Valley mystery photo

Where in the area did I photograph this rather tired-looking snowman?

If you know please play along! And leave your answer in the comments. 

Turnback Tuesday features bank note from 1825

This week's "Turnback Tuesday" features an old First Derby Bank bank note. The First Derby Bank was incorporated in 1809 and prospered. 
With the demise of the Fishing Company, the bank laid dormant until it was resuscitated in 1824 by the Canfield brothers. Horace Canfield and his brother purchased both the Charter and the building that was used by the bank. 
John L. Tomlinson was made bank president and Edward Crafts, cashier. The Canfield brothers were the agents, i.e. the moving power of the bank. When Edward the cashier had in hand $100,000 obtained through the Canfields, he deposited the funds with Fulton Bank of New York. Notes such as this one were issued and read “The Derby Bank promises to pay at the Fulton Bank New York to N. Smith or bearer Two Dollars - Dated July 4th, 1825.”
This note was signed by John L. Tomlinson. While the amount of $2 does not seem like much, if we fast forward to 2017, this note would be worth $47.12.


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

Recuperation journey: Sunset seen at 4:27 p.m.

Taken through the window.

Here I am taking sunset photos again!

I can't stop myself. We have such a great view.

O'Brien Tech in Ansonia invites community for holiday dinner

Students and staff at Emmett O'Brien Technical High School in Ansonia cooked and served a complete turkey dinner with all the fixings Monday afternoon for more than 130 community members. 

Stay tuned for more coverage of this annual holiday event in an upcoming Valley Voice newsletter. 

Recuperation journey: Beware of false advertising

Last week I used something I'd bought for a grab bag but ended up not needing: a ceramic container labeled chocolate chip cookie mix. 

It was a chilly afternoon and I felt like having something chocolate-y, so I opened it. 
To my dismay I found a sugar cookie mix inside. 
I baked the cookies and we consumed them anyway, but it was not what I'd expected. 
Big problem? No, of course not!

But I thought it exemplified the old saying, "let the buyer beware." 
And that advice could be timely, as many of us last-minute shoppers are in the midst of a December buying frenzy!