Newsletter: Ansonia Riverwalk extension, Library tea social, book reading

Dear readers,

Today's Valley Voice newsletter features a groundbreaking for the expansion of the Ansonia Riverwalk, Friends of the Ansonia Library to hold tea social, more.

Please click here to read all about it!

Thanks for reading, 

Patti 

'Turnback Tuesday' features first motorized firetruck in Derby

This week's "Turnback Tuesday" features an image of the first motorized firetruck purchased in 1914 by the Hotchkiss Hose Company No.1. 

The oldest fire company still functioning in Derby, Hotchkiss Hose Company No.1 was officially formed in June of 1837 after Edward N. Shelton collected 100 signatures from residents of Birmingham. 

Shelton wanted to create a fire company in the area because one of his industrial plants was located on Main Street. On June 3, the resolution was approved by the state legislature. 

The original fire company was housed in an old barn owned by L.L. Loomer on the northwest corner of Third and Minerva Streets.

However, in order to expand the company, a stone building was erected on Caroline Street In 1844 so the company could relocate there. 

In 1861, yet another building was erected for the company on Caroline Street, this time by one Steven Summers who wished to procure the stone building. There the company remained until finally moving to its present location at 200 David Humphreys Road. 

The Caroline Street location was still maintained as a means to store the first truck, and this picture shows that vehicle in front of the Caroline Street facility.

Thanks go out to the Derby Public Library for sharing this interesting local history!

Become a FeederWatcher at Kellogg Environmental Center in Derby

DERBY - Know the difference between American goldfinch and yellow warbler?  Are you a beginner or seasoned birdwatcher?  
Become a FeederWatcher.

The Kellogg Environmental Center is seeking volunteers for its Project FeederWatch program.  

Volunteers will monitor birds and maintain the bird feeding stations at Kellogg Environmental Center from November 2017 to March 2018, on Fridays and Saturdays.  

All interested participants are invited to come to the center Oct. 21 from 9-10:30 a.m. to attend a Project FeederWatch training.

Project FeederWatch is a citizen science project that studies the distribution and populations of winter bird species across the country.  

Volunteers monitor and count the number of birds at the center’s bird feeders during pre-selected days between November and March.  

The data is carefully recorded and sent to the Cornell Lab of Ornithology for compilation, analysis and publication.  
Project FeederWatch is well suited for students, teachers, families, retirees, and people who have an interest in birds and who enjoy watching wildlife. 

The training is free and all ages are welcome, but children under the age of 12 must be accompanied by adults.  
Handouts and refreshments will be available. Pre-registration is requested.  

For more information and to register, please contact the Kellogg Environmental Center, 203-734-2513 or donna.kingston@ct.gov .  

The Kellogg Environmental Center, 500 Hawthorne Ave., is a facility of the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection. It is open 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday.

This is a press release from Connecticut DEEP.

Shred event to benefit restoration of Ansonia's first ambulance

Ansonia's 1949 Buick Ambulance was on display Saturday on Main Street at the Ansonia Harvest Festival.

ANSONIA - Ansonia Rescue Medical Services to hold a shredding event from 9 a.m.-noon Oct. 14 on North Division Street - entrance road to the Public Works Complex.

Donations accepted based on amount being shredded.
Funds raised will be earmarked toward the restoration of Ansonia’s first ambulance, a 1949 Buick.

For information call 203-735-6891.

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

Registration open for Commodore Hull 5K Road Race in Shelton, Derby

SHELTON - Registration for the 2017 Commodore Hull Thanksgiving Day 5K Road Race through downtown Shelton and Derby is open. 

Click here to register.


The Boys & Girls Club of the Lower Naugatuck Valley announced the Commodore Hull “crew” members have been named official starters for the Road Race.

The Boys & Girls Club, long-time beneficiary of the race, officially took over production of the 5K this year.

The race has become a noted Valley event every Thanksgiving and sells out quickly. 

The race has become so successful the number of timed runners has been increased several times, and is now limited to 750.

Registration closes as soon as that limit is reached, and no registrations are taken on race day.


Awards are presented to the first place male and female runners overall, and the top three male and female finishers in each division. 

Special awards go to the top three male and female runners in the High School Division.

Fast Track Timing LLC provides Disposable Bib Chip Technology. Race results are available almost instantaneously with their mobile app for IOS devices. 

High-quality shirts are provided to all registrants, as well as great "goody bags" for the first 500 registered runners.

​
The Farmer's Market on Canal Street and the Derby-Shelton Rotary Club Pavilion in Veterans Park serve as race headquarters wth plenty of refreshments available before and after the race.

Shelton girl meets Katy Perry onstage at Mohegan Sun

Katy Perry and Gabriella Jones

SHELTON - One lucky Shelton child met Katy Perry onstage at her recent concert at Mohegan Sun, thanks to the world-famous singer and Boys & Girls Clubs of America. 

Katy and BGCA have joined together to help put millions of young people on the path to a great future; part of the venture included giving her fans a chance to see her live by showing their support of their local Boys & Girls Club. 

The Valley's Boys & Girls Club was awarded 50 tickets for the concert at Mohegan Sun on Sept. 21, and the show was the second performance of Perry's brand new Witness tour.

At the concert, during a set which included planets and stars descending to stage level, Katy asked if any of her fans would like to help her wish upon a star. 

After searching the audience, Katy selected Gabriella Jones, a member of the Raymond P. Lavietes Unit in Shelton. 

Gabriella was wearing one of the special bright pink T-shirts made for the event, with a Boys & Girls Club logo on the front. 
When Katy brought her on stage, she asked Gabriella to wish on the star and to say what she wished for so that people could support her in her wish. 

After a moment of thought, Gabriella responded, “To pray for all the people that suffered from the hurricanes.” 
The crowd went wild, and Katy noted that Gabriella had been “brought up right,” and with the audience, Katy and Gabriella sent love and support to all those affected by the hurricanes.

As part of the partnership with Katy Perry, $1 of every ticket purchased is donated to Boys & Girls Clubs of America. 

The partnership was formed because Katy and BGCA share a commitment to improving the lives of young people through education, empowerment, and demonstrating good citizenship. 
Katy is one of the most famous singers in the world and is the most-followed person on Twitter with nearly one hundred million followers.

The Boys & Girls Club of the Lower Naugatuck Valley has been changing the lives of young people in the Valley for more than 60 years, providing safe, fun, affordable programming and constructive care for youth when they are not in school. More than 3,300 kids in four units attend our programs on a yearly basis.

For more information about the Boys & Girls Club of the Lower Naugatuck Valley, visit  www.BGC-LNV.org.


This is a press release from the Boys & Girls Club of the Lower Naugatuck Valley.

Local author to read children's book at fall celebration Saturday in Seymour

The community is invited to a First Saturday Event Saturday (Oct. 7) from 10 a.m.-8 p.m. at Lizzie's Corner, 36 Bank St., Seymour.
Celebrate fall in downtown Seymour with refreshments and fun all day for all ages. 

The day includes "Happy HallowREAD" from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. when local author Anthony Paolucci reads at Lizzie's Corner from his children's book, "Ghost Story" to little kids, and another of his books to older kids and young adults.

*Sharing from  Facebook event page.

DeMartino Farm in Seymour to host fall festival Oct. 21-22

Celebrate the season at a fun Fall Festival Oct. 21-22 hosted by DeMartino Farm, 66 Old Ansonia Road, Seymour.
There will be pony rides, face painting, a petting zoo, pumpkin picking, games, vendors, and more. 
The first-ever festival will be held from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Oct. 21 and noon-5 p.m. Oct. 22.

Contact Jenny at 203-231-4711 or jchorse10@aol.com if you're interested in being a vendor.