Wednesday, May 31, 2023

St. Vincent de Paul in Derby in dire need of donations for food bank


We have NEVER experienced such a high level of need outside of a holiday season, and our shelves look it. 

Please consider "shopping the sales" and drop off a bag of food, or two or three. We, and your Valley neighbors in need would be grateful! 

Any non-perishables are welcome! We're here Mon to Sat 9:30-2:30, 237 Roosevelt Drive, Derby. 

Questions? Call 203-734-7577.


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

Recuperation journey: Looking at the sky


Sharing one of my favorites from May 2022. 

Enjoy this last day of May 2023!

Recuperation journey: Keep looking up


Took this Monday from the Derby Green of the Second Congregational Church as I waited for the Derby-Shelton Memorial Day Parade to reach Elizabeth Street. 

It was a perfect day for a parade! 

Tuesday, May 30, 2023

Ansonia Police Sgt. Nelson completes Run to Remember in Boston




Congratulations to Sgt. Brendon Nelson for participating in Boston's Run to Remember, a race held Sunday, May 28 to honor fallen police officers and first responders. 
Sgt. Nelson ran the five mile course in full uniform completing the course in 49:21.2. Well done, Sgt. Nelson.


This is shared from the Ansonia Police Department Facebook page.

Griffin Hospital offers free monthly class via Zoom for new parents


Preparation for the first precious months with your baby!
The Childbirth Center at Griffin Hospital offers a free Newborn Care Class designed to help parents prepare for the first few days, weeks, and months of caring for their newborn.
Our knowledgeable caregivers will discuss and help parents with:
- Newborn Behaviors and Development
- Soothing and Comforting Techniques
- Feeding/Diapering/Swaddling
- Newborn Safety
Classes are offered Via Zoom on the 3rd Tuesday of Every Month from 6-7:30 p.m.
For more information or to register for a session, visit www.griffinhealth.org/baby.


This is shared from Griffin Hospital's Facebook page.

My Sister's Place Thrift Store in Ansonia posts weekly sales


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

All purchases support BHcare's The Umbrella Center for Domestic Violence Services.


This is shared from the store's Facebook page.

Experts to host presentation on downsizing at Wesley Village in Shelton


 

SHELTON - Providing all the resources for the downsizing homeowner, DownSize CT brings together experts in the five major areas of transition – Residential, Emotional, Legal, Medical, and Financial – in one space. 

Attendees will have access to valuable advice, resources, and trusted partners to offer guidance for this challenging transition. 


Professional partners with expertise in elder care, Medicare, senior benefits, senior health, and more will be available to provide essential information and support.

 

The event will be held June 6 from 5-6:30 p.m. at Wesley Village Senior Living Campus, 580 Long Hill Ave. It will be hosted by Lisa Bisson, Director of Community Outreach for Wesley Village and presented by Danielle Rownin, Downsizing Specialist with Keller Williams Realty.

 

RSVP: For more information about the event or to register, contact Lisa Bisson at 203-225-5027 or lbisson@umh.org. Light refreshments will be served. 

Those attending should park and enter through the campus’s Wesley Heights Assisted Living Community entrance.



This is a press release from United Methodist Homes.


'Turnback Tuesday' highlights confectionary store in downtown Derby


Turnback Tuesday visits J. J. Kennedy’s of Derby. The business started out as James J. Kennedy confectionary in Ansonia at 424 Main St. in 1896.

In 1906 his brother William T. joined the operation and they called themselves Kennedy Brothers. For whatever reason James moved and started his own location in Derby at 194 Main St. in 1907. The business lasted until 1909 when at that time James moved to Hartford.

This postcard was an advertisement for J. J. Kennedy’s and it views the New York, New Haven & Hartford Railroad line.

This image was courtesy of the Berman Family.


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

Monday, May 29, 2023

Recuperation journey: Looking at the sky




... at 7:55 p.m. The moon is in waxing gibbous phase and is 68 percent illuminated.


Register now for Dungeons and Dragons sessions at Huntington Branch Library


SHELTON - Registration for Dungeons and Dragons for teens 13 and up is now open!
Join us at Huntington Branch Library for a special 2-session Dungeons & Dragons 5E event!
Session 1 on 6/30: Create a character and create your adventure map.
Session 2 on 7/7: Join a one-shot adventure using the character and map you created in Session 1.
Everything you need to participate will be provided.
The Library is at 41 Church St.

Teens must be able to attend BOTH sessions in order to register. Each teen must be registered individually.

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

Seymour Public Library to show 'Crimson Tide' thriller Wednesday


SEYMOUR - Join us at 1 p.m. Wednesday at Seymour Public Library to watch a movie! 

Light refreshments will be served. The Library is at 46 Church St. 

We'll be showing "Crimson Tide" starring Denzel Washington, Gene Hackman, George Dzundza, Viggo Mortensen, James Gandolfini, and Matt Craven. It is rated R and its duration is 2 hours, 3 minutes. 
Summary: After the Cold War, a breakaway Russian republic with nuclear warheads becomes a possible worldwide threat. 
U.S. submarine Capt. Frank Ramsey signs on a relatively green but highly recommended Lt. Cmdr. Ron Hunter to the USS Alabama, which may be the only ship able to stop a possible Armageddon. 
When Ramsay insists that the Alabama must act aggressively, Hunter, fearing they will start rather than stop a disaster, leads a potential mutiny to stop him.


This is shared from a Facebook event page.

National Skilled Nursing Care Week marked at Bishop Wicke Health Center in Shelton


Staff at Bishop Wicke Health Center in Shelton recently celebrated National Skilled Nursing Care Week./ Contributed photo  


SHELTON - Team members and residents of Bishop Wicke Health Center recently gathered for a weeklong celebration of National Skilled Nursing Care Week

The event, established by the American Health Care Association in 1967, recognizes the essential role of skilled nursing care centers in caring for our elders. 

NSNCW 2023 focused on “Cultivating Kindness,” with inspiration from the many acts of kindness that happen in skilled nursing care centers every day. 


“Research has found that practicing compassion and kindness not only can improve health and well-being, but can also strengthen human connections and bonds,” noted the American Health Care Association regarding the theme of the celebratory week.


“At Bishop Wicke Health Center, we see relationships as a foundational element of well-being and this involves a sense of connection, acceptance, inclusion, communication, and especially, kindness,” shared Debra Samorajczyk, Administrator. “The ‘Cultivating Kindness’ theme really connected with our team, as this relationship-centered focus is at the core of what we do each day. The celebrations were fun and memorable for residents and staff alike.”


Throughout the week, Bishop Wicke staff, residents, patients, families, and members of the local community came together to participate in activities that cultivate and spread kindness. 


A kindness rock garden was created in the facility’s front courtyard and opportunities to personalize a “kindness rock” were offered throughout the week to all guests and members of the community. A spring renewal event featuring a tree planting dedication, offered words of inspiration and encouragement and a reminder of everyone’s unique value and purpose.  

A kindness scavenger hunt was ongoing, along with daily activities to celebrate all who live and work in the facility, such as a resident and staff paint class, gardening, meditation sessions, various theme days, individual recognition, and staff appreciation.


The focus on recognition and appreciation was central to the week. “Each day, a special proclamation was read and presented by a Bishop Wicke resident, honoring all residents and recognizing the dedicated staff and the many departments that support the community,” said Dawn Supranovich, Bishop Wicke Manager of Dining Services. “It was very meaningful for both our residents and teams to be part of these daily proclamations.” 

Along with the proclamations, family members were also invited to share notes of appreciation and thanks to Bishop Wicke team members and all members of the community were encouraged to share words of kindness on the community’s kindness board. 


Bishop Wicke, which was recently recognized with U.S. News and World Report’s “Best Nursing Homes” designation for 2022-23, is part of Wesley Village senior living campus and has a long history of five-star relationship-centered care, staff longevity, and overall excellence. 

The facility is owned and operated by United Methodist Homes, a local, mission-based organization with a nearly 150-year history of caring in and around the Shelton area. 


Those looking for more information about joining the Bishop Wicke team can visit the UMH website (umh.org/careers) or attend the facility’s upcoming career fair at their location at 584 Long Hill Ave. 

The fair will be held June 13 from 1-5 p.m. and offer opportunities for on-the-spot interviews for a variety of positions, including Dining Aides and Porters, Dietetic Tech, R.N.s, L.P.N.s, C.N.A.s, and H.H.A.s. Home health aides looking to expand their careers and become C.N.A.s are encouraged to attend to learn more about Bishop Wicke’s “pathway to C.N.A. program”, a fully paid option for individuals to take the C.N.A. course and earn certification. 

Eligibility requirements and conditions apply, and details will be given upon hire. Those interested in attending the fair can RSVP to Bria Askew at baskew@umh.org or text 203-343-1663 for more info. Walk-ins are also welcome. 


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 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. 



This is a press release from United Methodist Homes.


Sunday, May 28, 2023

Derby Police post info on expected parade traffic delays Monday morning



The annual Derby-Shelton Memorial Day Parade Monday will kick off at 9 a.m. Expect traffic delays and detours.

Westbound traffic on Main Street (Route 34) will be rerouted up Factory Street. Eastbound traffic on Roosevelt Drive (Route 34) will be rerouted up Cedric Avenue. The Derby-Shelton Bridge will be closed for traffic from 8 a.m-noon.

Residents living along the parade route need to be advised of the hours of the parking ban.


This is shared from the Derby Police Department Facebook page.


Shelton Historical Society selected for community bag program at Stop & Shop

 



SHELTON - Shelton Historical Society has been selected as a beneficiary of the Stop & Shop Community Bag Program for June.


The Stop & Shop Community Bag Program launched in May 2019.

It is a reusable bag program that facilitates community support with the goal to make a difference in the communities where shoppers live and work.


Shelton Historical Society was selected as the June beneficiary by store leadership at the Stop & Shop at 898 Bridgeport Ave. 

Shelton Historical Society will receive a $1 donation every time the $2.50 reusable Community Bag is purchased at this location during June, unless otherwise directed by the customer through the Giving Tag attached to the bag.


“We were delighted to be chosen as the recipient of this program for June,” said Tracey Tate, Executive Director of Shelton Historical Society. “We’ll have a busy summer and this partnership will benefit a gardening program for families that we are starting soon. Along with new volunteers and community partners, this opportunity is coming at a perfect time.”


Shelton Historical Society is a nonprofit that was founded in 1969. It  owns and operates Shelton History Center at 70 Ripton Road, a complex of six historic structures that includes a museum with objects and paper-based items that reflect present-day or historic Shelton. 

These resources are used as a foundation for educational programs and presentations for all ages. 

Learn more about Shelton Historical Society, its buildings, programs and special events by visiting www.sheltonhistory.org.


For more information on the Stop & Shop Community Bag Program, visit stopandshop.2givelocal.com



This is a press release from the Shelton Historical Society.


Saturday, May 27, 2023

Save the dates: Holy Rosary Church in Ansonia to host Festa 2023


Join us August 10-12 for 3 days of fun, food, and festivities! 

Keep an eye out for more information within the coming weeks!


This is shared from Holy Rosary Church Facebook page.


Friday, May 26, 2023

Oxford Resident State Troopers to close Rt. 67 Monday for Memorial Day Parade

OXFORD - The Oxford Memorial Day Parade will be held Monday, May 29, stepping off at 11 a.m. and continuing until approximately 12:15 p.m.
We will begin to close Route 67 at Brookside Restaurant around 10 a.m., working our way up toward Oxford Town Hall.
Please utilize an alternate route as Route 67 will be closed to vehicular traffic for the safety of the spectators and participants.

Derby Police urge public to remember those who have made ultimate sacrifice


DERBY - The annual Memorial Day Parade will be held Monday, May 29. 

Parade kicks off at 9 a.m (rain or shine) on Howe Avenue in Shelton and finishes on Elizabeth Street at Cottage Street in Derby. 

Come out to support and remember the service men and women who have made the ultimate sacrifice for our country.


This is shared from the Derby Police Department Facebook page.

Ansonia Police post 'no parking' info before Sunday's Memorial Day Parade


ANSONIA - The city will hold its annual Memorial Day Parade starting at 2 p.m. Sunday.

Police Lt. Patrick Lynch today said in a release there will be no parking on the parade route, which includes the following streets: 

Wakelee Avenue from Nolan Field to Jackson Street, Jackson Street from Wakelee Avenue to Franklin Street, Maple Street from Franklin Street to Olson Drive, and Main Street from Maple Street Bridge to West Main Street. 

Police are asking all cars to be off the above noted roads starting at 5 a.m. in order to clean the streets. 

The parade route will be closed starting at noon.


This is a press release from Lt. Patrick Lynch.


BINGO for the Bard to benefit Valley Shakespeare Festival



SHELTON - What's more fun than dinner with friends? 
Competing with them at BINGO for the Bard at Caloroso Eatery and Bar where you can test your luck and win prizes while supporting your favorite regional theater.
Your ticket will get you access, a pizza buffet, and 10 BINGO cards. Use them all in one round, or play one per round (10 total rounds).
There will be opportunities between each round to purchase extra play cards for $5 per card or $10 for 5 cards. 
Cards can only be used in that round and there is a max of 10 cards per round per person. Please bring cash. VIP tickets include pizza buffet, priority seating, and automatic 10 cards to play per round. Only 20 VIP tickets are available.

Caloroso is at 100 Center St.

This is shared from a Facebook event page.


Derby Public Schools selects 2024 District Teacher of the Year

Jessica Yanes

DERBY - The Derby Public Schools has selected Jessica Yanes as the 2024 District Teacher of the Year.

The Connecticut Teacher of the Year Program is one of the oldest and most prestigious recognition programs to focus public attention on excellence in teaching.

Jessica is part of the Derby High School family teaching English to students in 9th grade. 

Derby High School Principal Jennifer Olson said, “Jessie has made a tremendous impact at Derby High School. She is a strong member of both the Freshman Academy team and the English Department. She works tirelessly to help our ninth-graders transition successfully to high school by setting high expectations, using engaging instructional protocols, and communicating regularly with families. She always works to encourage and motivate her students to do their best. 

"This year, Jessie co-taught a new Journalism course and revived the Derby High School newspaper, The Raider Press. Her students have written a series of high-quality articles, and have interviewed a wide-range of people, with different perspectives to create interesting news stories for our school community. We are very happy that Jessie received this recognition and look forward to her continued contributions to the Derby community.”

Mrs. Yanes said, “I'm honored and humbled to be recognized as Derby's Teacher of the Year, especially because there are so many talented, dedicated teachers in this district who deserve to be celebrated. Every day, I see my colleagues supporting their students to be the best version of themselves, and every day, those colleagues inspire me to do the same.”

Superintendent of Schools Dr. Matthew J. Conway, Jr. said, “Mrs. Yanes is so deserving of this recognition. She exemplifies the best characteristics of a teacher; how to connect with kids, parents and all staff. She not only personalizes learning for her kids, but also with communication to parents. She encourages her students to improve, dream and to become lifelong learners through her own actions, participating in curriculum training, beginning a writing club and signing up to become a visiting team member of NEASC Decennial Accreditation site visit. She has captured the hearts of everyone fortunate enough to be in her class or work with her on a daily basis.”

Jim Gildea, Chairman of the Board of Education said, “On behalf of the Derby Board of Education, we would like to congratulate Jessica Yanes, for being selected as District Teacher of the Year. Ms. Yanes has proven to be an outstanding teacher who works easily with her peers, the administration and has a knack for connecting with her students. It is this relationship building with her students, motivating them to learn and getting the most out of them that stands out. I have been fortunate to have an up-close view of the relationship that she has with her students and without question, this is where she excels. She is a most deserving recipient and this is a well- earned award.”

We extend an enormous heartfelt thank you to our school-level Teachers of the Year Mrs. Boroski, Miss Svetz, Mrs. Rossi, and Miss DiCicco, who  reach kids and create a positive environment for everyone fortunate enough to be in their presence.

This is a press release from Derby Public Schools.


Congratulations to all of the honorees!