Newsletter: Seymour Historical Society talk, Derby art class, more

Dear readers,

Today's Valley Voice newsletter features a talk by the 'Beer Snob' at Seymour Historical Society, residents learning how to paint with water colors at Derby Public Library, and more.

Thanks for reading!

~ Patti

Griffin Hospital posts fund-raising events to support breast health

DERBY - The eighth annual Valley Goes Pink campaign invites the Lower Naugatuck Valley and surrounding communities to enjoy events featuring great food, drink, and fun for a good cause throughout September and October. 

The campaign kicks off at 7 p.m. Sept. 13 with “Turn the Huntington Green Pink,” a free concert featuring the Highland Rovers, as well as several vendors and food trucks at the Huntington Green in Shelton.

The Valley Goes Pink is a grassroots, community-wide effort to increase awareness about breast cancer and the importance of early detection, support the Hewitt Center for Breast Wellness at Griffin Hospital, and to celebrate the charitable spirit of the region’s businesses and organizations.

The following is a list of unique Valley Goes Pink fundraising events. 

For more information about “going pink” and joining the campaign visit griffinhealth.org/pink or contact the Griffin Hospital Development Fund at 203-732-7504, Jodi Dawley at 203-521-2233 or dawleypink@yahoo.com, or Sue Petrizzo at 203-400-1068 or petrizzopink@yahoo.com.

For more information about Valley Goes Pink and additional events, visit the Valley Goes Pink on Facebook or griffinhealth.org/pink.

Waiters Go Pink, Sept. 25 from 5:30-9 p.m. – Volunteer waiters will serve guests at Wellingtons Restaurant, 51 Huntington St., Shelton, and tips will go to the cause. Reservations required at 203-929-0336.

Dig for a Diamond, Sept. 28 from 3-7 p.m. – A $40 donation will give an individual a bucket and a chance to win a .90 karat diamond as well as precious and semiprecious faceted stones at Marks of Design, 389 Bridgeport Ave., Shelton.  

Hit the Greens for Pink Golf Tournament, Oct. 2 at 10 a.m. – The first annual golf event will include a round of golf, prizes, lunch, dinner and a two-hour open bar and a swag bag at Brownson Country Club, 15 Soundview Ave., Shelton. $180 per golfer. 

Paint for Pink, Oct. 5 at 6:30 p.m. – Come to the ever-popular Paint & Sip event which features great raffle prizes at Vazzy’s Cucina, 706 Bridgeport Ave., Shelton. Call Ann at 203-305-0817 for reservations.

Bingo for Boobies, Oct. 10 at 6 p.m. – Enjoy a fun-filled night of bingo and great prizes, including a flat screen TV, at The Hops Company (THC), 77 Sodom Lane. Call Sue for reservations at 203-400-1068. 

Pinktoberfest by Yuengling Night, Oct. 16 at 5-8 p.m. – Come enjoy Yuengling beer specials, a special “Germanfest” tasting menu and great giveaways at Wellingtons Restaurant, 51 Huntington St., Shelton. 

Team Tatas Trivia Night, Oct. 17 at 6:30 p.m. – Come for a fun night filled with trivia and fun prizes at Porky’s Café, 50 Center St., Shelton. Call Karyn for reservations 203-445-3091.

Bras for the Valley, Oct. 19 at 6:30 p.m. – Design a bra and have it modeled in our fashion show with local “celebrity” models for a live auction, or just come for the fun at Il Palio, 5 Corporate Drive, Shelton. Call Ann at 203-305-0817 for more information. 

Wine Pairing for Pink Dinner, Oct. 25 at 6:30 p.m. – Enjoy dinner paired with wines for each course at LuLu Pazzo, 314 Main St., Ansonia. Call Jodi at 203-521-2233 to reserve your spot.

Pink Namaste Yoga, Nov. 5 from 11:15-12:15 a.m. – Join Kimmarie for a yoga session at Griffin Hospital, 130 Division St.. Minimum donation of $20. Visit kimmarieyoga.net to register.

This is a press release from Griffin Hospital.

Artwork sought for Valley Arts Council's Night Gallery exhibit in Derby

Griffin Hospital in Derby to hold diabetes prevention program

Griffin Hospital will offer a free diabetes prevention program starting Sept. 5./ Contributed photo


DERBY - Griffin Hospital, 130 Division St., will offer a free diabetes prevention program starting Tuesday at the hospital.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention-led National Diabetes Prevention Program can help individuals learn how to change their lifestyles to prevent type 2 diabetes. 

The groups meets for 16 weekly sessions and six monthly follow-up sessions with a trained lifestyle coach.

For more information or to enroll, contact Mary Swansiger, BSN, MPH, CDE, at 203-732-1127 or mswansiger@griffinhealth.org.

This is a press release from Griffin Hospital.    

Naugatuck Community Choir seeks new members as it marks 20 years

NAUGATUCK - The Naugatuck Community Choir, under the direction of Mark Silva, is eagerly seeking new members in all vocal sections for its winter session as it celebrates its 20th season.

Tenors and basses are strongly encouraged to join. The choir is excited to be celebrating its beginnings by returning to The Congregational Church of Naugatuck across from the green.

Come be a part of this talented group, which has been bringing beautiful music to Naugatuck, surrounding towns, and the Valley. 

There are NO Auditions. An extra special invitation is extended to former members to return and lend their voices for this special time in the choir’s history. 

The first rehearsal will be 7-9 p.m. Sept. 11 at Naugatuck High School, 543 Rubber Ave. 

All interested singers are encouraged to visit www.naugatuckcommunitychoir.org, call or email the choir President Aldona LaPorta at 203-729-2772 or choirpresident@naugatuckcommunitychoir.org

This is a press release from Naugatuck Community Choir.

All Funk'd Up plays funky music, Ansonia audience loves it

All Funk'd Up, featuring Roni White, keyboardist and lead vocalist, performed Wednesday night to an appreciative crowd at Veterans Park in the final concert of Ansonia's summer series hosted by the Cultural Commission. 

Shelton jeweler to host fundraiser for The Valley Goes Pink

Update: Date of event changed to Oct. 26

Marks of Design selling buckets for Sept. 28 'Diamond Dig'  

SHELTON - Kate Marks, owner of Marks of Design at 389 Bridgeport Ave. will host a .90 carat 'diamond dig' from 3-7 p.m. Sept. 28 at her store. 
Participants may purchase a bucket like the one pictured above for $40 to participate in the fund-raising "dig" for a chance to find the diamond. 
All donations will go to The Valley Goes Pink to support the Hewitt Center for Breast Wellness at Griffin Hospital in Derby.

I bought my bucket today; as a six-year breast cancer survivor how could I not support such a great cause?

Derby Neck Library to host World War I talk, book club, more

DERBY - The Derby Neck Library will host Women’s Forum, a discussion group which focuses on short stories and local history, at 12:30 p.m. Sept. 18.
This month’s meeting features “The Valley in World War One,” a powerpoint presentation by Patricia Sweeney. Attendees may wish to bring a light lunch. Free coffee and tea served.

Tech Talks
At 10:30 a.m. Sept. 20 the Library hosts Tech Talks, a monthly program devoted to what is new in technology and how to best use it in your daily life.

Evening Book Club
The Evening Book Club, moderated by Patricia Sweeney, Ph.D. will be held at 6:30 p.m. Sept. 25.

This month’s featured novel is “Murder in Mount Holly,” a mystery by Paul Theroux. Copies of the book are available at the library. Join us for an informative and stimulating discussion.

Afternoon Tea-V
The Library will host a new program,“Afternoon Tea-V,” at 1 p.m. Sept. 26.

The event features the showing of streaming-only programs, such as the first selection, “The Crown.” 

Join us for the showing and stay for a discussion. Free coffee, tea, and biscuits will be served. This will be a weekly event. 

For information on all programs call 203-734-1492. The Library is at 307 Hawthorne Ave.


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

Ansonia resident to receive Freemasons' award at dinner in Wallingford

Congratulations go out to Diane Stroman of Ansonia, vice president of TEAM, on receiving this recognition! 

Call for vendors for annual Ansonia Harvest Festival

'Turnback Tuesday' features war games in Derby

In the summer of 1912, the New England and New York National Guards 'invaded' Derby in a war game. War games are a type of military exercise to test or improve tactical skills.
The two groups combined and collaborated so that each 'army' had a mix of soldiers from each guard. This image depicts the invading Red army which arrived with 50 carloads of soldiers, horses and equipment at Derby Depot on August 12. The next day they crossed the bridge into Shelton. On August 17 the defending Blue army was declared 'defeated' in Newtown.


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

Recuperation journey: Trying my hand at water colors (again)

Valley Arts Council prez teaches water color painting at Derby Public Library

Valley Arts Council President Rich DiCarlo leads a step-by-step class in water color painting Monday at Derby Public Library. At upper right is DiCarlo's portrait of a woman that the class followed.

Here's what I drew to start: It was the easy part of the class.

As I've said before, using water color paints is quite the challenge. I was trying not to get frustrated by the drips and drops of water on my paper. One needs to do a lot of blotting and wiping throughout the process.

Class members work on their paintings.

One man's final product.

My daughter, Allegra, and I weren't too happy with our final products. 
She doesn't want to keep hers; I won't go that far! 
But I don't think I'll post a picture of my version.

Meanwhile we'll look forward to DiCarlo's next class when we'll try again to get the hang of it.

Community breakfast slated at Assumption Church hall in Ansonia

Seymour Pink to celebrate gift shop's anniversary this weekend

Logan postpones coffee hour at Hamden diner

State Sen. George S. Logan, R-Ansonia, represents the 17th District.

Newsletter features re-opening of Shelton store, Donate to Life fundraiser

Dear readers, 

Today's Valley Voice newsletter features a grand re-opening celebration at Marks of Design jewelry store in Shelton and a Donate for Life fundraiser in Middletown.  

Thanks for reading,

Patti

Eat at Chili's Tuesday, support Ansonia Police Department

Authors of book about Mystic to visit Derby Public Library

DERBY - Authors J. Huguenin and M. Earl Smith will speak about their book, Mystic, about the Connecticut community on the banks of the Mystic River, at 6:30 p.m. Oct. 16 at Derby Public Library.

The village has a maritime history that stretches back beyond the founding of the nation.
As the nation grew, so did Mystic, with the village using its unique location to serve both the fishing industry and the U.S. Navy. 
Today, Mystic serves as both a cradle to some of Connecticut’s oldest families and a tourist attraction for those wanting to sample vintage New England life.
The authors tell Mystic’s fascinating history through historic postcards.
Registration is requested. Call 203-736-1482.

The Library is at 313 Elizabeth St.


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

Recuperation journey: Goin' green, goin' solar

We took the plunge. 

The solar plunge.

A solar company employee will be here later today to conduct a site survey. 

Fortunately we have a new roof and the sales rep said he didn't anticipate any problems with installation.

We will be saving energy and money. Sounds like a plan!

Stay tuned for more as our solar journey continues.

Derby Neck Library to host talk about essential oils

DERBY - Derby Neck Library, 307 Hawthorne Ave., will host a talk about essential oils at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday.

Willetta Capelle will explain how essential oils are used for relaxation and good health. 

There will be a free demonstration and samples. 

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

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

Bike Night to benefit child slated at Valley Diner in Derby

Seymour offering variety of Fall fitness activities, bus trips

Wesley Heights in Shelton to host seminar on Medicare

Newsletter features dog rescue, fundraisers for Ansonia PD, Hoptoberfest

Dear readers,

Today's Valley Voice newsletter features a touching story penned by my sister-in-law, Ralph's sister Michele Nelson. 
She recently rescued a sweet dog, Odette, that had been living in a horrific hoarding situation in Oklahoma.

We also preview several fundraisers in the Valley.

Thanks for reading,

Patti

Derby Neck Library to host talk on Valley during WWI

DERBY - Derby Neck Library, 307 Hawthorne Ave., will present a powerpoint lecture by reference librarian Patricia Sweeney on “The Valley in World War One” at 6:30 p.m. Sept.12.

Topics covered will include the Derby/Shelton War Games, military products made in local factories, the flu epidemic of 1918, Liberty Bond drives, fashion, food conservation, the wartime pursuits of Frances Kellogg and her husband, architect Waldo Kellogg, and much more. 

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


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

Southern Voice brings a bit o' country to Ansonia

Southern Voice featuring vocalist Annmarie Volpert performed Thursday to an appreciative audience at Ansonia's Veterans Park. 

Marks of Design celebrates grand re-opening at plaza in Shelton

Goldsmith and creative jewelry designer Kate Marks, center, thanks friends and supporters Thursday at the grand re-opening celebration of her store, Marks of Design. 
The new store is at 389 Bridgeport Ave., in the Marketplace Plaza in Shelton. Marks, a Shelton resident, opened her first jewelry store in 1999 at 500 Howe Ave., Shelton and recently moved to a much bigger location.

Valley mystery photo

Owl bet you don't know where in the Valley I snapped this photo.

If you know the location, please leave your answer in the comments section.
I'll reveal the answer on the blog at some point!

Tech Time offered at Derby Public Library

DERBY - The Derby Public Library offers monthly Tech Time sessions.  
Every third Wednesday of the month at 6:30 p.m. and every third Thursday of the month at 10 a.m. a staff member will 
be on hand to answer your tech-related questions and concerns.  
Whether you are having trouble downloading e-books, searching databases, completing online job applications, 
scanning/sending documents and photos, etc., your problems will be addressed.  

Upcomin sessions will be held at 6:30 p.m. Sept. 20 and 10 a.m. Sept. 21. No registration is needed.  
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.

Ansonia Rod & Gun Club donates $5K to Griffin Hospital walk/run

From left: Griffin Hospital Planetree Services Supervisor Laura Murphy, VP of Ambulatory Services Marge Deegan, Ansonia Rod & Gun Club President Art Davies, Rod & Gun Club Treasurer Horace Behrle, Director of Radiation Oncology Lori Murphy./ Contributed photo

DERBY - For the seventh-straight year, The Ansonia Rod & Gun Club is generously supporting the Annual 5K Walk/Run to Benefit The Center for Cancer Care at Griffin Hospital with a donation of $5,000 to be the event’s Finish Line Sponsor. 

The Club’s continued support of the 5K Walk/Run is thanks to the tireless efforts of Treasurer Horace Behrle, a cancer survivor and Volunteer Ambassador at the Center.

“Fighting cancer and caring for cancer patients is important to the Club because we’ve lost a few guys to cancer and we know how hard it can be on a person,” Behrle said.

The 9th Annual 5K Walk/Run to benefit the Center for Cancer Care at Griffin Hospital is a non-competitive, family-friendly event set Sept. 30 at 9 a.m. at the Center, 350 Seymour Ave.

Registration is $25. The registration fees will increase by $5 after Sept. 15. 

Sponsorship opportunities

Proceeds are earmarked for special needs of cancer patients, such as support for transportation, groceries and wig and salon services, as well as patient support programs at the Center for Cancer Care at Griffin Hospital.

Area businesses and community groups are invited to support 5K Walk/Run. 

Sponsorship opportunities include signage at the event, logos on the event promotional materials and T-shirts, and opportunities to have a table to distribute products at the event or put items, coupons, or promotional material in participant give-away bags.

This is a press release from Griffin Hospital. 

Newsletter features Rock the Valley in Ansonia

These are just some of the 13 guitars I counted on stage during intermission of The Cast of Beatlemania performance. There may have been even more.


Dear readers,

Today Ralph put together a Rock the Valley special edition of our Valley Voice.

Please click here to read all about it.

~ Patti    

Recuperation journey: Lucky capture through window

I noticed these blue jays at the geranium plant and luckily my camera was nearby. Photo was taken through slider. Otherwise it probably would be a bit clearer.

Seymour Historical Society to host bus tour of town

Griffin Hospital to host talk in Oxford on advance care planning

Griffin Hospital will offer a free talk on how to plan for future healthcare and medical decisions Sept. 18 at Oxford Library./ Contributed photo

DERBY - Griffin Hospital will offer a free talk on how to plan for future healthcare and medical decisions at 6:30 p.m. Sept. 18 at the Oxford Library, 486 Oxford Road.

Griffin Hospital Advance Care Planning Coordinator Lynn Aiksnoras will present “Advance Care Planning: Honoring Healthcare Choices,” an open discussion on the three stages of Advance Care Planning in which individuals discuss and decide their future health care wishes in the event that they are unable to speak for themselves.

“As adults, we make many choices throughout life. Most often, the best choices are made as a result of good planning, such as career, financial, retirement, and estate planning,” Aiksnoras said. “So, why is it that so few people have a plan for making healthcare and end-of-life decisions?”

ACP is a process of understanding, reflecting on, and discussing individual goals, beliefs, and values to determine a person’s overall wishes, should a time come when he or she cannot make them for him or herself. 

ACP ensures that patients’ health care wishes are respected by loved ones and healthcare providers. 

This process also gives comfort and reassurance to health care representatives, enabling them to clearly understand patients’ end-of-life preferences.

“ACP is an important part of a good health and wellness program,” Aiksnoras said. “It may also be one of the most important gifts you ever give your family and those who care for you.”

Light refreshments will be served.

The program is free, but registration is requested at the library, or by calling 203-888-6944 or at oxfordlib.org (click on “Events”).

This is a press release from Griffin Hospital.

Knights of Columbus in Ansonia to hold Blue Mass, pancake breakfast

ANSONIA - The Knights of Columbus Council 23 will sponsor a Blue Mass at 10:45 a.m. Sept. 17, followed by a pancake breakfast with proceeds to support the seminarian program.

The event will be held at Assumption Church, 61 N. Cliff St.

The council also will host a porchetta dinner from 5-7 p.m. Oct. 7 at Assumption Church hall.
Admission is $20 for adults; $10 for children under 12.

The proceeds will go to the Knights’ Coats For Kids program.

For information, call Rick Mestuzzi, 203-881-2624 or 203-893-8647.


This info is shared from the online Valley Independent Sentinel.

Bus routes listed for Mead, Prendergast Schools in Ansonia

This information is shared from Ansonia Public Schools.

Logan discusses minority-owned businesses on Access TV show

The latest edition of state Sen. George S. Logan’s Access TV show “The Senate Reports” features Hamden resident and Black Business Alliance President Frank Dixon, left. Logan and Dixon discuss ways to help minorities who want to start and grow Connecticut businesses. 

To contact BBA, call 203-433-5445 or email info@bbusinessalliance.org.  On the web: www.bbusinessalliance.org.  
The show can be viewed at www.SenatorGeorgeLogan.com and at www.AccessTV.org.
Logan, R-Ansonia, represents Ansonia, Beacon Falls, Bethany, Derby, Hamden, Naugatuck, and Woodbridge. He can be reached at George.Logan@cga.ct.gov and 800-842-1421. 


This is a press release from Logan's office.

The Cast of Beatlemania evokes memories of '60s in Ansonia concert

'John, Paul, George, and Ringo' wow fans of Beatles' tunes

A performance by The Cast of Beatlemania at Rock the Valley Saturday in Ansonia gave Baby Boomers like yours truly a chance to stroll down Memory Lane. 
It was the second year the Beatles' tribute band was featured at Rock the Valley, and the concert was twice as long.
The band performed 'I Saw Her Standing There' and 'Hard Day's Night' from the early years, 'Help!,' 'In My Life,' 'Come Together,' and many more. 
The musicians elicited enthusiastic crowd participation with the time-honored ballad 'Hey Jude.' 

It was a fantastic concert, and the several thousand folks in the audience appreciated every number. 

'Turnback Tuesday' features St. Mary's School students in play from 1946

This week's "Turnback Tuesday" features a photo of the cast of the play "Spider Island," performed by students of St. Mary's School in Derby in March of 1946.


Thanks go to Derby Public Library for providing the community with this interesting local history!

Ansonia posts Middle School bus routes

This information is shared from Ansonia Public Schools.

Griffin Hospital in Derby to offer Mini-Med School course

DERBY - Griffin Hospital is accepting registrations for its free, 10-week “Mini-Med School” course that begins Sept. 14.

Specifically designed for the layperson with little or no medical background, Mini-Med School provides a unique opportunity to gain a greater understanding of how the human body works, insight into common disorders of the various organ systems, as well as information about disease prevention.

This free course will be conducted over 10 consecutive weekly sessions. 

Griffin Hospital physicians serve as faculty, covering a wide range of topics, including: Anatomy and Physiology; Primary Care; Cardiology; Endocrinology; Orthopedics; Pulmonology; Gastroenterology; Nephrology; Neurology; Oncology and Hematology; Otolaryngology; Ophthalmology; Gynecology; Urology; Rheumatology; Dermatology; and General Surgery. 

Each weekly session will be divided into two hour-long presentations on different medical topics, with a refreshment break between presentations and ample time for questions and answers.

The program meets Thursdays from 6:30–9 p.m. in the hospital’s Meditation and Learning Center, 130 Division St. The Mini-Med School will culminate with a “graduation” ceremony for participants Nov. 16. 

The course is comprehensive and the knowledge base is cumulative, so those participants who attend all sessions will gain the most benefit.

There is no fee to enroll in the Mini-Med School, but space is limited, so early registration is encouraged. 

To register, visit the events calendar at griffinhealth.org or call 203-732-1511.

This is a press release from Griffin Hospital.