We had our cake 2 days late ~ but better late than never

We each blew out one candle because I could only find two in the cabinet. 

Now on to 2020! 

Tickets offered for Christmas show at Toyota Oakdale Theatre

*Sharing this from Derby Town/City Clerk Marc J. Garofalo:

You are cordially invited to A Christmas Cantata at 7 p.m. Jan. 3, 2020.

It will be performed on stage at Toyota Oakdale Theatre, 95 South Turnpike Road, Wallingford. 

Free tickets for anyone 5 years and older can be obtained at Derby Town Clerk's Office from 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Thursday, Jan. 2 and from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on Friday, Jan. 3. 

For more information call or email - 1.888.466.9846 or visit www.christmascantata.us

Happy New Year!

Wishing everyone a Healthy and Happy New Year

Derby City Hall posts 2020 holiday schedule

'Turnback Tuesday' features New Year's Eve traditions

Turnback Tuesday this week rings in the New Year. 
Celebrations started about 4000 years ago, but were done on March 1. 
At that time, the calendar had only 10 months, going from March to December. 
January and February were added by the second King of Rome, circa 700 B.C. 
In many countries, the New Year's celebrations begin on Dec. 31, each with their own traditions: families and friends enjoying meals and snacks to bestow good luck, rice pudding with an almond hidden inside, eating pork for prosperity and, of course, the Times Square ball drop in New York City. 
"Szczesliwego Nowego Roku!", "Feliz ano Nuevo!"; "Sun nien fail ok!", "Felice Anno Nuovo" and Happy New Year.

Update: Forgot to thank Derby Public Library staff for sharing interesting history each week!

Employment workshops slated at American Job Center in Derby

DERBY - Training and employment workshops to assist residents will be offered in January by the Connecticut Department of Labor at the American Job Center, 101 Elizabeth St.

Advance registration is encouraged due to space limitations. 

To register for these no-cost workshops, please go to CTHires.com or call 203-455-2700.

Linked In – Part 1: Jan. 17 from 9 a.m.-noon.
You must have a valid email address for this hands-on class. Learn how to set up a professional networking profile on LinkedIn that will enable you to build your network and connect/share information about job opportunities.

Fundamentals of Résumé Writing: Jan. 24 from 9 a.m.-noon.
Learn how to write a focused résumé needed to secure a job interview and employment offers. Topics include thinking like an employer, strategies for developing individual sections, relevant vs. irrelevant information, formatting and cover letters.

Interviewing Strategies and Techniques January 31 from 9 a.m. – 12 p.m.
This interactive session will focus on preparation, methods and follow-up to provide jobseekers with the knowledge and skills necessary to effectively compete with other candidates. The session includes simulated interview questions and the responses of participants will be critiqued.

Logan to host Senators' Night Out at Ansonia Library

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

Ansonia Library posts New Year's holiday hours

Derby Historical Society to offer docent training at Humphreys House

2 January dinners offered at Assumption Church hall in Ansonia

Ansonia Library to host author, book signing

The Library is at 53 S. Cliff St., Ansonia.

Bingo fundraiser slated at Emmett O'Brien Tech in Ansonia

Derby Historical Society in Ansonia to celebrate 12th Night of Christmas

ANSONIA - The Derby Historical Society will mark the end of the Christmas season with our annual Twelfth Night Celebration from noon to 4 p.m. Jan. 5. 

This event features docent-led tours of the General David Humphreys House at 37 Elm St.
Spark up a conversation with one of our historical interpreters as they spin, weave, and cook over the hearth. Try our mulled cider alongside samplings of colonial cookery and other baked goods.
Join us for our annual reading of Dickens' A Christmas Carol at 3 p.m.
Be sure to visit our gift shop to find that unique item.
For more information call 203-735-1908. 
Onsite parking and additional side-street parking available.

There will be music and cheer!

Recuperation journey: Looking at the sky

The moon today is in waxing crescent phase, 6 percent illumination.

YA Wednesdays slated in January at Derby Public Library

DERBY - Derby Public Library invites all young adults ages 12 to 17 to join the fun of YA Wednesdays from 6-7:30 p.m. Wednesdays.
Sony Play Station Four (PS4), Nintendo Wii, board games, and Legos will be available. 
Light refreshments will be provided. 

For more information stop by the Library, 313 Elizabeth St., call 203-736-1482, or visit www.derbypubliclibrary.org.


This is a press release from Tony DeLos, young adult librarian, Derby Public Library. 

City to again offer indoor walking at Ansonia Armory

Sharing from City of Ansonia Facebook page:

ANSONIA - Who is ready for some indoor walking? The Armory will be open for daily walking on Jan. 6.
The annual indoor walking tradition continues as Mayor David Cassetti announces the Ansonia Armory building will be open to the public for winter walking.

Located at 5 State St., the gymnasium area will be open Monday through Friday from 7-10  a.m., starting Jan. 6. 
Mayor Cassetti wants a safe and warm place for the public to be able to maintain their exercise regimen during the cold winter months, and lose those holiday pounds.

Any questions can be directed to Jeff Coppola, director of parks and recreation at 203-231-2209.

Strong Start Early Care and Education to open new location in Shelton

SHELTON - Strong Start Early Care & Education has announced the opening of a new location in Shelton in June of 2020. 

The second Strong Start will be located at 901 Bridgeport Ave., built by RD Scinto, and offers brand new facilities for its educational program from infancy through pre-k.

“Our Shelton school will offer around 95 square feet of space per child in an industry that does not come close to that ratio,” says Marc Hoffman, founder and owner of Strong Start. “This location allows us to implement our high-quality model and is conveniently located for parents living or working in the area, as well as our teachers. The new construction also allows us input toward an optimal design that lends itself towards a Reggio Emilia inspired learning environment.”

The inquiry-based approach used at Strong Start is child-responsive and highly effective, instilling a life-long love of learning. Area families have already seen the benefits of such a program, evident in an ever-growing wait list.

“We wanted to be close to our Trumbull location because of the number of families in need of a high-quality early childhood program,” Christina Masciola, executive director of Strong Start, added. “By clustering the schools, our administrative structure will have a presence at both as well.”

Strong Start supports the well-being of staff members, providing ample sick days and vacation time, insurance benefits, and professional development opportunities.
Features and benefits of Strong Start in Shelton include:
* 16,700 square-foot school
* 8,000 square-foot outdoor playground
* 1,000 square-foot indoor gym
* Media center

“At Strong Start, we understand that the cost of quality childcare and early education is a significant factor in a parent's choice of school,” Hoffman said. “We understand the need for value, and we price the tuition for our schools to be competitive with other programs in the area. It is our goal to ensure that our high-quality programs and state-of-the-art facilities are accessible to as many families as possible.”

Registrations for enrollment are being taken now. 
A limited number of families that pre-register for the new Shelton school will receive two weeks of free tuition for each child that is enrolled. 

This offer does not apply to current Strong Start families. 

For more information or to register, call 203-816-6884 or visit www.astrongstart.com.

About Strong Start Early Care & Education:
Strong Start’s philosophy is rooted in the Reggio Emilia approach, facilitating learning from the inside out by creating an intrinsic motivation to learn. The children’s interests and curiosity drive curriculum while facilitating the development of meaningful understandings and concepts.

Strong Start is accredited by the National Association for the Education of Young Children, the world’s largest organization of early childhood professionals.

For testimonials from Strong Start families, visit http://goo.gl/G0cZd2.

This is a press release from RD Scinto, Inc.

'Turnback Tuesday' (on Saturday) highlights history of Christmas tree

Turnback Tuesday looks at the history of the Christmas tree. 
For thousands of years, homes were decorated with evergreens for the Winter Solstice (shortest day of the year.) 
Other early trees across northern Europe were cherry or hawthorn plants put into pots and brought inside to hopefully flower at Christmas time. 
In Germany, the first Christmas trees were decorated with edible things such as sweets and fruit. Trees were topped with angels/fairies that told the shepherds about Jesus. 
In Victorian times, the trees were decorated with candles to represent stars. 
And in case you missed it, the beautifully decorated Derby Green, replete with the city's tree and festive lighting, can be enjoyed in all its glory.


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

Recuperation journey: On thin ice

Chillin' on Picketts Pond today at Osbornedale State Park in Derby. I wonder how long the ice will hold out when the temperature is around 50 degrees.

Logan to hold coffee hour at Three Brothers Diner in Hamden

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

Create a sock snowman in January at Derby Public Library

DERBY - The Derby Public Library staff is kicking off the New Year with a continuation of DPL DIYs from 11 a.m.1 p.m. Jan. 4.
This month’s project is Sock Snowmen! Participants of all ages will use gently worn socks to create their own one-of-a-kind snowman.
All materials are supplied. No fee. Drop in!

The Library is at 313 Elizabeth St.


This is shared from a Facebook event page.

Recuperation journey: Quick capture

Photo taken through the slider this morning. A male and female cardinal were nearby but I couldn't get a photo fast enough!

Griffin Faculty Physicians recognized for cholesterol control efforts

DERBY - Griffin Faculty Physicians has received the American Heart Association’s Check. Change. Control. Cholesterol™ Gold award in recognition of their commitment to reducing the risk of heart disease and stroke through improved cholesterol management.

High cholesterol is one of the major controllable risk factors for heart disease, heart attack and stroke, estimated to cause nearly 2.6 million deaths annually. 

Yet, a survey from the American Heart Association shows that nearly two-thirds of people who have high cholesterol don’t think they’re at high risk for a heart attack or stroke.

To help people better understand their risk and learn to manage their cholesterol, the Association launched its Check. Change. Control. Cholesterol. initiative in 2017. Since then, more than 900 health centers and systems have registered to participate.

To help practices achieve their goals, the Association provides all participants with a dedicated website featuring a free, evidence-based improvement program that includes tools and resources to help clinicians improve cholesterol control rates. 

To facilitate easy and seamless adoption of the program, the Association will provide access to trained support specialists within their community who can help identify specific program components to incorporate into clinical practice.

“High cholesterol is one of the major controllable risk factors for heart disease, yet still is undertreated. This program helps physician practices put a spotlight on this important risk factor and help patients achieve and maintain control of it,” said James Langabeer, Ph.D., Chair of the American Heart Association’s Ambulatory Quality Improvement Advisory Group and Professor of Emergency Medicine at the University of Texas Health Science Center, McGovern Medical School. “We are so glad to see Griffin Faculty Physicians join this initiative to prioritize cholesterol control and ultimately improve heart health across the nation.”

Learn more at heart.org.

About Griffin Faculty Physicians

Griffin Faculty Physicians, a subsidiary of Griffin Hospital, is a multi-specialty physician group providing patient-centered, personalized care at locations throughout the area. 

Specialties include primary care, cardiology, endocrinology, pulmonology, gastroenterology, geriatrics, general and breast surgery, card-thoracic surgery, urology and obstetrics & gynecology. 

For more information, visit griffinfacultyphysicians.org.

Recuperation journey: Looking back to 1994 ~ again

Another one of my favorite Christmas morning photos! Happy times.

Recuperation journey: Looking back to 1994

One of my favorite Christmas morning photos.

Recuperation journey: Christmas sunset

Merry Christmas!

Recuperation journey: Sunrise on Christmas morn

 Wishing all a peaceful Christmas Day.

Recuperation journey: Christmas Eve sunset

Chef at Crosby Commons in Shelton presented Humanitarian Award

Chef Hector Velez of Naugatuck, center, recently was recognized by the Connecticut Assisted Living Association./ Contributed photo

SHELTON - Chef Hector Velez from Crosby Commons at Wesley Village recently rceived the 2019 Humanitarian Award from the Connecticut Assisted Living Association at its annual meeting.
“We are so fortunate to have Hector at our Community,” said Lori Pisani, Executive Director of Crosby Commons. “He exhibits a high level of customer service. Hector is always striving to meet the residents' and their loved ones' needs and recommendations. He truly is the poster child for the best customer service.”

Velez, a Naugatuck resident, was recognized for “filling the hearts and souls” of the residents at Crosby Commons with his meals and culinary creations, the nomination submission said.
According to CALA, the Humanitarian Award is presented each year to “an individual whose personal integrity, decency, and contributions to the elderly best exemplify the ideals of our member organizations and who serves as an inspiration to all.”

Some of the reasons Velez was selected for this award include his commitment to making the culinary experiences of the Crosby Commons’ residents personalized and memorable. 

From his authentic brick oven pizzas, pig roasts, and paella, Velez has been touted by residents and family members as “Five tar.”

During the award presentation, special moments were highlighted like the surprise lobster dinner dock side after residents returned from a Lighthouse Tour in New London and his “table for two” dinner with a resident who was struggling with health issues.

Velez has been a chef at Crosby Commons for nearly seven years. He often joins with other staff and residents to do cooking demonstrations at area senior centers and participate in community cooking events. 

Velez received the Values in Action Award from the community in 2016 for his commitment to serving residents with respect and excellence.

Crosby Commons is an independent and assisted living community located on the Wesley Village
campus. Wesley Village senior living campus is located at 580 Long Hill Ave. and is part of United Methodist Homes, a local not-for-profit organization. 

The Wesley Village campus offers assisted
and independent living, memory support, skilled nursing, short-term rehab, and outpatient therapy and fitness services. 

To learn more, visit www.wesleyvillage-ct.org.

This is a press release from United Methodist Homes.

Driver, 43, faces charges after striking house in Ansonia

Eric Ricitelli

ANSONIA - At about noon today, the Derby Police Department notified the Ansonia Police Department of a blue car driving erratically on Derby Avenue towards Ansonia. 

A short time later a resident on Platt Street reported a blue car struck a house at 35 Platt St. and the driver, who was the only occupant, fled the scene south on Columbia Street. 

The driver was described as a white male wearing a dark colored jacket and bleeding from the head. 

Officer McMahon located a white male matching the description of the fleeing male; the male was bleeding from the mouth, walking on Main Street parallel to where the accident occurred. The male was identified as Eric Ricitelli, 43, of Ansonia. 

Ricitelli had a glass crack pipe in his possession when he was stopped, police said.

Surveillance video from Platt Street showed the blue car driving at a high rate of speed the wrong way on Columbia Street from Main Street. 

The car struck the street sign at Columbia Street and Platt Street, continued across Platt Street striking the curb in front of 35 Platt St. causing the car to roll over into the yard of 35 Platt St. and strike the home. 

The home was unoccupied at the time of the accident and the home sustained minimal damage.

Police said Eric Riccitelli was charged with Evading Responsibility, Reckless Driving, Theft of License Plate, Misuse of Plates, Operating an Unregistered Motor Vehicle, No Insurance, Wrong Way on a One Way Street, and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia.

This is a press release from the Ansonia Police Department. 

Scouts to host Old Timers Night at Second Congregational Church in Derby

DERBY - The annual Old Timers Night hosted by Boy Scout Troop 3, Cub Scout Pack 3, and Crew 33 will be held from 7-9 p.m. Friday at Second Congregational Church, 136 Elizabeth St.
The event will feature Judge Matt Jalowiec, who participated in the 75th anniversary of D-Day parachute jump in Normandy, France.
This event is free and open to the public. Refreshments provided.

Adam's House in Shelton to train volunteers for Friends in Grief program

THERE'S STILL TIME TO GET ON THE NICE LIST!

Register now for our FIG Training session! Friends In Grief (FIG) volunteers will learn to co-lead peer support groups that Adam's House offers to children who are grieving a loved one. Through an 8-week theme-based program, participants receive peer support, expression and positive-play, educational programming, and coping skills to overcome the loss of a loved one in a warm, caring atmosphere. This 12-hour training session occurs over 3 days.

Upcoming Training Dates: Thursday, January 9th 5PM - 8PM Friday, January 10th 5PM - 8PM Saturday, January 11th 9AM - 3PM Participants must attend all three sessions to qualify as volunteers in our program. Cost is $100 which includes cost of materials and background check. We hope you will join our Adam's House team! YES! I want to be a FIG!

Adam's House is a grief education and support center located at 241 Coram Ave., Shelton.

Crosby Commons residents in Shelton celebrate holiday season in style

SHELOTN - Popcorn garland stations, cookie recipes and holiday greetings for the troops are all part of this year’s holiday celebration at Bishop Wicke Health and Rehabilitation Center on the Wesley Village Campus.

Recently the staff helped residents incorporate their favorite holiday traditions into the festivities of the season.  

Activity spots were set up throughout the community for the residents and staff to visit.  Each spot highlighted a different holiday tradition, the most popular being the popcorn garland stations.   

“We try to make sure the holidays are memorable and fun for our residents,” said Deb Samorajczyk, RN, Administrator of Bishop Wicke Health and Rehabilitation Center.  
“Tying in familiar traditions connects our residents with happy memories of family holidays. Our staff jumps right in to share in the festivities…it is truly a community celebration!” 

Staff from Bishop Wicke partnered with individual residents to visit each activity.  Together they wrote out greetings to family members and created wreath decorations to share as gifts for family and friends. 

The community held its annual Tree Lighting and Caroling Event.  
Joined by members of the Shelton Girl Scouts, the event included holiday treats and cookies. 

Throughout the holiday season, the dining team at Bishop Wicke will be incorporating favorite recipes from residents and fellow staff members into the daily meal selections.

Bishop Wicke Health and Rehabilitation Center is a Five-Star rated nursing home and is a recipient of a 2019-2020 “Best Nursing Home” designation from US News and World Report for Short-Term Rehabilitation.  
They are one of the few deficiency-free rated facilities as well. The Wesley Village senior living campus is located at 580 Long Hill Ave. and is part of United Methodist Homes, a local not-for-profit organization. 
The Wesley Village campus offers assisted and independent living, memory support, skilled nursing, short-term rehab, and outpatient therapy and fitness services. 

To learn more, visit www.wesleyvillage-ct.org.  

This is a press release from United Methodist Homes.

Recuperation journey: Early morning photo fun

The moon is in waning crescent phase with 9 percent illumination.

Have a great Monday!

Recuperation journey: Sunday sunrise

Light reflected on cloud just before sunrise. 

Finish your holiday shopping at Main Street Gallery in Ansonia

Support local artists!

The gallery is open until 8 p.m.

Derby Cultural Commission holds door decorating contest

DERBY CULTURAL COMMISSION PRESENTS

“2019 DERBY HOLIDAY DOOR DECORATING CONTEST”

The Derby Cultural Commission is pleased to announce a new tradition in holiday spirit!

Please take a moment to take a photograph of your own decorated front door and upload to our holiday Facebook site!

Win a Gift Certificate!

Two WINNERS will be announced on New Year’s Eve!

We would love to share your creative and beautiful home door on our holiday Facebook site for all to enjoy! CONTEST SUGGESTIONS/RULES!

1. Review beautiful door decorations pictures as shown on Facebook, “Derby Holiday Door Decorating Contest”!

2. Decorate your home front door in holiday cheer!

3. Select one (1) daytime photo (JPG) of your holiday door decoration and upload Photo via Message to this Facebook Page with your name and contact information to Facebook Site titled…………………. “Derby Holiday Door Decorating Contest” - https://www.facebook.com/DerbyCulturalCommissionPhotoQuizContests/.

4. Deadline to Submit is December 24, 2019 at Midnight!

5. Await Judge’s Decision and announcement ~ New Year’s Eve, December 31st, 2019!

6. ***GIFT CERTIFICATE PRIZE AWARDED AT CITY OF DERBY, JANUARY 2020

For further information contact: Suelschroeder@gmail.com

Here is a link to the DCC Flyer - https://www.derbyct.gov/media/Legal%20Notices%20and%20Press%20Releases/DCC%20Holiday%20Door%20Decorating%20Contest%20Flyer.pdf

Here is a link to the DCC Facebook Page - https://www.facebook.com/The-Derby-Cultural-Commission-2297717290467586/

Save the date: Ansonia Day on tap at Bridgeport Sound Tigers

Ansonia High DECA students donate toiletry bags to Valley United Way

Members of Ansonia High School DECA donated holiday toiletry bags to be delivered to those in need. 
Pictured from left: DECA President Anna Msciwujewska, Patricia Tarasovic from the Valley United Way, and DECA co-advisor Karen Phipps.


Shared from Ansonia Public Schools' Facebook page.

Klarides-Ditria: Hospital settlement saves state money

State Rep. Nicole Klarides-Ditria

HARTFORD - State Rep. Nicole Klarides-Ditria, R-Seymour, released the following statement regarding the approved hospital settlement passed in the legislature during a special session earlier this week.

"Governor Dan Malloy and legislative Democrats broke their promise to Connecticut hospitals and we now are paying the price for their mistakes," Klarides-Ditria said. 

"The settlement that we agreed to with hospitals today saves the state from paying nearly $4 billion and creates stability for hospitals for the term of the settlement. I will always support our hospitals and will make sure that the state continues to keep our promise to them and the thousands of workers they employ."

The settlement that was passed means hospitals will receive an additional $872 million from the state over seven years. 
In addition, the deal increases the annual Medicaid rate, 2% for inpatient care and 2.2% for most outpatient services starting Jan. 1 and will reduce the tax burden on hospitals.

If the settlement was fully litigated it could have cost the state nearly $4 billion.

This is a press release from Klarides-Ditria's office.