Shelton resident named Safe Kids Advocate of the Year

Cathi Kellett of Shelton receives congratulations from Griffin Hospital Vice President of Accountable Care and General Counsel Todd Liu after being named Advocate of the Year by Safe Kids Connecticut. /Contributed photo

DERBY - Cathi Kellett of Shelton was recently named Advocate of the Year by Safe Kids Connecticut.

The award recognizes Safe Kids coordinators who have gone above and beyond to promote Safe Kids Connecticut’s Initiatives.

Safe Kids Worldwide is a global organization dedicated to preventing injuries in children. Safe Kids works with an extensive network of more than 400 coalitions in the United States and partners with organizations in 30 countries around the world to reduce injuries from motor vehicles, sports, drownings, falls, burns, poisonings and more.

Kellett coordinates Safe Kids Greater Naugatuck Valley and is Special Programs Coordinator for Griffin Hospital’s Community Outreach Program. 

She started working with Safe Kids in 2003 and became a Child Passenger Safety Instructor in 2006. She recently became one of just 40 CPS Special Needs instructors in the country.

When Safe Kids Greater Naugatuck Valley Chapter started in 2004, Kellett expanded its reach by incorporating Griffin Hospital’s Children’s Health & Wellness programs. 

She developed a Children’s Safety Theme of the Month program and initiated it in all 15 sites in the chapter’s area. 

The themes covered by this program include pedestrian safety, Halloween safety, Germ Busters, sports safety, safety around pets, nutrition, bike safety, CPS, winter safety and summer safety, which includes swimming safety.

“Cathi is willing to share her information and knowledge to all interested in the safety of children and is a wonderful asset to the Lower Naugatuck Valley Region,” said Pat Zainc of the Waterbury Police Community Relations Division.

For more information on Safe Kids Worldwide, visit safekids.org.

This is a press release from Griffin Hospital.  

'Turnback Tuesday' Valley photo shared on Wednesday

Sharing from the Derby Librarians Facebook page:

This week's "Turnback Tuesday" features an image of Yale's Robert Cooke Boathouse. 

It was located at 280 Roosevelt Drive in Derby, where the Yale Gilder Boathouse now resides. 

The Cooke Boathouse was a Frank Lloyd Wright design and was dedicated in 1918. However, the boathouse was deemed too small to house the number of rowers that were using it, hence the need for its demolition and replacement by the Gilder Boathouse, opened in 2000. 
This image was taken from the Shelton side of the Housatonic River near Riverview Park.

Derby Public Library hosts activities for teens

DERBY - The Derby Public Library hosts YA Wednesdays every month from 6-7:30 p.m. 
All young adults ages 12 to 17 are invited to join the fun each Wednesday in January as Nintendo Wii, board games, and Legos will be available. 
Light refreshments are provided. 
Registration is requested. 

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 Tony DeLos, young adult librarian, Derby Public Library.

Ansonia Nature Center schedules winter activities

ANSONIA - Take a hike, learn karate, make crafts, and more in January at Ansonia Nature and Recreation Center, 10 Deerfield Road.

NEW YEAR’S DAY HIKE – Building closed except for hike, 10 a.m. Jan. 1 - Bring a healthy start to your new year at the Nature Center.

Our ranger will conduct this brisk walk while you learn a little natural history trivia along the way.

Free, but please register in advance.
Inclement weather cancels.

PET LOSS GRIEF SUPPORT GROUP – 1 p.m. Tuesdays, Jan. 10, Feb. 14, March 14.

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. While these sessions are free, donations are accepted.

KARATE CLUB – 5-5:45 p.m.Tuesdays, Jan. 10 - Feb. 7.
In this dynamic and energetic after-school program at the Nature Center for children in grades K-6, students will engage in various martial arts techniques and activities while learning important skills such as discipline, focus, self-control, and confidence. They will have the opportunity to earn higher-ranking belts as their participation continues.
Tuition: $45 per five-week session (cash or check payable to AMAA), which includes a Karate Club T-shirt and white belt.

For more information call Chief Instructor Adam Rylski at 203-671-6903 or 203-931-1979, or the Ansonia Nature Center, 203-736-1053.

YOGA FOR A HEALTHY MIND AND BODY – 6:30 p.m. Thursdays.
Our seasoned Hatha Yoga instructor and practitioner, Pam Mellitz, will lead us into a healthier lifestyle through stretching, breath control and gentle exercise. The full 1.5 hour classes require a mat or thick towel; dress for easy movement. Class is limited to 12 students. $7 per class. Please call Pam to register, 203-888-4124.

21ST ANNUAL DR. MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR.’S LEGACY OF ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL JUSTICE – noon–4 p.m. Jan. 15; 10 a.m.–4 p.m. Jan. 16.
Join the Nature Center at the Yale Peabody Museum, 170 Whitney Ave., New Haven. The Peabody will once again offer world-class performances and educational activities for visitors of all ages, in honor of Dr. King and his efforts to ensure justice for all people.

BACK TO BASICS: Natural Lip Balms – 1:30 p.m. Jan. 21.
Soothe your lips with your own homemade lip balm! Join Ranger Dawn and learn how to make lip balm with natural ingredients such as beeswax and essential oils in this easy and fun workshop.
Take home a sample! Materials fee: $10 per person. Please register in advance; space is limited.

GRANDMOTHER TURTLE: An Iroquois Tale – 2 p.m. Jan. 22.
Storyteller Leslie Elias will tell the Iroquois creation myth, a story of sky people and water animals and how the earth came to rest on Grandmother Turtle’s back.
During this workshop, children will create a mask and perform the creation myth for their families. Materials fee: $10 per person.

FIELD TRIP: Behind the Scenes at the Peabody Museum – 3:30-4:30 p.m. Jan 24. From Anthropology to Zoology, the 13 million objects and specimens in the Yale Peabody Museum of Natural History’s collections represent a world-class record of the history of the Earth and its cultures. Less than one percent is on display in the public galleries!
In this tour a guide will take you to visit two different curatorial divisions; you’ll learn how the collections are stored and organized, and have the opportunity to glimpse some hidden treasures that rarely see the light of day! Tours are not open to children under 12.
Register in advance; space is limited. $15 per person.

All participants will meet at the museum at 2:45 p.m.

SPECIAL EDITION OF PLAYGROUND MOUSE – 2 p.m. Jan. 28. A true story from the Ansonia Nature and Recreation Center told by Ranger Amie Ziner. Come hear the adventure of Playground Mouse, who was found at our beloved old playground.

This is the fun story of a local mouse growing, meeting some friends, and his release back into the great outdoors. We will create a Playground Mouse of your own to take home and care for. Donate $10 and you will receive a copy of the adventures of Playground Mouse. All donations will help feed the animals at the Nature Center.


*** ONGOING PROGRAMS ***

Sundays: Guided Hikes, 1 p.m.

Thursdays: Yoga for a Healthy Mind and Body, 6:30 p.m.—call Pam, 203-888-4124.

Saturdays: Creature Features, noon

*** THINGS TO COME (Spring 2017) Hidden Landscapes Celebration • Family Organic Garden • Nature Explorers • Spring Junior Rangers

Please check www.ansonianaturecenter.org for updates.

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

Ansonia Police ready to 'stuff-a-jeep' with food donations

ANSONIA - Ansonia Police will hold their Annual Stuff-A-Jeep food drive Friday at Stop & Shop, 100 Division St. 

The food drive will be in front of the store from noon-6 p.m.

Any food or donations collected will be given to a local food bank. 

Last year's event was extremely successful so please stop by if you have a chance and make a small donation. Every donation counts. 
Thank you in advance for your generosity. 


*Sharing this information from the Ansonia Police Department Facebook page.

Derby Public Library to host presentation by local author

DERBY - The Derby Public Library invites everyone to a special presentation by local 

author Steve Reilly as he discusses his new book, The Lord of the Infield Flies, at 6:30 p.m. Jan. 10.

As a prequel to his prior book, The Fat Lady Never Sings, this book promises to thrill readers with Coach Reilly’s harrowing, challenging, and adventurous high-school-age baseball team’s four-hour trek from Connecticut to play Maine’s all-star team.  

This chaotic, funny, and uplifting story is a sure hit for all sports fans.  

Reilly, a practicing attorney, has coached high school baseball in the Lower Naugatuck Valley for the past 30 years and is in his 17th season at Seymour High School.  

Multiple copies of this newest book will be available for purchase.  

Registration is requested.  

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.