Get crafty Aug. 9, 23 at Derby Public Library programs

DERBY - Get crafty at Derby Public Library (adults) with easy, but awesome crafting programs led by craft expert Lisa Lupa.

The Library is at 313 Elizabeth St.

Register using the following links (All programs are 6-7:30 p.m.):

Aug. 9 - https://bit.ly/46p2Ftw

Aug. 23 - https://bit.ly/44ogfvy

This is shared from the Library's Facebook page.

Afternoon Tea V on tap Tuesdays at Derby Neck Library

DERBY - Meet at 1 p.m. Tuesday in our Community Room at Derby Neck Library and enjoy a showing on our large-screen TV followed by a discussion of the episode.

Light snacks and flavored teas are served at each meeting.

We are currently watching "The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel."

The Library is at 307 Hawthorne Ave.

This is shared from the Library's Facebook page.

CT Foodshare truck to visit St. Mary's Church parking lot in Derby

DERBY - The Connecticut Foodshare truck will return to St. Mary’s Church parking lot Tuesday, Aug. 1 from 2:15-3 p.m. 

No income limits, no questions asked....just bring a bag to receive some food.

This is shared from Our Lady Queen of the Apostles Facebook page.

Griffin Hospital in Derby to offer virtual weight-loss presentations

DERBY - Griffin Bariatrics will offer free virtual presentations on its weight-loss services throughout August and September.

Led by Griffin Hospital Director of Bariatrics Dr. Abe Fridman, these seminars will explain how bariatric surgery can help patients lose significant amounts of weight, enhance their health, and provide long-term well-being. 

Additionally, techniques, support programs, pre- and post-operative expectations, and insurance questions are also discussed.

Upcoming seminars will be held Aug. 7 at 5:30 p.m., Aug. 23 at 5:30 p.m., Aug. 29 at noon, Sept. 5 at 5:30 p.m.; Sept. 20 at 5:30 p.m., and Sept. 26 at noon.

Griffin Hospital established its comprehensive weight loss surgery program, Griffin Bariatrics, to provide a medical solution for patients with more substantial weight loss needs. 

The long-term success enjoyed by Griffin Bariatrics patients is a result of excellent medical care, including the latest minimally invasive surgical procedures, combined with access to a full range of multidisciplinary services that have been assembled to support them before, during, and after their surgery.

To register, contact Bariatric Care Specialist Kimberly Fisher at kfisher@griffinhealth.org or 203-732-7108. 

For more information about Griffin Bariatrics, visit griffinhospitalbariatrics.com.

This is a press release from Griffin Hospital.

Pimpinella to play classic 70s' songs Wednesday at Veterans Park in Ansonia

 

Derby Historical Society is out of office; regular hours resume Aug. 8

 

Here's a 'Turnback Tuesday' memory from 5 years ago today

This week's "Turnback Tuesday" pays honor to Daniel Waleski, Derby’s 1st “Citizen of the Year” proclaimed on July 1, 2011.

Dan was Derby’s most dedicated citizen, often playing his bugle in parades and ceremonies.

He attended seemingly every city meeting, always introducing himself as the “concerned citizen." Waleski was a Navy Veteran of WWII and a member of MMVET Post 43, American Legion, Catholic War Veterans and the Derby Historical Society.

Born on Dec. 9, 1924, Waleski died on April 9, 2014 at the age of 89.

This photo was taken by Markanthony Izzo on June 16, 2012 at Derby Day.

Friends of the Shelton Libraries slate book nook sale in August

 

This is shared from the Shelton Library System Facebook page.

Wonderful news: Ansonia Police locate missing toddler

Mercy Rodriguez

"Mercy Rodriguez has been located, thank you to everyone that shared and reposted."

This is shared from the Ansonia Police Department Facebook page.

* My apologies for missing this great news yesterday.

See original post below:

https://thevalley-voicect.blogspot.com/2023/07/ansonia-policeask-publics-help-in.html

Recuperation journey: Looking at the sky

Tonight's moon is in waxing gibbous phase and is 92 percent illuminated. The full moon will be here on Wednesday.

Kids to learn about, make catapults Friday at Ansonia Library program

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

Kellogg Environmental Center to present program on frogs at Derby Public Library

Frightened Frog (All Ages)

Aug. 2, 10:30-11:30 a.m.

Presented by the Kellogg Environmental Center.

Please register at https://bit.ly/3rLMtCR

DERBY - Enjoy the story "The Frightened Frog" Wednesday at Derby Public Library as you learn about the challenges of being a frog.

Learn how to identify local frogs and toads by call and physical characteristics, and explore their habitats safely while protecting them and their amphibian and reptile friends.

This an interactive program. All ages welcomed!

The Library is at 313 Elizabeth St.

NOTE: This event is the rescheduled date from the original planned date of July 19.

This is shared from Derby Public Library's Facebook page.

John C. Mead School in Ansonia to hold Pre-K orientation Aug. 16

 

Seymour Public Library to show 'Mamma Mia!'

 

SEYMOUR - Join us at 1 p.m. Aug. 16 in the lower level auditorium of Seymour Public Library to watch a movie! 

Light refreshments will be served. The Library is at 46 Church St.

We'll be showing "Mamma Mia!" starring Meryl Streep, Pierce Brosnan, and Amanda Seyfried. It is rated PG-13 and its duration is 1 hour, 48 minutes.

Summary: The story of a bride-to-be trying to find her real father told using hit songs by the popular 1970s group ABBA.

This is shared from the Library's Facebook page.

Ansonia Police warn residents of power lines down after storms

ANSONIA - Due to the storms that passed through Ansonia earlier this evening there were widespread reports of trees down, debris in the roadway, and power lines down, Lt. Patrick Lynch said in a release. 

If you see a line down please do not approach the line, call the department so we can notify UI of the location. 

The following roads are closed as result of the storm: Jewett Street in the area of Vine Street with power lines down; Arbor Terrace with trees and power lines down; Glen Drive with trees and power lines down; and Caroline Street with trees and power lines down.

The roads have been blocked off - please do not travel on them, we are working with UI to get service restored.

This is a press release from Lt. Patrick Lynch.

Little Free Pantry on Skokorat in Seymour posts weekly wish list

Weekly Wishlist

Thank you EVERYONE who has been dropping off and shipping donations! The Pantry remains insanely busy. We have distributed well OVER 2,000 LBS of food so far this month which is a 33% INCREASE from our previous record. It has been incredibly challenging to keep food on our shelves which is why we REALLY mean it when we say every little bit matters.

Our most needed items are:

PROTEINS (tuna, chicken, salmon, nuts)

microwave meals (Hormel, chef Boyardee, instant Mac and cheese)

pasta & sauce

canned vegetables

snacks (popcorn, crackers, granola bars)

We will also gladly accept fresh produce, including from your gardens.

Hygiene products like tooth brushes, tooth paste, soap, pads/tampons, and shampoo are also always needed and deeply appreciated.

You can drop off items in person by either placing them directly into the Pantry or into the black donation bin by our garage door.

You can also order through our Amazon Wishlist https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/31DQMG6QQ65HX.... OR you can have items shipped or delivered to 58 Skokorat St.

If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to ask!

As always, thank you SO MUCH for all your support! We love and appreciate you!

Cool to learn how our ancestors kept cool, thanks to Shelton History Center

Shared from the Shelton History Center Facebook page:

"Prior to the invention of air conditioning, people would close the shutters on their homes to keep their houses cool on hot summer days.

"This photo from our collection shows the shutters closed at [the] Brownson House on a hot July day in 1906 to keep the heat out. 

"Setting not looking familiar? This photo is from when the house was on Shelton Avenue!"

Recuperation journey: A special day

I took this photo of the Connecticut River Thursday before my daughter's wedding reception!  

Ansonia Police ask public's help in locating child, mother in custody case

Mercy Rodriguez

Ashaire Gorham

ANSONIA - The Ansonia Police Department is looking for the public’s assistance in locating Mercy Rodriguez, a 22-month-old female. 

Mercy is with her mother, Ashaire Gorham, in violation of a court order giving Mercy’s father custody. 

Mercy was last seen by her father on July 27, 2023. She has black hair and brown eyes. 

Ashaire Gorham is 5 foot 6 inches tall with black hair and brown eyes, and she should be driving Connecticut registration BK75207, a 2021 BMW X3 color black. 

Ashaire and Mercy were last known to be in Norwalk. 

Anyone with information regarding this case is asked to contact the police department at 203-735-1885 or anonymous tips can be left at Tip411 at the link below.

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

This is a press release from Lt. Patrick Lynch. 

Seymour Public Library to show movie, 'High Heat'

SEYMOUR - Join us at 10:30 a.m. Aug. 4 in the lower level auditorium of Seymour Public Library to watch a movie! Light refreshments will be served.

The Library is at 46 Church St. 

We'll be showing "High Heat" starring Olga Kurylenko, Don Johnson, and Dallas Page. It is rated R and its duration is 1 hour, 24 minutes.

Summary: When the local mafia shows up to burn down her restaurant, Ana, a chef with a meticulous past, defends her turf and proves her knife skills both in and out of the kitchen.

This is shared from the Library's Facebook page.

Tabletop games on tap last Sunday of the month at Derby Neck Library

DERBY - Youth ages 8+ are invited to Derby Public Library's Community Room every other Sunday from 1 to 4 p.m. for tabletop games like Pokémon TCG, Magic: The Gathering, and Dungeons and Dragons!

Bring your own cards if you’ve got them, but we’ll have plenty to share if you don’t. No registration required.

The Library is at 307 Hawthorne Ave., Derby.

This is from the Library's Facebook page.

Kids invited to make a fun craft at Derby Public Library

Quirky Bird Crafting (Ages 5-12)

Aug. 1 from 1-2 p.m.

Please register at https://bit.ly/3YeIv1B

DERBY - Come to Derby Public Library to create a fun project geared for ages 5-12!

Craft instruction facilitated by Lisa Lupa of Quirky Bird Crafting.

Come see a sample of the project on display in our Children’s Room prior to the event. All materials will be provided and there is no fee to attend.

The Library is at 313 Elizabeth St.

This is shared from the Library's Facebook page.

Celebrate Shelton to hold Downtown Sounds tonight at Veterans Memorial Park

 

St. Vincent de Paul Thrift Shop in Derby holding 'incredible sale' before shutdown

DERBY - St. Vincent de Paul Thrift Shop is open *THIS WEEK* Wednesday through Saturday 9:30-2:30 with THIS INCREDIBLE SALE before we close for our 2-week shutdown July 31 - reopening MONDAY AUG. 14 refreshed and restocked!

The shop is at 237 Roosevelt Drive.

This is shared from the organization's Facebook page. 

Klarides-Ditria warns pet owners to be aware of hot asphalt dangers

State Rep. Nicole Klarides-Ditria says with hot temperatures here for the summer it’s important to be prepared, and that includes making sure your cats and dogs are safe, too. 

Don't let cats or dogs outside without supervision or without checking the asphalt first.

The American Red Cross has the following tips on keeping pets safe, but essentially treat your pets the same as you treat yourself:

• Never leave your pet in a hot vehicle, even for a few minutes. The inside temperature of the car can quickly reach 120 degrees even with the windows cracked open.
• Limit exercise on hot days. Exercise in the early morning or evening hours.
• Walk your pet in the grass if possible, to avoid hot surfaces burning their paws.
• If your pet is outside, make sure they have access to shade and plenty of cool water.
• Water safety is important for your furry friends. Do not leave pets unsupervised around a pool—they aren’t all good swimmers
• Watch your pets at a backyard barbecue. Keep them away from the grill and know that some food can be poisonous to them. Avoid raisins, grapes, onions, chocolate and products with artificial sweeteners.
• Heat stroke is a common problem for pets in the warmer weather. Dogs with short noses or snouts, like the boxer or bulldog, are especially prone to heat stroke, along with overweight pets, those with extremely thick fur coat or any pet with upper respiratory problems.
• Open windows or doors are a temptation for pets to try to get outside. Keep all doors and unscreened windows closed, and make sure screens are tightly secured. 

Some plants in your garden can be hazardous to animals. 

Visit the Animal Poison Control Center to find out which plants and flowers are poisonous to animals.

Sincerely,

Griffin Hospital in Derby seeks musicians for healing arts program

DERBY - Your music talents can provide positive physiological benefits while soothing, encouraging and inspiring hospital patients.

Our unique care philosophy supports the needs of an individual's body, mind, and spirit, resulting in better patient outcomes.

Studies show that music plays a vital role in creating a healing environment for patients, and their families, as well as providing a positive working environment for Griffin caregivers.

Griffin features live piano, string, and wind instrumental performances throughout the hospital daily, and is seeking skilled musicians to join our growing team.

Contact Kathy Browne, Griffin Volunteer Program and Guest Relations Supervisor, at 203-732-7555, or KBrowne@Griffinhealth.org to schedule an audition.

Watch 'Somewhere in Queens' today at Seymour Public Library

SEYMOUR - Join us at 1 p.m. today in the lower level auditorium of Seymour Public Library to watch a movie! Light refreshments will be served.

We'll be showing "Somewhere in Queens" starring Ray Romano, Laurie Metcalf and Jennifer Esposito. It is rated R and its duration is 1 hour, 46 minutes. The Library is at 46 Church St.

Summary: Leo and Angela Russo live a simple life in Queens, surrounded by their overbearing Italian-American family. When their son 'Sticks' finds success on his high-school basketball team, Leo tears the family apart trying to make it happen.

This is shared from the Seymour Public Library Facebook page. 

Griffin School of Allied Health Careers in Derby accepting applications

The Griffin Hospital School of Allied Health Careers is accepting applications for the fall semesters./ Contributed photo 

DERBY - The Griffin Hospital School of Allied Health Careers, 300 Seymour Ave., Suite 206 is accepting applications for the fall semesters of its Certified Nursing Assistant, Phlebotomy, and Patient Care Technician programs.

The CNA evening program begins Sept. 25 and the day program starts Nov. 13. Phlebotomy starts Sept. 25 and the PCT begins Sept. 26.

The CNA course offers students an affordable and condensed schedule with classes Monday-Thursday from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. or 5-9 p.m. 

CNA content includes infection control, legal and ethical responsibilities, communications, body mechanics, moving and positioning residents, personal care skills, nutrition, measuring vital signs, and restorative care. 

The program’s clinical experience will be at Griffin Hospital and a long-term stay facility, totaling 40 hours. After successfully completing the course and clinical experience, students will be qualified to take the certification exam for a Nursing Assistant in Connecticut. 

The CNA course tuition fee includes the course book and workbook CPR training, clinical rotation and liability insurance. 

The 15-week PCT program requires students to attend didactic and skills review on Tuesdays and Thursdays, and have the option to also take the Phlebotomy program. The PCT program offers ample hands-on training and opportunities for practical experience in the school's fully equipped mock hospital room and during the 80 hours of clinical experience. The course tuition includes textbook, liability insurance, CPR certification, clinical rotations and national certification exams.

The 13-week Phlebotomy program is Mondays and Wednesdays either during the day from 9 a.m.- 1p.m. or during the evening from 5p.m.-9 p.m. The program offers 32–40 hours of clinical experience. The course tuition includes lab coats, books, malpractice insurance, CPR certification and a national certification exam fee.

The School of Allied Health Careers has partnered with TEAM, The Workplace, Inc., Meritize, Sally Mae, and Ascent to offer student loans in which applicants can enhance financial obligations.

Anyone 18 years of age or older with a high school diploma or GED and is proficient in the English language may apply for admission. The COVID 19 vaccination series is required prior to enrollment.

Early application is encouraged for all courses, as space is limited. 

For more information or to apply, call 203-732-1276 or 203-732-7578 or visit griffinhealth.org/allied-health.

This is a press release from Griffin Hospital.