Friday, January 31, 2020
Recuperation journey: Looking out the window
Inhale...
and exhale.
It looked to me like he was doing his morning neck stretch. Cardinal calisthenics?
and exhale.
It looked to me like he was doing his morning neck stretch. Cardinal calisthenics?
Seymour Public Library to host all day crafts for kids on Saturday
All day craft table with a theme for Groundhog Day!
Free to All!
Seymour Public Library is at 46 Church St., Seymour.
For information call 203-888-3903.
Plumb Memorial in Shelton to mark Take Your Child to the Library Day
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| 'The Snow Sisters' to perform Saturday at Plumb Memorial Library in Shelton. |
SHELTON - This Saturday, Feb. 1, from 1-2:30 p.m. children ages 5-10 and their caregivers are welcome to Plumb Memorial Library as we celebrate “Take Your Child to the Library Day” with a snowtastic event!
Enjoy a special performance by our two favorite ice princesses: “The Snow Sisters.”
Children will be delighted to experience their icy spectacle through a story, interactive games and a sing-along!
After the performance each child will have an opportunity to meet and greet the snowy siblings and snap a photo too! Caregivers must remain with their children for program duration.
Please feel free to come in costume and join the frosty fun! Registration required (for children only; caregivers need not register) here or at 203-924-1580.
The Library is at 65 Wooster St.
Information shared from the Library's Facebook page.
Medical equipment for sale at My Sister's Place in Ansonia
Sharing from My Sister's Place Facebook page:
"A plethora of medical equipment available in our warehouse. Just ask to get a closer look at canes, walkers, bathroom seats and more!"
Thursday, January 30, 2020
Victim in July shooting, 21, turns himself in to Ansonia Police
"On January 28, 2020 at 6:45 P.M. Rajohn Joti-James turned himself in at the Ansonia Police Department for the shooting on July 23, 2019 at the Howard Avenue and Church Street intersection.
"The Ansonia Police Department Detective Bureau obtained a warrant for Joti-James for his involvement in the shooting. Joti-James was one of two people who shot at each other with Joti-James being shot during the exchange of gunfire. The investigation is still ongoing and more arrests are expected.
"Rajohn Joti-James, age 21, of Ansonia was charged with Carrying a Pistol without a Permit, and released on a $5,000 bond with a court date of February 11, 2020 at Derby Superior Court."
BELOW IS THE ORIGINAL PRESS RELEASE
"On July 23, 2019, at 12:20 P.M. the Ansonia Police Department received complaints of shots fired on Howard Avenue in the area of Church Street. Callers reported a black male running from the scene, possibly shot. Shortly after the initial report of shots fired, Griffin Hospital contacted the police department reporting a gunshot victim in the emergency room. The victim of the shooting was a 21-year-old Ansonia resident who was shot multiple times. The victim fled the scene of the shooting and was transported to the hospital by private vehicle.
"Rajohn Joti-James, age 21, of Ansonia was charged with Carrying a Pistol without a Permit, and released on a $5,000 bond with a court date of February 11, 2020 at Derby Superior Court."
BELOW IS THE ORIGINAL PRESS RELEASE
"On July 23, 2019, at 12:20 P.M. the Ansonia Police Department received complaints of shots fired on Howard Avenue in the area of Church Street. Callers reported a black male running from the scene, possibly shot. Shortly after the initial report of shots fired, Griffin Hospital contacted the police department reporting a gunshot victim in the emergency room. The victim of the shooting was a 21-year-old Ansonia resident who was shot multiple times. The victim fled the scene of the shooting and was transported to the hospital by private vehicle.
The victim was transferred from Griffin Hospital to a New Haven hospital where he is listed as serious but stable.
"Officers located the scene of the shooting on Howard Avenue and Church Street. Numerous shell casings of different calibers were located on Howard Avenue and Church Street indicating at least two people shooting in the area. There were more than a dozen shots fired in the incident.
"The Ansonia Police Department is asking anyone with information or any residents in the Howard Avenue and Church Street areas with video cameras outside their homes to contact the Ansonia Police Department at 203-735-1885."
"Officers located the scene of the shooting on Howard Avenue and Church Street. Numerous shell casings of different calibers were located on Howard Avenue and Church Street indicating at least two people shooting in the area. There were more than a dozen shots fired in the incident.
"The Ansonia Police Department is asking anyone with information or any residents in the Howard Avenue and Church Street areas with video cameras outside their homes to contact the Ansonia Police Department at 203-735-1885."
Recuperation journey: Watching nature
Derby Neck Library to host Civil War lecture, show 'Downton Abbey' movie
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| 'Downton Abbey' movie poster |
Dinner and a Movie
DERBY - Derby Neck Library, 307 Hawthorne Ave. hosts Dinner and a Movie for ages 18 and older at 5:30 p.m. Feb. 6.
This month’s feature film, shown on blu-ray and a large screen, is “Downton Abbey.”
The library serves free movie refreshments, including a pizza dinner at intermission.
This month’s feature film, shown on blu-ray and a large screen, is “Downton Abbey.”
The library serves free movie refreshments, including a pizza dinner at intermission.
Civil War career
At 6:30 p.m. Feb. 12, the Library presents a powerpoint lecture by Patricia Sweeney, Ph.D.
The topic is “The Civil War Career of Major Wilbur F. Osborne.”
Osborne is the library’s founder and served with distinction as an officer in The First Connecticut Heavy Artillery.
The topic is “The Civil War Career of Major Wilbur F. Osborne.”
Osborne is the library’s founder and served with distinction as an officer in The First Connecticut Heavy Artillery.
Women's Forum
The Library hosts Women’s Forum, a literary discussion group, at 12:30 p.m. Feb. 17. This month the focus is on two short stories by Sam Shepard -“Winging It” and “The Real Gabby Hayes.”
Copies are available at the library.
Feel free to bring a light lunch; coffee and tea will be served.
Copies are available at the library.
Feel free to bring a light lunch; coffee and tea will be served.
Evening Book Club
The Library hosts the Evening Book Club at 6:30 p.m. Feb. 24.
The Library hosts the Evening Book Club at 6:30 p.m. Feb. 24.
This month’s selection is “A River Runs through It” by Norman Maclean. Copies of the book are available at the library.
For information call 203-734-1492.
This is a press release from Patricia Sweeney, reference librarian, Derby Neck Library.
For information call 203-734-1492.
This is a press release from Patricia Sweeney, reference librarian, Derby Neck Library.
Wednesday, January 29, 2020
'Turnback Tuesday' (on Wednesday) features first lumber yard in Derby
Turnback Tuesday looks back at the constructing of Derby and the Derby Lumber & Building Co. located at Derby Landing (Route 34, along the river).
The business was started circa 1840 by brothers Willis and Lewis Hotchkiss. This was the first lumber yard in the City of Derby.
Many churches, homes, and factories in Derby were built by these brothers.
They sold their land and company buildings to the Railroad in 1900. This made way for the necessary improvements and expansion of the Derby Junction at the intersection of Derby Avenue and Main Street.
Thanks go to the Derby Public Library staff for sharing interesting local history each week!
Derby Public Library seeks applicants for annual $500 scholarship
DERBY - The Derby Public Library is now accepting submissions for its Annual Scholarship Prize of $500.
It is open to all high school seniors living in Derby who are planning to further their education, regardless of where they go to school.
The Library Board of Directors will choose the winner based on an essay explaining the role of libraries in their life.
The award will be presented by the Library Board of Directors at its April meeting. In addition to the monetary prize, the winner’s name will be added to the Scholarship Prize Plaque located in the Young Adult Department.
High school seniors may submit their entry directly to the Library Director now through April 1.
For more information, stop by the Library at 313 Elizabeth St. or call 203-736-1482.
This is shared from an online community calendar sponsored by The Community Foundation for Greater New Haven and The New Haven Independent.
Ansonia Library invites kids to enjoy music, crafts on Valentine's Day
The Ansonia Library is at 53 S. Cliff St., Ansonia.
For information call 203-734-6275.
Griffin Hospital in Derby slates talk on hip replacement surgery
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| Contributed photo |
Orthopedic surgeon Philip Minotti, M.D., will lead a free discussion on the minimally invasive direct anterior approach for hip replacement Feb. 19 at Griffin Hospital.
DERBY – Griffin Hospital will offer a free presentation on minimally invasive hip replacement surgery at 5:45 p.m. Feb. 19 at the hospital.
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.
Minotti will be available at the end of the presentation to answer any questions from attendees.
These seminars are offered monthly at Griffin Hospital, 130 Division St. Refreshments will be served.
For more information or to reserve your spot, call Griffin Hospital Orthopaedic Care Specialist Amy Gagne at 203-732-7524.
This is a press release from Griffin Hospital.
This is a press release from Griffin Hospital.
Tuesday, January 28, 2020
Wesley Village residents donate hats, scarves to Spooner House in Shelton
From left: Helen Krystopowicz, Dorothy Guaglianone, Joanne Ruscoe, Luella Dwyer, and Graciella Lopez were part of a knitting and crocheting group at Wesley Village who made hats and scarves to donate./ Contributed photo
SHELTON - Residents from Wesley Village recently put their knitting and crochet needles to work making more than 80 hats and scarves to donate to Spooner House in Shelton.
They learned about the need from resident Helen Krystopowicz’s niece, Liz Holcomb, who is the Director of Operations at Spooner House who felt they could be put to good use.
“All of our clients face difficult choices due to their economic circumstances,” said Susan Agamy, Executive Director of Spooner House. “(The) generous donation of beautiful handmade hats and scarves will not only provide warmth to those in need, they are a tangible reminder of the caring hearts in our community.”
There are several knitting and crocheting circles at Wesley Village, all part of the communities’ Prayer Shawl Ministry.
The volunteers in the Prayer Shawl Ministry have donated homemade blankets and shawls to individuals who are ill or in hospice care.
They also work with other organizations including the Parish Nurses from Griffin Hospital to provide baby hats and blankets and local animal shelters to provide warm bedding.
If you are interested in learning more about the Prayer Shawl Ministry or other volunteer opportunities at Wesley Village, call 203-944-8279.
Wesley Village residents and staff pose with team from Spooner House after delivering hats and scarves for clients./ Contributed photo
Wesley Village senior living campus is located at 580 Long Hill Ave. and is part of United Methodist Homes, a local not-for-profit organization.
The Wesley Village campus offers assisted and independent living, memory support, skilled nursing, short-term rehab, and outpatient therapy and fitness services.
To learn more, visit www.wesleyvillage-ct.org.
This is a press release from United Methodist Homes.
Logan, Klarides-Ditria to meet constituents at Beacon Falls Pizza Palace
Logan, R-Ansonia, represents the 17th District.
Klarides-Ditria, R-Seymour, represents the 105th District.
New Haven man shot early today in Wakelee Avenue area of Ansonia
The male provided no information to the responding officers regarding the shooting. The male was transported to a local hospital for treatment. The Ansonia Police Department Patrol Division and Detective Bureau continue to investigate the incident.
Anyone with information should call the Ansonia Police Department at 203-735-1885 or can submit a tip at https://www.tip411.com/tips/new?alert_group_id=21553.
This is a press release from Ansonia Police.
*The intent of this blog is to provide information about the Valley community. I don't focus on police news but when a shooting or other crime occurs in my hometown I feel obligated to do so.
Recuperation journey: Looking at the sky
Good morning!
The 7:15 view from my front yard.
Have a great Tuesday!
Monday, January 27, 2020
Derby Neck Library offers fun activities this week
Derby Neck Library is at 307 Hawthorne Ave., Derby.
For information call 203-734-1492.
Celebrate Groundhog Day, make valentines at Ansonia Nature Center
ANSONIA - Fun and educational activities are on tap in February at the Ansonia Nature and Recreation Center, 10 Deerfield Road.
GROUNDHOG DAY CELEBRATION – Feb. 2, 3 p.m.
Come celebrate Groundhog Day this Sunday at the Ansonia Nature Center!
Go outside and explore a groundhog’s natural habitat while you learn about this quirky American folk holiday. We will head back inside for a fun and interactive shadow puppet performance followed by a craft activity where you will be able to make your own shadow puppet to take home. Class limit 12. For all ages. MATERIALS FEE: $3.
Go outside and explore a groundhog’s natural habitat while you learn about this quirky American folk holiday. We will head back inside for a fun and interactive shadow puppet performance followed by a craft activity where you will be able to make your own shadow puppet to take home. Class limit 12. For all ages. MATERIALS FEE: $3.
ECO-ART VALENTINE WORKSHOP – Feb 14, 1:30 p.m.
Create gifts for your loved ones out of recycled materials – Valentine boxes, cards, paper bracelets, and some other sweet surprises.
This will be a fun day to share with your family and friends! Call to register for this FREE program. For all ages.
This will be a fun day to share with your family and friends! Call to register for this FREE program. For all ages.
WINTER WONDERLAND – Feb. 18, 1 p.m.
Chilly, snowy days are calling your kids outdoors. Come for fun winter activities on this day off from school. There’s nothing better than gliding through the cool air on your sled. We will take the whole family to our awesome hill for sledding fun, but toddlers should ride with a parent. Everyone should be well-bundled in layers to stay warm. After our adventure we will come inside for hot cocoa and a chance to meet one of the Nature Center’s animals. FREE for families of all ages. Registration required; families must bring their own sleds.
NATURE EXPLORERS – Wednesdays, Feb. 19 and 26; March 4 and 11, 10 a.m.
Join us for this 4-week program for children ages 2–5 with their adult explorer. Participants will have fun exploring nature every week in these outdoor classes.
The classes are loosely structured, influenced by the seasons and the interests of the children. We will go outside to explore nature every class so please dress for the weather. Classes will end with a light snack.
TUITION: $40 for all 4 weeks, Class is limited to 10 children ages 2–5. Please call to register.
The classes are loosely structured, influenced by the seasons and the interests of the children. We will go outside to explore nature every class so please dress for the weather. Classes will end with a light snack.
TUITION: $40 for all 4 weeks, Class is limited to 10 children ages 2–5. Please call to register.
LITTLE SCIENTISTS – Feb. 29, 1 p.m.
Join us for this exciting hands-on program by Little Scientists. Please call to register.
Station 1 (for ages 5–7): “Why Is It Cold Outside?” During this lesson your children will learn why the weather gets colder and it often snows outside. They will get an opportunity to observe what’s different outside when it’s cold! Winter conditions are due to the part of the Earth that we live on being tilted away from the sun. The effect of less sunshine is that it’s colder. Lakes and ponds freeze over. Short days, snow, and a change in the animals seen outdoors also mark the season. FEE: $6 per child.
Station 2 (for ages 8–11): “How Do Animals Survive the Winter?” During this lesson your children will learn what animals, as living organisms, do to survive through cold and winter conditions. They will learn about how animals adapt to frigid temperatures and are able to conserve body heat. Different types of animals adjust in different ways, using their protective coverings, such as feathers, fur, and even layers of fat, which help insulate them against the cold environment. FEE: $6 per child.
* * * ONGOING PROGRAMS * * *
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.
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.
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.
Derby Historical Society to celebrate Spector Furniture's anniversary
Connecticut's oldest furniture store marks 130 years of business
ANSONIA - Howie and Ken Kreiger, brothers and co-owners of Spector Furniture are inviting you to their celebration at noon Feb. 9 of 130 years of serving the Naugatuck Valley.
Come and be a part of this momentous occasion as Spector Furniture and Mattress Gallery, 385 Main St., commemorates their achievement with the very public that has made this possible.
The Great Depression, World War I, Prohibition, the Flood of 1955 are all ingrained in the history of their legacy, yet Spector Furniture is still there - family owned and operated since 1890.
The Derby Historical Society is proud to support this historic occasion which helps us to "Preserve Our Place in History."
* * *
Spector Furniture asks that you kindly RSVP to spectorfurniture@aol.com if you intend to join in the ceremony and reception to follow. Spector Furniture will be open to the public this day as well from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
This is a press release from Dan Bosques, executive director, Derby Historical Society.
This is a press release from Dan Bosques, executive director, Derby Historical Society.
Sunday, January 26, 2020
Recuperation journey: Looking at the sky
Saturday, January 25, 2020
Friday, January 24, 2020
Recuperation journey: Sunset views
Fiery Friday afternoon sunset.
Have a great weekend!
Great Hill United Methodist Church in Seymour to hold indoor flea market
Be sure to check out the amazing array of goods and products in Fellowship Hall from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday (Jan. 25), Feb. 22, and March 28.
Limited table space is left! If you are a vendor (direct sales, flea market/tag sale tables, crafters, artisans, etc.) interested in a table for one or more of these dates, contact Pat Andreana, 203-888-0489 or download a registration form at http://www.greathillumc.org/2019_2020_Winter_Flea_Market_RegistrationF.pdf.
Shared from a Facebook event page.
Thursday, January 23, 2020
Griffin Health receives Person-Centered Care Award from Planetree
From left: Planetree Services Supervisor at Griffin Health Laura Howell and Director, Planetree Programs and Services, Diane Betkoski receive The Person-Centered Care Innovation Award from Planetree International President Dr. Susan Frampton at the 2019 Planetree International Conference on Person-Centered Care./ Contributed photo
DERBY - A Griffin Health program designed to reduce instances of delirium in older patients recently received The Person-Centered Care Innovation Award.
Awarded by Planetree International, the Person-Centered Care Innovation Award recognizes ideas and initiatives that have fundamentally improved the experience of care for patients, families, staff, and communities.
Griffin’s Hospital Elder Life Program (HELP) prevents cognitive and functional decline in older hospitalized patients by helping them stay oriented to their surroundings, meeting their needs for nutrition, hydration and sleep, and by keeping them mobile within the limitations of their physical condition.
"HELP provides extraordinary, cost effective care to patients and families that complement Griffin Hospital’s Planetree Model of Care,” said Diane Betkoski, MS, RD, Director of Planetree Programs and Services at Griffin Health. “It is unique in its approach by being a complete, evidence based, patient-centered program that is oriented to the wishes and needs of older patients and also provides additional psychosocial support.”
Older hospitalized adults are at a greater risk for developing delirium during their hospital stay.
This can lead to a higher rate of falls, lower levels of patient engagement, and discharges to nursing homes for extended care before returning home.
With HELP, Griffin Hospital patients who are 70 years and older and at risk for delirium are visited by an Elder Life Specialist who completes health interventions to address individualized patient needs.
In approximately two years, the HELP has led to a significant reduction in the hospital’s delirium rate and length of stay for patients experiencing delirium. It has also resulted in the elimination of falls by patients assessed as being at risk for delirium.
“Patients without families or loved ones value the companionship that HELP volunteers provide,” said Laura Howell, BS, NBC-HWC, Planetree Services Supervisor at Griffin Health. “Family members – particularly those who cannot be in the hospital with their loved ones throughout the hospital stay – are grateful for the additional support provided by HELP volunteers for meal time assistance, and ambulation, conversation social interaction the volunteers provide. Not only is this program a benefit to patients, but to volunteers who derive pleasure and satisfaction knowing that their care directly impacts patient wellbeing.”
Volunteers are needed for the HELP program at Griffin Hospital.
To learn more, or to become a volunteer, visit griffinhealth.org/about/volunteer-opportunities or call 203-732-7555.
This is a press release from Griffin Hospital.
Learn open hearth cooking at Derby Historical Society workshop
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| Hearth at the David Humphreys House in Ansonia. |
The first workshop will be held from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Feb. 8 at the David Humphreys House, 37 Elm St.
In this first part of our Colonial Skills Series, Maria Schreiner will teach you the basics of fire-starting and the history behind hearth cooking.
Each person will assist in cooking an entree and a dessert in our fireplace, and you get to enjoy the meal after building up an appetite!
Cost is $25 per person.
Space is very limited; pre-register by calling 203-735-1908 or emailing info@derbyhistorical.org.
This is a press release from the Derby Historical Society.
In this first part of our Colonial Skills Series, Maria Schreiner will teach you the basics of fire-starting and the history behind hearth cooking.
Each person will assist in cooking an entree and a dessert in our fireplace, and you get to enjoy the meal after building up an appetite!
Cost is $25 per person.
Space is very limited; pre-register by calling 203-735-1908 or emailing info@derbyhistorical.org.
This is a press release from the Derby Historical Society.
Recuperation journey: Getting some sun on a winter afternoon
