Santa to stop by My Sister's Place in Ansonia, pose for photos

Griffin Hospital in Derby to offer Wellness for Life sessions in 2017

Griffin Hospital is offering two sessions of it 12-week lifestyle change program Wellness for Life starting in February./ Contributed photo

DERBY - Griffin Hospital’s Wellness for Life Program is a great opportunity for individuals to get a jumpstart on their New Year’s resolutions and can be a great holiday gift for a loved one looking to make a change for a healthier lifestyle. 

Wellness for Life is a 12-week, evidence-based lifestyle change program that helps prevent and treat many chronic diseases. It’s designed for individuals ready to make changes in their nutrition, physical activity and stress management. 

With the support of a multi-disciplinary staff, Wellness for Life members take ownership of making long-term lifestyle changes in their lives. 

According to a report by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, 80 percent of chronic diseases, like obesity, diabetes, hypertension, and high cholesterol, can be prevented with better lifestyle choices in nutrition, activity and emotional health. 

Wellness for Life will hold two sessions starting in February 2017. The program encourages participants to make a commitment for a healthier life through custom fitness evaluation and planning, individual nutritional guidance, one-on-one coaching, and small, interactive health seminars. Each participant also receives an activity tracker, which helps monitor his or her activity, sleep patterns and food intake.

“Making changes for a healthy lifestyle isn’t easy - it requires one-on-one guidance and on-going support,” said Wellness for Life Program Co-Director Eunice Lisk. 

“This program helps people assess their lifestyle, provides them with a personalized plan to increase vitality and gives one-on-one and group support every step of the way to better health.”

Wellness for Life focuses on establishing healthy weight control, lowered cholesterol and blood pressure, better sleep and energy, and increased personal strength and resilience.

For the past three years of the program, Wellness for Life participants have seen significant weight loss and reductions in blood pressure. The program has also received high satisfaction scores in meeting participants’ expectations and for valuable presentations by health experts.

Wellness for Life meets at the Hewitt Ambulatory Pavilion (located in the Center for Cancer Care at Griffin Hospital) at 350 Seymour Ave.

For more information about Wellness for Life, visit griffinhealth.org or call Lisk, 203-732-7107.

This is a press release from Griffin Hospital.

Animal rescue nonprofit slates fundraiser Dec. 10 in Seymour

Nursing students train at Bishop Wicke Health and Rehabilitation Center in Shelton

Fairfield University Nursing students recently completed their geriatric rotation at Bishop Wicke Health and Rehabilitation Center in Shelton. /Contributed photo


SHELTON - Wesley Village, a campus of senior living and care communities, bids farewell to its current class of Fairfield University nursing students. 
For six weeks, Bishop Wicke Health and Rehabilitation Center, a skilled nursing and rehab center on the Wesley Village campus, has served as a geriatric clinical training site for Fairfield University students. 
Erica Wuchiski, Clinical Placement Coordinator at Fairfield University, says, “It is wonderful that our school has partnered with Bishop Wicke to enhance the learning process of the nursing students.” 
Since 2013, Bishop Wicke has served as a clinical setting for Fairfield University students, equipping them with the skills and experience necessary to thrive in the health care field. 

This particular program is unique because it offers its four- year nursing students the opportunity to start their clinical rotations in the fall of their sophomore year unlike many other college programs. 

These nursing students are not only learning at Bishop Wicke, but also spreading joy throughout the community. Residents and staff agree that it is really special to work with these eager and energetic students. 

Siv Kloter, a Certified Nursing Assistant at Bishop Wicke, explains, “They are a very motivated group of ladies, competent in their field. They are going to make great nurses!" 

Bishop Wicke, recently recognized by US News and Report as one of the top nursing homes in the state for 2016-17, is proud to model a relationship-centered approach to care and partners with area colleges and universities to provide educational experiences for students in the healthcare field. 

In addition to Fairfield University, Bishop Wicke works with Certified Nursing Assistant students from Griffin Hospital, occupational therapist students from Housatonic Community College, and various students from Lincoln Technical Institute. 

For more information about Bishop Wicke Health and Rehabilitation Center at Wesley Village, visit www.wesleyvillage-ct.org or call 203-929-5321.

This is a press release from United Methodist Homes.

Learn about American Indian music, talk tech at Derby Neck Library

DERBY - The Derby Neck Library, 307 Hawthorne Ave., has scheduled a variety of programs in December.

American Indian music
At 3 p.m. Dec. 10 the Library presents “An Introduction to American Indian Music” with Craig Harris.
Percussionist and educator, Harris is the author of the newly published book, Heartbeat, Warble, and the Electric Powwow: American Indian Music. 
He offers a fascinating look at his topic using archival audio recordings, as well as a video presentation. 
This is a free event and no registration is required.

Tech Talks
On Dec. 19 at 6 p.m. and again at 10:30 a.m. Dec. 21, the Library hosts Tech Talks, an information program that meets monthly to offer tips and ideas on what is new in technology and how to best use it in your daily life.

Evening Book Club 
The Library hosts the Evening Book Club at 6:30 p.m. Dec. 19.
This month’s selection is “The Lilies of the Field” by William E. Barrett. This book was the basis for the 1963 film starring Sidney Poitier. 
Copies of the book are available at our library. Join us at our cozy fireplace for an informative and stimulating discussion.

Video game tournament
At 4 p.m. Dec. 21 the Library hosts the Smash! Club Video Game Tournament open to teens and tweens. 
Bring your friends for an afternoon of fun. 
Free refreshments and prizes will be awarded.

For information call 203-734-1492.


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

Town Historian to speak at Seymour Public Library

Ansonia to host annual Pearl Harbor remembrance ceremony

Adam's House grief education center in Shelton to host holiday open house

*A note from Allison Wysota: Santa will visit from 5-7 p.m. with gifts for the children. 

Seymour groups to sponsor Yuletide events Saturday

SEYMOUR - On Saturday the town of Seymour will celebrate the holidays with an array of festive events sponsored by many town organizations, including the Seymour Culture and Arts Commission, American Legion, American Legion Band, Metro North, local Boy and Girl Scout troops, and Santa Claus himself! 

The evening will begin with the arrival of Santa Claus at the Seymour train station on Main Street at 6:15 p.m., followed by a tree lighting by members of the American Legion on the corner of Bank and Wakeley Streets at 6:45 p.m. 

The downtown merchants will be open and celebrating the holidays as well with individual festivities in their shops as part of First Saturday. 

The Connecticut Yuletide Carolers will also be strolling through the historic downtown in full Dickens’ costume singing the songs of the season from 6-8 p.m. 
Bank, First and Columbus Streets will be closed to traffic beginning at 5:30, please park on the surrounding streets. Please do not park in the First Street plaza as store owners will tow your car. 

For more information call Kim, 203-888-7880.


This is a press release from the Seymour Culture and Arts Commission.

Buy greeting cards, support Spooner House in Shelton

Support Spooner House and receive a beautiful box of 10 blank greeting cards with a winter scene, painted by a Shelton-based artist with the Spooner House logo and mission on the back. 
Suggested donation for one box is $10.

The cards are available in the Spooner House office, 30 Todd Road, Shelton, from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. weekdays.

For more information call 203-225-0453 x102.

This information is shared from a release from Spooner House.

Patronize Seymour restaurant today, support TEAM

Valley Shakespeare Festival to present 'A Christmas Carol' in Shelton, Seymour

 Members of the Valley Shakespeare Festival to present 'A  Christmas Carol' in December./ Contributed photo


Charles Dickens wrote his holiday classic “A Christmas Carol” in London in 1843 in the midst of England’s industrial revolution.  

It was originally written to be published as a pamphlet to inspire social reform.  
At the time, London was teeming with problems: in only 80 years its population quadrupled from 1 million to 4.5 million; crime was rampant-the police estimated that 20,000 children were being trained in thievery; the city’s water supply was polluted; housing was sparse and cramped with entire families living in one small room; and education for children was at an all-time low.

It is into this world that Valley Shakespeare Festival will take its audiences on Dec. 10 and 11.  
Presented without elaborate period costuming and staging, VSF’s production puts the emphasis on the true meaning of the story.

Jeremy Funke (Scrooge) explains, “What I like best about VSF’s stripped-down presentation of this classic tale is that it forces the audience to focus on the story-the audience’s imagination is our special effects designer, and I can’t think of a better way for them to experience it.”

Audience members will join Ebenezer Scrooge on his transformational journey through his own personal darkness of bitterness and disillusion on that fateful Christmas Eve and emerge with him on that brilliant Christmas morning with renewed faith in God and humanity.

Tom Simonetti, the company’s Executive and Artistic Director (and Bob Cratchit), echoes this sentiment.

“The story is powerful enough on its own not to need all kinds of embellishment," he says. "I love to see the children’s and families’ reactions to Jacob Marley’s chains, Tiny Tim, and Scrooge’s last speech. It’s a story that needs to be told because it reminds us of the kind of people we should be all year long.  It’s exactly what we need.”

Valley Shakespeare Festival will present it staged reading of “A Christmas Carol” Dec. 10 at Plumb Memorial Library, 65 Wooster St., Shelton, and on Dec. 11 at the Seymour Historical Society, 59 West St., Seymour.

Anyone wishing to come and experience this memorable moment in history may reserve seats by calling Valley Shakespeare Festival at 203-513-9446 or by visiting www.vsfestival.org.  

The event is presented free of charge with a suggested donation of $10 per person.  
Seating is limited and reservations are encouraged.

This is a press release from Valley Shakespeare Festival, a 501(c)(3) tax exempt, non-profit theater company serving the communities of the Lower Naugatuck Valley.

High Acres Church in Ansonia to present Journey to Bethlehem

ANSONIA - Each December High Acres Christian Church, 11 High Acres Road, hosts a live, interactive, outdoor drama called Journey to Bethlehem. 

Guests walk a wooded trail to experience authentic, time-period appropriate scenes, starting in Nazareth and culminating at the Nativity.

These 30-minute journeys will depart from 6-9 p.m. this weekend, Dec. 2, 3, and 4, rain or shine.

This event is free, family-friendly, and open to everyone.

Information shared from the church website. 

Pink tree adorns front of Seymour Police HQ

Photo by Dajana Damjanovich

This tree in front of the Seymour Police Department headquarters on Franklin Street was decorated today by volunteers from Seymour Pink, a community's fight against breast cancer, assisted by two town employees. It looks beautiful!


And a reminder for this weekend:

Osborne Homestead in Derby, Commodore Hull 5K race featured in newsletter

Dear readers,

The latest Valley Voice is now out. 
Please click here to read about the Osborne Homestead Museum's holiday decorations, the Commodore Hull 5K in Derby and Shelton, and more. 

~ Patti and Ralph

Stroke support group to meet at Griffin Hospital in Derby

The Griffin Hospital Life after Stroke Support Group will meet Dec. 8./ Contributed photo

DERBY - The Griffin Hospital Life after Stroke Support Group will host its next meeting from noon-1 p.m. Dec. 8 at the Center for Cancer Care at Griffin Hospital, 350 Seymour Ave.

The Life after Stroke Support Group is open to stroke survivors between the ages of 20 and 65. 

This group provides information from health experts, resources, and support for individuals who have suffered a stroke in the prime of their lives. Caregivers are also welcome.

For more information, contact Griffin Hospital Rehabilitation Services at 203-732-7445.

This is a press release from Griffin Hospital.

Church in Shelton to hold Holly Fair Saturday

Shelton High School scholar athletes win recognition

Contributed photo

Shelton Public Schools Director of Athletics John Niski has announced the Fall 2016 Shelton High School Blanchette's Sporting Goods SCC Scholar Athletes. 
They are Ethan Shuster, left, and Mackenzie Bures.

Shuster is involved in Boys’ Soccer, Indoor Track, Outdoor Track & Field. His class rank is #24/387 and his gpa is 92.96.   

His activities include SHS Boys’ soccer, Indoor Track captain, Outdoor Track & Field captain, SCC All-Academic Team, Soccer Team Scholar Athlete, CAPT Scholar, World Language Italian Honor Society, SHS Honor Roll, SHS Student of the Month, Wendy’s Heisman State Finalist, National Honor Society, Student Council, JSA.

  

“Ethan is one of the most well-rounded players I have ever coached," Shelton High School Boys' Soccer Coach Joe D'Auria said. "His athletic ability is incredible and he is a fierce competitor. He is as smart on the playing field as he is in the classroom."

                                                                                     

Bures participates in Girls' Volleyball and Softball. Her class rank is #7/387 and her gpa is 96.03.

She is Volleyball Captain, Softball Captain, SCC All-Academic team, SCC Academic All-Star team, All-SCC Volleyball 1^st team, Volleyball Senior All-Star game, Volleyball All-State team, Softball All-Division SCC team, World Language Italian Honor Society, Italian Club, Student Council Executive Board, SHS Honor Roll, SHS Student of the Month, AP Scholar, Softball Junior Select game

“Mac is a great role model both on and off the court," Girls Volleyball coach LeAnne Bianchine said. "She is an inspiration to everyone in our program."

                                                                             

The SCC Scholar Athlete of the Month program is sponsored by Blanchette’s Sporting Goods and recognizes student athletes who have a minimum of a B (3.0) overall and earn a varsity letter.  

Student athletes also demonstrate leadership qualities by being a positive role model both on and off the field and show commitment to self-improvement and put their team before themselves.

This is a press release from John Niski, Director of Athletics, Shelton Public Schools.

First Baptist Church in Ansonia to host community meeting

Information shared from City of Ansonia Facebook page:

Decorated dining room dazzles at Osborne Homestead in Derby

Museum celebrates 'sparkling holiday'

It's difficult to pick a favorite room at the Osborne Homestead Museum in Derby. 
Members of 10 area garden clubs have beautifully decorated the rooms of the Colonial Revival-style home at 500 Hawthorne Ave. using the theme "A Sparkling Holiday." Each room features the color of a birthstone. 
The Roxbury/Bridgewater Garden Club adorned the dining room based on the green gemstone peridot, the birthstone for August. 

Tours will run through Dec. 17. 
They will be offered from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Thursdays through Sundays. 

On Fridays, Dec. 2, 9, and 16, the museum will present “Twilight Tours” to show off the shimmering glow of the decorations from 4-7 p.m. 

*Stay tuned for more photos in the next issue of the Valley Voice newsletter.

Women in Networking awards grants to 3 entrepreneurs in Valley

Three Valley women were recently selected as recipients of the 13th annual Women in Networking Entrepreneurial Grant program. 

They are: Dr. Julia Bonks, ConnectiKidz Dental Care, Derby; Attorney Karen A. Fisher, Law office of Karen A. Fisher, Seymour; and Dawn Lowery, One Smart Dog, Shelton. 

The WIN grant is a named fund with the Valley Community Foundation. 
WIN is a council affiliated with the Greater Valley Chamber of Commerce.

The grant recipients will utilize the grant in different ways: ConnectiKidz Dental Care will utilize the funds for Community Outreach Programs such as Give a Kid a Smile Day; Law Office of Karen A. Fisher will upgrade practice management software and technology; and One Smart Dog will use the funds for continuing education towards certifications. 

All three winners will be presented with grants during the WIN Holiday Luncheon 11:45 a.m.-1:15 p.m. Dec. 13 at Tea with Tracy in Seymour. 

The grants are distributed from funds received from WIN membership dues and fundraisers organized by the group.

“We are delighted to continue the legacy of awarding annual grants to well-qualified entrepreneurial women and are pleased to offer $3,000 in grants and scholarships to encourage economic development in the Valley,” said Mary Jo Romano, Co-Chair of WIN and Principal with Mary Jo Romano - Financial Planner.

Sharon Massafra, franchise owner of Home Instead Senior Care and independent consultant with Arbonne International, chaired the grant selections committee.

Grant-in-aid program
This grant-in-aid program provides financial assistance to women 18 years or age or older in the Greater Valley area in the towns of Ansonia, Beacon Falls, Derby, Oxford, Seymour, and Shelton. 

The WIN grant can be used for expenses to enhance the applicant’s current business or to start a new business.  Recipients are also invited to a complimentary one-year membership to the WIN Group. 
Since its inception, WIN has given just over $40,000 to 47 grant recipients.

WIN is the first group of its kind to service the six-town region of the Greater Valley.  
Founded in 2002, the group was formed by a successful group of businesswomen who meet to discuss common issues. Meetings are conducted on the second Tuesday of each month.  

These meetings are either held at the Greater Valley Chamber of Commerce office or off-site at a Chamber member location.  
Social and educational events are also scheduled throughout the year.

Call 203-925-4981 or visit www.greatervalleychamber.com for more information about joining the Chamber and WIN.    


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

Learn to create a resume at Derby Public Library

DERBY - The American Job Search Career Coach returns to the Derby Public Library from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Dec. 16.

During both the morning session, 10 a.m.-noon, and the afternoon session, 1-3 p.m., the instructor will offer the class, Create a Great Resume.  

Participants must attend a full session.  

Classes are free and open to the public.  

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

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

For more information, stop by the Library, 313 Elizabeth St., call 203-736-1482, or visit www.derbypubliclibrary.org.


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

Ansonia to host 2 holiday events this week

Holiday bazaar planned today at firehouse in Shelton

Sharing info from a Facebook event page:


The first Huntington Fire Company Holiday Bazaar will be held from 9:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m. today.

There will be a variety of local crafters and vendors selling their handmade products including local Christmas Trees, Wreaths, a Touch-A-Truck, SPARKY the Firedog, and a Kid’s Corner. Great food, snacks, and much more!

The firehouse is at 44 Church St., Shelton.

Seymour Public Library to host fun kids' activities in December

SEYMOUR - The Seymour Public Library, 46 Church St., will host a variety of programs for children and teens in December.

12/1 - 4 p.m. – StoryKids’ Book Club for K-Gr 2.  Book talks, craft and a snack. Child must have some reading ability.

12/6 - 10:30 a.m. – Lynn Lewis - Music & Movement for ages 0-6.  A fun time for everyone!

12/7 -  4 p.m. – Nutmeggers’ - YA Book Club for Gr 5 - 8.  Book talks, craft and a snack - features the Intermediate Nutmeg Nominees.

12/8 –  10:30 a.m.– Preschoolers’ Crafty Holiday Party! Games, stories, crafts, and refreshments!

12/8 – 4 p.m. – BookChatters’ Book Club for Gr 2-4.  - Book talks, craft and a snack - features the Magic Tree House Series 

12/9 – all day - Drop by the library and make a holiday ornament ~ For children of all ages 

12/15–  4 p.m. – ‘The Club’ book club for grades 8 and up.  Teen advisory~ Booktalk, snacks and more!

12/16 –  3:45 p.m. – YA Origami – Miss Tina returns to help us make a beautiful origami holiday ornament! For ages 10 and up.

All programs are free, fun and formative!

Some programs have limited enrollment; registration is 

is required for all programs.

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


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

Holiday market planned next weekend at Kellogg Environmental Center in Derby

DERBY - The Department of Energy and Environmental Protection and Kellogg Environmental Center are sponsoring a Holiday Farm Market from 4-7 p.m. Friday and again from 9 a.m.-noon Dec. 3 inside the Environmental Center to coincide with holiday tours of the Osborne Homestead Museum.  

All ages are welcome to experience a museum tour and then browse through the market while enjoying a cup of warm cider.

For more than 30 years, garden clubs have annually decorated the Osborne Homestead Museum with festive holiday displays and arrangements.  
This year there will be wonderful displays featuring semi-precious stones in each room.  
To help extend the holiday atmosphere, the Farm Market will be open during the first of the twilight tours on Friday evening and continue through Saturday morning.

Visitors will enjoy local farm produce, meats, preserves, and honey as well as unique gift items made by local crafters and producers.  

By making purchases at the market you will be helping small, local businesses, and can also begin your holiday shopping at the same time.  Cash or checks only will be accepted for payment.
  

The Kellogg Environmental Center and Osborne Homestead Museum are located at 500 Hawthorne Ave. The Environmental Center is open throughout the year for educational activities and events.  
The Osborne Homestead Museum showcases the history of Francis Osborne Kellogg and offers scheduled museum tours May through October and again at the holiday season.  Tours are free of charge, with donations gratefully accepted. 

To register for group tours and for more information, please call (203) 734-2513 or email donna.kingston@ct.gov.

This is a press release from DEEP.

Osborne Homestead in Derby decked out for a sparkling season

I took this photo of Kellogg Environmental Center in Derby today on my way to visit the adjacent Osborne Homestead Museum. 
This year's decorating theme for the holiday season at the homestead, 500 Hawthorne Ave., is "A Sparkling Holiday."
The decorations created by area garden club members are beautiful! 

This was taken next to the entrance to the Colonial Revival-style home. 

Tours will run through Dec. 17. 
They will be offered Thursdays through Sundays from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. 

On Fridays, Dec. 2, 9, and 16, the museum will present “Twilight Tours” to show off the shimmering glow of the decorations from 4-7 p.m.  

I look forward to visiting the museum each year on the day after Thanksgiving. No shopping for me! 

Stay tuned for more photos in the next issue of The Valley Voice newsletter. 

Echo Hose in Shelton to host 10th annual 'Santa Helpers' fundraiser

Small business Saturday slated in downtown Seymour

Small Business Saturday is a celebration of the small shops in your area. 
It takes place the Saturday after Thanksgiving. 

Elizabeth Anderson, owner of Lizzie's Corner Home Consignment and Gifts, 19 Bank St., Seymour, welcomes you and appreciates your support during this holiday season and throughout the year. 
She is planning a festive day of shopping with refreshments, gourmet samples, and lots of bargains!

*Sharing this info from a Facebook event page.

Shop local!

Santa Claus is comin' to Ansonia for tree lighting ceremony

Sharing silliness on Thanksgiving Day

Q. What was the Pilgrims' favorite music?

A. Plymouth Rock.

Derby to hold Christmas Tree Lighting Friday

Cassetti thankful for support of city residents

Sharing this from the City of Ansonia Facebook page:

This Thanksgiving we should all dedicate time to being grateful for our numerous blessings. Our wonderful community here in Ansonia is certainly one blessing that must never be taken for granted.

We have many members of our community to be thankful for. The sacrifices made by our veterans – particularly those serving overseas right now – stand out foremost in my mind. We should also remember the service of our police officers, firefighters, EMS, and their work to keep us safe and secure.

It’s important to recognize even the small contributions of our friends and neighbors; the support and friendship we extend to each other on a daily basis. Let’s keep in mind that there no obstacle we cannot overcome when we are united as one community.

I personally would like to thank Ansonia residents for all the support they have shown me and my administration over the past three years. Managing a city is no easy task, but your kind words, advice, and guidance have made this job one of the greatest experiences in my life.

May God bless each of you and our great city.

Mayor David S. Cassetti