Griffin Hospital's Wonderland of Trees raises $10,156 for Spooner House

From left: Griffin Health Planetree Services Coordinator Wendy Farrington; Griffin Volunteer Program & Guest Relations Supervisor Kathryn Browne; Executive Director of Spooner House Susan Agamy; Griffin Health Services Employee Wellness Navigator Bryan Bostic; Griffin  Health Executive Vice President and COO Todd J. Liu pose in front of trees donated for the annual Holiday Wonderland of Trees fundraiser./ Contributed photo

DERBY - Griffin Hospital’s 2024 Annual Holiday Wonderland of Trees fundraiser collected a record $10,156 for Spooner House in Shelton to help feed and shelter area families in need this winter.

As part of Griffin’s Planetree Person-Centered Care Philosophy, the Holiday Wonderland of Trees calls on hospital departments to decorate three-foot artificial evergreen trees that are raffled off every December. The fundraiser aims to help improve health and well-being of the Griffin community by supporting Spooner House’s services.

This is the 14th year of the fundraiser, which has raised more than $104,000.

This is a press release from Griffin Hospital.

Celebrate Twelfth Night at David Humphreys House in Ansonia

 

From the 'Turnback Tuesday' archives: Downtown Derby decorations

 

This week's "Turnback Tuesday" features a festive, holiday-themed photo of downtown Derby, looking east on Main Street and taken near the Elizabeth Street intersection.

The first break between buildings on the left is Minerva Street and off in the distance you can see the Farrel-Birmingham Co. building.

To the right of the photo is approximately where Woolworth's was located. This photo is thought to be circa the 1940s.

Our utmost thanks to local historian Rob Novak for providing this unique photo and information.

[This was first published on this date in 2016.]

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

Plumb Memorial Library in Shelton to host author symposium

Author Symposium at Plumb Memorial Library
Saturday, Jan. 11, 1 p.m.

SHELTON - Local authors Gary Scarpa, D.W. Alder, Greg Dillon, Greg Armstrong, Fred DelBianco and Toni Pensiero discussing her daughter Jaclyn's book will be at Plumb Library to present their books and talk about the process of getting their books published.

For more information and to register click on the link from our events calendar: https://sheltonlibrarysystem.org/
or call 203-924-1580.

The Library is at 65 Wooster St.

This is shared from the Shelton Library System Facebook page.

Recuperation journey 2.0: Looking at the sky

Today's fading sunset colors seen through the window.

My Sister's Place Thrift Store in Ansonia posts closings

We will be CLOSED Dec. 22, 23, 24, and 25.
See you on the 26th.

My Sister's Place Thrift Store and Donation Center is located at 380 Main St., Ansonia.

All purchases support BHcare's The Umbrella Center for Domestic Violence Services.

This is shared from the store's Facebook page.

Seymour fire companies ready for Popcorn Ball Sunday fun

From Citizens Engine Company No. 2 and Great Hill Hose Company:
You know what time it is—SANTA’S COMING!!

This weekend, Santa Claus and his helpers will be making their way around the Town of Seymour! What does this mean? It means Sunday is the day everyone has been anxiously waiting for—Popcorn Ball Sunday!

A yearly favorite when Santa and his helpers drive around town to deliver Popcorn Balls to all! On Sunday morning, Dec. 22, all you have to do is wait for Santa to get to your neighborhood on the fire truck! Below you will find some details explaining the event.

—There are 8 different crews (and Santa’s helpers) in the Town of Seymour that will be distributing Popcorn Balls. Citizens’ Engine and Great Hill Hose both divide our response districts into 4 sectors, meaning we have 8 firetrucks on the road at once. We will be on (nearly) every street beginning around 8 a.m. until we are finished. Each truck has streets assigned to them so please, please, please be patient with us!

—We do not know what time we will be on your street. Each truck has a different route and start in different areas of town. Although you will hear sirens throughout the day, please do your best to keep an ear out as they get closer to your home. When you hear and see them close by, come outside so the crews know you would like a popcorn ball!

—We may have to drive by your house a few times to get to other streets first but please, don’t worry we will be back! We promise!

—Believe it or not, yes, each year we field complaints from social media and calls into the firehouse about this event. We are all volunteers and do our best to make sure we get to every street in a timely fashion. Typically, once we drive on your street, we do not go back. We apologize if you were not home or missed the opportunity to see Santa. We are all members of this community and do our very best to make sure all receive a Popcorn Ball who want one.

—All apparatus and crews are in service which means any emergency call we receive will take precedent. If that happens and we are prolonged at a call, we will do our best to post on our social media pages to let you know we may be a little behind schedule.

—The Seymour Fire Department is 100% volunteer. The Popcorn Balls you receive are paid for directly from company funds through fundraisers and donations. We rely heavily on these donations from the community throughout the year for various purposes such as this event. Although donations are definitely not required, they are always appreciated to help cover the cost of this event.

We look forward to seeing you Sunday!

Children's Room at the Ansonia Library to offer calendar Take & Make kit

Available on December 26 Unleash your inner Picasso and whip up a dazzling 2025 calendar with this month’s Take and Make craft kit!  Get ready to plan the year in style!  Swing by the Children's Room to scoop one up—but hurry, because they fly off the shelves quickly!

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

 This is shared from the Children's Room newsletter.

Storm Engine Company in Derby ready for Popcorn Ball Sunday

From Storm Engine Company Facebook page:

This Sunday, December 22 will be our annual Popcorn Ball Sunday! 

Listen for Santa and the firemen as we throw popcorn balls to you and your family on the West Side of Derby! 

The live Santa tracker will be posted here on the day of the event!

Hotchkiss Hose Company 1 in Derby ready for Popcorn Ball Sunday

 

'Good Scout' award ceremony to raise funds for Housatonic Council, BSA

 

Live Well workshop sessions slated at Ansonia Senior Center

 

St. Vincent de Paul Thrift Shop in Derby to hold Merry Thriftmas Sale Saturday

 

Seymour Congregational Church to host Blue Christmas worship service

"No matter who you are, or where you are on life’s journey, you are welcome here. Please join us. You matter. You are loved.

"Special music will be shared by Stephen Peter Rodgers and Sean O’Reilly."

This is shared from the church Facebook page.

From the 'Turnback Tuesday' archives: Holly plant, symbol of Christmas

 

Turnback Tuesday looks at the ever-popular plant: holly. 

Holly is a shrub-like tree that can grow up to 15’ tall. The female plant produces the beautiful red berries that are a favorite of cedar waxwings and robins as well as a great nesting plant for birds in the winter. 

The holly tree was beloved and respected in Celtic mythology, and the Druids regarded it as a symbol of fertility and eternal life. 

The Romans associated holly with Saturn, the god of agriculture and harvest. 

Today, the holly is a symbol of Christmas. It has taken a respected place in decorating for the holidays.

[This was first published on this date in 2022.]

Thanks goes to the Derby Public Library staff for sharing interesting history each week.

Huntington Branch Library slates Toddler Time sessions in January

Toddler Time
Location: Huntington Branch Library, 41 Church St., Shelton
Days/Times: Thursdays Jan. 2, 16, and 30 from 11-11:30 a.m.

Children ages 3-5 years and their caregivers are invited to join Miss Leanne at the Huntington Branch Library for a story, a craft, and some music and movement. 

Each child must be registered individually, with the name of the caregiver provided.

Registration for each date:
January 2: https://engagedpatrons.org/EventsExtended.cfm?SiteID=2661...

January 16: https://engagedpatrons.org/EventsExtended.cfm?SiteID=2661...

January 30: https://engagedpatrons.org/EventsExtended.cfm?SiteID=2661...

This is shared from the Shelton Library System Facebook page.

Ansonia fire companies ready for Popcorn Ball Sunday

From the City of Ansonia Facebook page:

We have some much anticipated information from our Ansonia Fire Departments for Popcorn Ball Sunday, this Sunday, 12/22. 

Company #1, Fountains, one truck starting about 10:15 a.m., covering the West Side. 

Company #3, Webster Hose H&L Co. #3, will start two trucks at 10:30 a.m., in their neighborhood. 

Company #4, Charters Hose Co #4, will have two trucks that will stay together in the 4th Ward, beginning at 10:30 a.m. 

Company #5, Hilltop Hose Company # 5 will be starting two trucks at 8:45 a.m. and Company #6, Eagle Hose & Hook & Ladder Co. # 6 will also start two trucks at 10-10:30 a.m. in the North End.

Be aware of the sounds of the firetrucks blowing their horns as they come closer to your neighborhoods. 

These fine volunteer firemen and women do their best to reach each and every child waiting to receive popcorn balls. Remember to keep your children safe and stay out of the roads. 

The firemen and women have been practicing their throwing skills all year for this special day! Please share this information! 

From the 'Turnback Tuesday' archives: First Derby Bank

This week's "Turnback Tuesday" features an old First Derby Bank banknote.

The First Derby Bank was incorporated in 1809 and prospered.

With the demise of the Fishing Company, the bank laid dormant until it was resuscitated in 1824 by the Canfield brothers. Horace Canfield and his brother purchased both the Charter and the building that was used by the bank.

John L. Tomlinson was made bank president and Edward Crafts, cashier. The Canfield brothers were the agents, i.e. the moving power of the bank.

When Edward the cashier had in hand $100,000 obtained through the Canfields, he deposited the funds with Fulton Bank of New York.

Notes such as this one were issued and read “The Derby Bank promises to pay at the Fulton Bank New York to N. Smith or bearer Two Dollars - Dated July 4th, 1825.”

This note was signed by John L. Tomlinson. While the amount of $2 does not seem like much, if we fast forward to 2017, this note would be worth $47.12.

[This was first published on this date in 2017.]

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

Rochelle to meet with constituents Friday at Valley Diner in Derby

 

Recuperation journey 2.0: Looking at the sky

 Good morning. Enjoy the day.

Seymour Public Library posts holiday schedule

 The Library is at 46 Church St., Seymour. 

Osborne Homestead Museum in Derby slates mystery game fun

DERBY - Join the fun at the Osborne Homestead Museum and solve the mystery to find Osbornedale Ivanhoe! 

“Where is Ivanhoe?” mystery game will be held indoors at the Osborne Homestead Museum on Dec. 27 and 28 from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. 

This will be a free, family-friendly event, and participants can play the game at their own pace. Participants will go to the Osborne Homestead Museum to get a map and directions. 

For more information and to register, call 203-734-2513 or email DEEP.Kellogg@ct.gov.

Seymour Congregational Church to host coffee house Dec. 27

SEYMOUR - Join us Dec. 27 for our monthly Coffee House, great music, hot coffee, and sweet treats.
This month's featured performer is Stephen Peter Rodgers.
He will be performing from 7-8 p.m. and then we'll open up the floor with Open Mic from 8-9 p.m.
Coffee and treats will be served.
$10 suggested donation.
Coffee house is hosted downstairs in Fellowship Hall at Seymour Congregational Church, 45 Broad St.

Stephen Peter Rodgers is an American singer/songwriter, producer and visual artist. 

His music career spans four decades starting when he was in his early teens as a founding member of underground AltRock band “Mighty Purple”, with whom he toured extensively for 20 years.

Stephen’s solo music is "grounded in raw grit and wisdom drawn from the perspective of a man with decades of life under his belt" (rock Mommy). His rich, deep voice delivers a humanity in the lyrics which resonates deeply with listeners. 

He continues to bring his music to listening venues, festivals and house concerts and is currently working on his fifth solo album. He is the former owner/director of Space Ballroom in Connecticut which hosted musicians of all ages and all genres during his 15-year tenure there. 

His music and visual art has been featured in countless print and online publications. His music has been played on radio stations all over North America and can be found on all online platforms. Additionally Stephen has been a worship director for more than 20 years and currently serves at Revive Church in Stamford. 

This is shared from the Seymour Congregational Church Facebook page.

Master's Table to offer 2 January dinners at Assumption Church Hall in Ansonia

 

Recuperation journey 2.0: Looking at the sky

 ... at 6:35 a.m. 

Good morning! Have a peaceful day.

Recuperation journey 2.0: Looking at the sky

Tonight's waning gibbous moon is 93 percent illuminated.

From the photo archives: Looking at the sky

I snapped this spectacular sunrise from my front yard on this date in 2022. Nature is beautiful!

Derby Public Library posts holiday hours

 

Kids to create snowflake suncatchers at Huntington Branch Library in Shelton

SHELTON - Children ages 6 and up are invited to join Miss Leanne at Huntington Branch Library at 5:15 p.m. Jan.13 to create beautiful "stained glass" snowflakes. The Library is at 41 Church St.

All materials and instructions will be provided. Each child will need to be registered individually. Children 12 and under must have an adult remain in the library for the duration of the activity.

Register online: https://engagedpatrons.org/EventsExtended.cfm?SiteID=2661&EventID=545632&PK=
or call or call 203-926-011

This is shared from the Shelton Library System Facebook page.