Full moon captured on cold night in Derby

  A full moon is seen Tuesday night above Derby High School.

I was in the parking lot of Derby Middle School before Tuesday's special meeting of the Board of Education when I saw the moon and had to take a photo. 
Just looking at this scene makes me feel cold! 

The board voted Tuesday to name Martin J. Pascale, 37, of Waterbury as principal of Derby High School. He has been serving as acting principal since December. 

Griffin Hospital in Derby to host smoking cessation program

4 meetings scheduled in March
DERBY - Looking to kick the habit? 
Griffin Hospital is helping members of the community prepare to quit smoking with a free smoking cessation program starting March 4.

“That’s It – Learn to Quit” teaches a variety of methods to help individuals quit smoking. The program consists of weekly meetings scheduled for March 4, 11, 18, and 25 from 5:30-7 p.m.

“The goal of the program is to help you learn how to quit,” said Carrie O’Malley, a co-coordinator of the program. 
“There are different methods of quitting and managing nicotine withdrawal. If one method didn’t work for you in the past we’ll help you understand all your options.”

Through group discussion and interactive activities, participants learn how to develop a quit plan that addresses their personal behaviors and habit.

Strategies to manage nicotine withdrawal, behaviors, triggers, urges are all discussed, as well as weight control and stress management.

To register for “That’s It – Learn to Quit,” call O'Malley at 203-732-1476.


This is a press release from Griffin Hospital.

Troupe to present 'Romeo and Juliet' at Derby Neck Library

Valentine's Day performance slated 

DERBY - Valley Shakespeare Festival's first performance of its 2015 season will be a script-in-hand reading of William Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet.

The classic tale of the two ill-fated young lovers will be presented at 2 p.m. on Valentine's Day, Feb. 14, at Derby Neck Library, 307 Hawthorne Ave. 


With only seven actors, four music stands and minimal costuming and staging, VSF will perform the work in a framework which is guaranteed to convey all its dramatic passion and have you experiencing the play in a way you never before imagined.

Traditionally hailed as “the greatest love story of all time,” Romeo and Juliet is so much more, as lucky audience members will discover at this performance. Its themes of family allegiance, forbidden attraction, sexual awareness and abuse, violence and the struggle of youth coming of age in a dangerous and often hostile world are perennial, which is why it continues to be a story “for the ages.”

The production is being presented by Valley Shakespeare Festival and the Derby Neck Library free of charge, with a suggested donation of $10.
Seating is limited and reservations are suggested.

Valley Shakespeare Festival also will be offering Valentine-themed cupcakes, donated by “Sweet Sue’s Devilishly Delicious Delights” for sale at the event to help support the organization.

Visit www.vsfestival.org or call 203-513-9446 for more information and to make reservations for Romeo and Juliet.


This is a press release from Valley Shakespeare Festival, a non-profit theater company, fiscally-sponsored by Fractured Atlas, dedicated to bringing free Shakespeare to the communities of the Lower Naugatuck Valley.

Weather closes Seymour Town Hall

Sharing a message from First Selectman Kurt Miller:


"Town Hall closed today as of 3 PM due to the inclement weather. At 1:30 PM, Governor Malloy issued an executive order stating that taxes submitted by 5:30 PM tomorrow will be considered on-time. If you weren't able to pay them today because of the weather, you will have an extra day. 

"The Town does not have the authority to issue an extension, which is why it was not done earlier.

"Public Works has been out since last night clearing the roads, but the snow is accumulating fast and most roads are not in good condition. Please consider staying in if you don't have to go somewhere and if you must be on the roads, drive safe."

Derby Library to host discussion about romantic novel

DERBY - The Derby Public Library will hold its next Lunchtime Book Discussion at

12:30 p.m. Feb. 25.

The selected title is The Rosie Project, a laugh-out loud debut novel by Graeme Simsion.

Don Tillman, a professor of genetics, sets up a project

designed to find him the perfect wife, starting with a 16-page questionnaire. 

The he meets Rosie, who is everything he is not looking for, and who is looking for her biological father.  

An unlikely relationship develops, proving that despite the best scientific efforts, you don't find love, love finds you.

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 Williams, Director, Derby Public Library.

Griffin in Derby to host online weight loss contest

DERBY- Griffin Hospital is hosting an online weight loss competition to give the community extra incentive to get healthy in 2015.

The Griffin Hospital Community Meltdown Challenge starts Feb. 9 and encourages participants to lose 6 percent of their total weight or maintain their weight over 12 weeks. 

The challenge is conducted completely online with participants submitting a photo of their weight scale readings at the start of the challenge and at the finish. 
In addition, participants must earn points by completing health education and fitness tasks as well as supporting their fellow competitors. At the end of the challenge, the participants who hit their goals will receive cash. 
There will also be prizes awarded throughout the challenge for those who do the best at certain tasks.

The competition costs $12.99 to join, with $10 going into the prize pool.

“We’re always looking for new and fun ways to help our community get healthy,” said Griffin Hospital Exercise Physiologist Eunice Lisk. 

“This Meltdown Challenge is a great way for you, your family, your friends, your neighbors and coworkers to make a commitment to losing weight or maintaining a healthy weight. It’s online, so you can do it on your time at home, and you’ll be motivated to stick with it so you can win some money. However, I’m sure everyone who takes part and loses weight will feel like a winner.”

To register for the Griffin Hospital Community Meltdown Challenge, visit griffinhealth.org/meltdown.


This is a press release from Griffin Hospital. 

Town, Legion Post seek Seymour veterans' names

SEYMOUR - Know any veterans - living or deceased - whose names should be added to new plaques planned for Veterans' Grove at French Memorial Park?

Read all about the town's initiative in this story by New Haven Register Correspondent Jean Falbo-Sosnovich.