'Turnback Tuesday' highlights history of YMCA in Valley

Turnback Tuesday visits the YMCA this week. The YMCA is a long-standing organization that started in London in 1844. It was to help young men with a refuge to escape the hazards of the street.

The first YMCA to open in the United States was in Boston on December 29, 1851.

The Derby/Shelton YMCA was located at 88 Elizabeth St., Derby, opening in 1889 as the Birmingham YMCA.

By 1891, it was the Birmingham, Derby & Shelton YMCA. Then it was changed to Derby/Shelton YMCA. It stayed at the Elizabeth Street location until 1916.

This souvenir is one of the many items in the Library collection.

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

'Turnback Tuesday' features Doughboys, Y girls in World War I

Turnback Tuesday shows a stereoscopic card picture of Y girls and Doughboys in WWI. 
Y girls were women associated with the YMCA who went to war zones to help support the troops. They were there to distribute cigarettes, candy, comfort the injured, and write to their families. 
Doughboys was a nickname for American troops deployed to Europe. 
Pictured are Y girls making fresh and hot from the oven “Donuts for Doughboys.”


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

'Turnback Tuesday' features historic use of shutters on old buildings

Turnback Tuesday highlights the use of exterior shutters. 
Shutters were used for a number of things. Through the middle 19th century, most homes would have solid raised panel shutters on the first floor for privacy and security. Sometimes the first floor had white shutters so when candles were lit at night it would appear brighter. 
The second floor would have louvered shutters to allow the breeze to enter during the warm months like the ones shown here on the Y.M.C.A. building in Derby. Dark-colored louvered shutters on the second floor would provide darkness while sleeping.


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

Driver loses control, hits ramp in front of YMCA in Ansonia

ANSONIA - The Ansonia Police Department received a complaint at about 4:17 p.m. Tuesday of a one-car accident with possible injuries at 12 State St., the YMCA. 

Police said a 71-year-old female driver, who was the sole occupant, lost control of her vehicle as it travelled from North Cliff Street onto State Street driving up onto the sidewalk and striking the concrete handicap ramp and metal railing. 

There were no pedestrians on the ramp or sidewalk at the time of the accident and the female, who did not report any injuries, was taken to a local hospital as a precaution, police said.

This is a release from the Ansonia Police Department.

YMCA in Ansonia to offer water safety program for kids

'Healthy Kids Day' slated at Valley Y

Mark your calendars: From 10 a.m.-1 p.m. April 25 the Valley YMCA, 12 State St., Ansonia, will host a "Healthy Kids Day."

Follow this link to read all about it!

Ho, ho, ho! Santa to visit YMCA in Ansonia

Pancake breakfast planned

ANSONIA - A free Breakfast with Santa event will be held from 9-11 a.m. Saturday at the Valley YMCA.

Families can enjoy a fun-filled morning with pancakes for breakfast and a visit from Santa!

There will be four, 30-minute time slots with a maximum of 40 people per session. 

Pancakes and juice will be provided for the children and coffee for the adults.

The YMCA is at 12 State St. 

Please pre-register with the Y's Welcome Center staff. Call 203-736-1435. 

All ages are welcome.

*Sharing this information from the Valley YMCA's Facebook page. 

Crisco recognized at Waterbury event for support of YMCA

Pictured from left, Ailyn Dilone, youth governor, YMCA Youth and Government, Susan Talbot, executive director, Naugatuck YMCA, state Sen. J. Joseph Crisco, Sean Doherty, executive director, Wallingford Family YMCA, John Cattelan, executive director, CT Alliance of YMCAs. / Contributed photo


WATERBURY - State Sen. Joseph J. Crisco Jr., D-Woodbridge, has received a 2014 Legislative Champion Award from the Connecticut Alliance of YMCAs in recognition of his strong advocacy for the Y.

The award was bestowed at the YMCA’s Leaders’ Dinner Tuesday night at the Courtyard by Marriott on Grand Street.
“Senator Crisco and long been active in community service, and he has a rich history of support for not only Naugatuck YMCA -- having helped us secure more than $800,000 in funding over the years -- but the community at large,” said John L. Cattelan, executive director of the Connecticut Alliance of YMCAs.

“Joe is well-known for his advocacy on the part of senior citizens, quality health care, economic development and youth-supporting agencies, and he has received numerous awards for his work in these areas as well as many others.”

“The Y has a saying: they’re for youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility,” Crisco said. 
“You put those three things together and you’ve got the foundation for a great society and great personal success. That’s why I go out of my way to help great organizations like the YMCA help young kids achieve those goals.”


This is a press release from Crisco's office.