Derby library to host movie for teens, women's series

DERBY - The Derby Public Library invites all young adults ages 12 to 17 to Teen Movie Night, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Dec. 30, for the screening of a newly released DVD. 

Refreshments will be provided. Registration is requested.

Just for Women

The Library is changing the format and content of its monthly series, Just for Women, which meets at 6:30 p.m. on the first Monday of each month.

Beginning with the Jan. 5 meeting, informal sessions will include the reading of quotes 

reflecting life situations relevant to women.  
A wide variety of topics will be covered.  

Women of all ages are invited to share their thoughts as they feel comfortable.
In today’s world, women are under more pressure than ever before.

Take some time to do something for yourself and connect with other women.  

Valley resident and licensed professional counselor, Joan Joyce, will facilitate. 

Registration is requested, but walk-ins are also welcome.

For more information about any programs 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. 

Community in Shelton recognized for innovative program

Crosby Commons Activities Director Mary Ann Milano, right, poses with colleagues Ginny Brown, center, of Middlewoods of Farmington, and Marissa Salvesen, left, of United Methodist Homes, after receiving awards at the CALA 19th Annual Awards Program. / Contributed photo


SHELTON - Crosby Commons Assisted Living Community at Wesley Village has received another prestigious Connecticut Assisted Living Association Award for Best Practices in Managed Residential Services. 

The award was presented at CALA’s 19th Annual Meeting and Awards Program held Dec. 3 at the Aqua Turf Club in Southington.

The Best Practices Award is presented to an assisted living provider who creates innovative programs or unique approaches in the area of managed residential services which exemplify excellence and are worthy of sharing with others. 

The community was recognized for its program, “The Crosby Commons Express,” which featured an unforgettable New York City experience for Crosby residents, with opportunities for shopping, education, fine dining, arts, entertainment and more, in the comfort of their home.  

The program was organized by Activities Director Mary Ann Milano and the entire Crosby team. 

Crosby Commons is owned and operated by United Methodist Homes, a local, mission-based, not-for-profit organization based in Shelton. In addition to Crosby Commons’ award, UMH was also the recipient of the 2014 CALA Media Award for their e-book resource, The ABC’s of Assisted Living, and received an award for their Middlewoods of Farmington community as well.

For more information about the award-winning community of Crosby Commons, call 203-225-5000 or visit www.crosbycommons.org. 

For information about UMH, visit www.umh.org.

This is a press release from United Methodist Homes.

Carolers in Seymour to collect donations for Poeta family

Sharing photos from Ansonia's tree lighting, Santa visit

Residents get into the holiday spirit 

I'll call this post "better late than never."

I'm sharing a slideshow that my husband made from photos I took at Ansonia's festive tree lighting Friday at Veterans' Park. The event put me into the holiday spirit; I'm sure others in the crowd felt the same way.

Since our weekend was busier than usual ('tis the season!) we didn't get our act together to make the slideshow until yesterday.

Enjoy!

I love this child's sweet smile as Santa stops to say hello.

Human relations clubs in Ansonia, Derby schools receive grant

Congratulations go out today to Ansonia resident and retired educator Nick Collicelli, founder of the Human Relations Clubs in Ansonia and Derby.
The clubs have received a $16,600 grant from the Valley Community Foundation.

The mission of the clubs is to fight prejudice and discrimination in the schools and the community.

Students in the middle and high schools host intergenerational activities with senior citizens, and teach anti-bullying and other initiatives to children in elementary schools.

I've attended many of the club-sponsored programs since 2008 and have always come away impressed with the leadership skills demonstrated by the students.


Please check out the story by New Haven Register correspondent Jean Falbo-Sosnovich.

Derby Public Library to host reading club

DERBY - The Derby Public Library staff invites you to start off the New Year right by joining its Winter Reading Club, Slide Into a Warm Winter Read. 

This reading club for adults, ages 18 and over, will begin on Jan. 5 and run through March 6.  

As participants read books of their choice, they will be asked to anonymously complete a very brief written questionnaire to share with fellow readers. These will be posted.

Readers will receive a participation prize upon submitting their first review.  

Weekly raffles for winter surprise bags will be held for all participants sharing for each particular week. 

A “spring thaw” celebration for all club members, catered by Stacey Ference of Savour Catering, will be held at 6:30 p.m. March 9.

All attendees will have a chance to win a grand prize raffle.

You can register in person at the adult circulation desk or by calling 203-736-1482.

For more information, stop by the Library at 313 Elizabeth St., or visit www.derbypubliclibrary.org.  


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

Ho, ho, ho! Santa to visit YMCA in Ansonia

Pancake breakfast planned

ANSONIA - A free Breakfast with Santa event will be held from 9-11 a.m. Saturday at the Valley YMCA.

Families can enjoy a fun-filled morning with pancakes for breakfast and a visit from Santa!

There will be four, 30-minute time slots with a maximum of 40 people per session. 

Pancakes and juice will be provided for the children and coffee for the adults.

The YMCA is at 12 State St. 

Please pre-register with the Y's Welcome Center staff. Call 203-736-1435. 

All ages are welcome.

*Sharing this information from the Valley YMCA's Facebook page.