Tuesday, June 30, 2020

Naugatuck Valley Health District: No COVID-19 associated deaths


Recuperation journey: Looking at the sky


Today's moon is in waxing gibbous phase with 74 percent illumination. Full moon is July 5.

Derby High School to offer free sports physicals


'Turnback Tuesday' highlights Bank Street in E. Derby



Turnback Tuesday visits Bank Street in East Derby this week. 
The house on the right is #31 (the original Derby Bank in 1809) and the one on the left is #34. If you look closely you can see many features of the day when this photo was taken. 
For example, a hitching post, stepping stone for a carriage, shutters on windows. Also this photo looks like it was taken in the spring. Not much in the way of leaves on the trees. 
The more you look at a photo, the more the story comes out. 
The five homes you see in the forefront are still standing today.


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

Shelton Library System to host Animal Crossing program for teens

Shared from the Shelton Library System Facebook page:
"Teens 13 and older can join Miss Jessica [from 2-2:30 p.m. Thursday] on the Nintendo Switch to play Animal Crossing.
***Teens must have their own Nintendo Switch, a copy of the game Animal Crossing, and Internet access on the Switch to participate.***

"Patrons must register with an email address and Animal Crossing username to receive a Zoom meeting ID and password where the program will begin.
"Once patrons have checked into the Zoom meeting, Miss Jessica will begin the Animal Crossing part of the program with the teens that have registered.
"Teens can travel virtually to Miss Jessica's Animal Crossing island to share items, recipes, flowers, and more with one another! Program will run 15-30 minutes."

Registration link: http://engagedpatrons.org/EventsExtended.cfm?SiteID=2661&EventID=414799&PK=

Virtual Teen Maker Space slated at Derby Public Library


DERBY - Derby Public Library invites all young adults ages 12 to 17 to a virtual Teen Maker Space at 3 p.m. July 9.
The Whitney Water Center’s science educator Lisa DeFrancesco will explain and demonstrate the concept of Surface Tension.
Registration for this online Zoom gathering is accessible on the Events Calendar of the library’s webpage at www.derbypubliclibrary.org


Make-Ahead Breakfasts
On July 23 from 3-4 p.m., the Library invites all young adults ages 12 to 17 to a virtual Teen Maker Space where attendees will learn about the convenience and time saving aspects of Make-Ahead Breakfasts. 
This event will address the challenges to preparing breakfasts on the go, look at food preparation to save time, and discover more ideas for morning meals. 
Certified dietitian Siddhi Sheth will discuss tips for making balanced breakfasts, as well as demonstrate a few items for members to prepare on their own. 

To register and receive a materials list for this online Zoom gathering, visit the Events Calendar of the library’s webpage at www.derbypubliclibrary.org

Both programs are part of the DPL Teen Summer Club - Imagine Your Story! 

For more information call 203-736-1482.


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

Monday, June 29, 2020

Naugatuck Valley Health District: 1 more COVID-19 associated death


Peaceful rally slated at Riverwalk to support Shelton Police Department


Seymour Pink to host A Pink Day to Remember at restaurant in Oxford


The event will be held from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Aug. 1 at Rose's Family Restaurant, 248 Oxford Road, Oxford.

This will be a day to celebrate breast cancer survivors and to support Seymour Pink - in a smaller way than our Pink Night to Remember in March was supposed to do.
Come take a chance on the raffles donated for our Pink Night and honor survivors.
There will be T-shirt sales and more.

*Information shared from a Facebook event page.

Beacon Falls Public Library to host webinar on talking to kids about COVID-19



"Join us for an interactive webinar that addresses the challenges that children and teens face due to the changes caused by COVID-19.
"The webinar will tackle the challenges of helping children of various ages understand the recent changes in our lives, the potential health issues of COVID-19, and the reasons for health and social distancing restrictions.

"Half of the program will focus on suggestions for explaining these things to children, from preschoolers to teens, with ideas for eliciting cooperation and being sensitive to the kids' needs and feelings. We will then open up the program for questions and sharing of ideas, so we can learn from our collective experiences and help one another.
"We are all in this together, and together we will get through it.


"Hosts will be Liz Setaro, Library Director, and Dr. Barbara Berkowitz, retired psychologist, who previously provided the webinar, "Choosing Light in a Dark Time, for the library on May 28.

"The Zoom meeting link and password will be emailed to registered attendees prior to the meeting."


To register:

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/talking-to-children-about-covid-19-tickets-109993942844?aff=efbeventtix&fbclid=IwAR087K9_bCVZmyJA_1tXyoIeRdkpnyAcyw8y3dmWXDZ7frx_OA2I8r_5IKo



This information is shared from the Beacon Falls Public Library Facebook page.


Friday, June 26, 2020

Recuperation journey: Friday sunset


Backyard view.

Naugatuck Valley Health District: No COVID-19 associated deaths


Highlights: 1 new case reported (Naugatuck) and no deaths reported

Rochelle to distribute PPE Saturday at 2 locations in Ansonia


Rochelle fights for Griffin Hospital in Derby amid COVID-19 pandemic


State Rep. Kara Rochelle

DERBY - State Rep. Kara Rochelle, D-Ansonia/Derby, coordinated an effort earlier this month to advocate for federal funds for Connecticut's small- and mid-sized hospitals excluded from vital financial assistance provided through the $10 billion COVID-19 High Impact Allocation.

She sent a letter to U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Alex M. Azar in June advocating for the inclusion of Griffin Hospital and hospitals like Griffin in the distribution of $103 billion in unobligated funds in the Health Providers Relief Fund. 
This letter has received support from several Democratic and Republican lawmakers in the Connecticut General Assembly.
"Despite a $6 million decrease in revenue, Griffin Hospital made significant investments to expand its capacity to test and treat patients. The Hospital faces several financial challenges, which will persist long after this emergency declaration," said Rochelle. "Without assistance from the state and federal governments, Griffin Hospital, which is the 104th Assembly District's largest employer, may have to further reduce its COVID-19 response. 
"Connecticut cannot afford vulnerabilities in its health care system and our residents cannot afford to lose their jobs. I am fighting and organizing to do all that I can to support this economic lifeline through this public health crisis and its aftermath," she said.
Rochelle has been working with U.S. Rep. Rosa DeLauro and other members of Connecticut's federal delegation to secure vital funding to ensure Griffin Hospital, and others like it, are not left behind in the economic fallout of the COVID-19 pandemic.

In April, 12 Connecticut hospitals received just over $290 million in assistance authorized by the $10 billion COVID-19 High Impact Allocation. Hospitals eligible for the funding had to have 100 or more cases of COVID-19 by April 10. 
This cut-off date excluded Connecticut's 17 small- and mid-sized community hospitals, like Griffin, which reached the 100-case mark on April 21.
Griffin has seen over 153 cases of COVID-19 at a cost of $23,000 per patient on average. Due to reduction in revenue, hospital leadership is worried they will be required to reduce the 
hospital's coronavirus response, which could mean more layoffs. At the onset of the pandemic, Griffin furloughed 102 of its 900 workers.
Rochelle understands the integral role small- and medium-sized hospitals have played in the state's response to the coronavirus as well as their role in expanding access to health care across the state. 

Connecticut has the eighth highest death rate related to COVID-19 in the United States, trailing behind New York, New Jersey, Massachusetts, Michigan, Pennsylvania, Illinois, and California. 
As of June 25, 4,298 COVID-19-associated deaths have been reported in the state.


This is a press release from Rochelle's office.

Ansonia Library to host discussion of 'Little Women' on Zoom


Thursday, June 25, 2020

Naugatuck Valley Health District: No new COVID-19 associated deaths


Naugatuck Valley Health District: 1 more COVID-19 associated death

This is a note Wednesday from Jessica Stelmaszek, MPH, Director of Health, Naugatuck Valley Health District:

Please see the latest update from NVHD. Highlights: 

  •  1 new case reported today (Naugatuck)
  •  1 COVID-19 associated death reported (Shelton) 
  • New CT Travel Advisory Information


Derby Public Library offers virtual activities for teens in July


DERBY - Derby Public Library invites all young adults ages 12 to 17 to a Virtual Teen Advisory Board Meeting from 3-4 p.m. Wednesdays, July 1, 15, and 29.

Attendees are encouraged to voice their ideas for improving and expanding young adult library services offered during library closure, as well as in-house programming once re-opened to the public. 
Focus will include participant input that contributes to the library fulfilling its mission of quality-of-life enhancements in: knowledge; entertainment; and citizenship. 

Zoom meeting access will be provided by emailing dplreference@biblio.org
These programs are part of the DPL Teen Summer Club – Imagine Your Story

Also on Wednesdays, July 8 and 22, from 3-4 p.m., the Library invites young adults ages 12 to 17 to a virtual Teen Audiobook SYNC chat where attendees are encouraged to engage in lively evaluations of two thematically-paired audiobooks to be offered weekly. 
Access to this electronic resource, as well as Zoom meeting/chat access will be provided

For more information call 203-736-1482 or visit www.derbypubliclibrary.org.


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

Wednesday, June 24, 2020

St. Vincent de Paul in Derby to host Sunday Drive-By Food Drive


Master's Table Community Meals to resume at Assumption Church hall in Ansonia

Shared from Master's Table Community Meals' Facebook page:

"We will finally be serving our meals again starting Sunday, July 12 from 4-5:30 pm at Assumption Church [hall, 61 N. Cliff St., Ansonia]. Unfortunately we cannot do a sit down meal; meals will be made to go. 
"Please enter the parking lot between the church and the school, follow the car flow and open your trunk or unlock your back door. A volunteer will place meals for all people in your car. If you walk up you must wear a mask and stay 6 feet apart. 
"All are welcome. Thank you for your continued support."

Celebrate Shelton to present virtual Downtown Sounds


Derby Public Library slates 'Yesterday's Headlines' via Zoom


DERBY - The Derby Public Library will host historian Rob Novak at 6:30 p.m. June 30 in a presentation via Zoom.

Participants will be taken back 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. 
This event is co-sponsored with the Derby Historical Society.

Space is limited; registration is required.

This information is shared from an online community calendar sponsored by The Community Foundation for Greater New Haven and The New Haven Independent.

Tuesday, June 23, 2020

Naugatuck Valley Health District: 1 more COVID-19 associated death

Sharing a note from Jessica Stelmaszek, MPH,
Director of Health:


"Please find the latest update from NVHD Highlights:
  • No new cases were reported today!
  • 1 lab-confirmed COVID-19 associated death reported in Naugatuck.
  • 1 probable COVID-19 death reported in Seymour."



'Turnback Tuesday' features Sterling Piano Co. advertising cards


Turnback Tuesday remembers the Sterling Piano Co. of Derby. 
These beautiful cards advertised the product at locations all over the country. 
Some advertising cards ran in series such as flowering trees, children with musical instruments, and birds. They were beautifully designed and because of their beauty many survive today. 
These cards were generously donated by Joseph DiRienzo, formerly of Derby. Joe has a passion for Derby’s history and has shared his knowledge with the Library on many occasions.


A big thank you goes to the Derby Public Library staff for sharing interesting local history each week!

Seymour Oxford Food Bank in community center offers meal bags for kids


Derby Historical Society seeks donations to fund Humphreys House preservation

 Humphreys House, 37 Elm St., Ansonia
ANSONIA - The Old Derby Historical Society has been in existence since 1899 and was reorganized in 1946. 

For almost 75 years the Derby Historical Society has been celebrating cultural diversity and promoting equality for all with exhibits that highlight the challenges and successes of the very populations that call the lower Naugatuck Valley home. 
From the Kosciuszko Polish-American Historical Society, Inc. of the Valley: Ansonia - Derby - Shelton - Seymour (Room dedicated to this at the Humphreys House), to celebrating Ebenezer Bassett who was our Nation's first African American and Native American ambassador, we strive to educate you about our local and national past.

Though we are preparing to resume activities at the David Humphreys House, harsh reality has set in: much of our funding from event campaigning and donations has been drastically reduced. 
Without being officially funded by any local municipality or a fiscal sponsor, our fundraising efforts fall directly on the Society.

Here is where we remain transparent and tell more of the story: The restoration of the Gen. David Humphreys House continues. We recently discovered that the attic floor joists had slipped from their pockets. The problem was fixed. Then, we learned that the middle section of the attic girt on the southern gable overhang was rotted. The rot was cut out, and the beam was spliced with an 8’ section donated to us by John Dickey, the Timberguy. 

Work on the rear and south sides of the Gen. David Humphreys House needs to be completed and funds need to be raised for a much-needed roof.

During this difficult spring, we continued to serve our Valley community. While closed, programming and membership continued to function, we created virtual tours, and we offered FREE digital classes to students, teachers, and parents.

Please consider making a monetary donation to help us continue with the very necessary work of preserving this museum house and staying in existence as the Valley's only regional historical society. 

We are facing the despairing reality that many small nonprofits are experiencing, and we need YOUR help to “Preserve Our Place in History.”

Please click here: https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_s-xclick&hosted_button_id=QD3ZM2KG43MTA&source=url
go to derbyhistorical.org and make a tax-deductible donation today by clicking on the PayPal Button.

Monday, June 22, 2020

Recuperation journey: Around the yard - Part 12


Bee-ing industrious on a hot evening.



Naugatuck Valley Health District: 2 more COVID-19 associated deaths


Ansonia Public Schools thanks community in helping to make graduation a success


*This is shared from Ansonia Public Schools' Facebook page. 

Oxford Public Library staff offers patrons online holds for books, curbside pickup


Recuperation journey: Around the (neighbor's) yard - Part 1


It's always good to stop and smell the roses. Happy summer!

Pandemic postpones 6th annual Overdose Awareness 5K Walk/Run


Sunday, June 21, 2020

Recuperation journey: Sunday sunset sky


Cloud reflections. Straight out of the camera.


Members of Emmett O'Brien Tech Class of 2020 get special message on school fence


This is one way Emmett O'Brien Technical High School staff congratulated its Class of 2020. 
The school is located at 141 Prindle Ave., Ansonia.

Derby Public Library seeks Teen Advisory Board members

DERBY - Teens, let your voices be heard!
Do you have ideas about the types of programs we have or materials we purchase at the library?
This is an opportunity for you to express ideas for virtual programs during our library closure by joining the Teen Advisory Board.
Once you register below for our virtual meetings, you'll have a chance to help make the Derby Public Library an even better place for you and your friends.
As a bonus, membership in TAB will look great on your resume and college applications!
Zoom details and link will be emailed to you 3 days prior to the meeting.

For more information, email the Teen Librarian at tdelos@biblio.org.



This is shared from a Facebook event page.

Seymour Lions Club to hold 5 cruise nights in July


SEYMOUR - The Seymour Lions Club will hold a car show at 5:30 p.m. every Thursday in July at Tri-Town Plaza, 814 Derby Ave.
This show will be lots for fun for the whole family; we take pride in the part we play bringing car enthusiasts together to celebrate a time when the automobile was more than just an appliance.

We invite all hot rods, street rods, rat rods, classic, custom, trucks, motorcycles, and antiques to join us.

As local car aficionados showcase their vintage, classic, and custom cars, trucks and motorcycles and all the work they have done on them, there are opportunities to network and uncover new ideas for local car enthusiasts.

Trophies will be award for the 1st, 2nd & 3rd place car/truck winners also a motorcycle trophy will be award.

Our sponsors pick the winners! Music raffles, socializing makes for a fun night!

For more information visit www.e-clubhouse.org/sites/seymourct/ or our Facebook page “The Seymour Lions Club”, follow us on Twitter @seymourlions, email us seymourlions52@att.net or call Lion Corky @ 203-619-1571 or Lion Melissa @ 203-430-9356.



This is shared from a Facebook event page.

Saturday, June 20, 2020

Recuperation journey: Early evening photo fun


Beautiful zinnia.

BHcare to reopen clothing bank Monday by appointment only

Sharing from the BHcare Facebook page:

"The BHcare Clothing Bank will reopen, by appointment only, for shoppers on Monday, June 22. 
"To protect the health and safety of our staff, shoppers and partners, please follow the guidelines below. We're sorry, but we still cannot accept donations at this time. We thank you for your patience. — sharing a COVID-19 Update."