Ansonia Armory to be open for winter walkers

Ansonia Armory/Photo from Electronic Valley

ANSONIA - The Ansonia Armory at 5 State St. will now be open to the residents of Ansonia for indoor walking.  

Hours will be 7-10 a.m. Monday through Friday.   

Mayor David S. Cassetti said in a release that he wants a safe and warm place for the public to be able to walk off those extra holiday pounds.  
The Armory will be open to walkers starting on Jan. 19.   

Any questions should be directed to Jeff Coppola, Director of Parks and Recreation, 203-736-5926. 


This is a press release from Mayor Cassetti's office.

Wesley Village in Shelton to host Alzheimer's and dementia support group

Contributed photo

SHELTON - Do you know or care for someone recently diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease or a related dementia? Are you in need of support? You’re not alone! 

Caregivers are invited to Wesley Village from 2-3 p.m. Jan. 21 for an Alzheimer’s and Dementia Support Group. 

The group will meet on the third Thursday of every month and offer problem-solving techniques and helpful support for families and caregivers. 

It will be facilitated by Wesley Village staff trained by the Alzheimer’s Association. 

Your loved one is welcome to participate in activities in a secured environment while you attend the support group. 

For more information or to RSVP, call 203-225-5024 or visit www.wesleyvillage-ct.org. 

The group will be held at Wesley Heights and Lifestyle Transitions Memory Care at Wesley Village. 

Wesley Village is a campus of senior care communities including Crosby Commons Assisted Living Community, Wesley Heights Assisted and Independent Living Apartments and Cottages, Lifestyle Transitions Memory Care at Wesley Heights, and Bishop Wicke Health and Rehabilitation Center. 

The campus is owned and operated by UMH, a local, mission-based, not-for-profit organization serving all members of the community. It is located at 580 Long Hill Ave. 

To learn more about the continuum of care offered at Wesley Village or the mission of UMH, visit www.wesleyvillage-ct.org or contact Lisa Bisson, 203-225-5024.

This is a press release from United Methodist Homes.

Heart committee at Griffin Hospital in Derby seeks award nominations

DERBY - Griffin Hospital's Women’s Heart Wellness Committee (formerly Women & Heart Disease) is seeking nominations for its annual Caring Heart Awards.

These awards are presented to an individual and a group, organization or business that lives or works in the Lower Naugatuck Valley and has made significant contributions to the heart wellness of an individual or the community at large, and demonstrates a “Caring Heart” by their actions and/or volunteerism.

For a nomination form or information on how to make an email nomination, contact Eunice Lisk at 203-732-7107 or whw@griffinhealth.org. 

Nominations must be received by Feb. 5 to be eligible.

The award winners will be announced in February and presented at the Annual Women's Heart Wellness & Caring Heart Award Brunch to be held from 8:30 a.m.-noon March 12 at the Griffin Hospital Dining Room, 130 Division St.

Increase heart health awareness
The Women’s Heart Wellness Committee consists of healthcare professionals, heart patients, and women from throughout the Valley communities. 

The primary focus of the group is to increase heart health awareness among women, empower them to love and save their hearts, and ensure they are provided the means to do so through education and rehabilitation. 

Membership is open to all interested persons.

Tickets for the 11th Annual Women’s Heart Wellness Brunch and Awards Program event will go on sale in February. 

To learn more, become a sponsor or make a donation, call 203-732-7107 or email whw@griffinhealth.org.

This is a press release from Griffin Hospital.  

Murder mystery dinner in Seymour to benefit O'Brien Gridiron Club

Murder anyone? Murder Mystery Dinner Theater, that is. 

Plan your evening of intrigue and investigation now. Emmett O’Brien Grid Iron Club has announced the March 19 return of AspenDream Productions™, Connecticut’s longest running dinner theatre.

For those who have been missing the fun, AspenDream Productions™ murder mystery dinner theatre will return with a performance of “Murder is a Family Business” at The Inn at Villa Bianca, 312 Roosevelt Drive, Seymour. The interactive performance includes a delicious three course dinner. 

 Doors open at 6:30 p.m.and dinner begins at 7:30 p.m. sharp. Tickets are $50 per person. Call Nick 203-556-2026.

Executive Director of AspenDream Productions™, Janice Luise-Lutkus of Burlington, said, “The fun begins immediately [as the audience is] entering the room and never stops from there. It’s a complete night of entertainment. You’ll dance, dine, and deduce.” 

Named the longest running dinner theater company in Connecticut, AspenDream Productions™ is now in its 19th year. 

The interactive murder mystery shows have been hailed by audiences throughout New England.

The shows are centered on the character of the notorious “Uncle Franco,” the head of the mob clan. He is the life (and maybe the death of the party) and his ex-wife Stella. There are 15 characters that dance, sing, entertain, and possibly commit murder. All feature professional actors from throughout Connecticut.

Some of the memorable personalities include Father O’Flasky, Luigi “the Squeegee” Vendetta, Sal Manila, Sophia I’ll Castratya, and Mario “One Minute” Mancini. 

The comedy murder mystery dinner-theater shows are performances in which you, the audience, actually play the roles of Uncle Franco’s family or friends.

Wear your favorite mob garb or the craziest wedding attire you can come up with. 

Bring your camera to take photos of the celebrities, mobsters, and maybe a corpse. It's up to you to discover who turned matrimony into murder. 
This all inclusive evening of entertainment will be something you and your friends will be talking about for many years to come. 

For more information on the entire season visit: www.AspenDreamProductions.com.

Book Early…Avoid the Mob.

This is a press release from the O'Brien Gridiron Club.

Author to join book discussion at Derby Public Library via Skype

DERBY - The Derby Public Library has scheduled its next Lunchtime Book Discussion for 12:30 p.m. Jan. 27.

The selected title is bestselling author Garth Stein's

A Sudden Light. Stein has agreed to join the group discussion via Skype.  
Told partially in flashbacks, the story revolves around Riddell House, a  100-year mansion made entirely of wood overlooking Puget Sound.  

Jones Riddle moves back there with his 14-year old son, Trevor, after both his business and marriage fail.  

Guided by the whisperings of a resident ghost, Trevor soon 

begins to uncover a family history of trauma and guilt. 

Trevor's willingness to face the past holds the key to the family’s future.  

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 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.