Harvest House VI in Shelton helps nonprofits feed Valley needy

SHELTON - The Valley United Way's Harvest House VI provided more than 100,000 food items to area pantries.

Read all about it by clicking here for my story in the Valley Independent Sentinel.

Harvest House VI was built inside the Derby-Shelton Rotary Club pavilion over the weekend and deconstructed Monday morning.

Volunteers for nonprofits start the deconstruction process.

The Rev. Jim Tudesco of First Congregational Church in Derby was on hand volunteering for the Kathleen B. Samela Memorial Food Bank in Ansonia.

The shelves were emptied quickly.

Griffin Hospital in Derby to host diabetes discussions

DERBY - The Diabetes Education & Support Group at Griffin Hospital will host two free discussions about understanding the long-term effects of living with diabetes and how to manage them Oct. 13 at Griffin Hospital, 130 Division St.

Mary Swansiger, BSN, MPH, of Griffin’s Community Outreach and Valley Parish Nurse Program, will host “Continuing Your Journey with Diabetes” at 2:30 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. in the hospital’s Childbirth Classroom A. 

This open and comprehensive discussion of diabetes and its natural course will focus on understanding the difficulties of keeping blood glucose within the target range; the potential long-term complications of diabetes; how to delay or reduce the risks of long-term complications by managing blood glucose; the importance of checking for long-term complications; and knowing the “ABCs” of diabetes.

The Diabetes Education & Support Group meets September-June on the second Tuesday of each month to discuss the management of diabetes, its challenges and day-to-day dietary concerns.

All diabetics and their families are welcome to attend. No registration is required. 

Free valet parking is available for the 2:30 p.m. session. 

For more information, call Swansiger at 203.732.1137.

This is a press release from Griffin Hospital.

Seymour Library to host story hours, pumpkin decorating, movie, more

SEYMOUR - The Seymour Public Library has announced activities scheduled in October for children and young adults.

10/1, 8, 15 & 22 – 10:30 a.m. – Story Hour for ages 2-5   Songs, stories, finger plays, and a small craft.  Limited space. 

10/1-  4 p.m. – StoryKids’ Book Club for K-Gr 2 . Book talks, craft and a snack.  Child must have some reading ability.

10/7, 14 & 21 – 10:30 a.m. – LapSit for little ones ages 6 – 24  months – songs stories and developmental play!  Limited space.

10/7 - 4 p.m. – Nutmeggers’ Book Club for Gr 5 & up. Book talks, craft and a snack - features the Intermediate Nutmeg Nominees.

10/8 – 4 p.m. – BookChatters’ Book Club for Gr 2-4.  - Book talks, craft and a snack - features the Magic Tree House Series 

10/9 -  3:45 p.m. – YA Origami with Tina.  Join us to make amazing origami crafts!

10/15 -  2:30 p.m.- Movie “Cinderella” - 2015 film – snacks served.

10/16 – 3:45 p.m.– Pumpkin decorating  B.Y.O. pumpkin and we supply decorations. Refreshments will be served.  Must register

10/20 – 10:30 a.m. – Science Snoopers ‘Bones!’ - Natural science & a craft for ages 2 & up - must be able to sit & listen.

10/22 –  4 p.m. – YA Circle  - Creative writing prompts, readers advisory all for our Young Adults.  Come together to discuss whatever you want.   Snacks will be served.

10/27 – 6:30 p.m. – Nappy’s Shadow Puppets presents ‘Spooky-Silly Sing-a-Long’ –‘Nappy’ has been seen on PBS. A Halloween program for the whole family!

10/28 – 10:30 a.m. – Lynn Lewis - Music & Movement for ages 0-6.  A fun time for all!

10/29 – 10:30 a.m.– Preschoolers’ Halloween Party! Come in costume and parade through the library. There will be snacks and games and fun!

All programs are free, fun, and formative!

Some have limited enrollment, and registration is required for all programs.

For information or to register call 203-888-3903, visit us on Facebook, or at www.seymourpubliclibrary.org.                

The library is at 43 Church St.

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

Echo Hose Ambulance creates donation page for Shelton family

GoFundMe page photo of a memorial at Echo Hose Ambulance for Lisa Infante.

I'm sharing this link from the Valley Independent Sentinel to help support the family of Lisa Infante.

Save the date: Support Seymour Pink at salon's cut-a-thon

October is National Breast Cancer Awareness month.

Seymour Pink, a community's fight against breast cancer, is a wonderful nonprofit organization that empowers breast cancer survivors throughout the Valley.

Sharing message about canine licensing from Ansonia Police

ANSONIA - Beginning on Oct. 1, 2015 the Ansonia Animal Control Officer will conduct a canine license survey.

This will be done to ensure compliance with State of Connecticut regulations that require dogs over the age of six months to be licensed and vaccinated. 

If you have a dog that is not up to date on its rabies vaccination please take the time to get the dog vaccinated. 
Once vaccinated you can go to the Town and City Clerk’s Office to purchase a license. You must bring proof of vaccination at the time of licensing.

The cost of the license is $19 if the dog is not spayed or neutered and $8 if spayed or neutered.

Failure to comply with licensing and vaccination requirements may result in a fine. 
The fine for Failure to License is $75 and Failure to Vaccinate is $136.

Please make every effort to vaccinate and register your pet. 

Any questions may be directed to ACO Jean Roslonowski at 203-735-1885.

* Information taken from APD Facebook page.

Valley Chamber of Commerce slates 5th annual restaurant week

The Greater Valley Chamber of Commerce has announced that the fifth annual Greater Valley Restaurant Week will be held from Monday through Oct. 10.

“With a variety of new restaurants opening throughout the region, we are thrilled about the growth of the Valley restaurant scene,” said Greater Valley Chamber President Bill Purcell. 

“The Chamber urges all businesses and residents alike to take advantage of the special menus and pricing offered during Valley Restaurant Week and to patronize our Valley restaurants throughout the year.”

During Greater Valley Restaurant Week, participating restaurants in the region will offer special deals with pre-fixe two and three-course menus. 

Photo contest

Also coming back is the online photo contest, where diners can enter pictures of their Greater Valley Restaurant Week adventures via Facebook, Twitter or Instagram, including the caption #GVRW15, for the opportunity to win a $50 gift card.

The restaurants currently participating include 121 Restaurant & Bar – Oxford; Antonio’s – Ansonia; Archie Moore’s – Derby;  Bricks & Barley– Shelton; Center Street Social – Shelton; Copper City Bar & Grill – Ansonia; Courtyard Bistro – Shelton; Crave – Ansonia; Draft House – Shelton; Focaccia’s Café & Catery  – Shelton; Giove’s Pizza Kitchen – Shelton; GROW – Shelton; Il Palio Ristorante – Shelton; La Scogliera – Shelton; Liquid Lunch – Shelton; Red Clover Café – Seymour; Red Lotus– Shelton; River House Café – Derby; Seasonal Sweets & Catering – Derby; Tavern 1757 – Seymour; Vazzy’s Cucina – Shelton; and Wellington’s – Shelton.

Restaurant Week provides the opportunity for area residents to check out the many different restaurants - the hidden gems - here in the Valley. It is a great opportunity for employers to reward their employees and for area business people to coordinate lunch meetings. 
Restaurant Week also showcases the cultural and culinary value of our community.

For more information about participating restaurants including their menus and hours and the Valley Eats Restaurant Week Blog, visit GreaterValleyRestaurantWeek.com. 
Be sure to visit the Greater Valley Chamber on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram for updates throughout the week.  
Restaurants wishing to participate can contact the Chamber at (203) 925-4981 or info@greatervalleychamber.com.


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

Derby Public Library to hold fall book sale

DERBY - The Derby Public Library, 313 Elizabeth St., will hold its annual Fall Book Sale starting Oct. 24 from 9:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m.

It will continue Oct. 26 and 27 from 10 a.m.-7 p.m.

Shoppers are invited to fill a bag for $5. Bags will be provided.

Adult and children fiction and non-fiction, paperbacks, magazines, videos, DVDs and audio materials will be available.  


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