'Turnback Tuesday' highlights bridge over Housatonic River

Turnback Tuesday looks at the Housatonic River.

This photo is looking east down the 148-mile long river. The Derby-Shelton Bridge is in the background.

The original bridge linking the two towns together was built in 1839. The covered bridge seen in this photo was replaced in 1891.

The Ansonia, Derby, and Shelton part of the river is tidal. It is said that there is good fishing where the tidal waters meet the flow of the dam.

Thanks as always to the Derby Public Library staff for sharing interesting local history.

Ansonia Library to host music and movement series

 

Derby Police chief posts winter parking rules

 

Seymour Pink to host holiday open house Saturday at gift shop

 

Recuperation journey: Balancing act

Mornings with Stuart! Cell phone photo taken through the window.

Happy Tuesday! 

Bishop Wicke Health and Rehab in Shelton recognized as Best Nursing Home

SHELTON - United Methodist Homes of Shelton is proud to share that Bishop Wicke Health and Rehabilitation Center is among the 13 percent of U.S. skilled nursing facilities that have been recognized as a Best Nursing Home for 2021-22 by U.S. News & World Report.  

The skilled care community earned Best Nursing Homes status by achieving a rating of “High Performing,” the highest possible rating, for both Short Term Rehabilitation and Long-Term Care. 

The five-star rated facility also received its second consecutive deficiency-free annual survey this fall, which is a significant accomplishment. 

The nursing home inspection is a rigorous review process required for all nursing homes participating in Medicare and Medicaid and is regulated by State (Department of Health) and Federal authorities (U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS)). On average, skilled nursing facilities in CT receive 7 deficiencies per survey each year. Homes must be in substantial compliance with Medicare and Medicaid requirements, as well as state law.

United Methodist Homes President and CEO David Lawlor said, “We are extremely proud of our team at Bishop Wicke for upholding the highest standard of care through the most difficult times.  The extraordinary dedication and compassion of fantastic staff coupled with a 147-year organizational mission of service, and not profits, is a powerful combination!”

U.S. News gives the designation of Best Nursing Home only to those homes that satisfy U.S. News’s assessment of the appropriate use of key services and consistent performance in quality measures. The ratings include data on staffing, success in preventing ER visits and pneumonia vaccination rates, among other metrics. Out of 13,175 nursing homes that received a Long-Term Care Rating, 1,063 were designated as High-Performing. 

The Short-Term Care Rating incorporates measures of quality including consistency of registered nurse staffing, use of antipsychotic drugs and success in preventing falls. 

For 2021-22, 13,500 facilities received a Short-Term Rating, while only 1,651 homes earned a High-Performing Rating.

This year's methodology includes an emphasis on homes meeting certain standards of patient safety, which could limit a home’s ability to achieve a ‘High-Performing’ rating. These standards include a minimum threshold for the staff 

COVID-19 vaccination rate, among other criteria. Homes that have below a 75% COVID-19 staff vaccination rate are not considered a leading facility. 

A significant percentage of Short-Term Rehabilitation and Long-Term Care programs that would otherwise have qualified as 'High-Performing' were downgraded at the time of publication.

About Wesley Village: Wesley Village senior living campus is located at 580 Long Hill Avenue in Shelton and is part of United Methodist Homes, a local not-for-profit organization. The Wesley Village campus offers independent and assisted living, enhanced assisted living, early memory support, skilled nursing and short-term rehab. To learn more about Crosby Commons, Wesley Heights, Lifestyle Transitions, or Bishop Wicke Health Center, visit our website or contact us at 203.225.5024. To become part of the Wesley Village team, visit our website at: https://www.umh.org/career-opportunities-at-umh.

About U.S. News and World Report: As nursing homes and facilities across the country continue to grapple with the effects of the coronavirus pandemic, the U.S. News report provides data-driven information and guidance to help residents, families and caregivers understand their long- and short-term care options. Now in its 12th year, the U.S. News Best Nursing Homes ratings and profiles offer comprehensive information about quality of care, COVID-19 vaccination requirements for residents and staff, flu and pneumonia vaccination rates, and infection control violations listed on the resident safety summary. 

Individuals can easily conduct customized research for a highly rated nursing home by location, size, and Medicare and Medicaid coverage. 

For more information behind both U.S. News ratings please refer to the FAQ.

This is a press release from United Methodist Homes.

Three Saints Orthodox Church in Ansonia to host benefit concert

 

Eagle Hose & Hook & Ladder Co. #6 in Ansonia readies Santa deliveries

 

Ansonia Police issue winter parking regulations effective Dec.1

Winter Parking Regulations and Snow Removal

Effective December 1, 2021

 

There shall be in the City a twenty-four hour (24) a day, seven (7) days a week, parking ban on all city streets and highways. The purpose is to allow snow equipment to remove snow and ice as quickly as possible from all city streets and highways.

 

For this winter season, motor vehicles are allowed to park on the odd-numbered side of municipal streets starting on December 1, 2021 through March 31, 2022.

The following are exceptions to the winter parking regulations:

City streets that display “No Parking Signs” shall be exempt from alternate side parking during the winter parking season in the area designated by the “No Parking Signs.” These streets include: South Cliff Street, North State Street, Crescent Street (Howard Ave to Day St.), Franklin Street (Jackson to Wakelee Ave), Colony Street, Division Street and North Spring Street (from Hill Street to Jewett Street), High Street (Lester St. to Howard Ave), Doyle Drive, Fourth Street (Gatison Park area). Church St., Holbrook St. (Pork Hollow to Jackson St.) and Pork Hollow.

Winter parking is allowed only on the odd side of the following street(s):

• Star Street

Parking is only permitted on the even numbered side of the following streets, regardless of the calendar year:

• Fifth Street;

• Jewett St. (North Spring Street to Platt Street);

• Hotchkiss Terrace (the area west of Kathy Lane);

• North Cliff Street;

• Colony Street, north of Gardner’s Lane;

• Park Place.

Parking is prohibited on the following streets: Stage Coach Road, Remer Street, Union Street, Crowley Street, Pleasant Street, Beaver Street, (North Street to the Seymour Line), Holbrook Court and Father Lar Drive, Lawton Terrace, Crescent Street (Howard Ave to Lester St.), North Fourth Street, Prospect Street, (Moulthrop St. to Viselli Court), Rockwood Ave. Ext., Viselli Court, Walkers Court, Oak Lane and Carver St.

Parking is prohibited on Main Street, West Main Street and East Main Street from 1200 a.m. (midnight) to 6:00 a.m.

Any person receiving a written notice for violating the regulation must either submit payment of $15.00, or file a formal appeal, to the Police Department within ten (10) days. The fine will increase to $30.00 after ten (10) days.

Residents should also be aware of the city regulation that requires the removal of snow and ice from sidewalks within 12 hours from the end of the snowfall. The owner of the land and or the person having care and control of the property shall be responsible for the removal. Any violation of this may result in an infraction for violation of a town ordinance.

This is release from Ansonia Police Lt. Patrick Lynch.

 

 

Seymour Strand to show Christmas classic, collect funds for Spooner House

SEYMOUR - The Strand Theater, 165 Main St., will show the classic Christmas movie "It's A Wonderful Life" at 7 p.m. Saturday. Tickets are $7.50.

Cash donations for Spooner House in Shelton will be accepted. Spooner House provides the Valley Food Bank and shelter services.

New this year!

 We will be offering raffle baskets during the screening of "It’s A Wonderful Life." 

If you’re in need of a gift this is the perfect way to start (or complete) your shopping list! What could be easier; shopped, themed, wrapped, and festive! You can always win and gift yourself. You deserve it!

As a reminder, raffle tickets and concession booth are cash only. Thank you for your support of the Strand! 

  

George Bailey has spent his entire life giving of himself to the people of Bedford Falls. 

He has always longed to travel but never had the opportunity in order to prevent rich skinflint Mr. Potter from taking over the entire town. All that prevents him from doing so is George's modest building and loan company, which was founded by his generous father. 

But on Christmas Eve, George's Uncle Billy loses the business's $8,000 while intending to deposit it in the bank. Potter finds the misplaced money and hides it from Billy. 

When the bank examiner discovers the shortage later that night, George realizes that he will be held responsible and sent to jail and the company will collapse, finally allowing Potter to take over the town. Thinking of his wife, their young children, and others he loves will be better off with him dead, he contemplates suicide. 

But the prayers of his loved ones result in a gentle angel named Clarence coming to earth to help George, with the promise of earning his wings. He shows George what things would have been like if he had never been born.

Rated: PG Runtime: 2 hours,10 minutes 

This is shared from a Facebook event page.

Seymour FD readies Popcorn Ball Sunday with Santa tradition

SEYMOUR - Popcorn balls from Santa riding on Seymour firetrucks starting at 9 a.m Dec. 19. It doesn't get better than that! 

Listen for the sirens and when the trucks come down your street, be sure to come outside! 

Wave to Santa and your favorite volunteer firefighters!

This is shared from a Facebook event page.

Derby Neck Library to host A Little Science fun for children

Look what we're doing [at Derby Neck Library] this week at #ALittleScience! We still have some supply packs available - call 203-734-1492 to reserve yours!

This is shared from the Library's Facebook page.

Troop 105 selling Christmas trees at Hilltop Hose firehouse in Ansonia

 

Derby Neck Library hosts story time fun Monday via Zoom

DERBY - Derby Neck Library invites little ones at 10:30 a.m. Monday to join Miss Krissy and Miss Sarah for some fun finger plays, stories, and games aimed at early literacy, language development, and socialization! 

This Zoom meeting is targeted to ages Birth-5, but everyone is welcome!

Sign up for our Youth Services mailing list to receive the Zoom link by clicking here: https://forms.gle/EUp2yRBLFNJVMnz17 

This is shared from the Library's Facebook page.

St. Vincent de Paul in Derby to hold after-Thanksgiving sale

 

Santa to arrive at Seymour Train Station Dec. 4

Church of the Good Shepherd in Shelton to host Christmas craft workshop

 

Griffin Bariatrics to host virtual presentations on weight-loss services

DERBY - Griffin Bariatrics will offer free virtual presentations on weight-loss services Dec. 6 at 5:30 p.m.; Dec. 15 at 5:30 p.m.; Jan. 11 at 5:30 p.m.; Jan. 19 at 5:30 p.m.; and Jan. 25 at noon.

Led by Griffin Hospital Director of Bariatrics Dr. Abe Fridman, this seminar will explain how bariatric surgery can help patients lose significant amounts of weight, enhance their health, and provide long-term outcomes. 

Additionally, techniques, support programs, pre- and post-operative expectations, and insurance questions are also discussed.

Griffin Hospital established its comprehensive weight loss surgery program, Griffin Bariatrics, to provide a medical solution for patients with more substantial weight loss needs. 

The long-term success enjoyed by Griffin Bariatrics patients is a result of excellent medical care, including the latest minimally invasive surgical procedures, combined with access to a full range of multidisciplinary services that have been assembled to support them before, during, and after their surgery.

To register, contact Bariatric Care Specialist Kimberly Fisher at kfisher@griffinhealth.org or 203-732-7108. 

For more information about Griffin Bariatrics, visit griffinhospitalbariatrics.com.

This is a press release from Griffin Hospital. 

Quaker Farms Fire Company in Oxford to host Popcorn Ball Sunday

Quaker Farms Fire Company file photo.

OXFORD - It's that time of year again! 

Santa will mount our Quaker Farms fire truck starting at 9 a.m. Dec. 12 and making a tour around Quaker Farms Fire District. 

Santa and our firefighters will be spreading cheer and tossing popcorn balls, even treats for our four- legged friends. 

Be on the lookout and listen for the sirens! We will try our best to provide updates via Facebook so parents can get their little ones bundled and ready.

Rain date is Dec. 19.

This is shared from a Facebook event page. 

Klarides-Ditria: Support local businesses on Small Business Saturday

This Saturday, Nov. 27, 2021, is Small Business Saturday – a day to celebrate and support small businesses and all they do for our communities.

Due to the continued impact on local businesses from COVID-19, we know that small businesses need our support now more than ever as they struggle to keep their doors open and employees working.

Please join the Small Business Association (SBA) and organizations across the country in supporting your local small businesses by shopping at a small business.

Founded by American Express in 2010 and officially cosponsored by the SBA since 2011, Small Business Saturday has become an important part of small businesses’ busiest shopping season.

Click here for a list of participating small businesses in our area. 

Sincerely,

Recuperation journey: Thanksgiving 2015

 

Thankful for Facebook memories.

Ansonia Library readies Lego Club fun

 

Tree lighting tradition slated on Huntington Green in Shelton

The gazebo on the Huntington Green decorated for the Christmas season./ File photo

SHELTON - An Annual Tree Lighting will be held at 5 p.m. Dec. 5 on the Huntington Green.

RJS Event Designs (holiday decorators) is hosting the event. 

The free event will include Christmas music, hot cocoa, and cookies.

Mayor Mark Lauretti will be on hand and Santa will stop by on a firetruck from Huntington Fire Company No. 3.

The event will be held rain or shine.

A big thank you goes to Jones Family Farms, Shelton Parks and Rec, Huntington Fire Company No 3., and the City of Shelton.

This is shared from a Facebook event page.

Recuperation journey: Looking at the sky

... at 7 a.m. on Thanksgiving Day.

The moon is in waning gibbous phase, 70 percent illumination. 

Wishing all a peaceful holiday!

Kellogg Environmental Center in Derby to feature photo exhibit in December

Blue and Gold Macaw

DERBY -  Visit Kellogg Environmental Center  throughout December to view photographer Peggy Boissoneau’s exhibit, “Inspire. Explore. Discover.” 

Boissoneau has traveled the globe for pleasure and business during her corporate IT and finance career and she continues to capture unique experiences through her photography. 

The Center will host a virtual reception Dec. 19 from 10:30-11:30 a.m. via Zoom. 

Join online as Boissoneau discusses her travels around the world and how she captured the planet’s nature and cultures through her photography. 

Registration is required. 

To receive the Zoom link visit the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection calendar of events webpage at https://coeearegistration.wufoo.com/forms/zhc37vv11qz4ca/ or contact Sue Quincy, 203-734-2513.

Boissoneau's photography has exhibited at several locations including the Connecticut Town and Country Club, New Britain Art League, Woodstock Academy, and New Milford Silo at Hunt Hill Farm. She is currently showing at the juried traveling exhibit at Southport Pequot Library.   

Please note Kellogg Environmental Center is following New Normal Health & Safety Guidelines for CT State Parks which provides important guidance for participants and visitors. 

It is available for review at https://portal.ct.gov/-/media/DEEP/COVID-19/Health_Safety_Flyer_NN_Final.pdf.

Kellogg Environmental Center, a facility of the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection State Parks Division at 500 Hawthorne Ave., is open 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday. 

For information or directions email donna.kingston@ct.gov or phone 203-734-2513. 

This is a press release from the Kellogg Environmental Center.

                                                      

Rochelle to host virtual forum on domestic violence

State Rep. Kara Rochelle, D-Ansonia, Derby, will host a virtual forum on domestic violence at 3 p.m. Nov. 30.

The webinar will be held via Zoom, the web-based video conferencing platform. 

Rochelle will be joined by Lt. Patrick Lynch, Patrol Division Commander & Public Information Officer of the Ansonia Police Department; Meghan Scanlon, President & CEO of the Connecticut Coalition Against Domestic Violence; Cindy Carlson, Program Manager at the Umbrella Center for Domestic Violence, BHCare; and Geralyn O'Neil-Wild, TEAM, Inc. Board of Directors Board Officer.

 

Participants will learn more about the warning signs of domestic violence, the power and control dynamics involved, and community resources available to those experiencing domestic violence. 

This will include legal rights, transition services, and counseling options, among other topics. Panelists will also provide an overview of the new 2021 law that expanded Connecticut's definition of domestic violence to include coercive control, among other things. 

Participants will be able to register for the webinar at https://bit.ly/3nIPsHQ.

 

"Domestic violence can affect anyone regardless of their background, and the warning signs aren't always obvious. The pattern of behavior may start subtly and become more aggressive over time. This forum is designed to help those experiencing or possibly witnessing domestic violence to recognize the warning signs and know where they can access assistance in our community. Our goal is to also empower people who may be experiencing domestic violence and friends who may wish to learn how they can connect a loved one who is experiencing domestic violence to support," said Rochelle.

 

The forum comes two weeks after an Ansonia mother of three was allegedly killed by her husband during a domestic dispute. This is the third woman in two years from Ansonia or Derby to be killed by a current or former intimate partner. According to the Connecticut Coalition Against Domestic Violence, this is also marks the ninth known intimate partner homicide in Connecticut this year.

 

Domestic violence is a pattern of coercive behavior where one partner attempts to control and dominate the other through verbal, psychological, physical, sexual, financial, or technological abuse.

 

Since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic in March 2020, domestic violence has become more prevalent as residents experience isolation and grapple with unemployment and diminished access to necessities. 

During the 2020 fiscal year from November 2019 to June 2020, the Connecticut Coalition Against Domestic Violence reported in June 2020, shelter capacity was at 151 percent, spending $78,803 on hotels to temporarily house victim-survivors. In that same month, outgoing calls to ensure existing clients could access services necessary to be safe increased 97 percent from June 2019.

 

Attendees will be able to ask the panelists questions before and during the event using the Zoom chat function. 

Individuals who have questions they would like to ask the panel privately and confidentially can email them to Rochelle  at Kara.Rochelle@cga.ct.gov.

This is a press release from Rochelle's office.