Softball marathon in Stratford to benefit Treasured Time

Nonprofit gives families 'the gift of moments' 

From the nonprofit's website:

Treasured Time's "mission is to grant the wishes of parents with life-threatening illnesses who want to create a lasting memory with their children."

Learn about honey bees, view wildlife photography at Kellogg Center in Derby

DERBY - Connecticut’s Department of Energy and Environmental Protection announces two free programs on July 23 at Kellogg Environmental Center.  

Saving Our Native Pollinators - (recommended for ages 12 and up) will be held from 10-11:30 a.m.

Registration is requested. 

Bring sunscreen and a picnic lunch to enjoy on the Kellogg grounds following the program.

Honey bees are not the only pollinators in trouble. Join others to learn about native pollinators and what simple changes can be made at home to promote regrowth in declining populations. 

The program will be led by Matthew Connors, Park Interpreter at Kellogg Environmental Center.

Like European honeybees, native bee and butterfly populations are in decline. Connors' presentation on Connecticut’s native pollinators will introduce participants to common native plants they depend on. 

There will be a discussion on at-home solutions to pollinator decline. 

After the program, there will be a tour of the Center’s restored native butterfly garden. Participants will identify plants and pollinators in the garden and in open fields.  There will also be an identification activity on wild grown native pollinator plants. To conclude, there will be a short introduction to on-going citizen science research programs that all are welcome to participate in to help Connecticut’s pollinators.

Wildlife and Habitats Exhibits - (all ages are invited to attend)

9 a.m.-4:30 p.m. (exhibit is open)

2 p.m. (meet the artist, Sophie Zyla)

Wildlife and Habitats is an exceptional photography exhibit by Sophie Zyla. 

Learn about her methods and life work studying and photographing wildlife. 

Zyla is an outstanding photographer and birder who has traveled all around the United States to get a glimpse of specific bird species and capture them on film. 

She has a background in conservation biology, environmental studies and has studied at New York Institute of Photography and Nikon School of Photography. 

The exhibit is open Tuesday through Saturday 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m. at the Kellogg Environmental Center through July 23. 

Sophie’s images can be found at: www.SophieZylaPhotoSZ.com  and are available for purchase from the photographer.

Both events take place at Kellogg Environmental Center, 500 Hawthorne Ave.  

For more information or directions call 203-734-2513 or email susan.quincy@ct.gov.

This is a press release from DEEP.

Derby Public Library schedules 'stroll' through Italy

DERBY - The Derby Public Library invites everyone to take A Stroll Through Italy, Past, Present, and Future, at 6:30 p.m. Aug. 8.

Mariann Millard, a certified tour director and dual U.S./Italy citizen, will guide participants on a virtual 

“passeggiata” (stroll), exploring the richness and diversity of Italy by weaving historical and modern events and facts about the country with pertinent personal anecdotes to illustrate its geography, language, cuisine, culture, politics, and economics.

Whether you have had your own Italian journey, are planning one, or just dreaming of one, come enjoy an evening of photographs and stories in a lively and engaging

manner.  

Registration is requested.  

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 Cathy Williams, Director, Derby Public Library. 

Newsletter highlights silver tea in Ansonia, Shelton downtown concerts

Dear readers,

Our latest Valley Voice newsletter is out.

Please click here to read some of this week's good news in the community. 
The newsletter highlights Walt Whitman's visit to the Derby Historical Society's Silver Tea, and the Ansonia Traveling Market Place.

Happy reading!

Ansonia's Gordon-Visselli Post adjutant recognized at state convention in Trumbull

Gordon-Visselli Post 50 Adjutant Patrick Henri accepts award from American Legion State Commander Paul Spedallarie./ Contributed photo

ANSONIA - Gordon-Visselli American Legion Post 50 was recognized at the Department of Connecticut American Legion Convention July 7 at the Trumbull Marriott through an award presented to Post Adjutant Patrick Henri. 

Henri received the Herbert L. Emanuelson Plaque which is awarded annually to the Legionnaire who has rendered the most outstanding contributions to Community Service. Cited were Henri’s various roles in city government, involvement in patriotic events, and public outreach through Post 50. Henri was also the 2013 recipient.

The Connecticut Department of the American Legion annually conducts an award ceremony at its Summer Convention to recognize contributions of individuals and Posts in the categories of Americanism, Community Service, Membership, Post Activity and Veterans Affairs.

Post Officers for 2016-17 are: Commander Jack Granatie, Senior Vice-Commander Mike Heise, Junior Vice-Commander Bill Ritchie, Adjutant Pat Henri, Finance Officer Bill Nimons, Chaplain Tom Henri, and Sargent-at-Arms Larry Cramp.

Any veteran interested in joining Ansonia Post 50 may call Mike Heise at 203-308-7845. 
Monthly meetings will begin in September after a summer break, at 7 p.m. on the second Thursday of each month at the Ansonia Armory, 5 State St. 

Continued and new membership enhances our capabilities throughout the community. There are missions here at home worthy of your time and talent. 
We invite you to join our ranks and muster with us.


This is press release from Patrick Henri.

Crisco hails grant for equipment purchase to benefit Beacon Falls, Oxford, Seymour

HARTFORD - State Sen. Joseph J. Crisco, Jr., D-Woodbridge, Tuesday welcomed news the State Bond Commission has approved a $235,783 grant-in-aid to fund a regional purchase that will benefit Beacon Falls, Oxford,and Seymour.

The three towns were awarded the funding through the Inter-town Capital Equipment purchase incentive program.

“This type of regional cooperation is exactly what we hope to see more of in Connecticut, and it is good news for Beacon Falls. By sharing equipment, towns are able to save significantly on the cost and maintenance of equipment, and the more purchases that are made this way, the more residents will feel the results of that collaboration in their pocketbooks,” Crisco said. 

“I am proud to have worked to secure this funding, and I am thankful that the governor and State Bond Commission have showed their support for our local towns by approving this grant-in-aid.”

The towns of Beacon Falls, Oxford, and Seymour will use the funding to purchase an asphalt roller and excavator.

The ICE purchase incentive program was established to provide grants to municipalities to jointly acquire – by purchase or by lease – equipment and vehicles necessary to the performance or delivery of a required governmental function or service.

The State Bond Commission approved the funding during a special meeting at the Legislative Office Building in Hartford.


This is a press release from Crisco's office.

Sounds of Simply Swing fill Veterans Park in Ansonia

The Newington-based Simply Swing orchestra brought the timeless, smooth sounds of Big Band and contemporary music to Veterans Memorial Park in Ansonia Wednesday. 

It was most enjoyable to listen to the old standards at the second concert of the summer series hosted by the Ansonia Cultural Commission. 

Next up is Ansonia's own crooner, Mark Lanzieri, and his band. They will perform Sinatra as well as songs popular in days gone by that have stood the test of time. 

All concerts start at 7 p.m. See you there!