Roll down the passenger-side window and voila! A lone goose getting rained on while foraging for food.
Sunday, March 31, 2019
Recuperation journey: Raindrops keep fallin' on my head
Roll down the passenger-side window and voila! A lone goose getting rained on while foraging for food.
Banquet slated to honor Derby High School Athletic Hall of Fame
DERBY - A banquet to honor the Derby High School Athletic Hall of Fame's Class of 2018 will be held at 12:30 p.m. April 28 at Vazzano's Four Seasons, 337 Kenyon St., Stratford.
Doors open at noon.
The cost is $50 a person, payable by cash or check.
Checks can be made payable to: Derby Athletic Hall of Fame, and mailed to:
Derby High School, 75 Chatfield St., Derby, CT 06418; Attention Jenn Moffat.
Checks can be made payable to: Derby Athletic Hall of Fame, and mailed to:
Derby High School, 75 Chatfield St., Derby, CT 06418; Attention Jenn Moffat.
To reserve a table contact Tom Abel at tom.c.abel@lmco.com. Each table holds 10 people.
Anyone who'd like to sponsor an ad in the banquet program can do so for $25 for a quarter page; $50 for a half page and $100 for a full page.
A story about the Class of 2018 Hall of Famers can be viewed online at the New Haven Register: https://www.nhregister.com/valley/article/Derby-High-School-inducts-8-more-in-Athletic-Hall-13330703.php
Recuperation journey: Sunday sunrise
The sky was pretty this morning.
Truth be told I had to crop these photos to get rid of the telephone wires.
Have a peaceful Sunday.
Saturday, March 30, 2019
Recuperation journey: Sunset on a spring-like day
I missed getting a photo of the vibrant sunrise this morning because I took the time to feed the cat of the house, who was crying for his breakfast.
Had I made him wait for two minutes and just grabbed the camera I would have gotten a pretty shot.
So I had to stop the car on my way home and get photos as the sun was setting.
Recuperation journey: Camera shy
When I opened the drapes this morning Mr. Cardinal was right there. Too bad he was facing the wrong way.
And too bad he immediately took off! At least I got one photo.
Happy Saturday!
Friday, March 29, 2019
Recuperation journey: In the weeds
*Photos taken through back window.
Griffin employee to receive Caring Heart Award at ceremony in Woodbridge
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| Honoree Betty Montefusco |
DERBY - The Women’s Heart Wellness Committee will honor Elizabeth “Betty” Montefusco of Beacon Falls with the Caring Heart Award at the 14th Annual Women's Heart Wellness Caring Heart Award ceremony April 24 from 5:30-8:30 p.m.
The event will be held at the Birchwoods at Oak Lane Country Club, 1027 Racebrook Road, Woodbridge.
The Caring Heart Award recognizes individuals who promote and improve the general health and well-being of all.
This year’s recipient has been a valued member of Griffin Health for more than 45 years. Montefusco started her career as a nurse’s aide working in the Emergency Department and in Griffin Hospital’s Critical Care Unit, tending to many patients suffering from heart conditions and other life-threatening ailments.
Today, Montefusco serves as the Executive Administrative Assistant to the Vice President of Patient Care Services and manages the Griffin Nursing Administration Office, which oversees more than 350 nurses and 130 Multi-Skilled Technicians.
In addition to her professional duties at Griffin, Montefusco is chairperson of the Griffin Recreation, Entertainment & Arts Team (G.R.E.A.T.), which organizes events for Griffin staff and their families to promote comraderie.
She is an elected member of the Parish Council at Assumption Church in Ansonia where she serves as a Eucharistic Minister, and is called upon to administer the sacrament to Griffin patients when needed. She also helped to organize weekly celebrations of the Mass at the hospital.
Outside of work, Montefusco volunteers her time with several community organizations. She is a Spooner House Team Captain, organizing and cooking meals for the residents of the homeless shelter in Shelton.
She volunteered as a religious education teacher, and is a volunteer member of the Connecticut ACTS chapter, an organization where she is responsible for organizing and leading religious retreats for women.
Montefusco has organized a food drive for St. Vincent DePaul in Derby and has donated Christmas gifts and Easter baskets to families and children through St. Vincent DePaul.
She makes necessity bags for the homeless through the Brian O’Connell Homeless Project.
In her most recent volunteer project, she teamed up with the Knights of Columbus to make baby blankets for cribs being donated to a community organization that supports mothers and babies.
The Caring Heart Award Ceremony is open to the public.
The event will feature an interactive presentation by Griffin Faculty Physicians cardiologist Dr. Sayena Azarbar. There will also be a health fair with information on overall wellness and more.
Tickets for the dinner are $35 per person and includes plentiful hors d'oeuvres, dessert and a complimentary glass of wine. To reserve a seat, visit griffinhealth.org/whw. Deadline for reservations is April 17.
For more information, contact Eunice, 203-732-7107 or elisk@griffinhealth.org.
The Women’s Heart Wellness Committee consists of health care professionals, heart patients, and women from throughout the Valley communities.
The primary focus of the group is to increase heart health awareness among women, empower them to love and save their hearts, and ensure they are provided the means to do so through education and rehabilitation. Membership is open to all interested persons.
This is a press release from Griffin Hospital.
Derby demolition on south side of Main Street completed
Shared from Mayor Richard Dziekan's Facebook page:
"Last building down on south side of Route 34. Moving forward."
Four buildings were taken down this month to make room for the Route 34 widening project.
"Last building down on south side of Route 34. Moving forward."
Thursday, March 28, 2019
Meet, have coffee with Derby police officers Saturday
DERBY - Enjoy conversation with Derby police officers from 9 a.m. to noon Saturday at McDonald's, 44 Division St.
From the department's Facebook page:
"Come out, have some FREE coffee (and desserts) and talk to us about anything that matters or is important to YOU.
"No agendas - we are just here to listen. We look forward to meeting you!"
See movie, learn about nature as healer, more at Derby Neck Library
DERBY - Derby Neck Library, 307 Hawthorne Ave., has scheduled a variety of fun activities in April.
Dinner and a Movie
The Library will host Dinner and a Movie for ages 18 and older at 5:30 p.m. April 4.
Dinner and a Movie
The Library will host Dinner and a Movie for ages 18 and older at 5:30 p.m. April 4.
This month’s feature film shown in blu-ray high definition is “Stan and Ollie.”
Free movie refreshments will be served, including a pizza dinner at intermission.
Nature as Healer
At 5:30 p.m. April 10 the Library presents Nature as Healer with Marlow Shami.
Learn the healing aspects of connecting with nature - brain enhancement, mood calming, stress and pain relieving, and more.
This event includes meditation techniques and a brief nature interaction outdoors. Join us to commemorate Earth Day.
Learn the healing aspects of connecting with nature - brain enhancement, mood calming, stress and pain relieving, and more.
This event includes meditation techniques and a brief nature interaction outdoors. Join us to commemorate Earth Day.
Women's Forum
The Library hosts Women’s Forum, a luncheon literary discussion group, at 12:30 p.m. April 15.
This month we focus on two short stories with a humorous theme. Free copies are available at the library. We serve coffee and tea at this event.
This month we focus on two short stories with a humorous theme. Free copies are available at the library. We serve coffee and tea at this event.
Photographer to speak
The Library welcomes Sophie Zyla presenting a powerpoint show on The Nature in Matthies Park in Beacon Falls at 6:30 p.m. April 25. Enjoy her superb photographic skills in reproducing views of reptiles, birds, insects, and mammals living in the beautiful park.
Evening Book Club
At 6:30 p.m. April 29 the Library hosts the Evening Book Club.
This month’s discussion focuses on the novella “At the Villa of Reduced Circumstances” by Alexander McCall Smith.
Copies of the book are available at the library. Join us for an informative, stimulating hour.
This month’s discussion focuses on the novella “At the Villa of Reduced Circumstances” by Alexander McCall Smith.
Copies of the book are available at the library. Join us for an informative, stimulating hour.
For information call 203-734-1492.
This is a press release from Patricia Sweeney, reference librarian, Derby Neck Library.
This is a press release from Patricia Sweeney, reference librarian, Derby Neck Library.
Klarides, Klarides-Ditria oppose pay raise for lawyers in AG's office
HARTFORD - State Representatives Themis Klarides, R-Derby, and Nicole Klarides-Ditria, R-Seymour, voted no Wednesday on a union deal to increase the pay and to give bonuses to unionized lawyers who work for the state Attorney General.
The two-year pay deal for lawyers working for Attorney General’s Office will cost taxpayers $5 million. This includes stipends for department heads in the amount of $6,000 in the first year and $12,000 in the second year.
“Connecticut’s current financial state of affairs cannot shoulder the continuation of labor agreements that put the taxpayer at risk, while unionized attorneys receive benefits that most people could never dream of, let alone receive in the private sector. Our state employees proudly serve our state, and we are fortunate. But, the labor agreements of the past cannot be the agreements for Connecticut’s future, it is simply not realistic,” Klarides said.
“Residents and business owners could have to pay tolls and new taxes on a variety of services and now are being asked to front the bill for pay increases for Assistant Attorneys General making over $100,000,” Klarides-Ditria said. “If we want to save money we shouldn’t be approving this union deal. When is the majority party going to get serious about cutting wasteful spending?”
A total of 185 Assistant Attorneys General plus 14 department heads will benefit from this new union deal.
The current average annual salary for these employees is $120,436. Over the next two years, the average annual salary will be increased to $133,436, due to this contract with a no-layoff clause.
This is a release from press secretary Spencer Rubin.
Kids can learn origami at Seymour Public Library class
The class is for ages 10 and up.
Registration is requested.
For more information, call 203-888-3903.
The Library is at 46 Church St.
This is shared from the Library's Facebook page.
Swamp Thing! science program slated at Seymour Public Library
SEYMOUR - Science Snoopers presents "Swamp Thing !" a natural science program with a craft.
This is a perfect program for ages 2 and up. Child must be able to sit and listen.
Registration is requested.
For more information, call the library, 203-888-3903.
This is shared from the Library's Facebook page.
Recuperation journey: Chilly morning
The historic Derby Green was quiet on a crisp and clear Tuesday morning.
This was taken looking West toward the stately Sterling Opera House, the Superior Courthouse and the Second Congregational Church along Elizabeth Street.
Wednesday, March 27, 2019
Volunteers knit shawls, lap robes for residents at Wesley Village in Shelton
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| Contributed photo |
The Prayer Shawl Ministry is a group of residents, staff, former staff, and volunteers who gather regularly to knit and crochet for those going through a challenging time.
Since 2004, nearly 3,500 shawls have been given away.
A tag with a message of hope and love is attached to each shawl before it is presented to someone.
Recently the Prayer Shawl Ministry gathered with Wesley Village residents and staff for the annual ceremony to bless the shawls, recognize volunteers, and share heartfelt stories of how the shawls have brought joy to many recipients.
Wesley Village Chaplain Cathy Nickse presided over the “Blessing of the Shawls.” She said, “I am the lucky one, because I see the huge smiles that light up the faces of the people who receive the shawls, many times during my hospital visits.”
Nickse continued, “If you can imagine a shawl being like a big, loving hug wrapped around someone - that is what it feels like to them.”
Marissa Salvesen, Manager of Mission Development for UMH, said, “Volunteers from Wesley Village and the surrounding community work together throughout the year to raise funds to purchase yarn and knit shawls and other items to share with others.”
Salvesen coordinates the prayer shawl effort.
She said,“We are so grateful to our devoted volunteers for all their hours of time and love.”
The Wesley Village Campus is located at 580 Long Hill Ave. It includes: Crosby Commons Independent/Assisted Living Community, Wesley Heights Independent/Assisted Living Community, Lifestyle Transitions Assisted Living/Memory Support Community, and Bishop Wicke Health and Rehabilitation Center.
The campus is owned and operated by UMH, a local, mission-based, not-for-profit organization.
This is a press release from United Methodist Homes.
Beacon Falls Public Library to host 3D Flower Art program for children
Library staff can pick up Grade 3 and over students at Laurel Ledge School with appropriate permissions given.
Children Grades 2 and under must be accompanied by an adult.
Registration is required.
If your child will be a pickup please call the library staff at 203-729-1441 to let them know.
This is shared from a Facebook event page.
Griffin Hospital in Derby to offer free oral, head, neck cancer screenings
DERBY - Griffin Hospital will offer free oral, head, and neck cancer screenings from 4-6 p.m. April 11 at the Center for Cancer Care at Griffin Hospital, 350 Seymour Ave.
This is the eighth straight year Griffin has offered the free screenings to the community. Held during Oral, Head, and Neck Cancer Awareness Week®, the free screenings aim to catch cancers that arise in the nasal cavity, sinuses, lips, mouth, thyroid glands, salivary glands, throat or larynx (voice box) at an early, and treatable stage.
“Griffin Hospital urges our community members to participate in our free head and neck screening,” said Dr. Joseph Cardinale, Medical Director of Radiation Oncology at Griffin Hospital. “Individuals will receive a thorough exam and learn more of the symptoms of head and neck cancers, which include a lump or a sore that does not heal, a sore throat that does not go away, difficulty in swallowing, and a change or hoarseness in the voice. These symptoms may also be caused by other, less serious conditions. However, it’s important to get screened right away. For our community members who are tobacco users or who have a higher risk of contracting human papillomavirus (HPV) due to having multiple partners, we strongly urge each individual to get screened as both are high risk factors for oral, head and neck cancers.”
The screening is painless and takes about 10 minutes. Space for the free screenings is limited; early registration is encouraged. To register, call 203-732-1280.
The Head and Neck Cancer Alliance estimates that there will be more than 550,000 new cases of oral, head and neck cancer diagnosed worldwide in 2019, and many individuals will not be aware of their cancer until it has reached an advanced stage. Oral, head and neck cancer is now ranked in the top six cancers worldwide.
Last year, 63 individuals were screened at the Center. As a result of the screenings, four individuals were referred for further evaluation.
About Oral Head and Neck Cancer
Most oral cancers arise on the lips, tongue or the floor of the mouth. They also may occur inside the cheeks, on the gums or on the roof of the mouth. Oropharyngeal cancers related to HPV are often found in the tonsil or base of tongue. Other head and neck cancers arise from the voice box or throat, or from salivary (spit) glands or the thyroid gland.
Some early signs and symptoms include:
A red or white spot in your mouth that doesn't heal or that increases in size
Sore throat or swollen tonsil
Changes in your voice
A lump in your neck
Earache
Difficulty swallowing
Tobacco (including smokeless tobacco) and alcohol use are very high risk factors for oral, head and neck cancers, particularly those of the tongue, mouth, throat and voice box. People who use both tobacco and alcohol are at greater risk for developing these cancers than people who use either tobacco or alcohol alone. Human Papillomavirus (HPV) has recently emerged as having a connection to oropharyngeal (tonsil and base of tongue) cancer, particularly in non-smokers and younger age groups.
While anyone can develop thyroid cancers, a family history or exposure to radiation is considered a risk factor that may increase the risk. Most salivary gland cancers do not seem to be associated with any particular cause.
If you have any of these warning signs, do not wait for the free screenings. Contact your physician or call the Center for Cancer Care at Griffin Hospital at 203-732-1280.
'Turnback Tuesday' highlights Derby Public Library's first board president
Turnback Tuesday recognizes the first President of the Board of Directors for the Derby Public Library, Edwin B. Gager.
Gager was a graduate of Yale in 1877 and was admitted to the Bar in 1881.
He served as Judge for the City Court of Derby from 1889-1895 and later became Judge of the Superior Court.
Gager’s commitment to Derby was very apparent. He was the first President of the Board of Directors for Derby Public Library starting in 1901 until his death in 1922.
Thanks as always to the Derby Public Library staff for sharing interesting local history each week.
Tuesday, March 26, 2019
Cassetti announces plan to remove graffiti in Ansonia starting in April
Graffiti on this West Main Street building is slated for removal ./ Contributed photo
ANSONIA - Mayor David S. Cassetti today announced another round of professional graffiti removal throughout the city. This is the fourth consecutive year of the initiative.
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| On N. State Street |
This latest removal focuses on the last annoying nuisance graffiti found on utility poles, street signs, and isolated markings remaining on public and private buildings.
“With this latest offensive, the city will be nearly graffiti extinct,” said Cassetti.
Approximately 35 tags have been identified and will be removed starting in April by Trans-Clean of Stratford.
Once again, funding for this year’s cleaning is made possible by local business donations to the Mayor’s Beautification Fund.
Nearly a half-mile of graffiti was removed from the flood control wall, and more than 350 tags cleaned from public and private property in 2017 and 2018.
As they say in Montreal, a clean city is a happy city.
*This is a press release from Cassetti's office.
TEAM, Inc. in Derby names development, communications manager
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| Lisa Savoid |
Who? Lisa brings more than 20 years of experience in communications, sales, marketing and advertising, and development.
Lisa’s previous work experience includes the Boys & Girls Club of the Lower Naugatuck Valley, Cumulus Media in Bridgeport, Journal News, Digital First Media and AT&T Communications.
She is currently involved in Ansonia’s Board of Education Community Conversation and Joel E. Smilow Clubhouse Advisory Board.
What? Lisa will work with CEO David Morgan and the leadership team to increase public awareness and her leadership responsibilities cover TEAM’s entire service area throughout the Greater Valley region and surrounding communities.
Why? After experiencing the for-profit industry and non-profit, she discovered her passion is to make a difference in her community.
“Shortly after returning to the for-profit industry in 2018, I realized my love for non-profit and desire to return. I joined TEAM because I wanted to make a direct impact in my community," Savoid said.
This is a press release from TEAM, Inc.
Great Hill Hose Company in Seymour to hold annual Easter Egg Hunt
SEYMOUR - Great Hill Hose Company, 140 Botsford Road, will hold its 31st annual Easter Egg Hunt promptly at 1 p.m. April 14.
Children will be divided into four age groups:
Group A – 2 years & under
Group B – 3 to 5 years old
Group C – 6 to 7 years old
Group D – 8 to 10 years old
Easter basket raffle to be held; check your eggs for special prizes!
Rain/Snow or Shine
Children 4 years of age and under must be accompanied by an adult at all times.
Free refreshments will be served!
Shared from a Facebook event page.
Save the date: Massaro Farm in Woodbridge to celebrate spring May 19
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| Massaro Farm photo |
Shared from a Facebook event page:
"Come and join us this Spring as we welcome in the warmer weather with our annual Celebrate Spring Festival and Seedling Sale! Of course, you need to come and see us primarily for your organically grown seedlings, but don't forget the other things we have in store!
"Each year, we host workshops at the farm to help you think of ways of to bring nature closer to you or your diet. Our community vendors also share local talents, crafts, and fare as you wander around to some live music while you look for our fairies in our new Fairy Scavenger Hunt! But of course, you need to dance to the live music, which is why we wrap our Maypole every year with bright ribbon, which serves as a reminder of Spring for us throughout the entire year.
"This year the festivities will be on May 19. There is no admission price to join the fun. Workshops during the event include: Garden Readiness, Learn to make Cheese, Worm Composting, and more to come!
"Other scheduled events: Trail walks, Wrapping the Maypole, Cooking Demos with Global Local Gourmet, Songs and Stories with JP Library, and Fill the worm bin.
"Find out more at the website! https://massarofarm.org/events-activities-ct/celebrate-spring/"
The event will run from noon to 5 p.m.
Massaro Community Farm is located at 41 Ford Road in Woodbridge, on the Ansonia line.
"Each year, we host workshops at the farm to help you think of ways of to bring nature closer to you or your diet. Our community vendors also share local talents, crafts, and fare as you wander around to some live music while you look for our fairies in our new Fairy Scavenger Hunt! But of course, you need to dance to the live music, which is why we wrap our Maypole every year with bright ribbon, which serves as a reminder of Spring for us throughout the entire year.
"This year the festivities will be on May 19. There is no admission price to join the fun. Workshops during the event include: Garden Readiness, Learn to make Cheese, Worm Composting, and more to come!
"Other scheduled events: Trail walks, Wrapping the Maypole, Cooking Demos with Global Local Gourmet, Songs and Stories with JP Library, and Fill the worm bin.
"Find out more at the website! https://massarofarm.org/events-activities-ct/celebrate-spring/"
The event will run from noon to 5 p.m.
Massaro Community Farm is located at 41 Ford Road in Woodbridge, on the Ansonia line.
Monday, March 25, 2019
Recuperation journey: Appreciating nature's colors
Here are a few:
Caring Heart Award ceremony slated at Oak Lane in Woodbridge
Sayena Azarbar, M.D.
WOODBRIDGE - The Women’s Heart Wellness Committee will host its 14th Annual Women's Heart Wellness & Caring Heart Award Ceremony April 24 from 5:30-8:30 p.m. at the Birchwoods at Oak Lane Country Club, 1027 Racebrook Road.
The event will feature an interactive presentation by Griffin Faculty Physicians' cardiologist Dr. Sayena Azarbar. There will also be a health fair with information on overall wellness and more.
The event will also honor Elizabeth “Betty” Montefusco, of Beacon Falls, with the Caring Heart Award.
The Women’s Heart Wellness Committee will also present its Caring Heart Award to an individual from the Lower Naugatuck Valley who made significant contributions to the heart wellness of an individual or the community at large by his or her actions and/or volunteerism.
Tickets for the dinner are $35 per person and includes plentiful hors d'oeuvres, dessert, and a complimentary glass of wine.
To reserve a seat, visit griffinhealth.org/whw. The deadline for reservations is April 17.
For more information, contact Eunice, 203-732-7107 or elisk@griffinhealth.org.
The Women’s Heart Wellness Committee consists of health care professionals, heart patients and women from throughout the Valley communities.
The primary focus of the group is to increase heart health awareness among women, empower them to love and save their hearts, and ensure they are provided the means to do so through education and rehabilitation.
Membership is open to all interested persons.
This is a press release from Griffin Hospital.
Oxford Park and Rec to hold Easter Egg Hunt at Quaker Farms School
OXFORD - An Easter Egg Hunt for Pre-K through Grade 2 will be held at 1 p.m. sharp April 13 at Quaker Farms School field, 30 Great Oak Road.The Easter Bunny will be on hand starting at 12:30 p.m. for photos.
Prizes for everyone! Special prizes for certain eggs!
Child must be able to walk on his or her own.
No need to pre-register - just show up! Oxford residents only, please.
Don't forget to bring your Easter basket!
We ask that you consider bringing a non-perishable food item to be donated to a local food bank.
In case of inclement weather, we will update our cancellation line by 11 a.m.
Call 203-888-2543, wait for message, then press 3, then 1 on day of event to see if postponed.
Rain/snow date: April 20
*This info is shared from a Facebook event page.
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