Sunday, December 15, 2019

Valley Soul concert warms hearts at Assumption Church in Ansonia

Concert goers were greeted by this colorful projection above the church door. 

I enjoyed an inspiring Valley Soul concert Wednesday at Assumption Church in Ansonia with my daughter, Allegra, and three friends.
It was the third such holiday performance but the first one I had attended. I'm so glad I did!

The Valley Soul Choir is led by Westbrook resident Angela Clemmons, who has worked as a professional singer for more than 35 years.
Clemmons assembles a group of community members and teaches them how to sing gospel music. And they do just that in five short weeks! It's an amazing accomplishment. 

Kudos to Clemmons and all of the volunteer singers who gave the audience an evening of soul to remember. 

The event, presented by Griffin Health, benefits TEAM, Inc. in Derby.

Angela Clemmons

Take a hike, meet live raptors in January at Ansonia Nature Center


ANSONIA - The Ansonia Nature and Recreation Center, 10 Deerfield Road, has announced a variety of fun activities for January.

FULL MOON HIKE: Full Wolf Moon – Jan.10, 5:30 p.m.
Join Wendy and Ranger Evelyn, our Nature Center naturalists, on a hike by the light of the moon! 
Listen for coyotes howling while we gather around the fire at pavilion #1 from 5:30–6:30 p.m. to warm up before the hike begins.  We will use our night vision and other senses for this after-dark park expedition in Raptor Woods. 
Wear warm clothes and proper foot gear! Inclement weather or dangerous conditions will cancel the hike. 
FEE: $1 per person; all ages are welcome. Children must be with an adult. This hike is not stroller friendly. Call to register.

HIKE: Trees in Winter – Jan. 12, 1 p.m.
Join our Nature Center naturalist, Ranger Evelyn, for this winter hike. Come see the different ways trees have adapted to the changing seasons. Learn what to look for to identify trees without their leaves. Wear appropriate shoes for this moderate hike and dress for the weather. 
For all ages; children must be accompanied by an adult. FREE, but please register. 

INSPIRING RAPTORS: A Place Called Hope and Sophie Zyla – Jan. 18, noon
Visit the Nature Center to meet a few live raptors up close and personal and the artist who was inspired by them. 
These animal ambassadors from A Place Called Hope, as well as images of the different raptor feathers, were photographed by Sophie Zyla. 
Who hasn’t been intrigued by a found feather? Some slash through the air with a whirl while others remain silent. 
During this meet-and-greet, not only will you get to see her beautiful photographs on exhibit but also get to meet the animal ambassadors she was inspired by. Christine Cummings, founder of the raptor rehabilitation center A Place Called Hope, will bring a couple of native birds of prey from their facility for you to see up close and to learn about their impressive adaptations. 
FREE; please call 203-736-1053 to register. For all ages.

HIKE: Snowshoe Sunday – Jan. 26, 1 p.m.
Need to get out and breathe the fresh air? Enjoy the winter with this guided hike through our beautiful woodland and fields. Great exercise after the holidays. This program is geared toward adults and older children. We have a limited number of snowshoes to borrow, so please register in advance.  FREE. 

 ***ONGOING PROGRAMS*** 

Creature Features – Saturdays, 12 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 – Sundays, 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.