Wednesday, July 1, 2015

Derby Library to host discussion of 'Summer Sisters'

DERBY - The Derby Public Library has scheduled its next Lunchtime Book Discussion for 12:30 p.m. July 29.

The selected title is the reminiscent novel Summer Sisters by Judy Blume.

It is the story of teenage friendship between two girls, one rich, one 
poor, and traces what happens to them as they grow up and eventually grow apart. 

Much of the story is set during summers spent on Martha’s Vineyard.  

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 



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

Valley United Way allocates almost $475K to area nonprofits

Valley United Way's Board of Directors recently approved allocations of just under $475,000 to agencies providing a variety of health and human services in the Valley area. 

The decision came as the culmination to a thorough process where agencies submitted budget requests and program information followed by site visits and reviews from 20 volunteer members of the Allocations Committee co-chaired by Ron Villani and Ned Miller. 
The funding begins on June 1 and concludes on June 30, 2016.

After careful review, the committee made their funding recommendations to the full board which approved the following allocations:

American Red Cross (18,000), Big Brothers Big Sisters (4,000),  Boy Scouts - Housatonic Council (40,000), Boys & Girls Club (86,500), Catholic Charities (35,000), Christian Counseling Center (6,000), Derby Day Care Center (4,000), Domestic Violence Center (24,500), Family Resource Center (TEAM, Inc.) (9,000), Girl Scouts - CT Trails Council (4,000), 2-1-1 Infoline (10,000), International Institute (1,400), Julia Day Nursery (1,500), Meals on Wheels (TEAM, Inc.) (9,500), N.H. Legal Assistance (2,000), Parent Child Resource Center (48,000), Rape Crisis Center (20,000), Recreation Camp (7,000), SONCCA (500), Spooner House (26,000) St. Vincent DePaul (7,000), U.S.O. (450), Valley YMCA (1,500), Visiting Nurse Association of SCC (10,000), Volunteer Center (50,000), Wellmore, Inc. (9,000).

Jack Walsh, President & C.O.O. at Valley United Way praised the work of the committee, noting that making funding decisions when there is never enough money to meet the needs of so many worthwhile agencies and programs is never easy. 
"Our volunteers conduct a very comprehensive review of the agencies and programs and are very thoughtful and fair in their recommendations," he said. "The Board is thankful for their expertise and dedication in determining how best to make an impact which donors have earmarked for programs and services in the Valley."

Members of the Allocations Committee were Tom Christiano, Mark Daconto, John DeGray, Jim Geissler, Dave Grant, Jennifer Kalasardo, Rob Lesko, and Mary McNelis. Also serving were Ned Miller, Mary Ann Miskowicz, Allie Rafferty, Cindy Rinaldi, Brian Sexton, Michele Siu, Phyllis Sochrin, Bob VanEgghen, Rob VanEgghen, Ron Villani, and Tom Welch.



This is a press release from Valley United Way, the leading philanthropic resource for the towns of Ansonia, Derby, Oxford, Seymour, and Shelton matching the needs of the community and the interests of donors to improve the quality of life in the community. United Way supports and creates initiatives addressing youth, families and people in crisis. Each year Valley United Way funds programs and organizations that make a measurable difference in the lives of people living and working in the Valley.

Derby-Shelton to host fireworks, free concerts Thursday


The annual fireworks display over the Housatonic River sponsored by Derby and Shelton will start shortly after 9 p.m. Thursday.

Free concerts are scheduled from 7 to 9 p.m. before the fireworks. 
They will feature a Seymour-based classic rock band, The Starving Artists playing hits from the 50s, 60s, and 70s in downtown Derby, and The Navels performing hits from the 60s-90s and today on the Shelton Riverwalk.

This event is a Valley tradition and always draws a big crowd!

Rain date is Sunday.

Prayer service planned at Clinton AME Zion Church in Ansonia


ANSONIA - The Ansonia Branch of the NAACP will host an evening of “Prayer for the Healing of the Land”  at 7 p.m. Thursday.
This is as a result of the recent tragedy that occurred in Charleston, S.C.  Participants will be joining with others throughout the country who realize that it’s time to put aside differences and come together as one.
The service will be held at Clinton AME Zion Church, 96 Central St. Clergy and non-clergy are being asked to participate in this service.  
Prayers will be offered up in the following categories:
  • Pastors and Church Leaders
  • The Body of Christ
  • Law Enforcement Community
  • The Unchurched