Recuperation journey: Milford sunset

  A beautiful evening ends a gloomy day.

45th annual Oyster Festival on tap in Milford

'Turnback Tuesday' features Derby businessman

Turnback Tuesday features Herman Blankfield, a man who tried many business ventures. 
He started out as a peddler in 1886. In 1887, he tried his hand at confectionery. In 1889, he had a Variety Store at 76 Third St. and then moved the business to 16 Minerva St. in 1899. 
In 1900, the name changed to Second Hand Furniture. The business then was moved to 177 Main St. (shown, right hand side) in 1905 and was called H. Blankfield Furniture & Stoves. 
In 1915, the store moved again to 16 Olivia St. with Herman's wife taking it over in 1925 as Blankfield's Furniture Store. The store lasted at that location until 1936.


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

Sheri Miller to perform rock 'n roll at Derby Neck Library

Sheri Miller

DERBY - Entertainer Sheri Miller will perform at 5:30 p.m. Aug. 15 at Derby Neck Library, 307 Hawthorne Ave.
Miller returns to the Library to host a rock 'n roll concert: From the Beatles to Patsy Cline.

All ages are invited to join Sheri for another entertaining event. She has performed at the Library several times and everyone always enjoys her stylish musical ability. 
This will be a great afternoon event for kids to attend as well as all music lovers. 
It will be one of the highlights of the summer at the Library.

No registration is necessary. Simply gather up your family and friends and drop in to create some new memories.

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

Applications are open now for Leadership Greater Valley program

Leadership Greater Valley combines leadership skill building with community education.
It is a nine-week program where participants get a bird’s-eye view of the issues facing the community, begin developing the leadership skills necessary to assume leadership roles, and are exposed to involvement opportunities in the community.

Applications are now being accepted for the Class of 2019!

Space is limited. Click here to learn more now.

Country line dancing lessons slated at Seymour Community Center

Career Coach to return to Derby Public Library

DERBY - The Career Coach returns to Derby Public Library at 10 a.m. Aug. 16 to provide Job Search Assistance. 
CT Works staff offer suggestions of the more popular internet job search sites as well as resume critique for those with existing resumes. Free. 
Registration is requested by calling 203-736-1482. The Library is at 313 Elizabeth St.

This is shared from the Derby Public Library Facebook page.

Ansonia Nature Center posts calendar of September events

ANSONIA - Learn about migratory birds, take a harvest moon hike, and more in September at Ansonia Nature and Recreation Center, 10 Deerfield Road.
NATURE EXPLORERS – 10 a.m. Wednesdays, Aug. 21, 28, Sept. 4, 11.

Join us for this four-week pre-school/toddler program for children ages 2-5 and their adult explorer. Participants will have fun exploring nature every week in these outdoor classes. 
The classes are typically loosely structured and influenced by the seasons and the interests of the children. We will go outside for a short hike and to explore nature every class so please dress for the weather. Classes will end with a light snack (provided or bring your own) and conversation. TUITION: $40 for all 4 weeks, space permitting (cash or check payable to Ansonia Nature Center), due at the first class. Class is limited to 10 children. Please call 203-736-1053 to register.

THEMED GUIDED HIKE:  Goldenrod Jungle – Sept. 8, 1 p.m.

For all nature enthusiasts! Enjoy a walk through the park’s fields and vast Goldenrod Jungle. You’ll be amazed at the diversity of insects, spiders, and birds that depend on this unique habitat for survival. FREE guided hikes every Sunday at 1 p.m.

FALL TERM JUNIOR RANGERS – Thursdays, Sept. 12–Oct. 31, 3:30–5 p.m.

Calling all kids 11 to 14 years old who love nature! Has your child wanted to work with animals, garden, help maintain our trails, and help with special events? 
This is the opportunity to help the Nature Center in our eight-week after-school program. Parental permission is required. Class size is limited; this class fills up fast! FREE.

FULL HARVEST MOON HIKE – Sept. 14, 7:30–9:30 p.m.

This year, the September full Moon is called the Harvest Moon. Unlike other full Moon names, the Harvest Moon is tied to an astronomical event: the autumnal equinox. The full Moon that falls nearest to the equinox takes on the name “Harvest Moon.”
This Moon provides the most light at the time when it’s needed to complete the harvest. FEE: $3 per person. Please wear appropriate footwear.

BIRDS ON THE MOVE – Sept. 28, 8 am

Join environmental educator and conservationist Sophie Zyla for this informative family friendly program on migratory birds. 
She will concentrate on the end-of-summer journeys taken by our “flying friends” to faraway places each year. Find out who’s going and who’s staying put! FREE.

*** ONGOING PROGRAMS ***  

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.

Sunday Guided Hikes – 1 p.m.

Join a Nature Center guide on Sunday afternoons for fun, exercise, and learning about our trails! See the above listings for hikes with a specific theme.

Family Organic Garden Program – Tuesdays, Sept. 3, 10, 17, 24; 3:30–5 pm

ANC will be continuing family-friendly activities in our organic garden. Learn about growing a variety of fruits and vegetables. Dress appropriately; keep in mind you will get water and soil on your clothing. FREE, with the potential to take home fresh produce!

Fiber Arts Group – Tuesdays starting Sept. 3, 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.

DOT commissioner to attend CT Commuter Rail Council meeting in Derby

Health and Wellness Fair slated at Griffin Hospital in Derby

Griffin Health will host a Health and Wellness Fair Aug. 22 at the hospital./ Contributed photo

DERBY -  Griffin Health invites the community to experience its preventative health, lifestyle management, and support programs with a free Health and Wellness Fair from 4-6 p.m. Aug. 22 at the hospital, 130 Division St.

The fair will allow the community to see how Griffin is transforming traditional health care by not only focusing on helping people get well, but also helping them stay healthy. 

Griffin actively engages everyone with free and low-cost programs that provide education and support to help prevent or proactively manage chronic diseases, such as diabetes, obesity, heart disease, depression, and stress.

Attendees at the fair will be able to learn about Griffin’s community health programs, talk with representatives, and even try out some of the programs’ features, including simple, but effective exercises and healthy recipes. 

There will also be free blood pressure screenings and consultation and information on Griffin’s many free support groups.

Attendees will be able to enter into several free raffles for items and gift cards that promote well being.

This is a press release from Griffin Hospital.