Recuperation journey: Sunflower seed snack

Took this through the slider. The female was here earlier; I'm awaiting her return. 

'Turnback Tuesday' features H.M. Bradley Florist business in Derby




Turnback Tuesday remembers the H. M. Bradley Florist.
Henry started out as a vegetable gardener on North Turnpike in 1883. Within a few short years, he established H.M. Bradley Florist at 113 New Haven Ave., advertising wholesale & retail, cut flowers & bedding plants, a nurseryman, marked gardener, early vegetables, trees, shrubs and vines. By 1914, his sons Henry M. Jr. & Louis H. became co-owners and later took over the business in 1924 with the addition of Maggie C. & Charlotte Bradley.
Their tradition continued with the next generation until 1981.
The business was located approximately where Bradley Pond Plaza is now.

The location of the business is shown on an 1898 map here at the Library, 313 Elizabeth St., Derby in the History Reference Room.

Photo scanned from the B. Berman collection.


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

Recuperation journey: Return of a raptor


Monday morning visitor in neighbor's tree. I doubt I'll see him on a snowy day like today.

Monday, February 27, 2023

Seymour Public Library to offer 3 introduction to coding sessions


SEYMOUR - Seymour Public Library will hold an introduction to coding club for Grades 1-4. No coding experience required.

Registration is required and limited to five children. When you register, you are registering for all three sessions: March 7, April 4, May 7 from 4-4:45 p.m.

The Library is at 46 Church St.

This is shared from the Library's Facebook page.

Huntington Branch Library to close if storm closes Shelton Community Center


 

Shared from the Huntington Branch Library Kids and Teens' Facebook page.

'Turnback Tuesday' from this date in 2018 highlights Derby native Isaac Hull


Turnback Tuesday looks at the commemorative stamps issued in 2012 of the victorious USS Constitution led by Derby native Commodore Issac Hull in the War of 1812.

This important naval victory marked a turning point in the war.

The ship was made of live oak, red cedar, hard pine, and a copper sheath. It carried 44 cannons, with three masts holding 72 sails and carried a crew of 450. The ship was dubbed “Old Ironsides”.

This ship can be visited at the Boston National Historical Park in Massachusetts.


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

Derby Neck Library offers Makerspace fun on Wednesdays



DERBY - Come check out Derby Neck Library's brand new Makerspace between 3 and 6 p.m. on Wednesday in the Children’s Room.
Every Wednesday Miss Krissy and Miss Sarah will be on hand from 3-6 p.m. to assist you with any project you’d like to complete. 

We have a LEGO wall, a 3D printer, a programmable robot, snap circuits, origami, pixel art, ingredients for slime–you name it, we can make it happen!

Please note that the Makerspace is flooded with small parts, so we do not recommend it for very young children. 

No registration required, but sign up for our Youth Services mailing list to stay in the loop on cancellations by clicking here. The Library is at 307 Hawthorne Ave.

This is shared from the Library's Facebook page.



Sunday, February 26, 2023

St. Vincent de Paul Thrift Shop in Derby posts this week's sale

This week's incredible sale!

Donations welcome - thrift and food!


This is shared from St. Vincent de Paul Thrift Shop and Food Bank of Derby Facebook page.

Recuperation journey: From the winter archives


This photo of a section of Frank P. Witek Memorial Park in Derby is from this date in 2017. Brrr...

Salvation Army Greater Valley in Ansonia shares post highlighting 1st Black officer


In 1915, Mabel Broome became the first African- American to become an officer in The Salvation Army. 

She led the charge to break the color line and reinforced the Army’s commitment to give leadership roles to women. 

Broome was also one of the first “slum sisters” – female officers who went into a city’s poorest neighborhoods and attended to people’s most basic needs.


This is shared from the Salvation Army - Ansonia, CT Facebook page.


The Salvation Army Greater Valley is located at 26 Lester St., Ansonia. 

For information call 203-736-0707.


Shakespeare in the Bar on tap at Olives and Oil in Seymour


IT'S BACK!
Our FIRST Shakespeare in the BAR! Since 2019!
MARCH 22 and 23rd at Olives and Oil in Seymour!
TICKETS ON SALE SOON!

Shared from the Valley Shakespeare Festival Facebook page.

Hybrid Poke'pals Club meets on Mondays at Derby Neck Library


DERBY - A hybrid Poke'pals Club meeting will be held from 4-5:30 p.m. Monday at Derby Neck Library.

All you really need to take part in this club is a love of all things Pokémon! 

Join us in-person for a gaming session including the trading card game and Pokémon GO!, or online for Unite, Pokémon Showdown, “Who’s that Pokémon”, and more! 

The Library is at 307 Hawthorne Ave.

No registration required, but sign up for our Youth Services mailing list if you’d like to attend virtually by clicking here.


This is shared from the Library's website.

Hybrid story time on tap Monday at Derby Neck Library


 

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

This program is targeted to ages 3-5, but everyone is welcome! The Library is at 307 Hawthorne Ave.

No registration required, but sign up for our Youth Services mailing list if you’d like to attend virtually by clicking here.

This is shared from the Library's website.


Save the date: A Chance to Shine 2023 slated June 3 at Quarry Walk in Oxford



OXFORD - A Chance to Shine 2023 community celebration will be held from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. June 3.
The morning will begin with a Walk to Remember those who may have lost their lives to - or are survivors of - domestic violence, mental health issues, or substance use.
We'll have live music by Morgan Skelly and the Old Crows, kids' bike parade, touch-a-truck, raffles, 50/50 and more. 
Bring your own blankets and snacks or grab a bite at one of the several Quarry Walk eateries.
Help us raise funds and awareness for BHcare's life-saving programs and build a better tomorrow for the more than 15,000 residents we serve in 87 Connecticut towns.
Interested in sponsoring the event, volunteering, or donating an auction / raffle - email development@bhcare.org

This is shared from a Facebook event page.

Friday, February 24, 2023

2 Derby police officers congratulated on promotions

The Derby Police Department



DERBY - The Derby Police Department is proud to announce two recent promotions. Mayor Richard Dziekan administered the oath to two officers earlier this month.

On Feb.1 Brian Grogan was sworn in and promoted to the rank of Deputy Chief. Grogan has served the Derby Police since 2006. He will assist in command responsibilities under Chief Scott Todd.

On Feb.15 Frank DeAngelo was sworn in and promoted to the rank of Sergeant. He has served the Derby Police since 2013. He will assume the role of patrol supervisor.

Congratulations to the officers and good luck in their new assignments.


This is shared from the Department's Facebook page.


Plumb Memorial Library in Shelton to offer computer classses in March



SHELTON - Plumb Memorial Library will host computer classes in March as follows:.
March 7: Essential Computer Questions
March 14: Staying Safe Online
March 21: The Cloud
March 28: Doing More with Your Computer
All sessions will start at 1 p.m.
The classes will be taught by Mike Ingber, Computer Consultant and owner of Upward Business Systems of Oxford.
The classes are discussion classes and asking questions is encouraged. It is not necessary to bring a computer or device.
More information about the sessions and registration can be found here: https://sheltonlibrarysystem.org/computer-classes.../

The Library is at 65 Wooster St.

This is shared from the Shelton Library System Facebook page.

Recuperation journey: Backyard visitor


He was here Tuesday and returned Thursday and this time he posed for me. 

Seymour Public Library to host Story Tme fun



SEYMOUR - Join us at Seymour Public Library at 10:30 a.m. Tuesdays starting March 7 for stories and songs for little ones 2 and up!

The Library is at 46 Church St.


This is shared from the Library's Facebook page.

Thursday, February 23, 2023

'For Veterans, By Veterans' comedy night slated at Vazzano''s in Stratford


STRATFORD - Homes for the Brave presents a lively and memorable night out at the 7th Annual “For Veterans by Veterans” Comedy Night, hosted on March 31 at Vazzano’s Four Seasons.

The evening features a dinner, door prize, 50/50 raffle, and a hilarious lineup of professional comics, all of whom are U.S. military veterans.
Doors open at 6 p.m. and the show starts at 8.
Proceeds from the event will fund programs and services that assist Connecticut’s veterans struggling with homelessness to gain the foundation they need to get back on their feet and achieve their personal goals.
Get your tickets today - visit https://bit.ly/HFTBComedyNight or call 203-338-0669.

Griffin Health offers lung cancer screening program


History of smoking? You may be eligible for lung cancer screening.

If you are between the ages of 50-80 years with a 20-pack year history of smoking or currently smoke, you may be eligible for the Griffin Health Low Dose CT Lung Cancer Screening program.

Studies have shown that early detection can improve cure rates as much as 20 percent.

Cancer experts are available to help you. 
Call 203-732-1476 or visit griffinhealth.org/lung to answer your questions and assess if you are eligible.


This is shared from Griffin Hospital's Facebook page. 


Seymour Public Library to host Teen Book Club




SEYMOUR - Seymour Public Library will host a book club meeting for children in grades 7 & up from 4-4:45 p.m. March 8.
Age appropriate books will be selected from the YA section of the library.
Registration is required for this program. Books are available at the circulation desk.
The Library is at 46 Church St.

This is shared from the Library's Faceook page.

Seymour Public Library slates infant story times on Thursdays


SEYMOUR - Join us at Seymour Public Library at 10 a.m. March 2 and continuing on Thursdays through May 11 for 20 minutes of stories and songs for little ones under 2 years old.
Older siblings are welcome!
*No Storytime on 3/16*
The Library is at 46 Church St.

This is shared from the Library's Facebook page.

Huntington Branch Library in Shelton offers crafternoon fun for children




SHELTON - Registration is now open for Crafternoon: Shrinky Dinks.
Children ages 5 and up can come to the Huntington Branch Library at 5 p.m. March 22 to make their own keychain, pin, or earrings out of Shrinky Dinks! 

We will provide the materials and in person instruction. **An oven will be in use, please keep this in mind when registering.** 

Each child must register individually. Caregivers must remain with children ages 12 and under for the duration of the program.

The Library is at 41 Church St.

Register here: http://engagedpatrons.org/EventsExtended.cfm?SiteID=2661&EventID=486949&PK=


This is shared from the Huntington Branch Library Kids and Teens Facebook page. 


Seymour Public Library to host BringtheHoopla class for preschoolers


SEYMOUR - Seymour Public Library will host a BringtheHoopla class just for preschoolers ages 3-5 at 10:30 a.m. Feb. 28.
Come hula-hoop with us and learn a few new tricks along the way
No hula-hoop experience required! The BringtheHoopla team is great with first timers!
Registration is required and limited.
For more information, please call 203-888-3903.
The Library is at 46 Church St.

This is shared from the Library's Facebook page.

Wednesday, February 22, 2023

Register now for Story Explorers at Huntington Branch Library in Shelton



SHELTON - Registration for Story Explorers in March is now open!
Children ages 3-5 and their caregivers can come to the Huntington Branch Library for a story, craft, movement, and music! The Library is at 41 Church St.
Each child must be registered individually, with the name of the caregiver provided.
👀 Please note that there are some date changes for this program 👀


This is shared from the Huntington Branch Library Kids and Teens Facebook page.