Ansonia Senior Center to host travel presentation March 4

 

Registration slated for Ansonia/Derby Girls Travel Basketball Team

  

 This is shared from the Ansonia Public Schools' Facebook page. 

Derby Public Library to host online AAA program on REAL ID

DERBY - Learn about the REAL ID that will be required for domestic air travel in October 2021 and how to obtain one in a Zoom program at 11 a.m. Nov. 12. Derby Public Library will host the one-hour online event.

Do you need one even if you don't travel? Maybe not, but if you visit federal buildings such as courthouses, IRS, and Social Security, life will be much easier for you with a REAL ID.

All ages are invited to register at https://bit.ly/2SWKOpo for Zoom link and password.

This is shared from a Facebook event page.

Memories of visiting Notre Dame - UPDATED a day after fire

A view of the debris inside Notre-Dame de Paris in the aftermath of a fire that devastated the cathedral, during the visit of French Interior Minister Christophe Castaner (not pictured) in Paris, France, April 16, 2019. Christophe Petit Tesson/Pool via REUTERS - RC12F77ABC70

*This is an edited photo of the altar I posted here Monday. (See below).
It's amazing to see the gold cross still intact inside the fire-ravaged sanctuary.

I was fortunate enough to go on 'field trips' to Paris two years in a row when daughter Allegra was in high school. 
The top photo was taken in 2004; the bottom photo is from 2005. 

Recuperation journey: Cameron's journey

Sunset over Stockholm - at 3:13 p.m.

From our son Cameron: 
"View from my hotel room. This overlooks the Kista neighborhood, which has been described as the Silicon Valley of Europe."

*Posted by a proud mama.

Recuperation journey: Time for some sun for our son

This morning our son hopped aboard a jet headed for a sunny clime. 

Cameron is going to a tropical resort that sounds delightfully relaxing.

He has been working long hours for months on a software development project and we're glad he can get a much-needed break. 

(Can you tell I'm proud he's a software developer? I have no idea what he does.) 

Even though I don't care for flying, I kinda wish I were going with him! Doing nothing for a few days sounds lovely.

He'll be back in time for a small party I'm throwing myself to celebrate the first anniversary of my kidney transplant. 
My kidneyversary is May 9. 

I decided against getting a kidney-shaped cake like the ones I've seen online. A regular one will do just fine! 

Birthday bash in Derby to benefit fund at Valley Community Foundation

A message from Marc J. Garofalo: 

Dear Family and Friends, 

Thirty years ago this August, my father took me to Italy for the first time. 
The trip was one of the significant experiences of my life. We didn’t go to Rome, Naples, Florence or Venice. We stayed in the hometown of our ancestors and it was life changing. When you experience the everyday culture of a place, your eyes are opened to sights you never imagined. 

As I walked the same streets as so many generations of my family, I wanted everyone to share this type of cultural experience at least once in their lives. 
I was very lucky growing up that my parents exposed us to diverse experiences - live theater, music, the World Series, good food, bus trips, professional football, European adventures, and other priceless memories that we carry with us today. 

As the first half century of my life comes to a close, I want to celebrate it forward for future generations by establishing a charitable fund at the Valley Community Foundation. 
The Marc J. Garofalo Cultural Experience Fund will help young people of Derby and vicinity enjoy a unique experience that they might not choose or could not afford. It is not a scholarship, but a vehicle to open the minds and hearts of the next generation by sponsoring a cultural experience that will inspire a lifetime of passion and learning. 

My hope is that the opportunity of a new or diverse adventure may change someone’s world or simply create a great memory to cherish forever. 
This is the inspiration of the Fund and the spirit with which I offer it to the next generation. What better way to get the ball rolling than to host a night of experiences with you! We will have a cabaret stage show with live music and singers, some great stories, some bad jokes, a DJ for dancing, raffles, a silent and live auction, and other surprises. I do not want any gifts. 
The event is a BYO food and drinks. We will be serving special desserts and coffee for your enjoyment. I hope you share my passion and will share generously to make this dream a reality. 

I look forward to seeing you on June 16, 2017 for a cultural experience 50 years in the making. 

Sincerely, 
Marc J. Garofalo

Derby Public Library schedules 'stroll' through Italy

DERBY - The Derby Public Library invites everyone to take A Stroll Through Italy, Past, Present, and Future, at 6:30 p.m. Aug. 8.

Mariann Millard, a certified tour director and dual U.S./Italy citizen, will guide participants on a virtual 

“passeggiata” (stroll), exploring the richness and diversity of Italy by weaving historical and modern events and facts about the country with pertinent personal anecdotes to illustrate its geography, language, cuisine, culture, politics, and economics.

Whether you have had your own Italian journey, are planning one, or just dreaming of one, come enjoy an evening of photographs and stories in a lively and engaging

manner.  

Registration is requested.  

For more information, stop by the Library, 313 Elizabeth St., call 203-736-1482, or visit www.derbypubliclibrary.org.        

This is a press release from Cathy Williams, Director, Derby Public Library. 

Take 'cross-country trip' at Derby Library with author who traveled continental U.S.

DERBY - The Derby Public Library invites everyone on an armchair trip across America as Connecticut author Glenn Maynard discusses his book, Strapped into An American Dream, at 6:30 p.m. July 18.

One week after their wedding, Maynard and his wife quit

their jobs, sold their cars, and set out on a 35,000-mile trek through the 48 contiguous states. 

In a rebuilt RV, they travelled through 23 National Parks, Las Vegas, Mardi Gras, and sleepy ghost towns.

They felt the rush from tornadoes and the rocking from an earthquake.

Wanting to get immersed in America, they slept on roadsides and truck stops.  
While many Americans dream of such a trip, few realize this dream.

Through this presentation, the audience will be able to 

vicariously take the trip of a lifetime. 

Registration is requested.  
Copies of the book will be available for purchase.

For more information, stop by the Library at 313 Elizabeth St., call 203-736-1482, or visit www.derbypubliclibrary.org.        

This is a press release from Cathy Williams, Director, Derby Public Library.