The best Christmas Eve I could ever imagine

How do I write this on Christmas Eve without it sounding trite? Here goes!

Our family was blessed this morning with a Christmas miracle and I couldn't be happier. God is good. Life is wonderful.

Aidan Ralph Nanna made his way into the world a bit early. He was due in early February and is only 3.5 pounds. He is in another state, but I hope to see my first grandchild soon.

Waiting for photos.

 

Ansonia Police ask public's help in locating city resident

Angelina Cordelion

ANSONIA  - The Ansonia Police Department is looking for the public’s assistance in locating Angelina Cordelion, 43, a transgender female, 5”9” tall, 160 pounds, with brown eyes and black hair. 

Cordelion resides in Ansonia and her last contact with her family was on Dec. 21, 2025 where she was reportedly in New Haven, possibly in the area of Norton Street.

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.

'Turnback Tuesday' highlights holiday traditions

Turnback Tuesday checks out two Holiday Traditions: The “Yule or Yule Log,” originally a Nordic tradition, started with the gathering of an entire tree to burn in the fire. 

One end was placed in the fireplace and the rest in the room. The Log would be slowly fed into the fire for the 12 days of Christmas.

Next is the poinsettia plant, native to Central America/Mexico. Joel Roberts Poinsett was the 1st ambassador for the US to Mexico in 1825. He was introduced to the native flower and became interested. He sent the plant home to South Carolina, grew them and gave them as gifts to friends. Thus, the poinsettia tradition began.

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

Master's Table to host 2 meals in January at Assumption Church Hall in Ansonia

 

Derby Police on the lookout for The Grinch

BOLO for The Grinch

We have received several reports of sightings in Derby.

Stay vigilant. The season depends on it.

Wolf Moon meteor-watching event slated Jan. 3 at Ansonia Nature Center

ANSONIA - Join Ranger Jeremy at 6 p.m. Jan. 3 at the Ansonia Nature Center for a special Wolf Moon meteor‐watching experience during the peak of the Quadrantids! 

Enjoy crisp winter skies as we learn about this brilliant but brief meteor shower and search for shooting stars together. 

Grab a blanket/chairs, some snacks, and your friends for a night of celestial wonder. Don't forget to make a wish on the shooting stars!

The Quadrantids get their name from Quadrans Muralis, a former constellation created in 1795 by the French astronomer Jérôme Lalande that included portions of Boötes and Draco. 

They are an annual shower that peaks typically in early January, with the peak in 2026 being on January 3rd.

Come join us at the nature center for a relaxing viewing event of the Quadrantids that will be taking place in one of our fields away from as much light pollution as possible. At its peak, this meteor shower averages about 25 meteors an hour that can be see by the naked eye.

During the event there will also be a telescope set up for people to check out the moon as well as other celestial bodies visible in the sky that night.

The Nature Center is at 10 Deerfield Lane.

Click here to register: https://www.eventbrite.com/.../wolf-moon-quadrantids...

Shared from the Nature Center's Facebook page.

From the 'Turnback Tuesday' archives: Holiday decorations in Derby

 

This week's "Turnback Tuesday" features a festive, holiday-themed photo of downtown Derby. The view is 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.

[First posted on this date in 2016.]

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

Derby Historical Society to hold Twelfth Night celebration at Humphreys House

 

Recuperation journey: Looking at the sky

My view at 4:20 p.m. today.

Derby Public Library open as warming center today

Hi there! If you're looking for a cozy spot to stay warm, Derby Public Library is a Warming Center open and ready to welcome you. Whether you're escaping the cold or just need a place to relax, we offer a friendly environment where you can feel at ease.

Come on in, make yourself comfortable, have some hot chocolate and enjoy the warmth. We're here for you!

Derby Public Library is available during opening hours on Monday, Dec. 22 [today] from 9 a.m to 8 p.m.

Anyone in need of overnight shelter is urged to call 211 or visit 211ct.org for a list of locations.

Shared from the Library's Facebook page.

Griffin in Oxford to offer free diabetes prevention program

OXFORD - The Griffin Center for Healthy Living will host a session of Living Healthy to Prevent Diabetes, its free diabetes prevention program this January to help empower individuals to lower their risk for the chronic health condition.

This six-week program helps individuals develop a structured lifestyle change program that can cut the risk of developing type 2 diabetes by 58%, and, with sustained behavior, continues to lower risk for years to follow. At weekly meetings, Diabetes Care & Education Specialist Mary Swansiger, RN, CDCES, will guide participants in learning about healthy eating, weight management, physical activity, coping skills, healthy lifestyle goal setting and stress management.

There will be a session on Tuesdays Jan. 27, Feb. 3, 10, and 24, and March 3 and 10 from 10-11:30 a.m. at the Griffin Health Center for Healthy Living, Quarry Rock, 300 Oxford Road.

This free wellness program is part of Griffin’s commitment to improve community wellness through free education, guidance and assistance in preventing and managing chronic disease. Griffin’s mission is to empower individuals to make choices that change their lifestyles for the better, and to go beyond caring for individuals when they are not well by building a meaningful relationship, guiding, and coaching them to maximize their quality of life.

Register at www.griffinhealth.org/living-healthy-to-prevent-diabetes or contact The Griffin Center for Healthy Living coordinator at 203-732-1369 to sign up or for more information.

This is a press release from Griffin Health.

 

Shelton Police Department reminds public of state's new fishing rules

As fishing season approaches, please be mindful of new Connecticut trout regulations effective January 1, 2026 that impact local waterways in Shelton. 

For full details on current fishing rules and updates, visit the Connecticut DEEP website.

We remind anglers to park legally, respect posted signage, and be courteous to nearby residents and other visitors. Following parking laws and fishing regulations helps keep our roadways safe and ensures everyone can enjoy Shelton’s natural resources responsibly.

Thank you for your cooperation and for helping keep our Shelton community safe and respectful.

Shared from the Shelton PD Facebook page.

Derby High School PTO needs volunteers for basketball games

 

Seymour Oxford Food Bank to hold pop-up pantry Monday morning

THANK YOU Food Rescue US - Fairfield County for this beautiful food recovery run today!!

We really need your help!!! We are closed for the rest of the week so all this food needs a home!! Stop in and see us [from 9-11 a.m.] tomorrow.

Seymour Oxford Food Bank is at 20 Pine St.

Derby Police share holiday shopping safety tips

 

Baby Steps on tap Monday at Derby Public Library

 

Seymour Recreation to hold class for traditional sports for ages 2-5

More info at Seymourct.myrec.com

Griffin in Oxford to host 6-week diabetes self-management program

OXFORD - Living Healthy with Diabetes is a free, six-week diabetes self-management program that engages participants in learning and discussing clinical and lifestyle self-management behaviors to improve their health, blood sugars, emotional wellness, and quality of life. 

The program integrates trusted information from the National Standards of Medical Care in Diabetes and The Association of Diabetes Care & Education Curriculum to empower individuals diagnosed with type 1 or type 2 diabetes to manage their health and well-being.

There will be a session on Tuesdays Jan. 27, Feb. 3, 10, and 24, and March 3 and 10 from 10-11:30 a.m. at the Griffin Health Center for Healthy Living, Quarry Rock, 300 Oxford Road.

At weekly meetings, Diabetes Care & Education Specialist Mary Swansiger, RN, CDCES, will guide participants to manage their well-being with insightful education on healthy eating, weight management, physical activity, medication, glucose technology, health-related risk management, and coping with a chronic condition.

This free wellness program is part of Griffin’s commitment to improve community wellness through free education, guidance and assistance in preventing and managing chronic disease.

Griffin’s mission is to empower individuals to make choices that change their lifestyles for the better, and to go beyond caring for individuals when they are not well by building a meaningful relationship, guiding, and coaching them to maximize their quality of life.

Register at griffinhealth.org/living-healthy-with-diabetes or contact The Griffin Center for Healthy Living coordinator at 203-732-1369 to sign up or for more information. 

Shared from a press release from Griffin Health.

From the 'Turnback Tuesday' archives: First Derby Bank

This week's "Turnback Tuesday" features an old First Derby Bank banknote. 

The First Derby Bank was incorporated in 1809 and prospered. With the demise of the Fishing Company, the bank laid dormant until it was resuscitated in 1824 by the Canfield brothers. Horace Canfield and his brother purchased both the Charter and the building that was used by the bank. John L. Tomlinson was made bank president and Edward Crafts, cashier. The Canfield brothers were the agents, i.e. the moving power of the bank. When Edward the cashier had in hand $100,000 obtained through the Canfields, he deposited the funds with Fulton Bank of New York. Notes such as this one were issued and read “The Derby Bank promises to pay at the Fulton Bank New York to N. Smith or bearer Two Dollars - Dated July 4th, 1825”. This note was signed by John L. Tomlinson. While the amount of $2 does not seem like much, if we fast forward to 2017, this note would be worth $47.12.
[First posted on this date in 2017.]
Thanks as always goes to Derby Public Library staff for sharing interesting local history each week.

Seymour Public Library posts holiday hours

 

Kids invited to ring in 2026 on morning of Dec. 31 at Derby Public Library

 

Hotchkiss Hose Company 1 in Derby ready to host Popcorn Ball Sunday

 

Community invited to enjoy pizza with Santa tonight at Seymour Land Trust

 

Plumb Memorial Library in Shelton to show free film Friday

SHELTON - Plumb Memorial Library offers a free bimonthly “Friday Films” series at 1 p.m. Fridays. The films will be viewed in the downstairs Meeting Room.

The film for Dec.18 is Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning.

No registration is required and light refreshments will be served.

The Library is at 65 Wooster St. 

Shared from the Shelton Library System Facebook page.

Enjoy movie 'The Bishop's Wife' Friday at Seymour Public Library

SEYMOUR - Join us here at the Library for Free Movie Friday. Showtime is at 10 a.m. All are welcome.

The Library is at 46 Church St. 

Adam's House in Shelton opens Friend in Grief Training registration

Registration for our next FIG Training is now open! Hybrid & In-Person "FIG"s are Friends in Grief for children and families in our "Helping Hearts Heal" Program. FIGs help facilitate our peer support groups. Questions? Call our office at 203-513-2808 for details!

Important Training Info: VIRTUAL: A short book and an online training and assessment will be due before the in-person sessions. Details and link will be sent to registrants in early January. IN-PERSON: Saturday, Jan. 17 from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. at Adam's House (241 Coram Ave., Shelton). Please Note: A minimum of 5 registrants will be necessary to host this training.

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

Adam's House 203-513-2808 www.adamshousect.org

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