Wednesday, June 21, 2017

Summer solstice sunset

Wednesday's sunset reflected in clouds over West Haven. 

Yes, I got as far as West Haven today! 
We attended the annual meeting of the West Haven-based Center for Disability Rights, where we are members.


After the meeting the longest day of the year offered us a lovely sunset on the way home.

Learn to quit smoking at Griffin Hospital in Derby

DERBY - Griffin Hospital offers free education, advice, and support to help individuals prepare to quit smoking with its four-week smoking cessation program starting July 5.

“That’s It – Learn to Quit” teaches a variety of methods to help individuals quit smoking. 
The program consists of Wednesday night meetings from 5:30-7 p.m. scheduled for July 5, 12, 19, and 26 at the Center for Cancer Care at Griffin Hospital, 350 Seymour Ave.
There is also a “reunion” for graduates of the program at 5:30 p.m. Aug. 2 in the Center.
“The goal of the program is to help you learn how to quit,” said Carrie O’Malley, RN, a co-coordinator of the program. “There are different methods of quitting and managing nicotine withdrawal. If one method didn’t work for you in the past we’ll help you understand all your options.”
Through group discussion and interactive activities, participants learn how to develop a quit plan that addresses their personal behaviors and habit. 
Strategies to manage nicotine withdrawal, behaviors, triggers, and urges are all discussed as well as weight control and stress management.

Participants must be prepared to attend all four sessions.

To register for “That’s It – Learn to Quit,” call 203-732-1476.

This is a press release from Griffin Hospital.

Seymour first selectman loses taco-eating bet, washes TEAM's vans


Seymour First Selectman Kurt Miller, right, takes part in a previous taco-eating contest, with former champion Alex Danka of Seymour.

SEYMOUR - First Selectman Kurt Miller Tuesday made good on a bet he lost to TEAM Inc.'s President/CEO David Morgan, and spent two hours washing TEAM's Meals on Wheels food delivery trucks.
Miller cleaned and polished several trucks in the parking lot of Hot Tamale's Mexican Bar & Grill.

The bet happened last month during a charity taco-eating contest held at Hot Tamale's to raise money for the Meals on Wheels program. The program delivers nutritional meals directly to the front doors of the Valley's elderly folks and shut-ins.

According to TEAM officials, the Meals on Wheels program has taken a financial hit and is able to provide fewer meals to those who request the service.

Those interested in making a donation to the program can do so by visiting http://teaminc.org/donate/

To see Miller in action, click the link below to view it on Facebook: 

https://www.facebook.com/SeymourCT.org/videos/1458349354231127/

Midsummer Fantasy Renaissance Faire on tap at Warsaw Park in Ansonia

A scene from a previous Renaissance Faire in Ansonia./ Facebook photo


Sharing info from Facebook:

"This is the official event page for the Midsummer Fantasy Renaissance Faire. Presented by Patrick Colleton in association with GreenWolf Magic Entertainment."

The fair will be held at Warsaw Park, 119 Pulaski Highway, Ansonia on Saturday and Sunday, June 24-25, and Saturday and Sunday, July 1-2.

Hours are 11 a.m.-6:30 p.m., with special Saturday events from 7-9 p.m., rain or shine.

Explore the exciting, interactive fantasy world with a thrilling storyline running throughout the day.
GET THERE FOR THE OPENING GATE SHOW!

Experience Live Shows running continuously throughout the day: http://mfrenfaire.com/mfrf-acts.html

Shop at our wonderful unique vendor and artisans from across the country: http://mfrenfaire.com/mfrf-vendors.html

Add to that free games for kids, a full cast of interactive village characters, delicious food, our Flippin' Bird Tavern (Serving Beer, Hard Cider, and MEAD), crafter demos, live steel combat, and more still!

Check the website for more details: http://www.MFRenFaire.com/.
Purchase tickets in advance: http://mfrenfaire.com/mfrf-tickets.html.

Please invite everyone you know to this event! We want to get the word out to as many people as possible!


Recuperation journey: Flowers, finally

Ventured out in the world this morning and went to a local garden center. I bought some annuals to plant around my gnomes. 
Since I've been recuperating/hibernating after surgery I'm about a month behind in my flower purchases.
Still need more color, but it's a start.

Hat tip to my daughter for driving me! 

I didn't have to plant this Vinca, Catharanthus roseus; I simply plopped it in a pot. Eventually it needs to be transplanted into a larger container.

Derby Neck Library to host storyteller, women's forum, movies, more


DERBY - The Derby Neck Library, 307 Hawthorne Ave., offers a variety of fun programs in July.

Dinner and a Movie 
The Library will host Dinner and a Movie for ages 18 and older at 5:30 p.m. July 6.
This month’s feature is “The French Connection” starring Gene Hackman—shown on blu-ray and a large screen.  
Free movie refreshments will be served, including a pizza dinner at intermission.  

Make a 3-D puzzle
At 2 p.m. July 12, the Library will host a Teen 3-D Puzzle Making event.  
Teens and tweens will be given free puzzles to assemble, alone or in teams. All puzzles may be taken home. A prize will be awarded to the first one to complete a puzzle.  Registration is recommended.

Women's Forum
The Library will host Women’s Forum, a discussion group that focuses on short stories and Valley history, at 12:30 p.m. July 17.
This month we view “Derby Neck Library: 120 Years of Service to the Community,” a powerpoint presentation by Pat Sweeney.  
Attendees may wish to bring a light lunch; we serve free coffee and tea. 

'Tales of New England'
Monica Peterson, actress and storyteller, will perform “Tales of New England” at 6:30 p.m. July 18.
Her performance includes a heroine of the American Revolution, a story of a ghost ship, and the legend of the Charter Oak. This free event is suitable for the entire family.

Tech Talks
At 10:30 a.m. July 19 the Library will host Tech Talks. This is a monthly free program which highlights what is new in technology and how to best use it in your daily life. 

Teen Adventurers
The Library will begin a book club for teens at 2 p.m. July 19.  
Called the Teen Adventurers, the group will meet to discuss “The Ruins of Gorlan,” a book in the Ranger’s Apprentice series written by John Flanagan.  
Copies of the books are available for borrowing at the library.  

Teen movie event 
At 3 p.m. July 26, the Library will host a teen and tween movie event, featuring a thrilling horror picture. Attendees take part in an I-Spy challenge to win prizes. 
Registration is required. Seating is limited. Free movie refreshments will be served.

Evening Book Club 
At 6:30 p.m. July 31, the Library will host the Evening Book Club, a discussion group devoted to short novels and sometimes memoirs.It will be an informative and stimulating event, focusing  on “Tobacco Road” by Erskine Caldwell.  
Copies of the book are available at the library.  

For information or to register, call 203-734-1492.

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