Sunday, January 31, 2021

Derby lists postponements, closings due to snowstorm


Due to the impending snowstorm:
There will be no trash and recycling pickup on Monday, February 1, 2021.
All trash and recycling pickups will be delayed one day this week.
Derby Public Schools are closed on Monday February 1, 2021.
The winter parking ban is in effect.
On Sunday night, please park on the even side of the street.
The Derby Parking Garage on Thompson Place is open at no charge during the winter storm for all downtown residents to get their cars off of the street.


This is shared from the City of Derby Facebook page.

Seymour First Selectman updates winter storm postponements, closings


Shared from the Office of the First Selectman of Seymour Facebook page:

Text from this evening's Code Red:
This is the First Selectwoman Annmarie Drugonis with a winter storm update utilizing the Code Red system.
Current forecasts show Seymour is likely to be impacted by the incoming winter storm. We are likely to see significant snowfall and strong winds. Garbage collection will be postponed one day this week in anticipation of the storm. The transfer station, public library, and community center will be closed Monday. Town Hall may close as well, depending on storm conditions. As it is the last day of January tax collections, we recommend paying online or by phone if you have not already done so. Details on how to do so can be found on the Tax Collector’s webpage. We recommending checking the Town’s Facebook and website or calling ahead if you are planning on coming in person. We will update the Facebook page and website with additional information where necessary.
Thank you and stay safe.
You can view online & phone tax payment information here: http://www.seymourct.org/Tax-Collector/


Snow forecast postpones Ansonia trash, recycle pickup for Monday


ANSONIA - Due to the impending snowstorm, trash and recycle pickup will be postponed for Monday.
Therefore, if Monday is your normal pickup day, it will be picked up on Tuesday.
Should there be any changes to this, we will inform you here and on the City of Ansonia website at www.cityofansonia.com
Additionally, please adhere to the winter parking regulations to allow our plow trucks to properly clear the roads.
If you can remove your vehicle from the road, it would be greatly appreciated and help our drivers immensely.
Above all, be safe Ansonia.

This is shared from the City of Ansonia Facebook page.

Life Health and Wellness Center in Ansonia to host Youth Support Group via Zoom


 

Recuperation journey: Looking at the sky (x 2)


Amazing colors at about 6:45 a.m.


The moon today is in waning gibbous phase, 91 percent illumination.


Derby Public Library offers virtual gatherings for classic graphic novel readings


DERBY - Derby Public Library invites all young adults ages 12 and up to virtual gatherings for the reading/showing of Classic Graphic Novels from 3:30-4:30 p.m. Feb. 10 and 24.

Zoom access links will be provided via email three days prior to meeting dates. 

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

For more information call 203-736-1482.


This is a press release from Tony DeLos, young adult librarian, Derby Public Library.

Saturday, January 30, 2021

Recuperation journey: Looking at the sky


 The moon is in waning gibbous phase, 97 percent illumination. 

Have a good evening!

Seymour Public Library to host presentation via Zoom on The Roaring '20s


 

Valley Arts Council offers opportunity to be a part of the arts


 

Derby Neck Library to host virtual Anime Club Sunday



DERBY - Derby Neck Library invites tweens and teens to watch episodes of anime shows new and old from 3 to 4:30 p.m. Sunday via Discord! 
To take part, become Discord friends with the Library at DBNeck #3627. We'll then send you an invite to the server!

This is shared from the Library's Facebook page.

Friday, January 29, 2021

Recuperation journey: Solitary gull at Osbornedale State Park in Derby

This photo came up in my Facebook memories from January 2020.


 

Derby Public Library to host virtual Teen Advisory Board meetings


DERBY -  Derby Public Library invites all young adults ages 12 to 17 to a virtual Teen Advisory Board meeting from 3:30-4:30 p.m. Feb. 3 and 17.

Attendees are encouraged to voice their ideas for improving and expanding young adult library services and teen programming. 

Focus will include participant input that contributes to the library fulfilling its mission of quality-of-life enhancements in: knowledge; entertainment; and citizenship. 

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

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


This is a press release from Tony DeLos, young adult librarian, Derby Public Library.

Recuperation journey: Looking at the sky


 ... at 5:02 p.m. Friday. Backyard view never disappoints. 

DiBacco: Person at Mead School tests positive for COVID-19, quarantine ordered

 

On Thursday DiBacco announced Ansonia Public School District is going forward with a reopening plan starting Monday, Feb. 1.

DiBacco said in a letter to parents, "From Feb. 1-March 12, the students enrolled in Mead, Prendergast and AMS will be attending classes on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays, while Wednesdays will continue to serve as remote learning days. Starting the week of March 15 - as long as it is safe to do so - we will be in school every day, including Wednesdays."







Watercolor workshop to return to Main Street Gallery in Ansonia


 

Shelton Library System to host Story Explorers via Zoom

 

SHELTON - The Shelton Library System will host Story Explorers at 10:30 a.m. Feb. 1.

Kids of all ages can join Miss Jessica for a story via Zoom on Mondays at 10:30 a.m.!

Registration link:
**Zoom links and passwords will be emailed each Monday**
http://engagedpatrons.org/EventsRegister.cfm?SiteID=2661&BranchID=827&Branch=Huntington%20Branch%20Library&EventID=428015&PK=690987


This is shared from a Facebook event page.


Klarides-Ditria reminds pet owners to protect them from freezing temps











You don’t want to be stuck outside in these cold temperatures, and neither do your animals. This weekend, temps are expected to dip into the single digits, and wind chills will make it feel even colder.

Some animals, like our state's beloved Husky, enjoy being outside in the cold and snow, but even they have their limits. Leaving animals exposed to extreme weather is cruel, can be deadly for them, and could be against the law.

If you suspect abuse locally, please contact: Derby Animal Control, Woodbridge Regional Animal Control, or Beacon Falls Animal Control, or your local police department.

The ASPCA and the Humane Society of the United States offer good information and tips to keep animals safe and healthy.

To make sure your pets are properly protected and cared for, the Humane Society offers the following five tips to protect pets in winter, and guidelines on what to do if you suspect animals are being mistreated.
Keep pets sheltered
Bundle up, wipe down
Remove common poisons
Protect outdoor animals
Speak out


If you suspect an animal is being abused, including being left outside in extreme heat or cold, please:

Report what you see: Take note of the date, time, exact location and the type of animal(s) involved and write down as many details as possible about the situation. Video and photographic documentation of the animal, the location, the surrounding area, etc. (even a cell phone photo) will help bolster your case.
Contact your local animal control agency or county sheriff's office: and present your complaint and evidence. Take detailed notes regarding whom you speak with and when. Respectfully follow up in a few days if the situation has not been remedied.
If you need advice, contact us. Because we aren't a law enforcement agency, we cannot take legal action, but we can provide expert counsel.



Sincerely,


Rochelle applauds expansion of advanced manufacturing at Derby High School

 

State Rep. Kara Rochelle, at right, pictured with students in Derby High School's Advanced Manufacturing Training Program at a May 2019 ribbon-cutting ceremony. / Contributed photo


DERBY - State Rep. Kara Rochelle (D-Ansonia/ Derby) praised the anticipated expansion of Housatonic Community College's Advanced Manufacturing Technology Certificate Program at Derby High School to adult residents interested in careers in Advanced Manufacturing.

 

The program will be housed in Derby High School's Advanced Manufacturing Technology Lab and will be offered nights and weekends, tuition-free to eligible Valley residents. 

Credited- and non-credited certification classes and internship opportunities with local manufacturers will be offered.

 

This program is still in development and leaders are evaluating program interest. 

Valley residents can complete an online survey expressing their desire to learn more and potentially enroll in the program by visiting https://www.derbyct.gov/news/post/11243/. The survey will be used to inform program opening and planning efforts. 

Housatonic Community College will follow-up with those who complete the survey to provide more information about the application and enrollment process.

 

"This program will give our residents a meaningful pathway to climb the economic ladder and gain the technical training need to secure not just a good-paying job, but a career path with room for future advancement. This can truly help those who have found themselves unemployed or are underemployed and looking for a path to economic stability," said Rep. Rochelle. "Thank you to Joe Carbone, Rich DuPont, Derby Superintendent Matthew Conway, and my colleagues in the Connecticut General Assembly who have supported initiatives, like this one, to expand manufacturing training throughout the state."

 

During the 2019 legislative session  Rochelle authored and passed legislation to strengthen the manufacturing workforce pipeline by expanding the regional community-technical college Advanced Manufacturing Certificate Program to more public high schools across Connecticut, prioritizing expansion of the program to school districts in distressed municipalities and requiring programs to be offered to adults during nights and weekends.

“I want to thank State Representative Kara Rochelle for championing this effort to train workers and create access to good paying jobs.  Manufacturing has a vibrant future in Connecticut, one with enormous potential to expand opportunities and prosperity,” said Joe Carbone, President and CEO, The WorkPlace. “I encourage all jobseekers near the Naugatuck Valley to complete the online survey and provide feedback on the Advanced Manufacturing Technology Certificate Program.”

 

This initiative is an effort between the WorkPlace, Housatonic Community College, and Derby Public Schools, and builds off the existing Advanced Manufacturing Certificate Program offered to Derby High School students.

"This is fantastic news for our manufacturers, large and small, whose demand for Advanced Manufacturing Technology skill sets has not diminished in these COVID-19 times.  In fact, that demand has increased given our aging workforce and the volume of business manufactures see now and well into the future. 

This partnership at Derby High School presents the Greater Derby-Ansonia community a solid opportunity to leverage their community and economic development goals and objectives and it aligns itself very well with the Governor's Workforce Council's strategic plans in support of Advanced Manufacturing," said Rich DuPont, President of Resource Development Associates and Director of Community and Campus Relations for the Advanced Manufacturing Technology Center at HCC.

 

Manufacturing is experiencing a revival in Connecticut and one of its top obstacles to growth is hiring and retaining qualified workers. Currently, one-third of the manufacturing workforce is aged 55 or older and state and industry leaders anticipate a wave of retirements in the coming years.

 

Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, manufacturing was the third fastest growing field in Connecticut, employing over 162,000 people. While the sector has not fully recovered, it has rebounded and experienced a 50 percent gain. 

Manufacturers are becoming more interested and involved in high-tech areas, such as computer and software programming and additive manufacturing processes, further increasing demand for highly-skilled employees.

 

Recently, Connecticut received a $10 million grant from the U.S. Department of Labor to establish a manufacturing and technology training initiative program modeled off existing programs similar to the Valley's and others across the state, to boost in-demand workers in Connecticut.

 

"We are thrilled to partner with The WorkPlace and HCC to offer this life changing opportunity to our families, as we together, work to build an even stronger workforce to meet the growing demands of our business partners and the need for highly skilled individuals in the field of Advanced Manufacturing," said Derby Public Schools Superintendent Matthew Conway.

 

"This is a very exciting opportunity for people to acquire the skills necessary to fill manufacturing jobs in our local communities. I truly hope people take advantage of this unique opportunity," said Joseph DiBacco, Superintendent of Ansonia Public Schools.

 

The entry level annual salary students can expect to earn in Advanced Manufacturing is $35,000 to $40,000. According to the Connecticut Business & Industry Association, the annual average wage for skilled workers in Advanced Manufacturing is $95,118.



This is a press release from state Rep. Kara Rochelle.

Derby Public Library vestibule services available despite building closure

DERBY - We [at Derby Public Library] are happy to announce all are well and we are open!

See Thursday post:

http://thevalley-voicect.blogspot.com/2021/01/possible-covid-19-exposure-closes-derby.html

While the building will remain closed, Vestibule Services https://bit.ly/2MiJcX4 are available.

Don’t know what to read or watch? Click here for personalized services https://bit.ly/3cn3tFC.

Don’t forget our databases https://bit.ly/3j1mSxo and downloadable catalog https://bit.ly/3iWpJHP are open 24/7.

Questions? Please call 203-736-1482 or email us at dplreference@biblio.org.

Thank you for your patience during this difficult time.


This is shared from the Library's Friday Facebook post.

Thursday, January 28, 2021

Derby Neck Library extends closure until further notice



DERBY - In an abundance of caution, we [at Derby Neck Library] are extending our closure until further notice.
Virtual programs and curbside pickup are still available!
Call 203-734-1492 during our normal hours or send us a message here if you have any questions.
We'll let you know when anything changes--be safe!


This is shared from the Library's Facebook page.

Wesley Village in Shelton to offer webinar on downsizing


SHELTON - Seniors, caregivers, and family members are invited to participate in an upcoming free webinar offered by Wesley Village Senior Living Communities. 

The webinar “New Year, Fresh Start” will focus on tips for downsizing your home and is scheduled from 2-3 p.m. Feb. 4.

 

Wesley Village, a Shelton senior living campus owned and managed by United Methodist Homes will be partnering with Wayforth, to present this webinar. 

Wayforth is a full-service move management company offering relocation, storage, and styling solutions.

 

The webinar will discuss tips on how to downsize, including: how to develop a moving timeline, determining the different types of clutter, suggestions on rightsizing your space, and ways to stage your home. The presentation will also cover the challenges of COVID-19 and explore why making a move now is the right choice for many people thinking about downsizing.

 

“So many times we meet older adults and their family members who are thinking about downsizing but want to wait for perfect conditions before they make a move,” said Rhonda Stasulli, Director of Campus Sales for Wesley Village. “If we’ve learned anything from this past year, it’s that we can’t rely on those perfect conditions. This webinar will offer practical advice for how to start the downsizing process now and what a sample downsizing plan should look like for those who are seeking a more manageable living space in 2021.”

 

To register, please contact Lisa Bisson at 203-225-5024 or at lbisson@umh.org.

To RSVP online, visit: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZMofuiprz8vEtyLY4YipDWM_eWPi6PCJlGS

 

Wesley Village senior living campus at 580 Long Hill Ave. 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.

Possible COVID-19 exposure closes Derby Public Library starting today


Shared from a post today on the Derby Public Library Facebook page:

"We regret to inform you, due to a potential COVID exposure, the Library will be closed until further notice starting today, Thursday, January 28.

"We are taking precautions of deep cleaning and sanitizing the library. All services, except virtual programs, will be suspended until staff is able to return to the building. Some staff will be working remotely and are able to respond to reference questions via email dplreference@biblio.org.

"Electronic resources, databases, and e-books, e-audiobooks, e-music are still available via our website.

"The book drop remains open for returns and all fines will continue to be waived. Please check our Facebook, Twitter, and Website for updates. We sincerely apologize for any inconvenience. Thank you."


Patronize Italian Pavilion in Derby, support Ansonia High School PTSO

 

Ansonia Nature Center shares interesting info on named full moons


From the Ansonia Nature and Recreation Center Facebook page:

"The names of full moons come from Native Americans from long ago. Tonight’s full moon is the first of many named this year."


Learn about Social Security via Zoom in Derby Public Library program



DERBY - Derby Public Library will host an online workshop on Social Security from 6:30-7:30 p.m. Feb. 17.
 
Almost 74 percent of Americans voluntarily received reduced retirement income benefits because they don’t know all the facts (Source: SSA Annual Statistical Supplement, 2011). 

This workshop will cover when to apply for benefits, how to avoid reductions and increase benefits, and how to coordinate benefits with
your spouse. 
You will learn special rules for divorced spouses and survivor benefits.

This program is presented by Rebecca Miller and the Financial Awareness Foundation – a non-profit dedicated to the advancement of financial literacy.

You must register to attend this program via Zoom. 
Download Zoom in your app store or visit Zoom.us to create a free account.
YOU MUST PROVIDE YOUR LIBRARY BARCODE NUMBER TO BE APPROVED. 
If you do not have a library card, email dplreference@biblio.org

 Registration ends at 4:30 p.m. Feb. 17.

This is shared from an online community calendar sponsored by the Community Foundation for Greater New Haven and the New Haven Independent. 

Rochelle shares info on COVID-19 testing at Griffin Hospital in Derby


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


Wednesday, January 27, 2021

Recuperation journey: Looking at the sky

 

The moon is in waxing gibbous phase, 98 percent illumination.


Have a good night.

Troop 25 Scouts slate can, bottle drive in Shelton


 

Derby Neck Library shares 'What's True Wednesday' history quiz


For the previous "What's True Wednesday," #2 was TRUE and #1 was FALSE--P.T. Barnum was a CT mayor, but for Bridgeport! 
Did you get it right?
Here is this week's "What's True Wednesday." answer! Comment on the Derby Neck Library Facebook page with your answer.

And don't forget--Pat's next History Game Night is Feb 9! 


This is shared from the Derby Neck Library Facebook page.

Seymour Public Library to host program on Gilded Age from the Grounded Goodwife

The Grounded Goodwife 


SEYMOUR - Join Ehris and Velya, the Grounded Goodwife duo, at 6:30 p.m. Feb. 9 for a very interesting Zoom presentation hosted by Seymour Public Library.

DUE TO CONTENT SUITABLE FOR AGES18+, NOT FOR THE FAINT AT HEART!
The Not-So-Golden Life of the Gilded Age Wife is herstory unsanitized.
Herstory helps us understand each other by honoring our foremothers’ journeys. 
This presentation isn’t about bustles or butlers – audiences will laugh and grimace about the little-known issues faced by women of America’s Gilded Age. Perhaps women need to be reminded of how far we’ve come to see how far we still can go.
Meeting ID: 833 5890 2218
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Meeting ID: 833 5890 2218
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