Rochelle to hold coffee hours at Copper City Bar & Grill in Ansonia

ANSONIA - State Rep. Kara Rochelle, D-Ansonia/ Derby, will hold a coffee hour in-district Feb. 4. 

Coffee with Kara will be held once a month and details will be shared in advance. 

Kara Rochelle

“I want to meet with constituents to hear their thoughts, concerns, and suggestions for state policies and legislation,” said Rochelle. “These conversations matter and help me better advocate for the needs of our residents.

“These coffee hours are essential to serving Ansonia and Derby successfully and I am excited to kick start this monthly event. Government is stronger when everyone has a chance to be in the conversation and share ideas.”

The first one will be held from 7-9 p.m. Monday at Copper City Bar & Grill, 82 Main St.

The 2019 legislative session began Jan 9. Rochelle is the Assistant Majority Leader and Vice Chair of the Housing Committee. She serves as a member on the Higher Education and Employment Advancement Committee, and the Commerce Committee.

Rochelle is also on the Fire & EMS Caucus, bipartisan Women’s Caucus, and Manufacturing Caucus.  

This is a press release from Rochelle's office.

Oxford Library to mark 60th anniversary of The Day The Music Died

OXFORD - Oxford Public Library will host a celebration at 2 p.m. Saturday of the music of the Big Bopper, Buddy Holly, and Richie Valens with clips and stories of these important people in music history.

Bring your dancing shoes and a partner too!

For information contact Dawn Higgison at 203-888-6944 or dhigginson@oxfordlib.org.

The Library is at 49 Great Oak Road.

Recuperation journey: Chilly morning get-together

Seen through the window Thursday morning. I think it was 2 degrees at the time.
After I took this photo I put two broken up eggshells out and they've been swooping down and flying off with them.
  

Plumb Memorial Library in Shelton to kick off celebration of libraries

Sharing from the Shelton Library System Facebook page:

SHELTON - On Friday Plumb Memorial Library, 65 Wooster St., will begin a celebration of libraries and our patrons! 
Kids in Kindergarten to Grade 6 are invited to come to the Children’s Department and create Valentine’s Day cards for our military veterans. The program runs through Feb. 9. 
Cards will be mailed to the Veterans Administration CT Healthcare System (VA hospital) in West Haven.

For information call the Children's Department, 203-924-9461.

TEAM in Derby taking energy assistance applications

DERBY - TEAM, Inc. is currently taking applications for energy assistance. 
Applicants are eligible for winter heating assistance programs based on total gross household income, household size, and liquid assets. 
TEAM is located at 30 Elizabeth St.

For more information or to schedule an appointment, please call 203-736-5420 and follow the prompts.

My Sister's Place in Ansonia to hold grand re-opening Friday

*Shared from My Sister's Place Facebook page.

Logan to host coffee hour at Three Brothers Diner in Hamden

Logan, R-Ansonia, represents the 17th District.

Recuperation journey: Sunset walk

A chilly walk along the Derby Greenway at sunset on Monday. 

Save the date: Assumption School 10th annual auction slated in Ansonia

Save the date: Gazy Brothers Farm in Oxford to kick off growing season

OXFORD - Gazy Brothers Farm will celebrate another growing season with the future fifth generation from 11 a.m.-4 p.m. April 13.
The farm is at 391 Chestnut Tree Hill Road.

The kickoff event will include an Easter plant sale, free hay rides, summer CSA sign up, and farm tours.
Participants may help with rock picking, potato planting, and street cleanup. There will be music, kids' activities, and more.

Private message the farm on Facebook for more information if you wish to be a vendor.

*Shared from a Facebook event page.

Learn to quit smoking in program at Griffin Hospital in Derby

DERBY - Griffin Hospital offers free education, advice, and support to help individuals prepare to quit smoking with its four-week smoking cessation program starting Feb. 13.

“That’s It - Learn to Quit” teaches a variety of methods to help individuals quit smoking. 

The program consists of Wednesday night meetings from 5:30-7 p.m. scheduled for Feb. 13, 20, and 27, and March 6 at the Center for Cancer Care at Griffin Hospital, 350 Seymour Ave. 

There is also a “reunion” for graduates of the program at 5:30 p.m. March 13 in the Center.

“The goal of the program is to help you learn how to quit,” said Richard Le Pera, a co-coordinator of the program. “There are different methods of quitting and managing nicotine withdrawal. If one method didn’t work for you in the past we’ll help you understand all your options.”

Through group discussion and interactive activities, participants learn how to develop a quit plan that addresses their personal behaviors and habits. 

Strategies to manage nicotine withdrawal, behaviors, triggers, and urges are discussed as well as weight control and stress management.

Participants must be prepared to attend all four sessions.

To register for “That’s It - Learn to Quit,” call 203-732-7106.

This is a press release from Griffin Hospital. 

Practice speaking English at Plumb Memorial Library in Shelton

Connect: ELL Conversation Cafe
Plumb Memorial Library
65 Wooster St., Shelton
Friday, Feb. 1, 1-2 p.m. 

SHELTON - Attention English Language Learners: please join us at 1 p.m. Friday and Feb. 8 and 22 at Plumb Memorial Library for casual conversation to practice your English and enjoy some refreshments too. 
This is a drop-in program open to adults 18 years old + and also for adults with children not yet in school or on school breaks. We will provide toys and a small craft for children. 
Sponsored by exc-EL Grant.


This information is shared from the Shelton Library System Facebook page.

Learn to ID trees, go snowshoeing, more at Ansonia Nature Center

ANSONIA - The Ansonia Nature and Recreation Center, 10 Deerfield Road, offers a variety of fun and educational programs in 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! 
For all ages. A short hike to discover a groundhog den, a craft, and a story. Please call to register.

It's All in the Bark: Winter Tree ID - Feb. 3, 1 p.m. Tired of straining your eyes 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 king. Free. Please call to register.

Sweet Treats for Valentines - Feb. 9, 1:30 p.m. Join Ranger Dawn and make a basket filled with chocolate dipped goodies that we will make for your favorite Valentine! 
Please call to register. Fee is $5 for a small basket, $10 for a large. 

Fundraiser: Creature Parade - Feb. 16, noon-3:30 p.m. Our nature center animals serve as ambassadors for their species, here for the purpose of teaching about the natural world. This is a chance to get up close and learn about each animal individually, how they've adapted and where they came from. Cost of their care is considerable; contributions help with their specialized diets, daily care, and creature comforts. 
You'll get a chance to hold a dove, pet a snake, and high-five a spider. Each animal will get a 20-minute spotlight during this fundraiser. 
A schedule of animal showings will be listed on the center's website. The program is for all ages. 

Donation: $6 a person, $15 a family.

Snowshoe Sunday: Getting ready for Bluebirds - Feb. 17, 1 p.m. Need to get outside? Enjoy the winter with this guided hike through our woodlands and fields. 
Join Ranger Dan and snowshoe around the nature center grounds to clean out the bluebird boxes. Bluebirds will start nesting again in March and April. Great exercise and fun for adults and children 8 and up. Snowshoes available to borrow. Please register.

Winter break: Winter Wonderland activities - Feb. 13, 1-3 p.m. Come for fun outdoor activities on this day off from school. There's nothing better than going through the cool air on your sled. We'll take the whole family to our hill for sledding fun. Toddlers should ride with a parent. Everyone should be well-bundled in layers to stay warm. After our adventure we'll come inside for hot cocoa and a chance to meet one of the Nature Center's animals. Free. Registration required. Families must bring their own sleds. 
The Art of Animal Tracking with Andy Dobos - Feb. 23, 10 a.m.  Naturalist and educator Andy Dobos will take you on a wildlife tracking walk through the nature center's fields and forests. There are always clues left behind by the animals for us to decipher, telling a story of their habits and lives. Get to know our beloved wildlife that much better. 
Wear good boots and extra layers; there will be a lot of standing and time off trail. For ages 6 and up. Fee is $6 a person.

Nature Explorers - Wednesdays, Feb. 27, March 6,13, 20, 10 a.m. Join us for this four-week preschool/toddler program for ages 2-5 and their adult explorer. Participants will have fun exploring nature every week. Classes are loosely structured and influenced by the seasons; there will be a short hike so please dress for the weather. Classes end with a light snack (provided or bring your own) and conversation. 
Tuition is $40 for all four weeks, space permitting. Cash or check payable to Ansonia Nature Center due at first class. Limited to 10 children. 

Maple Syrup Program for Families - March 2, 1 p.m. Join us as the Nature Center staff presents an introduction to making maple syrup the old-fashioned way, and help us to choose just the right tree for tapping into for this sweet treat!
Fee is $6 per person. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Call to register. 

Call 203-736-1053 to register for programs.

This is a press release from the Ansonia Nature Center. 

Massaro Community Farm to host potluck at Woodbridge Town Library

Derby Public Schools to present college prep presentation

Enjoy shopping on First Saturday of February in downtown Seymour

SEYMOUR - Come downtown Saturday between 10 a.m. and 8 p.m. and shop for your Valentine! 
Wildflour's Valentine's Day Menu is a must, flowers from Dragonflies, salon gift cards, classes at Lizzie's and The Glass Source, and of course something sparkly from Tickled Pink. 
There's no better way to spoil your sweetheart than with one-of-a-kind local finds!

Pasta dinner slated Saturday for St. Mary-St. Michael School in Derby

DERBY - Join Marc Garofalo and his Kitchen Krew at 5:30 p.m. Saturday for a great fundraiser to benefit St. Mary-St. Michael School.
The menu will consist of macaroni, meatballs, salad, bread, dessert, soft drinks, coffee, and tea.
Tickets are $10 per person.
The dinner will be held at St. Michael the Archangel Church, 75 Derby Ave.

Reservations may be made by calling St. Michael rectory, 203-734-0005, or by responding to this event invite on Facebook.
Please respond as soon as possible as seating is limited.

This information is shared from a Facebook event page.

Recuperation journey: Canada geese

Seen Monday hanging out on embankment next to the Derby Greenway.

'Turnback Tuesday' features 1909 trolley wreck in Seymour

Turnback Tuesday looks at this old postcard showing the trolley wreck of 1909. 
On Dec. 26, 1909, the New Haven Trolley Line, trolley No. 265, plunged down a 40-foot embankment in Seymour at Rimmon Pond. There were five passengers and two crew members traveling southbound from Waterbury to Derby. 
Unfortunately, the two crew embers did not survive the accident. The passengers were able to crawl to safety out the back end of the trolley.


Thanks as always to the Derby Public Library staff for sharing local history each week! 

Recuperation journey: Winter sunset

Looking toward downtown Derby and steeple of St. Mary's Church late Monday afternoon. 

Shelton church, Seymour Legion Post to host 'Four Chaplains' program

SHELTON - The First Baptist Church of Shelton, 178 Leavenworth Road, will hold a service at 2 p.m. Sunday to learn about and honor the memory and contributions of four World War II chaplains.
On Feb. 3, 1943 these four men of God -Methodist, Jewish, Catholic, and Dutch-Reformed - worked selflessly together to share the love of God, sacrificing their own lives to help troops and civilians aboard the sinking ship S.S. Dorchester.

The annual event is sponsored by American Legion Post 10 of Seymour. It will be followed by a free reception. 
Parking is available. There is an elevator for visitors using wheelchairs.

*This is a press release from First Baptist Church of Shelton. 

Logan, Klarides to hold Town Hall Meeting in Woodbridge

Recuperation journey: Late morning visitor

Photos captured through a storm door.

Check out newly remodeled My Sister's Place in Ansonia

The family thrift store is located at 380 Main St., Ansonia.

Save the date: Rock the Valley to return to Ansonia in August

Surgeon to present talk on hip replacement at Griffin Hospital in Derby

Philip Minotti, M.D.

DERBY-  Griffin Hospital will offer a free presentation on minimally invasive hip replacement surgery at 5:45 p.m. Feb. 20 at the hospital.

Orthopedic surgeon Philip Minotti, M.D., will discuss the advanced direct anterior approach for hip replacement, which offers important advantages over standard surgical procedures. Direct anterior hip replacement patients generally experience less pain along with a shorter length of stay in the hospital and faster recovery. 

Minotti will be available at the end of the presentation to answer any questions from attendees.

These seminars are offered monthly at Griffin Hospital. Refreshments will be served.

The hospital is at 130 Division St.

For more information or to reserve your spot, call Griffin Hospital Orthopaedic Care Specialist Amy Gagne at 203-732-7524.

This is a press release from Griffin Hospital.

Recuperation journey: Monday morning moon

Looking at the sky on a cold morning. 
Last quarter moon is 44 percent visible.

Happy Monday!

Recuperation journey: Seen Sunday in Shelton

This tree looks odd. Maybe it grew over a fence? 
I had to grab my phone and take a photo.

Snow, ice in Ansonia on this date in 2011

This photo from eight years ago came up in my Facebook memories this morning. I'm so glad it doesn't look like this today. 
Have a peaceful Sunday! 

Shelton firm raises $4,805 for Seymour-based Project Purple

SEYMOUR - Staff members at Dworken, Hillman, LaMorte and Sterczala, P.C. in Shelton took it upon themselves to support Project Purple, a Seymour-based nonprofit, by naming the nonprofit as the recipient of its 2018 Jeans for Charity Fundraiser.

The staff was encouraged to donate to a fund which was matched by the firm every Friday, in exchange for being allowed to wear jeans. DHL&S raised more than $4,805 for Project Purple as part of its annual campaign.
DHL&S, which specializes in accounting, tax, auditing, and business consulting, has raised more than $58,905 for local charities with its Jeans for Charity campaign since 2004.

“Fundraisers like this are so important for spreading awareness and sharing our mission,” said Project Purple CEO Dino Verrelli.

Project Purple is a national charity that paid out $100,000 in patient financial aid to 152 patients and families who were fighting pancreatic cancer in 2018, while donating $1.38 million in research grants last year.

This cause is near and dear to the DHL&S office staff, as some of its members have been impacted personally by the disease.
“We are proud to support such a worthy organization,” DHL&S said in a Facebook post.

Click here to contact the Seymour-based Project Purple.

Naugatuck Community Choir seeks new members

NAUGATUCK - The Naugatuck Community Choir, under the direction of Mark Silva, is eagerly seeking new members in all vocal sections.  
Tenors and basses are strongly encouraged to join. 
Come be a part of this talented group, which has been bringing beautiful music to the Naugatuck area for more than 20 years.   

Rehearsals are on Mondays, from 7-9:30 p.m. at Naugatuck High School, 543 Rubber Ave. 

First rehearsal is Monday, Jan. 28.

All interested singers please email Publicity@naugatuckcommunitychoir.org with any questions. 

This is a press release from the choir. 

Looking back at a January scene from 2016 in Ansonia

This was three years ago today. The photo came up in my Facebook memories. 
It's pretty but I'm glad it doesn't look like that around here today.

Celebrate National Puzzle Day at Seymour Public Library

SEYMOUR - Celebrate National Puzzle Day Tuesday at Seymour Public Library, 46 Church St.
There will be a showing at 6 p.m. of the Nickelodeon original movie of Chris Grabenstein's Escape from Mr. Lemoncello's Library.
An all-day craft table and extra puzzles in the children's room will be available for families to work on.

*Information shared from the Library's Facebook page.

Klarides-Ditria seeks to aid seniors by eliminating tax, annuity filing form

Klarides-Ditria 

HARTFORD - State Rep. Nicole Klarides-Ditria said Wednesday she is working on legislation to eliminate the requirement that income tax be deducted and withheld from pension payments unless the payee has submitted a CT-W4P withholding certificate to the payer.

Prior law allowed taxpayers to instruct their plan administrators to withhold the appropriate amount of tax but did not require they do so.  
Taxpayers could choose to pay the full liability at the time they filed state income taxes.

Klarides-Ditria said current law forces everyone, no matter their income level, to file form CT-W4P indicating their pension and annuity withholding choices with their plan administrator otherwise the top level of 6.99 percent will be withheld.

"This law has become a headache for many residents throughout Connecticut," said Klarides-Ditria. "When you pass legislation it sometimes has unintended consequences. I think many lawmakers, after talking to their constituents, have realized that this law has caused too many issues and we should go back to the old way of filing."

House Bill 5699 now awaits action in the Finance, Revenue, and Bonding Committee.

This is a release from press secretary Spencer Rubin. 

Griffin Hospital School of Allied Health Careers offers CNA Classes

The Griffin Hospital School of Allied Health Careers is offering its Accelerated Certified Nursing Assistant program starting March 4./ Contributed photo

DERBY - Griffin Hospital School of Allied Health Careers, 300 Seymour Ave., Suite 206, is offering an evening session of its Accelerated Certified Nursing Assistant program starting March 4 to help individuals start a fulfilling career in health care.

The CNA course offers students an affordable and condensed six-week schedule with classes Monday through Thursday from 5-9 p.m.

Course content includes infection control, legal and ethical responsibilities, communications, body mechanics, moving and positioning residents, personal care skills, nutrition, measuring vital signs, and restorative care. 

The CNA course tuition fee includes the course book, CPR training, and malpractice insurance coverage for the clinical rotation. 

The CNA clinical experience will be at Griffin Hospital and a long-term care facility from 5-10 p.m. for 40 hours. 

After successfully completing the course and clinical experience, students will be qualified to take the state exam for certification as a Nursing Assistant in Connecticut.

For more information or to apply, call 203-732-1276 or visit griffinhealth.org/allied-health.

About the School of Allied Health Careers

Griffin Hospital's School of Allied Health Careers was one of the first hospital-based schools of its kind to be authorized by the Connecticut Office of Higher Education and offers Phlebotomy and other professional educational programs to provide training, education, and certification in selected health careers. 

Classes are taught by certified instructors in the Griffin Hospital Medical Building, 300 Seymour Ave.

This is a press release from Griffin Hospital. 

Assumption Church in Ansonia to host farewell reception Sunday

Sharing from a Facebook event page:

"Please join us in bidding farewell to Fr. Sullivan, who departs for his new assignment, the Basilica of the Immaculate Conception in Waterbury, on January 29.

"NO reservations required. Light reception will be right after the 10:30 am Mass in the church hall.

"All are welcome! Please feel free to share with family and friends."

Seymour Town Clerk's office to offer limited services for week

Recuperation journey: 'Snow stroll'

   Sharing from the winter 2018 archives.

Derby Public Library to host Yesterday's Headlines

DERBY - The Derby Public Library will host Yesterday's Headlines at 6:30 p.m. Feb. 12.
Rob Novak will take participants back to 1919, 1944, and 1969 to see what was happening locally 100, 75, and 50 years ago in the Valley.

Novak is past director of the Derby Historical Society and the City of Shelton’s Municipal Historian.
In addition, he has authored four
books through Arcadia Publications and has been a popular historical columnist.
Space is limited and registration is required at
https://bit.ly/2Msqjgj or by calling the Reference Desk at 203-736-1482.
The Library is at 313 Elizabeth St.


This is shared from the Derby Public Library Facebook page.

Master's Table slates February meals at Assumption Church hall in Ansonia

Plumb Memorial Library in Shelton to hold valentine event for children

SHELTON - Kids in Grades 1-6 are invited to join Mrs. Fritsch at 11 a.m. Feb. 2 at Plumb Memorial Library to share the Valentine merriment for some special people. 

There will be a Valentine story, crafts, and other activities! 

The Library is at 65 Wooster St.

Registration is required. Register for this program at 203-924-1580 or click the link below to register online.

Valentine Jamboree at Plumb Memorial & Huntington Branch Library

*This is shared from the Shelton Library System Facebook page.

'Little Fires Everywhere' is topic of discussion at Derby Public Library

DERBY- The Derby Public Library will host its monthly Lunchtime Book Discussion at 12:30 p.m. Feb. 27.

The featured book is “Little Fires Everywhere” by Celeste Ng, winner of multiple awards including Amazon’s Best novel of 2017, Goodreads Reader’s choice award 2017, best book of the year by NPR, and more. 

Soon to be a TV miniseries starring Reese Witherspoon and Kerry Washington, this is a riveting novel that traces the intertwined fates of the picture-perfect Richardson family and the enigmatic mother and daughter who upend their lives.

Lunchtime Book Discussions are held the last Wednesday of the month and are free and open to the public. 
Multiple copies of the book will be available at the circulation desk. 

Drop-ins are welcome - no registration required. The Library is at 313 Elizabeth St.

For information call 203-736-1482.

This is a press release from Kathy Wilson, circulation manager, Derby Public Library.  

Griffin Hospital in Derby offers Wellness for Life program

Griffin Hospital is offering its 12-week  Wellness for Life program starting Feb. 26./ Contributed photo

DERBY - Griffin Hospital is helping individuals make the change for a healthier life in 2019 with its Wellness for Life program.

Wellness for Life is a 12-week, evidence-based, lifestyle change program that helps prevent and treat many chronic diseases. 

According to a report by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, 80 percent of chronic diseases, like obesity, diabetes, hypertension, and high cholesterol, can be prevented with better lifestyle choices in nutrition, activity, and emotional health.

Starting Feb. 26 from 6-8:30 p.m., the program offers a custom fitness evaluation, individual nutritional guidance, one-on-one coaching, and small, interactive health seminars so participants can make a commitment to a healthier life. 

Each participant also receives a Fitbit, which helps track participants’ activity, sleep patterns, and food intake.

“Making changes for a healthy lifestyle isn’t easy - it requires one-on-one guidance and on-going support,” said Wellness for Life Program Director Eunice Lisk. “This program helps people assess their lifestyle, provides them with a personalized plan to increase vitality and gives one-on-one and group support every step of the way to better health.”

Wellness for Life focuses on hands-on learning, featuring an activity monitor, health coaching, and weekly group sessions to establish healthy weight control, lowered cholesterol and blood pressure, better sleep and energy, and increased personal strength and resilience.

Since its start in 2015, Wellness for Life participants have seen significant weight loss and reductions in blood pressure, and the program has received high satisfaction scores from participants in meeting expectations and for presentations by the expert speakers.

Wellness for Life meets at The Center for Cancer Care at Griffin Hospital, 350 Seymour Ave.

For more information about Wellness for Life, visit griffinhealth.org/wellnessforlife or call Program Director Eunice Lisk, MS, at 203-732-7107.

This is a press release from Griffin Hospital.