GROW, a farm-to-table restaurant, holds grand opening in Shelton

Michele Bialek, co-owner of GROW, talks about the variety of the food she served at Wednesday's grand opening celebration. 
The restaurant is at 434 Howe Ave., Shelton, site of the former Liquid Lunch, which was destroyed in a massive fire Jan. 6, 2014.

One of the inviting dining areas.

The colors of the walls are subdued and create a cozy atmosphere.

A sign on the wall says it all ~ the food is locally sourced.


Stay tuned for a story in the Valley Independent Sentinel.

Tech Time offered monthly at Derby Public Library

DERBY - The Derby Public Library offers monthly Tech Time sessions.  
Every third Wednesday of the month at 6:30 p.m. and every third Thursday of the month at 10 a.m. a staff member will be on hand to answer all your tech-related questions and concerns. 

Whether you are having trouble downloading e-books, searching databases, completing  online job applications, scanning/sending documents and photos, etc., your problems will be addressed.

December sessions will be held at 6:30 p.m. Dec.16 and at 10 a.m. Dec. 17.

No registration is needed.  

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. 

Shelton restaurant is 1 of 4 toy drop-off sites for hospitalized children

Learn about Civil War, talk tech, celebrate holiday at Derby Neck Library

Derby Neck Library

DERBY - Derby Neck Library, 307 Hawthorne Ave., will offer a variety of fun and educational programs in December.

Dinner and a Movie
The Library presents “Dinner and a Movie,” a program for ages 18 and older, at 5:30 p.m. Dec. 3. Come enjoy a movie on our blu-ray system and large screen.  
Free movie refreshments will be served, as well as a free dinner at intermission.  
This month’s selection is “Mr. Holmes,” starring Ian McKellan as the detective in his older years.  

Civil War talk

At 6:30 p.m. Dec. 7, the Library hosts Prof. Hamish Lutris of HCC discussing “Animal Mascots in the Civil War.”  
Lutris rejoins us to share his wisdom and insights into this unique aspect of American history. Mascots offered some comfort and humor for the troops in the 1860s, and several became figures of legend and lore. This is a free program.  

Holiday Open House

The Library will host a “Holiday Open-House Fun Day” will be held from 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Dec. 9.
This is an event for all ages, including puzzles, games, crafts, music, and holiday related snacks. Bring the entire family at any part of the day.  

Tech Talks

At 6 p.m. Dec. 14 and again on Dec. 16 at 10:30 a.m., the Library presents “Tech Talks,” a monthly program that explores and explains what is new in technology and how to best fit it into your own needs.  
Questions are welcomed at each session. 

Talk about stone structures

The Library hosts Andrew Pighills, a native of Yorkshire, England discussing the fascinating “Stone Structures and Walls,” both in England and in New England at 6:30 p.m. Dec. 15.
An accomplished, artisan, gardener, and horticulturalist, Pighills has appeared in print in the New York Times, Yankee magazine, and other such publications.
Come learn all about this part of our local heritage.

Music and Movement

At 6:30 p.m. Dec. 16 the Library offers “Bedtime Music and Movement,” a chance to sing and dance with Miss Kathi under our indoor stars.  
Wear your pajamas and bring a favorite stuffed animal if you wish.  

Writers' Round

The Library hosts “Writers’ Round,” a workshop  for writers of all genres - scripts, non-fiction, prose, poetry, history, memoir, and more at 6:30 p.m. Dec. 17.  
Come share your original works with others and practice from a thought-provoking writing prompt. 

Evening Book Club

At 6:30 p.m. Dec. 28 the Library presents the Evening Book Club. This month’s selection is “A Christmas Memory” by Truman Capote.  
Copies of the book are available at the library. Come join us for an informative and stimulating discussion. 

For details on any program call the library, 203-734-1492.


This is a press release from Patricia Sweeney, reference librarian, Derby Neck Library.

Derby Historical Society recognizes Ansonia native for community service

Martha Dulla-Andrade, left, is presented with the Dr. John I. Howe Award from Derby Historical Society Secretary Janis Yakimowich at the organization's 25th annual appeal Thanksgiving reception Monday. 
The event was held at Molto Bene Italian American Kitchen in Ansonia. Dulla-Andrade was recognized for her years of service to the Valley community.


Stay tuned for a story in the Valley Independent Sentinel.

Shelton restaurant to celebrate grand opening, support local farms

Griffin Hospital in Derby to host Wellness for Life program

Griffin Hospital is offering its 12-week lifestyle change program Wellness for Life starting Jan. 12./Contributed photo

DERBY - Give the gift of good health to a loved one this holiday season or plan to get a jump start on New Year’s resolutions with Griffin Hospital’s Wellness for Life program.

Wellness for Life is a 12-week, evidence-based lifestyle change program that helps prevent and treat many chronic diseases. 

According to a report by the US Department of Health and Human Services, 80 percent of chronic diseases, like obesity, diabetes, hypertension, and high cholesterol, can be prevented with better lifestyle choices in nutrition, activity and emotional health.

Starting Jan. 12 from 6-8:30 p.m., the program offers a custom fitness evaluation, individual nutritional guidance, one-on-one coaching, and small, interactive health seminars so participants can make a commitment to a healthier life. 

Each participant also receives a Fitbit, which helps track participants’ activity, sleep patterns and food intake.

“Making changes for a healthy lifestyle isn’t easy – it requires one-on-one guidance and on-going support,” said Wellness for Life Program Director Eunice Lisk. 

“This program helps people assess their lifestyle, provides them with a personalized plan to increase vitality and gives one-on-one and group support every step of the way to better health.”

Wellness for Life focuses on hands-on learning, featuring an activity monitor, health coaching, and weekly group sessions to establish healthy weight control, lowered cholesterol and blood pressure, better sleep and energy, and increased personal strength and resilience.

For the past two years of the program, Wellness for Life participants have seen significant weight loss and reductions in blood pressure, and the program has received high scores from participants in meeting expectations and for presentations by the expert speakers.

Wellness for Life meets from 6-8:30 p.m. Tuesdays at the Hewitt Ambulatory Pavilion in the Center for Cancer Care at Griffin Hospital, 350 Seymour Ave.

For more information about Wellness for Life, visit griffinhealth.org or call Program Director Eunice Lisk, MS, at 203-732-7107.

This is a press release from Griffin Hospital.