Monday, August 31, 2026

Shelton Libraries to close Sept. 7 for Labor Day holiday


 

Derby to host tribute of remembrance Sept. 11 on Green


 

Ansonia posts trash, recycle schedule for week of Sept. 7

From City of Ansonia: An early alert for trash and recycle pick up for week of September 7. Due to the Labor Day holiday, please follow the schedule below.


 

Dancing with the Stars Oct. 23 to benefit Adam's House in Shelton


 

Join us for a night of dancing and community celebrating

First Responders and Frontline Health Professionals!



Friday, October 23

7:00pm



The Warehouse at FTC

Fairfield, CT



Your participation & generosity helps to ensure no child or family grieves alone. Together, we can provide support, coping skills, resilience, and hope for a brighter future!

Tickets On Sale Now - Early Bird Offer Ends 9/9

Historian to discuss the 1940s at Plumb Memorial Library in Shelton


Join us in welcoming back the bow-tied professor, Jason Scappaticci, and he continues his walk through the decades of American history with his talk on "The 1940s".

He will be at Plumb Library Sept. 9 at 6 p.m. 

To register, call the library at 203-924-1580 ext. 5102 or visit us online at www.sheltonlibrarysystem.org.

Calypso-themed Griffin Gala slated Oct. 3 at Oakdale Theater in Wallingford


 The 2026 Griffin Health Gala offers an enchanting evening of Caribbean music, dance and cuisine on Oct. 3 from 6-10:30 p.m. at the Oakdale Theater, 95 S. Turnpike Road, Wallingford.


Entitled Calypso Nights, this unforgettable event will feature the rhythmic sounds of steel drums, striking tropical décor, and a menu inspired by bold island flavor, creating an immersive and memorable experience rooted in a shared commitment to supporting the health and well-being of our community.


Guests will be inspired to dance the night away as Therapi Band blends timeless hits with infectious island energy. 

There will also be live and silent auctions featuring an exciting selection of items and experiences, including private chef dining at home, VIP Live Nation music experiences around Connecticut, Calypso dance lessons, a Portland, Maine getaway, Caribbean travel, New York City Football Club suite tickets, designer handbags from Dooney & Bourke, spa and winery experiences, and much more.


Individual tickets are $225 and a table of 10 is $2,250. The Gala is championed by Calypso Crown Presenting Sponsor Haynes Group and Apple Rehab, Aquarion Water Co., Bankwell Judi Health, Carmody Torrance Sandak Hennessey LLP, Connecticut Hospital Association, Heidell, Pittoni, Meritain Health, Murphy & Bach, LLP, Ion Bank, Jefferson Radiology, Integrated Anesthesia Associates, Robinson & Cole, LLP, TeamHealth, TD Bank, The Masonic Charity Foundation of Connecticut, The Resource Group, and the Valley Community Foundation. 

More sponsorship opportunities are available at www.griffinhealth.org/gala.


Proceeds will support exceptional cancer care by bringing advanced radiation therapy technology to the Lower Naugatuck Valley community, expanding access to leading-edge treatment and ensuring cancer patients receive the care they need close-to-home.


Tickets can be purchased at www.griffinhealth.org/gala. 

For more information on tickets or sponsorship opportunities, contact Lisa Nista at 203-732-7384 or Lnista@griffinhealth.org.

Sunday, August 30, 2026

New parking location, shuttle buses slated for Seymour Pumpkin Festival


 SEYMOUR PUMPKIN FESTIVAL 


🚨 NEW PARKING LOCATION! 🚨
This year, we’re making parking easier and more convenient for everyone!

🅿️ FREE PARKING
Park at the Larry Janesky / Connecticut Basement Systems parking lots in Silvermine Industrial Park.

🚌 MORE SHUTTLE BUSES!
Free shuttle buses will bring you directly to the Pumpkin Festival and back to your vehicle!

Plenty of FREE parking + more shuttle buses = a better festival experience!

Buses run from 8 a.m.- 6 p.m.

A HUGE thank you to Larry Janesky and the Connecticut Basement Systems team for helping us create a better parking experience for everyone attending this year’s festival!

St. Joseph Church to hold annual festival Sept. 20 in Ansonia


 

'Turnback Tuesday' features farm couple in East Derby



This week's “Turnback Tuesday” photo is of Oliver B. Sherwood and his wife, Charlotte (Fowler) Sherwood.
Oliver was born in Greenfield Hill, Fairfield County, and moved to Derby with his father in 1817. Charlotte was born in Milford where the two met. They married September 3, 1836 and had 4 children together. Oliver was a farmer aka “seed grower” and distributed his produce all the way up to New York.
The photograph was apparently taken by one of Oliver’s relatives, Elizabeth Sherwood, in front of their home located on Derby Hill.
It was taken sometime during the late 1880’s or early 1990’s before Charlotte’s death in 1892. Sentinel Hill Road and Sodom Lane were both listed as cross streets, so the house was located somewhere in that area. Oliver and Charlotte are buried in Oak Cliff Cemetery on Hawthorne Ave.

[First published on this date in 2016.]


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

Derby Mayor DiMartino swears in Brian Grogan as new chief of police


DERBY - Family, friends, fellow officers, city officials, and members of the community recently gathered for the swearing-in and promotion ceremony of Brian Grogan as Chief of Police of the Derby Police Department.
Chief Grogan spoke about the responsibility and privilege of leading the department, while recognizing the hard work and dedication of the men and women who have served before him.
Three highlights from Chief Grogan’s remarks:
“Together, we will continue building trust within our community, embrace change and progress, and honor the proud traditions of those who wore this uniform before us.”
“It is the honor of my lifetime to serve as your Chief of Police. I look forward to leading this department, and I am excited for what the future holds.”
“I’m proud of what we’ve accomplished together, and truly I’m humbled that others see the effort that is put behind it.”
Please join us in congratulating Chief Brian Grogan on this well-deserved promotion and wishing him continued success as he leads the Derby Police Department.
Congratulations, Chief!

St. Vincent de Paul Thrift Shop in Derby posts this week's sales


Come on in Monday to Friday since we're closed Saturday for Labor Day weekend! We have fields of new stock, fall clothing, one-of-a-kind items flowing out onto the sales floor all day long. Fall and Halloween decor is glowing in the back room!

Saturday, August 29, 2026

Derby PD, school system welcome new resource officer


We are happy to announce that Officer Stephanie Kowalec will be joining the Derby School System as our newest School Resource Officer (SRO)!

She has been with Derby PD for 18 years. Officer Kowalec brings dedication and a strong commitment to serving our community. Her experience and passion for community engagement will make her a tremendous addition to our schools.

As an SRO, Officer Kowalec will play an important role in building positive relationships with students, staff, and families while helping strengthen the partnership between the Derby Police Department and the Derby school system.

This appointment is another important step in our continued commitment to community policing, building trust, and creating positive connections with the people we serve.

A special thank you to Mayor DiMartino, Dr. Conway, the Derby Board of Education, and the Police Commissioners for their continued support and commitment to making our schools and community stronger.

Please join us in congratulating Officer Stephanie Kowalec on her new assignment! 👮‍♀️💙

Welcome to the Derby schools, Officer Kowalec!

Derby Public Library posts September events


 

Silver Steel Band to perform Tuesday on Derby Green

Note: The Summer Concert on the Derby Green today featuring the Silver Steel Drum Band is postponed until Wednesday, Sept. 2 at 7 p.m. due to weather concerns.



The Bridgeport-based Silver Steel steel drum band will play Caribbean and Calypso style favorites at 7 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 1 on the Derby Green.

Friday, August 28, 2026

Valley Goes Pink events slated to support breast health, increase awareness


The Valley Goes Pink Campaign invites the Lower Naugatuck Valley and surrounding communities to enjoy a variety of events throughout September and October in support of breast health.


The Valley Goes Pink is a grassroots, community-wide effort to increase awareness about breast cancer and the importance of early detection, support the Hewitt Center for Breast Wellness at Griffin Hospital, and to celebrate the charitable spirit of the region’s businesses and organizations.


The following is a list of upcoming Valley Goes Pink fundraising events. 

For registration, tickets and more information, visit www.griffinhealth.org/pink.


Waiters Go Pink!, Sept. 28 – The wait staff at Wellington’s Restaurant, 51 Huntington St., Shelton, and local community “celebrities” will be serving up smiles and delicious food for a good cause. 

All tips during the evening service will be donated to the Valley Goes Pink.  Reservations are required at 203-929-0336.

Hope Lives Luncheon, Oct. 4 - Maria Ammar will host an inspiring afternoon of hope, friendship, and community at St. Barbara Church, 480 Racebrook Rd., Orange. Tickets are $85 per person. To reserve your seat or learn more, contact Maria Ammar at 203-812-0721 or hopelives685@gmail.com.

Art Bras for the Valley, Oct. 8 – Little Barn, 901 Bridgeport Ave., Shelton, will host a fashion show featuring unique art bras created by breast cancer survivors and their family and friends, and local businesses starting at 6 p.m. The event is $60 a ticket and includes hors d'oeuvres (cash bar available), silent auction and raffles.

Pink Bingo, Oct. 13 – The Hops Company, 77 Sodom Lane, Derby, will host an evening of exciting bingo games, great company, and fantastic prizes starting at 6 p.m. 

A $30 donation includes 10 bingo sheets, dabber and two slices of Zuppardi's cheese pizza. Snacks and Zuppardi's Pizza (limited menu) will be available for purchase. There will be a cash bar and raffles.


For more information about “going pink” and joining the campaign visit www.griffinhealth.org/pink or contact the Griffin Hospital Development Fund at 203-732-7504.


This is a press release from Griffin Health.

Seymour Oxford Food Bank posts September wish list


 

Abundant Life Ministries in Ansonia to distribute food Monday


 

Thursday, August 27, 2026

Ansonia Senior Center to host travel showcase Sept. 3


 

Plumb Memorial Library in Shelton to host Tai Chi on Thursdays


 

Derby Public Library to host reception for Hotchkiss Hose


On Sept. 9 we welcome the fire department to Derby Public Library for a reception for Hotchkiss Hose.

Travel back through time with photographs and items from members of Hotchkiss Hose, a snapshot of their history ON DISPLAY at DPL throughout September and October.

Throughout the day:
- Crew members will be in their gear
- Patrons are invited to touch 2 vintage trucks and the current truck used to respond to EVERY DAY emergencies.
- View Historic Displays
- Enjoy Refreshments

Reception starts at 3:30 and goes until 5:30

VISIT THE EVENT PAGE FOR MORE INFO: https://derbypubliclibrary.libcal.com/.../event/17190547

Kids to build dream school in LEGO challenge Sept. 8 at Oxford Public Library


 

The Library is at 49 Great Oak Road, Oxford.

Beacon Falls block party Saturday to celebrate America's 250th


 

Wednesday, August 26, 2026

Salvation Army in Ansonia to debut Kids Club Sept. 3


Starting Thursday, Sept. 3, we’re excited to launch our new Kids Club! 💙
Every Thursday from 3:30-5:30 p.m, kids can enjoy two hours of fun, friendship, activities, Bible lessons, games, and more! 📖🎨🎲
Parents, this one’s for you, too! Need a couple of hours to run errands, grab groceries, get things done, or simply have a little time to yourself? Drop the kids off with us and let them have some fun while you take care of what you need to do! Then come back and pick them up at 5:30 p.m. 🙌
Kids have fun. Parents get a little breathing room. Everybody wins!** 💙
📅 **Thursdays | 3:30–5:30 p.m.**
📍 **The Salvation Army – Ansonia**
We can’t wait to see you at Kids Club!

Shared from the The Salvation Army Ansonia Facebook page.

The Kathy Thompson Band to perform on Huntington Green today


SHELTON - The Kathy Thompson Band will play rock music from 7-9 p.m. today on the Huntington Green. 

The performance is the final Music Under the Stars summer concert presented by the Shelton Parks and Recreation Department.


Seymour Oxford Food Bank lists volunteer opportunities



As summer starts to wind down and the busy fall season approaches, we wanted to share some of the many volunteer opportunities available at the food bank! 🍂
From van drivers to shelf stockers, there’s a perfect spot for everyone. Whether you have a few hours a week or are only able to help occasionally, your time makes a difference.
Not able to volunteer at this time? Share this post with your friends, family, or coworkers. ❤️
Come be part of our amazing volunteer team and help us continue serving our community!
Reach out to learn more about how you can get involved. 🥫💙
Email Charlotte at sofbinc.1@gmail.com or call 203.888.7826.

Griffin Health presents multi-skilled technician with staff excellence award


DERBY - Griffin Health recently hosted its annual Nursing Support Staff Appreciation Celebration to recognize its more than 300 caregivers who make vital contributions as coordinators between patients and nurses and doctors, including its 2026 Caregiver Excellence Award winner, Multi-Skilled Technician Rachel Layseca.

The Caregiver Excellence Award is given to an exemplary Griffin Health employee whom others believe demonstrates outstanding leadership qualities, the highest level of standards and excellent patient care, and consistently exhibits caring, commitment, and compassion towards patients and coworkers.

A four-year Griffin caregiver in the hospital’s Emergency Department, Rachel was selected for the award for being a leader who sets a high standard for herself and inspires those around her.

“Rachel is the kind of teammate every nurse hopes to work with,” the nomination for Rachel states. “When Rachel is assigned as your technician, you know you will have an outstanding partner who anticipates patient needs, communicates effectively, and works seamlessly with the entire health care team. She consistently demonstrates initiative, reliability, and a positive attitude, even in the fast-paced and unpredictable environment of the Emergency Department.”