Ansonia Police share safety tips for outdoor activities

 

 Welcome Spring, Safely! 
Warmer days are here (finally), perfect for outdoor fun! Keep these safety tips in mind to make the most of the season without any mishaps. 

Remember, in an emergency call 911, for all other police business call 203-735-1885.

Massaro Community Farm in Woodbridge to hold 6-week winter program for kids

WOODBRIDGE - Join us at Massaro Farm for our Winter Explorers program! 

This six-week class will be held on Sundays beginning Jan. 15 from 10 a.m.- 1 p.m. Program will skip Feb.19 and conclude on Feb. 26.
Encourage outdoor learning and discovery by sending your child to Massaro Community Farm for its Explorer Series! 

This program will engage children ages 6-11 to embrace outdoor activities, no matter what time of year. Cost is $165 per child for six weeks. 

Participants will identify animal tracks on the trail, build a survival shelter, enjoy (safe) time by the fire, observe the change in seasons, and understand how our lives impact environmental health. 

Led by environmental educators Jim Matheson and Ashley Antoine.

Massaro Community Farm is located at 41 Ford Road.

This is shared from a Facebook event page.

Center Stage Theatre in Shelton to host Comedy Club on outdoor stage

Recuperation journey: Outdoors

It's a beautiful day in the neighborhood. 

Ansonia readies opening of concession stand at Colony Pond

City of Ansonia photo

ANSONIA - With last week’s installation of the Colony Snack Shack sign at Abe Stone Park, it’s another reminder that spring outdoor activities are just around the corner.

In a few short weeks the concession stand at Colony Pond will be opening, after being shuttered for nearly 50 years.


This information is shared from the City of Ansonia Facebook page.

Seymour business opens outdoor living showroom

  An aerial view of Haynes Outdoor Living Store in  Seymour./ Submitted photo


SEYMOUR - Haynes Outdoor Living Showroom featuring the area’s largest displays of stone, pavers, and outdoor living products for home and yard held its grand opening for contractors and homeowners July 14-15.

The two-day event featured a “Contractor’s Day,” filled with demonstrations and product information seminars by Nicolock, Techo Bloc, Belgard and Unilock representatives. 
On “Homeowner’s Day,” guests were treated to food, door prizes, raffles, entertainment, and a live broadcast by WEBE 108FM. 

Dave Conti, local award-winning owner of Red Planet BBQ and recent winner of 1st Place Dessert at Mohegan BBQ Sunfest 2017 served as celebrity “grill master” during the event.

With an extensive display of custom built and “ready for delivery” outdoor kitchens, grills, fireplaces, fire pits and burning rocks, Haynes Outdoor Living Showroom is your family destination for food and fun all season long.

“We are building a better world one stone at a time,” said Patrick Haynes, vice president of Haynes materials.

Haynes Outdoor Living is located at 600 Derby Ave.

For more information visit www.gohaynes.com or call 203-888-0030.

This is taken from a press release from the Greater Valley Chamber of Commerce.

Hike, learn to garden, create art, get fit, more at Ansonia Nature Center

ANSONIA - The Ansonia Nature and Recreation Center, 10 Deerfield Road, has scheduled a variety of activities for April. 
The month will culminate with a celebration of Earth Day April 30.  

ART PAINTING PARTY FUNDRAISER –  April 2, 3–5 p.m.

The Ansonia Nature Center and FANCI will host an art class fundraiser for “The Playground Fund 2016” at Kokopelli School of Music and Arts in Seymour. 
Join us for an afternoon of music and painting. All art materials provided; just bring your own beverage and snack as well as your enthusiasm! 
Leave with a wild painting. Fee: $30 per person. 
Register at www.kokopellimusicandarts.com; click on Wine and Easel, then click on 2016 Calendar of Classes. 
Class limited to 35 participants. 

FITNESS AWARENESS JOG – April 4 –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: Amphibians – April 8,10 a.m.

Learn about these ancient, fascinating creatures that secretly inhabit our woods and wetlands. 
Take a hike to discover the Nature Center’s slippery critters. Make a take home craft too! Tuition: $7 per child ($5 for family-level FANCI members and Ansonia residents). Please pre-register for this class for preschoolers and their adults.

                

SPRING CLEANING AND PLANTING DAY– April 9, 9 a.m.–noon.

We’ll supply gloves, plants, and pizza. Scouts, youth groups, student interns—this is a great community service opportunity! Help us beautify our park and get ready for spring. Bring your own garden tools if you want; please pre-register.

PET LOSS GRIEF SUPPORT GROUP – April 10, May 8, June 12, 11 a.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.

BUILD YOUR OWN TERRARIUM – April 10, 2–4 p.m.

Sometimes you want to enjoy the benefits of a garden without having to mow, prune, and fertilize. 
Terrariums are popular thanks to their fuss-free maintenance, beauty, and minimal space requirements, making them good options for those who want to garden but lack outdoor space. Join us to create your very own terrarium. Bring a glass mason jar, glass bowl, or other cool glass container. We’ll provide all other materials. Fee: $10 per terrarium.

SPRING TERM JUNIOR RANGERS – April 14–June 2, 3:30–5 p.m.

Calling all kids 11 to 14 years old who love nature! Has your child wanted to work with animals, garden, help maintain our trails, and help with special events? 
This is the opportunity to help the Nature Center in our eight-week after school program. Parental permission is required. Class size is limited; this class fills up fast! Free.

FAMILY ORGANIC GARDEN PROGRAM – April 15 –June 17, 3:30–5 p.m.

Food Corps and ANC will lead fun, family-friendly activities in our organic garden. Learn about growing a variety of fruits and vegetables. Dress appropriately; keep in mind you might get water and/or soil on your clothing. Closed-toe shoes, please! Free, with the potential to take home fresh local produce!

OUTDOOR LIVING SKILLS: Lashing Project 1 – April 16, 11 a.m.–3 p.m.

Spring is here, seeds will be planted and it will be time to add décor to our organic garden plot. First up in Ranger Dan’s Lashing Project series is creating an arbor out of sticks. Want to add dimension to your garden? Perhaps you’d like a trellis for your beans, or a place for your vines to grow on. Create a stylish arbor in our Organic Community Garden, and bring your newfound skills to your own yard! Children must be accompanied by an adult. Free; please register.

SPRING BREAK NATURE DAYS – April 18–22, 9:30 a.m.–3 p.m.

For children from 5 to 10 years old who love the outdoors and wildlife, these popular classes will not only be educational but also a chance to explore our 156 acres. We will visit a variety of habitats such as the park’s wetlands, fields, and woodlands. Great time of the year for amphibian searches too! 
Tuition: $150 priority students (Ansonia residents and current family-level FANCI members), $175 all others. 

FULL PINK MOON HIKE –  April 22, 7 p.m.

This full moon heralded the appearance of the moss pink, or

wild ground phlox - one of the first spring flowers. It is also known as the Sprouting Grass Moon. 
Enjoy the sounds of spring with our Nature Center guides as we lead you around our wetlands to spot some spring amphibians by the light of the moon. 
For all ages (children must be accompanied by an adult). Fee: $1. Please call to register.

SPRING MIGRATION BIRDING – April 23, 9:30 a.m.

Join avid birder Ranger Jess for this early morning walk to find the birds living in or moving through our parklands to nest farther north. This is a prime time for birders. 
Bring your own binoculars or use ours. Dress for walking outdoors. We’ll start with a quick introduction to birds. Free; please pre-register.

EARTH DAY CELEBRATION –  April 30, 10 a.m.–4 p.m.

Every day is Earth Day at the Nature Center! 
We invite everyone to honor Mother Earth with our Friends of the Ansonia Nature Center co-hosting this annual event. Enjoy hikes, live animals, environmental exhibitors, and much more! 
Join one of our naturalists for a wildflower walk too. Food and snacks available from local vendors. 
All ages welcome, young and old—bring family and friends.  

For more information or to register for programs, call 203-736-1053.


This is a press release from the Ansonia Nature Center.

Fishing class slated in April at Ansonia Armory

ANSONIA - The Ansonia Parks & Recreation Department is sponsoring the Department of Energy & Environmental Protection C.A.R.E. (Connecticut Aquatic Resources Education) Program Family Fishing Class in Ansonia.

This is an opportunity for interested people of all ages to learn about:

*Connecticut Waters * Fish Identification * How & Where Fish Live *

* Fishing Tackle & Techniques * Fishing Laws & Regulations * How to Tie A Strong Knot *

* How to Clean & Cook Your Catch * Sportsmanship & Safety 

* How to Cast * Where to Catch Fish *

The two-day program will be held from 6:30-8:30 p.m. April 7 at the Ansonia Armory on State Street. Parking is available on North Cliff Street behind the Armory.

A fishing trip will be held on opening day, April 9, at Abe Stone Park where lessons learned in the class will be put into practice at Colony Pond between 8 a.m. and noon.   

All equipment will be provided.  

Adults over the age of 16 are required to have a fishing license to participate in the fishing event.

The free program is taught by Certified DEEP C.A.R.E. Instructors and is open to all children and adults 7 years old and up.

Students completing the class receive a certificate from the Department of Energy & Environmental Protection.  Students under 12 years of age must be accompanied by an adult.

To pre-register or for more information call the chief instructor, Dave Connelly, 203-231-0946.

Colony Pond will be stocked with trout opening day by the Department of Energy & Environmental Protection. Special emphasis will be put on catching trout during the class.

This is shared from an online community calendar sponsored by The Community Foundation for Greater New Haven and The New Haven Independent.

DEEP to announce hiking challenge winners at Kellogg Center in Derby

DERBY - Connecticut’s Department of Energy and Environmental Protection will announce the winners of 2015 Hiking Challenge -“The Sky’s the Limit” at the First Day Hike at 1 p.m. Friday (Jan. 1) at Kellogg Environmental Center, 500 Hawthorne Ave.

A total of 234 people successfully hiked all 14 of Connecticut’s highest peaks and are eligible to receive a hand-crafted walking stick made by Connecticut Wood Carvers Association. 

Fifty names will be drawn at 3 p.m. after the First Day Hike to determine the winners. 
More than 400 participants hiked at least 10 of the designated locations and received a hiking staff medallion and certificate.

“DEEP held this hiking competition for the first time this year that encouraged families and friends to enjoy Connecticut’s state parks and forests any time of the year,” said DEEP Commissioner Robert Klee. 
 “We learned that people like to participate in friendly competition to win prizes and by the high number of hikers who joined in we know the program was a success.”

Success Stories
The stories told by the participants proved that in this time of giving sometimes just an outstretched hand can be the best present of all. 
One father shared his story of what this challenge meant to him and his very special little boy. http://www.ctmq.org/tstl9-macedonia-brook-state-park/ “At some point, I had to hold his hand to get him up the incline. I didn’t really let go until the summit… probably a good quarter mile of hand-holding. He didn’t fight me with it (very unusual.) When I’d let go to wipe the sweat or whatever, he’d silently reach out his hand again, accepting of my help.”
Sometimes we all just need a helping hand.

Others told us how fathers and daughters reconnected by doing the hikes, about a marriage proposal, how walking in the woods benefited a man dealing with “seasonal affective disorder” and inspired him to visit all the state parks and perhaps write a book about his adventures! 
Young, and young at heart, who completed this challenge were very proud of their accomplishments and were amazed to see all the beauty that exists in Connecticut’s state parks and forests.

After hectic preparations for the holidays hopefully as Rachel Carson stated: “Those who contemplate the beauty of the earth find reserves of strength that will ensure as long as life lasts. There is something infinitely healing in the repeated refrains of nature - the assurance that dawn comes after night, and spring after winter.” 
Hopefully, we will all take time to enjoy the refrains of nature and renew our spirit.

Background on “The Sky’s the Limit"
Participants were required to hike any number of designated 14 peaks in Connecticut throughout 2015 and take two photos – one of themselves at a state park or forest sign and one at each location they hiked. Photos were emailed to DEEP for verification.

The 14 peaks were located in either a state park or forest and were located throughout the state.
Plans are currently underway to develop a new challenge for 2016.

For more information: www.ct.gov/deep/SkystheLimit.


This is a press release from the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection.