Agency celebrates grand opening in Ansonia

Ansonia Mayor David S. Cassetti, fourth from left, helps Big Brothers Big Sisters staff celebrate the grand opening Saturday of the nonprofit's donation center and offices in Ansonia. Cassetti's son, David, holds the ribbon at left. At far right is Bill Purcell, President, Greater Valley Chamber of Commerce.


ANSONIA - Saturday was a big day for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Southwestern Connecticut as staff celebrated the grand opening of a donation station and call center here.

Big Brothers Big Sisters was established in 1904. The organization works to recruit and match adults with at-risk children who need mentoring to help them boost their self-confidence and academic achievement.

The Bridgeport-based nonprofit serves Fairfield County, Greater New Haven, and the Lower Naugatuck Valley, Ellen Tracy, executive director, said. 

The facility is at 7 Clifton Ave. at the corner of Division Street. A call center was relocated from North Haven to Ansonia. The site also houses an operations center.
Operations manager Ken Kuntz lives in Ansonia and noticed the location had been vacant for a while. 
He said, "The Valley has always been a great place for us (for donations) and I thought this is the place we should be."

In 2009 a foundation was established to handle donations of used clothing, shoes, household items, appliances, books, toys, and more. 
Donated items are re-sold at Savers stores in Connecticut to benefit Big Brothers Big Sisters. 

For donation information visit www.bbbsdonate.org.

Derby Public Library to host holiday event

Connecticut Yuletide Carolers to perform

DERBY - The Derby Public Library invites everyone to its Annual Holiday Open House from 11 a.m.-7:30 p.m. Dec. 15.

Over the years the day's activities have expanded.  From 1:30-4 p.m. Marc Weissman will entertain 

visitors on the keyboard as he plays the sounds of the season. 

In what has become a holiday tradition, the evening festivities will include a visit from the Connecticut Yuletide Carolers from 6-7:30 p.m.

These traditionally-garbed Carolers will fill the cold winter air with the warm sounds of the season, bringing holiday cheer to young and old alike.

They will stroll throughout the Library, inviting everyone to sing along with them. Cookies and punch will be available throughout the day. There will also be free holiday-themed basket raffles open to all visitors.

As usual, this beautiful historic building will be decked, inside and out, in all its holiday glory. Everyone is invited to take part in this special day.  

For 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.  

Seymour resident asks continued support for Poeta family

Fund-raising events planned
The following was written by Seymour resident Elizabeth Pisano, a friend of the Poeta family whose daughter, Nina, recently lost her battle with an inoperable brain tumor.

Pisano created a gofundme.com account for the family soon after Nina was diagnosed last November at age 17.

Nina Poeta

"As the Poeta family suffers the worst loss imaginable, they need the support of this wonderful, and large, community more than ever.

"Poeta Strong will continue to try to anticipate the needs of our dear friends and help them in any way possible.

"Right now they need us to offer our love and prayers.
"They also need our financial help. The expenses of the past year are great. We can ease this burden somewhat. Benefits are being held to offer assistance over the next few months. Please attend as many as you can.

"These are opportunities to join together and celebrate Nina's life and this wonderful family, while removing some of the added stress of these large expenses.

"On Nov. 21, a Benefit Dinner will be held at La Bella Vista at the Ponte Club, 380 Farmwood Road in Waterbury. Individual tickets, as well as full tables of 10, are available. This will be a very special night for friends and family to gather.

"Please send a message to poetastrong@gmail.com for tickets or call 203-415-4387.

"Thank you all for continuing on this journey with the Poeta family and for being there for them throughout the past year. WE ARE POETA STRONG!!"


A Day of Healing will be held Sunday at Phoenix Yoga & Wellness, 39 New Haven Road, Seymour. The event is a fundraiser for the Poeta family.

Derby FD to dedicate memorial on Green

Derby Library discussion to feature Christmas-themed novel

DERBY - The Derby Public Library has scheduled its next Lunchtime Book Discussion for 12:30 p.m. Dec. 10.

  

The selected holiday title is An Irish Country Christmas by Patrick Taylor.

As Christmas draws near in the village of Ballybucklebo, Dr. Fingal O'Reilly and his junior partner Barry Laverty contend with

a variety of comical village ailments, as well as romantic troubles.  

Then a new doctor arrives and causes a ruckus by poaching their patients and prescribing ludicrous cures.

This warmhearted novel also features “Ulster Christmas Recipes.”  

Multiple copies of the book are available at the circulation desk.

Participants are asked to bring a sandwich and a friend as they "chat and chew."

Dessert and beverages will be provided. Registration is requested.

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 Willliams, Director, Derby Public Library.

Seymour man strives to make a difference in children's lives

William Morales, 19, of Seymour deserves plaudits for his efforts to make a difference by launching toy drives to brighten Christmas for children who are ill.

He is an inspiration to all.

Read Register Correspondent Jean Falbo-Sosnovich's story about Morales here.

Ansonia church to host interfaith service

ANSONIA - An interfaith service of worship in celebration of Thanksgiving will be held at 7 p.m. Nov. 23 at the First Congregational Church, 44 South Cliff St.

This celebration of a uniquely American holiday will feature familiar seasonal hymns, readings, and music from four faith traditions - Christian, Jewish, Islamic, Buddhist. 
It also will include a reading of the President’s Thanksgiving Day Proclamation. Thanksgiving is Nov. 27.

Everyone is welcome. The public is invited to bring non-perishable food items to donate to area food banks.

Sponsoring houses of worship are:

Al-Aziz Islamic Center of Bridgeport;

Bahai’ Group of Oxford;

Christ Episcopal Church of Ansonia;

Clinton AME Zion Church of Ansonia;

First Congregational Church of Ansonia;

First Congregational Church of Derby;

First United Methodist Church of Ansonia;

Phuoc Long Buddhist Temple of Ansonia;

The Salvation Army, Greater Valley Corps of Ansonia.


This is a press release from the Rev. Jim Tudesco, pastor, First Congregational Church, Derby.