Holocaust survivor speaks at Ansonia High School

Fairfield resident Elizabeth Deutsch, center, a Holocaust survivor, was a guest speaker Friday at Ansonia High School. With her are AHS English teachers Amy Donofrio, left, and Christine Davis.

On Friday I had the pleasure of meeting Elizabeth Deutsch, 87, a Holocaust survivor. She spoke about her experiences to students and staff at Ansonia High School. A native of Hungary, Deutsch was 12 when World War II broke out.

I'm in the midst of writing a story today about her riveting presentation. Her message, in a nutshell, is "Never, ever forget the Holocaust."


Stay tuned for the story in the Valley Independent Sentinel.

'Helping Hands' nonprofit in Derby needs volunteers

DERBY - On Thursday I visited St. Vincent de Paul, Helping Hands of the Valley Thrift Shop and Food Bank and chatted with thrift shop manager Cindy Barbian.

She and executive director Sandi Bailie are always grateful for the community's assistance and donations. The proceeds from the shop at 237 Roosevelt Drive go toward purchasing food for the nonprofit's food pantry.

Barbian said what they need are volunteers to help with the sorting of donations and to work on the shop's selling floor. 

Items may be be dropped off between 9:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. Monday-Saturday. There is a red bin in the parking lot for clothing donations.

The nonprofit does a great job in helping the needy in the Valley.
While I was there a took a few photos to give folks an idea of what the organization does.

The store features gently used clothing for men, women, and children, housewares, books, toys and more. Prices are always more than reasonable!

Below is a display of girl's summer clothing:

And these photos show some of the shelves in the adjacent food pantry:

Derby Public Library to host book discussion

DERBY - The Derby Public Library has scheduled its next Lunchtime Book Discussion for 

12:30 p.m. June 24.  
The selected title is the enchanting novel, The Alchemist, by Paulo Coelho.

This is an inspiring story about an Andalusian shepherd boy named Santiago who travels from his homeland in Spain to the Egyptian

desert in search of a treasure buried in the Pyramids.

Along the way he meets a gypsy woman, a man who calls himself a king, and an alchemist, all of whom point Santiago in the direction of his quest.

Multiple copies of the book are available at the circulation desk.  

Participants are asked to bring a sandwich and a friend as they “chat and chew.” Dessert and beverages will be provided. 

Registration is requested. 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.