Rock the Valley 2022 in Ansonia was bittersweet for this writer

Singer/songwriter Riley Johnson entertains  at the start of the festival Saturday afternoon.

ANSONIA - Rock the Valley 2022 returned to Nolan Field Saturday after a two-year absence.

Ansonia Events Coordinator and Cultural Commission member Rich DiCarlo spoke this week about the festival. He said about 2,500 people strolled the venue featuring craft and food vendors and a kids' zone.

"This year we decided to return to the roots of Rock 'n Roll with a musical lineup to match," DiCarlo said. "We premiered our new larger stage which we named the Road Ready stage, after the event's sponsor.

"I'd like to thank Irene Krom-Kirby for taking the reins from our beloved Ralph Villers.

"They were really big shoes to fill but she persevered. I'd also like to extend my thanks to George and Pat and the rest of the Ansonia Cultural Commission and Mayor Dave Cassetti for making Rock the Valley happen.

DiCarlo and Krom-Kirby visit vendors

"We already started negotiating with next year's headliner and promise to have the best show set for next year. Details to be announced soon."

Rich is a good friend and he and my late husband Ralph were the main organizers of Rock the Valley in the past - with much help from city officials, Cultural Commission members and other volunteers.

As someone who observed first-hand the months of planning involved I can attest to how well Rich and Ralph complemented each other in working to make Rock the Valley a success!

Some sights from the day:

Kids enjoying the petting zoo.

Vendors galore.

Friends Laura Willoughby, creator of Gabriella Candles, LLC and her husband Alonza pose  with samples of their products.

Jen Durkin's Steal Your Funk band rocks the crowd Saturday night.

Congratulations to my friends in the Ansonia Cultural Commission for putting on another great Rock the Valley!

Derby Fire Department to hold Sept. 11 remembrance on the Green

Photo from Facebook event page

DERBY - The Derby Fire Department will hold its annual service in remembrance of the tragic events of Sept. 11, 2001 at 10 a.m. Sept. 11 on the Green.

This is shared from a Facebook event page.

Griffin, Safe Kids Greater Naugatuck Valley to hold child passenger safety clinic

A child passenger safety clinic will be held from 1-4 p.m. Sept. 19 at Griffin Hospital Community Outreach by appointment only./ Contributed photo

DERBY - As part of National Child Passenger Safety Week, Griffin Health and Safe Kids Greater Naugatuck Valley will offer a free child passenger safety clinic Sept. 19 from 1-4 p.m. by appointment only.

The clinic will help parents, caregivers and children learn the importance of child car seats, how to properly install them and the appropriate positioning of a child in car seats or booster seats. Families in need may qualify for a free seat.

Child Passenger Safety Week raises awareness about the risks of improperly installed car seats and what seat a child should have according to their age, height and weight. 

According to the U.S. Department of Transportation, every 32 seconds, a child under the age of 13 in a passenger vehicle is involved in a crash. Many times, injuries and deaths can be prevented by proper use of car seats, boosters, and seat belts. 

For more information, visit NHTSA.gov/TheRightSeat.

To make an appointment for the clinic or for more information, contact Cathi Kellett at ckellett@griffinhealth.org.

This is a press release from Griffin Hospital.

Recuperation journey: Looking at the sky

Nothing exciting, I just liked how the clouds looked this evening. 

Ansonia Library to hold Halloween-themed craft night for adults

 

'Turnback Tuesday' features The Salt Box House in Shelton

Turnback Tuesday visits the Salt Box House.

The house was made known in the pages of a book written by Jane de Forest Shelton called the “Salt Box House” published in 1900. (The library has a copy to borrow.)

The Salt Box House was located in the Ripton/Huntington section of Shelton.

Jane and her sister, Louisa, lived in Derby on Seymour Avenue. The image was sketched by William M. Davis of Cottage Street, Derby. The frame was made of the pickets surrounding the Salt Box House.

The image and frame was donated to the Library by William M. Davis.

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

My Sister's Place thrift store in Ansonia posts weekly sales

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

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

This is shared from the store's Facebook page.

Silver Steel Band to perform in concert today on Derby Green

DERBY - The Bridgeport-based Silver Steel Band will perform in concert from 7-9 p.m. today on the Green.

Its website says the band plays Caribbean favorites as well as Soca and Calypso styled music from Trinidad and Tobago. 

Vendors sought for annual downtown Harvest Festival in Ansonia

 

Save the date: Seymour Lions Club gearing up for 53rd annual car show

SEYMOUR - This show will be lots of fun for the whole family. 

We take pride in the part we play bringing car enthusiasts together to celebrate a time when the automobile was more than just an appliance. We invite all hot rods, street rods, rat rods, classic, custom, trucks, motorcycles and antiques to join us.
As local car aficionados showcase their vintage, classic, and custom cars, trucks and motorcycles and all the work they have done on them, there are opportunities to network and uncover new ideas for local car enthusiasts.

Trophies will be awarded.

Music, raffles, socializing makes for a fun day!
For more information visit our web site www.e-clubhouse.org/sites/seymourct/ or our Facebook page “The Seymour Lions Club”, follow us on Instagram @seymourctlions, email us seymourlions52@att.net or call Lion Melissa @ 203-430-9356
Lion Corky @ 203-619-1571
Lion Jovanii @ 203-215-4711 

This is shared from a Facebook event page.

Ansonia man charged after 10-hour standoff with police

Gabriel Resto

ANSONIA -  Ansonia Police received a complaint at about 7:30 p.m. Sunday of a disturbance in a third-floor apartment on Elm Street. 

The first officer on scene met with the complainant, who was holding her nine-month-old daughter, outside of the apartment. 

She was visibly upset, and the male suspect was yelling from inside the apartment, Lt. Patrick Lynch said in a written release. 

Once the officer determined the suspect was the only person in the apartment, he took the complainant and infant to a safe area away from the house while other officers secured the perimeter. 

The complainant reported the male was Gabriel Resto, 34, of Ansonia, her boyfriend and father of the infant. She told the officer Resto was yelling at her, playing loud music, and acting erratically. 

She also reported Resto had a handgun and was displaying the weapon. 

The Connecticut State Police was contacted to assist in talking Resto out of the apartment. The Connecticut State Police Emergency Service Unit responded to the scene and immediately began attempts to contact Resto in order to convince him to come out of the apartment and surrender peacefully. 

After more than 10 hours of attempted contact and negotiation, Resto refused to exit the home so non-lethal irritants were used to persuade him to exit. 

Police said Resto initially came out and walked down to the first floor but then turned and tried to go back into the house. At this point CSP ESU used a less lethal impact munition to subdue Resto and take him into custody.

Resto was charged with assault third degree and disorderly conduct for the domestic violence incidents involving the complainant. 

Resto was additionally charged with interfering with police for his refusal to exit the house and attempt to re-enter the house after he was told he was under arrest.

Resto was held on bonds totaling $30,000 and his arraignment is pending.

This is a press release issued shortly after noon Monday by Lt. Patrick Lynch.

Ansonia's own Mark Lanzieri to perform in concert Wednesday at Veterans Park

 

Story Time in the Park slated at Derby-Shelton Rotary Club Pavilion in Shelton

Thursdays in September, 10-11 a.m.

(Sept. 1, 8, 15, 22, 29)

SHELTON - Children 0-5 years old and their caregivers are welcome to join Miss Maura, Plumb Memorial Library's Children's Librarian for this unique outdoor story time at the Derby-Shelton Rotary Club Pavilion.

Participants will enjoy stories, music, movement and each child will receive a to-go craft! **If it rains, story time is canceled for that day.

Registration required for CHILDREN 0-5 years old, please ONLY register children.

Register by calling 203-924-1580 ext. 5108.

or online: https://engagedpatrons.org/EventsCalendar.cfm?SiteID=2661...

Thursdays, 9/1,9/8, 9/15, 9/22, 9/29 at 10-11 a.m.

***Registration is for each separate date in September, please register ONLY children.

Location: Derby-Shelton Rotary Club Pavilion, 38 Canal Street East.

Reminders:

1) Caregivers MUST remain with their child for program duration.

2) Parking is in the lot next to the Conti Building which is diagonal to the pavilion.

3) Please bring a chair or towel to sit on.

4) There are NO bathrooms at the pavilion, please plan accordingly.

5) If your child cannot attend for any reason, please call Plumb to cancel so a child on our Wait List can attend. TY

This is shared from the Shelton Library System Facebook page.

Derby Public Library readies Autumn Scavenger Hunt fun for all ages

Autumn Scavenger Hunt (All Ages)
Sept. 1st – Oct. 31st
Locate themed items in the Children’s Room.
Placement changes each week. Prizes awarded!

No registration required 

 

The Library is at 313 Elizabeth St., Derby.

This is shared from the Library's website.

Recuperation journey: Looking at the sky

 ... at 7:20 p.m. Sunday sunset. 

Ansonia Police: Man held on charges after alleged abduction

Joshua Lopez

ANSONIA - At about 5:15 p.m. Saturday Ansonia Police received a complaint of an abduction of a female and her sixth-month old daughter on High Street. 

The first officers on scene met the complainant who reported her sister, Galylea Perez, 22, and Galylea’s six-month-old daughter Eliana Perez were forced into a car by Joshua Lopez, 23, the father of Eliana, Lt. Patrick Lynch said in a release Sunday afternoon. 

Lopez was driving a four-door silver Honda Accord with Massachusetts registration 2NCT89. 

The complainant reported Lopez implied he had a gun but no weapon was displayed. 

There was a current domestic violence no-contact court order out of New York City against Lopez involving Galylea. 

The vehicle description as well as photos of the car and the parties involved were sent out to the surrounding towns and throughout the state. 

Lynch said at about 7 p.m. the Shelton Police Department contacted Ansonia Police to report they had Perez in custody. 

Galylea and Eliana were not on scene but had been picked up by another relative; they were both safe and unharmed. There was no weapon found on Perez or in his car at the time of his arrest.

Lopez was charged with Violation of a Protective Order and Breach of Peace Second Degree, he was held on a $100,000 bond to be arraigned Monday at Derby Superior Court.

The investigation into the reported abduction is ongoing.

The Ansonia Police Department strongly urges anyone who may be in a relationship where domestic violence is occurring to contact their local authorities. 

Help is available 24 hours a day 7 days a week. 

In the Valley, The Umbrella Center for Domestic Violence Services can be reached by phone at 203-736-9944, 203-789-8104 or 1-888-774-2900 or through the internet at https://bhcare.org/page/22595-The-Umbrella-Center-for-Domestic-Violence-Services- . 

Statewide domestic violence assistance can be found at www.CTSafeConnect.org or call/text (888)774-2900.


This is a press release from Lt. Patrick Lynch.

The Children's Room at the Ansonia Library to mark International Dot Day

The Library is at 53 S. Cliff St., Ansonia.

Register at ansoniachildrensroom@gmail.com.

Candle lighting for overdose awareness slated at Shelton Riverwalk pavilion

 

Massaro Community Farm in Woodbridge to host Family Fun NIght

WOODBRIDGE - Come and join us Friday for a free family fun night here at Massaro Community Farm! Doors open at 6. 

Bring a picnic dinner to enjoy on the lawn. Hike our nature trial, visit our goats, and make a craft! Finish the night with a viewing of Honey, I Shrunk the Kids.

The farm is at 41 Ford Road.

This is shared from a Facebook event page.

Update: Abducted woman, infant located / Ansonia Police seek help locating woman, infant abducted today

Update from Lt. Patrick Lynch: "Galylea Perez and Eliana Lopez have been located and they are safe. Joshua Lopez is in custody and charges are pending at this time."

 Galylea Perez

Eliana Lopez

Joshua Lopez

Honda Accord

ANSONIA - Ansonia Police are looking for the public’s assistance in locating Galylea Perez, 22, and six-month-old daughter Eliana Lopez. 

Police Lt. Patrick Lynch said in a release that Galylea and Eliana were abducted by Joshua Lopez, 23, from High Street in Ansonia at about 5:15 p.m. today, Aug. 27, 2022. 

Joshua is driving a four-door silver Honda Accord with Massachusetts registration 2NCT89. 

Joshua implied he had a gun but no weapon was displayed. 

There is currently a no-contact court order out of New York City against Joshua involving Galylea. It is believed Joshua may be headed to New York. Anyone that sees Joshua, Galylea, Eliana, or the Honda Accord is asked to contact local law enforcement. 

DO NOT APPROACH OR ATTEMPT TO CONTACT.

 

Anyone with information regarding this case is asked to contact the police department at 203-735-1885 or anonymous tips can be left at Tip411 at the link below.

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

This is a press release from Lt. Patrick Lynch.

Sunday event in Shelton to honor missing dog, Louie; pet food, toy donations sought

 

Recuperation journey: Help!

 

Check out the fun today at Rock the Valley!

Featuring lots of great bands, food trucks, a petting zoo, kids' zone, vendors, and more. 

The festival runs until 11 p.m. today at Nolan Field in Ansonia.

Admission is free.

Recuperation journey: Around the yard - Part 82

This came up in my Facebook memories today from 2017. Taken through the slider.

"Meet me at the planter."

The Bernadettes to perform at Great Hill Hose Company firehouse in Seymour

SEYMOUR - The Bernadettes will perform in concert at 6 p.m. Sept. 3 at Great Hill Hose Company firehouse, 140 Botsford Road.

Come on down and enjoy a summer evening of music outdoors at The Block Dance!!! 

This family friendly show is for everyone, so bring the whole family and let’s groove!!! 

Don’t forget your lawn chairs and dancing shoes!!! We’ll see you there!!! 

This is shared from a Facebook event page.

Recuperation journey: Looking at the sky

 ... on a late August evening.

 

Save the date: Candlelight vigil in Shelton to remember victims, celebrate survivors

SHELTON -  The Umbrella Center for Domestic Violence Services & Hope Family Justice Center will hold a Candlelight Vigil at 6 p.m. Oct. 11 at Veterans Memorial Park, 38 Canal St. 

Remembrance, Healing, Hope. Please join us to raise awareness, remember victims, and celebrate survivors of domestic violence.

This event is free to attend; please RSVP.

This is shared from a Facebook event page.

Rock the Valley to offer music, kids' zone, food trucks, petting zoo in Ansonia

 

the little Big Band to perform Wednesday on Huntington Green

SHELTON - the little Big Band will perform from 7-9 p.m. Wednesday on the Huntington Green. 

The 15-piece band plays popular swing and big band music. 

It is the final concert of the summer series. The concerts are presented by Shelton Parks & Recreation Department.

Info and photo shared from a Facebook event page.

Shelton group seeks volunteers to help clean up Bridgeport Avenue commuter lot

Please come join our effort to fix up the Bridgeport Avenue Commuter Lot this Saturday from 9-11 a.m.

The Shelton Clean-Up Project enlists volunteers to assist the city with litter clean-up and beautification projects. 

This is shared from the group's Facebook page.

Recuperation journey: Looking at the sky

 ... at 7:45 p.m. Have a peaceful evening.

Ansonia to host another fire engine Super Soak at Nolan Field

 

Dance party to benefit Blessing Pantry at Trinity Episcopal Church in Seymour

SEYMOUR - Join us Sept. 3 at Trinity Episcopal Church for a fun evening of dancing while the DJ spins your favorite tunes from the 50s, 60s, and 70s.

Enjoy snacks and drinks and win a prize for the best costume! As your entry ticket to the event, we ask for a good will offering to the Blessing Pantry.

The church is at 91 W. Church St.

Parking is available at Seymour Public Library. 

Questions? Call us at 203-888-6596 or email info@trinityseymourct.org.

This is shared from a Facebook event page.

Seymour Pink to welcome author at gift shop anniversary celebration

 

Derby Neck Library hosts once a month Sit and Social Story Times

DERBY - On the second Tuesday of every month through December, parents with little ones are invited to join us at Derby Neck Library for an afternoon story time followed by a social event in our Children’s Room! 

The first one will run from 4:30-5:30 p.m. Sept. 13.

The Library is at 307 Hawthorne Ave.

We’ll have a quick story time and guest speaker on a variety of topics, followed by a period of free play and socialization. 

Come learn alongside other parents and give your child (and yourself) a chance to socialize with others! 

Register for each date below:

https://derbynecklibrary.org/.../sit-social-storytime-2.../
https://derbynecklibrary.org/.../sit-social-storytime-2.../
https://derbynecklibrary.org/.../sit-social-storytime-2.../
https://derbynecklibrary.org/.../sit-social-storytime-2.../

And be sure to sign up for our Youth Mailing List here to stay in the loop on cancelations and other important info: https://forms.gle/qmthMpyXtVMcaMZo7

This is shared from the Library's Facebook page.

Daisy the Pig to visit The Children's Room at Ansonia Library