'Turnback Tuesday' features house in Derby covered in wisteria vines

Turnback Tuesday looks at this incredible home at 122 Derby Ave., Derby. 
This picture was taken when the Wisteria plant was in full bloom, circa 1900 - 1905. Wisteria is a native plant to the Eastern United States although some are native to China, Korea and Japan. 
Wisterias climb by twisting their stems around any available support. They can climb as high as 66 feet. The American Wisteria is a host plant for many native butterflies and moths. The plant blooms typically in May and June. According to the back of our photo, the two ladies on the porch are Aunt Gerdy Viets and Grandma Mollie.


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

Griffin Hospital in Derby to host discussion of diabetes medications

Griffin Hospital to host discussion of diabetes medications on Sept. 10./ Contributed photo

DERBY - The Diabetes Education & Support Group at Griffin Hospital will host a free discussion of diabetes medications at 6:30 p.m. Sept. 10 at the hospital, 130 Division St.

Endocrinologist Dr. Chi Tang of Griffin Faculty Physicians will discuss the pros and cons of various diabetes medications and how to adjust insulin dose, including an insulin pump. 

The talk will be based on questions from attendees looking to gain a deeper understanding of diabetes to become more independent in their diabetes management.

The Diabetes Education & Support Group meets September-June on the second Tuesday of each month to discuss the management of diabetes, its challenges, and day-to-day dietary concerns. Individuals with diabetes and their caregivers are welcome to attend.

No registration is required. 

For more information, call Mary Swansiger, 203-732-1137.

This is a press release from Griffin Hospital.

Three Saints Orthodox Church in Ansonia to hold annual tag sale

Rochelle supports legislation to assist senior citizens

State Rep. Kara Rochelle

HARTFORD - State Rep. Kara Rochelle (D- Ansonia/Derby) is proud to support tax relief for those who receive Social Security and pensions and an increase in funding for the Meals on Wheels program, both included in the 2019 budget. 

In addition to these budgetary efforts to support seniors, Rochelle supported four additional bills focusing on seniors’ well-being and quality of life. 

Legislation passed in the most recent session included funding initiatives that will help keep seniors in their homes as long as possible, requiring appropriate staffing levels in nursing homes, providing the public access to a searchable database of people who may be a risk to our seniors and people with disabilities, and requiring certain health care providers to receive training in recognizing the signs of and symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease and dementia.

“Our older neighbors, friends, and loved ones deserve pathways to age with stability, proper support, and dignity," Rochelle said. "These legislative efforts all work toward that goal. I’m proud to be a part of improving the lives of our seniors and look forward to continued efforts in future sessions.”

A closer look at the bills:

The Budget

· Tax Relief for Seniors: This year’s budget implements tax cuts for seniors on Social Security and for those who receive pensions. For Social Security recipients who earn a total income of less than 75k/year or couples who earn less than $100,000k/year the state will no longer be taxing social security income. For those who earn above these thresholds, you will receive a 75 percent tax credit on social security. For those receiving pensions: starting this year and going forth every year until we reach zero the state will be reducing pension taxes on those earning less than $75k/year for an individual and $100k/year for a couple by 14 percent each year.

· Increase in Meals on Wheels Funding: This year’s budget saw an increase in funding for Meals on Wheels, critical for supporting thousands of seniors across the state and many seniors here in Ansonia and Derby.

Legislation

· HB6170, An Act Increasing Funding For Aging In Place Initiatives – funds various initiatives to help our older neighbors remain in their own homes as long as possible with proper support as needed.

· SB375, An Act Concerning Nursing Home Facility Staffing Levels- ensures the well-being of nursing home residents by requiring nursing homes to provide clear safety data to the state including but not limited to the number of nurses that will direct patient contact for each shift and minimum number of required staff for each shift.

· SB832, An act Concerning Registries of Persons Found Responsible For Assaults Or Other Abuse, Neglect, Exploitation, Or Abandonment Of Elderly Persons Or Persons With Disabilities – provides the public with access to a searchable database of perpetrators of crimes and other substantiated abuse, neglect, exploitation or abandonment of elderly persons or persons with disabilities.

· SB827, An Act Concerning Alzheimer’s Disease and Dementia Training And Best Practices – requires certain health care professionals who provide primary care or emergency treatment for adults to receive training in recognizing the signs and symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease dementia. 
This bill also establishes a working group to develop recommendations on improving the care for Alzheimer’s disease and dementia patients.


This is a press release from Rochelle's office.

Derby Neck Library to present movie, talk on USS Connecticut, more

Dinner and a Movie

DERBY - Derby Neck Library hosts Dinner and a Movie for ages 18 and older at 5:30 p.m. Thursday (Sept. 5).
This month’s feature film is “Rocketman,” a musical biography of Elton John. 

Free refreshments will be served, including a pizza dinner at intermission. 

Women's Forum

At 12:30 p.m. Sept. 16 the Library hosts Women’s Forum, a literary discussion group.  This month’s focus is a set of short stories by Jessamyn West. 
Copies of the stories are available at the library. Feel free to bring a light lunch; we serve coffee and tea.  

USS Connecticut presentation

The Library presents a powerpoint presentation on “The USS Connecticut” by Prof. Mark Albertson from Norwalk Community College at 6:30 p.m. Sept. 19.  

Learn the details of how the lead ship navigated the globe with the Great White Fleet of 1907. No registration is required.  

Parenting workshop

At 6 p.m. Sept. 25 the Library will host Laura Cleary, LMSW in a Better Parenting Workshop, designed to improve your communication and motivational skills - for all parents, with a special focus on teens and tweens. 
This is a free event, but registration is recommended. 

Evening Book Club

At 6:30 p.m. Sept. 30 the Library hosts the Evening Book Club, moderated by Patricia Sweeney, Ph.D.  

This month’s selection is “The Awakening” by Kate Chopin. Copies of the book are available at the library. 

The Library is at 307 Hawthorne Ave. For information call 203-734-1492.

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

Patronize Copper City Bar & Grill, support Ansonia Soccer Club

Oxford Cultural Arts to host Open Poetry Mic Wednesday

Ansonia Cultural Commission seeks teen volunteers

Recuperation journey: Morning light

Have a great day! 

Shelton Exchange Club to hold golf tournament