Monday, August 31, 2020

Recuperation journey: Looking at the sky


 
Monday sunset view. 


Ansonia Police ID Derby mother, 20, stabbed to death

ANSONIA - Police have identified Derby resident Rosalie Acquefreda, 20, as the victim of a deadly stabbing Sunday afternoon on the Ansonia-Derby town line.

Read the Valley Independent Sentinel story here.

Katharine Matthies Foundation awards $20K grant to Parent Child Resource Center

BHcare’s Parent Child Resource Center recently was awarded $20,000 from The Katharine Matthies Foundation. 

The grant dollars will be used to help cover the cost of converting programs and services to telehealth and additional operating expenses due to the pandemic. 

In addition to working and other responsibilities, parents now have school-age children at home all day. 

It can be a significant challenge to keep them entertained, keep their lives structured, help them with online learning, and make sure everyone in the household is getting along.  

Parents bear the weight of managing everything and trying to keep everyone happy. 

Children feel the strain, too. Listening to the news or conversations at home, the virus can be very frightening. If a parent is out of work or someone in the family is ill, it is very traumatic. 

Children can’t go to parks, the movies, or shopping, they can’t have birthday parties and can’t visit grandparents or their friends.  

“We are so grateful for the monies from the Katharine Matthies Foundation,” said Sarah Beard, Director of Children’s Services.  “We are able to continue to respond to the mental health needs of both children and families during this difficult and challenging time.”  


The Katharine Matthies Foundation was established in 1987 to support and promote quality educational, human services, and health care programming for underserved populations. Special consideration is given to organizations that work to prevent cruelty to children and animals. 

The Matthies Foundation specifically serves the people of the Lower Naugatuck Valley


PCRC, a program of BHcare, provides hope and help for children, adolescents, teens, and families struggling with emotional and behavioral issues. Visit www.bhcare.org for more information.



This is a press release from BHcare.


Ansonia Police to release name of Derby woman murdered Sunday

ANSONIA - The Ansonia Police Department will hold a press conference at 4 p.m. today at Veterans Memorial Park next to Ansonia City Hall, 253 Main St.
"We will be releasing the name of the victim [of Sunday's deadly assault] along with updates on the investigation," Lt. Patrick Lynch said in an email Monday afternoon.

Sheba Chapter No. 1 in Ansonia to distribute school supplies at drive-through event


 

Ansonia Police: Suspect sought in murder of Derby woman, 20


ANSONIA - At about 4:50 p.m. Sunday the Derby Police Department notified the Ansonia Police Department of an evading motor vehicle accident involving a pedestrian in the area of Coe Lane and North Coe Lane, Lt. Patrick Lynch said in a release late Sunday night. 

When officers arrived on scene, they found a 20-year-old female suffering from upper body injuries that were not consistent with a motor vehicle accident but rather an assault. 
The female was transported to Griffin Hospital where she was pronounced dead. The name of the victim will be released once the next of kin has been notified of her death. 

The Ansonia Police Department is currently working with the State of Connecticut Office of the Chief Medical examiner to determine the cause and manner of death. 
The Connecticut State Police Major Crime Central District is assisting with the processing of the scene on Coe Lane and North Coe Lane. 
The Ansonia Police Department Detective Bureau with the assistance of the Derby Police Department Detective Bureau are following up leads to identify a suspect. A black Pontiac Aztek motor vehicle involved in this incident has been located and is in the custody of the Ansonia Police Department. 
Anyone with information is asked to contact the Ansonia Police Department at 203-735-1885 or tips can be left anonymously through Tip411 at the link below.

https://www.tip411.com/tips/new?alert_group_id=21553


This is a press release from Ansonia Police Lt. Patrick Lynch.

Master's Table to hold dinners at Assumption Church hall in Ansonia

 

Saturday, August 29, 2020

Drive-in movie at Warsaw Park in Ansonia rescheduled to Sunday

 

From the City of Ansonia Facebook page:

Tonight’s Drive-In feature has been rescheduled to tomorrow (Sunday) night due to rain!

Derby Neck Library hosts virtual educational entertainment for kids


Checkers the Inventor includes stories, crafts, science experiments, special guests, and so much more! 
New episodes are posted every Monday at 3 p.m. to our Facebook page for the general public and Google Classroom for Derby students, classroom code auxndrb

*For safety reasons, the Google Classroom is only open to students and teachers in the Derby Public School System at this time.

This information is shared from Derby Neck Library's Facebook page. There are two more episodes listed, Aug. 31 and Sept. 7.

Derby Public Library to host virtual AAA educational program


DERBY - Derby Public Library invites young adults to a free AAA Virtual Educational Program at 3 p.m. Sept. 21. 

This is a pre-permit workshop for soon-to-be drivers and their parents explaining the driver education, permit and Graduated Driver License process, including Connecticut state laws. 

Zoom access link will be provided via email three days prior to the meeting date. 

Sign up at the library’s Events Calendar at www.derbypubliclibrary.org.  



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



Recuperation journey: From the autumn archives


Old Glory seen through the trees in our yard.

Friday, August 28, 2020

Derby Public Library slates virtual graphic novel readings for teens

 

DERBY - Derby Public Library invites all young adults ages 12 to 17 to virtual gatherings for the reading/showing of classic graphic novels from 3:30-4:30 p.m. Sept. 16 and 30.

Zoom access links will be provided via email three days prior to meeting dates. 

Sign up at the library’s Events Calendar at www.derbypubliclibrary.org



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


Alliance for Prevention & Wellness to host online events to mark overdose awareness

Local communities throughout Connecticut and around the world are coming together Monday (Aug. 31) to remember those who have died or suffered permanent injury due to drug overdose.

International Overdose Awareness Day (IOAD) seeks to create better understanding of overdose, reduce the stigma of drug-related deaths, and create change that reduces the harms associated with drug use.

Drug overdoses and drug overdose deaths continue to rise at an alarming rate.

According to the National Institutes of Drug Abuse, more than 67,300 Americans died from drug-involved overdose in 2018, including illicit drugs and prescription opioids. Connecticut lost 1,200 people in drug-related overdoses last year, an average of three people a day.

IOAD is a time to acknowledge and support the grief felt by families and friends who have lost a loved one, provide hope to families who have a loved one struggling with a substance use disorder, and to provide local prevention and treatment resources to our communities.

As part of IOAD, BHcare’s Alliance for Prevention & Wellness) is offering the following upcoming events:
Narcan training on Sept. 2 from 2-3 p.m. via zoom register at https://conta.cc/3jg3Bab.

FB LIVE session on Medicated Assisted Treatment (MAT) held on Sept. 9 from 1-2 p.m. at www.facebook.com/apwct.

If you know a friend or family member in need of help, contact BHcare at 203-800-7177. For substance use treatment resources, call 1-800-563-4086 or visit drugfreect.org.

The Alliance for Prevention & Wellness, a program of BHcare, is the Regional Behavioral Health Action Organization for the DMHAS Region II service area.

APW’s mission is to foster positive mental health by preventing substance misuse and other health-risk behaviors, and by building resources that promote wellness.

For more information, visit www.APW-CT.org


This is a press release from BHcare.

Massaro Farm in Woodbridge to host annual Dinner from the Farm


 

Make a reservation for Beacon Hose Company's drive-thru dinner fundraiser


Shared from the fire company's Facebook event page:

NOTE: PRE-ORDER ONLY! Check out the details.
We know y’all have been craving some great food cooked up by the Beacon Hose chefs since we sadly didn’t get to put on a carnival this year — so here we go!
All dinners MUST BE PRE-ORDERED (click on the ticket link), and they must be picked up during a designated time slot at Beacon Hose. Pre-ordering will close on Wednesday, Sept. 23 — there will be no day-of orders available, so don’t wait!
Here's the menu:
- SEAFOOD: lobster dinner, steamers, Lobster Bomb
- MEATS: steak dinner, Beacon Hose Bologna Sandwich
- SIDES: baked potato, corn on the cob
- DESSERT: ice cream sandwich
- DRINKS: soda, water


Follow all the directions on our website to order, and make sure to keep your confirmation email so you have the right info when you arrive!
Beacon Hose will take all necessary precautions to limit the spread of COVID-19, and we ask that anyone in your vehicle please wear a face covering when coming to pick up orders. 
Let us know if you have any questions - we appreciate your support! 

Thursday, August 27, 2020

Ansonia Police: UI to cut power to parts of city for at least 2 hours tonight


ANSONIA - Due to a downed tree on a transmission line at the United Illuminating substation in Ansonia, UI will have to shut down power to several thousand residents beginning at 10 tonight. 

The power outages will affect residents living on and around North Main Street up to the Seymour town line and from East Main Street east to the Woodbridge town line. 

United Illuminating plans to restore power as quickly as possible but anticipates at least a two hour power outage.

Logan to host coffee hour Friday at Valley Diner in Derby

 


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

Register now for 9th annual Pounding the Pavement for Pink to benefit Seymour Pink


The all-volunteer Seymour Pink is a community's fight against breast cancer. 

The organization works to increase awareness of breast cancer, raise funds for research, and empower and support those who have been diagnosed with the disease.

Beacon Falls Public Library to offer Take & Make wall hanging craft

















https://www.eventbrite.com/.../macrame-wall-hanging-take...

This is shared from the Library's Facebook page.

Valley Shakespeare Festival to perform 'Cyrano' at Veteran's Park in Shelton



CYRANO DE BERGERAC

By Edmond Rostand


SEPT. 3-6 at 7 p.m.

Veteran's Memorial Park
38 Canal Street E., Shelton

Get ready to LOL with VSF this summer!

Join us in Veteran's Memorial Park for this epic story of swashbuckling action, romance, and panache!

As Connecticut continues to reopen and in an effort to keep actors, crew, and audiences safe we have opted for a 3-actor Cyrano as our FREE SHAKESPEARE IN THE PARK.


Cyrano de Bergerac is a master of swordplay and wordplay, but a “magnificent Mount Everest of a nose” blocks his path to true love.
From Parisian balconies to bloody battlefields, tongue-tied Christian borrows Cyrano’s words to woo beautiful Roxane - but is she falling for Christian’s looks or Cyrano’s soul?

The play is set in 1640 in Paris.

Run time is approximately 70 minutes with no intermission

Free with a suggested $10 donation; g
ood for ages 10 and up.


This is shared from the Valley Shakespeare Festival's website.


Wednesday, August 26, 2020

Seymour Public Library to host online program for job seekers


 This information is shared from the Seymour Public Library Facebook page.


Greenwich teen donates 50 face shields he created to Griffin Hospital in Derby



Arjun Dayal delivers face shields to Griffin Health Chief Medical Officer Dr. Frederick Browne and Inpatient Services Administrator Kelly Egan, MSN, BSN, RN./ Contributed photo

DERBY - Arjun Dayal, 17, of Greenwich recently used his talents at 3D printing to help protect medical staff members at Griffin Hospital.


Dayal delivered 50 face shields to Griffin’s Chief Medical Officer Dr. Frederick Browne and Inpatient Services Administrator Kelly Egan, MSN, BSN, RN, as part of his Pegasus COVID-19 Initiative.

Since being inspired by a call from a Boston physician in early March for individuals with 3D printers to make PPE for health care workers at the front line of the COVID-19 pandemic, he has produced and delivered more than 2,600 face shields to hospitals and medical centers across the country.


“I was looking for a way to help, because I want to be a doctor one day and I want someone to have my back, especially in times like this,” Dayal said.

Using a face shield that was developed by Prusa Printers in the Czech Republic, it takes Dayal about 90 minutes to make each face shield. The shield cost about $4.50 to make, and Dayal has set up the website pegasusforcovid19.com to help finance the initiative.


Below photo shows Dayal's new 3D printer he uses to keep up with demand. 

See more photos and information about Dayal's initiative at his site, pegasusforcovid19.com.




This is a press release from Griffin Hospital.  


Derby Public Library slates financial awareness webinar on Zoom

DERBY - Rebecca Miller from the Financial Awareness Foundation will lead a webinar from 6-7 p.m. Sept. 16 via Zoom hosted by Derby Public Library.

The webinar will expand your knowledge on different financial products and how they are taxed and the importance of having tax diversification implemented in your portfolio.

Register here.


This is shared from a Facebook event post.

My Sister's Place in Ansonia updates appointment hours for donations

Shared from My Sister's Place Facebook page:


My Sister's Place is a family thrift store and donation center at 380 Main St., Ansonia. 
All proceeds benefit The Umbrella Center for Domestic Violence Services, a program of BHcare.

"Last week, we had to dump several boxes of items left overnight outside of our donation bins. With this rainy weather, the heat and humidity, and even the neighborhood possum snooping around, we are unable to bring in and sort any items left outside of our receptacle. Please be mindful of our process and guidelines."

"Call us for a safe and socially distanced donation drop-off appointment. Thank you!"


Klarides-Ditria: Hearing slated via Zoom on Eversource rate increases




Dear Neighbors,

I would like to let you know about the upcoming hearing regarding Eversource's rate increases and their response to Tropical Storm Isaias.

At 10:30 a.m. Thursday (Aug. 27), the legislative Energy and Technology Committee will host an informational forum via Zoom. 
This hearing is expected to cover a far-ranging set of issues, from the role of state utility regulators and the process of setting rates to utility staffing levels and how the companies communicate with customers and municipalities during outages. 
Top Eversource and United Illuminating executives will participate. 
While the public cannot participate in the hearing, email comments are encouraged.

Watch on CT-N.com (live and on demand)

Submit testimony to ETtestimony@cga.ct.gov

Please reach out to me if you have any questions about this hearing. I will be sure to keep you updated on this matter.

Sincerely,


Derby Public Library discussion on Zoom to focus on Fred Rogers' biography


DERBY - Join us on Zoom for a Lunchtime Book Discussion hosted by Derby Public Library at 12:30 p.m. Sept. 30. 

The featured book for September is “The Good Neighbor" by Maxwell King.  

The first full-length biography of Fred Rogers, it tells the story of this utterly unique and enduring American icon. "The Good Neighbor" is the definitive portrait of a beloved figure, cherished by multiple generations.

 

Books will be available to download on Hoopla Digital, RB Digital, and Overdrive, which can be found at www.derbypubliclibrary.org. 


Registration is required for this program online. To download Zoom, visit your app store or download from Zoom.us to register for a free account.  

Once you have registered for this program, a link and password will be emailed to you three (3) days prior to the event. 


Book discussions will be held virtually until further notice.



This is a press release from Kathy Wilson, head of adult circulation, Derby Public Library.



Seymour Public Library to host The Grounded Goodwife's DIY program on Zoom

 

SEYMOUR - Seymour Public Library will host the Grounded Goodwife team, Velya & Ehris, when they make kimchi via Zoom from 6:30-7:30 p.m. Sept. 22.
Participants will learn to create their own jar of kimchi. They need to provide the jar and ingredients. 
Fermented foods, which are loaded with good bacteria, can give your immune system a boost!

Jar: half-gallon or two 32 ounce.
Ingredient list:
· 5 pounds napa cabbage (approx 2.5 cabbages) cut into 1-inch, bite-sized pieces
· ½ cup coarse sea salt
· 1 cup water (preferably non-chlorinated—chlorinated water can inhibit fermentation)
· ½ medium onion
· 5-6 garlic cloves, peeled
· ¼ cup water (preferably non-chlorinated—chlorinated water can inhibit fermentation)
· 1/4 cup red pepper powder
· 1 bundle green onions/scallions, julienned

Link will be provided closer to the event.

This information is shared from a Facebook event post.

Tuesday, August 25, 2020

'Turnback Tuesday' highlights centennial of St. Mary's Church in Derby

 

Turnback Tuesday celebrates St. Mary’s Church of Derby. 
The Church, now part of Our Lady Queen of the Apostles Parish, is located on Elizabeth Street. The church's groundbreaking was in March, 1882. This beautiful structure has Gothic-style arches and was dedicated Nov. 21, 1883. 
The church celebrated its centennial in 1982 and created this mug to commemorate such an historic event. 
The mug is also part of the Derby Public Library's collection. Remember, please continue Hunting for History!


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

Rochelle to help distribute PPE at Abundant Life Fellowship Ministries in Ansonia

Derby Public Library slates online teen board meetings in September


DERBY - Derby Public Library invites all young adults ages 12 to 17 to virtual Teen Advisory Board meetings from 3:30-4:30 p.m. Sept. 9 and 23.


Attendees are encouraged to voice their ideas for improving and expanding young adult library services and teen programming. 

Focus will include participant input that contributes to the library fulfilling its mission of quality-of-life enhancements in: knowledge; entertainment; and citizenship. 

Zoom access link will be provided via email three days prior to meeting date. Sign up at the library’s Events Calendar at www.derbypubliclibrary.org.  



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


Monday, August 24, 2020

Recuperation journey: Looking at the sky

 

Another moon photo this evening, thanks to a mostly clear sky. 

The moon is in waxing crescent phase, 36 percent illumination.


DiBacco: Free meals available to Ansonia schoolchildren

 

Derby Public Library to host program on nutrition via Zoom

DERBY - Derby Public Library will host Siddhi Sheth, Registered Dietitian, Shelton ShopRite, at 6:30 p.m. Sept. 28 as she discusses nutrition labels and nutrition myth busters via Zoom.
Siddhi will share recent updates to the nutrition label, as well as how to effectively use one to make dietary choices.
Lastly, Siddhi will go over common assumptions about nutrition and discuss misconceptions.

Registration required to receive Zoom link and password.


This is shared from a Facebook event page.

Chrisandra's Country Store in Oxford to host fundraiser for Ansonia Animal Shelter

 

Unfortunately due to COVID, the Ansonia Animal Shelter had to cancel its ziti fundraiser. 

This coming Saturday, Aug. 29, Chrisandras Country Store in Oxford is hosting a fundraiser from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. for the shelter. 

Please stop by and support if you can. Friends of the Ansonia Animal Shelter