Master's Table to host dinner Jan. 24 in Ansonia

Shelton fire prevention chief urges residents to remove cut holiday trees

SHELTON – The City's Fire Prevention Bureau would like to remind everyone to promptly remove "fresh cut" holiday trees from homes before they become dry. 
Ted Pisciotta, Assistant Chief, Fire Prevention, is concerned that those who delay with tree disposal could quickly create a very serious fire hazard. 

Check out this video Pisciotta provided.

Until such time the tree is removed, it is especially important to remember to keep the stand filled with water at all times. 
The bottom line is that the longer the tree remains in the home, the greater the fire risk becomes.

Once ignited, fire involving the entire tree could quickly result in rapid fire spread throughout the home. Not only will damage be extensive, but serious injury or loss of life is possible.

A tree will tend to become dry, especially when kept indoors over time. Needles on fresh trees should be green and hard to pull from the branches, and a needle should bend, not break. Also if needles fall off, the tree has been cut too long, has probably dried out, and is a very serious fire hazard. 
Trees should not be left up for longer than two weeks and be sure to keep the tree stand filled with water at all times. 
Dried trees should not be kept in the home, garage, or placed outside against the home.

Pisciotta said it is not uncommon to see residents keeping lights and Christmas trees up past December. The reality is, continued use of seasonal lighting and dried-out Christmas trees can pose significant fire hazards in and outside the home.

To reduce the risk of holiday light fires and keep equipment in good condition for next year, follow these storage suggestions from the National Fire Protection Association: 

• To unplug electric decorations, use the gripping area provided on the plugs. Never pull the cord to unplug a device from electrical outlets. Doing so can harm the cord’s wire and insulation and even lead to an electrical shock or fire.

• As you’re putting away electrical light strings, take time to inspect each for damage. Throw out light sets if they have loose connections, broken sockets or cracked or bare wires.

• Do not place a damaged set of lights back into the storage box for next year’s use.

• Wrap each set of lights and put them in individual plastic bags, or wrap the lights around a piece of cardboard.

• Store electrical decorations in a dry place where they cannot be damaged by water or dampness. Also, keep them away from children and pets.

Finally, as in every season, have working smoke alarms installed on every level of your home, test them monthly and keep them clean and equipped with fresh batteries at all times. 
Know when and how to call “911” for help.  And remember to practice your home escape plan.

For more information, the public is encouraged to contact the Shelton Fire Prevention Bureau at 924-1555 or on the web under “Public Safety” at www.cityofshelton.org     


This is a press release from Ted Pisciotta.              

Osbornedale State Park in Derby to hold First Day Hike

All 50 state park systems offer free guided treks Jan. 1

Kellogg Environmental Center / Photo from DEEP website

Connecticut’s Department of Energy and Environmental Protection joins America's State Parks and all 50 state park systems for free, guided First Day Hike Programs on New Year’s Day 2016.  

This year DEEP offers the following guided First Day Hikes: 

Kellogg Environmental Center, 500 Hawthorne Ave., Derby, 1 p.m., moderate, 2.5-mile hike of Osbornedale State Park.  Sponsored by CT State Parks & Public Outreach.  
Contact:  Diane Joy, diane.joy@ct.gov, 203-734-2513.  Awards ceremony at 3 p.m. for winners of the 2015 “Sky’s the Limit” Hiking Challenge.  

Hammonasset Beach State Park, 1288 Boston Post Road, Madison, 1 p.m., easy, one hour hike, meet at Meigs Point Nature Center. Sponsored by Friends of the Office of State Archaeology and Friends of Hammonasset.  
Contact:  Don Rankin, 203-245-9192

Mansfield Hollow State Park, Bassett’s Bridge Rd., Mansfield, CT, 11 a.m. (arrive by 10:45 a.m.), moderate, 2 hikes - 4.5 mile and 2.2 mile, meet in the Mansfield Hollow Recreation Area parking lot. Sponsored by Friends of Mansfield Hollow.  
Contact: Ron Manizza, 860-428-3667, pedlinron@gmail.com  

Scantic River State Park, Melrose Road, East Windsor, 1 p.m., moderate, 2.5 mile hike, two hours, meet in parking lot at end of Melrose Road off Broad Brook Road. Sponsored by East Windsor American Heritage River Commission.  Contact:  ahriver@sbcglobal.net 

Sleeping Giant State Park, 200 Mt. Carmel Ave., Hamden, 1:30 p.m. (arrive by 1:15 p.m.), strenuous, 1 ½ hr. and 2 ½ hr. hikes, meet at the bulletin board by the kiosk. Sponsored by Sleeping Giant Park Association.  
Contact:  hike_the_giant@yahoo.com 

State park staff and volunteers will lead the hikes, which average one to two miles or longer depending on the state park.  
For details on hikes in all 50 states visit America’s State Parks website, http://www.naspd.org/first-day-hikes-in-americas-state-parks-offer-invigorating-start-to-new-year/        

“With seasonably cold and dry weather predicted for New Year’s Day - taking a hike with your family and friends is a great way to begin the New Year,” said Robert Klee, DEEP Commissioner.  

“Whether you join DEEP for a guided hike or venture out on your own, you will not be disappointed in the variety of hiking trails that Connecticut has to offer. Our state has hundreds of miles of trails ready for you as you celebrate the first day of 2016.” 

“Studies have proven that getting outdoors is one good way to relax and recharge the body, mind and spirit,” said Lewis Ledford, NASPD’s Executive Director.   
“We hope that hiking along a trail in a state park will become part of an individual’s or family’s regular exercise routine.” 

America’s State Parks First Day Hikes offers individuals and families an opportunity to begin the New Year rejuvenating and connecting with the outdoors by taking a healthy hike on Jan. 1, 2016 at a state park.  
First Day Hikes provide a great way to get outside, exercise, enjoy nature and welcome the New Year with friends and family. 

“Last year, we hosted 41,000 people who hiked 79,442 miles in our state parks across the country when we launched America’s State Parks First Day Hikes,” said Priscilla Geigis, President of the National Association of State Park Directors (NASPD).  “Think of it as the start of a new and healthy lifestyle, for the whole family. Whether you’re staying close to home or traveling, join us at one of America’s State Parks on New Year’s Day.”    

First Day Hikes originated over 20 years ago at the Blue Hills Reservation, a state park in Milton, Mass.  
The program was launched to promote both healthy lifestyles throughout the year and year round recreation at state parks.  Last year marked the first time all 50 state park systems have joined together to sponsor First Day Hikes.

CT DEEP joins America's State Parks in their commitment to promoting outdoor recreation in state parks as a way to address obesity, especially among children.  
Getting kids outside and unplugged from video games and other electronic media creates a unique connection with nature that promotes physical and mental well-being and encourages creativity and stewardship of our shared resources.

The mission of the NASPD and America's State Parks is to promote and advance the state park systems of America for their own significance, as well as for their important contributions to the nation’s environment, heritage, health and economy.  

This is a press release from the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection.

Derby Historical Society to host Twelfth Night celebration Sunday

ANSONIA - Sample some colonial favorites and modern day dishes during the Derby Historical Society's annual Twelfth Night celebration from 1-4 p.m. Sunday at the Gen. David Humphreys House, 37 Elm St.

Humphreys House/Photo from Society's website

In Christian tradition Twelfth Night marks the end of the Christmas season.

Tours of the historic home will be given by costumed docents and demonstrations of colonial cookery will be held. 

The gift shop will be open during this fun event.

Admission is $5.

According to information on the Society's website, money raised will help support the ongoing restoration project on the Humphreys House. The money will be matched 100 percent thanks to a generous matching funds opportunity from the Persbacker Foundation.

Griffin Hospital in Derby schedules bereavement support groups

Griffin Hospital’s bereavement support groups will start new sessions in January./ Submitted photo

DERBY - Griffin Hospital is starting new support groups in January for anyone experiencing the loss of a loved one.

These groups provide grief education and support to ease the pain of loss as well as encourage healing and growth. The groups meet in an eight-week cycle at the hospital, 130 Division St.

There will be groups meeting on Wednesdays from 6:30-8 p.m., starting Jan. 6, and Tuesdays from 2:30-4 p.m., starting Jan. 26.

Due to limited capacity, pre-registration is required. 

To learn more or to register, contact Heather Billingham at 203-732-1132 or hbillingham@griffinhealth.org.

This is a press release from Griffin Hospital.

DEEP to announce hiking challenge winners at Kellogg Center in Derby

DERBY - Connecticut’s Department of Energy and Environmental Protection will announce the winners of 2015 Hiking Challenge -“The Sky’s the Limit” at the First Day Hike at 1 p.m. Friday (Jan. 1) at Kellogg Environmental Center, 500 Hawthorne Ave.

A total of 234 people successfully hiked all 14 of Connecticut’s highest peaks and are eligible to receive a hand-crafted walking stick made by Connecticut Wood Carvers Association. 

Fifty names will be drawn at 3 p.m. after the First Day Hike to determine the winners. 
More than 400 participants hiked at least 10 of the designated locations and received a hiking staff medallion and certificate.

“DEEP held this hiking competition for the first time this year that encouraged families and friends to enjoy Connecticut’s state parks and forests any time of the year,” said DEEP Commissioner Robert Klee. 
 “We learned that people like to participate in friendly competition to win prizes and by the high number of hikers who joined in we know the program was a success.”

Success Stories
The stories told by the participants proved that in this time of giving sometimes just an outstretched hand can be the best present of all. 
One father shared his story of what this challenge meant to him and his very special little boy. http://www.ctmq.org/tstl9-macedonia-brook-state-park/ “At some point, I had to hold his hand to get him up the incline. I didn’t really let go until the summit… probably a good quarter mile of hand-holding. He didn’t fight me with it (very unusual.) When I’d let go to wipe the sweat or whatever, he’d silently reach out his hand again, accepting of my help.”
Sometimes we all just need a helping hand.

Others told us how fathers and daughters reconnected by doing the hikes, about a marriage proposal, how walking in the woods benefited a man dealing with “seasonal affective disorder” and inspired him to visit all the state parks and perhaps write a book about his adventures! 
Young, and young at heart, who completed this challenge were very proud of their accomplishments and were amazed to see all the beauty that exists in Connecticut’s state parks and forests.

After hectic preparations for the holidays hopefully as Rachel Carson stated: “Those who contemplate the beauty of the earth find reserves of strength that will ensure as long as life lasts. There is something infinitely healing in the repeated refrains of nature - the assurance that dawn comes after night, and spring after winter.” 
Hopefully, we will all take time to enjoy the refrains of nature and renew our spirit.

Background on “The Sky’s the Limit"
Participants were required to hike any number of designated 14 peaks in Connecticut throughout 2015 and take two photos – one of themselves at a state park or forest sign and one at each location they hiked. Photos were emailed to DEEP for verification.

The 14 peaks were located in either a state park or forest and were located throughout the state.
Plans are currently underway to develop a new challenge for 2016.

For more information: www.ct.gov/deep/SkystheLimit.


This is a press release from the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection.

Teens to learn electro-mechanical basics at Derby Public Library

DERBY - The Derby Public Library invites young adults ages 12 to 17 to enjoy Teen Maker Space from 6-7:30 p.m. Jan. 19.

Participants will learn some electro-mechanical basics by assembling, activating, and operating solar-powered spider kits. 

Space is limited to 10 participants. Registration is required. 
Light refreshments will be provided. 

For more information stop by the Library, 313 Elizabeth St., call 203-736-1482, or visit www.derbypubliclibrary.org.

This is a press release from Tony DeLos, young adult librarian, Derby Public Library.