Friday, April 30, 2021

Rochelle: Deadline extended to apply for help paying last winter's heating bill


Connecticut residents who need some support paying last winter's home heating bill have until June 15 to apply for financial aid through Connecticut's Energy Assistant Program. Residents who need help paying their winter energy bill are encouraged to apply, regardless of whether their home is heated through electricity, natural gas, or a deliverable fuel. 

If the household's primary heat source is electricity or natural gas, the payment will be sent directly to the utility company. 

Home heating benefits are available for households with incomes up to 60% of the state median income (currently, $37,645 for a single person and $72,394 for a household of four). Payments are issued directly to fuel vendors and utility companies on behalf of eligible households.

Applicants should contact the Community Action Agency serving their region or partnering intake sites around the state. 

TEAM, Inc., is the Community Action Agency serving Ansonia and Derby. To apply, call TEAM at 203-736-5420.  

If you do not live in or around Ansonia/Derby, call 2-1-1 or visit www.ct.gov/staywarm to find the application site nearest you. In response to the COVID-19 public health emergency, households will also be advised how to complete applications remotely through a mail-in process or over the phone. 

Read the full announcement here.


This is a press release from state Rep. Kara Rochelle's office. She represents the 104th District.


My Sister's Place thrift store in Ansonia to hold May 1 sale Saturday


Shared from My Sister's Place Facebook page:

If April showers bring May flowers
What does MSP [My Sister's Place] bring?
Stay tuned to Saturday’s May 1st Sale!

My Sister's Place Thrift Store and Donation Center is located at 380 Main St., Ansonia. All
proceeds benefit BHcare's The Umbrella Center for Domestic Violence Services.

Derby Public Library to host virtual magic show








DERBY - Abracadabra Magic 101 (episode 4 of 4) video will be posted at 9 a.m. Saturday, May 1.

Children ages up to and including 12 can learn amazing magic tricks performed and taught virtually by magician Ed Popielarczyk.

Ed has been performing magic for children and family audiences for over 30 years!
Follow along as he reveals magic’s biggest secrets through his fun, virtual series.


This is shared from the Derby Public Library Facebook page.

Oxford Public Library offers free craft program for adults


OXFORD - Oxford Public Library to hold “Free Adult Craft: Cherry Blossom Bouquet” at 6 p.m. May 13. ONLY 5 SPOTS LEFT
Create your own Cherry Blossom spray using provided vase, fabric flowers and tissue paper. You provide the branches and hot glue. Limit 10.
Register to receive craft materials and link to program. For information call 203-888-6944.


This is shared from the Library's Facebook page.

Thursday, April 29, 2021

Center Stage Education Center in Shelton posts Summer Camp 2021 schedule


Check out our Summer Programs!
Session 1: Rising Stars - Under the Sea GR K-2
Monday through Friday June 28-July 2
9 a.m.-12 p.m.
Tuition: $150 per student​
Showcase: July 2 at 11:45 a.m.

Our Rising Stars session this year will explore Under the Sea!
These little performers will spend each morning in acting, singing, and dance class to learn and practice material for a camp show on their final day.
Our Rising Stars camp program encourages confidence, independence, and creativity. You'll be amazed at what they can learn in just a few short days!
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Session 2: Totally 80s! GR 3-6
Monday through Friday July 5-16 9 a.m.-12 p.m.
Tuition: $300 per student​
Showcase: July 16 at 11:45 a.m.

Center Stage Theatre's summer camp is a half day filled with acting, singing, and dance class as well as rehearsal time for a show that is performed on the final day of camp.
This session will explore music of the 80s from hit TV Show Glee and musicals such as Head Over Heels.
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Session 3: Broadway's Best with Industry Professionals GR 7-12
Monday through Friday July 19-23 8:30 a.m.- 12:30 p.m.
Tuition: $350 per student​
Showcase: July 23 at 12:15 p.m. AND July 24 at 7:30 p.m.

Our new Musical Theatre Intensive will feature industry professionals as our students spend the week putting together a showcase.
The week will feature masterclasses on singing, acting and dance and will culminate with a special performance at our production of The Wedding Singer on July 24!
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This is shared from Center Stage Theatre Education Center's Facebook page.

Shelton Library System hosts Conversation Cafe at Rotary Club Pavilion



Shared from the Shelton Library System Facebook page:


This Friday, April 30, join Miss Maura at 10 a.m. for English Language Learners Conversation Cafe.
Please wear a mask and bring a chair!
Meet at the Derby-Shelton Rotary Club Pavilion.


Recuperation journey: Rainy morning visitors

 


Just a lucky capture through the door on a gray day!


Clinic for COVID-19 vaccination being held today at Ansonia Armory

 
From the City of Ansonia Facebook page:

Have you been vaccinated? Now is the time! Mayor [David S.] Cassetti and Griffin Hospital are making it as easy as possible. 

Just WALK IN to the Ansonia Armory this Thursday [today] between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. with your photo ID, and you’ll be able to receive your first (or second) Pfizer vaccination shot.

It’s that easy!
Getting vaccinated protects you, your family and community. It will help us get back to life in the Valley and move us past COVID-19 once and for all.

Together we can #VaxtheValley! See you there!

Students mark Earth Day by cleaning up Ansonia High School grounds



ANSONIA - The students in Ms. Rarey's Spanish IV class and Mrs. Bennett-Morgenstern's Ceramics II class participated April 23 in a cleanup of the grounds at AHS to celebrate Earth Day.
The students were able to cover and clean up nearly the entire campus.
It is important for the health and well-being of local wildlife to keep the area clean of what may be harmful items. Additionally, it makes our beautiful building and campus look even better!
Many students commented on how great it made them feel to take part. Earth Day is Every Day!


This is shared from Ansonia Public Schools' Facebook page.

Klarides-Ditria: Milling, resurfacing project slated in May on Route 67 in Seymour



The Connecticut Department of Transportation announced that a milling and resurfacing project will be performed on Route 67 in Seymour between Sunday, May 9, 2021, and Thursday May 20, 2021.

The project consists of milling and resurfacing a 1.55-mile segment of Route 67 from the Oxford town line to Route 721. 

The milling portion of the project is scheduled to occur from Sunday, May 9, 2021, to Wednesday May 12, 2021. The resurfacing portion of the project is scheduled to occur from Sunday, May 16, 2021, to Thursday May 20, 2021.

This project is included in the Department of Transportation’s 2021 Vendor Resurfacing Program.

Drivers can expect delays and one lane alternating traffic. 

Traffic control personnel and signing patterns will be utilized to guide drivers through the work zone. The night work schedule for this project is 7 p.m. to 5 a.m. (Sunday through Thursday)

Drivers should be aware that modifications or extensions to this schedule may become necessary due to weather delays or other unforeseen conditions and are advised to remain alert, drive cautiously, and to maintain a safe speed in this vicinity.

Sincerely,




State Rep. Nicole Klarides-Ditria represents the 105th District.

Derby Public Library to hold virtual Teen Taker-Maker Space


DERBY - Derby Public Library invites young adults up to age 17 to a virtual gathering of the Teen Taker-Maker Space from 3:30-4:40 p.m. May 20. 

Tweens aged 10 and 11 are also welcome. Kits are limited to the first four registrants.

Pickup of Solar Spider kits will be coordinated by telephone. 

Zoom access links to this event will be provided via email three days prior to meeting date. 


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.


Wesley Village in Shelton to host 3-part webinar on understanding dementia




SHELTON - Caregivers, family members and friends of loved ones with dementia and Alzheimer’s Disease are invited to participate in an upcoming free 3-part webinar training program offered by Wesley Village Senior Living Campus and the Alzheimer’s Association.  

The three-week webinar is scheduled for Tuesday evenings from 6-7:30 PM beginning May 4 and running through May 18.


The sessions will cover the following:


Tuesday, May 4, 6:00 – 7:30 PM

Understanding Alzheimer’s and Dementia

Learn more about Alzheimer’s and other types of dementia, Alzheimer’s disease stages and risk factors, treatments for some symptoms, and Alzheimer’s Association resources.


Tuesday, May 11, 6:00 – 7:30 PM

Understanding and Responding to Dementia Related Behaviors

Learn more about common triggers for dementia-related behaviors as well as ways to assess and strategies to address common behaviors.


Tuesday, May 18, 6:00 – 7:30 PM

Dementia Conversations: Driving, Doctor Visits, and Legal and Financial Planning

Learn more for tips on how to have honest and caring conversations with family members.


To RSVP, call Lisa Bisson, 203-225-5024 or email her at lbisson@umh.org. 

Registration is required to receive Zoom Link and meeting information.

We look forward to joining you for this informative event. 


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 our website or call  203.225.5024.


This is a press release from United Methodist Homes.

Tuesday, April 27, 2021

Cooking demo to benefit Valley Chamber's WIN Council Entrepreneurial Grant Fund


Join us for a special FUNdraiser Virtual Party featuring Wendy DiCarlo of Pampered Chef from 7-9 p.m. May 6. 
A portion of the proceeds will benefit the WIN Council Entrepreneurial Grant Fund.
The Women in Networking Entrepreneurial Grant program provides financial assistance to women 18 years of age or older whose business is located in the Greater Valley towns of Ansonia, Beacon Falls, Derby, Oxford, Seymour, or Shelton. 
The money is intended as grant-in-aid for expenses to enhance the applicant's current business or to start a business. 
The grant may be used for expenses such as equipment, marketing, training/certification/recertification courses necessary to reach the applicant's business goals.
Since its inception in 2004, the WIN Entrepreneurial Grant has supported the dreams of 61 women-owned businesses through grants and scholarships totaling close to $60,000. 
Due the members’ outstanding passion for philanthropy and helping others, in 2007 the Grant Committee established the WIN Entrepreneurial Grant Fund through the Valley Community Foundation to ensure it will continue for future generations.
The initial grant of $500 allowed a young massage therapist to purchase a credit card machine to allow for safer transactions with her clients. Since that time, the program has supported the purchases of items such as commercial grade mixers, refrigerators, and computer equipment to assistance with marketing campaigns, industry certifications, and scholarships to WBDC training sessions with past grants ranging in size from $500 to $2,400.
Each year the Council hosts a series of fundraising events to support both current year grant awards with any additional monies going towards the Foundation Fund.
The WIN (Women In Networking) Council was formed in 2002 as a way to share hurdles unique to women in business by providing a warm, friendly atmosphere that is supportive, educational and dynamic. 
Members are a mix of female entrepreneurs, business owners, and key players in B2B services. WIN is a committee of the Greater Valley Chamber of Commerce.
Women-owned business in the Valley can message the Greater Valley Chamber of Commerce with their email or mailing address for a copy of the 2021 application. 
Application due date is Oct.1. Distribution of funds will be in early December 2021.

This is shared from a Greater Valley Chamber of Commerce press release.

'Turnback Tuesday' features businesses near 'Derby Junction'


Turnback Tuesday give us two views of the corner of Derby Avenue and Main Street in the early 1900s.
At 5 Main St., the beverage business (saloon) was owned by James D. McCarthy from 1896 until 1925 when he changed it to a cigar and tobacco establishment.

At 3 Main St. starting in 1907, Mrs. Mary E. Colwell ran a confectionary/lunch business until 1934. At 1 Main St. were various grocery and meat markets, run earlier by Herson C. Osborn and later by Davey Brothers. Above these businesses were rooms for rent.

This corner was also part of the busy intersection called "Derby Junction" where the trolley and trains all stopped.

Just think of this corner as your one stop for shopping for food, sweets, and drinks.


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


My Sister's Place in Ansonia posts weekly sales


 My Sister's Place Thrift Store and Donation Center is located at 380 Main St., Ansonia. 

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

Derby Public Library to host lecture on history of recognition of veterans


DERBY - Derby Public Library will host Honor our Veterans at "The Last Full Measure," at 6:30 p.m. May 3.

Prof. Hamish Lutris discusses the ways veterans of U.S. wars have been recognized for their service, and how that recognition has changed over time.

Register here https://bit.ly/3a7xgQG by 4:30 p.m. May 2, to receive the Zoom link and password. #lestweforget2021


This is shared from the Derby Public Library Facebook page.

Seymour Public Library to host online Food Explorers class on baking cupcakes

SEYMOUR - Join Katie, Registered Dietitian from Food Explorers, at 4:30 p.m. May 7 to make Strawberry Stuffed Cupcakes! 
This program is hosted by Seymour Public Library.
Yep, these cupcakes are stuffed with an entire strawberry. 
You’ll need the following ingredients: flour, baking soda, baking powder, butter, sugar, 2 eggs, milk, plain Greek yogurt, powdered sugar, strawberries (1 pound) and heavy cream. 
This frosting is made from whipped cream, but can be a buttercream if preferred, which would require 1 stick of butter instead of heavy cream.”
Register in advance for this meeting:
https://us02web.zoom.us/.../tZUqc...

This is shared from Seymour Public Library's Facebook page.

Ansonia High School grad to teach political science at Vanderbilt University

Shared from a post on Facebook by Ansonia High School music teacher Maria Tangredi:

Congratulations to AHS Music Department Alum John Dearborn on his new job as Assistant Professor of Political Science at Vanderbilt University.

John is the Valedictorian of the AHS Class of 2009. He completed his undergraduate degree at UConn in the honors program and later earned his Ph.D. from Yale.


Congratulations and all the best to John in his new teaching position!

Reading of graphic novels for teens slated via Zoom at Derby Public Library



DERBY - From 3:30-4:30 p.m. May 12 and 26, the Derby Public Library invites all young adults ages 12 and above to virtual gatherings for the reading/showing of Classic Graphic Novels. 


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. 

Monday, April 26, 2021

Derby Historical Society to hold Mother's Day watercolor Sketch 'N' Sip class


Mother’s Day Sketch ‘N Sip -  Ocean Voyage - will be offered free on Facebook Live - https://www.facebook.com/davidhumphreyshouse


ANSONIA - Join us [at 1 p.m. May 8] for a Watercolor Seascape with Amie Ziner. 

BYOB and a snack to your personal workspace in this FREE virtual event. 


Materials list:

* Watercolor paper, at least 9”x12”, either taped with brown gummed

tape to a board, or as a watercolor block (these are glued on all 4

sides).

* Three brushes- a big flat, a small chisel, and a small round. Buy

good brushes - student or professional grade. Assortment packs are a good deal.

* Paper should be for watercolor, any size. Don’t use printer paper for this one!

* A set of watercolors. Get whatever set you like, but oddly enough, you can paint with cheap watercolors and end up with good results. If

you are starting out, get the watercolors in tubes; they’re just easier to use. That’s it, no pencils, no erasers, no rulers!

Call 203-735-1908 or email info@derbyhistorical.org with questions.


Derby Historical Society is a regional historical society dedicated to preserving, maintaining, and celebrating the rich and varied history of the Lower Naugatuck Valley. 

Derby Historical Society welcomes all visitors and is also available to support researchers, schools, or other program needs. Our office is located at the Sarah Riggs Humphreys House, 37 Elm St., Ansonia.


This is a press release from Daniel Bosques, executive director, Derby Historical Society.


Sunday, April 25, 2021

Klarides-Ditria: April 25 is Tax Freedom Day in CT



Once again, Connecticut’s tax burden is among the highest of any state in the nation. Residents in our state need to work longer than residents in 45 other states to pay their local, state and federal tax bills.

Tax Freedom Day is the day each year when the average citizen has earned enough to pay their combined local, state and federal tax bills. This year, Connecticut’s National Tax Freedom Day is April 25!

In more practical terms, YOU essentially work for the local, state and federal government for almost five months before you can begin paying your own bills and providing for your family.

Adding to this terrible news, the legislature’s Finance Committee voted to add nearly another $1.9 billion per year to the state budget with proposals to increase taxes and fees on everything from bottles and cans to gasoline.

Click here for more information, or go to: ​https://www.cthousegop.com/tax-day/

Connecticut can do better.

Sincerely,