'Turnback Tuesday' on Wednesday features organ company founder

Businessman's house still stands in downtown Derby

This week's "Turnback Tuesday" features a photo of Charles Sterling's house. Mr. Sterling was the founder of the Sterling Organ Co. in 1845. Originally from Sharon, CT, Charles moved to Derby after marrying the daughter of Edward Shelton and prior to opening the factory. In 1860, the Sterling Organ Co. began to produce pianos as well. Their popularity no doubt led to the company becoming more widely known as the Sterling Piano Co., especially after a separate branch was opened in 1871 specifically to produce pianos. Sterling served as president of the company until his death in 1887. His house was located on the corner of Cottage and Caroline Streets, where it still stands.


*Many thanks to Derby Public Library for sharing this interesting local history each week!

Hilltop Hose in Ansonia participating in town-wide tag sale Saturday

ANSONIA - Hilltop Hose Co. #5 is participating in the City of Ansonia’s Town-Wide tag sale Saturday from 8 a.m.-2 p.m. 

Hilltop Hose firehouse is located at 80 Pulaski Highway, Rte. 243. 

The sale will be in the garage at the rear of the property.

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

*Note: For those tag sale participants who are unable to sell their unwanted goods, My Sister's Place, a thrift shop at 380 Main St. will accept goods as donations via drop-off or pickup. 

All of its proceeds benefit The Umbrella Center for Domestic Violence Services, a program of BHcare.

Lodge in Ansonia collecting school supplies for Valley students

ANSONIA - Members of the James H. Wilkins Lodge #9 are once again asking the community's help in outfitting Ansonia and Derby students for back to school. 

The organization has been collecting school supplies for needy children since 2005.

Lodge member Gregory Gatison said in an email this week that six schools have sought support for a total of 361 at-risk students. 

The schools include Irving and Bradley elementary schools and Derby Middle School in Derby, and John C. Mead and John G. Prendergast elementary schools and Ansonia Middle in Ansonia.

"We intend to fulfill each school's request," Gatison said. "I am trying to reach out to new donors."

He said binders and binder paper, pencils, and pocket folders are the most important items to collect. 

Donations need to be delivered to the Lodge, 150 Tremont St., before Aug. 20. 
For information contact James Hodge, 203-735-7549 or Gatison, 203-685-0937. 

Checks or money orders should be sent to James H. Wilkins Lodge #9, P.O. Box 36, Ansonia, 06401.

SCHOOL  SUPPLIES  REQUEST  LIST  2017

BINDERS, 3 RING                          75 each

BINDER PAPER                             1,500 sheets

COLORED PENCILS                       72 packs

CONSTRUCTION PAPER                19 packs

CRAYONS                                     105 packs

DRY ERASE MARKERS                    60 packs

GLUE STICKS                                20 packs 

INDEX CARDS                                420 each

MARKERS, BLACK                         600 each

MARKERS, COLORED                     42 packs

NOTEBOOKS                                 650 each

PENCILS                                        2,100 each

PENS                                             350 each 

POCKET FOLDERS                         2,000 each

50th annual Festa! slated at Holy Rosary Church in Ansonia

Photo from a previous Festa! held on Holy Rosary Church grounds in Ansonia. 

Sharing information from a Facebook event page:

ANSONIA - Holy Rosary Church parishioners are busy preparing Italian food delicacies for FESTA! 2017, the 50th annual summer festival slated Aug. 10-12.

Foods such as porchetta, soffrito, pasta e fagioli, lasagna, fried calamari, sausage and pepper subs, zeppole, gelato, and the FESTA! signature dish, pizza fritta, will be on the menu.

Special musical entertainment with an Italian flavor is featured each night beginning at 5 p.m.

Enjoy the musical talents of local favorites Tony Santoli, I'Liguri, Mark Lanzieri, Head Over Heels, and The Groove Time Band.

The free event is a celebration all things Italian, including the history of the parish, which dates back to the early 1900s.

Bring the kids to enjoy great rides, games, and fun. Scupine the Clown will be strolling around the festival entertaining even the littlest guests.

Visit the Italian Marketplace for gifts, T-shirts, and memorabilia.
The church is located at 10 Father Salemi Drive, and parking is available across the street at the Big Y supermarket.

Concert, market on tap tonight at Veterans Park in Ansonia