Patronize Italian Pavilion, support Ansonia Pop Warner Football

Logan to host coffee hour at Three Brothers Diner in Hamden

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

Shops at Seymour to celebrate First Saturday

Shared from a Facebook event page:

SEYMOUR - Join us for our monthly First Saturday Celebration from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Come stroll the quaint downtown, stop for tea, a bite to eat, a cupcake, perhaps! Take time to treasure hunt at the antique and specialty shops.
Bring friends and family for a fun day out or make it a date.
We'll see you there!

Eat at Copper City Bar & Grill today, support Ansonia Soccer Club

Seymour Public Library slates program on crystal, stone healing

'Turnback Tuesday' features Wilkinson Papermill

Turnback Tuesday visits a neighboring business across the Housatonic River: “Wilkinson Papermill” or known in the trades as “Derby Mills.”
The mill was constructed in 1871 and sadly destroyed by fire in 1878. 
William Wilkinson would not be deterred and rebuilt out of brick. He had the business up and running again in less than five months. They specialized in manila colored envelopes and hardware papers.
The building still stands today.

Thanks go to the Derby Public Library staff for sharing local history each week.

Save the date: Shelton Historical Society to host antique car show in June

Contributed photo

SHELTON - The Shelton Historical Society will host its annual Father's Day Vintage Vehicles Antique & Classic Car Show from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. June 16 at Shelton History Center, 70 Ripton Road.

Spend Dad's day showing off your car or admiring others.
A day of fun, prizes, and camaraderie with your fellow antique and classic car enthusiasts. Refreshments, tours, and vote for your favorites!
Admission is $1 for dads, $5 individual, or $10 for a family of four.

*Information shared from a Facebook event page.

Huntington Branch Library in Shelton to host mystery book group

Cozy Thyme with Bloomin’ Books
Huntington Branch Library
42 Church St., Shelton
1-2 p.m. May 10

SHELTON - Spring is in the air! 
What cozy mysteries will appear in Mabel’s ever-popular book group? 

Grow your reading list, pick some new favorites, or share your bouquet of books with others. 
It’s no mystery that there will be treats to dig into and a fun time for all.

Register by calling the Huntington Branch at 203-926-0111 or register online http://engagedpatrons.org/EventsExtended.cfm?SiteID=2661&EventID=376091&PK
*Shared from Shelton Library System Facebook page.

Car wash to benefit Seymour Wildcat Track & Field Team

Recuperation journey: Backyard view

The forecast for the next few days looks showery and cloudy. But tonight's sunset gave us some pretty colors upon which to gaze.

Recuperation journey: A tulip appears

A lonely tulip has emerged from a bed of dead leaves in our front yard.
I thought I'd better take a photo today before the deluge forecast for the next few days.

TEAM early childhood program scores in top 10 percent nationwide

Who? National statistics were just released, revealing that TEAM’s Head Start & Early Childhood program scored in the top 10 percent nationwide.
TEAM is a private, non-profit human services agency whose mission is to strengthen our communities by educating, supporting, and empowering individuals and families. 
TEAM’s Head Start and Early Childhood initiatives serve low-income and vulnerable young children (prenatal to age 5) and their families throughout the Greater Naugatuck River Valley and Waterbury.

What? The U.S. Department of Health & Human Services and the Office of Head Start administer the CLASS (Classroom Assessment Scoring System) monitoring review on all of its Head Start grantees nationwide. CLASS is a valid and reliable research-based observational instrument that assesses classroom quality, including assessing multiple dimensions of teacher-child interactions that are linked to positive child development and later achievement. CLASS includes three domains (or categories): 1) Emotional Support 2) Classroom Organization 3) Instructional Support. Within each domain are scored dimensions (a scoring range of 1 – 7, and 10 total dimensions within the original 3 domains) that capture more specific details about teachers’ interactions with children – 7 is the ideal/perfect score and 1 is extremely deficient. 
TEAM scored in the top 10 percent nationwide across all three domains for the 2018 federal monitoring that included TEAM and 461 other Head Start programs across the country. 

   

Ansonia Historical Commission recognizes essay contest winners

Congratulations!

The Ansonia Historical Commission presented awards Thursday for its annual essay contest. 
The theme this year was “The Ansonia Trolleys.”

The program included remarks from Mayor David S. Cassetti on the rich history of Ansonia.

Pictured from left: Loisann Kelly Marazzi, essay chairman; Julia Pinto, Grade 7 Assumption School, third place winner; Cassetti; Joseph Martucci, Grade 7 Assumption School first place winner; and Andrew Tyszka, Grade 7 Assumption School second place winner.

Griffin Hospital in Derby to host free meditation program

Griffin Hospital will host a free program to help individuals relax through meditation. /Contributed photo

DERBY - Griffin Hospital, will host a free program to help individuals relax through meditation at 6 p.m. May 16 at the hospital.

Janice Lautier, Director of Spiritual Care and Education at Griffin Hospital, will host “Finding Peace,” an experiential meditation session. Several techniques will be offered with time to explore each. 

There will also be an opportunity to participate in a group meditation. 

Healthy U Talks

This talk is part of Griffin Hospital's Healthy U Talks, a series of free wellness talks featuring Griffin Hospital medical experts and community partners providing trusted health information and answers to questions on a wide range of topics.

To reserve your spot or for more information, call 203-732-1511 or visit griffinhealth.org/events.

This is a press release from Griffin Hospital.

Committee to unveil MLK Memorial Bust Saturday at Ansonia City Hall

Main Street Gallery in Ansonia hosting Visions from Veterans exhibit

Save the date: Derby to hold Summerfest June 29 on the Green

Exercise, play bingo, see a movie, more at Doyle Senior Center in Ansonia

Huntington Congregational Church to hold 11th annual auction

SHELTON - Huntington Congregational Church, 19 Church St., will hold its 11th annual auction at 6 pm. May 11.
A registration fee of $10 must be paid in advance. The price includes:

• Hors d'Oeuvres & Dessert
• 3 tickets for the Bag Auction
• A portion to support F.A.D.E. (Fighting Against Drugs Everywhere)

There will be live, silent, and bag auctions.
For more information contact Huntington Congregational Church, 203-929-1223, or athcc@snet.net.

http://wp.huntingtonucc.org/hccwp/auction/

Seymour Lions slate Summer Cruise Nights at Tri-Town Plaza

Recuperation journey: Sunday sunrise

The sky was beautiful at 5:45 a.m. today. I almost didn't post this because of the wires, but I decided why not!

Have a great day!

Recuperation journey: Not the Valley, but nearby in downtown Milford

After dropping off my son at the Milford train station Easter evening I noticed the sunlight shining on First United Church of Christ  across from the Milford duck pond.
I took this from River Street on the other side of the pond.

Recuperation journey: Posing for the camera

Enjoy your Saturday!

Griffin Hospital in Derby to host talk for caregivers of special needs students

DERBY - The Community Health Resource Center at Griffin Hospital will host a free talk to help caregivers of students with special needs advocate for their loved ones' education at 6:30 p.m. May 9.

Kevin Daly, Health Care Information Specialist with PATH Parent to Parent/Family Voices of Connecticut, will lead “The ‘Soft Skills’ of Special Education Advocacy,” a presentation for parents of students with disabilities who want to sharpen their advocacy skills. 

Topics include: best practices for school-home communications; how to get involved in the decision making process; how to prepare for school meetings (including PPT and 504); obtaining a free copy of your child’s school records; where to find help when you need it.

Daly has worked as a special education advocate with hundreds of Connecticut families for more than 20 years.

PATH/FVCT is a statewide grassroots parent organization that has been around for over 30 years. 

PATH/FVCT is dedicated to offering excellence in emotional and informational support to families, promote partnerships with families of diverse backgrounds and collaborate with healthcare providers and community organizations to improve services and policies that serve our children. 

PATH/FVCT has the support of two of the largest networks of families of children with unique abilities and special health care needs.

Free educational forums

This program is part of a series of free, educational forums hosted by the Community Health Resource Center in an effort to help improve the health of the community. 

To register or for more information, call Kerry or Deborah at 203-732-7399. The hospital is at 130 Division St.

The Community Health Resource Center at Griffin Hospital is a traditional library that provides an array of medical and health information, including a large collection of easy to read health and lifestyle related materials. 

The Center is open to the public to educate themselves on ways to enhance their well-being, prevent illness, and play an active role in decisions about their health.

This is a press release from Griffin Hospital.

Recuperation journey: Thursday's sunrise colors

I didn't post this photo at first but have since decided I like it.
Happy Saturday!

Registration slated at Nolan Field for Ansonia Pop Warner

Take in a movie, learn about Civil War, more at Derby Neck Library

DERBY - Derby Neck Library, 307 Hawthorne Ave., hosts Dinner and a Movie for ages 18 and older at 5:30 p.m. May 2.  

This month’s feature film is “Sunset Boulevard” shown on blu-ray and a large screen.  
Free movie refreshments including a pizza dinner will be at intermission. 

Crafting event

At 6:30 p.m. May 9 the Library presents a free crafting event: T-Shirt to Tote-bag.  Only a T-shirt and pair of scissors are required to make this creation. 
This event is suitable for teens and adults. Registration is required; seating is limited to 20 people.  

Women's Forum

The Library hosts the Women’s Forum, a literary discussion group, at 12:30 p.m. May 20. This month the focus is on three short stories by Virginia Woolf: copies are available at the library. Feel free to bring a light lunch; we serve coffee and tea. 

Talk on Civil War

At 6:30 p.m. May 20 the Library presents the engaging, informative Prof. Hamish Lutris speaking on Connecticut’s Reaction to the Civil War. 
How did newspapers cover the battles, which side won the favor of our state citizens, how did our business community fare?  
Come learn the surprising details, with a focus on our section of Connecticut. 

Evening Book Club

The Library hosts the Evening Book Club, meeting by the fireplace in the Reading Room at 6:30 p.m May 28. 
The selection is “The Gambler,” a novella by Fydor Dostoyevsky. Copies of the book are available at the library.  

This month’s meeting occurs on a Tuesday because of the Monday Memorial Day holiday.  For details on any program call 203-734-1492.


This is a press release from Patricia Sweeney, reference librarian, Derby Neck Library.

Huntington Congregational Church to hold can and bottle drive Saturday

Novelist to speak, sign books at Ansonia Library

ANSONIA - Author Charles McNair, M.D. will speak at 5 p.m. May 7 at Ansonia Library, 53 S. Cliff St.

His novel, Soldiers of a Foreign War, takes place during the Vietnam War.

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Indoor flea market slated at Great Hill United Methodist Church in Seymour

Sharing from a Facebook event page:

"Join us Saturday, April 27, 10:00 am – 2:00 pm for our LAST HUGE 2019 Indoor Flea Market at the Great Hill United Methodist Church (GHUMC) Fellowship Hall, 225 Great Hill Road, Seymour, CT.
"Over 20 vendors, many of them new, will be participating selling modestly priced flea market items, jewelry, antiques and beautiful hand-crafted products.
"All products and sale items are priced to sell. It’s warm, cozy, friendly and we have plenty of parking.
"The Fellowship kitchen will also be open to sell coffee and pastries in the morning hours. During the luncheon hours hot dogs, chips, and beverages will be available for purchase.

"All proceeds from our Indoor Flea Markets are used to fund our Mission Ministries, both locally and around the nation.
"For more information and directions call Pat, 203-888-0489."

Sharing interesting nutrition facts about dandy-lions

Saw this on FB and thought I'd share!

Soccer field at Ansonia Nature Center being repaired

Message from City of Ansonia and Ansonia Soccer Club: 
Please refrain from using the Nature Center field until repairs are finalized. And BIG thanks to JWT Landscapes and Griffin Brothers Excavation for their amazing work on the fields. Mayor and his team would also like to thank the Ansonia Soccer Club for their tireless efforts to ensure a successful season this year!

*Information shared from the City of Ansonia Facebook page.

American Legion to hold walk in Monroe for CT Children's Medical Center

St. Mary-St. Michael School in Derby to present 'Aladdin Jr.'

DERBY - St. Mary-St. Michael School students will perform Disney’s 'Aladdin Jr.' at 7 p.m. May 4 and 2 p.m. May 5 at Derby High School auditorium.

'Aladdin Jr.' is based on the 1992 Academy Award®-winning film and 2014 hit Broadway show, 'Aladdin,' about the “diamond in the rough” street rat who learns his true worth lies deep within.
“The story you know and love has been given the royal treatment,” said Director Margaret McAndrew. “With expanded characters, new songs, and more thrills, this new adaptation of the beloved story will open up 'A Whole New World' for the audience.”

In this version, Aladdin and his three friends, Babkak, Omar, and Kassim, are down on their luck until Aladdin discovers a magic lamp and the Genie who has the power to grant three wishes. 
Wanting to earn the respect of the princess, Jasmine, Aladdin embarks on an adventure that will test his will and his moral character.

Tickets are $5 at the door.

St. Mary-St. Michael School strives to provide the opportunity for each child to receive an excellent education; preparing them for a lifetime of learning centered on Catholic Social Teachings.

This is a press release from the school.

Employees at Shelton company donate baskets to Spooner House clients

Sharing from Spooner House Facebook page:

"Wow! What an incredible donation from the team at UnitedHealthcare in Shelton of over 100 Welcome Home baskets for our clients! These beautifully prepared packages include buckets and laundry baskets of cleaning supplies, protein-based meal pans, blanket and sheet sets for children, and more. We greatly appreciate your generous support!"

Science, crafts, music, movement on tap at Seymour Public Library for kids

Volunteers sought for Housatonic River cleanup in Shelton, Stratford

Recuperation journey: Cardinal visits

    He was 'hiding' in the forsythia. 

    Photo taken through the window.

Recuperation journey: Pretty in pink

Bleeding heart plant in my yard. 
Happy spring!

Rochelle's autism bill receives bipartisan support in the House

State Rep. Kara Rochelle

HARTFORD - Legislation proposed by state Rep. Kara Rochelle, D-Ansonia, received unanimous bipartisan approval Wednesday by the House of Representatives. 

H.B. 6184, An Act Concerning Access to Information on Early Childhood Interventions, will next be voted on by the Senate. 

The bill will require: (1) the Office of Early Childhood to develop a document concerning developmental milestones experienced by children from birth to age five and information on how to access the Child Development Infoline; and (2) child care centers, group child care homes, and family child care homes to post copies of such document on the premises of such centers and homes in a prominent location for parents or guardians to see regularly.

“Signs of autism are often present as early as 18 months of age and early intervention can make a big difference for children on the spectrum,” Rochelle said. “I was focused on creating a bill that will foster awareness amongst child care providers and parents about early childhood developmental milestones and what to do if a child is struggling to hit milestones. The first step to getting a child help is knowledge.” 

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, approximately 1 in 59 children was diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorder in 2018. 

“I heard concerns from our local educators that more children must be evaluated for early intervention earlier than kindergarten," Rochelle said. "It is scientifically shown that the earlier the intervention the better the outcome for children with autism and other developmental delays.

"Thank you to all my legislative colleagues and advocates who helped this bill move forward.”  

This is a press release from Rochelle's office.

Congratulations to Ansonia High School senior on national scholarship

To attend Catholic University of America in Washington, D.C.

Ansonia High School senior Kaitlyn Caple

ANSONIA - Kaitlyn Caple, a senior at Ansonia High School, has been selected as a National Honor Society Scholarship semifinalist. 

She is the first AHS student to win this prestigious award, chosen from more than 11,000 applicants this year. 
She will receive a $3,200 scholarship toward higher education.

Kaitlyn, known as “Kait” at AHS, has been President of her class all four years, is Vice President of the National Honor Society, and has been a Student Representative to the Ansonia Board of Education for two years. She is a two-sport athlete, having been a cheerleader for four years and member of the tennis team for four years, serving as captain the past two. She has two part-time jobs. Her community service work is extensive and reaches back more than a decade. 

So, when does this 18-year-old student sleep? Kait laughs and said she fits it in and tries to be very organized in order to juggle her many responsibilities. 

Her smile is infectious as she talks about life at Ansonia High School and her next life - attending The Catholic University of America in Washington, D.C.

“Here at Ansonia High School, it is a nice environment. That’s what I was looking for in a college,” she said. 

Catholic University offers numerous community service activities, and she plans to jump into a few. But what attracted her the most was the university’s staff. “Every teacher at Ansonia High School works to challenge us, because they want the best for us. That’s what I feel I will also get [at Catholic University].”

According to the National Association of Secondary School Principals – which is the parent organization of the National Honor Society – Kait was picked for the scholarship because she exemplifies the four pillars of the National Honor Society: scholarship, service, leadership and character. 
She said she tried to volunteer for the Holy Rosary Italian Festival when she was six years old, but was told she was too young. “The priest told my mother I would have to wait at least until I was seven. So I did.”

What encouraged her to volunteer so much of her time? She said she is the youngest of three and she “just wanted to be like my two brothers. Everything they did, I wanted to do.” And she wanted to do more. 

In addition to volunteering at Holy Rosary Church since she was seven, she has joined numerous clubs at AHS, including founding the Junior State of America Club at AHS as well as serving as the regional Director of Activism. She also is Co-President of the Valley United Way High School Volunteer Council and Youth Leadership group.

It was JSA that led her to serving on the Ansonia Board of Education. Kait said she appeared at a board meeting to ask for permission for the club to go on several field trips. After speaking to the board, she was asked to serve as their first Student Representative. “It has been one of the coolest things I have ever done,” she said. She is now breaking in a new representative, AHS junior Lexi Brinkmann. 

“Kait has always been self-motivated and driven,” says Rachel Sopko, English teacher and National Honor Society adviser. “Kait has an innate desire to help others, and this shows in all that she does. Whenever we need a volunteer for something, Kait is always the first to step up. She has been an outstanding member of our community, and I know that she will do great things at The Catholic University of America. It has been a pleasure getting to know her over the years, and I am so proud of all that she has accomplished. She truly proves that thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world.” 

As for the scholarship she has won, Kait said it was an extensive application, but she is grateful that she did it because she can use the money. Nationally, only 575 students were selected as semifinalists in this NHS Scholarship Program. Kait will be studying electrical engineering in college and hopes to earn a master’s degree in engineering management. She knows her leadership experience at Ansonia High and in the community has shaped her future - and she is forever grateful.

For more information about the National Honor Society, the scholarship, and the 2019 recipients, visit  www.nhs.us.


This is a press release from Ansonia Public Schools.

*Congratulations to Kait on her achievements and all the best in her future endeavors!

Local police departments listed for expired medication disposal

This Saturday - April 27 - is National Drug Take Back Day! 
Check in with your local Police Department to find out where you can drop off your unused and expired medications. Also, check out any of these 24/7 locations.


*Shared from the Alliance for Prevention and Wellness Facebook page.

Learn to ID edible plants, take bird walk, more at Ansonia Nature Center

ANSONIA - The Ansonia Nature and Recreation Center, 10 Deerfield Road, will offer a variety of fun and educational activities in May. 

CONSERVATION PROJECT: Weekend Warriors Part 1 – May 4, 9 a.m.–1 p.m.

Ranger Dan is seeking naturalists who want to help keep our park beautiful. Managing our precious landscape requires your help! Together we will continue the legacy of this nature preserve. 
Part 1 will focus on controlling invasive plant species around our open fields. Great for teen-aged Scouts and adult volunteers. Bring water, snacks, gloves, and trimming tools. Call to register.

PIGEONS: SMARTER THAN YOU THINK – May 5, 2 p.m.

Licensed wildlife rehabilitator Megan Eaton will bring her pigeon friends for this unique meet and greet. Megan has spent the last three years rehabbing every pigeon brought to her door. At this family-friendly program, meet some of her rescues and learn all about one of the earliest domesticated and most misunderstood birds: the pigeon. FREE; donations appreciated. 

LAVENDER BATH BOMBS FOR MOTHERS’ DAY –  May 11, 10 a.m.

Join us in making these wonderful bath bombs. Each attendee will make a batch, learn how to mold them, and prepare them as gifts. For 8 years old and up. 
MATERIALS FEE: $12 per person. Please register; class size limited.

FAIRY HOUSES AND TEA PARTY – May 11, 1 p.m.

Join Ranger Amie at Pavilion #2 to design tiny homes for fairies and gnomes from bark, moss, stones, and other natural decorations. Materials will be provided. Celebrate these magical creatures during the fairy tea party. 
Bring tea party food to share if you would like. Please register for this FREE family program.

ADVENTURES IN EDIBLE PLANT FORAGING –  May 18, 10 a.m.

Karen Monger is the author of the 3 Foragers blog, which she runs with her husband, Robert. Come join them for a short lecture and a hike to discover and identify edible plants in the park. Their mission is to impart their knowledge of wild edible plants to others. FEE: $6 per person for this family program.

NATURE EXPLORERS – Wednesdays, May 22, 29; June 5, 12; 10 a.m.

Join us for this four-week pre-school/toddler program for children ages 2-5 and their adult explorer. Participants will have fun exploring nature every week in these outdoor classes. The classes are typically loosely structured and influenced by the seasons and the interests of the children. We will go outside for a short hike and to explore nature every class so please dress for the weather. Classes will end with a light snack (provided or bring your own) and conversation. TUITION: $40 for all 4 weeks, space permitting (cash or check payable to Ansonia Nature Center), due at the first class. Class is limited to 10 children. Please call to register: 203-736-1053.

MIGRATORY BIRD WALK – May 25, 9 a.m.

Warblers, catbirds, and grosbeaks, oh my! Join Ranger Jess for a migratory bird experience. The Ansonia Nature Center is the home to many migratory birds. See redstarts, common yellow throats, towhees, and more during this birding adventure. 
This is a slow-paced walk on uneven terrain. Dress for the weather and bring your binoculars. FREE; please register.

JUNE 2019

CONNECTICUT TRAILS DAY – June 1, 9 a.m.

Join Nature Center Director Alison Rubelmann and Ranger Daniel Bosques for this morning walk. Discover the beauty of the Nature Center’s typical New England woodland during the CT Forest and Park Association’s annual Trails Day weekend. We might get lucky and find a lady slipper or two. 
This moderate hike will also focus on the history of the land, and we will visit the settlement of the Paugasucks. Bring water, a snack, and bug spray, and wear sturdy shoes. Suitable for older children and adults.  FREE.

To register for programs call 203-736-1053.

This is a press release from the Ansonia Nature and Recreation Center.