Griffin Hospital supports Spooner House in Shelton

Wonderland of Trees raises $6,240

Susan Agamy, Executive Director of Spooner House, left, joined Kim Hall, Senior Applications Coordinator at Griffin Hospital, and hospital staff in drawing tickets for the Holiday Wonderland of Trees fundraiser Dec. 18./ Submitted photo

DERBY - Griffin Hospital’s annual Holiday Wonderland of Trees fundraiser collected more than $6,240 for Spooner House in Shelton to help feed area families in need this winter.

Organized by Griffin Hospital’s Arts and Entertainment Planetree Steering Committee, The Holiday Wonderland of Trees calls on hospital departments to decorate three-foot Christmas trees that are raffled off.

This year’s most popular trees included an upside-down tree by the Engineering Department, a penguin tree by Information Services and a Whoville tree by Communications and Public Affairs.


This is a press release from Griffin Hospital.

Wishing all a Happy and Healthy 2015

* This is from a letter written in 1863 by Mark Twain on New Year's resolutions.

It still holds true more than 150 years later.



Source: Letters of Note Facebook page

Chillin' in Derby on New Year's Eve

I found these guys chillin' today at Pickett's Pond at Osbornedale State Park in Derby. 

Truth be told my camera has been broken for more than a month, and using a substitute point-and-shoot is indeed a challenge! 
C'est la vie. 
My goal for this coming year is to get my camera fixed. 

I wish everyone a Happy New Year's Eve!

Derby Public Library slates story times

    DERBY- Registration is under way for the winter session of story times at the Derby Public Library.  

     This story time session will run from Jan. 14-March 20. The Library offers age-appropriate programs for children from birth to 5 years old. 

     Beginning Jan. 14 at 10 a.m. infants up to 12 months old along with a caregiver are invited to attend Baby and Me which introduces our youngest patrons to the library and books through simple songs and rhymes, movement, board books, and interaction with their caregiver.  
     The class will run for about 20 minutes. Participants are welcome to stay and play for some social time immediately following the program.

       Toddler Time will be held Thursdays at 10 a.m. for 1-and 2-year-olds along with a caregiver.  
      Finger plays, songs, movement, stories and rhymes will be included in this half-hour program. The first class will be Jan. 15. 

     Children ages 3-5 are welcome to join us for stories, songs, instruments, literacy games and a craft on Fridays at 10 a.m. beginning Jan. 16.  

      Preschool Story Time is designed to be an early school-readiness experience, an introduction to peer interaction and improved listening skills.   
      Children will attend this story time on their own while a caregiver remains in the Children’s Room.

    Registration is requested.  

Music and movement program

      Children ages 3-6 are invited to join the fun during a music and movement program at Derby Public Library at 10 a.m. Jan. 8.
     Sandi Schuchmann presents Turn it Up! which will have everyone up and moving during this highly interactive, half hour music program.  There is no fee to attend.

      Registration is requested.  

Family story time

    The Derby Public Library will offer a Saturday family story time at 10 a.m. Jan. 10. 
    Children ages 3-6 are welcome to stop by for Let it Snow to listen to winter-themed stories, sing songs and work on a snowflake craft. There is no fee to attend; all materials are provided.  
    Registration is requested.

    For more information or to register, call the Children’s Room, 203-736-1482, stop by the Library, 313 Elizabeth St., or visit www.derbypubliclibrary.org. 

This is a press release from Sue Sherman, children's librarian, Derby Public Library. 

Derby library offers chess club, games for teens

DERBY - The Derby Public Library Teen Chess Club invites all young adults ages 12 to 17 to meetings on Mondays, Jan. 5, 12, and 26 from 6:30-7:30 p.m. 
All skill levels are welcome. Participants will learn how the game is played as well as defensive/offensive strategies.
Julio Maldonado provides superb expertise from a lifelong love for the game. 
Registration is requested.

YA Wednesdays

The Derby Public Library hosts YA Wednesdays every month from 6-7:30 p.m.
All young adults ages 12 to 17 are invited to join the fun each Wednesday in January as Nintendo Wii, board games, and Legos will be available. 
Light refreshments will be provided. Registration is requested. 

To register or 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 Tony DeLos, young adult/reference librarian, Derby Public Library.

Today's sunset in Ansonia

I took this photo a few minutes ago through the window. Caught it just in time and thought I'd share.

Derby Neck Library to host video tourney, author talk, women's forum, more

Variety of activities slated in January
DERBY -The Derby Neck Library hosts a Teen Video Tournament featuring Super Smash Bros on Wii U from 2-4 p.m. Jan. 10.
Refreshments will be served throughout and prizes awarded. 

Bring a friend or two and challenge them to a fast-paced, fun game on a large screen TV.

Dinner and Movie
The Library hosts Dinner and a Movie for ages 18 and older at 5:30 p.m. Jan. 12.

Come and enjoy the new movie “Pride” on blu-ray. Based on a true story, this film describes the interactions of gay-activists and striking miners in the U.K. 
Refreshments will be served, as well as a dinner at intermission. 

Meet the Author
The Library hosts “Meet the Author” featuring Ansonia resident Rich Marazzi, discussing his new book “A Bowlful of Memories” from 6-7 p.m. Jan. 13.
This book commemorates the 100th anniversary of Yale Bowl by focusing on the numerous memorable football games and concerts that have been held there. 
Signed copies will be available for purchase. 

Music and Movement
The Library presents Bedtime Music and Movement featuring Miss Kathi at 6:30 p.m. Jan. 14. Wear your pajamas and bring a favorite stuffed animal to sing and dance under indoor stars.  

Writers' Round
At 6:30 p.m. Jan. 15 the Library hosts Writers’ Round a workshop for writers of all types—poetry, prose, fiction, scripts and more. Bring your original works to share and spark your creativity by writing from our prompts.  

Women's Forum
The Library presents Women’s Forum a monthly literary discussion group that focuses on short stories, poetry, history, and more at 12:30 p.m. Jan. 19.
This month we start a New Year with poetry on beginnings (provided by the moderator). Bring a light lunch. We serve free coffee and tea.  

Tech Talks
The Library presents Tech Talks, a series focused on new technology and how best to use it for your needs, will be held at 6 p.m. Jan. 19. 
This month will feature operating PowerPoint. This same discussion also will be held at 10:30 a.m. Jan. 21.

Book club
At 6:30 p.m. Jan. 26 the Library hosts the Evening Book Club. Each month we meet in our comfortable Reading Room to discuss a memoir, fiction, or non-fiction book.
All books are award-winners by noted authors. 
Copies are available because of the generosity of the Friends’ Club.

For information on any of the library's programs call 203-734-1492.

The Library is at 307 Hawthorne Ave.


This is a press release from Pat Sweeney, reference librarian, Derby Neck Library.