9/1; noon-7 p.m. Mon. 9/2.
Senior Citizens Day today, 8/30 (20 percent discount on senior meals noon-3 p.m. only).

Rain or shine, indoors and out on 10 country acres. Free parking, free admission.
Info: 203-795-1347.

*Shared from a Facebook event page.

Farmer's market will be open today in downtown Ansonia


Sharing from the City of Ansonia Facebook page:

"Managed by Gazy Farm of Oxford, the market includes fresh area farm vegetables, fruits, herbs, flowers, and more. 
"Located on Main St in the park directly across from Doyle Senior Center, the market will be here each Friday at same time and place through early September. See you there!"

Echo Hose Ambulance in Shelton to hold emergency management class



SHELTON - Echo Hose Ambulance-Shelton EMS, 100 Meadow St., will hold an emergency management class for caregivers from 1-5 p.m. Sept. 20.
This free course was developed to help caregivers in both in-home and facility care arrangements better reduce the vulnerability and risk of senior citizens in their care, and to help caregivers plan and prepare for their disaster response requirements.

The course material will familiarize participants with the wide range of unique vulnerability factors associated with senior citizens in relation to disaster events, and explain the dynamics behind how each of these vulnerabilities affects the ability of senior citizens to take more effective risk reduction and hazard preparedness actions (and to otherwise survive disaster events).

Participants will be introduced to the full range of hazards that typically lead to major disasters.
Participants will also learn how to identify potential hazards and discover different solutions that may be taken to address these risks.

Caregivers will also learn about senior citizen social networks, vulnerabilities, and how to build disaster resilience.

Finally, an emphasis on conveying basic risk communication with senior citizens will be discussed.

To register or to see a full listing of classes offered at the Echo Hose Ambulance Training Center, visit www.echohose.com.


*This is shared from a Facebook event page.

Thursday, August 29, 2019

Shops at Seymour to mark First Saturday with Block Party


Don’t miss this special event from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Sept. 7 in downtown Seymour!
The event is hosted by Shops at Seymour and Lizzie's Corner Consignment and Gifts, 19 Bank St. 

The fun lasts all day and into the evening. Stroll from antique shop to specialty shop while live music plays at the corner of Bank Street and Columbus.
Drop in for a bite to eat at the many eateries.
Many merchants will have special offerings right up until 8 p.m.
Located off exit 22 from North or South Route 8, you’ll find public parking lots within easy walking distance. Once you’ve arrived make sure you check out all the shops. Mosey down to Main Street, Columbus, and Bank Street. Treasures abound!

*Information shared from a Facebook event page.

Derby Public Library to host presentation on adding vegetables to meals


DERBY - Stacey Ference of Savour Catering will share how to add nutritious, leafy veggies into  meals at 6:30 p.m. Sept. 22 at Derby Public Library.

Maximum of 30 attendees; registration is required online or by calling 203-736-1482.
The Library is at 313 Elizabeth St.

*This info is shared from the Library's events calendar. 

Recuperation journey: Blue heron seen in Lake Housatonic in Seymour


Spotting him from a distance brightened a gray Wednesday afternoon. Wish I could have been closer for a better photo. He looks to be suspended in mid-air!

Moths are topic of program at Kellogg Environmental Center in Derby



DERBY - The Kellogg Environmental Center will shine a spotlight on moths - those ephemeral creatures of the night - from 7:30-9 p.m. Sept. 14. 
Discover what makes a moth a moth with this fun, family-friendly program. 
Participants will learn about moth life history, and how to make an attractant to see moths in their own backyard, which they will be able to take home with them. 
There will be an outdoor moth station to look for live moths, so participants should dress for the weather.  
Free admission; registration is recommended.  
For information and to register, call 203-734-2513.  
Kellogg Environmental Center, 500 Hawthorne Ave., is open Tuesday through Saturday from 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m.

This is a press release from the Kellogg Environmental Center. 

Wednesday, August 28, 2019

Derby Neck Library to show movie about Elton John



DERBY - The monthly Dinner and a Movie for adults 18+ will be Rocketman at 5:30 p.m. Sept. 5 at Derby Neck Library, 307 Hawthorne Ave.
This biographical film tells the story of singer/songwriter ELTON JOHN and stars TARON EGERTON in the lead role. 
It provides insights into his troubled childhood, his rise to stardom, and his addiction struggles.
Doors close at 5:45 p.m. No registration is required so bring your friends for a really fun evening.

*Info shared from the Library's Facebook page.


Tuesday, August 27, 2019

Recuperation journey: Afternoon stop


Blue jay ready to have an egg shell for an afternoon snack. 
I took this photo through the patio door. 

'Turnback Tuesday' features Brownie Castle on Academy Hill in Derby

Turnback Tuesday visits the “Red House on the Hill." 
Famously known as Brownie Castle, it was located on Academy Hill in Derby. 
A colonial saltbox house built in 1686 by Samuel Bowers, it was later owned by W.S. Browne who lived there for more than 50 years, hence “Brownie Castle”. 
To be a colonial-style house, the chimney is located in the center as well as the front door, with equal number of windows on both sides. Thus, the home is symmetrical. A saltbox has a low back roof line. 
Brownie Castle had a spectacular view of the Housatonic River going towards Long Island Sound.


A big thank you goes to the Derby Public Library staff for sharing interesting local history each week!

Trash, recycle pickup in Ansonia delayed by one day next week


ANSONIA - Trash and Recycle pickup will be delayed by one day the week of Sept. 1 due to Labor Day. 
Bulk pickup will also resume in September after Labor Day. 
Please call 203-736-5945 for an appointment.

Back to School bingo slated at Plumb Memorial Library in Shelton

Back-to-School B-I-N-G-O!
Plumb Memorial Library
65 Wooster St., Shelton
Sept. 7, 1-2 p.m. Sept. 7

"Excited about the new school year? Join us for “Back-to-School B-I-N-G-O! Instead of looking and listening for numbers and letters, we will look and listen for things that are related to school. 
"If you match the called school items to your Bingo board you could win a prize! 
"All ages welcome to attend. Caregivers must remain with their children for program duration.
"This will be the last Children’s Program at Plumb in the Meeting Room before we begin our renovations!"

*This is shared from the Shelton Library System Facebook page.

Traffic issues at Prendergast School spur Ansonia PD to modify parking

Shared from the Ansonia Police Department Facebook page:

"Due to residential complaints and traffic issues in front of Prendergast School there have been some parking modifications to address these concerns. 
"The problem arises during pick-up and drop-off times for children at the school. Parents and guardians that are waiting in line to pick up or drop-off their children stop and wait in the travel lanes of Finney Street. This prevents employees from getting to work on time and also poses a serious traffic hazard.
In an effort to eliminate travel lane blockages the following changes will be put into effect beginning August 26, 2019.
• There will be NO PARKING allowed, in front of Prendergast School next to the grass island on Finney Street, between the entrance and exits for the school buses.
• This area will be clearly marked with signs that indicate only cars waiting to pick up or drop off children can wait in line. NO PARKING is allowed in front of the school on Finney Street.
• Parents and guardians will be asked to approach the school and wait in their vehicle along the curb line on the Ford Street side, along the island in front of Prendergast School and wait to enter the drop-off zone.
• Vehicles will not be allowed to wait in the travel lanes to enter the parking lot.
• Vehicles approaching the school from Pulaski Highway will have to drive to the end of Finney Street and enter the queue line on Ford Street.
• Vehicles will only be allowed to turn right into the pick-up/drop-off zone.
• Vehicles leaving the pick-up/drop-off zone can turn left or right when leaving.
"Thank you for your anticipated cooperation in this matter."


Griffin Hospital in Derby to host Better Breathers Club


DERBY - Griffin Health has partnered with the American Lung Association to help individuals manage lung disease and live better.
Griffin will host monthly meetings for the Lung Association’s Better Breathers Club® starting  Sept. 4 from 1-2:30 p.m. at the hospital.

Better Breathers Clubs are welcoming support groups offered at no charge to people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease or other chronic lung diseases. 
The club brings people together to learn how to manage their condition and improve their quality of life.
The club will provide support, education and socialization to help participants:
  • Better manage their condition
  • Talk to their healthcare provider
  • Tracking symptoms, understanding medicines and treatment
  • Managing everyday activities (bathing, dressing, shopping)
  • Share experiences, challenges and skills with others
  • Learn about resources and activities in the community
  • Become more active
“Chronic lung diseases are not curable, but they can be managed,” said Liza Mecca, BA, RRT, AE-C, director of Respiratory Services at Griffin Hospital. “The Better Breathers Club helps people understand that they are not defined by their condition and that they can live well with chronic lung disease.”

For more information or to register, contact Liza, 203-732-7574 or lmecca@griffinhealth.org.



This is a press release from Griffin Hospital. 


Monday, August 26, 2019

Ansonia PD: 2 pedestrians seriously hurt in accident at Stop & Shop

ANSONIA - On Aug. 25, 2019 at 12:43 p.m., Ansonia police responded to the Stop & Shop at 100 Division St. to investigate a report of a motor vehicle versus pedestrian accident. 

The first officer on scene found two injured pedestrians; a car driving in the parking lot struck both pedestrians near the entrance to the store. 
The first pedestrian, a 51-year-old female resident of Ansonia, suffered a severe leg injury. Her leg was caught between the vehicle and a steel column causing the amputation of her leg below the knee. The female was transported to a local hospital where she is listed in serious but stable condition. 
The second pedestrian, a 60-year-old male resident of Ansonia, suffered head and facial injuries. 
He was transported to a local hospital where he is listed in stable condition. The driver of the car, Aurelia Caprio, 88, of Shelton, was treated for minor injuries.

Based on the investigation and eyewitness reports, Caprio was pulling out of a parking spot in the lot when she lost control of her car and struck both pedestrians. 
Caprio did not report any physical issues or illness as a cause of the accident and she did not report any mechanical issues with her car. Caprio’s driver’s license was seized and returned to the Department of Motor Vehicles.

This is a press release from Lt. Patrick Lynch, public information officer, Ansonia Police Department.

Derby Public Library posts holiday closing

Sharing from Facebook:

"The Library will be closed Sat., Aug. 31st and Mon., Sept. 2nd in observance of the Labor Day holiday."









St. Thomas the Apostle Church in Oxford to host parish picnic

Photo shared from Facebook

OXFORD - St. Thomas the Apostle Church will hold its annual Parish Picnic from noon-4 p.m. Sept. 8 in the church parking lot.

  • The event will feature games, great food, and fun for the family.
  • Sign-up is in the parish vestibule.
  • The church is at 733 Oxford Road.


This is shared from a Facebook event page.

Recuperation journey: Visitor at 8:45 on a Monday morning




I was able to get outside to get clear photos instead of taking them through a window. 
He (she?) was pretty close to the patio and posed for me.

Derby FD to host annual Sept. 11 memorial service on the Green


DERBY - The Derby Fire Department will host its annual Sept. 11 memorial service on the Derby Green at 7 p.m. on Sept. 11.

Any questions please contact:
Assistant Chief David Lenart
203-751-7006 or david.lenart158@gmail.com.



This info is shared from a Facebook event page.



Saturday, August 24, 2019

Recuperation journey: Siesta time

Relaxing in the sun. An unusual position, I'd say. (Photo taken through the window.)

Recuperation journey: What's for lunch?

They love to sit atop the forsythia. (Photo taken through window.)

Learn how to draw birds at Kellogg Environmental Center in Derby

Description:
Science and Art come together in this educational and creative program about birds.  
Date:
9/7/2019
Time:
2-3:30 p.m.
Location:
Kellogg Environmental Center
 .
500 Hawthorne Ave.

Derby
Accessibility:
Handicapped parking available. Building is wheelchair accessible. 
For additional needs contact Sue Quincy at (203)734-2513.
Directions:
Fee:
Free
Registration:
Registration recommended
Contact:
Donna at (203)734-2513
Contact Email:
Details:
Children and adults are invited to learn about the adaptations that make birds so successful, and explore the relationship between form and function. 
After a bird talk and drawing tutorial, participants will be able to use birds from the Center’s taxidermy collection as models to create their drawings. 
All abilities and skill levels are welcome. Drawing materials will be provided. 
The building will remain open until 4:30 if anyone wishes to continue drawing past 3:30.

Fundraiser in Milford Saturday to benefit Center for Disability Rights



My husband Ralph and I are longtime members of the Center for Disability Rights and he is past president of the Board of Directors of the organization. 
This fundraiser will be held at Adams Hometown Market, 1391 New Haven Ave., Milford.


Seymour Pink posts events for September, October

The nonprofit Seymour Pink, a community's fight against breast cancer, has announced  upcoming events.


Thur. Sept. 5th... Retro Pub and Grill Pink Night - featuring honorary Bartender Mary Deming.
Sat. Sept. 7th...Closer To Free Bike Ride~Come see us at our booth!
Sat. Sept. 14th...Pink Shop Anniversary celebration 10am-6pm ~Sales, treats, and surprises!
Sun. Sept. 22nd...Visit Seymour Pink at the Seymour Pumpkin Festival
Sat. Sept. 28th...Fashion Show for Breast Cancer Survivors Sponsored By Dazzle and 67 West Hair Designers at Quarry Walk
Sat. Oct. 5th... 8th Annual Pounding the Pavement for Pink.
Sun. Oct. 6th...Shelton Day~Come see us at our booth!
Wed. Oct. 16th... Seymour Pink Day! Think Pink. Wear Pink. Decorate Pink.
Thur. Oct 17th...Cellini's Jewelers' Annual Special Night for Seymour Pink
Sat. Oct 19th...Pink Night at the Sound Tigers
Sun. Oct. 27th... Team Seymour Pink at the 44th Marine Corps Marathon and MCM 10K in Washington DC.

Recuperation journey: Looking at the sky


 Taken early Thursday evening in downtown   Ansonia.