Derby Public Library to host winter bingo for kids

DERBY -The Derby Public Library Children's Department will host Winter Bingo at 11 a.m. Monday. 

Families with children ages 4-11 are invited to attend and try their luck.

Registration is required; be sure to register each child separately. 

Parents/caregivers do not need to be registered, only their children.

Children will be creating their own bingo card prior to the game. 

Books will be among the prizes for bingo winners.



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

Ansonia Nature Center posts January activities

Hikes, healthy living, crafts slated

NEW YEAR DAY’S HIKE – Jan. 1, 10 a.m.
Join Ranger Martin, who will ring in the New Year by celebrating with you during an invigorating hike along our woodland trails. 
If we have snow cover, we may even break out the snowshoes! Free; please register early.

HEALTHY LIVING SERIES – Jan. 3, 2 p.m.
It's resolution season, the time of the year when we’re thinking about how to improve our lives, and maybe even the lives of those around us.
Join Ranger Mike as we discuss just that in the first of three sessions on healthy living. 
We’ll craft our own personal vision boards, and brainstorm other strategies to keeping focused on our goals. Hopefully we’ll leave with the tools we need to transform our bad habits into a good routine! Free; please register in advance.

FULL WOLF MOON HIKE – Jan. 3, 6 p.m.
This full moon appeared when wolves howled in hunger outside the villages. It is also known as the Old Moon. To some Native American tribes, this was the Snow Moon, but most applied that name to the next full moon in February. Join Rangers Jess and Mike for this winter hike. Please wear appropriate winter clothing and shoes. Fee: $1. Call to register.

PET LOSS GRIEF SUPPORT GROUP – Sundays, Jan. 4, Feb. 1, March 1, 11 a.m.
Losing a beloved animal can be extremely 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 resources for when we lose an animal. 
Susan Wilson has created this support group for those of us who have lost an animal or have one in the process of moving on. Join us for these free sessions.

NATURE’S CHILD: Owl Babies – Jan. 9, 10:30 a.m.
Join naturalist Wendy and learn about our nocturnal friends whooooo live in Raptor Woods. 
This program for preschoolers and their adults will include the story “Owl Babies,” an up-close look at one of our resident owls, and perhaps a short hike into owl territory. Tuition: $7 per child ($5 for family-level FANCI members and Ansonia residents). 
Please register in advance.

BACK TO BASICS: Knitting 101 – Jan.10, 2 p.m.
What could be better on a cold winter day that creating something cozy? Join Ranger Dawn and other folks to learn to make such things as scarves and hats. Tuition: $5. Bring yarn and #10 short needles. Please register in advance. 
And check out the Jan. 13 listing for the Fiber Arts Group!

HEALTHY LIVING SERIES – Jan. 11, 2 p.m.
Join us for the second of three sessions on healthy living. Americans over-consume processed foods yet we are undernourished! We are polluted from the foods we eat! Learn why everyone should eat clean and detox at least once in his/her life. If you experience fatigue, indigestion, joint pain, anxiety, skin problems, or many other issues it may be time to take charge of your health and rid your body of toxins from food that has been altered by chemicals. Free; please register in advance.

FIBER ARTS GROUP - Tuesdays starting Jan. 13, 5:30–7:30 p.m.
Get together with others to work on your fiber arts projects! Bring any kind of fiber work—knitting, felting, crocheting, etc.
If you took our Knitting 101 workshop, you can continue the project you started there! A great way to dedicate time to your handiwork and socialize too. Free.

To register or for more information call 203-736-1053.



This is a press release from Ansonia Nature and Recreation Center, 10 Deerfield Road. 

Seymour Rec to sponsor basketball league

*This info is taken from the Office of the Seymour First Selectman's Facebook page.

Easy cookin' is topic of demo at Derby Library

DERBY - The Derby Public Library has scheduled a cooking demonstration at 6:30 p.m. Jan. 12.
The topic will be Easy One Pot Winter Meals.

Stacey Ference of Savour Catering will show participants how to make warm and hearty dishes for those cold winter days.

There will be samples of all demonstrated foods.

The class is for ages 18 and older. Registration is required.

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.

Workshop at Griffin Hospital in Derby to focus on chronic illness

DERBY - Griffin Hospital is hosting a free workshop series to help individuals suffering from chronic conditions take back control of their lives.

Sponsored by the Connecticut Department of Social Services' Aging Services Division, Connecticut Department of Public Health and Griffin Hospital, the Live Well Workshop will be on Tuesdays from Jan. 20 to Feb. 24 from 1-3:30 p.m. at the hospital, 130 Division St.

The workshops will provide health information and strategies to help those with chronic conditions like diabetes, depression, heart disease, arthritis, and pain and anxiety increase their energy and take control of their health.

To register for this self-management workshop, call Daun Barrett, 203-732-7584.



This is a press release from Griffin Hospital.

Ansonia police win plaudits for holiday spirit

I just read a heartwarming story by Evan Lips, a former colleague at the New Haven Register, about Ansonia police officers making the holiday season brighter for three needy Valley families.

The department raised money to provide the families with a shopping spree Saturday at the Target store in Ansonia.
Santa Claus even made an appearance during the event.

It's wonderful to see police officers out in the community demonstrating the true spirit of the season.

Read the story here.

Nonprofit in Derby brings holiday cheer to needy families

Ansonia resident Maureen Wilkinson greets clients Friday at a Christmas food and gift distribution at St. Vincent de Paul, Helping Hands of the Valley Thrift Shop and Food Bank in Derby. The nonprofit assisted more than 100 families for the holidays. 

Stay tuned for a story in the Valley Independent Sentinel.