Friends of Derby Neck Library to hold trip to La Salette Shrine

Valley United Way kicks off annual campaign; sets $1.1 M goal

SHELTON - Valley United Way celebrated 50 years of service Sept. 21 at Veterans Park with its annual Campaign Kickoff to honor its dedication to building a stronger community.

This followed Valley United Way’s seventh Harvest House where more than 200 volunteers, led by Valley United Way's Corporate Volunteer Council, helped companies deliver more than 50,000 items of food. 

The food was received the next day by the five food pantries that serve the Valley.

After Harvest House, Valley United Way kicked off its campaign year. The event included a performance by Center Stage, live music, food trucks, and an inspiring speech from U.S. Rep.  Rosa L. DeLauro, D-3, who spoke about the significant work of Valley United Way and the importance of working together to address food insecurity. 

The event would not have been possible without its sponsors: BIC Corp., Edgewell Personal Care, Newtown Savings Bank, and Pitney Bowes.

Valley United Way has set a goal to raise $1.1 million by June 30 by working together with local business owners, corporations, employees and residents to raise, invest and leverage funds.  United Way fights for every person in every community and we can't do it without the community's support.

Leading this year's efforts is Valley United Way's Campaign Chair Jimmy Tickey. Hee has a strong sense of service to his community and has been involved with the Valley United Way since he was in the Valley United Way Youth Leadership Program. 

During Tickey’s Call to Action at the Campaign Kickoff he said, "Last year we had a lofty goal and, together, we not only met our goal but surpassed it. This year we set an even higher goal and with all of your help, I know we can meet our goals and positively impact the lives of our most vulnerable populations here in the Valley.” 

If you, your business or company is interested in Working for a Stronger Community alongside Valley United Way, call Daniel Pearson, Resource Development Manager, 203-926-9478 or email daniel.pearson@valleyunitedway.org. 

This is a press release from Valley United Way.

Work begins on 700-foot extension to Ansonia Riverwalk

Ansonia Mayor David S. Cassetti Thursday points toward work that has begun on Segment 8, an approximately 700-foot extension to the Ansonia Riverwalk. A groundbreaking ceremony was held on the site, located at the end of North Division Street. 
Cassetti said the Riverwalk continuation project solidifies his commitment to improve the quality of life for all Ansonia residents.


Stay tuned for more information in an upcoming issue of The Valley Voice newsletter.

Early fall foliage on Ansonia's Main Street

I was in downtown Ansonia Wednesday evening and noticed this tree in Veterans Park had already started to turn red.

Recuperation journey: Transplant ties

A cousin and I have more in common than just being part of the McDonald family.

I had a kidney transplant May 9, and my cousin, John, just marked his 16th anniversary of getting a kidney donated to him from a close friend in August, 2001.

We both learned way back when we were in our 20s that we had inherited Polycystic Kidney Disease, a disease that has afflicted many in the family.

Since John was driving through Connecticut today on his way to a high school reunion in Massachusetts he asked me to meet for lunch. And we did just that.
It's nice to have a flexible schedule so I can occasionally fit in fun stuff!

We chatted about kidneys and anti-rejection meds, and we shared childhood memories of extended family members and the fun times we spent at get-togethers. 


It was really great to see him. I hope we can get together again in the near future.  

Fill-A-Truck event slated at Ansonia Animal Shelter

Osborne Homestead Museum in Derby to host Holiday at the Opera

One of my favorite local events to celebrate the holiday season is visiting the Osborne Homestead Museum. 
Members of area garden clubs always do a wonderful job decorating the Colonial Revival house at 500 Hawthorne Ave. in Derby.

This year the clubs include: Derby Garden Society, Garden Club of Orange, Long Hill Garden Club, Naugatuck Garden Club, Olde Ripton Garden Club of Shelton, Oxford Garden Club, Jen Plasky AIFD, Roxbury Bridgewater Garden Club, Women Redefining Retirement Milford, and Ye Olde Kellogg Garden Club. 

This year’s theme pays tribute to Frances Osborne Kellogg’s love of the opera, according to a release from the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection, which operates the museum.
It continues: "Kellogg frequently attended the Metropolitan Opera, and her uncle Henry Krehbiel was a famous music and opera critic.
"As president of the Women’s Club, Frances invited many opera singers, such as Caterina Jarbora, John Brownlee, and Marjorie Lawrence, to perform in Derby. Because of her love of this musical genre, each room will represent operas seen by Frances and her family and friends." 

*Sharing this information from an online community calendar sponsored by The Community Foundation for Greater New Haven and The New Haven Independent.