Derby Public Library to host 'The Seven Wonders of the Universe' by Joe Rao

DERBY - Derby Public Library will host Joe Rao, a former meteorologist and currently an associate astronomer at New York's Hayden Planetarium, at 6:30 p.m. Monday as he discusses seven celestial objects which we might call, “The Seven Wonders of the Universe.”

The Seven Wonders of the Ancient World is the first known list of the most remarkable creations of classical antiquity; it was based on guidebooks popular among Hellenic sightseers and only includes works located around the Mediterranean rim and in Mesopotamia. 

The number seven was chosen because the Greeks believed it represented perfection and plenty, and because it was the number of the five planets known anciently, plus the Sun and Moon. In the sky above our head, there are wonders too numerous to count. 

But what could we choose as the seven most remarkable objects visible, either with just our eyes or with a simple pair of binoculars or a small telescope? 

Seven objects which we might call, “The Seven Wonders of the Universe”.

Register https://bit.ly/3ebEyFj for Zoom link and password. 

Registration ends at 4:30 p.m. the day before this event.

This is shared from the Derby Public Library Facebook page.

Sketch the moon, listen to music at Ansonia Nature Center in March

ANSONIA - The Ansonia Nature and Recreation Center, 10 Deerfield Road, will host a variety of activities in March.

WINTER ASTRONOMY: Lunar Sketching – March 10, 7 p.m.

Come to Ansonia’s darkest location for some fun viewing the moon with Bob Carruthers and the New Haven Astronomical Society. 

Get a chance to see the waxing gibbous moon’s surface through Bob’s TV camera and learn to sketch its craters. Bring a clipboard and pencil. 

Class size is limited to 12; please register in advance. Free.

PET LOSS GRIEF SUPPORT GROUP – March 14, 1 p.m.

Losing a beloved animal can be 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 options for when we lose an animal. 

Susan Wilson has created this support group for those who have lost an animal or have one in the process of moving on. Sessions are free; donations appreciated.

JOSEPH FIRECROW: Native American Flute Player – March 12, 2 p.m.

“The natural beauty of the flute evokes very powerful emotions. The traditional flute is social, not ceremonial, in nature, and should always be treated with that in mind and spirit.” Joseph FireCrow, a Grammy Award winner and renowned Native American flutist, inspires such emotions with his beautiful music. Together we will enjoy this Sunday afternoon relaxing and listening in the beauty of the Nature Center’s natural surroundings. 

Fee: $5 per person; please call to register.

SPRING EQUINOX DRUMMING – March 18, 6 p.m.

Let’s wake up the earth gently as we make music together by the fire. Dress for the outdoors. Adults and children are welcome. Bring your own drum or borrow one from us. Free, but bring a canned good for Spooner House. Please call to register.

ANIMAL TRACKS AND TRACES –  March 25, 2 p.m.

Follow the signs and tracks and become an animal detective. On our hike discover the clues of the animals that inhabit our forest and fields. We will teach you how to put together these clues to tell their story. Make a plaster cast for your own collection. Fee: $7; please register in advance. 

To register call 203-736-1053.

*** ONGOING PROGRAMS *** 

Sundays: Guided Hikes, 1 p.m.  

Thursdays: Yoga for a Healthy Mind and Body, 6:30 p.m. - call Pam, 203-888-4124.

Saturdays: Creature Features, noon. 

This is a press release from Ansonia Nature Center.

Make a wreath, take a hike, celebrate autumn at Ansonia Nature Center

ANSONIA - The Ansonia Nature and Recreation Center, 10 Deerfield Road, offers a variety of fun and educational activities in October.

BITTERSWEET WREATHS – Oct. 1, 2 p.m.

Bring clippers and gardening gloves for this FREE workshop led by Ranger Dawn. When you collect these beautiful orange-berried vines, you’re actually helping the park by removing this invasive plant species. Please call to pre-register. 

NATURE’S CHILD: Leafy Critters – Oct. 7, 10 a.m.

Join our ranger to create an animal out of leaves that have already fallen from the trees and shrubs in the park. 

Go for a fall discovery hike to learn why leaves change color! 
TUITION: $7 per child ($5 for family-level FANCI members and Ansonia residents). Please call to pre-register for this class for preschoolers and their adults. 

HIKE AND DRAW WITH AMIE ZINER – Oct. 8 and Nov. 12, 10 a.m.–2 p.m.
Ranger Amie, ANRC’s resident artist, will teach this FREE outdoor drawing class at the Nature Center. We will walk to a number of pretty spots along the trails, collecting small things to draw and stopping to do some landscapes, in pencil and watercolor. 
Bring your own sketchbook and pencils, portable watercolor and brush (optional), a portable stool if desired, and a water bottle. You must be able to walk on an easy trail for a mile or two. Please preregister.

ASTRONOMY: Lunar Sketching – Oct. 8, 7 p.m.
Come to Ansonia's darkest location for some fun viewing the moon with Bob Carruthers and the New Haven Astronomical Society. Get a chance to see the first-quarter moon's surface on Bob's TV camera as well as sketch its craters. Bring a clipboard and pencil. 

Class size is limited; please register in advance. 

MUSHROOM IDENTIFICATION FOR BEGINNERS – Oct. 9, 1 p.m.
What are those weird things that pop up in the woods after the rain? Are you mystified by wild mushrooms? Curious? Scared? Or do they make you hungry? Join a foraging family who hunt, photograph, identify, and eat the fungi in New England. The three foragers are from southeast CT and members of the CT Mycological Society and the North American Mycological Association. 
This program will dispel myths, teach how to safely identify mushrooms, and discuss mycophagy, the cooking and eating of wild mushrooms. Bring mushrooms you find in your yard and we’ll use our newly learned skills to identify them. Fee: $5 per person; call to register.

PET LOSS GRIEF SUPPORT GROUP – Oct. 9 and Nov. 13, 1 p.m.
Losing a beloved animal can be 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 options for when we lose an animal. 
Susan Wilson has created this support group for those who have lost an animal or have one in the process of moving on. Join us for these free sessions.

BACK TO BASICS: Soap Making with Goat’s Milk - Oct. 15, 2 p.m.
This two-hour class will provide the basic skills you’ll need to make wonderful soaps! 
Attendees will learn basic safety and traditional techniques required for this time-honored craft which makes great gifts—or soaps to keep for your own use. Soap samples and recipes will be provided. Bring a small container for your take-home samples. 
Instructor: Dawn Sotir. Fee: $10 per person. Registration required.

FULL HUNTER’S MOON HIKE – Oct. 15, 6:30 p.m. 
This full moon is often referred to as the Full Hunter’s Moon, Blood Moon, or Sanguine Moon. Many moons ago Native Americans named this bright moon for obvious reasons. The leaves are falling from trees, the deer are fattened, and it’s time to begin storing up meat for the long winter ahead. 
Historically this moon was honored and served as an important feast day among many tribes. Join the Nature Center guides as we lead you around our park by the light of the moon. For all ages (children must be accompanied by an adult). Wear comfortable walking shoes for uneven terrain. Fee: $1. Please register.

AUTUMNFEST – Oct. 22, 11 a.m.–4 p.m.
Celebrate this wonderful season with the staff and the Friends of the Ansonia Nature Center (FANCI)! Take a ride over hill and dale in our horse-drawn story wagon, where you’ll hear some spooky Halloween tales! Meet some bats, spiders, and owls! Have some fresh apple cider and baked goods. 
Visit the Nature Shop to buy some creepy, crawly nature-related items. Enjoy nature-related exhibitors and vendors. You can try your hand at pumpkin painting, get your face painted, children’s games, live music, explore a maze, go on a spooky hike and make a craft. 
All proceeds will benefit the Ansonia Nature Center. 
Rain or shine. No admission fee. 

FALL DISCOVERY HIKE – Oct. 30, 1 p.m.
Join the Nature Center naturalist for a stroll through our woodlands, old fields, and wetlands. Enjoy the beauty and crisp fall air while learning about New England’s flora and fauna. 
Wear appropriate shoes for this moderate hike. Free. 

Call 203-736-1053 for information and to register for all programs.

This is a press release from Ansonia Nature and Recreation Center.    

Learn about birds, astronomy, orienteering at Ansonia Nature Center in May

ANSONIA - The Ansonia Nature and Recreation Center, 10 Deerfield Road, has scheduled a variety of activities in May for all age groups.

FITNESS AWARENESS JOG – Mondays through June 27, 5 p.m.

Start your week off by jogging the path to a healthier you. Every Monday, join Ranger Dan on a Fitness Awareness Jog. This is your chance to cruise our trails on foot, sweat out impurities, and enjoy the sights and smells of our 156-acre nature preserve. 

We kick off at 5 p.m. with a stretch, then gently jog our two miles of trails for an hour and a half. 
All experience levels are welcome, so be sure to bring a friend or two! 
Free but please register.

NATURE’S CHILD: Birds – May 6, 10 a.m.

If we find a baby bird this spring, what should we do? Join one of our Nature Center naturalists to learn about the life of a baby bird. Hear a short story, make “binoculars,“ and then take a short scavenger hunt hike. 
Tuition: $7 per child ($5 for family-level FANCI members and Ansonia residents). Please register for this class for preschoolers and their adults.

WILD EDIBLES – May 7, 10 a.m.

Backyards, vacant lots, woodlands, and open fields support tons of food and medicines for the natural collector! Join Rangers Jessica and Dawn for this in-depth study class. 
The rangers will lead us in identification of wild plants, and we’ll taste and smell some along the way. Free. Please pre-register; class size limited.

PET LOSS GRIEF SUPPORT GROUP – May 8, June 12, 11 a.m.

Losing a beloved animal can 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 options for when we lose an animal. 
Susan Wilson has created this support group for those who have lost an animal or have one in the process of moving on. Join us for these free sessions.

ASTRONOMY: Metonic Calendar – May 13, 7 p.m.

Gaianne Jenkins, a retired mathematician with an interest in paleo-astronomy, will teach us about the lunar calendar and phases of the moon for any date in the past 300 years or for the next 300 years. 

She will be handing out examples of metonic calendars for you to take home. 
Afterward, join Bob Carruthers and the New Haven Astronomical Society for a chance to see the first quarter moon and other objects through their high powered telescopes. Free; please register.

OUTDOOR LIVING SKILLS: Lashing Project II – May 14, 11 a.m.-3 p.m.

Join Ranger Dan in creating Lashing Project series! Summer is almost here and that means campouts, fort-building, imagination, and fun! Using poles from dead trees, natural cordage, elbow grease, and some basic knot-tying, help build a watchtower on the Ansonia Nature Center lawn. 
Children must be accompanied by an adult. Free; please register.

ORIENTEERING FOR BEGINNERS – May 14, 2 p.m.

Our assistant director Wendy will teach this basic orienteering and map reading class, which is a good indoor/outdoor program for families. Once the basics are learned, we will take you outdoors to follow our orienteering course. Class size is limited to 15 children at least 7 years of age, each accompanied by an adult. 

Tuition: $5 per person. 
Call for information about suitable compasses or borrow one of ours. Please register.

MUSHROOM IDENTIFICATION FOR BEGINNERS – May 21, 10 a.m.

What are those weird things that pop up in the woods after the rain? Are you mystified by wild mushrooms? Curious? Scared? Or do they make you hungry? Join a foraging family who hunt, photograph, identify, and eat the fungi in New England. The three foragers are from southeast Connecticut and members of the Connecticut Valley Mycological Society, Connecticut–Westchester Mycological Association, and the North American Mycological Association. 
This program will dispel myths, teach how to safely identify mushrooms, and discuss mycophagy, the cooking and eating of wild mushrooms. Bring mushrooms you find in your yard and we’ll use our newly learned skills to identify them. 

Fee is $5 per person; please call to register.

FULL FLOWER MOON HIKE –  May 21, 7:30 p.m.

Flowers spring forth in abundance this month, so join our Nature Center staff for this nighttime fragrance hike. Some Algonquin tribes knew this full moon as the Corn Planting Moon. Fee: $1; please register.

NATURE AS A HEALER WITH MARLOW D. J. SHAMI – May 22, 2 p.m.

Join Marlow Shami—teacher, artist, and writer—for an experiential workshop in experiencing the simple power of nature’s healing effects through guided meditation, natural-healing touch, and out-of-doors activities with nature. 
Participants learn simple yet profound methods of connecting one’s inner nature with the web of life, and in the process, deepen sensitivity to Nature’s wisdom. 
No meditation experience necessary. All that’s needed is a blanket/mat if you prefer to lie down for meditation and comfortable clothes for in and out of doors. 
Free. Please register in advance.

Register for all programs by calling 203-736-1053.


This is a press release from the Ansonia Nature and Recreation Center.

Learn about bees, identify trees, take a hike at Ansonia Nature Center

ANSONIA - The Ansonia Nature and Recreation Center, 10 Deerfield Road, has announced its calendar for October. 

Check out the variety of fun activities offered!

NATURE’S CHILD: Seeds and Pods – Oct. 2, 10 a.m.

We’ll learn that some plants produce thousands of seeds, while other types produce only a few, but all natural plant fruits have them for a very special reason. Find out about plants’ clever “travel plans” too! 
Tuition: $7 per child ($5 for family-level Friends of the Ansonia Nature Center, Inc. members and Ansonia residents). 
Please pre-register for this class for preschoolers and their adults. 

BITTERSWEET WREATHS –  Oct. 3, 2 p.m.

Bring clippers and gardening gloves for this workshop led by Ranger Dawn. 
When you collect these beautiful orange-berried vines, you’re actually helping the park by removing this invasive plant species. 
Please register in advance. Free.

AUTUMN TREE ID HIKE – Oct. 10, 9:30–11:30 a.m. 

Enjoy the season’s beautiful colors while learning helpful characteristics used to identify trees—leaves, buds, twigs, bark, nuts and overall shape. 
Naturalists Barbara and Peter Rzasa and Viola Waldo will lead hikers along the two-mile Donna Lindgren Tree ID Trail, where over 40 trees have been marked with descriptive signs. This is a family-oriented hike appropriate for school-aged children.  Free.

BEEKEEPING WITH ERAST MARKIW – Oct. 10, 10 a.m.

Erast Markiw, a local beekeeper for over 20 years, emphasizes that honeybees are important to us because they pollinate many of our local crops and native plants. He will show the essential parts of a hive, demonstrate how to shave sealed comb in preparation for honey extraction, and give us Information on how to get started with beekeeping. 
Come enjoy his presentation and have a chance to chew on freshly shaven beeswax with honey.

Please register. Free.

    

PET LOSS GRIEF SUPPORT GROUP – Oct. 11, Nov. 8, Dec. 13, 1 p.m.

Losing a beloved animal can be tragic and a very emotional time for humans. There are numerous resources to turn to for the loss of a human loved one, but 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.

FORESTER WEBELOS – Oct. 12 (Columbus Day), 10 a.m.

Calling all Scouts! Join the Nature Center naturalist for an interpretive hike and earn your badge. Call to register. $5 per child.

AUTUMNFEST – Oct. 17, 11 am – 4 p.m.

Celebrate this wonderful season with the Friends of the Ansonia Nature Center. 
Take a ride over hill and dale in our horse-drawn story hay wagon, where you’ll hear some spooky Halloween tales!  
Learn about bats, spiders and owls! Have some fresh-squeezed apple cider and fresh-made donuts, then visit the Friends Nature Shop to buy some creepy and crawly nature-related gifts. 
You can try your hand at pumpkin carving, get your face painted, and make some creative crafts. 
All proceeds will benefit the Nature Center’s playground project efforts. Rain or shine. 
No park admission fee. 

SIRIUS COYOTE: Musical Performance –  Oct. 23, 7 p.m.

The duo Sirius Coyote (Giovanni Ciarlo and Kathleen Sartor) focuses on environmental awareness, community building, sustainability, and diversity through music emphasizing the culture of Latin America and the Caribbean. 
The audience will participate in singing, clapping and playing upbeat, fun original songs in Spanish and English. Free.

WATERCOLOR WORKSHOP –  Oct. 24, 10 a.m.

Join Valley Arts Council President Rich DiCarlo for a watercolor workshop.  Be inspired by nature’s beauty while painting at the Nature Center’s natural environment.  
Taxidermy models, as well as the resident animals, are available to paint. Please call to register for this free event. For ages 7 and up.

AMATEUR ASTRONOMY –  Oct. 24, 6 p.m.

Join “Bobcat” Carruthers and members of the New Haven Astronomical Society for another great night. Did you ever wonder why we have four seasons or why the moon goes through different phases?  
Learn why during a good old fashioned slide show and short lecture inside and then venture outside (weather permitting) to view the night sky with the Astronomical Society’s high-tech telescopes. Free. Please pre-register.

FALL FOLIAGE RANGER HIKE – Oct. 25, 1 p.m.

Join the Nature Center naturalist for a stroll through our woodlands, old fields, and wetlands. Enjoy the beauty and the crisp fall air while learning about New England’s flora and fauna.  
Wear appropriate shoes for this moderate hike. Please register in advance. Free.

Call 203-736-1053 for more information on any programs. 

This is a press release from the Ansonia Nature and Recreation Center.

Learn beekeeping, astronomy, more at Ansonia Nature Center

BACK TO BASICS: Beekeeping 101 - 2 p.m. Saturday
Learn the basics to start your own hive. Take a close-up look at the queen, workers, and drones with bee keeper Dawn Sotir.
See it all first-hand inside the Nature Center’s observation hive. Free; please register.

HEALTHY LIVING SERIES – 2 p.m. Sunday

Join us for the last of our three-part healthy living series. We’ll learn about growing healthy food from Jeff Rubelmann, healthy homesteader and certified permaculturist. 

We will focus on the interactions in soil, creating and building rich healthy soil, pH, soil fertilizers, compost teas, 18-day compost method, and worm farms.

This class is just in time to apply some of these techniques and knowledge to your 2015 garden season. Free; please register.

SPRING EQUINOX DRUMMING WITH CHE CARTAFALSA - 2 p.m. March 21
Che Cartafalsa is a musician, instrument maker, and educator whose work has ranged from concert halls and orchestras to rock bands and West African street weddings. As a member of Toubabou and the White-Eyed Lizard Band, he has played throughout the Northeast. 

Che passes on to his students what he has learned from African percussion masters, emphasizing instrumental technique, listening skills and multi-layered rhythms in percussion. Authentic instruments will be used to help us learn traditional African rhythms. Free; please register.

WINTER ASTRONOMY - 7 p.m. March 28
Did you ever wonder how a star is born? Come to learn on a great night with “Bobcat” Carruthers and members of the New Haven Astronomical Society.
Find out about the life and death of stars and the different types of stars in our universe. Venture outside (weather permitting) to view not only the stars but also Jupiter and its moons. Free; please register.

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


This is a press release from the Ansonia Nature and Recreation Center.