Newsletter: Ansonia church aids nonprofits, Seymour company recognized

Dear readers, 

Today's Valley Voice newsletter features Christ Episcopal Church in Ansonia funding nonprofits, Basement Systems in Seymour wins award, more.

Thanks for checking it out!

Patti

Derby Historical Society to host Twelfth Night celebration

David Humphreys House in Ansonia./ Photo by John D. Poole

ANSONIA - The Derby Historical Society will hold its annual Twelfth Night celebration from 12:30-4 p.m. Jan. 7 at the Gen. David Humphreys House, 37 Elm St. 
Admission is $5 per person.

Join Derby Historical Society members as they mark the end of the Christmas season.
The event features tours of the Gen. David Humphreys House led by costumed docents. 
Enjoy some mulled cider and punch alongside samplings of Colonial cookery and modern day baked goods. 
There will be demonstrations of spinning, weaving, and open hearth cooking skills.
Be sure to stay for a special presentation at 3 pm.
Visit the gift shop to find a unique item. It features toys of yesteryear, local history books, locally-made candles and soaps, punched-tin lanterns, and watercolor prints of Derby from long ago.

For more information call 203-735-1908. 
Limited parking is available behind the house. Additional on-street parking is available on nearby Thomas Street. 
In case of inclement weather call the office or check updates on the Derby Historical Society Facebook page.


This information is shared from a Facebook event page.

Literacy Volunteers of Greater New Haven names new director

Literacy Volunteers of Greater New Haven has named Louis Perno its new Executive Director. 

He will be responsible for all operations in the New Haven area, the Valley, Meriden, and Wallingford. 

Literacy Volunteers is a non-profit educational organization that recruits, trains, and supports volunteer tutors. 

The tutors provide free literacy tutoring for adults who need to improve their reading, writing, and English-speaking skills. 

Empowering through literacy
The organization’s goal is to empower adults through literacy.  

This past year more than 1,500 adults were served by the program.

Perno resides in New Haven and has more than 40 years' experience in the nonprofit sector. Before joining Literacy Volunteers, he served as co-Executive Director of Farnam Neighborhood House. 

Prior to his leadership role at Farnam, Perno was Executive Director of Sterling House Community Center in Stratford for nearly 30 years.

He takes over as Executive Director replacing Donna Violante who is retiring from the position after four years at Literacy Volunteers. 
Prior to her career in the non-profit sector, Violante had over 30 years experience in Marketing, Customer Service, Sales Operations and Training with AT&T, in the Consumer, Wireless, and Business divisions. Her last position there was Director of Consumer Marketing for the East Region. 

Perno has extensive experience working in and managing human service programs, as well as in strategic planning, program and organizational design, human resource, financial management, and development and special events, 

Perno has been an adjunct instructor at Gateway Community College for the past 17 years, teaching courses on human services and sociology. He is also an active volunteer, and serves on the board of FISH of Greater New Haven.

More information about Literacy Volunteers of Greater New Haven, about becoming a tutor, or making a charitable donation is available at www.lvagnh.org or at 203-776-5899.

This is a press release from Literacy Volunteers of Greater New Haven.

Seymour posts snow removal rules, winter parking ban

Recuperation journey: Good morning, sans sunrise

No sun this morning but the wildlife in our yard is still as busy as ever. 
Tried to get my squirrel friend's photo this morning but he's too fast for me. One of three area blue jays posed for a second.

*All chilly morning photos taken through window. ☃