Norman Rockwell's life topic of talk at Derby Library

DERBY - The Derby Public Library has scheduled a program, Norman Rockwell’s America, at 6:30 p.m. Aug. 31.

Gordon Williams, a retired history teacher, will present this Rockwell evening, embracing many topics. 
From big city bustles to small town charm, from returning WWII vets to wistful teen-aged girls, the paintings of Norman Rockwell reflect all that was best about our country, its aspirations and dreams.  

By the end of the evening, participants will know why Rockwell was and continues to be so loved.

Registration is requested.  

For more information by the Library at 313 Elizabeth St., call 203-736-1482, or visit 

www.derbypubliclibrary.org.  

This is a press release from Cathy Williams, Director, Derby Public Library.

Swing was the thing Saturday at Derby Neck Library

The Survivors play music from the 20s-40s 

Pictured from left: Lauren Humpage on electric bass fiddle, David Mechler on trumpet, Bill Steinhauser on electric guitar, and Sandra Whittman on keyboard.

DERBY - Four members of a Connecticut-based band entertained a small but appreciative audience Saturday afternoon at Derby Neck Library.

The Survivors, a seven-piece group, plays swing and Big Band hits. 

My husband, Ralph, and I enjoyed the show and the banter among the musicians. 

Their next local gig will be at 2:30 p.m. Sept. 13 at the Trumbull Arts Festival at the gazebo on Town Hall Green, 5866 Main St., Trumbull.

For information visit www.SurvivorsSB.com.

Lawmakers hail funds for rehab of Derby-Shelton Bridge

HARTFORD - State Representatives Linda M. Gentile and Theresa Conroy and state Sen. Joseph J. Crisco, Jr. welcomed the approval of a major transportation improvement for Derby. 

Earlier this week, the state Bond Commission granted $2 million for the Department of Transportation to rehab the Derby-Shelton Bridge over the Housatonic River.

The funds will be administered through the Naugatuck Valley Council of Governments. 
This project includes resurfacing of the deck and bicycle and pedestrian improvements.

“I am thrilled with the funding allocated for Derby-Shelton Bridge,” Gentile said. 
“The funds will not only provide a bicycling lane, but will also improve commuting traffic patterns and aesthetics. I'd like to thank Rick Dunne and his staff at the Naugatuck Valley Regional Council of Governments for their work on the planning, design and the grant application.”
“Investing in transportation projects makes sense,” Conroy said. “I am very pleased to see this funding move forward.”
“It is essential that we make improvements to our transportation infrastructure a priority in Connecticut,” Crisco said. 
“Thanks go to the Naugatuck Valley Council of Governments for taking the initiative on this project, and to the Governor and state Bond Commission for supporting such an important long-term investment in our region.” 


This is a press release from the office of state Democrats.

Derby Neck Library to host swing band Saturday

The Survivors Swing Band performs in June, 2012 in Beacon Falls. Photo credit: Lloyd Bashkin (photo taken from band's website)

DERBY - Derby Neck Library will present a free concert by The Survivors, a swing band featuring music of the '20s and '30s and the Big Band sound that followed at 1:30 p.m. Saturday.

Hear old tunes given a new flavor with up-beat improvisations. 

This is a four-piece band made up primarily of senior musicians who give a very fun and professional approach to their favorite music.

The library is at 307 Hawthorne Ave.

This is a press release from the library.

Derby Public Library to host discussion of novel

DERBY - The Derby Public Library has scheduled its next Lunchtime Book Discussion for 12:30 p.m. Aug. 26.

The selected title is the enthralling novel Lucia, Lucia by Adriana Trigiani.  

Set in New York City in 1950, the decision of a passionate 

and determined 25-year old daughter of a prosperous grocer to follow her heart, changes her life forever.

The story, filled with warmth and humor, is as emotional

as the bonds in her big Italian family. 

Multiple copies of the book are available at the circulation desk.

Participants are asked to bring a sandwich and a friend as they “chat and chew."

Dessert and beverages will be provided.  

Registration is requested.  

For more information, stop by the library, 313 Elizabeth St., call 203-736-1482, or visit 

www.derbypubliclibrary.org.   

This is a press release from Cathy Williams, Director, Derby Public Library.

Derby releases report on community engagement

DERBY – In March the City of Derby held several public meetings throughout the community to give residents the opportunity to express their opinions on issues such as housing, transportation, recreation, city services, and commercial development.

An online survey also was conducted.

The goal of this outreach was to identify the city’s priority issues, assets, and challenges to ensure its planning initiatives reflect the vision of Derby residents.

“In addition to identifying areas that need improvement, residents also provided a lot of great ideas on how to capitalize on Derby’s assets,” said Mayor Anita Dugatto.
The input from these public meetings was compiled into a comprehensive report that is now available for review on the Planning and Zoning web page under the Government Information tab on Derby’s municipal website, www.derbyct.gov.

The public engagement report will inform the update of Derby’s Plan of Conservation and Development, a process that it is currently underway. 
The updated POCD will serve as an advisory document for Derby’s Planning and Zoning Commission, as well as other city boards and commissions.

“The input from our residents is also driving initiatives – big and small – to improve the quality of life of our citizens,” Dugatto said.
“For example, we learned from the sessions that some residents were unaware of Derby’s Single Stream Recycling program. In response to that, we improved the contents of our Public Works web page and distributed recycling flyers at the City Hall booth on Derby Day,” Dugatto said.
“Derby Public Works has also been working diligently in cooperation with the Board of Aldermen to act on some of the larger concerns," she said. "Recent improvements to city parks, recreational areas, and city roads are among their accomplishments."



This is a press release from Mayor Anita Dugatto's office.  

Derby Library to host performance about Gillette family

DERBY - The Derby Public Library has scheduled a special presentation, An Evening with 

the Gillettes, at 6:30 p.m. Aug. 24.  

Gillette Castle (Photo from DEEP website)

Harold and Teddie Niver will portray William Gillette and his wife in this hour-long program, going back and forth between portraying 

the Gillettes and giving information about their lives and Gillette Castle in East Haddam.  

Those interested in Connecticut history as well as Sherlockians, as Gillette was 

known around the world for portraying Sherlock Holmes on stage, will enjoy this performance.  

Registration is requested.  

For more information, stop by the Library at 313 Elizabeth St. , call 203 736-1482, or visit

www.derbypubliclibrary.org.    


This is a press release from Cathy Williams, Director, Derby Public Library.