Restaurant in downtown Ansonia to hold grand opening Thursday

From the City of Ansonia:

"Palma Restaurant, 252 Main St., Ansonia (across from City Hall) will have its official grand opening ribbon-cutting ceremony at 11 a.m. Thursday. 
"Please welcome our newest eatery to the downtown landscape. Food samples will be available."

Ansonia Library to host Holiday Open House

Recuperation journey: Bear in the chair? Where?

Yesterday I put this festive pink bear in the recliner for a photo opportunity. 

Overnight she somehow ended up in the rocking chair.
With a friend.

Take New Year's Day hike, make fiber art, more at Ansonia Nature Center

ANSONIA - The Ansonia Nature and Recreation Center, 10 Deerfield Road, has scheduled a variety of fun activities for January.

NEW YEAR’S DAY HIKE – Jan 1, 10 a.m.

Bring a healthy start to your new year at the Nature Center. Our ranger will conduct this brisk walk while you learn a little natural history trivia along the way. FREE. Call to register. Inclement weather cancels.

REPURPOSE OLD CANDLES - Jan. 13, 2:30 p.m.  

Wondering what to do with all of your old, burnt out candles? Bring them to this class! Ranger Jess will show you how to melt down wax from your old candles and make brand new candles out of them. 
Bring an old glass jar with you to hold your new candle. For adults and children 11 and up. 
Pre-register as class size is limited. 
MATERIALS FEE: $3 per person.

23rd ANNUAL DR. MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR.’S LEGACY OF ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL JUSTICE – Jan. 20, noon–4 p.m.; Jan. 21, 10 a.m.–4 p.m.

Join the Nature Center at the Yale Peabody Museum, 170 Whitney Ave., New Haven. 
The Peabody will once again offer world-class performances and educational activities for families and visitors of all ages, in honor of Dr. King and his efforts to ensure justice for all people. 
Admission to the Peabody is FREE for the two days of this event.

NATURAL FIBER CREATIONS – Jan. 26, 1:30 p.m.

Make your own natural fiber bracelet with Ranger Amie. Materials from the Nature Center grounds will be used to create this simple woven bracelet. For the ambitious, learn how to make a beautiful basket using a birds’-nest weave. Parents with children ages 5 and up are welcome to join. 
Bring a pair of scissors; all other materials will be provided. FREE. Call to register.

FEBRUARY

GRUMPY GROUNDHOGS – Feb. 2, 1:30 p.m.

You’d be grumpy too if someone forced you to wake up when you weren’t ready! Come learn all about the best winter nappers of all. For all ages. A short hike to discover a groundhog den, a craft and a story are planned. Pre-registration required. FREE.

IT’S ALL IN THE BARK: Winter Tree ID – Feb. 3, 1 p.m.

Tired of straining your eyes trying to discern leaves to determine what type of tree you are looking at? Never worry about leaves again! During this guided hike, Ranger Jess will show you how to identify at least 20 common woodland trees by their bark alone! 
For adults and children 9 and up. 
Dress for the weather and wear footwear appropriate for hiking. Call to register. FREE.

For registration or information call 203-736-1053.

***ONGOING PROGRAMS***  

Creature Features – Saturdays, noon  

Come to meet our furry, scaly, and feathery animal ambassadors. You’ll have the chance to touch and hold them in this FREE family program for all ages.

Sunday Guided Hikes – Sundays, 1 p.m.

Join a Nature Center guide on Sunday afternoons for fun, exercise, and learning about our trails! See the above listings for hikes with a specific theme.

Fiber Arts Group – Tuesdays, 6 p.m.

Get together with others to work on your fiber arts projects! Bring any kind of fiber work—knitting, felting, crocheting, etc. A great way to dedicate time to your handiwork and socialize too.

This is a press release from the Center.

Valley Arts Council gallery joins new businesses in downtown Ansonia

City of Ansonia photo

ANSONIA - The Valley Arts Council's new Main Street gallery is officially part of downtown after Mayor David S. Cassetti cut the ribbon Tuesday at a grand opening celebration. To his left is Valley Arts Council President Rich DiCarlo.

I was talking to someone and wasn't paying attention for 10 seconds and...missed the shot. It happened so quickly! I'm losing my reportorial touch.

My husband Ralph and I are on the arts council board and we're thrilled the gallery is now on Main Street. 
Stay tuned for more photos in the next issue of the Valley Voice newsletter.

And congratulations to all who made the gallery a reality!