My Sister's Place in Ansonia holding sale this weekend

Time to register for the Commodore Hull Road Race that starts and ends in Shelton

Carl Sylvester, a runner and original member of the race committee, was named honorary starter for the 2016 race./ Contributed photo

SHELTON - Registration is now open for the 14th Annual Commodore Hull Thanksgiving Day 5K Road Race which will start and end on Canal Street. 

The race course will traverse the downtown streets of Shelton and Derby while twice crossing the Housatonic River. 

The race starts promptly at 8 a.m. ensuring runners plenty of time to run and then get to the Thanksgiving Day football game and holiday dinners. 

The race, which celebrates the accomplishments of Commodore Isaac Hull, one of this country's greatest naval heroes and a resident of Derby and Shelton who was commander of "Old Ironsides" during the War of 1812, is limited to the first 750 runners and usually sells out well in advance so that early registration is encouraged. 

Proceeds from the race will benefit the Boys and Girls Club. Full details and registration can be found at http://electronicvalley.org/derby/HullRace/index.htm.

This is a press release from the Commodore Hull road race committee.

Medicare is topic of free talk at Griffin Hospital in Derby

The Community Health Resource Center at Griffin Hospital will host a talk on Medicare and related health-care decisions Sept. 15. / Contributed photo

DERBY - The Community Health Resource Center at Griffin Hospital, 130 Division St., will host a free presentation on Medicare and related health-care decisions from 10-11:30 a.m. Sept. 15.

Joe Deegan, a counselor for Connecticut’s programs for Health insurance, Outreach, Information and Eligibility Screening (CHOICES), will host “Medicare CHOICES,” a presentation to help older adults and those eligible for Medicare and their caregivers make informed health insurance decisions and to help prevent, detect and report healthcare fraud and abuse. 

There will be information on Medicare, Medigap, Medicare Managed Care, Medicaid, Long Term Care Insurance and other related state and federal programs.

This program is part of a series of free, educational forums hosted by the Community Health Resource Center in an effort to help improve the health of the community.

To register or for more information, call Kerry or Deborah at 203-732-7399.

The Community Health Resource Center at Griffin Hospital is a traditional library that provides an array of medical and health information, including a large collection of easy to read health and lifestyle related materials. 

The Center is open to the public to educate themselves on ways to enhance their well-being, prevent illness and play an active role in decisions about their health.

This is a press release from Griffin Hospital.

Reminder: Community breakfast slated Saturday in Ansonia

Learn about goldenrod at Kellogg Environmental Center in Derby

DERBY - Connecticut’s Department of Energy and Environmental Protection invites outdoor enthusiasts with a spirit of adventure to join other families and friends to search for the animals that live in the “Goldenrod Jungle” at Kellogg Environmental Center from 10-11:30 a.m. Aug. 20.  

Participants will not encounter any wolves, tigers, or apes from the movie Jungle Book on our journey – instead for this jungle safari we will arm ourselves with insect nets and search for much smaller animals. 

Participants will be out in the fields near the Environmental Center for about 30 minutes searching for hidden spiders, ambush bugs, dragonflies, butterflies, and more in this catch and release exploration.  

Bring your nature journals and your cameras to document the wildlife you find and maybe even take a selfie in the jungle.  

After the hunt the explorers will return to the Environmental Center to listen to a story and to design and create an insect to take home as a reminder of the day at the “Goldenrod Jungle.”

This free program is suitable for explorers ages 6 and up.  Participants should wear closed-toed shoes. Sunscreen and a hat are recommended for all adventurers.  

Steady rain or thunderstorms will cancel the program.

The Kellogg Environmental Center, 500 Hawthorne Ave., is open 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m., Tuesday through Saturday.  

For further information, directions, or to register, please call 203-734-2513 or email donna.kingston@ct.gov.

This is a press release from DEEP. 

Granddaughter of 'Sultan of Swat' speaks to Silver Sluggers at Derby Public Library

'The Babe'

Babe Ruth's granddaughter, Linda Ruth Tosetti of Durham, spoke Thursday to an enthusiastic group of Silver Sluggers at Derby Public Library.

Tosetti has been told she resembles her grandfather. What do you think?

Ansonia Nature Center slates fundraiser, soap-making class, drumming circle, hikes

ANSONIA - The Ansonia Nature and Recreation Center, 10 Deerfield Road, has announced its calendar of events for September.

YOGA AND FITNESS – Begins Sept. 1, 6:30 p.m. 

Instructor Pamela Mellitz will lead students through stretching and toning, balance and awareness. She’ll also demonstrate the importance of just breathing correctly for better physical and mental health in these full 90-minute sessions. 
FEE: $7 per class. Please call Pam, 203-888-4124.

NATURE’S CHILD: Incredible Insects – Sept. 2, 10 a.m.

Join naturalist Amie to discover the critters who live in our park’s beautiful yellow flowers. You’ll be amazed to find how many tiny creatures live on our goldenrod. 
TUITION:  $7 per child ($5 for family-level FANCI members and Ansonia residents).  
Please pre-register for this class for preschoolers and their adults.

FUNDRAISER: Club Comedy Night – Sept. 2, 7 p.m.

This fundraising event, hosted by the Friends of the Ansonia Nature Center, Inc., to support the building of a new playground, will be held at Club Comedy, 585 South Main St., Naugatuck. The club is located ½ mile off exit 25 or 26 on Route 8. 
Tickets can be purchased at the Ansonia Nature Center for $25 each. The doors will open at 5 pm, so plan to arrive early and enjoy a pre-show dinner. Raffle tickets will be available from 5–6:45 p.m. with proceeds also going to the playground fund. The comedy show will begin at 7 p.m. For ages 21 and over only.

FALL TERM JUNIOR RANGERS – Registration begins Thursday, Sept. 8; class runs Thursdays, Sept. 15–Nov. 3, 3:30–5 pm.

Calling all kids 11 to 14 years old who love nature! Has your child wanted to work with animals, garden, help maintain our trails, and help with special events? This is the opportunity to help the Nature Center in our 8-week after-school program. Parental permission is required. Class size is limited; this class fills up fast!  FREE.

BACK TO BASICS:  Soap Making 101 – Sept. 10, 1 p.m.

This two-hour class will provide the basic skills you’ll need to make wonderful soaps! Attendees will learn basic safety and traditional techniques required for this time-honored craft which makes great gifts – or soaps to keep for your own use. Soap samples and recipes will be provided. Bring a small container for your take-home samples. 
Instructor: Dawn Sotir. FEE: $10 per person. Registration is required.

PET LOSS GRIEF SUPPORT GROUP – Sept. 11, 1 p.m.

Losing a beloved animal can be tragic and a very emotional time for humans. There are numerous resources to turn to for the loss of a human loved one; however, there are limited options for when we lose an animal. Susan Wilson has created this support group for those who have lost an animal or have one in the process of moving on. 

FREE.

THEMED GUIDED HIKE: Goldenrod Jungle – Sept. 11, 1 p.m. 

For all nature enthusiasts! Enjoy a walk through the park’s fields and vast Goldenrod Jungle. 
You’ll be amazed at the diversity of insects, spiders, and birds that depend on this unique habitat for survival. 
FREE guided hikes every Sunday at 1 p.m.

FULL HARVEST MOON HIKE – Sept. 16, 7 p.m.

The northeastern native people referred to the full September moon as the “corn is edible” moon. Join our rangers to hike the Nature Center trails as the big moon rises. Enjoy some marshmallows over the campfire to conclude our program. 
Each child must be accompanied by an adult. Number of participants is limited, so pre-registration is required. 
FEE: $1 per person.

PLAYGROUND FAMILY FUN DAY – Sept. 17, 10 a.m.  

Let's get our community together and celebrate! We will start by restoring the grounds around our new playground.

The original playground was built in 1991 by the community, and it would be great to keep up the tradition.  It is time to continue the legacy for another 25 years and ensure the playground's longevity for future generations.

AUTUMNAL EQUINOX DRUMMING CIRCLE – Sept. 23, 7 p.m.

Join our drumming circle with Ranger Dawn. For adults and children 12 years and older. Welcome and celebrate our most colorful season! 
FREE, but bring a canned food item for our local homeless shelter. We’ll gather at Pavilion #2. Please register.

BIRDS ON THE MOVE - Sept. 24, 9 a.m.

Come for birding with Ranger Jessica for this fun, informative program. She will concentrate on the end-of-summer journeys taken by our “flying friends” to faraway places each year. 
Find out who’s going and who’s staying put! 
FREE; please call to register.

For information and to register, call 203-736-1053.

This is a press release from the Ansonia Nature and Recreation Center.

Kennel club to hold K-9 Karnival at Shelton Riverwalk