Derby Neck Library posts 2024 Year in Review

 

Our Value from 2024 is now available! Take a look at the great work we did and how much we saved our patrons over a single calendar year. 

Can't wait to do even more in 2025!

This is shared from the Library's Facebook page.

Little Raiders University in Derby receives new 5-year accreditation

DERBY - Little Raiders University has announced it has received a new five-year accreditation from the National Association for the Education of Young Children. 

NAEYC is the leading organization in the United States dedicated to improving the quality of early childhood education. 

Accreditation by NAEYC is a rigorous process that involves an extensive review of our program and practices by a team of early childhood education professionals. 

The accreditation criteria include standards related to curriculum, teaching, assessment, health and safety, professional development, family engagement, and community partnerships.

Superintendent Matthew Conway said, “Receiving this accreditation is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our faculty, staff and families in the Little Raiders University family. We are thrilled to receive this recognition, and we will continue to uphold the high standards set by NAEYC as we strive to provide the best possible fun-filled learning experience for our youngest scholars.”

"At Little Raiders University, we are committed to creating a safe, nurturing, and engaging environment that supports the growth and development of young children. We offer a play-based curriculum that emphasizes hands-on learning, critical thinking, and social development. Our amazing faculty and staff are highly trained and experienced in early childhood education, and they work closely with our families to ensure that each child receives individualized attention and support."

Director Alison Conway said, “The Little Raiders University team is very dignified to have accomplished NAEYC re-accreditation. We all feel very gratified to be recognized for our commitment to reaching the highest professional standards and providing the highest quality of care and education which will prepare our students for their future success.”

Jim Gildea, Board of Education Chairman said, “The Derby school system is very excited to have received our NAEYC Accreditation for Little Raiders University. Early childhood education is such a key component of our overall educational strategy. Having such a well- known and respected early childhood program is the cornerstone of the growth in the improvement that we have been seeing in academic achievement and success. We're very grateful and proud for all those who have a hand in ensuring the success of the Little Raiders University program. They impact the lives of so many children year after year.”

Parent Amanda Carpenter said, “We have had three children attend LRU and we are so very proud and grateful for the high-quality education that has been provided to them through the curriculum and educators at LRU. We have complete confidence that their early-childhood education has not only equipped them with readiness for kindergarten but also a foundation for all their future learning.”

This is a press release from Derby Public Schools.

Restaurant adventure in Ansonia a pleasant surprise

Check out this impromptu restaurant review written by a friend, Valley Arts Council President Rich DiCarlo:

Last night after a meeting we decided to try something a bit different than usual (for two Italians) and give this new Polish Restaurant a shot (What the heck). 
And we discovered something wonderful, as well as different (to us): the Warszawa Polish Restaurant at 350 Main St. in Ansonia. 

Photo from Facebook

At first we were intimidated as it felt like we just stepped back in time. 
We initially felt almost out of place ... like we were suddenly, no longer in Ansonia? Anyhow our pleasant server seated us and presented the menus. 
The menu offered simple traditional Polish foods (the kind of comfort food that I'v heard my Polish friends talk about). 
We panicked at the sight of a foreign language until we saw the translation offered on the opposite side, and we were relieved. 

I ordered sautéed mushrooms as my appetizer and the Polish sampler which was comprised of stuffed cabbage, pierogis, potato pancakes, and a medley which I didn't know what it was ... Truth be told, I loved it and cleaned my plate ... everything was perfect!

So I must tell you to try out this gem of a Restaurant on Main Street in Ansonia! It's a wonderful destination!

*This is a slightly edited version of what Rich posted on Facebook. Now I know I have to try out this downtown restaurant! 

Streep brings NYC socialite to life in 'Florence Foster Jenkins'

Meryl Streep as Florence Foster Jenkins

Florence Foster Jenkins loved to sing. And sing she did.

But she was undoubtedly the worst singer of her generation. Or dare I say any generation! 

And she certainly was not good enough to sing at Carnegie Hall. But she did. 

Jenkins (1868-1944) was a New York City socialite. Her life of great wealth and love of great music was brought to the silver screen by the one and only Meryl Streep. 

The movie, directed by Stephen Frears, also starred Hugh Grant as her devoted British stage actor husband, St. Clair Bayfield.

Jenkins, a soprano, is tone deaf, but she fancies herself a great opera singer. Her husband perpetuates that myth. He pays people to write positive reviews of his wife’s performance. 

The two have a marriage in name only, since Jenkins was infected with syphilis by her first husband when she was 18. But it’s clear they love each other.

The movie - rated PG-13 - also featured Simon Helberg as the pianist hired to accompany Jenkins’ off-key-to-say-the-least singing. Helberg’s character, Cosme McMoon, a gifted young pianist, politely calls Jenkins’ voice “flat.”

This is a fun film, and one that touches the heart and soul. Streep truly becomes the heiress whose ambition clouds rational thought processes. She really believes that her fingernails on the blackboard style of singing sounds good.

If you want to sit back and laugh go see Florence Foster Jenkins. You’ll definitely be entertained.