Shelton High grad among 3 students honored by Center For Disability Rights

The Center for Disability Rights in West Haven presented scholarships to three recent high school graduates at the nonprofit's 27th annual meeting Monday at Savin Rock Conference Center in West Haven.
Pictured from left are Marc Anthony Gallucci, executive director, CDR, Westbrook High School graduate Eddie Harlow III, West Haven High School graduate Carmelo Hernandez, Shelton High School graduate Lubna Khan, Irene Puccino, President, CDR Board of Directors, Sandra Roberts, senior advocate at CDR. 



Congratulations to the students on their achievements!

Health initiative seeks nominations of outstanding women in Valley

15th annual awards luncheon planned in October
DERBY - The Valley Women's Health Initiative is seeking nominations of “outstanding women” from Lower Naugatuck Valley who have made positive contributions to the community.

Award winners will be recognized Oct. 1 at the 15th Annual Women Making a Difference in the Valley luncheon and fundraiser.

Nominees should exemplify the multi-dimensional role women play in today's society as demonstrated by the contributions they have made to positively affect their community. 
Nominees must live or work in one of the following towns: Ansonia, Beacon Falls, Derby, Naugatuck, Oxford, Seymour, and Shelton.

Individuals, business leaders, and organizations alike are invited to submit nominations.

A nomination can be submitted online at griffinhealth.org/WMADIV or a nomination form may be requested by calling 203-732-7266 or 203-732-7584.

Nominations should be submitted by July 17. 

Selected honorees will attend the Women Making a Difference in the Valley Luncheon as guests of the Valley Women's Health Initiative. Tickets for the luncheon will go on sale in August.

Proceeds from the luncheon will be earmarked for the Valley Breast Care Fund, established in 2001 to ensure that no person, regardless of age or socio-economic condition, is denied screening mammograms or diagnostic testing for breast cancer.

About The Valley Women’s Health Initiative

The Valley Women's Health Initiative is a coalition of health agencies, community leaders, and volunteers from the Valley community working toward the common goal of addressing and improving women's health issues including breast cancer awareness and heart disease.

To join or for more information, visit griffinhealth.org/VWHI.

This is a press release from Griffin Hospital.

Griffin Hospital to host talk about hypnosis

Griffin Hospital will host a free presentation July 21 on how hypnosis can help individuals handle stress. / Contributed photo
DERBY - The Community Health Resource Center at Griffin Hospital, 130 Division St., will host a free educational presentation on hypnosis at 6:30 p.m. July 21.

Ryan Mazurkivich, of Empowering the Mind Hypnosis, will present “Hypnosis for Stress Relief,” a free discussion of how hypnosis works and how it can help decrease stress.

Relieving stress has many health benefits, including keeping individuals from turning to harmful habits to deal with their stress, including smoking, drinking, and overeating.

“Hypnosis is a healthy and effective way to dramatically reduce daily stress,” Mazurkivich said. 

“The process of being hypnotized helps to reduce a person’s stress because it teaches them how to relax and let go of built-up tension.”

In addition, hypnosis can help individuals develop new, healthy responses to stressors, he said.

This program is part of a series of free, educational forums hosted by the Community Health Resource Center in an effort to help improve the health of the community.

To register or for more information, call Kerry or Deborah at 203-732-7399.

The Community Health Resource Center at Griffin Hospital is a traditional library that provides an array of medical and health information, including a large collection of easy to read health and lifestyle related materials.

The Center is open to the public to educate themselves on ways to enhance their well-being, prevent illness and play an active role in decisions about their health.


This is a press release from Griffin Hospital.

Staff member at Crosby Commons in Shelton honored

Crosby Commons’ staff members, Dianne Terrace, left, and Executive Director Lori Pisani, right, are pictured with Kelly Coppola, winner of the CALA Outstanding Resident Service Award./ Contributed photo

SHELTON - Crosby Commons Independent and Assisted Living Community at Wesley Village is the proud recipient of another Connecticut Assisted Living Association Award (CALA) for outstanding resident service. 

Crosby Receptionist Kelly Coppola was honored June 19 at CALA’s Annual Resident Service Awards held at The Water’s Edge Resort and Spa in Westbrook. 

Coppola, although only a member of the Crosby team for the past six months, was nominated for the patience, organization, and compassion she displayed from her very first day of work at the front desk. 

She meets every challenge with these qualities and since joining the team in December of 2014, has helped make daily routines and services more streamlined and efficient for residents and staff. 

She truly reflects the mission and values of our organization and we are delighted to have her as a member of our team. Congratulations, Kelly!

Crosby Commons is located on the Wesley Village Campus at 580 Long Hill Ave. and offers independent and assisted living, with a long tradition of award-winning care and service. 

For more information about the community or to schedule a tour, contact Lisa Bisson at 203-225-5024 or visit www.crosbycommons.org. 

This is a press release from United Methodist Homes.

Vendors sought for Rock the Valley in Ansonia

Ansonia, Pine High Schools to hold 55th class reunion

MILFORD - Members of the Class of 1960 at Ansonia and Pine High Schools will celebrate their 55th Class Reunion Sept. 18, at Costa-Azzurra Restaurant, 72 Broadway.

The event will start with hors d’oeuvres being served from 6-7 p.m., followed by a buffet at 7 p.m.

At 6:30 p.m. a group class picture will be taken. There will be raffle and door prizes. Door prize donations are welcomed.

Advance reservations are $55 with a cash bar. Checks or money orders to be mailed and payable to Joan Homko Pizzi, 3 Golden Rod Drive, Ansonia, CT 06401.

For more information contact Joan Homko Pizzi at 203-735-2998, or Elaine Matricaria Brandon at 203-888-3496.

This is a press release from Elaine Brandon.

J Cuts in Shelton launches 9th annual book bag drive

Pictured from left Tylice MacDonald, LNV Parent Child Resource Center; Jennifer Sneider, owner, J Cuts; and Karen Martinez, Child FIRST Care Coordinator, LNV Parent Child Resource Center. 

Back row: Jen DeLeon, Boys & Girls Club of the LNV; Jane Bailey, Shelton School Readiness Council; and Suzanne Reilly, Director of Family Support Services, TEAM Inc. / Contributed photo from 2014 drive

SHELTON - J Cuts launches 9th Annual Book Bag & School Supply drive in the Valley.

Between now and Aug. 21, book bags and school supplies are being collected around the Valley.

Last year, more than 100 book bags and an abundance of back to school supplies were collected.

This drive, originally started by the owners of Luther’s Garage, which is now closed, continues on an annual basis through Jennifer Sneider, owner of J Cuts, located at 505 Howe Ave.

J Cuts is the main collection location. Supplies may include book bags, book covers, rulers, pens, pencils, erasers, notebooks, binders, glue, crayons, calculators, pencil sharpeners, paper and folders. 
Supplies are collected for all school-aged children from pre-school to high school. All book bags and supplies must be brand new.

“The outpouring of kindness within the community always warms my heart,” said Sneider. “So many people stop by to drop off donations. Many of my customers do not hesitate to hand me five or 10 dollars so I can pick up what we are falling short on. It is amazing how 

it all balances out for children in need!”

Supplies are also being collected at Barb's Corner Consignment, 25 West Main St., Ansonia, from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Monday through Friday and from 10 a.m. -2 p.m. Saturdays.

Minuteman Press, 427B Howe Ave., donated collection posters once again.

Last year, for the third year in a row, the Shelton Lions Club collected book bags and supplies during free summer concerts held Wednesday evenings from 7-9 p.m. on the Huntington Green.

In addition, Rehabilitation Associates, Inc. at 1931 Black Rock Turnpike, Fairfield, and the First United Methodist Church in Shelton held their own collections last year to help make the drive a success.

As an added bonus last year, coordinators of the drive were contacted by Jackie Romaniuk, Dental Health Care Specialist with the Connecticut Dental Health Partnership, the dental plan for HUSKY Health. They provided oral kits each containing a tooth brush, toothpaste, floss and oral health education.

Other local businesses and organizations are invited and encouraged to join in by holding collections of their own to add to the donations.

Children receiving donations from the community drive last year are serviced by TEAM Inc.in Derby, along with the Boys and Girls Club of the Lower Naugatuck Valley, Shelton School Readiness Program and the Lower Naugatuck Valley Parent Resource Center, all in Shelton, and BHcare in Ansonia.

J Cuts is also the main collection location for the Annual Monkey Love Valentine Drive. The 10th Annual Drive will begin Jan 1, 2016 but donations are accepted at any time. For safety and allergy reasons, donations must be new, stuffed monkeys with tags.

The monkey drive benefits the same groups of children in need as the Back to School Book Bag & School Supply Drive.

For more information on either community drive, call Jennifer Sneider at J Cuts, 203-924-4107.

This is a press release from J Cuts.

Wesley Village in Shelton to host open house for memory care program

SHELTON - Wesley Village will host an Open House from 4-6 p.m. July 15 at “Lifestyle Transitions,” a new memory care neighborhood located in the newly renovated Northwest Wing of its Wesley Heights community. 

“Lifestyle Transitions at Wesley Heights” offers specialized assisted living in a secure, supportive environment for those living with memory loss. 

The program is designed to support residents with cognitive impairment by engaging them in life and activities within the larger Wesley Heights community and providing encouragement, friendship, and a feeling of security. 

It also focuses on developing daily routines for successfully managing individualized physical, social, and cognitive challenges.

Unique to Wesley Village, “Lifestyle Transitions” offers a mission-based, relationship-centered approach to care, as well as: affordable pricing, a wander-management system, 24-hour staffing with caregivers trained by the Alzheimer’s Association, on-site physician services, engaging activities, a variety of apartment styles for individuals or couples, education and support services for residents and families, and a specialized design to maximize independence. 

Deposits are being accepted for all apartment styles, including new companion suite apartments, which will be available Aug. 1. 

For information or to RSVP for the Open House, contact Lisa Bisson, 203-225-5024. 

Wesley Village is located at 580 Long Hill Ave. and is owned and operated by United Methodist Homes, a local not-for-profit organization. 

The campus offers assisted and independent living, skilled nursing, short-term rehab, and outpatient therapy and fitness services. 

To learn more, visit www.wesleyvillage-ct.org.

This is a press release from United Methodist Homes. 

Winners of 7th annual Housy Duck Race in Derby announced

List of the lucky duck winners submitted by race organizer Grace Torres. 

E Street Gallery opens in Derby

DERBY - The Valley Arts Council's new and improved E Street Gallery is now open
at 35 Elizabeth St. 

A grand opening will be held at 7 p.m. July 17. Read all about it in my story in the Valley Independent Sentinel.

President Rich DiCarlo said the revamped organization is seeking new members. Join us!

Full disclosure: I'm a member of the board of the Valley Arts Council. 


Do yourself a favor ~ stop by and say 'hi'! 

Job seekers: Derby Library to host Career Coach

DERBY - The American Job Search Career Coach returns to the Derby Public Library 

from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. July 17.

Career Coach

During the morning session, 10 a.m.-noon, and the afternoon session, 1-3 p.m., instructors will be offering Job Search Assistance.  

Learn where to look for jobs, how to get the job you want, and how to search for jobs on the Internet.

The workshop is free and open to the public.  

Registration is requested; walk-ins will be welcomed on a first come, first served basis.

The American Job Search Career Coach is operated by Career Resources.

The library is at 313 Elizabeth St.

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

Derby Neck Library slates teen events, women's forum, trivia session, more

Derby Neck Library

DERBY - The following events are planned in July at Derby Neck Library, 307 Hawthorne Ave.

Tech Talks
At 6 p.m. July 13 and again at 10:30 a.m. July 15 the Library will present Tech Talks. This month PC maintenance will be explained, specifically dealing with software. Join us for our monthly information session and bring your questions as well.

Teen puzzle fun
The Library will hold a Teen 3D Puzzle session at 2 p.m. July 14. Attendees will work in pairs or solo to construct their 3D puzzle. Prizes (as well as your completed puzzle) will be awarded to all finishers. Finish first and you will win a grand prize. Registration is recommended to assure a place.

Writers' Round
The Writers’ Round group will meet at the Library at 6:30 p.m. July 16. Join us in sharing and discussing your original works in any written format—scripts, poems, essays, fiction, etc. Come be inspired and encouraged in your endeavors as an author.

Women's Forum
At 12:30 p.m. July 20 the Library hosts Women’s Forum, a monthly discussion group that focuses on short stories. 

This month’s selections are “Getting Closer” by Steven Millhauser and “All Summer in a Day” by Ray Bradbury.

Copies are available at the library. Bring a light lunch; we serve free coffee and tea.


Mommy and Me Balloons
The Library hosts Mommy and Me Balloons (for dads too) at 3 p.m. July 22. Join us as balloon artist Paul Mordoff teaches you and your child how to twist all types of shapes from balloons. All supplies are provided free.

If you wish to purchase a special kit for home use call the library, 203-734-1492 and place your order prior to July 8. The cost of a take-home kit is $15.


Meet the Author
The Library presents Matthew Duman, author of “An Education in Grotesque: The Gargoyles of Yale University” at 6:30 p.m. July 22.

Photographer and writer Duman describes the look and meaning of the unusual grotesque figures that grace the architecture of Yale’s most noted buildings.
Learn about the art and significance of these odd pieces. This is another of our free programs in the series Meet the Author.


Trivia session
The Library will host a Super Hero Trivia session at 2 p.m. July 23. Come show how much you and your friends really know about superheroes, as you play singularly or in pairs to answer trivia questions. 

A grand prize will be awarded to the most successful player(s). Free refreshments will be served. Registration is recommended.


Evening Book Club
The Library will hold the Evening Book Club at 6:30 p.m. July 27. This group meets monthly to discuss the best of short fiction, inspirational writings, or memoirs. 

This month’s novel is “A Lost Lady” written by Willa Cather. Copies of the book are available at the library. Come join in a stimulating and meaningful talk .

Ceramics Painting
At 11 a.m. July 29 the Library will present Ceramics Painting, a program for younger children ages 3 and older. Each child will choose one figurine to paint—cat, dog, turtle, pig, or shark.
Guest artist Miss Jessica will help you as you use acrylic paint on your creation. The figurines will be yours to keep. Registration is required.

Teen Video Tourney
The Library has scheduled a Teen Video Game Tournament at 2 p.m. July 29. Come bring your friends to compete on our Wii U. 

Games selections change as our sessions do all summer. Check the flyers in the library for game title announcements.
Prizes will be awarded and free refreshments served.

Registration is strongly suggested.

For information on any program or to register call 203-734-1492.


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

Reminder: June is Dog Licensing Month

DERBY - Please remember that June is Dog Licensing Month in the State of Connecticut. Every dog needs to be licensed by June 30.

Dog licenses can be obtained from the Office of the Town Clerk in the town where you reside.

Derby City Hall, 1 Elizabeth St., will be open from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m. Monday, June 29, and Tuesday, June 30 to obtain your dog license.

By state statute, there is a $1 per month late fee for dogs registered after June 30, 2015.



This is a reminder from Marc Garofalo, Derby City/Town Clerk.

Derby Day features food, crafts, music, more

The Bantam Band entertains Saturday on Elizabeth Street.

An inflatable climbing wall set up on the Derby Green was a hit with the young set. 

As in previous years the Griffin Hospital Mobile Health Resource Van was on hand and Valley parish nurses offered blood pressure screenings and health information.

One of the  many food vendors on Elizabeth Street.

The Roaming Railroad gave folks rides all around the Green.

A large inflatable obstacle course had a long line of children waiting to give it a try. 

 Lots of tie dye!



The talented Dave Mack Band from Bloomfield performed Motown hits, jazz, and reggae at the Gazebo on the Green. 



The annual street festival was presented by the Derby Cultural Commission.

Derby Hall of Fame inducts 3 members

DERBY - Mayor Anita Dugatto has announced three new members of the Derby Hall of Fame just in time for Derby Day 2015. 

Derby Day, an annual street festival presented by the Cultural Commission, runs from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. today on Elizabeth Street and the Green.

The Derby Hall of Fame was established in 2007 and includes Derby natives and residents who have helped to shape the course of history through their achievements at the local, state, national or international level. 

Donald Waldhaus

Each of these individuals selected was either born in Derby or lived here at some point in his/her life. 

The Class of 2015 includes Derby's first permanent European settler, a seven term mayor and Derby’s first (and probably only) Olympian.

Edward Wooster was born in 1622, but he arrived in the area now known as Derby in 1651 when the area was still governed from New Haven. 
George P. Sullivan was a plumber by trade who served seven terms as Mayor of Derby over the course of four different decades. 
Donald Waldhaus is the third member of the Hall with an athletic background, but most will be surprised to find that he was a nationally recognized swordsman and member of the U.S. Olympic Fencing team in the 1924 Paris Olympics. 

George P. Sullivan

Dugatto said, “The additions to the Hall of Fame this year are impressive and show the strength and vision of the Valley forefathers that made it great!”

The Derby Hall of Fame is located by the National Humane Alliance Fountain at the Division Street entrance to the Derby Greenway. 
Each of the members is commemorated with a special brick surrounding the fountain engraved with some details of their achievements. 

A more complete description of their achievements along with the listing of all 41 members can be found at 
http://electronicvalley.org/derby/HallofFame/index.htm.


This is a press release from Derby resident Jack Walsh, President and COO of the Valley United Way.

Volunteers offer helping hands at Wesley Village in Shelton

Prudential Annuities' volunteer group members pose with Crosby Commons resident Don Walkley during a recent day of caring./ Contributed photo

SHELTON - Volunteers from Prudential Annuities recently offered helping hands on the Wesley Village Campus as part of a company-wide day of caring. 

Several Prudential employees came from Shelton, and as far away as New Jersey and Philadelphia, to be part of the volunteer efforts. 

The group of 26 volunteers helped with weeding, sweeping, and yard work tasks across the 40-acre campus, as well as facilitating a variety of activities (e.g. bowling, bingo, baking) with residents. 

“The Prudential volunteers were wonderful,” said Barbara Quinn, Director of Volunteer Services at Wesley Village. 

“We look forward to working with them again in the future and can’t thank them enough for their time and effort.”

Wesley Village is located at 580 Long Hill Ave. and offers award-winning independent and assisted living, short-term rehab and skilled nursing, outpatient therapy and fitness, and a new memory care neighborhood, Lifestyle Transitions at Wesley Heights. 

For more information about senior living at Wesley Village, visit www.wesleyvillage-ct.org or contact Lisa, 203-225-5024.

This is a press release from United Methodist Homes.

Community meal in Ansonia to feature Sister Funk concert

Ansonia to hold town-wide tag sale July 25

Register for the Ansonia Town Wide Tag Sale

9 a.m. to 2 p.m. July 25 * 

(rain date July 26)**

ANSONIA - Stop by the Ansonia Nature and Recreation Center now until July 10 to register a tag sale at your home location. 

For $10 your address will be added to our Town-Wide Tag Sale Map, which shoppers from all over the Valley can pick up the week of July 15 for a donation amount of your choice, at the Ansonia Nature Center, 10 Deerfield Road, to use as an easy guide around town. 

Or you can download the map from the website www.ansoniaculturalcommission.com.

For those who are unable to sell all their unwanted goods at the tag sale, My Sister’s Place, a thrift shop at 380 Main St. will accept your goods as donations via drop-off. 

All of its proceeds benefit The Umbrella Center for Domestic Violence Services, a program of BHcare. 

Residents wishing to schedule a pickup should email meltorres20@gmail.com.

* Individual Tag Sale hosts have the discretion to open earlier/close later.

** Rain date at discretion of individual Tag Sale hosts.

Either stop by or mail your registration to: 

Ansonia Nature Center, 10 Deerfield Road, Ansonia, 06401.

Ansonia High graduate receives $5,000 scholarship

Students to be honored at annual J.A.T. awards dinner July 12

ANSONIA - The Julian A. Taylor Scholarship Committee announces 2015 Ansonia High School graduate DeQuan Thomas is the recipient of the 2015 $5,000 Julian A. Taylor Scholarship.  

DeQuan Thomas

Thomas will attend Western Connecticut State University, Danbury where he will major in education. He aspires to be a teacher. 

In addition to maintaining his academics Thomas was active in the National Honor Society, Hiking/Biking Club, Art Club, Video Game Club, Spanish Club, Drama Club, The Connecticut ECMC Scholars Program, and participated in talent shows at Ansonia and Oxford High School. 

He also is the recipient of several awards:  ECMC Scholarship, President’s Education Award, CAPT Scholar Award, Yudkin Family Scholarship, The CT Association of Schools Art Award and has been a four time winner of the JAT Scholars award. 

The $5,000 Julian A. Taylor Scholarship Award is presented to the highest ranking African American Senior with an 85 or above average going to a four-year University/College. In addition, 21 African American students in grades 3 to 11 attending Ansonia Public Schools will receive a $100 JAT Scholars award. 

The Julian A. Taylor Scholarship Fund was established in 1982 to honor and continue the ideals of the late Rev. Dr. Julian A. Taylor, former pastor of Macedonia Baptist Church.  

Awards will be presented at the J.A.T. Annual Awards Dinner at 2 p.m. July 12 at Grassy Hill Country Club, Orange.

The event speaker will be Jewelle Taylor Gibbs the daughter of the late Rev. Julian A. Taylor for whom the scholarship is named. Gibbs is a retired professor, author, and activist who holds a degree in social work and psychology from the University of California at Berkeley. 

She is the author of several publications, the latest is Destiny’s Child: Memoirs of a Preacher’s Daughter about her family who survived centuries of racial and social struggles to succeed and achieve upward mobility despite numerous obstacles. 

For ticket information call 203-645-9635. 

This is a press release from Diane Stroman, co-chairperson, Julian A. Taylor Scholarship Committee. 

Kudos to DeQuan Thomas and all of the JAT Scholars Award recipients on their academic achievements!

Reminder: Annual Derby Day festival is Saturday

St. Mary-St. Michael School's Housy Duck Race organizer Grace Torres poses with the race mascot at last year's Derby Day festivities. / Contributed photo 


Please check out my story about the event in the Valley Independent Sentinel. 

See you on Elizabeth Street!

Valley Shakespeare Festival offers cast photos for play in Shelton

Cast members of 'Midsummer Night's Dream' pose to promote Valley Shakespeare Festival's production of the comedy which will be presented at Riverwalk-Veterans Memorial Park, 38 Canal Street E, Shelton at 8 p.m. July 9-12. / Contributed photos

For more information about the performance, click here.


This is a press release from Valley Shakespeare Festival.

Mayors meet for lunch in Ansonia

The First Annual Ansonia Mayors' Luncheon was held Wednesday at The Original Antonio's restaurant in Ansonia. Pictured from left, current Mayor David S. Cassetti, Mayor James DellaVolpe, Mayor Nancy Valentine, Mayor Thomas Hallihan, Mayor Thomas Clifford, Mayor James Finnucan, and Mayor Richard Krueger. Missing from photo is Mayor William Menna.



Photo shared from the City of Ansonia Facebook page.

Osborne Museum in Derby to mark Historic Gardens Day

Osborne Homestead Museum
(Photo from www.cthistoricgardens.org) 

DERBY - The Osborne Homestead Museum along with the other 13 members of the prestigious Connecticut’s Historic Gardens will celebrate the 12th Annual Connecticut’s Historic Gardens Day Sunday.

From noon to 4 p.m., visitors can enjoy free tours of the museum’s lovely Colonial Revival gardens and learn about flower and tree legends and Frances Osborne Kellogg’s favorite flowers. The museum is at 500 Hawthorne Ave. 

After strolling through the gardens, visitors can visit the historic house museum and learn about Frances Osborne Kellogg’s passion for gardening and land conservation.
Museum and garden tours will be offered every half hour on the hour.

Connecticut’s Historic Gardens increases awareness of the state’s unique historic sites and gardens and offers visitors an opportunity to explore a variety of garden styles and time periods

More information about Connecticut’s Historic Gardens can be found at www.cthistoricgardens.org.

The Osborne Homestead Museum, a facility of the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection, is open for free guided tours from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Thursdays and Fridays, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturdays, and noon to 4 p.m. Sundays.

For information about the museum call 203-734-2513.


This information is shared from an online community calendar sponsored by the Community Foundation for Greater New Haven and the New Haven Independent.

Market Place in Ansonia offers one-of-a-kind items, live music

Fresh produce will be sold later in season 

Photographer Kristen Whyte of Bethany was one of the vendors at the Valley Market Place Wednesday held at Veterans Park next to Ansonia City Hall. She was selling handmade jewelry and wine charms. 

Former Ansonia Seventh Ward Alderman Daniel Evans entertains at the market place. 


Beautiful, reasonably priced baskets of colorful impatiens were on sale Wednesday. 


Below is the info for the weekly market place. Don't forget to put it on your calendar!

Seymour Library slates summer programs

Photo from Library's Facebook page

SEYMOUR - Summertime at the Seymour Public Library is a non-stop flurry of activities and programs to help you fill in your summertime questions of ‘what to do?’ 

The excellent summer reading club, which helps children continue their reading pleasure and progress, is for children of any age, with separate ones for the Young Adults and the teeny tiny. 
This year's summer reading theme is "Every Hero Has A Story."

Airborne Jugglers will kick off the summer at 11 a.m. July 2 with a show for all ages to enjoy. 
Art and craft programs, live animals like llamas and kangaroos, drama workshops, music shows and many, many more – followed by a big end of summer reading party, mark and incredible summer at the Seymour Public Library. 

All programs are free, fun, and formative! The Library is at 46 Church St.

Consult www.seymourpubliclibrary.org or visit us on Facebook to see all of our schedule! 

For information call 203-888-3903. You won’t want to miss it!


This is a press release from Ann Szaley, head of children's services, Seymour Public Library.

Valley Shakespeare Festival to stage comedy

SHELTON - William Shakespeare’s fantastical comedy about young lovers, royals, fairies and magic, A Midsummer Night’s Dream, will come alive for four spellbinding nights on stage at Shelton’s Riverwalk-Veterans Memorial Park at 8 p.m. July 9-12.

The performances will be presented free of charge to all by Valley Shakespeare Festival.

This will be the company’s third year of free summer productions in the park.

Devotees of VSF’s previous productions will recognize several returning performers as well as some new faces in this summer’s cast.

Making their VSF debuts are, among others, Broadway veteran Gary Harger (playing the dual roles of Egeus and Peter Quince) and Matt Densky (as Puck), who most recently performed in the Madison Square Garden production of How the Grinch Stole Christmas and the U.S. Regional premier of Disney’s Little Mermaid.

Also joining the cast for the first time are New York actors Tara Reuter as Hermia, Kelsea Baker as Helena, Matthew Hansen as Demetrius and Erik Bloomquist as Lysander.  Playing the dual roles of Theseus and Oberon, VSF is happy to welcome stage and screen veteran Dave Herigstad. 

Among the returnees are locals Jessica Breda, who has performed in almost every VSF production, as Hippolyta and Titania; Tyler Huntley (Much Ado About Nothing, A Christmas Carol) as Flute, Peseblossom and Thisbe;  Gwendolyn Niles (Much Ado About Nothing, A Christmas Carol) in dual roles, and of course, Tom Simonetti as Bottom. 

Rounding out the cast are Brodey Ott, Ben Kingsley and Ansonia High School Senior Ashley Velleco, all taking on multiple roles.

A Midsummer Night’s Dream is a fast-paced, fun and “spirited” romp revolving around two sets of young lovers who flee into a forest and stumble onto a merry feud between the King and Queen of the Fairies of the forest.  

It is truly an ensemble effort with many of the actors playing dual roles as the action takes place in two completely different settings.  It begins in Athens where Duke Theseus is preparing to wed Hippolyta, the Queen of the Amazons, but quickly moves into the enchanted forest where all bets are off.  

With the change of scenery comes the change of roles as Duke Theseus becomes Oberon, King of the Fairies and his betrothed, Hippolyta, becomes Titania, Oberon’s wife and Queen of the Fairies.  
And, a burly group of craftsmen who are gathered in the forest to rehearse a play they have prepared to perform at the Duke’s wedding find themselves magically transformed into forest sprites, sparkly wings and all!

Hilarious mishaps and mayhem ensue as Oberon and Titania attempt to clean up the mess the mortals have made, all the while waging a mini-war between themselves using the fairies and mortals as pawns.

Being a true Shakespearean comedy, it’s no spoiler to reveal that all is resolved in the end, but it may be best to take Puck’s parting advice as shared in his epilogue: 

     

                                                                             If we shadows have offended,

                                                                            Think but this and all is mended,

                                                                            That you have but slumbered here,

                                                                            While these visions did appear.

After all, it is a midsummer night’s dream …


This is a press release from Valley Shakespeare Festival. 

Pizza was name of the game in Seymour

SEYMOUR - A fun fundraiser was held at noon today at Zois Pizza to benefit Project Purple.

Stay tuned for a story in the Valley Independent Sentinel.

Beer brewing will be topic of talk at Derby Library

DERBY - The Derby Public Library will host a visit from Will Siss to discuss his new book, 

Connecticut Beer:  A History of Nutmeg State Brewing, at 6:30 p.m. July 13.

The history of the frothy beverage in Connecticut dates back to early colonists who used it to quench their thirst in

the absence of clean drinking water.  

So integral was beer to daily life that government officials and militiamen congregated in taverns to talk laws and business over pints of ale.

Over the next two centuries, the number of breweries rose and then declined, especially after Prohibition.

It was not until the 1980s that home brewers brought this vital Nutmeg State tradition back to life.

More recently, operations with one or two people are changing the landscape again.

Siss has been writing the “Beer Snob” column for the 

Waterbury Republican-American since 2005.  

Copies of his book will be available for purchase.  

Registration is requested.  

For more information, stop by the Library at 313 Elizabeth St. or call

203-736-1482 or visit www.derbypubliclibrary.org. 

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