Talk at Ansonia Library to highlight wealthy former slave's legacy

ANSONIA - Join us tomorrow Feb. 21 at 12 p.m. [at Ansonia Library] for a powerful presentation uncovering a remarkable New Haven family story with connections to Yale University. 

Based on research conducted at the Beinecke Library and highlighted in David Blight’s "Yale and Slavery," this program explores the life of a formerly enslaved inventor who died wealthy and the legacy of his family before 1920.

Descendant and New Haven native Denise Manning Keyes Page, founder of Ubuntu Storytellers and performer on The Moth Main Stage, will share two moving true stories about resilience, family, and rediscovered history.

To register please click on the link below: https://forms.gle/68XUGKJwLEpzxv7w8

Shared from the Ansonia Library Facebook page.

Salvation Army honors first Black Officer during Black History Month

Shared from The Salvation Army - Ansonia Facebook page:

This Black History Month, we honor Mabel Broome, the first Black officer in The Salvation Army [commissioned in 1915 in Chicago].

Her courage and faith helped open doors for generations to come, paving the way for greater representation and leadership within the movement. Through her service, Mabel Broome embodied a commitment to God, community, and the mission of doing the most good.

We are grateful for her legacy and the foundation she helped build.

Salvation Army of Ansonia: Black History Month is time to reflect, honor legacy

From The Salvation Army - Ansonia Facebook page:

February is Black History Month—a time to honor the faith, leadership, resilience, and service of Black individuals who have shaped our communities and our shared history.

At The Salvation Army, we recognize the profound impact of Black leaders, officers, soldiers, and volunteers whose dedication helped strengthen this movement and advance its mission. Their legacy continues to inspire us as we serve with dignity, compassion, and love.

This month, we reflect, learn, and celebrate the stories that remind us what it means to truly do the most good—together.

Ansonia Senior Center to hold free workshop Jan. 29 on retirement

 

Salvation Army celebrates Women's History Month

This Women's History Month, we honor the extraordinary women who have shaped history and sparked change.

At The Salvation Army, we proudly celebrate the remarkable women who have been key to our mission of serving and uplifting communities.

From groundbreaking leaders to devoted volunteers, women have been essential in creating positive change and bringing hope to those in need. Their strength, empathy, and commitment represent the essence of empowerment and progress.

Join us this Women's History Month as we spotlight the women who helped shape The Salvation Army.

Let's celebrate their legacy and amplify their voices.

This is shared from the Salvation Army - Ansonia, CT Facebook page.

The Greater Valley Salvation Army is located at 26 Lester St., Ansonia.

Beacon Falls Public Library to host author's talk on Titanic's history, legacy

BEACON FALLS - Join author Stephen Spignesi at 6 p.m. March 6 at Town Hall Assembly Room, 10 Maple Ave. for a fascinating lecture on Titanic’s history, legacy, and untold facts. 

The presentation will feature an engaging slideshow! 

Shared from a Facebook event page.

Abundant Life Fellowship Ministries in Ansonia to host MLK Day celebration

 

Celebrate Frances Osborne Kellogg's birthday at Derby Neck Library event

Derby Neck Library is at 307 Hawthorne Ave., Derby.

This is shared from the Library's Facebook page.

Red Clover Farms in Seymour to hold Grand Opening Saturday

Sharing this from KimberlyThomas Warner's Facebook page:

"My great-Grandparents started as a dairy farm in Seymour, Ct. in 1918 as Slinka's farm. We are nestled in-between Bomba's and McConney's Farms in the Great Hill area. My great grandpa used to deliver milk in his horse and buggy, and we would also bring our milk to Bomba's farm to make cottage cheese.

"We are 4th generation and are so honored to continue our family's legacy.
"We invite you and your family to come to our farm for our Grand Opening on Saturday, June 5th.

"Step back into history. See where it all began."

Macedonia Baptist Church in Ansonia hosts inspiring celebration of MLK

Area clergy, Ansonia Mayor David S. Cassetti, state and local officials and members of the community attend the annual Rev. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day program Monday at Macedonia Baptist Church in Ansonia. 


Stay tuned for more in the next issue of the Valley Voice newsletter.

Reminder: Macedonia Baptist Church in Ansonia to host MLK celebration

The Valley Gives Back offers opportunity for legacy giving

To learn more click here.

Seymour Historical Society program to highlight industrialist's legacy

Nominees sought for award in memory of educator in Ansonia, Hamden

Human Relations Club founder Nick Collicelli addresses an inter-generational club event in August, 2014 at Doyle Senior Center in Ansonia.

Community celebrates MLK at Macedonia Baptist Church in Ansonia

NAACP Ansonia Branch 2000 and Macedonia Baptist Church in Ansonia sponsored Monday's annual celebration of the legacy of the late civil rights leader Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. 


*Stay tuned for more photos from the program in the next issue of The Valley Voice newsletter.

Ansonia Branch, NAACP to celebrate King at Macedonia Baptist Church

ANSONIA - The Ansonia Branch 2000 of the NAACP will celebrate the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. at noon Monday at Macedonia Baptist Church, 243 Pershing Drive.  

Everyone is welcome. 
Light refreshments will be served after the program.

Deadline extended for Collicelli Legacy Fund Dinner in Ansonia

       

        ANSONIA – The deadline for a dinner program honoring the late Nicholas Collicelli has been extended to April 28. The first Nick Collicelli Legacy Fund Dinner program will be held May 5 starting at 6 p.m. at Ansonia High School. 

All of the money raised at the dinner will go to the Nicholas Collicelli Legacy Fund, established last summer by the Collicelli Family to support programs and individuals that best exemplify Nick’s passion for bringing people of all ages and backgrounds together in the quest to celebrate our common good. 

       The first Legacy Fund awards will be announced at the May 5 event. 

       Tickets are $50 per person. Meal choices are grilled filet mignon with balsamic-citrus sauce; grilled boneless chicken breast with sweet-savory sauce; and medley of sautéed vegetables over capellini. 

      Online reservations may be made on Eventbrite.com. 

      For further information, email collicellifund@gmail.com.

This is a press release from Ansonia Public Schools.

Dinner slated in Ansonia to benefit Collicelli Legacy Fund

ANSONIA – A dinner program highlighting the 40 years of service provided by the late Nicholas Collicelli to the youth of Ansonia, Derby, Hamden, and other communities will be held May 5 at Ansonia High School.

The Nick Collicelli Legacy Fund Dinner program begins at 6 p.m. and concludes at 8:30 p.m.

All of the money raised at the dinner will go to the Nicholas Collicelli Legacy Fund, established last summer by the Collicelli Family to support programs and individuals that best exemplify Nick’s passion for bringing people of all ages and backgrounds together in the quest to celebrate our common good.

The first Legacy Fund awards will be announced at the May 5 event.

Collicelli, a lifelong Ansonia resident, was an educator, mentor, and friend whose advice and guidance inspired countless lives, according to Tony Russo, a committee member who worked with Collicelli for 30 years in Hamden. “Nick’s efforts to fight prejudice were realized through the formation of the Human Relations Club,” he added. The HRC is still in existence in Ansonia and Derby with more than 150 members.

Tickets are $50 per person, and meal choices are grilled filet mignon with balsamic-citrus sauce; grilled boneless chicken breast with sweet-savory sauce; and medley of sautéed vegetables over capellini.

Online reservations may be made on Eventbrite.com. The deadline for reservations is April 21.

For further information, please email collicellifund@gmail.com.



This is a press release from Ansonia Public Schools.

MLK's legacy celebrated at church in Ansonia

Community honors slain civil rights leader

Sanctuary of Macedonia Baptist Church in Ansonia.

ANSONIA - Clergy, elected officials, educators, and residents gathered on Martin Luther King Day Monday at Macedonia Baptist Church to honor the civil rights leader's legacy.

King was assassinated on April 4, 1968 in Memphis, Tenn. at the age of 39.

Ansonia NAACP President Greg Johnson 

The annual celebration in the Valley was sponsored by NAACP Ansonia Branch #2000 and Macedonia Baptist Church.
President Greg Johnson said he was gratified to see the diversity of those in attendance. 
"That's what it's about, being able to live among our neighbors in unity," he said.

Mayor David S. Cassetti asked, "Are you doing what is right? Are you teaching your children right from wrong?"

Felicia McPhail introduced students who won an essay contest about MLK. 
All four city schools were contacted, but only John C. Mead elementary school participated. 

Eighth grader Maliqa Mosley-Williams

The school entered 40 essays in the contest. Winners received
certificates and cash awards.
Sixth grader Brandon Richards came up with an idea the audience applauded. He said in his winning essay he would like to see a statue of Martin Luther King erected at the site of the former Riverside Apartments on Olson Drive.
Brandon said a portion of King's "I Have a Dream" speech should be inscribed on a plaque near the statue.

Mead School sixth grader Louis Gripper 
reads his winning essay.

The Rev. Alfred L. Smith, Jr., pastor, suggested a committee be formed to pursue that idea, and recommended that the statue be installed in Gatison Park.

Ansonia Middle School co-principal Terri Goldson spoke about the importance of always "doing the right thing," one of King's teachings.

Mistress of ceremonies Wilhelmenia Christon said it's time to move the Valley, the community, and the nation "toward a better tomorrow."