Seymour Public Library to show 'You've Got Mail' Friday

 

SEYMOUR - Seymour Public Library to show the movie, 'You've Got Mail,' at 10 a.m. Friday.

Story: Book superstore magnate Joe Fox and independent book shop owner Kathleen Kelly fall in love in the anonymity of the Internet, both blissfully unaware that he's trying to put her out of business.

Comedy - Romance / Rated PG - 1 hr,  59 mins.

The Library is at 46 Church St.

'Turnback Tuesday' highlights Christmas tree tradition

Turnback Tuesday is highlighting the Christmas tree tradition that is celebrated in many countries.

In Greenland, trees are decorated with candles and bright ornaments.

In Ireland, people favor a star or angel on top.

In Norway, many decorate their trees on “Little Christmas Eve-Dec. 23”.

For the Philippines, fresh trees are too expensive, so handmade trees in an array of colors are often used. We have Germany to thank for this tradition of bringing trees into our homes at the holiday.

Some interesting facts about Christmas trees:

The Rockefeller Center tree in New York City started in 1931 by construction workers.

Christmas trees are grown in all 50 states with most of them grown on farms.

Our 14th President Franklin Pierce brought the Christmas tree tradition to the White House in the early 1850s.

Approximately 25-30 million real

Christmas trees are sold in the U.S. every year.

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

City of Ansonia posts trash, recycle pickup schedule

ANSONIA - Trash and recycle pickup will have a one day delay for Wednesday and Thursday due to the Christmas holiday.

Wesley Village in Shelton to host program for caregivers of people with dementia

SHELTON - Caregivers are invited to Crosby Commons at Wesley Village for “Creating Better Days for People Living with Dementia,” a presentation exploring positive methods to enhance success and daily experiences in your caregiving role. 

Start the new year with this educational program offering much-needed strategies for effectively addressing challenging behavior when supporting a loved one with dementia.

The program, led by Neil Anand, owner of ComForCare Home Care, will be held from 1:30-3:30 p.m. Jan.15 at Crosby Commons Independent and Assisted Living Community at 580 Long Hill Ave. 

Caregivers who attend will receive insight into focusing on feelings, minding emotional displays, respecting personal preferences, offering person-centered care, and improving communication skills when caring for people with dementia. 

This event is hosted by Crosby Commons and sponsored by ComForCare Home Care with Valley Regional Adult Education. 

For more information or to RSVP, please contact Lisa Bisson at 203-225-5027 or lbisson@umh.org. 

Guests may enter using the Crosby Commons entrance and parking area. Light refreshments will be served.

About Crosby Commons & Wesley Village: The Wesley Village senior living campus is located at 580 Long Hill Ave. in Shelton and offers a continuum of care: independent and assisted living, enhanced assisted living, early memory support/memory care, skilled nursing, and short-term rehab. The campus is part of United Methodist Homes, a local not-for-profit organization with a 150-year legacy of caring. To learn more about the Wesley Village campus communities of Crosby Commons, Wesley Heights, Lifestyle Transitions, or Bishop Wicke Health Center, visit our website or contact Megan Guastaferri at 203-447-5454 or mguastaferri@umh.org.

To become part of the Wesley Village team, visit our website at: https://www.umh.org/career-opportunities-at-umh.

This is a press release from United Methodist Homes.

Griffin Hospital's Wonderland of Trees raises $10,156 for Spooner House

From left: Griffin Health Planetree Services Coordinator Wendy Farrington; Griffin Volunteer Program & Guest Relations Supervisor Kathryn Browne; Executive Director of Spooner House Susan Agamy; Griffin Health Services Employee Wellness Navigator Bryan Bostic; Griffin  Health Executive Vice President and COO Todd J. Liu pose in front of trees donated for the annual Holiday Wonderland of Trees fundraiser./ Contributed photo

DERBY - Griffin Hospital’s 2024 Annual Holiday Wonderland of Trees fundraiser collected a record $10,156 for Spooner House in Shelton to help feed and shelter area families in need this winter.

As part of Griffin’s Planetree Person-Centered Care Philosophy, the Holiday Wonderland of Trees calls on hospital departments to decorate three-foot artificial evergreen trees that are raffled off every December. The fundraiser aims to help improve health and well-being of the Griffin community by supporting Spooner House’s services.

This is the 14th year of the fundraiser, which has raised more than $104,000.

This is a press release from Griffin Hospital.

Celebrate Twelfth Night at David Humphreys House in Ansonia

 

From the 'Turnback Tuesday' archives: Downtown Derby decorations

 

This week's "Turnback Tuesday" features a festive, holiday-themed photo of downtown Derby, looking east on Main Street and taken near the Elizabeth Street intersection.

The first break between buildings on the left is Minerva Street and off in the distance you can see the Farrel-Birmingham Co. building.

To the right of the photo is approximately where Woolworth's was located. This photo is thought to be circa the 1940s.

Our utmost thanks to local historian Rob Novak for providing this unique photo and information.

[This was first published on this date in 2016.]

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

Plumb Memorial Library in Shelton to host author symposium

Author Symposium at Plumb Memorial Library
Saturday, Jan. 11, 1 p.m.

SHELTON - Local authors Gary Scarpa, D.W. Alder, Greg Dillon, Greg Armstrong, Fred DelBianco and Toni Pensiero discussing her daughter Jaclyn's book will be at Plumb Library to present their books and talk about the process of getting their books published.

For more information and to register click on the link from our events calendar: https://sheltonlibrarysystem.org/
or call 203-924-1580.

The Library is at 65 Wooster St.

This is shared from the Shelton Library System Facebook page.

Recuperation journey 2.0: Looking at the sky

Today's fading sunset colors seen through the window.

My Sister's Place Thrift Store in Ansonia posts closings

We will be CLOSED Dec. 22, 23, 24, and 25.
See you on the 26th.

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.

Seymour fire companies ready for Popcorn Ball Sunday fun

From Citizens Engine Company No. 2 and Great Hill Hose Company:
You know what time it is—SANTA’S COMING!!

This weekend, Santa Claus and his helpers will be making their way around the Town of Seymour! What does this mean? It means Sunday is the day everyone has been anxiously waiting for—Popcorn Ball Sunday!

A yearly favorite when Santa and his helpers drive around town to deliver Popcorn Balls to all! On Sunday morning, Dec. 22, all you have to do is wait for Santa to get to your neighborhood on the fire truck! Below you will find some details explaining the event.

—There are 8 different crews (and Santa’s helpers) in the Town of Seymour that will be distributing Popcorn Balls. Citizens’ Engine and Great Hill Hose both divide our response districts into 4 sectors, meaning we have 8 firetrucks on the road at once. We will be on (nearly) every street beginning around 8 a.m. until we are finished. Each truck has streets assigned to them so please, please, please be patient with us!

—We do not know what time we will be on your street. Each truck has a different route and start in different areas of town. Although you will hear sirens throughout the day, please do your best to keep an ear out as they get closer to your home. When you hear and see them close by, come outside so the crews know you would like a popcorn ball!

—We may have to drive by your house a few times to get to other streets first but please, don’t worry we will be back! We promise!

—Believe it or not, yes, each year we field complaints from social media and calls into the firehouse about this event. We are all volunteers and do our best to make sure we get to every street in a timely fashion. Typically, once we drive on your street, we do not go back. We apologize if you were not home or missed the opportunity to see Santa. We are all members of this community and do our very best to make sure all receive a Popcorn Ball who want one.

—All apparatus and crews are in service which means any emergency call we receive will take precedent. If that happens and we are prolonged at a call, we will do our best to post on our social media pages to let you know we may be a little behind schedule.

—The Seymour Fire Department is 100% volunteer. The Popcorn Balls you receive are paid for directly from company funds through fundraisers and donations. We rely heavily on these donations from the community throughout the year for various purposes such as this event. Although donations are definitely not required, they are always appreciated to help cover the cost of this event.

We look forward to seeing you Sunday!

Children's Room at the Ansonia Library to offer calendar Take & Make kit

Available on December 26 Unleash your inner Picasso and whip up a dazzling 2025 calendar with this month’s Take and Make craft kit!  Get ready to plan the year in style!  Swing by the Children's Room to scoop one up—but hurry, because they fly off the shelves quickly!

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

 This is shared from the Children's Room newsletter.

Storm Engine Company in Derby ready for Popcorn Ball Sunday

From Storm Engine Company Facebook page:

This Sunday, December 22 will be our annual Popcorn Ball Sunday! 

Listen for Santa and the firemen as we throw popcorn balls to you and your family on the West Side of Derby! 

The live Santa tracker will be posted here on the day of the event!

Hotchkiss Hose Company 1 in Derby ready for Popcorn Ball Sunday

 

'Good Scout' award ceremony to raise funds for Housatonic Council, BSA

 

Live Well workshop sessions slated at Ansonia Senior Center

 

St. Vincent de Paul Thrift Shop in Derby to hold Merry Thriftmas Sale Saturday

 

Seymour Congregational Church to host Blue Christmas worship service

"No matter who you are, or where you are on life’s journey, you are welcome here. Please join us. You matter. You are loved.

"Special music will be shared by Stephen Peter Rodgers and Sean O’Reilly."

This is shared from the church Facebook page.

From the 'Turnback Tuesday' archives: Holly plant, symbol of Christmas

 

Turnback Tuesday looks at the ever-popular plant: holly. 

Holly is a shrub-like tree that can grow up to 15’ tall. The female plant produces the beautiful red berries that are a favorite of cedar waxwings and robins as well as a great nesting plant for birds in the winter. 

The holly tree was beloved and respected in Celtic mythology, and the Druids regarded it as a symbol of fertility and eternal life. 

The Romans associated holly with Saturn, the god of agriculture and harvest. 

Today, the holly is a symbol of Christmas. It has taken a respected place in decorating for the holidays.

[This was first published on this date in 2022.]

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

Huntington Branch Library slates Toddler Time sessions in January

Toddler Time
Location: Huntington Branch Library, 41 Church St., Shelton
Days/Times: Thursdays Jan. 2, 16, and 30 from 11-11:30 a.m.

Children ages 3-5 years and their caregivers are invited to join Miss Leanne at the Huntington Branch Library for a story, a craft, and some music and movement. 

Each child must be registered individually, with the name of the caregiver provided.

Registration for each date:
January 2: https://engagedpatrons.org/EventsExtended.cfm?SiteID=2661...

January 16: https://engagedpatrons.org/EventsExtended.cfm?SiteID=2661...

January 30: https://engagedpatrons.org/EventsExtended.cfm?SiteID=2661...

This is shared from the Shelton Library System Facebook page.

Ansonia fire companies ready for Popcorn Ball Sunday

From the City of Ansonia Facebook page:

We have some much anticipated information from our Ansonia Fire Departments for Popcorn Ball Sunday, this Sunday, 12/22. 

Company #1, Fountains, one truck starting about 10:15 a.m., covering the West Side. 

Company #3, Webster Hose H&L Co. #3, will start two trucks at 10:30 a.m., in their neighborhood. 

Company #4, Charters Hose Co #4, will have two trucks that will stay together in the 4th Ward, beginning at 10:30 a.m. 

Company #5, Hilltop Hose Company # 5 will be starting two trucks at 8:45 a.m. and Company #6, Eagle Hose & Hook & Ladder Co. # 6 will also start two trucks at 10-10:30 a.m. in the North End.

Be aware of the sounds of the firetrucks blowing their horns as they come closer to your neighborhoods. 

These fine volunteer firemen and women do their best to reach each and every child waiting to receive popcorn balls. Remember to keep your children safe and stay out of the roads. 

The firemen and women have been practicing their throwing skills all year for this special day! Please share this information!