Sweet treats, antiques fill storefront in Ansonia

Scott and Traci Grim chat with visitors at the grand opening of their business Thursday. 

ANSONIA - It was with a twinge of nostalgia today that I walked into a combination pastry and antiques shop on Main Street.

Traci's on Main Pastry and Antiques Shoppe at 94 Main St. is located in a storefront that once housed the New Haven Register's Valley Bureau office. 
And I worked out of there for many years, until the paper closed the bureau in April 2007.

After that, a jewelry store moved into the space, and when that business left it was followed by a roll-your-own cigarette shop.

Temptation!

Derby residents Traci Grim and her husband, Scott Grim, opened the shop in October, but decided to wait a while to hold their grand opening. She is an Oxford native, he grew up in Seymour.


The storefront is on the first floor of the former Ansonia Opera House, a building that is on the National Register of Historic Places. 

Ansonia Mayor David S. Cassetti congratulates Traci Grim on Thursday.

Traci Grim said she has been a pastry chef for 26 years. When you walk into the shop you immediately see the love she and her husband have for antiques, from furnishings to paintings, jewelry, and more.

Greater Valley Chamber of Commerce President William Purcell said the business features "an interesting and eclectic mix by combining pastry and a love of antiques."

Mayor David S. Cassetti called the shop "a vibrant space," and he wished the couple great success. He said he has been a regular customer since the shop opened.

Traci Grim said she feels right at home in the shop. "I like downtown, I like Main Street, and I like my neighbors," she said, adding, "Anything sweet is my specialty." 
The store is stocked with cupcakes, cookies, cream puffs, and scones, and she also sells regular and flavored coffees. 

Scott Grim thanked Cassetti and his team for supporting them and their business venture.

The couple plans to stay open in the evenings as the weather gets warmer for people to stop by and sit outside to enjoy a pastry with a cappuccino or espresso.

I also wish them the best in their new venture.

New Ansonia shop holds grand opening today

Greater Valley Chamber of Commerce President Bill Purcell, left, joins Ansonia Mayor David S. Cassetti and Traci's on Main owners Traci and Scott Grim in cutting a ribbon Thursday morning to celebrate the new business in downtown Ansonia. 


Stay tuned for more info.

Market in Shelton celebrates local artisans

SHELTON - Downtown Handmade Market, a celebration of handmade artisans, is held on the first Saturday of every month in the Conti Building, 415 Howe Ave. (near Farmer’s Market).
“When we shop local, we are supporting and building opportunities for local entrepreneurs and business owners, strengthening our local economy by creating a more self-reliant and durable community, and empowering citizens to guide the development of our immediate surroundings,” said Michael Skrtic and Nicole Heriot-Mikula. The two call themselves "the Celebrate Shelton duo."

Downtown Handmade Market will continue from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. April 4.

Artisans include: Triangle Tea Life, The Liquid Lunch,Stone Gardens Farm, Spoiled, Bowtique by Alexa, Benny The Baker, Lisa’s Soaps, Bel Mare Creations, Reid's BBQ, Look and Sea, Bead Dangle Design, GPC Designs, The Little Dog Laughed, BooBoo Bags, Hipponotic Candle, Little Bee of CT, BBA Bracelets and TJJ Sews, Origami Owl, Lilla Rose as well as year-round Conti Building shops including bringtheHoopla, The Glass Source Stained Glass Studio, Periodic Tableware, Nikki's Candy Boutique and Shadee Lady Window Treatments and Interior Design. 

Featured nonprofit of the month is Moving With HOPE.

Celebrate Shelton has recently announced Downtown Sounds Concert Series which will be held at Veteran’s Memorial Park on Fridays, July 17, July 24, and Aug. 7 from 6-9 p.m.

Learn more about Celebrate Shelton at www.celebrateshelton.com and follow us on Facebook (www.facebook.com/celebrateshelton) and Instagram.
For any questions, email celebrateshelton@gmail.com or call 203-924-4368.

Ample parking is available and the location is handicap accessible.


This is a press release from Celebrate Shelton. 

Seymour school plans clothing drive, shred event

*Information shared from the Office of the First Selectman's Facebook page.

Seymour teen reported missing

Update: The silver alert has been cancelled, according to a report Thursday in the Valley Independent Sentinel.


Police have issued a silver alert today for a missing Seymour teen.

Read the New Haven Register story here.

Seymour Lions Club offers annual scholarships

SEYMOUR - The Seymour Lions Club will award two $1,000 scholarships.

Applications are open to all high school students who are residents of Seymour planning to attend any college and follow any course of study.

You can fill out an application at www.e-clubhouse.org/sites/seymourct.

After filling out the application under the scholarship tab, print it out along with the application cover sheet, also found online.

Mail your essay, application, and cover sheet to: Seymour Lions Club, 26 George St., Seymour, 06483.

All applications must be postmarked by April 1 of the current year.


Information taken from the club's website.

Program planned in Shelton for caregivers

SHELTON - Balancing the responsibilities of work, finances, family life, and caring for an aging loved one can leave you feeling “Sandwiched” and in need of support.

Let us help!

Caregivers are invited to Wesley Village from 5:30-6:30 p.m. April 1 for our caregiver education series!

Our topic for this session is entitled: Caring Support for the Caregiver. 

Diane Betkoski, Coordinator of Griffin Hospital Lifeline, will discuss the growing needs and challenges associated with caregiving and offer some helpful resources to support both the person who is in need of caregiving and the caregiver.

RSVP at 203-925-4952 or www.wesleyvillage-ct.org. The free program will be held at Crosby Commons Assisted Living Community on the Wesley Village Campus,  at 580 Long Hill Ave.
A light supper will be served. 

This is a monthly series. Be sure to “Save the Date” for our other upcoming programs, happening on the first Wednesday of the month.


This is a press release from United Methodist Homes.