Recuperation journey: Birthday cake for two

Allegra and I had our birthday cake tonight, two days late but better late than never. 
She and her brother went to Boston to see The Mighty Mighty Bosstones in concert - Friday and Saturday. It was their annual holiday week trip to Beantown. 
So consequently I had to wait for my cake! 

Just kidding. I'm happy they enjoy their tradition.

Note to self: Don't let Cameron or anyone take your photo when you have a cold and have been hanging around the house and haven't brushed your hair.

Recuperation journey: Looking up at today's moonrise

The color from the sunset was reflected in the sky giving it a purplish tint. The moon will be full on New Year's Day.

Location of mystery photo revealed

One friend said he knew where the tired snowman was, but he didn't reveal his answer in the comments.

I saw the snowman Dec. 19 at Sardo's Automotive on Main Street in Ansonia and snapped a pic. I like the creativity.

Klarides-Ditria of Seymour lists new state laws effective Jan. 1

Dear Neighbors, As 2017 comes to an end, we prepare for a number of new laws to take effect starting January 1, 2018.  These new laws may have an impact on you, your business, or our communities. I therefore encourage you to take a look at the full list of laws that can be found by clicking here. I have listed some of the more noteworthy legislation below.  Please feel free to contact me with any questions or clarifications regarding the implementation of these laws. AN ACT PREVENTING PRESCRIPTION OPIOID DIVERSION AND ABUSE - Public Act No. 17-131 - requires prescriptions be transcribed electronically to safeguard against over prescribing, reduces the maximum number of days for a prescription from seven to five for minors and allows patients to request drugs other than opioids be prescribed. Summary AN ACT CONCERNING THE DEFINITION OF A VETERAN FOR A CERTAIN HONOR AND CERTAIN BENEFIT - Public Act No. 17-83 – broadens the eligibility criteria for certain veterans' benefits, allows additional people to receive a service ribbon and medal, be buried in a Connecticut veterans' cemetery, or have veteran status indicated on their driver's license or identity card. Summary Please pass this information along to those who may benefit from knowing what to expect in the New Year in the State of Connecticut. New legislation typically goes into effect on January 1st, July 1st, or October 1st in a calendar year, although a few laws go into effect immediately upon passage. As always, please do not hesitate to contact me should you have any questions or concerns relating to state government at Nicole.Klarides-Ditria@housegop.ct.gov or at (800) 842-1423. Sincerely, State Rep. Nicole Klarides-Ditria

Recuperation journey: Morning visitors through the window

Why visit if you're going to hide? Ha! 
If I can capture better pics of these guys I'll post them.

Have a great Sunday.

Recuperation journey: Village people, or in this case, cat

I didn't get around to putting up a Christmas village this year, but I do have pictures to remind me. Here's Linus "terrorizing" villagers in his younger days, 2010.

Recuperation journey: Snow day + sniffles = hibernating

Stayed inside today, and when I turned on the flood light to see the amount of snow in the backyard I saw this reflection.
I thought it looked like Christmas lights strung on a ghostly tree. 

Or maybe not. 

Starbucks' Project Give Good supports Seymour Pink

Cassandra Dessureau-O'Hara, left, presents gift cards from Starbucks of Seymour to Mary Deming, Seymour Pink founder, at the nonprofit's gift shop, 3 FranklinSt., Seymour. /Submitted photo

SEYMOUR - Mary Deming, founder of Seymour Pink, said Friday on the nonprofit's Facebook page that Starbucks of Seymour, through their manager Cassandra Dessureau-O'Hara, presented Seymour Pink with 25 $20 gift cards to Starbucks.
"We are so grateful to Cassandra and to Starbucks!," Deming said. #GiveGood#ProjectGiveGood #Starbucks.

Press release is below: 

Seymour Pink recognized in Starbucks’ Project Give Good

Throughout December, Starbucks is giving out $1 million in Starbucks gift cards. Unexpected acts, large or small, can be so meaningful that even years later, they’ll be warmly remembered. “The inspiration behind Project Give Good is simple, we want to brighten the holidays and delight our customers,” said Kris Engskov, executive vice president of U.S. Retail for Starbucks. 
“The holidays are here and good is in the air. We hope Project Give Good will continue all the good in our communities and keep it going and growing, because good is contagious and giving is too."

Seymour Pink was nominated by Cassandra Dessureau-O’Hara, manager of Starbucks of Seymour. 
"I believe this organization deserves the recognition because there are far too many men and women getting the breast cancer diagnosis and during their time of need, Seymour Pink is there to bring them a little light in the face of terrible darkness,” she said.

In 2017, Seymour Pink donated $25,000 to Smilow Cancer Center to help women currently receiving chemotherapy to use the Scalp Cooling Modality minimizing hair loss. 

Seymour Pink has approved 110 applications for financial assistance to people undergoing treatment, so they can focus on their fight and not their bills. 
The sixth annual Pounding the Pavement for Pink 5K in October drew an astonishing 2,600 participants and raised more than $100,000 for their mission. 
Seymour Pink was given the honor in 2017 of being a charity partner at the Marine Corps Marathon in Washington, D.C. This was a huge opportunity and it shows the organization's reach is growing.

Mary Deming, Seymour Pink founder and President, said she was honored to be recognized by Starbucks. 
“All of the financial assistance and emotional support that we have been able to give these families this year is the result of this community saying YES to the fight. You have brought HOPE and STRENGTH and COURAGE to so many people struggling with breast cancer!

Seymour Pink is a 501(c)3 organization whose mission is to unite a community in the fight against breast cancer. Through fundraising efforts, their goal is to fund breast cancer research, provide education, and to empower and assist breast cancer victims and their families.

Comedy night in Westport to benefit Seymour-based Treasured Time

Spring soccer registration in Ansonia ends Sunday

Sharing from the Ansonia Soccer Club Facebook page:

"We hope you’re all enjoying your Winter Break! A reminder that registration for Spring soccer ends on 12/31. 

"Anyone who registers between 1/1 and 1/8 will incur a $25 latefee. We will not be accepting any registrations after 1/8. 
"All returning players (who played in Fall 2017), have to re-register, but do not have to pay. Just choose “pay by check.” 
"If you have any questions, just email us at info@ansoniasoccer.org."

Griffin's Wonderland of Trees raises $9,300 for Spooner House in Shelton

Susan Agamy, Executive Director of Spooner House, left, joined Kim Hall, Sr. Applications Coordinator at Griffin Hospital, and hospital staff in drawing tickets Dec. 21 for the Holiday Wonderland of Trees fundraiser. / Contributed photo  

DERBY - Griffin Hospital’s annual Holiday Wonderland of Trees fundraiser collected more than $9,300 for Spooner House in Shelton to help feed and shelter area families in need this winter.

As part of Griffin’s Planetree Person-Centered Care Philosophy, the Holiday Wonderland of Trees calls on hospital departments to decorate three-foot artificial evergreen trees that are raffled off. 

The fundraiser aims to help improve the health of the community by supporting the Spooner House’s services.

This is the seventh year of the fundraiser, which has raised more than $47,000 in total.

This is a press release from Griffin Hospital.

Recuperation journey: Blue jay strikes a pose

I took this through the window just before noon. He might have posed to thank me for giving him egg shells this morning.

Recuperation journey: These are a few of my favorite posts

... from 2017

Since today's my birthday I thought I'd give myself a present and take a walk down memory lane. 
I chose five of my favorite blog posts from the last 12 months. Here they are:

#5 - Cousins share special link


#4 - Best photo

#3 - Gnomes

#2 - A bear - I was home but wasn't looking out the window so I missed the bear lumbering through our yard. It would have been a great photo.

and my favorite:

#1 - Met my kidney donor - It doesn't get any better than that!       


Those are the top 5, unless something unforeseen needs to be added over the holiday weekend. Not that I have any major partying planned, but one never knows what life will bring!

Recuperation journey: Remembering fun with blogosphere friends

Back in a simpler time and place before Facebook took off and became a thing, Ralph and I met a lot of wonderful folks in the blogosphere.

We used to participate in Looking at the Sky on Friday, a meme that had us looking up a lot!
It was fun to see photos of the sky shared from all over the globe.

Feeling end-of-the-year nostalgic I briefly stepped out the door to look at the sky and take this photo. 
It was about 7 degrees at the time. Brrr...

Ice skaters wanted at Linett Park in Ansonia

Casting call!

NBC CT Channel 4 will be at Linett Park from 5-6 p.m. today for a series of live segments during the evening news regarding Ansonia's Ice Skating Rink. 
Anyone interested in ice skating during this time slot is encouraged to attend. 
The fire pit will also be started for a test run.

This information is shared from the City of Ansonia Facebook page.

Griffin Hospital in Derby to host talk on hypnosis, pain relief

The Community Health Resource Center at Griffin Hospital has slated a talk on hypnosis and pain relief Jan. 16./ Submitted photo

DERBY - The Community Health Resource Center at Griffin Hospital will host a free educational presentation on hypnosis and pain relief at 6:30 p.m. Jan. 16.

Ryan Jett, of Empowering the Mind Hypnosis, will present “Hypnosis & Pain,” a discussion of how hypnosis works and how it can help relieve pain, which can help keep individuals from treating pain with unhealthy methods such as drinking and drug abuse.

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

To register or for more information, call Kerry or Deborah, 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. 

The hospital is at 130 Division St.

This is a press release from Griffin Hospital.

Recuperation journey: Kidney-themed gifting

Gimme a K! Gimme an I! Gimme a D! and so forth 
Daughter Allegra surprised me with this lovely purple kidney key fob for Christmas. 

Meanwhile I had sent my wonderful donor, West Hartford resident Robin Gilmartin, a kidney-shaped key fob Christmas gift, just for fun. 
She had given me a kidney key fob when we met in July at a press conference at Yale-New Haven Hospital. 
We were part of an 18-person kidney transplant chain and that was the first time we had met. 

She had ordered the kidney fob on a website where one can buy kidney-shaped jewelry and other items. 
Who knew there was kidney transplant jewelry? Not I. 
It's fun to look at what's available. 
Click here to check it out.

And to view the I Heart Guts site my daughter found, click here, if you have the guts. 

* Kidney transplants are also the theme of today's Valley Voice newsletter. Please check it out!

Teen employee of Wesley Village in Shelton receives prestigious award

Jake DeLucia with Lori Pisani, Executive Director, Crosby Commons, left, and Lisa Bisson, Director, Community Outreach./ Contributed photo

SHELTON - Crosby Commons Independent and Assisted Living has announced that Jake DeLucia, Wesley Village community staff member, has been selected for the 2017 Young Leader of the Year Award by the Connecticut Assisted Living Association.

Jake was honored at the 22nd Annual Meeting and Awards Dinner and presented this prestigious award for his exemplary leadership skills, maturity, and vision that inspires residents and staff members.

"I was shocked when I found out that Jake was a high school senior. I have never met a teenager who was so caring, respectful, mature, and considerate as Jake is," Lori Pisani, Executive Director of Crosby Commons, said.

Jake started in dining, began filling in as a part-time receptionist to cover vacations, and now he is a regular part of the team. He is aware of the residents and sincerely cares about their well-being. If he sees something, he does something.

Jake has tenderly composed five hard-cover picture books featuring residents, family members, and employees of Crosby Commons. The residents love the books that have been placed throughout the community for all to enjoy, not just because they love seeing their pictures, but because their beloved Jake has made them.

Although Jake will be leaving in January to attend college and will be sincerely missed by residents, family, and staff, it is wonderful to know he is leaving with the honor, “Young Leader of the Year.” 

Congratulations, Jake!

For more information on Crosby Commons, call 203.225.5024 or  visit www.crosbycommons.org.

This is a press release from United Methodist Homes.

Take a hike, learn to make lip balm, more at Ansonia Nature Center

ANSONIA - The Ansonia Nature and Recreation Center, 10 Deerfield Road, offers a variety of educational and fun activities this winter.

NEW YEAR’S DAY HIKE – Jan. 1, 10 a.m.Bring a healthy start to your new year at the Nature Center. Our ranger will conduct this brisk walk and you'll learn a little natural history trivia along the way. FREE. For all ages. Call to register. Inclement weather cancels.

BACK TO BASICS: Natural Lip Balms – Jan. 6, 2 p.m.
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 the easy and fun workshop for ages 5 and up. Take home a sample!
MATERIALS FEE: $10 per person. Please register in advance; space is limited.

NATURE AND PLAY FOR CHILDREN WITH AUTISM AND OTHER DEVELOPMENTAL DELAYS – Sundays, Jan. 7, Feb. 11, March 4, 2:30 p.m.
Do you have a child aged 8-12 with autism and other developmental delays? Would you like to join a new group playtime that meets once a month? Gently led by Ranger Amie, this group will explore ways to introduce your child to playing indoors and outdoors at the Nature Center.

Monthly activities include meeting animal friends, taking a walk or easy hike, and nature crafts. Playtime will begin at 2:30 p.m. and end at 4:30 p.m. (or however long your child would like to stay). Please arrive on time. We will meet inside at the small classroom and children must be accompanied by an adult for the duration of the class. 

FREE. Pre-registration required; group limited to 10 children with adult.
Session 1 activity: Planting winter greens and sprouts.

22ND ANNUAL DR. MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR.’S LEGACY OF ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL JUSTICE – Jan. 14, noon–4 p.m.; Jan. 15, 10 a.m.– 4 p.m.
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 families and visitors of all ages, in honor of King and his efforts to ensure justice for all people.
Admission to the Peabody is FREE for the two days of this event.

BIRD FEATHERS – Jan. 27, 2 p.m.
Do you have a collection of bird feathers and always wondered which birds they came from? Nature Center naturalist Jessica can teach you to identify them. Enjoy viewing and touching our collection of over 100 different feathers. FREE; please call to register. For all ages.

FEBRUARY, 2018

BACK TO BASICS: Make an Herb Pillow – Feb. 4, 2 p.m.
Enjoy your winter afternoon creating an herb pillow. Herb pillows, or dream pillows, are small soft bags containing perfumed or sweet smelling items such as herbs. They have been around for hundreds of years and used for many different reasons. You will learn the cultural history and uses for these pillows. Create your own herb pillow for yourself or give as a gift for Valentine’s Day. MATERIALS FEE: $8. Please register; class size is limited. For ages 7 and up.

*** ONGOING WEEKLY PROGRAMS ***

Creature Features – Saturdays, noon
Come to meet our furry, scaly, and feathery animal ambassadors. You’ll have the chance to touch and hold them in this FREE family program for all ages.

Sunday Guided Hikes – 1 p.m.
Join a Nature Center guide on Sunday afternoons for fun, exercise, and learning about our trails! See the above listings for hikes with a specific theme.

Fiber Arts Group – Tuesdays, 6 p.m.
Get together with others to work on your fiber arts projects! Bring any kind of fiber work -knitting, felting, crocheting, etc. A great way to dedicate time to your handiwork and socialize too. FREE.

Call 203-736-1053 for information and registration.

This is a press release from Ansonia Nature Center.

'Turnback Tuesday' features 1901 Pork Hollow monument in Ansonia

This week's "Turnback Tuesday" features a postcard highlighting the Revolutionary War. Much tension and fear was affecting all the families in the colonies. 
Uncertainty was widespread wondering if homes would be burned, livestock taken, and stores of food stolen. 
Such is the case with the story of Pork Hollow. British soldiers were roaming around looking for food while Captain John Tomlinson of Derby happened to be in New Haven and heard of the plan to take the stores of pork located in Derby. Getting on his horse and riding as fast as he could, Tomlinson rode to Derby to warn the residents to save the pork! The residents quickly responded by removing the pork and hiding it in a hollow area. 
The British arrived to discover there was no pork to be found and left Derby empty handed. 

The location is in what we now call Ansonia on Wakelee Avenue. 
A monument was erected by the Elizabeth Clarke Hull Chapter D.A.R. in 1901. This postcard shows the monument.


Thanks go out to the Derby Public Library for sharing this interesting local history each week!

Recuperation journey: Photo fun

On Christmas morning I posted this photo of the tree lights reflected on the window with the winter wonderland scene outside.

At sunset this afternoon I tried a similar shot through the window, just for fun.

Klarides sisters collect items for veterans center in W. Haven

State Rep. Themis Klarides, second from right, and state Rep. Nicole Klarides-Ditria, right, with staff from the Errera Community Care Center in West Haven./ Contributed photo

WEST HAVEN - House Republican Leader Themis Klarides, R-Derby, and state Rep. Nicole Klarides-Ditria, R-Seymour, wrapped up their annual veterans drive Tuesday, dropping off boxes full of donated clothes, comfort items, and games to the Errera Community Care Center, 114-152 Boston Post Road. 

“We want to thank the Valley residents who helped us collect these much-needed items for veterans,” they said. “We must always remember those who have sacrificed so much for our freedoms, and work to ensure that veterans never go without a roof over their head, food on their plate or access to high-quality health-care." 

The lawmakers continued, "Our doors are always open to veterans that need assistance navigating state government. 
"We also encourage veterans to visit the Errera Community Care Center whose dedicated staff provides excellent services and care." 

According to the Errera Community Care Center, the facility helps serve veterans struggling with mental illness and/or substance abuse disorders, homelessness, and/or aging. 

For more information or to donate items or gift cards to the Errera Community Care Center, visit www.erreraccc.com. 

This is a press release from Klarides-Ditria's office.

'Soft opening' of skating rink slated at Linett Park in Ansonia

Sharing Tuesday post on City's Facebook page:

"With temperatures at single digits the past several days, the ice skating rink at Linett Park will open this Friday with a “soft opening” and remain open. 

Come on down and test it out! 

Once the cold and snow synchronizes, an official Grand Opening of Winter Playground at Linett Park will be announced for sledding, ice skating, fire pit and more. We’re hoping Saturday January 6 will be the date.

Public Works indicated they may also test the fire pit this Saturday at noon.

More information on Winter Playground can be found at: www.cityofansonia.com."

Recuperation journey: Holiday hint

When you're going into a gift-swap situation, always purchase something you like just in case you get it back.

I did just that, and we took home two of the four gifts I had brought with us.
Yay me.

Happy Yuletide season! 

Recuperation journey: Waking up to a White Christmas

  It's so pretty. Now as I post this an hour later the sun is breaking through the clouds. I spy blue sky. 

Lights from our humble tabletop tree reflected in the window.

Merry Christmas!

Merry Christmas to my readers near and far

Recuperation journey: Stunning sunset seen in South Windsor

'Twas a beautiful Christmas Eve afternoon. 

Recuperation journey: Christmas Eve fun

It wouldn't be Christmas Eve in our extended family without the traditional photo of the cousins in their matching PJs (to make the grownups with cameras happy).

Recuperation journey: Christmas Eve sunrise

Good morning,
I was informed that I missed the pretty orange and pink sky by a few minutes. Sad but true. I'll have to try again another day.

Merry Christmas Eve! Enjoy your time with family and friends.

Recuperation journey: Time to shop a tiny bit more

Hi -
It's me. 
Patti Procastinator waiting for the temperature to rise so I can safely drive to a store or two or three.

The same thing happens every year. A holiday tradition, I suppose you could say.
I'm probably done buying whatever I was going to buy for whomever but there must be something I need.  
So leave the house I must.

Happy Christmas Eve Eve!

Recuperation journey: A car for Christmas?

Call me old-fashioned, but it would never happen!

Picture this scene: A woman looks out on Christmas morning at a perfect winter landscape when what does she see but a new car (insert make and model here) sitting in the driveway with a giant red bow on top.

Behind her stands her smiling husband who hands her a box containing a key. She breaks into a big smile, gives him a hug, and rushes out the door.

Nope!

Even if we could afford to buy each other a car for Christmas I know Ralph and I would do no such thing.

Our Christmas presents run along the lines of books, socks, sweaters, and such. 
That's the way we've always celebrated. Outrageous gifts are not what we're about. 

And there's always the one and only Linus Van Pelt who reminds us of the real reason for the season:

Wishing all my blog visitors a peaceful and joyous Yuletide season. 

Klarides sisters, elves spread Christmas cheer in Valley

Contributed photo

State Rep. Themis Klarides, R-Derby, (Santa) recently visited Griffin Hospital in Derby and area senior centers to spread holiday cheer. 
Klarides was accompanied by her helpers, from left, nephew Cade Klarides-Ditria, sister state Rep. Nicole Klarides-Ditria, Spencer Rubin from CT House Republicans, and Greg Butler, GOP press person. 
The Klarides sisters are carrying on a longstanding tradition started by their father, Peter Klarides, who visited patients at the holidays.

Seymour Community Services posts holiday schedule

* Sharing from Seymour Community Services' Facebook page. 

Recuperation journey: Yuletide memories ...

I'm glad I have a photo from last Christmas season because we didn't decorate outside this year. 
We'll try again in 2018! 

Newsletter: Salvation Army bell, Ansonia Rotary supports food bank

Dear readers,

Today's Valley Voice newsletter features lawmakers, board members ringing bell for Salvation Army, Ansonia students receiving awards, Ansonia Rotary assists food bank, more.

Thanks for reading and Merry Christmas!  🎄

Patti and Ralph