Saturday, October 31, 2020

Looking at the sky: Full moon on Halloween


Halloween sure was a different holiday this year. 
I hope all the kids who went trick or treating had fun!

 

Ansonia mayor waits for trick or treaters at City Hall


Mayor David S. Cassetti waves as he awaits trick or treaters Saturday evening at City Hall. Go get your candy treats!

Photo by Rich DiCarlo

Friday, October 30, 2020

Jack-o'-Lanterns bring Halloween spirit to Ansonia City Hall steps

Ansonia Cultural Commission members did a wonderful job Friday decorating the front of Ansonia City Hall. 

Concerns over a spike in COVID-19 cases cancelled the Ansonia Cultural Commission's 'Nightmare Alley' drive-through event that had been scheduled Friday evening.




Have a safe and Happy Halloween! 
 


Recuperation journey: Halloween eve


Tonight's moon is in waxing gibbous phase, 99 percent illumination. 

The moon will be full on Halloween night! 

Have a great weekend.


Ansonia High School to celebrate student athletes


From Ansonia Public Schools' Facebook page:

"Ansonia High School will be celebrating Student Athletes on November 4 and November 5. Student athletes are encouraged to wear their uniforms / jerseys to school.

"At home learners are also encouraged to wear their uniforms / jerseys to their online classes."

Oxford Parks & Recreation to host Drive-Thru Trick or Trunk for residents


Sharing this information from a Facebook event page:


OXFORD - Oxford Parks & Recreation will host a drive-thru Trick or Trunk event for residents at 5 p.m. Saturday at Oxford High School.

Event Highlights
**Oxford Residents Only**

Jack-o-lantern contest: Jack-o-lanterns must be delivered to Oxford High School between 3:30 and 4:30 p.m. the day of the event. 
Pumpkins will be part of our jack-o-lantern display along the drive route. Winners will be contacted after the event. If you wish to pick up your pumpkin, you must do so after the event.
Drive Thru Event: Begins at 5 p.m. - Arrive and be directed around the school while viewing fun and "scary" displays! Grades Pre K - 8
Non-perishable food collection: Let's help out our neighbors!
Oxford's First Selectman, Fire, Ambulance and Police wearing masks, gloves and being socially distanced will hand out candy to trick or treaters in their cars as they exit OHS.

UPDATE: State officials shut down city's Halloween event

Ansonia Events Coordinator Rich DiCarlo said Friday afternoon that the state has shut down tonight's event due to recent spike in COVID-19 cases.

Snowy weather won't stop the city's 'Nightmare Alley" Halloween fun, Ansonia Events Coordinator Rich DiCarlo said Friday.

See you there!  👻

 

Derby mayor beats COVID-19, thanks residents for support

Sharing Friday morning's Facebook post from Derby Mayor Richard Dziekan:

"As most of you know I came down with COVID-19 three weeks ago.

"I would like to thank everyone for their thoughts and prayers. The outpouring was unbelievable I can’t thank you enough. It was a tough road but Sherry and myself made it out. We are 100%. 

"God bless you all wear your mask and sanitize your hands."


Recuperation journey: Around the yard - Part 21


Autumn colors found! 
I took this late Wednesday afternoon as the sun was starting to set. Have a great Thursday.

Derby Public Library to host online AAA program on REAL ID

DERBY - Learn about the REAL ID that will be required for domestic air travel in October 2021 and how to obtain one in a Zoom program at 11 a.m. Nov. 12. Derby Public Library will host the one-hour online event.

Do you need one even if you don't travel? Maybe not, but if you visit federal buildings such as courthouses, IRS, and Social Security, life will be much easier for you with a REAL ID.

All ages are invited to register at https://bit.ly/2SWKOpo for Zoom link and password.

This is shared from a Facebook event page.

'Turnback Tuesday' (on Wednesday) features Farrel Foundry & Machine Co.

Turnback Tuesday stops by the Farrel Foundry & Machine Co. of Ansonia.

Started in 1848, Almon Farrel purchased the land from Anson G. Phelps (for whom Ansonia is named.)

Early on, they manufactured brass and iron castings and gears for water power installations. Almon was president until his death in 1857. His son, Franklin, followed in his father's footsteps and was president until 1912.

The Farrel Foundry was sending a notice to Seymour Manufacturing Co. in 1885 stating that foundation plates were being delivered.

Seymour Manufacturing started in 1878 by W. H. H. Wooster and produced nickel silver in sheets as well as wire and rod.


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

Tuesday, October 27, 2020

Light the Valley CT to host drive-through event at Center for Cancer Care in Derby

Shared from Light The Night Facebook page:

"The month is ending, time to bring all that light and healing energy home for our patients.

"We will set up all remaining luminaries at the Cancer Center at Griffin Hospital on 10/30 where they will remain through the night ushering us into October's last day. "No physical interaction guys, just drive through if you're around and marvel at all the sparkle."



This is my luminary for #LighttheValleyCT.


Boo! Ansonia High School announces pumpkin contest winners


 

So creative! Congrats to the winners!


This is shared from Ansonia Public Schools' Facebook page.

Recuperation journey: Looking at the sky


Peaceful Tuesday morning. 

I'm still seeking some colorful fall foliage.


Derby Neck Library to host Magic:The Gathering Club via Zoom


DERBY - Derby Neck Library invites Teens and tweens to play the collectible fantasy card game Magic: The Gathering with friends over Zoom at  6:30 p.m. Dec. 2.

Players who do not have their own decks are encouraged to create a free account with Magic: The Gathering Arena to play each other online, but be sure to play through the tutorial ahead of time - otherwise, you won't be able to play anyone during the meeting!

Magic: The Gathering Arena link: https://magic.wizards.com/en/mtgarena

Email kwarrenger at derbynecklibrary.org to be put on a mailing list. A meeting link will be sent out at 6:20 p.m. for a 6:30 p.m. start. 


This is shared from the Library's Facebook page. 

Monday, October 26, 2020

Griffin Gala to feature virtual trip to Amalfi coast, lesson on preparing Italian cuisine


 

The 2020 Griffin Health Gala will offer a virtual evening of Italian cuisine and wine on Italy’s famous Amalfi Coast from 6:30-8 p.m. Nov. 14.


Participants will be treated to a one-of-a-kind culinary experience featuring authentic Italian wines and cuisine they can prepare in their own homes.

Gala attendees will receive instructions on how to shop for and prepare all the ingredients for authentic pasta dishes and entrees. 


On the evening of the gala, Vincenzino Amatruda, Executive Chef of the Villa Maria Cooking School in Ravello, Italy on the Amalfi Coast will give step-by-step video instructions on how to prepare wonderful Italian food for themselves and their friends and family.

The unique event will also feature an assemblage of Allegrini’s premier wines and a journey through the Italian countryside by sommelier Robin Shay.


Tickets start at $150 for access for two guests.

Proceeds from the Gala will help develop and sustain essential programs and services that address the wide-ranging health care needs of the communities Griffin serves ensuring access to innovative, high-quality care in a healing, person-centered environment.


For registration, sponsorship and advertising information visit www.griffinhealth.org/gala.



This is a press release from Griffin Hospital.

From the archives: Colorful FB memory from this date in 2015

 

'Morning sun lights up leaves' is what I wrote five years ago. 
Not much color around here on this dreary day.  

Derby Public Library to host virtual game night for teens




DERBY - Derby Public Library invites tweens and teens ages 10 to 17 to Virtual Teen Game Nights from 6:30-7:30 p.m. Nov. 10 and 24. 

Participants will have library-provided materials to compete in the classic game of skill and chance, YAHTZEE. 

Zoom access link will be provided via email three days prior to game date. 

Sign up at the library’s Events Calendar at www.derbypubliclibrary.org

Registrants will be contacted to coordinate game materials pickup. 


For more information call 203-736-1482.


This is shared from the Library's Facebook page.


Saturday, October 24, 2020

Recuperation journey: Squirrelly Saturday

 

Snacking on a peanut that yours truly left for him. Photo taken through glass storm door.

Derby Neck Library offers virtual program for kids on animal kingdom



DERBY - Join us [at Derby Neck Library] for a virtual presentation over Zoom of Heroes of the Animal Kingdom!

We’ll explore how animals keep us healthy by eating disease-carrying insects. 
Learn how some tortoises dig burrows that provide homes for hundreds of other species during at least one stage of their life cycle.

Meet Animal Ambassadors such as a Solomons Islands Monkey-tailed Skink, a Red-foot or Sulcata Tortoise, Green Tree Frogs, an African Bullfrog, a Bull Snake, Chinchillas, a Chilean Rose Tarantula and an Eclectus Parrot.

Registration is required so you can receive the Zoom link. 
Call Derby Neck Library, 203-734-1492 or send a message on social media to register.


This is shared from the Library's Facebook page.


Ansonia Police investigate shots fired early Saturday in Wakelee Avenue area


ANSONIA - Police received multiple 911 calls at 1:25 a.m. today reporting gunshots on Wakelee Avenue. 

Officers were able to locate shell casings and spent rounds on Wakelee Avenue in the area of Dwight Street. 

During the initial investigation, area residents reported a female getting into a car and leaving the area. 

A short time later, a female victim of a gunshot was brought into Waterbury Hospital. Waterbury Police confirmed the female was the victim of a shooting in Waterbury and was not a part of the shots fired in Ansonia. 

As of the writing of this press release, there are no reported victims in the Ansonia shooting. Detectives did locate a motor vehicle struck by at least one of the shots.

 

The department is asking anyone with information to please contact 203-735-1885 or tips can be left anonymously through TIP 411 at the link below.

https://www.tip411.com/tips/new?alert_group_id=21553




This is a press release from Ansonia Police Lt. Patrick Lynch.


Friday, October 23, 2020

Rochelle: COVID Relief Fund grants available for nonprofit arts groups

 


Nonprofit arts organizations can now apply for one-time COVID Relief Fund for the Arts grants and matching funds between $5,000 and $750,000.

The Connecticut Office of the Arts will accept applications between Oct. 23 and Nov. 3.
The $9 million in grants are being made available through the federal CARES Act.
Funding is available for performing arts centers, performing groups, and schools of the arts.

Learn more about the eligibility requirements and application process here.
You can read the Governor's announcement here.


This information is shared from a press release from state Rep. Kara Rochelle, D-Ansonia/Derby.



Recuperation journey: Peanut fun


I caught you! 

Occasionally - like today - I put peanuts in this shrub for the birds to take. 

That's because I noticed a while ago they were using it as a hiding place for peanuts our neighbor had put out for them. Now of course they hang around waiting for a treat or two.

Seymour Community Center readies reopening of Fitness Room

Seymour Community Center
Fitness Room
Re-Opening on November 9!
and it's free!
REOPENING GUIDELINES
We are happy to announce that the fitness Room at the Community Center will reopen and be available to Seymour Residents & Senior Center Members by appointment only.

Each 45 minute time slot may be used by anyone residing in the same household - ID Required), registrant(s) must clean all equipment at the end of their timeslot)
Our Equipment
  • 2 treadmills
  • 2 stationary bikes
  • Rower
  • All-in one gym
  • Weight rack (1-30 pounds)
  • Body Bars
  • 42" flat screen TV
free_weights_closeup.jpg

The community center is located at 20 Pine St., Seymour.


This is shared from the center's Facebook page.