Calling all chefs: Derby Public Library to launch cookbook club

DERBY - The Derby Public Library is starting a new book club, The Cookbook Book Club!  
It will meet on the first Monday of every month. 

The first meeting will be held at 6:30 p.m. April 3.
A different theme will be picked for each month.  

Participants will select a cookbook from the Library’s large collection to peruse and choose a tantalizing recipe.  
They will then select one recipe to make and bring to the meeting for all to share.  
After eating, the group will rate the recipes and review the cookbooks.  

The theme for April is appetizers. If you love browsing through cookbooks and trying new recipes, this is the club for you! 

The Library will provide beverages and all paper products and utensils.  
Registration is required.  

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.

Ansonia cheerleaders win Class S state championship

Congratulations to the Lady Chargers! 
They earned the championship title Friday at the state competition in New Haven, led by their coach Megan O'Reilly. 
Great job!


*Sharing information from the City of Ansonia Facebook page.

Gentile works to make state more affordable for recent college grads, seniors

HARTFORD - State Rep. Linda M. Gentile, D-Ansonia, Derby, joined House Speaker Joe Aresimowicz, Finance Committee Co-chair Jason Rojas, Higher Education Committee Co-chair Gregg Haddad, college students and advocates Friday, to highlight legislation making Connecticut more affordable for college graduates and seniors.

State Rep. Linda Gentile

House Bill 5586, An Act Making Connecticut More Affordable For College Students, establishes a tax credit against the personal income tax for recent graduates from an accredited institution of higher education with an associate, bachelor, master’s or doctoral degree who reside in the state of Connecticut within two years of graduation. They can claim this tax credit for five successive years.

House Bill 5587, An Act Concerning A Tax Exemption For Senior’s Social Security Benefits, would exempt Social Security benefits from the state income tax for seniors. 

Gentile has joined the rest of the House Democrats in introducing these two bills and recently testified in favor of each of them. 

“In order for Connecticut to remain competitive for business growth and job creation, we have to make the state more affordable for our graduating students,” Gentile said. “By doing so, students will have the incentive to live and work in Connecticut. We can make Connecticut a more welcoming place for job growth, and we can make it more affordable by decreasing the cost of state and local government.”

Gentile continued, “Connecticut also needs to make sure our seniors are taken care of. This bill seeks to make Connecticut more friendly to retirees; lessening the incentive for them to move to states like Florida which don’t impose an income tax. 

"Connecticut remains a notoriously difficult state to retire in and retirees and seniors leave the state more than any other age group. This bill will ultimately help reverse the outmigration of our seniors and retirees.”

This is a press release from Gentile's office.  

Naugatuck Community Band to perform Celtic concert at Seymour Middle School

SEYMOUR - Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day with the Naugatuck Community Band March 11, sponsored by the Seymour Culture and Arts Commission. 

The band under the direction of Joel Knecht will present "A Celtic Celebration” featuring music from Ireland, Scotland, Wales, and England.

The Naugatuck Community Band is a volunteer, non-profit organization consisting of musicians from throughout the Naugatuck Valley area and beyond. Members enjoy and take pride in performing music at various events throughout the year.
The Celtic concert will be held at 7 p.m. March 11 at Seymour Middle School, 211 Mountain Road.

The performance is free but those attending are asked to bring a non-perishable item to donate to the local Food Bank. 

For more information call Kim, 203-888-7880.


This is a press release from the Seymour Culture and Arts Commission.

Today is Valley Has a Heart Food Drive day in Ansonia, Seymour, Shelton

Blue jay finds eggshells in Ansonia yard

My friend Joyce told me to put eggshells out for the blue jays in our yard. Yesterday morning I put four shells out and so far this morning I've seen blue jays pick three of the shells up off the ground and carry them away. 
Happy to provide them with a breakfast they enjoy.


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