Griffin Bariatrics to offer free virtual weight-loss seminars in April

DERBY - Griffin Bariatrics will offer free virtual presentations on its weight-loss services throughout April.

Led by Griffin Hospital Director of Bariatrics Dr. Abe Fridman, these seminars will explain how bariatric surgery can help patients lose significant amounts of weight, enhance their health, and provide long-term well-being. 

Additionally, techniques, support programs, pre- and post-operative expectations, and insurance questions are also discussed.

Upcoming seminars will be held on April 7 from 5:30-6:30 p.m., April 15 from 5:30-6:30 p.m., and  April 28 from 12-1 p.m.

Griffin Hospital established its comprehensive weight loss surgery program, Griffin Bariatrics, to provide a medical solution for patients with more substantial weight loss needs. 

The long-term success enjoyed by Griffin Bariatrics patients is a result of excellent medical care, including the latest minimally invasive surgical procedures, combined with access to a full range of multidisciplinary services that have been assembled to support them before, during, and after their surgery.

To register, contact Bariatric Care Specialist Kimberly Fisher at kfisher@griffinhealth.org or 203-732-7108. 

For more information about Griffin Bariatrics, visit griffinhospitalbariatrics.com.

This is a press release from Griffin Hospital. 

Explore wild edibles at Ansonia Nature and Recreation Center

ANSONIA - Mid-spring is bursting with edible plants. 

Join Ranger Dawn at 1:30 p.m. May 16 at Ansonia Nature Center to learn the ancient skill of plant identification and ethical collection. 

The nature center is at 10 Deerfield Lane.  

After our hike, we’ll enjoy a tasty snack and tea made from nature’s wild offerings back at the Visitor Center.

Free - registration required. Click here to register: https://www.eventbrite.com/.../exploring-wild-edibles...

Shared from a Facebook event page.

Plumb Memorial Library in Shelton to show 'Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale'

Join us for Friday Films!

SHELTON - The Plumb Memorial Library offers a free bimonthly “Friday Films” series on Fridays at 1 p.m.

The films will be viewed in the downstairs Meeting Room. The Library is at 65 Wooster St.

The film for March 27 is "Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale."

No registration is required and light refreshments will be served.

'Turnback Tuesday' features Derby High School memories

Turnback Tuesday remembers all those Red Raiders fans. As the story goes according to Bill Pucci, early on, the Derby nickname was The Crimson. When the football team was treated to a game at Yale in the 1930s, one of the teams that played was called the Red Raiders. After much discussion, it was decided that Derby would also adopt this name.

Derby High School students have a history of pride and fond memories of their time at school. Nothing reflects that more than the incredible students who graciously allowed Derby Public Library to borrow their personal Derby High School uniforms and memorabilia.

A huge thank you to all who helped with the display.

Photo here is a Red Raider football helmet used by David Ahearn '83. The helmet is a recent donation to the Library for our historic collection.

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

Plumb Memorial Library in Shelton creating American flag 'quilt'

 

SHELTON - America is like a quilt; many pieces, colors, and stories, all held together by a common thread. 

Plumb Memorial Library is creating an American flag “quilt” display in the downstairs lobby to celebrate the diverse stories that make up our community and our country.

Share your family’s story, culture, or heritage! You can include a drawing, photo, recipe, memory, or a story about an ancestor who overcame challenges or followed their dream to America.

Stop by the library to pick up a “fabric swatch,” or bring your story on a piece of paper (8” high x 6” wide), and we’ll add it to the quilt. Contributions can be anonymous if you prefer.

Come help us stitch together the many stories that make up the American experience!

For more information: https://sheltonlibrarysystem.org/flag-quilt-display.../... 

Shared from the Shelton Library System Facebook page.

Hilltop Hose Co. 5 to hold Easter Egg Hunt at Ansonia Nature Center

 

Save the date: Paranormal investigator to present talk at Seymour Public Library

SEYMOUR - Join the one and only Jeff Belanger [at Seymour Public Library] for a wicked good time. He will take you through a twisted tale of ghosts, monsters, and the oddities we have all come to know and love from New England. This is a Must!

May 6 at 6 p.m.
No registration required!
Free to all

The Library is at 46 Church St.

Learn to identify, cut invasive plants April 4 at Ansonia Nature Center

ANSONIA - Join Ranger Maria [at the Ansonia Nature and Recreation Center April 4] to learn how to identify, cut, and treat invasive plants overtaking some of the most diverse areas of our forest.

Meet at the Visitor Center at 9:30 a.m. Bring loppers, hand clippers, or pruning saws if you have them (loaners available). Wear long sleeves and pants, sturdy gloves, and bring water and a snack.

We’ll work until 11:30 a.m., followed by our signature soup-and-bread lunch.

Free — Registration Required

No experience needed—just curiosity and a willingness to help! 12 years and older welcome! Anyone under the age of 16 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.

The nature center is at 10 Deerfield Lane.

Click here to register: https://www.eventbrite.com/.../woodland-invasives-what-to... 

Shared from a Facebook event page.

Hotchkiss Hose Co. 1 in Derby to hold annual Easter flower sale

 

Seymour Public Library to host actor's lecture on 2 American musicals

 

St. Vincent de Paul Thrift Shop in Derby posts weekly sales, needs Easter help

Fly on in for this week's sales!

Easter baskets for kids and hams for pantry families are still much needed!

Can you help?

From the 'Turnback Tuesday' archives: Smith House in Derby

This week's "Turnback Tuesday" photo is of Marietta Smith’s House. Marietta was born on July 18, 1806 and was the daughter of James and Gloriana Shelton Smith of Derby.

In 1818 and 1819, she attended the Litchfield Female Academy.

Marietta Smith

She was known in Derby as a great conversationalist and was visited by many noted people. She died in 1889.

[First posted on this date in 2016.]

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

2 Derby Hall of Famers of the Week highlighted

 

There are two Hall of Famers of the Week this week. They share the same last name, but come from different eras.

Edward lived from 1622-1689 and is credited as the first permanent settler of Derby in 1951.

William was one of Edward's direct descendants, but he made his mark in the Civil War. He came back to Derby after the war and succeeded in business, law, and as a state rep and senator. More about William https://electronicvalley.org/.../Wooster,William_Burr.htm

More about Edward https://electronicvalley.org/.../Hallo.../Wooster,Edward.htm

CT Foodshare truck to visit St. Mary's Church Tuesday in Derby

 DERBY - The Connecticut Foodshare truck will return to St. Mary's Church parking lot from 2:15-3 p.m. Tuesday (March 24). 

The church is at 212 Elizabeth St.

Tickets will be distributed at 2 p.m. No place-holding with bags and carts allowed. No income limits, no questions asked -.just bring a bag to receive some food. Next visit is April 7.

Regional hazardous waste collection slated April 18 in Waterbury

 

From the photo archives: Looking at the sky

 Sunset memory from this date in 2023.

 

Ansonia Police share safety tips for outdoor activities

 

 Welcome Spring, Safely! 
Warmer days are here (finally), perfect for outdoor fun! Keep these safety tips in mind to make the most of the season without any mishaps. 

Remember, in an emergency call 911, for all other police business call 203-735-1885.

From the photo archives: Looking at the sky

I remember it seemed like Heaven was opening up on this date in 2024, inspiring me to take a photo. 

Derby Historical Society to host open hearth tasting Saturday at Humphreys House

Saturday may be rainy and chilly outside, but it will be warm and toasty inside at the Humphreys House.

Preregistration is not necessary but please drop a comment below or email us (info@derbyhistorical.org) and let us know you're interested in attending so we can prepare enough delicious treats!

Needlers Club to meet Saturday at Derby Neck Library

DERBY - The Derby Neck Needlers’ Club meets to exchange tips on crocheting, knitting, and needlepoint. Newcomers are welcome and encouraged to attend. It’s a great way to learn some great skills!

The Needlers’ Club is an entirely volunteer-run program that meets on Saturday afternoons to exchange tips on crocheting, knitting, quilting, and needlepoint. 

Our hand-crafted items are kept by the creators, donated to various charitable causes, or sold as part of the Needlers’ Nook fundraiser for the Library. 

Whether you are a beginner, novice, or expert, all are welcome to join–stop in Saturday and help us fulfill our mission while learning some great skills in good company!

The Library is at 307 Hawthorne Ave.

Seymour Public Library offers free adult fiction books

Spring Cleaning! We have FREE Adult Fiction books available in the lobby! Take as many adventures (books) home as you would like! 

P.S. Bring a bag or three!

St. Vincent de Paul Thrift Shop in Derby posts Easter needs

Hello friends and Happy Spring! Our Easter pantry preparations need a boost this year! We are short hams and Easter baskets for kids. 

Please call with any questions! 

THANK YOU 🐰🐣🐰🐣🐰

Salvation Army Greater Valley in Ansonia supports community

ANSONIA - Our food pantry [at the Salvation Army Greater Valley] is here to serve you with compassion, respect, and care. 

The Salvation Army is at 26 Lester St.

If you live in the Greater Valley and need support, please come—you are always welcome here.

Shared from The Salvation Army - Ansonia Facebook page.

Recuperation journey 2.0: Looking at the sky

 Tuesday's sunset reflections.

Par for Pink golf event in Oxford to benefit Valley Goes Pink

 

OXFORD - Griffin Health’s Valley Goes Pink initiative will host its 5th Annual Par for Pink golf fundraiser May 19 at The Golf Club at Oxford Greens.

The fundraiser will feature a 9-hole round of golf for women and men starting at 9 a.m. and lunch. Sponsorship opportunities range from $150 to $5,000, and foursomes start at $460. In-kind donations are welcome.
Proceeds will benefit breast cancer patients throughout the greater Valley community through new, transformative advancements in cancer care at Griffin Hospital.

To register or for more information, visit www.griffinhealth.org/pink.
Valley Goes Pink is a dynamic initiative that supports compassionate breast health care, early detection, education, and support for those affected by breast cancer in our community. Through engaging fundraising events, the initiative unites individuals, schools, organizations, and community groups passionate about breast health. 

More than just a campaign, Valley Goes Pink is a movement that empowers the community to take action, raise awareness, and make a real impact on the lives of those affected by breast cancer and other breast health concerns.

For more information about upcoming events and about joining the campaign, visit griffinhealth.org/pink.

This is a press release from Griffin Health.

Bingo at CWV Post 1562 in Derby to benefit Julia Day Nursery

 

Talk at Seymour Public Library to feature history of Charter Oak

 

Rochelle to meet with constituents Friday at Valley Diner in Derby

 

Boys & Girls Club slates summer camps in Ansonia, Shelton

 

Seymour Public Library to present pottery, textile demonstrations

 

Childbirth Center at Griffin Hospital in Derby slates annual baby fair May 30

DERBY - The Childbirth Center at Griffin Hospital is inviting vendors to take part in its Annual Baby Fair set for May 30 from 11 a.m.-2 p.m.

Hundreds of expectant parents, new parents and their families attend this free fair each year to learn about the Childbirth Center and area maternity and childcare resources.

Vendor registration is $50 for a table and a raffle prize donation. 

For more information, email Kristen Richards at krichards@griffinhealth.org.

About the Childbirth Center

The Childbirth Center at Griffin Hospital offers family-centered maternity care in an environment that best meets individual and family needs. The Center follows a patient-centered Planetree philosophy, and is committed to providing a warm, caring atmosphere for patients, care partners and visitors. 

The Childbirth Center’s attentive and highly skilled caregivers are devoted to every patient’s needs, and take the time to genuinely get to know patients and their families, ensuring a childbirth experience that is supported with compassion and understanding. 

For more information about The Childbirth Center at Griffin Hospital, call 203-732-7252 or visit griffinhealth.org/cbc.

This is a press release from Griffin Hospital.

'Turnback Tuesday' (on Wednesday) features Derby 350th

Turnback Tuesday reminds us of the year-long celebration of Derby’s 350th anniversary.

There have been many events starting on May 13, 2025 with the chiming of the Clock at the Derby Public Library then the opening of the 1975-time capsule on the Derby Green.

They included a three-day event over Memorial Day Weekend, cleanup day, summer concerts, All-class reunion, Flood of 1955 display, pub crawl, gala ball, tree lighting ceremonies, Derby High School memorabilia display, the list goes on.

The library would like to thank all the dedicated hard-working people from the 350th Committee members and volunteers who made these memorable events possible.

The Derby Public Library will have on display the items retrieved from the 1975 Time Capsule starting April 6, 2026 thru the end of May.

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

Masonicare at Wesley Heights in Shelton to host Senior Services Fair

SHELTON - Community members and local residents are invited to attend a Senior Services Fair April 17 at the Wesley Heights Activity Room, 580 Long Hill Ave. 

The event will feature a variety of vendors, raffles, and health screenings designed to connect seniors and their families with important services and resources.

The fair will be open from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. to the general public. 

Attendees will have the opportunity to learn about services available through Masonicare, including residential living, home care, hospice and palliative care, and behavioral health programs that support older adults and their families.

Local organizations and community partners will also be on hand, including representatives from the Shelton Senior Center, Alzheimer’s Association, Parkinson’s Foundation, and local first responders such as police, fire, and emergency medical services.

In addition to Masonicare health care and senior living options, there will be vendors on hand, including: Griffin Hospital Health Services, Wheel-it-Forward DME Lending Library, Medicare insurance consultants, pet care services, as well as an eldercare attorney.

The event is free to attend and is designed to help seniors and caregivers discover valuable local resources in one convenient location.

For more information about the fair, please contact Lisa Bisson at 203-225-5027 or lbisson@masonicare.org.

This is a press release from Masonicare.