Derby Public Library to kick off summer reading program

 

Rochelle: COVID Relief Fund grants available for nonprofit arts groups

 

Nonprofit arts organizations can now apply for one-time COVID Relief Fund for the Arts grants and matching funds between $5,000 and $750,000.

The Connecticut Office of the Arts will accept applications between Oct. 23 and Nov. 3.
The $9 million in grants are being made available through the federal CARES Act.
Funding is available for performing arts centers, performing groups, and schools of the arts.

Learn more about the eligibility requirements and application process here.
You can read the Governor's announcement here.


This information is shared from a press release from state Rep. Kara Rochelle, D-Ansonia/Derby.

Valley Shakespeare Festival seeks to add board members

Save the date: Soupstock Festival in Shelton moved to September

Sharing from Facebook:

"Be ready for our new fall date, September 29 & 30: two live music stages, Kids Zone, and.....More soup, More chili......
Admission is $15/day, includes entrance to the soup or chili competition! Kids under 12 are free admission!"

Visit www.soupstockfestival.org.

Newsletter features Rock the Valley in Ansonia

These are just some of the 13 guitars I counted on stage during intermission of The Cast of Beatlemania performance. There may have been even more.


Dear readers,

Today Ralph put together a Rock the Valley special edition of our Valley Voice.

Please click here to read all about it.

~ Patti    

Music, arts festival slated at Veterans Park in Shelton

SHELTON - Soupstock Music & Arts Festival proudly announces its 2017 music lineup bringing together national and local touring acts and exciting newcomers to the stage. 

The Festival once again invites area residents of all ages to come and experience an arts, music, and culinary experience like no other. 

The annual event will take place June 10 and 11 at Veterans Park.

Directors Nicole Heriot-Mikula, Joe Mango, and Derek Signore unveil a lineup that follows the contour of previous festivals celebrating the best in local talent to match national acts otherwise reserved for ticketed events. 

New for 2017, Ska and Reggae Legends The Skatalites and Electrofunk powerhouse Particle co-headline the main stage with newcomers Sophistafunk and American Idol’s Elise Testone.

Also returning is favorite Ryan Montbleau with his new ensemble, Yes, Darling featuring Hayley Jane.  Also sharing top billing are local mainstays, The Alpaca Gnomes and Bella’s Bartok, both returning to this year’s festival.

Established in 2010, Soupstock Music & Arts Festival has grown organically into one of Connecticut’s leading independent arts and music events. 

The festival has earned its reputation by attracting premier talent across all mediums to provide a landscape meant to please all the senses. The festival’s mixture of arts, cuisine and culture means there is something for everyone. 

Our Vendor Village will have over 30 handmade artisans and non-profit organizations and the Kids Zone will be better than ever, providing a safe interactive environment for children of all ages with two major highlights this year: One World Puppetry and Creation Song Project. Our Annual Pro/Am Soup & Chili Cook-Off round out the event to make it extra delicious! 

Proceeds will benefit the Mary A. Schmecker Turtle Shell Fund, furthering Art, Craft and Music Education for children and Young Adults.

For more information and to purchase tickets, visit: www.soupstockfestival.org or join us on:

Facebook: www.facebook.com/soupsstockfestival

This is a press release from Nicole Heriot-Mikula.

Save the Date: 8th annual Soupstock arts festival slated in Shelton

Comedy night slated at Strand Theater in Seymour

SEYMOUR - Join the Valley's newly-formed Sterling Lion Theater Company and CYRiously Funny Productions Nov. 14 at the legendary Strand Theater, 165 Main St. for a night of stand-up comedy and improv.

Featuring the stand-up acts of Rich "The Claw" Cyr and many of his hilarious Connecticut-based comedian friends, Comprovedy proceeds will go to the arts and arts education in the Valley. 

Aside from sets by several talented comedians in one show, Comprovedy also will include live improv games with the comedians and Sterling Lion's own improv group.

It's comedy, it's improv, it's COM-PROV-EDY!

Doors open at 7:30 p.m, show starts at 8 p.m. 
Early bird tickets for $15 available at: Sterlinglion.org; $17 at the door or $15 with a food bank donation.
Ages 18+ strongly advised. 

All tickets are general admission. 

For more information visit SterlingLion.org or call 860-792-6739.




This is a press release from the Sterling Lion Theater Company.

Valley Market Place kicks off in Ansonia Wednesday

Sharing from the City's Facebook page:

"The kick off for Ansonia's Valley Market Place will be tomorrow (Wednesday) from 5 - 7:30 pm. Stop by and support our local vendors ~ Bowtique by Alexa, Selfish Delights, Penelope's Web, Beads by Alyssa, Griffin Health, CT Blessed Creations, Jamie Marti's handmade earrings, Laurie Casey's handmade jewelry, Maxcenia Brown's Gift Baskets and jewelry, Irene Hudobenko's cat items. 

"Looking to get bigger and better every week!! See you on Main Street."

Soupstock to serve music, art in Shelton

SHELTON - The 6^th Annual Soupstock  Music & Arts Festival will be held from 10 a.m.-10 p.m. June 20 and from 11 a.m.-8 p.m. June 21 at Veteran’s Park off Canal Street.

The festival once again invites area residents of all ages to come and experience an arts, music and culinary experience like no other. 

Producers Joe Mango and Nicole Heriot-Mikula unveil a lineup and expanded festival that follows the contour of previous festivals celebrating the best in local talent to match national acts otherwise reserved for ticketed events. 

New this year, Los Angeles Electrofunk powerhouse Particle co-headline with New Orleans Funk group Big Sam’s Funky Nation. Also returning is favorite Ryan Montbleau who is in the midst of his own regional tour. 
Also sharing top billing are Cabinet and Roots of Creation, who are both making their first appearance at Soupstock.

Performers at this year’s festival also include Nardy Boy, Hayley Jane and the Primates, Beau Sasser’s Escape Plan. and local favorites The Alpaca Gnomes and Hubinger St. 

Established in 2010, the Soupstock Music & Arts Festival has grown organically into one of Connecticut’s leading independent arts and music events. 
The festival has earned its reputation by attracting premier talent across all mediums to provide a landscape meant to please all the senses. 
The festival’s mixture is arts, cuisine, and culture and that means there is something for everyone. 

The vendor village will be larger than ever with more than 50 handmade artisans and 10 food trucks vendors. The Kids Zone sponsored by A Child’s Garden once again provides a safe, interactive environment for children ages 12 and under. 
The festival is rounded out with a 6^th Annual Art Competition and Pro/Am Soup Cook-Off on Saturday and Chili Cook-Off on Sunday. 

Tickets are $10 for general admission and $8 for Soup or Chili Tent. Children 12 and under are admitted free. 
A family package is available for only $35 per day. 

Proceeds will benefit The Mary A. Schmecker Turtle Shell Fund, Building Community Through The Arts. 

All festival information can be found on www.soupstockfestival.org or visit on 

Facebook:  www.facebook.com/soupsstockfestival  

For more information and volunteer opportunities contact nicole@soupstockfestival.org.


This is a press release from Nicole Heriot-Mikula, festival producer.

Oxford to hold first food, arts festival Sunday

For info about this festival that runs from noon-6 p.m. Sunday on Great Oak Road, visit the event's Facebook page.


This sounds like fun! How can one go wrong with food and art?  

Put this on your calendar: Derby Day is June 27

See you there!

Music, arts festival slated in June in Shelton

Soupstock art contest for students slated in Shelton

Valley Arts Council seeks members, fresh ideas

From the Valley Arts Council Facebook page:

"We are seeking those who are artists and photographers to step forward and be an active member of the Valley Arts Council. 

"We need creative, open-minded decision makers to assist in the day to day operations (keeping the organization afloat and full of ideas and concepts to keep things fresh and fun).

"It's actually a fun, enriching experience!"

Oxford to host first food, arts fest

Save the date: the Town of Oxford will hold its first food and arts fest June 7. Festivities begin at noon.

According to information on the festival Facebook page, "25 [food] trucks and many vendors will gather for a beginning of summer celebration!"

Stay tuned for more information.

Annual arts festival slated in Shelton

SOUPSTOCK Music and Arts Festival is the annual fundraising event for the Mary A. Schmecker Turtle Shell Fund. 
This is a family-oriented event featuring live music, handmade artisans, and a soup competition.

For more information visit the festival's Facebook page.

Ansonia Nature Center posts January activities

Hikes, healthy living, crafts slated

NEW YEAR DAY’S HIKE – Jan. 1, 10 a.m.
Join Ranger Martin, who will ring in the New Year by celebrating with you during an invigorating hike along our woodland trails. 
If we have snow cover, we may even break out the snowshoes! Free; please register early.

HEALTHY LIVING SERIES – Jan. 3, 2 p.m.
It's resolution season, the time of the year when we’re thinking about how to improve our lives, and maybe even the lives of those around us.
Join Ranger Mike as we discuss just that in the first of three sessions on healthy living. 
We’ll craft our own personal vision boards, and brainstorm other strategies to keeping focused on our goals. Hopefully we’ll leave with the tools we need to transform our bad habits into a good routine! Free; please register in advance.

FULL WOLF MOON HIKE – Jan. 3, 6 p.m.
This full moon appeared when wolves howled in hunger outside the villages. It is also known as the Old Moon. To some Native American tribes, this was the Snow Moon, but most applied that name to the next full moon in February. Join Rangers Jess and Mike for this winter hike. Please wear appropriate winter clothing and shoes. Fee: $1. Call to register.

PET LOSS GRIEF SUPPORT GROUP – Sundays, Jan. 4, Feb. 1, March 1, 11 a.m.
Losing a beloved animal can be extremely tragic and a very emotional time for humans. There are numerous resources to turn to for the loss of a human loved one; however, there are limited resources for when we lose an animal. 
Susan Wilson has created this support group for those of us who have lost an animal or have one in the process of moving on. Join us for these free sessions.

NATURE’S CHILD: Owl Babies – Jan. 9, 10:30 a.m.
Join naturalist Wendy and learn about our nocturnal friends whooooo live in Raptor Woods. 
This program for preschoolers and their adults will include the story “Owl Babies,” an up-close look at one of our resident owls, and perhaps a short hike into owl territory. Tuition: $7 per child ($5 for family-level FANCI members and Ansonia residents). 
Please register in advance.

BACK TO BASICS: Knitting 101 – Jan.10, 2 p.m.
What could be better on a cold winter day that creating something cozy? Join Ranger Dawn and other folks to learn to make such things as scarves and hats. Tuition: $5. Bring yarn and #10 short needles. Please register in advance. 
And check out the Jan. 13 listing for the Fiber Arts Group!

HEALTHY LIVING SERIES – Jan. 11, 2 p.m.
Join us for the second of three sessions on healthy living. Americans over-consume processed foods yet we are undernourished! We are polluted from the foods we eat! Learn why everyone should eat clean and detox at least once in his/her life. If you experience fatigue, indigestion, joint pain, anxiety, skin problems, or many other issues it may be time to take charge of your health and rid your body of toxins from food that has been altered by chemicals. Free; please register in advance.

FIBER ARTS GROUP - Tuesdays starting Jan. 13, 5:30–7:30 p.m.
Get together with others to work on your fiber arts projects! Bring any kind of fiber work—knitting, felting, crocheting, etc.
If you took our Knitting 101 workshop, you can continue the project you started there! A great way to dedicate time to your handiwork and socialize too. Free.

To register or for more information call 203-736-1053.



This is a press release from Ansonia Nature and Recreation Center, 10 Deerfield Road.