Huntington Branch Library in Shelton offers supplies to make spinner toy

January Take and Make: Spinners

SHELTON - For the month of January we will provide the materials to make a string and cardboard spinner toy.

We will provide a paper template, cardboard circles, and string. Written directions will be given.

Please note: you will need glue, scissors, and something to color with to complete this project.

Each child must sign up individually.

Projects can be picked up at the Huntington Branch Library children's desk anytime during the month of January.

Register here: http://engagedpatrons.org/EventsExtended.cfm?SiteID=2661...

This is shared from the Huntington Branch Library Facebook page.

Oxford Public Library slates Creative Writing Club in January

 

Seymour Public Library to host discussion of mystery novel

SEYMOUR - The Seymour Public Library Book Club will discuss The Dry, an atmospheric, page-turning debut mystery by award-winning author Jane Harper at 10:30 a.m. Jan. 13. 

In the grip of the worst drought in a century, the farming community of Kiewarra is facing life and death choices daily when three members of a local family are found brutally slain.

The Book Club meets every second Thursday of the month in the lower level of the Library, 46 Church St.

Copies of the book will be available for check out at the circulation desk with a valid library card.

This is shared from a Facebook event page.

Shelton to host fireworks at Riverwalk tonight

 

Recuperation journey: Looking at the sky

 

Cell phone photo of Thursday's sunset - not my usual backyard view.

Junior Friends of the Shelton Libraries to hold winter coat drive

 

Scouts to hold redeemable can, bottle drive Jan. 8 in Shelton

 

Free takeout breakfast offered at Assumption Church Hall in Ansonia

 

Children's Room at Ansonia Library, TAD-G's Fitness to host Poundfit fun for kids

 

UPDATE: Shelton cancels today's distribution of COVID test kits

From the Shelton Police Department Facebook page:

"The COVID-19 at-home test kits have not arrived in Connecticut. Today’s (December 30th) scheduled distribution in Shelton is canceled and will be rescheduled once the test kits are delivered.

"Updates will be provided on City’s social media pages and the City’s website."

UPDATE: Seymour cancels today's distribution of at-home COVID tests

From Seymour First Selectwoman Ann Marie Drugonis' Facebook page:

"We received word from the State late last night that the COVID testing kits will not arrive today. We are canceling today's distribution event and will reschedule when we can confirm that the tests will arrive. We appreciate your continued patience and want to wish everyone a happy and healthy new year."

UPDATE: Ansonia cancels today's distribution of COVID tests

ANSONIA - This afternoon's COVID test distribution event at Nolan Field has been CANCELLED.

The cancellation is due to a delay in the shipment of the COVID rapid test kits ordered by the State of Connecticut. The delay will impact all CT cities and towns.

City staff will be closely monitoring shipment status, and a new event date will be announced when the shipment of tests to CT is confirmed.

Shared from City of Ansonia Facebook page.

Recuperation journey: Looking at the sky

Sharing this winter sunrise from my photo archives. 

Ansonia officials monitor possible distribution delay in at-home COVID tests Thursday

 From the City of Ansonia Facebook page:

"Important update on tomorrow's COVID test distribution at Nolan Field. Please read below.

"Governor Lamont has announced an anticipated delay in the shipment of COVID at-home rapid tests to the State of Connecticut due to "shipping and warehouse" issues.

"At this time, it is unclear whether this expected delay will impact tomorrow afternoon's distribution event in Ansonia.

"Mayor David S. Cassetti and his staff are monitoring the situation, and will provide an update tomorrow (Thursday) morning.

"Please check the City of Ansonia's Facebook page tomorrow morning for the latest news.

https://www.fox61.com/.../520-72cd4a30-5240-4043-bb7f... "

Children's Room at Ansonia Library slates Harry Potter Trivia Night

 

Adam's House in Shelton to hold Friend in Grief training

SHELTON - Want to volunteer in our program and be a Friend In Grief to children trying to cope with the death of a loved one? Become a FIG! 

All days must be completed in order to qualify to volunteer in group.

This training will be held in house. A $100 fee includes background check and cost of materials. This training will be held on-site at Adam's House, 241 Coram Ave. with scheduled outside break-outs, weather permitting. 

All social distancing rules will be adhered to, to ensure the safety of all our volunteers.
Register now:  https://bit.ly/AH_Jan22_FIG_Training

Seymour to distribute at-home COVID tests to residents Thursday

Seymour has obtained a limited supply of at-home COVID tests from the State. Each testing kit contains two rapid tests. 

Town staff and volunteers will distribute testing kits to Seymour residents on a first-come, first-serve basis, free of charge on Thursday, Dec. 30 from 4-6 p.m. at Seymour High School. 

If all tests are distributed, we will close early.

Tests will be distributed to Seymour residents only. Please bring your driver’s license or piece of addressed mail to establish proof of residency. 

Due to limited supplies, each vehicle will receive a maximum of two testing kits (4 tests total). 

Again, test kits will be distributed on a first-come, first-serve basis. Please be respectful to your fellow residents and those staffing the event and take only what you need.

Residents must enter Seymour High School via Botsford Road. Police officers will be present to direct traffic.

Derby to distribute at-home COVID-19 tests to residents Friday

The City of Derby will distribute free COVID-19 test kits to Derby residents on Friday, Dec. 31 from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. at Derby High School, 75 Chatfield St.

Residents must provide a valid proof of residency to receive a kit.

There is a limited supply of test kits, and they will be distributed on a first come, first-serve basis. The site will close if the supply of kits is exhausted before 2 p.m.

The Derby Fire Department and Emergency Service Personnel will direct vehicles to the distribution area.

Please direct any questions to Emergency Management Director Mark Neuendorf atmneuendorf@derbyct.gov.

This is shared from Derby Town Clerk Marc J. Garofalo's Facebook page.

Shelton to distribute COVID-19 at-home tests to residents Thursday

Shared from the Shelton Police Department Facebook page:

The City of Shelton will be distributing COVID-19 at-home rapid tests.

The purpose of this distribution is to provide test kits to be used this week to reduce the spread of the Omicron virus and to supplement existing testing. The primary focus is for residents who have a known exposure or are symptomatic and are unable to find another test.

The City of Shelton is getting approximately 8,000 tests and they will be given out on a first come first serve basis.

Each vehicle will receive two kits. You must be a Shelton resident and identification is required to receive a test.

The distribution will take place on Thursday, Dec. 30 at 1 p.m. at Shelton High School. Entrance to the high school will only be from North Constitution Blvd. The high school Meadow St entrance will be closed to all vehicular traffic.

'Turnback Tuesday' features Derby druggist

Turnback Tuesday looks at Clarence F. Hotchkiss, druggist. Clarence started working for Henry B. Peck Pharmacy around 1903 as a clerk. He became a drug clerk and then advanced to druggist in 1913.

Clarence eventually took over the business and continued to remain at 249 Main St. in Derby until his retirement in 1946.

Clarence and his wife lived at 205 Minerva St. This postcard was created sometime after 1913.

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

Ansonia to distribute COVID-19 tests Thursday to city residents

ANSONIA - Mayor David S. Cassetti has an important message regarding COVID-19 testing!

The City of Ansonia has obtained over 2,000 self-test kits from the State of Connecticut (via the Federal Government), each containing 2 rapid tests. City staff will be distributing these tests to Ansonia residents – FREE OF CHARGE –  Thursday, Dec. 30, from 1-4 p.m. at Nolan Field, 333 Wakelee Ave.

Please bring your driver’s license, photo ID or piece of mail addressed to you, as proof of Ansonia residency. 

Each Ansonia family will be provided with 2 free kits. Again, each kit contains 2 tests.

The virus is now spreading rapidly through our community. Testing for COVID-19 is an easy way to help control its spread.

This is shared from a Facebook event page.

Ansonia's own Alyssa Goggi to headline at Fairfield Comedy Club

 Sharing from a Facebook event page:

Alyssa Goggi graduated Quinnipiac University in 2016 with a Bachelors degree in Film, Video, and Interactive Media. While attending Quinnipiac, she was head writer and host of the college's comedy late night television show, "Quinnipiac Tonight," mostly known for her own segment, "Walkward." 

Following graduation, she studied comedy at The Second City Training Center in Chicago, IL, and then at The Upright Citizen's Brigade in New York City.
She now works at The Stress Factory Comedy Club in Bridgeport, CT, where she is the House Emcee, and known as “The Door Girl,” performing most weekends. 

Her recent credits include opening for Craig Robinson, Damon Wayans, Colin Quinn, Marlon Wayans, Jessica Kirson, Michael Rapaport, Deon Cole, Gilbert Gottfried, Nimesh Patel, Taylor Tomlinson, Brad Williams, and Vinnie Brand.

Local favorites Chris Warren (hosting) and BJ Kwaygen (featuring) will be on the show, too!

Griffin Hospital School of Allied Health Careers offers winter semesters

The Griffin Hospital School of Allied Health Careers is accepting applications for winter semesters of its Certified Clinical Medical Assistant, Certified Nursing Assistant, and Phlebotomy programs./ Contributed photo

DERBY - The Griffin Hospital School of Allied Health Careers, at 300 Seymour Ave., Suite 206, is accepting applications for the winter semesters of Certified Clinical Medical Assistant, Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) and Phlebotomy programs.

The Certified Clinical Medical Assistant program runs for 28 weeks with classes five days a week from 9 a.m.-2:30 p.m., including 160 clinical hours at Griffin Faculty Physicians’ primary care and specialty offices such as gastroenterology, OB-GYN, surgical, and cardiology.

Tuition includes CPR certification, national exam fees, textbooks and online course materials.

The program prepares students to become multi-skilled healthcare professionals that specialize in outpatient settings. Medical assistants perform both clinical and administrative duties and assist a variety of providers including physicians, nurse practitioners and physician assistants. Graduates of this program may find entry-level positions in medical offices, clinics, urgent care centers and may work in general medicine or specialty practices. This program also provides the diversity of other job options in the hospital or laboratory setting.

The 6-week CNA course offers students an affordable and condensed schedule with classes Monday through Thursday from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. The school is also currently accepting applications for a CNA Spring evening program.  

The content includes infection control, legal and ethical responsibilities, communications, body mechanics, moving and positioning residents, personal care skills, nutrition, vital signs, and restorative care. Students practice hands-on skills prior to their clinical experience with role-playing, simulations, and other modalities. The program’s clinical training will be at Griffin Hospital AND a long term stay facility, totaling 40 hours. After successful completion of the course and clinical experience, students will be qualified to take the state certification exam for a Nursing Assistant in Connecticut. CPR certification, textbooks, and malpractice insurance are included in tuition.

The 14-week Phlebotomy program holds classes on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursday evenings from 6-9 p.m. The course tuition includes a 32-40-hour internship, national certification exam, CPR certification, malpractice insurance, and textbook.

Anyone 18 years of age or older with a high school diploma or GED may apply for admission. Early application is encouraged for all courses, as space is limited. 

For more information or to apply, call 203-732-1276 or 203-732-7578 or visit griffinhealth.org/allied-health.

About the School of Allied Health Careers

Griffin Hospital's School of Allied Health Careers was one of the first hospital-based schools of its kind to be authorized by the Connecticut Department of Higher Education and offers Phlebotomy and other professional educational programs to provide training, education, and certification in selected health careers. 

College credits are offered for eligible certification earners. Classes are taught by certified instructors or Master’s prepared nurses in the Griffin Hospital Medical Building, 300 Seymour Ave., Derby.

This is a press release from Griffin Hospital.

My Sister's Place in Ansonia posts weekly sales

My Sister's Place family thrift store is located at 380 Main St., Ansonia. 

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

Derby Public Library offers weekly scavenger hunt fun

 

Kellogg Environmental Center in Derby to exhibit art made of repurposed trash

Credit: Sarah Schneiderman, Yellowtail Snapper

DERBY - Artist Sarah Schneiderman repurposes plastic trash and debris to create artwork that addresses social, political, and environmental issues.  

Her work will be displayed in the Kellogg Environmental Center throughout the month of January.  

There will be a reception with both an in-person and a virtual option from 2-4 p.m. Jan. 8 where Sarah will discuss her work and creative process.  Registration information is below.  

Please specify whether you will be attending the in-person or virtual reception.

Sarah’s work has been on exhibit around the country, from Seattle, Washington to Clarkston, Ga. and from Santa Monica, Calif. to Damariscotta, Maine.  

She continues to use trash as her medium while exploring non-toxic and non-plastic adhesives.  Her concern for the environment has expanded beyond art to lifestyle choices, including eating a vegan diet, using refillable containers, and repurposing household materials.  Sarah calls Glastonbury and Bonaire, Dutch Caribbean, home.

Registration is required for the reception. Please register through the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection calendar of events webpage: https://www.depdata.ct.gov/calendar/viewev.asp?id=7584

or contact donna.kingston@ct.gov for assistance.

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

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

The New Normal Health & Safety Guidelines for CT State Parks provides important guidance for participants and visitors(https://portal.ct.gov/-/media/DEEP/COVID-19/Health_Safety_Flyer_NN_Final.pdf).

This is a press release from Kellogg Environmental Center.       

Recuperation journey: Looking at the sky

The day after Christmas sunrise.

 

Wishing a very Merry Christmas to all

D'Addario Family Fund donates $3,272 to TEAM food relief efforts

Who? Tom D'Addario, president of D’Addario Auto Group and advisor to the D'Addario Family Fund at the Valley Community Foundation got into the holiday spirit by inspiring his employees to help raise funds to purchase food for the five Valley Food Pantries. Tom learned of TEAM’s program which maximizes food purchases for the pantries from VCF. D’Addario Buick/GMC of Shelton and the D’Addario Family Fund matched all donations made by employees and were able to donate $3,272 to TEAM’s sustainable and healthy food relief efforts in the Valley. 

Every dollar donated by D’Addario is used to purchase healthy foods made available to almost 2,000 Valley residents accessing local pantries throughout the communities of Ansonia, Derby, Oxford, Seymour, and Shelton. 

“We are proud to be able to present these funds to TEAM, as we know that every dollar is spent on healthy, nutritious food going to families here in the Valley. We are grateful to our employees for stepping up and helping neighbors in need, and it is our pleasure to assist TEAM in this amazing initiative,” said Tom D’Addario. 

Over the last year alone and amidst the pandemic, TEAM distributed 93,511 pounds of healthy foods via this emergent/piloted Bozzutos food distribution project – this equates to approximately 77,926 meals (1.2 pounds = 1 meal). TEAM is a nonprofit human services agency serving the Greater Valley & surrounding region (www.teaminc.org) 

What? TEAM successfully leveraged a generous purchasing relationship with Bozzuto’s Inc, a Cheshire/Connecticut-based wholesale distributor of food & household goods to retailers throughout New England and beyond. On average, every food item order with Bozzuto’s is 25% less in cost than average retail which allows TEAM to stretch the generous dollar so much further in order to help people experiencing food hardship. As the world we’re all swimming through experiences the increasing costs of food and other realities of inflation amidst the growing numbers of food insecurity and poverty data in our Valley, this work brings to light the immense impact of meaningful partnerships and the amazing compassion & generosity of D’Addario Buick/GMC of Shelton. 

Why? The more that TEAM can develop a convergence of donor support and meaningful partnerships through TEAM’s Bozzuto’s initiative, the more food we can get on the shelves of the diverse food-relief settings and ultimately to our most vulnerable residents in the Valley region.

 

This is a press release from TEAM.

 

Recuperation journey: Looking at the sky

 ... at 4:20 p.m. Have a nice evening.

'Turnback Tuesday' features legend of Christmas stockings

This week's Turnback Tuesday touches on the legend of hanging stockings. 

It has been said that a widowed man and his three daughters were having a difficult time making ends meet. He worried that with them being so poor it would make it impossible for his daughters to marry. (A dowry was expected when a woman married.) 

St. Nicholas was traveling through the town and heard of the family’s plight. So to help out, St. Nicholas anonymously threw three bags of gold down the chimney and they fell into the girls' stockings that were drying on the fireplace. In the morning, the girls found the gold and with the gifts they were able to marry. 

This tradition continues to today, not necessarily with gold but with small gifts. 

(Note: Our apologies as yesterday's Turnback Tuesday was posted in error. Thanks to loyal follower, Joseph DiRienzo, for kindly giving us the heads up.)

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

Learn about animal adaptations in winter at Ansonia Nature Center

 

Derby Neck Library to host winter fishing tourney via Zoom

DERBY - Tweens and teens! Join us on your Nintendo Switch for the Winter Animal Crossing: New Horizons Fishing Tourney! 

Playing with friends means no entry fee AND you get double the points per participant! We’ll also get to visit each other’s islands and shops and play hide-and-seek games! There’s always some fun surprises waiting at Derby Neck Island as well…

Library’s Switch Friend Code: 2215-9086-7325
Discord: DBNeck#3627 and TheLibrarianDNL#7172

A Zoom meeting link will also be provided for those who do not have a Discord account–please register for our Youth Services mailing list here https://forms.gle/EUp2yRBLFNJVMnz17 or call the library at 203-734-1492 to receive the Zoom link!

Please note that you do need a Nintendo Online subscription to participate! 

This is shared from the Derby Neck Library Facebook page.

Recuperation journey: Looking at the sky

... at 4:40 p.m. A beautiful view.

Have a nice evening.

 

Learn about snakes at Ansonia Nature Center program

 

Seymour Public Library posts holiday closings

 

Recuperation journey: Beautiful visitor

This cardinal resting in the forsythia caught my eye Tuesday morning. He was only here for a minute, but his visit gave me a sense of peace.

"When cardinals appear, angels are near."

Ansonia Nature Center to host brisk New Year's Hike Jan. 2

 

Derby Town/City Clerk posts holiday hours for City Hall

Seymour announces holiday hours for town hall, library, transfer station

Here are the changes in the hours of Town Hall, Seymour Public Library, and Transfer Station this Holiday Season.

Town Hall

Christmas: Closing Wednesday, December 21 at noon. Reopening Monday, December 27 at 8:00 AM.

New Years: Closing Thursday, December 30. Reopening Monday, January 3, 2022 at 8:00 AM.

Martin Luther King Jr. Day: Closed Monday, January 17, 2022.

Seymour Public Library

Christmas: Closing Wednesday, December 22 at 5:30 PM. Reopening on Tuesday, December 28 at 9:00 AM.

New Years: Closing Thursday, December 30 at 5:30 PM. Reopening Tuesday, January 4 at 9:00 AM.

Martin Luther King Jr. Day: Closed Monday, January 17 2022.

Transfer Station

Christmas: Closing Friday, December 24 at 2:45 PM. Reopening Tuesday ,December 28 at 8:00 AM.

New Years: Closed Saturday, January 1, 2022.

Martin Luther King Jr. Day: Closed Monday, January 17, 2022.

Ansonia posts holiday schedule for city departments

Holiday Schedules for the City of Ansonia:

"All city buildings will close half day on Thursday the 23rd and Thursday the 30th and will be closed on Friday the 24th and Friday the 31st.

Public Works will not be open on either Saturday.

"Ansonia Police Department and Ansonia Rescue and Medical Services will be operating on their normal business hours.

"Trash and Recycle pick-up will be on their regular schedules for both weeks."

This is shared from the City of Ansonia Facebook page.