Yesterday's Headlines program slated at Derby Public Library

DERBY - The Derby Public Library welcomes back Rob Novak Jr., local historian, at 6:30 p.m. March 27 to discuss Yesterday’s Headlines.  

Novak has specialized in presenting local history in fun, interactive formats for both general and specific audiences for more than 20 years.  
He is past director of the Derby Historical Society and the City of Shelton’s Municipal Historian.  

In addition, he has authored four books through Arcadia Publications, and has been a popular historical columnist.  

Participants will be taken back to 1917, 1942, and 1967 to see what was happening locally 100, 75, and 50 years ago in the Valley.  

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.

Restaurant opens in downtown Ansonia

Contributed photo

ANSONIA - The Valley Eatery opened its doors this week at 252 Main St., in the former Cafe 252 location.

The restaurant specializes in Spanish and American food. It is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Mayor David S. Cassetti, third from left, welcomes the owners of The Valley Eatery. They are from left, Antony Aviles, Christopher Pagliuca, Natasha Aviles./ Contributed photo

Ansonia Mayor David S. Cassetti congratulates Natasha Aviles, one of the owners of The Valley Eatery, on the opening of the downtown business./ Contributed photo


This is a press release from the City of Ansonia.

Newsletter features fundraiser for Seymour woman

Dear readers,

The latest Valley Voice newsletter is out. We feature a fundraiser for a Seymour woman, Ansonia's annual Irish flag raising, and more.

Please click here to read all about it. 

~ Patti and Ralph

Wesley Village in Shelton seeks volunteers

A variety of opportunities is available for adults who wish to volunteer./ Contributed photo

Are you an active adult looking for a great way to stay busy while helping others? 

Join our Wesley Village volunteer team! 
Wesley Village is currently looking for active adult volunteers to share their interests and experience with our residents. 

As a Wesley Village volunteer, you could: lead an arts and crafts class, play cards and games, call bingo, cook and bake, share your musical talent, lead a discussion group, share your hobbies and interests, help with clerical tasks, lead a walking group, interview residents for life stories articles, start a book club, visit with a resident one-on-one, lead a spiritual program (prayer group, bible study, hymn sing, etc.), assist with special events, or offer your time and talents in any number of ways. 

Interested adults are invited to apply. Volunteers with evening and/or weekend availability are most-needed at this time. 
If you can commit to volunteer at least two hours a month and would like more information on becoming a Wesley Village volunteer, contact Vicky Dompierre at 203-944-8279 (vdompierre@umh.org) or visit www.wesleyvillage-ct.org.

The Wesley Village Campus is located at 580 Long Hill Ave. and includes: 
Crosby Commons Independent/Assisted Living Community, Wesley Heights Independent/Assisted Living Community, Lifestyle Transitions Assisted Living/Memory Care Community, and Bishop Wicke Health and Rehabilitation Center. 

The campus is owned and operated by UMH, a local, mission-based, not-for-profit organization.

This is a press release from United Methodist Homes. 

Ansonia mayor invites all to Irish flag raising to celebrate St. Patty's Day

Derby Historical Society slates annual meeting at Ansonia Fire Museum

David Humphreys House, 37 Elm St., Ansonia/ Society website photo

ANSONIA - The Derby Historical Society will hold its annual membership meeting from 2-4 p.m. March 26 at the Ansonia Fire Museum, 46 Howard Ave. 

The meeting will begin with an update of the Society, an election of officers, and an update on the David Humphreys House restoration. 
Museum volunteers will lead a tour of the Ansonia Fire Museum. 
Refreshments will be served.

Derby Historical Society membership applications will be available at the meeting. 
Please consider becoming a member or renewing your membership. 
Levels of membership: $15 - college ctudent or service member; $30 - individual member; $40 - family membership; lifetime membership - $250.

Donations are always welcomed.


This information is shared from a Facebook event page. 

Heart Wellness Committee to present awards at brunch at Griffin Hospital in Derby

The Women’s Heart Wellness Committee (formerly Women & Heart Disease) will host its 12th annual Women's Heart Wellness & Caring Heart Award Brunch March 25 from 8:30 a.m.-noon in the Griffin Hospital dining room.

DERBY - The Women’s Heart Wellness Committee will host its 12th annual Women's Heart Wellness & Caring Heart Award Brunch March 25 from 8:30 a.m.-noon at the Griffin Hospital Dining Room, 130 Division St.

The theme of the event is “What’s Your Shelf Life,” focusing on how healthy eating habits can help prevent heart disease. 

The event will feature a survivor speaker, a cooking demonstration, and tips on how to shop for healthier food.

The Women’s Heart Wellness Committee will also present its Caring Heart Awards to an individual and a group, organization or business from the Lower Naugatuck Valley who have made significant contributions to the heart wellness of an individual or the community at large by their actions and/or volunteerism.

Tickets are $25 per person. 

To reserve a seat, become a sponsor, or for more information, call Eunice Lisk, 203-732-7107 or whw@griffinhealth.org.

Heart health awareness

The Women’s Heart Wellness Committee consists of health care 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.

This is a press release from Griffin Hospital.

Seymour Recreation to host youth basketball program

Valley Shakespeare Festival to hold auditions

SHELTON - Valley Shakespeare Festival will hold local CT AEA and Non AEA auditions from 11 a.m.-3:30 p.m. March 11 at the Community Center, 41 Church St., in Craft Room 5, for its productions of Thornton Wilder’s Our Town, and William Shakespeare's The Comedy of Errors and Twelfth Night.

Candidates must prepare two contrasting Shakespeare monologues; if skilled on a musical instrument, please bring it and have a 16-bar selection ready to play.  
Candidates may be asked to read from the script and should bring a resume and photo, stapled together.  
Any questions, please visit www.vsfestival.org or call 203-513-9446.

All roles are open, paid positions available, Equity points offered for Twelfth Night.

Our Town is a “one-time performance” community event which will be performed on the evening of May 2 beginning at 7 p.m. in three historic Valley sites.  
Rehearsals will run April 24 through May 1, weekdays 7-10 p.m., weekends 9 a.m.-3:30 p.m. at Shelton Community Center.

The Comedy of Errors is a non-Equity touring production which will run from April 24-May 12 with daytime performances.  
Rehearsals will be held at the Community Center, April 17-22, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.

Twelfth Night is a free outdoor production in Shelton’s Veterans Memorial-Riverwalk Park, open to the general public. Four performances run July 13–16.   
Rehearsals begin June 26 and continue through July 8, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. in the Community Center; tech rehearsal at venue July 11-12.

AEA SPT Tier II contract for Equity members; Equity points offered for non-AEA performers.  

Valley Shakespeare Festival's 2017 season begins with the latest edition in its Shakespeare in the Bar series, “The Merry Wives of Windsor” on Wednesday and Thursday, March 1 and 2 at Caloroso Bar and Eatery, 100 Center St.

Admission is $20 in advance for table seat, $15 for bar seats and $25 at the door.  
Tickets are on sale now at www.vsfestival.org, VSF’s Facebook page, and by calling 203-513-9446.


This is a press release from Valley Shakespeare Festival.

Social Security is topic of workshop at Derby Public Library

DERBY - The Derby Public Library will host the workshop, Maximize Your Social Security Benefits, at 6:30 p.m. March 20.  
David Cowan, endorsed AAA retiree advisor, will discuss how to navigate retirement savings challenges, ways to safeguard retirement savings, and a simple way to increase your social security income by 32 percent.  

Learn when the right time is to start taking your Social Security, how the new claiming rules will affect you, hidden benefits you may have from a former or deceased spouse, and the benefits of “switches.”  
While the program is targeted for pre-retirees, ages 60-66, the general public is welcome to attend.  

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

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

Treasured Time to host painting parties at studio in Oxford

OXFORD - Treasured Time will host two painting parties in March – one for adults and another for kids at Rad Art Studio in the Tommy K’s Plaza, 144 Oxford Road.

A trendy and fun “Paint & Sip Party” will be held from 6:30-9 p.m. March 9.

Local artist Adriene Radcliffe will guide participants in painting their own masterpiece with easy, step-by-step instructions. 

Participants are encouraged to bring their favorite beverage and sip along with the strokes of the paint brush. By the end of the night, everyone has their own work of art to take home.

The cost is $40 per person and includes canvas, paint, and brushes. The event is B.Y.O.B. Stuffed breads will be provided, but participants are encouraged to bring snacks to share.

Treasured Time’s first “Paint & Snack Party” for kids of all ages and the young at heart will be from 2-4 p.m. March 12. Radcliffe will guide participants in painting Poppy or Branch from the popular animated movie, “Trolls” to take home.

The cost is $25 per person and includes canvas, paint and brushes. Each participant will be provided with a bottle of water and a cupcake. If your child has any food allergies please bring an appropriate snack for them. 

Proceeds from both events will benefit Treasured Time and its efforts to grant the wishes of parents with life-threatening illnesses who want to create a lasting memory with their children.

To reserve your spot, visit treasuredtime.org to purchase your tickets. 

For more information on this event, or on volunteering, contact Jenn, 203-446-1068 or jenn@treasuredtime.org.

This is a press release from Treasured Time.

Coast Guard Auxiliary to hold boating safety class in Shelton

SHELTON - The United States Coast Guard Auxiliary 24-3 is offering About Boating Safety course starting at 8 a.m. March 11 at Valley Regional Adult Education, 415 Howe Ave.

To register go to http://a0142403.uscgaux.info. Walk-ins welcome on the day of the class. 

Instruction will cover all the basic topics involved in the safe operation of recreational boating and seamanship. 

It will also cover safe personal watercraft operation.

Successful completion of this eight-hour ABS course satisfies the licensing requirements for both boats and personal watercraft. 

Family participation is encouraged. Cost is $60.

For more information about Coast Guard Auxiliary courses call 860-663-5505, email skperrone@hotmail.com or visit http://a0142403.uscgaux.info/

This is a release from the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary.

Valley mystery photo: Update

I posted this on Monday:

My daughter Allegra and I attended a program Sunday at the Seymour Historical Society about The Woodbury Path. 
Seymour resident Peter Rzasa presented an interesting series of old photos from the Valley during his talk.


Any guesses where this photo was taken many years ago? 


*Update: There were a few good guesses on Facebook, but nobody got it right. 
Believe it or not, it's Division Street in Ansonia/Derby.

Crosby Commons in Shelton recognizes resident with special day

Peggie DeNicola, 89, with family members and fellow residents celebrate at Crosby Commons./ Contributed photo

SHELTON - We all know that one person who selflessly spreads happiness and positivity to everyone they know. 

With this in mind, Crosby Commons Independent and Assisted Living Community decided to show one of their beloved residents just how special they really are. 

Through Crosby Common’s Journey of Dreams program, a program designed to make the various dreams of residents come true, “All about Peggie Day” was born.  

When deciding on a resident to honor in the Journey program, Activities Director, Kelly Coppola factored in Margaret (Peggie) DeNicola’s demeanor and the positive energy she has brought to the community for the past two years.  

“What better resident than one who spreads happiness and positivity to all in the community!” Peggie will also celebrate a milestone birthday this year by turning 90 years old.

Members of Peggie’s family visited the community to celebrate with Peggy on her special day. The morning started with Peggie, the queen of crafting herself, and family members painting sun catchers, followed by a luncheon with Peggie's family and resident neighbors. 

There were gifts, well wishes, a Crosby cheerleading stint by the Crosby Team, a presentation by Kelly Coppola and a DVD movie filled with messages from Peggie’s friends and family. The afternoon continued with musical entertainment by Peggie's favorite, a Frank Sinatra impersonator, and concluded with Irish Soda bread and Irish coffee. 

Judging by the smile on Peggie’s face and the overwhelming excitement from the staff as well as her fellow residents, “All about Peggy Day” was a huge success! 

For more information about the award-winning community of Crosby Commons, contact us at 203-225-5024 or visit www.crosbycommons.org. 

For information about UMH, visit www.umh.org.

This is a press release from United Methodist Homes. 

Watercolor workshop for teens slated at Derby Public Library

DERBY -The Derby Public Library invites all young adults ages 12 to 17 to a Teen Maker In Watercolor Workshop, from 4-5:30 p.m. March 16.

This program will be led by Valley Arts Council President Rich DiCarlo. All materials will be 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. 

City Clerk swears in acting fire marshal in Ansonia

Contributed photo 

Ansonia City Clerk Janet Waugh Friday swears in Acting Fire Marshal Darrick Lundeen with Mayor David S. Cassetti watching.  
Lundeen replaces Ray Tingley who retired last month. 

Lundeen is Ansonia's former Deputy Fire Marshal. 
He will be Acting Fire Marshal until a new Fire Marshal is formally appointed.   

This is a press release from the City of Ansonia.

Irish music concert slated in March at Seymour Public Library

SEYMOUR - The Seymour Public Library, 46 Church St., welcomes back Deirdre McMorrow and Paul Pender at 2 p.m. March 19 for a performance of traditional Irish music.

They played a successful concert at the library last spring and hope to top their performance.
McMorrow plays a traditional Irish fiddle and Pender sings and plays guitar.

The Library doors are open at 1:30 p.m. and the music starts at 2 p.m.

For more information call 203-888-3903.


This information is shared from an online community calendar sponsored by The Community Foundation for Greater New Haven and The New Haven Independent.

Music education/healing arts center in Shelton to host open house Saturday

SHELTON - A new business, SoulSong, recently opened its doors at 163 Leavenworth Road.  

Owner Suzanne Vick defines SoulSong as a Music Education and Healing Arts Center.  

Her vision is to create an open, supportive community where people can come together for creative expression, guidance and healing one-on-one from her and also from each other. 

This beautiful space has two private session rooms for music lessons and Reiki/energy healing, as well as an open, spacious waiting room that will double as an area for group sessions which will include a songwriter circle, sound healing events and a monthly Saturday seminar series starting March 18 with certified Holistic health and nutrition counselor Sharon See.  

Vick is a music instructor, songwriter, professional performer, certified Reiki Master Teacher and mentor.  
She has taught voice and vocal performance for over 12 years and worked with countless individuals, groups, bands and choirs, enabling them to achieve new levels of confidence and excitement about singing and performing.  

After teaching and developing a solid clientele at RVP Studios in West Haven for 11 years, Vick started her own teaching practice and expanded her services to include Reiki/energy healing and mentoring in 2015.  

With SoulSong, Vick sees her dream of creating a safe, open space for education, expression and healing become reality. She believes what the world needs most now is healing and is deeply grateful to be able to provide personal growth and expression through her music and healing services.

An open house celebration will be held from 2-6 p.m. Saturday. The public is welcome.  
Visit SoulSongCT.com for more information.  


This is a press release from SoulSong.

Career Coach to visit Derby Public Library

DERBY - The American Job Search Career Coach returns to the Derby Public Library from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. March 17.

During both the morning session, 10 a.m.-noon, and the afternoon session, 1-3 p.m., the instructor will be offering the class, Create a Great Resume.  
Participants must attend a full session. The 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.

MDA 'lockup,' new restaurant in Ansonia featured in newsletter

Dear readers,

Our latest newsletter features a grand opening party at Lulu Pazzo Italiano in Ansonia, an MDA 'lockup' in Woodbridge, and a substance abuse support group in Shelton.

Click here to read all about it.

Thanks for reading,

~ Patti and Ralph

Talk Tech, discuss books at Derby Neck Library

Tech Talks

DERBY - On March 13 at 6 p.m. and again at 10:30 a.m. March 15 Derby Neck Library, 307 Hawthorne Ave. hosts Tech Talks, a monthly program devoted to what is new in technology and how to best use it to suit your own needs. 

Women's Forum

The Library hosts Women’s Forum, a group devoted to history, literature, and allied topics at 12:30 p.m. March 20.  
This month we discuss two short stories: “Hi! Howya Doin!” by Joyce Carol Oates, and “The Art of Elsewhere” by Ali Smith.  
Copies of the two are available at the library.  Feel free to bring a light lunch; we serve free coffee and tea.  

Evening Book Club

On March 27 at 6:30 p.m., the Evening Book Club meets at the Library in the Reading Room by the fireplace. The group discusses short works of fiction and sometimes memoirs, all by award-winning authors.  
This month’s book is “Cannery Row” by John Steinbeck and copies are available at the library.  

For information on programs call 203-734-1492.


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

Griffin Hospital in Derby offers bereavement support

DERBY - Griffin Hospital is starting new support groups in March for anyone experiencing the loss of a loved one.

These groups provide grief education and support to ease the pain of loss as well as encourage healing and growth. 

The groups meet in an 18-week cycle at the hospital, 130 Division St.

There will be groups meeting on Mondays from 4-5:30 p.m. starting March 6, and Wednesdays from 6:30-8 p.m., starting March 8.

Due to limited capacity, pre-registration is required.

To learn more or to register, contact Heather Billingham at 203-732-1132 or hbillingham@griffinhealth.org.

This is a press release from Griffin Hospital.

Duck race in Naugatuck to benefit MDA of CT

Waterbury resident Cheryle Elliott asked me to post this duck race form. 
Her son, Dakota Fortier, 12, is an MDA CT Local Ambassador for the second consecutive year. I was with them today at an MDA lockup fund-raising event at Woodbridge Social, a restaurant in Woodbridge.

As you can see, Dakota has a smile that lights up the room. You can follow his adventures here on his Facebook page.

The Kerry Boys to perform Irish music at Derby Neck Library

DERBY -The Kerry Boys, famed Irish balladeers, will give a live performance at 2 p.m. March 18 at Derby Neck Library to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day. 

Photo from The Kerry Boys' website

The talented, energetic duo provides the best of Irish music to entertain the entire family.

Seating is limited; please come early, as there is no registration for this event. 

For information call the library, 203-734-1492.

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

Seymour Public Library offers educational children's programs

     

SEYMOUR - Seymour Public Library, 46 Church St., will host a variety of programs for children in March.

3/2 – 10:30 a.m. – Science Snoopers ‘Whew!!’ – Natural science, story and craft for ages 2 and up.  Must be able to sit and listen.

3/2-  4 p.m. - StoryKids’ Book Club for K-Grade 2.  Book talks, craft, and a snack. Child must have some reading ability.

3/7, 14, 21 and 28 - 10:30 a.m. - Family Place Playgroup - bring your child to experience many types of play, a craft table, and brief circle time to finish the hour. For ages 0-6 years.

3/8 - 4 p.m. - Nutmeggers’ - YA Book Club for Grades 5-8.  Book talks, craft, and a snack. Club features the Intermediate Nutmeg Nominees.

3/9 - 4 p.m. - BookChatters’ Book Club for Grades 2-4. Book talks, craft, and a snack. It features the Magic Tree House Series. 

3/16 - 4 p.m. - ‘The Club’ book club for grades 8 and up.  Teen advisory~ Book talk, snacks, and more!

3/29 - 10:30 a.m. - Lynn Lewis - Music & Movement for ages 0-6.  A fun time for everyone!

All programs are free, fun, and formative! Some have limited enrollment; registration is required for all programs.

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

Here comes the sun ...

This morning's fog painted the sky an interesting color at sunrise.

Photo exhibit features birds at Kellogg Environmental Center in Derby

DERBY - Connecticut’s Department of Energy and Environmental Protection announces a photo exhibit, “Raptors, Rescues, and Ambassador Birds from A Place Called Hope” by local photographer Sophie Zyla, at the Kellogg Environmental Center through the end of March.  

A variety of prints of resident birds of prey from the rehabilitation organization, A Place Called Hope, are displayed.  

Each one of the birds has been rescued and cared for due to injuries, birth defects or close contact with humans which make the birds unable to survive in the wild.  These exquisite birds now serve as the ambassadors, or teaching assistants as APCH reaches out to the public to promote respect and protection for wildlife.  

The display also provides information on Connecticut rehabilitators, volunteering opportunities and means of supporting these organizations.  

This exhibit is free and open to the public for viewing 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday, through the end of March.  

The Kellogg Environmental Center is located at 500 Hawthorne Ave. 

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

This is a press release from DEEP.

Turnback Tuesday: Henry S. Sanford of Derby

Sharing from the Derby Public Library Facebook page:

"This week's "Turnback Tuesday" is an image of Henry S. Sanford. 
"He was America's Minister to Belgium during the Civil War and helped secure armaments needed for the Union victory. Born in Woodbury in 1823, he moved to Derby in 1836 when his father formed the Shelton Tack Co. Even though the company was based in Shelton, the Sanford family lived on Caroline Street in Derby. 
"Henry was a well-traveled man. He was educated in Europe and served as Secretary of the United States Legation in Paris from 1849-53. He worked in several embassies before being appointed Minister Resident to the Royal Court of Belgium by Abraham Lincoln and held that position until 1869. He died in 1891 and is buried in Long Hill Cemetery in Shelton."