Derby Library class to focus on creating crafts from recyclables

DERBY - The Derby Public Library has scheduled another Recycle, Repurpose, and Reuse craft class at 6:30 p.m. Dec. 9.

Ansonia Animal Control Officer Jeanie Roslonowski will return to the Library to show participants more ways to create Holiday Gifts - Going Green, by recycling everyday

household items.  

The class for ages 18 and over also will include information on animal issues.  

Registration is required. 

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


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

Yale Russian Chorus performs in Ansonia

Assumption Church hosts concert 

Yale singers light up sanctuary with a cappella performance. 

ANSONIA - I attended a wonderful concert with friends Saturday at Assumption Church.

The talented members of the Yale Russian Chorus, led by artistic director Mark Bailey, sang secular and sacred Slavic music to a small but approving audience in the sanctuary.

At the end of the concert they introduced themselves. The chorus is made up of undergraduate and graduate students, and it was interesting to learn what they are studying. 
The members hail from as far away as Beijing, Los Angeles, and Sacramento, and as close as Harwinton, Darien, and North Haven.

We were surprised to be treated to a delicious dinner buffet in the church hall after the performance.

I want to publicly thank the church members who served us a variety of homemade hot and cold food. 
Much appreciated! 
It was the first time I had ever tried borscht, and it was delicious! 

Valley Shakespeare Festival to stage 'A Christmas Carol' in Shelton

SHELTON - Valley Shakespeare Festival will present its second annual script-in-hand dramatic reading of Charles Dickens’ immortal classic, “A Christmas Carol” at Plumb Memorial Library at 7 p.m. Dec. 4 and at 1 p.m. Dec. 6.

The production will be held upstairs in the library’s elegant 1895 Romanesque Revival-style Reading Room.

With its soaring cathedral ceiling, Victorian wing chairs and massive fireplace, there is no better place to experience Dickens’ classic story of the spirit of Christmas and the power of redemption.

The performance is being presented to the public free with a suggested donation of $10 a person.

Like last year, Valley Shakespeare Festival, a fiscally-sponsored non-profit theatre company, is once again partnering with the Shelton Historical Society for the event. 

The Society will host a reception at the Shelton History Center after the Saturday performance only at which audience members can tour the Center’s Historic buildings and museum, enjoy a light assortment of baked goods and mingle with cast members.

The play, adapted for the event by VSF’s Executive/Artistic Director Tom Simonetti, will be performed with minimal props and costuming and a cast of local and out-of-state actors, many of whom returning audience members will recognize from previous VSF productions.

Plumb Memorial Library is located at 65 Wooster St. To make reservations, call Valley Shakespeare Festival at 203-513-9446 or visit www.vsfestival.org.

Seating is limited; please reserve a place early to begin the holiday season by celebrating the true spirit of Christmas with this classic tale for all ages of love, charity, and forbearance.


This is a press release from the Valley Shakespeare Festival, a theatre company dedicated to bringing free theater to the Lower Naugatuck Valley.

Derby Historical Society to host open house, cooking demo

Open hearth cooking at the David Humphreys House in Ansonia. / File photo

ANSONIA - The Derby Historical Society will hold an Open House and Open Hearth Cooking Demonstration from 1-4 p.m. Sunday at its headquarters at the David Humphreys House.

The house at 37 Elm St. dates back to 1698.

Visitors will be able to observe docents cooking seasonal pies and puddings over the open hearth, and enjoy a small sample of these delicious items with a cup of cider. 

While visiting, stay for a tour of the historic house, birthplace of Revolutionary War hero David Humphreys, aide-de-camp to Gen. George Washington.

The gift shop will also be open during this event. 

Suggested donation is $5 per adult/$3 per senior citizen and/or children under 12. 
Call 203-735-1908 for information or visit www.derbyhistorical.org.

The Derby Historical Society is a regional historical society dedicated to preserving, maintaining and celebrating the rich and varied history of the Lower Naugatuck Valley.
It welcomes all visitors and is available to support researchers, school or other program needs. 

Offices are located at the Sarah Riggs Humphreys House, 37 Elm St. 


This is taken from a press release from the Derby Historical Society.

Seymour teen reported missing

Silver Alert issued 

Courtesy photo

According to a report this morning in the New Haven Register, police have issued a silver alert for Jailyn Brantly, 17, of Seymour.


Read the story here.

Celebrate Shelton to host events highlighting small businesses

Tree lighting planned Dec. 6
SHELTON - Michael Skrtic, owner of The Glass Source Studio, and Nicole Heriot-Mikula, owner of bringtheHoopla, have joined together to form Celebrate Shelton.

The collaboration will present three events to highlight small business and the community: Downtown Handmade Market, Community Tree Lighting, and the Small Business “Crawl” event guide.

Downtown Handmade Market, a five-date vendor festival, will be held at the Conti Building, 415 Howe Ave.

A Black Friday Kick-Off celebration is scheduled from 6-9 p.m. Nov. 28. It will be
sponsored by Liquid Lunch, with wine from Linda’s Liquors in Shelton.

The celebration will include handmade artisan vendors, live music, hors d’oeuvres and a wine tasting.

All vendors will feature a special offer during this kick-off event. Tickets are $5 at the door. Kids 14 and under are admitted free.

The market continues from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Nov. 29, Small Business Saturday, and from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. on Dec. 6, 13, and 20. Admission is free.

A Community Tree Lighting sponsored by Webster Bank, Valley Community Foundation, and Center Stage will be held at 5:30 p.m. Dec. 6 at Veteran's Memorial Park, 83 Canal St. East. 

The event will include caroling with Center Stage, and hot cocoa and sweets provided by the Boys & Girls Club of the Lower Naugatuck Valley. 
Santa Claus will be there for everyone.

Celebrate Shelton organizers offer a huge, special thank you to Jones Family Farms and the City of Shelton. 

All children are encouraged to create their own handmade ornaments to hang on the tree with their families on the evening of the lighting.

The Small Business Crawl event guide is a 24-page glossy magazine that will include a special offer from participating small businesses throughout the month of December. 

The goal is to encourage residents to shop local. Keep an eye out in Shelton for your very own guide.

For questions, e-mail celebrateshelton@gmail.com or call 203-924-4368. Visit us on Facebook and at www.celebrateshelton.com.

This post is taken from a press release from the Greater Valley Chamber of Commerce. 

St. Mary-St. Michael School in Derby plans Christmas bazaar

Ho, ho, ho! Santa is on the way 

DERBY - St. Mary-St. Michael School’s Festival of Trees Christmas Bazaar will be held from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Nov. 22 at the school, 14 Seymour Ave.

Join us for Breakfast with Santa!

Santa also will be available for photos. 

The Festival of Trees Christmas Bazaar includes a Cookie Walk, Christmas Tree and Wreath Raffles, and a Chinese Auction. 

Many unique craft vendors will be featured!

This school fundraiser is a great way to make memories and get in the holiday spirit.




This post is taken from a press release from the school.

Veterans Day vigil slated in Seymour

SEYMOUR - A Veterans Day candlelight vigil will be held at 7 p.m. Tuesday at Broad Street Park at the corner of Broad and River streets.

Featured speaker will be Col. Michael Casey of Seymour, who is retiring in 2015 after a 35-year career serving in the Massachusetts and Connecticut Army National Guard.

Area mayors and first selectmen, including Ansonia Mayor David S. Cassetti and Beacon Falls First Selectman Chris Bielik, are scheduled to attend.

Local attorney and Board of Education member Fred Stanek will emcee the program.

The public is invited to attend to honor all the men and women who served in the U.S. military.

Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 12084 is hosting the event.