Derby Historical Society among nonprofits vying for donations

'The Great Give 2015' is next week

Docents strike a pose at the Gen. David Humphreys House in Ansonia.

Did you know you can help the Derby Historical Society win thousands of dollars in matching funds and prizes beginning at 8 a.m. May 5? 
Mark your calendars now to join us online for The Great Give® 2015 - the sixth major community-wide giving event through giveGreater.org® to benefit nonprofits serving the Greater New Haven region. 

Over a 36-hour period, $170,000 will be distributed in matching funds and prizes to the nonprofits on giveGreater.org® that raise the most money, attract the most number of donors and the most number of new donors...and more!   

Click on this link to make your donation (the link will be live at 8 a.m. May 5): www.thegreatgive.org

As a special thank you to our loyal donors, we are opening the David Humphreys House between the hours of 5-8 p.m. May 5. During this time we will have lantern tours of the house and light refreshments available.  

We will be accepting donations for The Great Give® 2015 and will have a computer available to assist them in making their online donation to The Society.

This is a press release from the Derby Historical Society,  a regional historical society dedicated to preserving, maintaining and celebrating the rich and varied history of the Lower Naugatuck Valley. 

The Derby Historical Society welcomes all visitors and is also available to support researchers, school or other program needs.  

Our staff offices are located at the Sarah Riggs Humphreys House, 37 Elm St., Ansonia.  
For more information, visit www.derbyhistorical.org.  

Ansonia to host National Day of Prayer May 7

The event will be held at 6 p.m. May 7 at Veterans Park next to Ansonia City Hall, 253 Main St.

Please click here to read the release posted in the Valley Independent Sentinel.

Kellogg Center in Derby to mark World Turtle Day

DERBY - Connecticut’s Department of Energy and Environmental Protection celebrates World Turtle Day May 23 at Kellogg Environmental Center by offering a day of activities and programs on turtles from 10 a.m.-3:30 p.m.

Turtles are unique reptiles that are always present in the landscape of Connecticut. Come with the family to learn about turtles and their importance to the environment while spending the day outside with your family.

The day will start with ongoing activities featuring a turtle viewing station at the pond, a reading corner for turtle stories, and an ongoing public art station on turtles.

The Osborne Homestead Museum will be open for tours and will have the unique challenge of “spot the turtle” in the rooms and on the grounds.

A special program, Native Turtles of Connecticut, will take place at 11 a.m. followed by turtle races at noon.
Local turtle ambassadors from area nature centers and Kellogg will race to the finish line to see which center has the fastest turtle.
After the turtle races, an afternoon pool-side turtle feeding demonstration will be held in the Kellogg Center with explanations about our resident turtles and what they eat.
The day has something for everyone and for all ages to enjoy. You are invited to bring a picnic and enjoy the day.

There is no participation fee but donations are greatly appreciated.

The Kellogg Environmental Center and Osborne Homestead Museum are located at 500 Hawthorne Ave. For further information, directions, or to register call the Kellogg Environmental Center, at 203-734-2513 or email donna.kingston@ct.gov.


This is a press release from the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection.

Soupstock art contest for students slated in Shelton

Ansonia Parks & Recreation to sponsor fishing class

Griffin Hospital in Derby to host AARP driver program

DERBY - Griffin Hospital will host an AARP Driver Safety Program from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. June 6 in the hospital’s dining room meeting rooms.

The AARP Driver Safety Program is the nation's first and largest refresher course for drivers. 

While the course is geared toward drivers age 50 and older, the course is open to all interested persons.
The training is designed to help you learn current rules of the road, how to operate your vehicle more safely in today's increasingly challenging driving environment, and some adjustments to common age-related changes in vision, hearing, and reaction time. 

The course also covers such topics as how to maintain proper following distance at all times; the safest way to change lanes and make turns at intersections; the effects of medications on driving; how to minimize the effect of dangerous blind spots; the importance of eliminating distractions, such as eating, smoking, and cell-phone use; proper use of safety belts, air bags, and anti-lock brakes and ways to monitor your own and others' driving skills and capabilities.

Participants will gain a greater appreciation of driving challenges and how they can avoid potential collisions and injuries to themselves and others. 

As an added bonus, participants can check with their auto insurance agent to learn whether their company provides auto insurance discounts for completing the course.

The cost is $15 for AARP members and $20 for non-members. Make checks payable to AARP. 

Call Esther 203-732-1523 to register.

This is a press release from Griffin Hospital. 

Handmade market slated Saturday in Shelton

SHELTON - Downtown Handmade Market, a celebration of handmade artisans, takes place on the first Saturdays of every month in the Conti Building, 415 Howe Ave. (near Farmer’s Market) from 10 a.m.-5 p.m.

We invite you to join us to our First Saturdays with more than 30 handmade artisans, children’s play room, live music and a perfect place to spend your First Saturdays. 

“When we shop local, we are supporting and building opportunities for local entrepreneurs and business owners, strengthening our local economy by creating a more self-reliant and durable community, and celebrating community by building relationships and community cohesiveness,” the Celebrate Shelton duo, Michael Skrtic and Nicole Heriot-Mikula, say.

Downtown Handmade Market will continue this Saturday. 

Artisans include: Focaccia's Cafe & Eatery, Liquid Lunch, The Little Dog Laughed, 
BBA Bracelets,
 Bowtique by Alexa,
 Spoiled LLC,
 Origami Owl
, Reid's BBQ & Sauces, 
Benny The Baker
, Lisa's Soaps, 
TJJ Sews
, Hipponotic Candle
, Tiny Hobo
, Little Bee of CT
, Chaise Chic, 
BooBoo Bags, 
Crissy's Wellness Essentials, 
Stone Garden Farms, 
Woody Things, 
CrazyFun Facepainting, 
Triangle Tea Life, 
Bead Dangle Design, 
Birdhouses & Boxes
, Upcycle, 
Up The Juniper Tree, 
Moving With Hope, Marla Bee Designs and Creations by Kellie Q. 
Our non-profit highlight: Parent Child Resource Center.

Our Conti Building shops: Nikki's Candy Boutique, BringtheHoopla
, The Glass Source Studio, Periodic Tableware, Shadee Lady Window Treatments and Interior Design.

Celebrate Shelton has announced Downtown Sounds Concert Series which will be held at Veterans Memorial Park from 6-9 p.m. Fridays, July 17, July 24, and Aug. 7.

Learn more about Celebrate Shelton at www.celebrateshelton.com and follow us on Facebook (www.facebook.com/celebrateshelton) and Instagram.

For more information, e-mail celebrateshelton@gmail.com or call 203-924-4368.
Ample parking is available and the location is handicapped accessible.


This is a press release from Nicole Heriot-Mikula.