Ansonia Nature Center to host brisk New Year's Hike Jan. 2

 

Make a wreath, celebrate winter solstice, more at Ansonia Nature Center

ANSONIA - The Ansonia Nature and Recreation Center, 10 Deerfield Road, offers a variety of activities in December.

WINTER WREATH WORKSHOP – Dec. 7, 10 a.m.

Celebrate winter and the festive season as you create a wreath from fresh locally grown greens, then decorate your masterpiece with natural trimmings. 

Enjoy some warm mulled cider and a cookie too! Wreath frames and wire will be provided. Please bring your own hand clippers. 

MATERIALS FEE: $15. Call 203-736-1053 to register.

NEEDLE FELTING FOR BEGINNERS – Dec. 7, 2 p.m. 

Join in this fun class and learn the art of needle felting. With just one barbed needle you can create some wonderful 3D animals. All supplies will be provided. 
MATERIALS FEE: $15. Class size is limited to 12; please register in advance. Ages 12 and up.

STICKS AND STONES PLAYTIME – Dec. 14, 2 p.m.

Get the little ones out of the house for some simple outdoor play so mom or dad can catch up on holiday preparations. Children will construct little cairns or towers by stacking stones and build small log cabins and teepees using sticks. Afterwards warm up with a hot cocoa. FREE family program. Ages 6 and under. (All children must be accompanied by an adult.) Please register.

WINTER SOLSTICE CELEBRATION – Dec. 21, 2–4:30 p.m.

Dec. 21 marks the Winter Solstice: the start of winter, and the longest night and shortest day of the year. 

Learn about the journey of the Earth around the Sun, which makes the seasons change. 
Join us to celebrate the slow return of the light. We will gather for a relaxed afternoon around the fire at Picnic Pavilion 1. Make a craft, have some cider, and drum in the coming of longer days from 4-4:30 p.m. as the sun sets.

Everyone is welcome to this family-friendly event; children must be accompanied by an adult caregiver.  
FEE: $6 per person. Please dress for the outdoors.

*  *  * ONGOING PROGRAMS *  *  *  

Creature Features  – Saturdays, noon  

Sunday Guided Hikes – Sundays, 1 p.m.

Join a Nature Center guide on Sunday afternoons for fun, exercise, and learning about our trails! See the above listings for hikes with a specific theme.

Fiber Arts Group – Tuesdays, 6 p.m.

Get together with others to work on your fiber arts projects! Bring any kind of fiber work—knitting, felting, crocheting, etc. A great way to dedicate time to your handiwork and socialize too. FREE.

This is a press release from the Ansonia Nature and Recreation Center.

Snowstorm may spell sledding fun at Linett Park in Ansonia

Sharing post from the City of Ansonia Facebook page:

Cold weather fun found at Linett Park.

"With a predicted multi-day snowstorm looming, beginning Sunday thru Tuesday, families seeking some early winter outdoor fun may want to consider sledding at Winter Playground Linett Park.

"The expansive hillside was cleared of overgrowth two winters ago, to bring back a decades ago popular park winter destination. 
It has proven to be quite the sledding joy for kids and adults. Currently about 200 feet in length, there is a connecting trail that
extends nearly 400 feet up to Prospect Street.

"Year one proved to be a very popular attraction while last year’s “snow bust” saw limited activity.

"Linett Park is located on Crowley Street, off of North State Street. On-site restroom facility, bleacher seating and plenty of parking also available. Sledding at the park is free daily dusk to dawn, weather conditions permitting."

Linett Park in Ansonia is open for sledding

Sharing information from the City of Ansonia Facebook page:

ANSONIA - Better late than never. It appears the season’s first sled riding will begin today (Saturday) and if the forecast holds true, will be even better Monday after Sunday night's 

snowstorm.
The Linett Park hillside was cleared, widened, and extended since November but the only thing lacking was snow. 

It’s an ideal setup for families, kids, adults, and open to all Valley residents.

The city may even start up the fire pit, and  invite to Lucky Dog food truck to appear.

Linett Park is located on Crowley Street off of North State Street. There is plenty of free parking and restroom facilities are available.

Mayor David S. Cassetti reopened the hill for sledding last winter with great fanfare and attendance throughout.

Recuperation journey: Looking at the sky in the late afternoon

Monday sunset.

Recuperation journey: Sunday visitor

Lucky capture through the window shortly after noon.

Take a hike at Ansonia Nature Center to welcome 2019

Kids can make a snow globe at Plumb Memorial Library in Shelton

DIY Snow Globes

Plumb Memorial Library, 65 Wooster St., Shelton

11 a.m.-noon Dec. 29

SHELTON - Come create your own “winter wonderland” using a jar and other materials during this hands-on workshop at Plumb Memorial Library. 

All supplies provided by library. Caregivers MUST remain with children for program duration. 

Due to the fragile materials being used in this program it is only open to kids 5-12 years old. 
Caregivers MUST remain with their child for program duration.

Registration Required: ONLY children need to register. Call 203-924-1580.

This is shared from the Shelton Library System Facebook page.

Derby Historical Society slates events at Humphreys House in Ansonia

Beacon Falls Public Library to host Valentine's craft session for children

BEACON FALLS - Children are invited to create their own Valentine's picture frame at 10:30 a.m. Jan. 30 at Beacon Falls Public Library. 
Children in Grades 2 and under must be accompanied by an adult. Registration is required.

The Library is at 10 Maple Ave.

*This information is shared from a Facebook event page.

'Turnback Tuesday' features ice skating history, Housatonic River in Derby

This week's "Turnback Tuesday" features the activity of ice skating. 

It is suggested the earliest ice skating started in Finland more than 3,000 years ago. Popularity increased and recreational skating took hold by the 15th Century. 
When local waters froze, adults and children would strap on skates and enjoy themselves. It was a time to socialize with neighbors and friends. This watercolor shows folks of Derby doing just that more than 120 years ago above the Housatonic Dam.

Seymour Recreation slates winter activities

Ansonia Parks and Recreation to offer free ice fishing class at Armory

ANSONIA - A free ice fishing class is being offered by the Parks & Recreation Department in January. 

The class is taught by certified instructors from the Department of Energy & Environmental Protection C.A.R.E. Program. 
C.A.R.E. is an acronym for Connecticut Aquatic Resources Education. 

The instructors are experienced fishermen who volunteer to share their experience and expertise with anyone wanting to learn.
The classroom instruction will take place at the Ansonia Armory Jan. 30 from 6:30-8:30 p.m. It
covers the basics of the equipment, safety, dress, rules and regulations and species identification.

Participants will have an opportunity to practice what was covered in the classroom session.
The event is in Torrington on Feb. 3. The Torrington event is “No Child Left Inside” Winter Festival. 
Various winter activities are offered at Burr Pond State Park. Ice fishing is one of the main attractions and again all loaned tackle and bait is provided completely free. 
Additional information about the fishing event will be available at the classroom session.

The Armory is located at 25 North Cliff St.
Advance registration is required to insure sufficient materials are provided for the class. 

The class is open to all ages, and participants, not just Ansonia residents. It is recommended children under the age of 12 be accompanied by an adult. 
Register by calling Dave Connelly, chief instructor, at 203-231-0946. 

Recuperation journey: Wintry greetings

... from our home to yours  ❄ ❄ ❄ 
It wouldn't be so bad without the wind. Stay warm everyone!

Ansonia to hold grand opening of winter playground Sunday

The park is off of Crowley Street. 

Take a hike, learn to make lip balm, more at Ansonia Nature Center

ANSONIA - The Ansonia Nature and Recreation Center, 10 Deerfield Road, offers a variety of educational and fun activities this winter.

NEW YEAR’S DAY HIKE – Jan. 1, 10 a.m.Bring a healthy start to your new year at the Nature Center. Our ranger will conduct this brisk walk and you'll learn a little natural history trivia along the way. FREE. For all ages. Call to register. Inclement weather cancels.

BACK TO BASICS: Natural Lip Balms – Jan. 6, 2 p.m.
Soothe your lips with your own homemade lip balm! Join Ranger Dawn and learn how to make lip balm with natural ingredients such as beeswax and essential oils in the easy and fun workshop for ages 5 and up. Take home a sample!
MATERIALS FEE: $10 per person. Please register in advance; space is limited.

NATURE AND PLAY FOR CHILDREN WITH AUTISM AND OTHER DEVELOPMENTAL DELAYS – Sundays, Jan. 7, Feb. 11, March 4, 2:30 p.m.
Do you have a child aged 8-12 with autism and other developmental delays? Would you like to join a new group playtime that meets once a month? Gently led by Ranger Amie, this group will explore ways to introduce your child to playing indoors and outdoors at the Nature Center.

Monthly activities include meeting animal friends, taking a walk or easy hike, and nature crafts. Playtime will begin at 2:30 p.m. and end at 4:30 p.m. (or however long your child would like to stay). Please arrive on time. We will meet inside at the small classroom and children must be accompanied by an adult for the duration of the class. 

FREE. Pre-registration required; group limited to 10 children with adult.
Session 1 activity: Planting winter greens and sprouts.

22ND ANNUAL DR. MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR.’S LEGACY OF ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL JUSTICE – Jan. 14, noon–4 p.m.; Jan. 15, 10 a.m.– 4 p.m.
Join the Nature Center at the Yale Peabody Museum, 170 Whitney Ave., New Haven. The Peabody will once again offer world-class performances and educational activities for families and visitors of all ages, in honor of King and his efforts to ensure justice for all people.
Admission to the Peabody is FREE for the two days of this event.

BIRD FEATHERS – Jan. 27, 2 p.m.
Do you have a collection of bird feathers and always wondered which birds they came from? Nature Center naturalist Jessica can teach you to identify them. Enjoy viewing and touching our collection of over 100 different feathers. FREE; please call to register. For all ages.

FEBRUARY, 2018

BACK TO BASICS: Make an Herb Pillow – Feb. 4, 2 p.m.
Enjoy your winter afternoon creating an herb pillow. Herb pillows, or dream pillows, are small soft bags containing perfumed or sweet smelling items such as herbs. They have been around for hundreds of years and used for many different reasons. You will learn the cultural history and uses for these pillows. Create your own herb pillow for yourself or give as a gift for Valentine’s Day. MATERIALS FEE: $8. Please register; class size is limited. For ages 7 and up.

*** ONGOING WEEKLY PROGRAMS ***

Creature Features – Saturdays, noon
Come to meet our furry, scaly, and feathery animal ambassadors. You’ll have the chance to touch and hold them in this FREE family program for all ages.

Sunday Guided Hikes – 1 p.m.
Join a Nature Center guide on Sunday afternoons for fun, exercise, and learning about our trails! See the above listings for hikes with a specific theme.

Fiber Arts Group – Tuesdays, 6 p.m.
Get together with others to work on your fiber arts projects! Bring any kind of fiber work -knitting, felting, crocheting, etc. A great way to dedicate time to your handiwork and socialize too. FREE.

Call 203-736-1053 for information and registration.

This is a press release from Ansonia Nature Center.

'Soft opening' of skating rink slated at Linett Park in Ansonia

Sharing Tuesday post on City's Facebook page:

"With temperatures at single digits the past several days, the ice skating rink at Linett Park will open this Friday with a “soft opening” and remain open. 

Come on down and test it out! 

Once the cold and snow synchronizes, an official Grand Opening of Winter Playground at Linett Park will be announced for sledding, ice skating, fire pit and more. We’re hoping Saturday January 6 will be the date.

Public Works indicated they may also test the fire pit this Saturday at noon.

More information on Winter Playground can be found at: www.cityofansonia.com."

Ansonia Public Works crew installs ice skating rink at Linett Park

Sharing from the City of Ansonia Facebook page:

Ice skating rink at Linett Park in Ansonia./ Photo from Facebook 

"Public Works is finalizing the installation of the ice skating rink at Linett Park as part of the upcoming Winter Playground. The 75'x65' [4,875 square foot] rink, when frozen, will accommodate ice skaters of all ages. 
"Last weekend, the expanded hill for sledding debuted with more than 50 kids enjoying last Saturday's snowfall. An elaborate grand opening of the park will be announced once Mother Nature cooperates."

Ansonia to open winter playground at Linett Park

Sharing from City of Ansonia Facebook page:

ANSONIA WINTER PLAYGROUND OPENS SATURDAY

"With the weather outside soon to be frightful, Ansonia Winter Playground at Linnet Park will enjoy a SOFT opening weekend for sledding only. If interested to test out the expansive hill this weekend, please do and report back with photos!

"Stay tuned for a more elaborate Opening Day event that will include ice skating (cold permitting), sledding, fire pit and more."

Mayor 'Santa Clausetti' of Ansonia reviews sled giveaway contest entries

Submitted photo

"The entry deadline has arrived for the Great Ansonia Sled Give-A-Way Contest to celebrate the anticipated opening of Ansonia Winter Playground at Linett Park. 
"Pictured is Mayor Santa Clausetti looking over the more than 300 contest entries, from mostly good boys and girls, received at City Pole.

"Santa Clausetti will be selecting up to 50 winners of brand new Flexible Flyer Sleds or Flying Saucers.
"Contest winners will be contacted by Rudolph or Frosty next week with instructions on where and when to collect their prize.

"Additional details on Ansonia Winter Playground opening to be announced shortly. 
"The playground will include a 250-foot long sledding hill, 2,250-square foot ice skating rink, fire pit, flood lights, and weekend snack truck."

This is a release from City Hall.