Derby Neck Library to host virtual science fun in October for children

 

Explore - Discover - Play!

DERBY - Little ones are invited to join Miss Krissy on Zoom for some super science projects! 

Supply packs can be reserved by calling Derby Neck Library at 203-734-1492, but many projects will require household materials you'll already have around! 

Email kwarrenger at derbynecklibrary.org or send us a message on social media to be added to the mailing list.

The first session is at noon Oct. 7. The following sessions will be held on Oct. 14, 21 and 28.

This is shared from a Facebook event page. 

My Sister's Place Thrift Store in Ansonia posts weekly sale prices

Sorry to be posting this a day late but there are still three days left to catch some great prices at My Sister's Place Thrift Store, 380 Main St., Ansonia! 

All proceeds benefit BHcare's The Umbrella Center for Domestic Violence Services.

Derby Public Library to host outdoor Halloween Spooktacular for kids

DERBY - Derby Public Library will host musical artist Jill Kubeck at a fun outdoor event at 10:30 a.m. Oct. 19. Rain date is Oct. 26.

Children ages 3-7 are invited to Jill's Halloween Spooktacular!

Everyone is welcome to wear a costume and participate in this Monster Mash-up of songs and stories centered on a kid-friendly spooky theme.

Families are requested to bring a blanket. Participants are expected to follow CDC guidelines.

The Library is at 313 Elizabeth St.

Registration is required at https://bit.ly/3iYIYje

This is shared from the Library's Facebook page.

'Turnback Tuesday' highlights 1939 class of old Irving School in Derby

Turnback Tuesday goes back to the 1939 graduating class of Irving School in Derby as these excited, smiling students look forward to high school.

This photo was taken at the old Irving School which was located on the corner of Fifth and Olivia Streets in Derby. The students are in front of the main entrance on Fifth Street. (Derby Board of Education is located there now in a newer building.)

This photo is a recent donation to the Derby Public Library and we need your help in identifying these 116 young adults.

One could be your parent or grandparent. Let us know. Thanks!

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

Logan to host drive-thru senior health, wellness fair at Warsaw Park in Ansonia

 

Center Stage Theatre in Shelton slates Drive-In Bingo

 

Center Stage Theatre is located in the former Lafayette School at 54 Grove St., Shelton.

Derby Neck Library slates Virtual Break Room for parents

DERBY - The Derby Neck Library will host a Parents' Virtual Break Room from noon to 12:45 p.m. Oct. 6, 13, 20, and 27.

Need some ideas to help you with homeschool/after-school projects? Looking for someone just to vent to on your lunch break? 

Join us Tuesdays at noon for a virtual parent support group focused on keeping each other sane during this school year. We'll also discuss the latest news and mindfulness techniques for managing it all. 

Feel free to bring your lunch! 

Email kwarrenger at derbynecklibrary.org or send us a message on social media to be added to the mailing list.

This is shared from the Library's Facebook page.

Oxford Public Library offers virtual book clubs, craft time, more

Register at http://www.eventkeeper.com/mars/xpages/O/OXFORD/ekp.cfm?curOrg=OXFORD&curHelp=

This is shared from the Library's Facebook page.

Center to kick off Domestic Violence Awareness Month at New Haven event

NEW HAVEN - The city will hold a joint press conference with the HOPE Family Justice Center, Mayor Justin Elicker and Police Chief Otoniel Reyes at 11:30 a.m. Oct. 6 to kick off Domestic Violence Awareness Month.
The press conference will be held on the steps of New Haven City Hall, 165 Church St.

October marks Domestic Violence Awareness Month. 

The Hope Family Justice Center is a program of BHcare.

The U.S. Department of Justice estimates that 1.3 million women and 835,000 men are victims of physical violence by a partner every year. Every nine seconds, a woman in the U.S. is beaten or assaulted by a current or ex-significant other. 1 in 4 men are victims of some form of physical violence by an intimate partner.

The HOPE Family Justice Center of Greater New Haven is a collaboration of multiple community providers under one roof providing free wraparound services for domestic violence survivors and their families. It can take a victim over 25 hours to travel to multiple appointments to receive services. 

With each appointment, the victim must re-tell their story; reliving every painful detail as they meet with various providers. Here, victims of domestic violence receive support, healing, and pathways to empowerment. 

If you or anyone you know needs support and help, call (203) 800-7204. 

To support the HFJC, go to https://tinyurl.com/HopeFJC    

This is a press release from BHcare.                           

Best wishes to Ansonia High Class of 2020 members as they continue their education

 Congratulations!

This is shared from Ansonia Public Schools' Facebook page today. 

TEAM, Inc. to host food box distribution at Nolan Field in Ansonia

Shared from the Valley United Way Facebook page.

Church to host drive-by food drive to benefit St. Vincent De Paul Food Bank in Derby

 

Recuperation journey: Sunset reflection creates pink contrails

Recuperation journey: Looking at the sky

The moon is in waxing gibbous phase, 90 percent illumination. Have a good evening!

Virtual vigil to honor survivors, remember victims of domestic violence in CT

October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month

NEW HAVEN - Join The Umbrella Center for Domestic Violence Services at 1 p.m. Oct. 7 to recognize community members who have gone above and beyond to support survivors of domestic violence and honor victims who lost their lives to domestic violence in Connecticut. We invite you to light a candle and follow us live at www.Facebook.com/UCDVS at 6 p.m.  

The virtual event will include a message from House Republican Leader Themis Klarides, a discussion of the impact of domestic violence on children, a public service announcement from law enforcement officers, a poetry performance, a survivor speaker, a moment of reflection in honor of individuals who lost their lives to domestic violence, and a musical performance.

For more info on the free event and to RSVP, go to: https://tinyurl.com/SoundofHope2020

Every October, the nation observes Domestic Violence Awareness Month to bring to light an issue that affects all our communities. 

Every 9 seconds, a woman is battered in the U.S. One in four women and one in seven men in the U.S. are victims of domestic violence at some point in their lives.

For more information about the vigil, or about domestic violence services call 203- 736-2601, x1381, or visit www.bhcare.org.  If you need immediate assistance, please call our 24-hour domestic violence hotline 1-888-774-2900.

UCDVS is a program of BHcare that provides services for victims and children of domestic violence free of charge. 

Each year, nearly 8,000 domestic violence victims, survivors and their children walk through the door of UCDVS looking for shelter, help and hope. Learn more at bhcare.org.

This is a press release from BHcare. 

St. Vincent de Paul Thrift Shop in Derby reopens today

 

The thrift shop is at 237 Roosevelt Drive, Derby.

Recuperation journey: Bit 'o color

Went out this afternoon in search of fall foliage but found very little. I'm looking forward to the colors that hopefully will surround us.

Ansonia seeks volunteers for Naugatuck River cleanup Sunday

 

Recuperation journey: Who's at the door?

Saturday night visitor.

Ansonia restaurant to hold fundraiser for murder victim's son

Recuperation journey: Blooming

This geranium plant lost all of its blooms and only had green leaves for about the last month. This week it surprised me with some new blossoms. 

It's the little things in life!

Logan celebrates Hispanic Heritage Month at Assumption School in Ansonia

ANSONIA - State Sen. George S. Logan, R-Ansonia, visited students at Assumption School earlier this week to celebrate National Hispanic Heritage Month, which runs from Sept. 15 to Oct. 15. 

He read and sang to them both in Spanish and in English.

Photos contributed from Logan's office.

Recuperation journey: Looking at the sky

  Friday's sunset.

Friday's waxing gibbous moon, 65 percent illumination. 

Have a peaceful evening.

Shelton couple supports Griffin's Surgical Expansion Campaign

Chris and Jill Douglas of Shelton, at right, recently presented Griffin Health President and CEO Patrick Charmel with a generous donation to support Griffin’s Surgical Expansion Campaign. 

The donation was a combination of a personal gift from the Douglas family and a match from The Own Your Future Foundation Inc. 

Griffin’s Surgical Expansion Campaign is raising funds to increase its number of operating rooms and build a state of-the-art technology operating room to accommodate robotic surgery cases for its da Vinci Xi Surgical System. 

For more information about Griffin’s Robotic Surgery Program or to make a gift to the campaign, visit griffinhealth.org/robotic-surgery.

This is a press release from Griffin Hospital in Derby.

Farmer's Market in downtown Ansonia is open today

Sharing from City of Ansonia Facebook page:

Farmer's Market 10 a.m. ~ 1 p.m. today! Fall is here . . . have you tried some acorn or butternut squash from Gazy Brothers Farm? Or are you still craving fresh, homemade mozzarella and great breads from Beldotti Bakery. 

And last but not least, don't forget the scrumptious pies and delicious jams and jellies (new fall flavors too) from Amski's Delights.

Opens at 10 a.m., be the first in line!

Seymour Public Library to present paranormal investigator via Zoom

 

Art studio in Shelton to host virtual interactive paint lesson for children via Zoom

SHELTON - The Giggling Pig Art Studio will host a virtual interactive paint lesson via Zoom at 10:30 a.m. Oct. 3 for children ages 4-12. 

An art teacher from the studio will guide participants with the use of water colors to aid in creating their masterpiece! 

This hour and a half program requires no prior art experience to attend. Painting materials will be available for pick up at the library by appointment. 

Child must be registered in order to request an appointment for pick up before the event.

This is shared from a Facebook event page.

Recuperation journey: Looking at the sky

The moon is in waxing crescent phase, 44 percent illumination. Have a peaceful evening. 

Derby Neck Library to resume Virtual Music and Story Times

From the Derby Neck Library Facebook page:

"Mark your calendars! Miss Kathi and her Virtual Music and Story Times will begin again on September 28th at 10:00 AM!"

Derby Public Library to host program on resources for dementia care community

DERBY - Are you a caregiver for someone with Alzheimer's disease or another type of dementia? We will all need some support during this caregiver journey. 

The Derby Public Library will host a program via Zoom for caregivers from 6:30-7:30 p.m. Oct. 19.

Maria Tomasetti, South Central Regional Director, Alzheimer's Association, CT Chapter, will share caregiver resources available through the Alzheimer's Association, Agencies on Aging in Connecticut, and the Department of Veterans Affairs. 

These caregiver resources will include programs that can help to pay for care as well as other important programs and services for caregivers.

Registration is required here https://bit.ly/3cjcWvK to receive Zoom link and password.

This is shared from the Library's Facebook page.

Recuperation journey: Tuesday moon

 The moon tonight is in waxing crescent  phase, 33 percent illumination. 

'Turnback Tuesday' features sheet music from Derby Public Library's collection

Turnback Tuesday is showcasing a beautifully illustrated piece of sheet music from the Derby Public Library's large collection.

The artwork on sheet music represents an important, and in some cases, a unique source of information (e.g., showing patriotism, ideas on politics, religion, race, and love.)

These illustrations show the change in dress and fashion and some would advertise a song from a new Broadway musical or movie with a favorite entertainer of that time. Much of the Library’s collection was loaned out to families in Derby to use at home. Just imagine a family gathered around a Sterling Piano enjoying a new piece of music.

Thanks to the Derby Public Library staff for sharing interesting local history each week!

Derby Historical Society to host Halloween Open House at David Humphreys House

David Humphreys House
37 Elm St., Ansonia
11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Oct. 17
 
The Derby Historical Society is excited to welcome you to a special Halloween-Edition Open House! 

Come dressed in your costume and receive FREE admission! While visiting, take a look in our Gift Shop for unique, one-of-a-kind items!
Szabo’s Seafood will be on-site!

Thank you for your support and for helping us preserve our place in history. 

Call 203-735-1908 for information or visit our website www.derbyhistorical.org.
 

Beacon Falls Public Library offers reading bags for children

 The Library is at 10 Maple Ave., Beacon Falls.

Seymour Public Library to host CT witch trials lecture via Zoom

Valley MLK Committee to hold CommUnity Zoom meeting Thursday

 

Assumption Church in Ansonia to host takeout-only community breakfast

Valley Shakespeare Festival to present 'Snow White' at Massaro Farm in Woodbridge

Sharing info from Valley Shakespeare Festival's Facebook page:

Join us for our next outdoor adventure!
SNOW WHITE ... told by two people at Massaro Community Farm Oct. 10 and 11 on Ford Road in Woodbridge. Times to be announced. 

Tickets on sale soon.

Recuperation journey: Cardinal visits just before dark

This is a lucky capture through the slider at 7:02 p.m.

One last sip for the day!

Recuperation journey: Sunday sunset

 
My backyard view at 6:48 p.m.

Beacon Hose Co. No. 1 to hold annual scavenger hunt in Valley

It's time for the return of Beacon Hose's annual scavenger hunt!

The Beacon Hose “Kickin' It Old School” Scavenger Hunt is set for Oct. 24, from 3:15-8:30 p.m. 

The hunt begins and ends at Beacon Hose, and we'll have food (to-go this year, thanks to COVID-19) and prizes at stake. 

Here's the key information, including our modifications to this year's event to keep everyone safe during the pandemic:

-- The entry fee is $20 per player (which goes toward our fundraiser, costs of planning the hunt, food, and prizes).

-- Teams can consist of as many players as you can LEGALLY fit into ONE vehicle. Drivers must obey all rules of the road. You’ll need a team captain and a team name (the name can be chosen now or at day-of registration). If all team members dress up as a team theme, you’ll get extra points. (Remember our overall theme -- make it a throwback!)

-- The scavenger hunt will take teams through the Naugatuck Valley. Towns MAY include Beacon Falls, Naugatuck, Oxford, Seymour, Prospect, Ansonia, and Derby.

-- All the additional rules and your scavenger hunt list will be provided when the competition begins. Please arrive at the firehouse by 3:15 p.m. to register, sign in your entire team, get your to-go food bags, and finally receive your clues. The hunt will begin at 4 p.m. sharp, and all teams must be back at the firehouse by 8 p.m. sharp!

-- Due to COVID-19 safety precautions, we will only allow ONE team captain from each team to enter the firehouse for registration, payment, and check-in. Check-in will be different this year as most submissions will be in photo or video form (except the trinkets you'll pick up at each secret location). 

Teams must exercise social distancing between other teams and all players should have masks when needed.

We ask that team captains pre-register their teams by using the form on our website or by messaging us on Facebook. We will limit the field to the first 24 teams that enter ... so don't wait too long.

This is shared from a Facebook event page.

FB memory from this day 5 years ago at West Haven boardwalk

 

We were participating in the West Haven-based Center for Disability Rights' wheel-a-thon fundraiser held each year at Savin Rock.

Facebook memory features 'Turnback Tuesday' in Derby from 3 years ago today

 

This week's "Turnback Tuesday" features Derby's early newspapers. 

The Derby Journal was the city's first paper and began publication in 1846 with the office located on 139 Main Street. 

During its time, The Journal underwent several name changes including The Derby Transcript in 1867. The paper again changed its name in 1889 to The Evening Transcript.

Eventually the company was shut down in 1902, leaving The Evening Sentinel as the Valley's only local newspaper until that, too, folded in 1992. This image was taken in the mid to late '60s. 

The building still remains and fortunately, Derby Public Library has most of The Evening Transcript available on microfilm from 1848 - 1890.

This is shared from the Derby Public Library.

Rochelle shares information about winter heating assistance

The days are beginning to cool down and soon the cold months of winter will be approaching. During the current economic conditions, many residents across the state may be questioning how they will pay their heating bills. There are several options for those who may need extra support this season. The Connecticut Energy Assistance Program (CEAP) is now open at community action agencies. This program is designed to help offset the winter heating costs of Connecticut's lower income households and is funded by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services' (HHS) Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) Block Grant. Please click here for additional information. This program is administered by the Department of Social Services, and coordinated by regional Community Action Agencies, in cooperation with municipal and other non-profit human service agencies. For additional information about programs and services provided by CT Community Action Agencies, please click here. Ansonia and Derby residents in need of assistance can apply for the program through TEAM, Inc., here. Operation Fuel, our country's oldest fuel bank, is also a great resource to help residents with their home heating costs and helps families avoid heat, electric, and water shutoffs, year-round through one-time energy assistance and home system repair and replacement grants. To help families affected by the ongoing pandemic, Operation Fuel has increased its grant awards and adjusted eligibility guidelines. Click here to learn more about Operation Fuel or apply for direct assistance. Anyone with questions can email opfuelapplications@operationfuel.org or call 860-243-2345. You may also contact 2-1-1, United Way or the DSS Office of Community Services at 1-800-842-1132 for more information. This is shared from a press release from Rochelle's office.