Klarides-Ditria shares information on compost bin, rain barrel sale

The Naugatuck Valley Council of Governments (NVCOG) announced it is offering backyard composters, rain barrels, and related accessories at wholesale prices to residents of the Naugatuck Valley Region. Residents can pre-order at the NVCOG online store (connecticut.compostersale.com/nvcog2/) through Thursday, May 2, 2024. This is a pick-up event only.  Items will be available for pick-up May 4 between 10 a.m.-1 p.m. at the Seymour Community Center, 20 Pine St., Seymour.  Backyard composters are a great way for residents to turn food and yard waste into valuable compost that can be used to amend soil for vegetables, flowers, and lawns. Rain barrels can provide a reliable source of chemical free water for outdoor uses such as watering lawns and gardens by collecting rainwater. The NVCOG strives to help communities reduce the volume and cost of municipal solid waste disposal by diverting organics from the waste stream and help conserve drinking water by providing an alternative water source for outdoor needs.  The public is encouraged to visit the NVCOG webpage for more information and resources on backyard composting, including a video of an informational workshop with a Master Composter.

Sincerely,

'Turnback Tuesday' highlights Ousatonic Dam collapse of 1891

Turnback Tuesday visits the Ousatonic Dam break of January 23, 1891.

The Ousatonic Dam located on the Housatonic River between Derby (Birmingham) and Shelton collapsed due to an extreme increase in the water level.

Because of the vertical drop of the dam, the force and amount of water falling over it undermined the footings, causing most of the dam to be washed away.

The Derby gate house also fell into the river. This image was taken from the Shelton side of the river looking towards Derby.

The Derby Public Library has more images of the damage and reconstruction on display in its front atrium.

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

Wacky water & weather program on tap at Ansonia Nature Center

ANSONIA - Come learn all about water and the weather at the Ansonia Nature and Recreation Center at 2 p.m. Sept. 2.

Together we will learn about the water cycle, its effect on the weather, and its importance in human culture. 

There will be a fun game called Journey of the Raindrop where you will follow a drop of water on its path through many different places. To wrap it up there will be a craft to make your barometer. (Please bring a recycled leftover jar for your craft). 

Free family program for children 5 years and up. Click HERE to register.

The Nature Center is at 10 Deerfield Lane.

This is a press release from the Center.

TEAM in Derby offers assistance with heating, water, sewer bills

 

'Turnback Tuesday' highlights Old Town Derby Community Well

Turnback Tuesday reminds us of what it was like to access water. It wasn't as easy as we have it today.

Most homes and businesses, even at the turn of the century, did not have water piped in. It was a process of digging a well or hole somewhere near your home, hooking up a system with ropes and pulleys, attaching a bucket and then lowering it down to collect this natural but necessary resource. 

This photo is the Old Town Derby Community Well taken in 1907 just before it was removed. The original location was at the intersection of Derby Avenue and Division Street, Derby and Elm Street, Ansonia.

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

 

Klarides-Ditria: Heating, water assistance deadline extended

New Online Application Available for Heating and Water Assistance, Deadline Extended for 2021-2022 Season The state recently launched a new online application for heating and water assistance programs that help income-eligible Connecticut families pay their utility bills.  Eligible residents can now apply for the Connecticut Energy Assistance Program (CEAP) and the Low-Income Household Water Assistance Program (LIHWAP) through a joint online application that is available at ct.gov/heatinghelp/apply. The state also extended the deadline for households to apply for benefits for the 2021-2022 season to June 30, 2022. Additionally, for qualifying households that use oil or propane, the state will pay for fuel deliveries through May 31, 2022. CEAP is a federally funded program that provides winter heating assistance to more than 75,000 income-eligible households every year. Eligible families can receive between $410 to $1,015 in basic benefits alone. Families may also be eligible for matching payment plans, protection from shutoffs, and replacement or repairs for heating equipment and water heaters. Both homeowners and renters are eligible, and assistance is available for natural gas and electric heat, as well as deliverable fuels like oil and propane. LIHWAP provides water assistance to the same families who are eligible for CEAP, and eligible families can receive up to $1,000 in household water and wastewater benefits. The programs are administered through local Community Action Agencies (CAAs) across the state. In addition to applying online at ct.gov/heatinghelp/apply, residents can also contact their local CAA with additional questions or to apply for assistance in-person or over the phone. (Click here to find CAA contact information.) To apply online for CEAP or LIHWAP, visit ct.gov/heatinghelp/apply.  Read on CT.gov

Sincerely,

Recuperation journey: Visitor takes a drink

Good to have friends in high places.

Remember your mail carrier in the hot, humid weather

Sharing a post from the Naugatuck Post Office:

"There is NO AIR CONDITIONING inside a mail man’s truck and on most days it’s 15 degrees HOTTER in the mail truck than it is outside! Heat stroke is a real serious medical condition! A frozen water bottle left inside your mail box will mean more to them than you will know!!" 

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Derby Public Library program to feature bubble fun

To register, call 203-736-1482.