36th annual festival slated at St. Barbara Greek Orthodox Church in Orange

Dancers perform a traditional dance at a previous Odyssey Greek festival on church grounds. 

ORANGE - St. Barbara Greek Orthodox Church, 480 Racebrook Road, will host its 36th annual Odyssey Greek Festival Sept. 2-5.

The festival on Labor Day weekend features Greek food, live music, and dancing.

There will be Greek dance lessons, a marketplace, giant tag sale, cooking demonstrations, raffle, church presentations and tours, kids’ rides, games, and magic shows, and more.

The event is rain or shine, indoors and out on 10 country acres. Parking and admission are free. 

For information call 203-795-1347.


*Note: Information shared from a Facebook event page.

Gentile hails Connecticut's efforts against human trafficking

State leads way in fight; law gets tougher Oct. 1

HARTFORD - State Rep. Linda M. Gentile, D-Ansonia/Derby, is hailing Connecticut’s efforts against human trafficking.  

Beginning in October, hotel and motel operators must train their staff to recognize signs of human trafficking.  

The operators must also keep records of their guests.

In addition, the General Assembly will get annual reports from law enforcement outlining: 

law enforcement’s participation in federal, statewide, or regional anti-trafficking efforts; referrals related to human trafficking allegations; criteria used to determine the validity of human trafficking allegations; coordination among state and local police on trafficking cases; obstacles to investigating trafficking; the number of missing children investigations; the number of referrals from DCF related to trafficking; and the number of trafficking cases referred for prosecution.

“I am so proud of this legislation,” Gentile said. “It came about thanks to the women's caucus of the General Assembly who recognized the extent of this horrible crime and urgent need to address it. We worked side by side, across the aisle to ensure that our law would be comprehensive and effective. Because of my commitment and that of my colleagues, Connecticut's law is model legislation for our country.”

Connecticut’s aggressive anti-trafficking laws have attracted the attention of law enforcement and civil rights groups across the U.S.

This is a press release from Gentile's office.

Seymour Library slates Science Snoopers, music and movement, book clubs, more

SEYMOUR - The Seymour Public Library, 46 Church St., has scheduled a variety of fun activities for children in September.

9/1 - 4 p.m. – StoryKids’ Book Club for K-Grade 2. Book talks, craft and a snack. Child must have some reading ability.

9/7 - 4 p.m.– Nutmeggers - YA Book Club for Grade 5 and up. Book talks, craft and a snack. The club features the Intermediate Nutmeg Nominees.  

9/8 -  10:30 a.m. – Lynn Lewis - Music and Movement for ages 0-6. This is a fun time for everyone!

9/8– 4 p.m. – BookChatters’ Book Club for Gr 2-4.  - Book talks, craft, and a snack. Club features the Magic Tree House Series. 

9/13, 20, 27 – 10:30 a.m.– Family Place Playgroup for infants and up. Many different types of play, craft table, and a brief circle time are included. A fun time to spend with old and new friends! Continues into October.

9/15 – 10:30 a.m.– Science Snoopers - ‘Milk Makers’ – real milk will be used. Natural science and a craft for ages 2 and up. Children must be able to sit and listen.

9/15 – 4 p.m. – ‘The Club’ book club for Grades 8 and up.  Teen advisory. Book talk, snacks and more!


This is a press release from Ann Szaley, children's librarian, Seymour Public Library.

Classic rock rules at summer concert Wednesday in Ansonia

The Beacon Falls-based band Bob's Fault performed classic rock tunes Wednesday as a part of Ansonia's summer concert series. 
It was a fun evening that brought back fond memories for those of us of a certain age.

Much more live music is on tap at Rock the Valley this Saturday from 11 a.m.-10 p.m. at Nolan Field on Wakelee Avenue. 
Admission is free. See you there!

Valley NAACP to host forum on race, policing in Ansonia

Naugatuck Valley Health District slates children's vaccination clinic in Seymour

The Naugatuck Valley Health District serves residents of Ansonia, Beacon Falls, Derby, Naugatuck, Seymour, and Shelton. 


This information is taken from the health district's website.

Mini-Med School offered at Griffin Hospital in Derby

Griffin Hospital to hold Mini-Med School starting Sept. 15.

DERBY - Griffin Hospital is accepting registrations for its free 10-week “Mini-Med School” course that begins Sept. 15.

Specifically designed for the layperson with little or no medical background, Mini-Med School provides a unique opportunity to gain a greater understanding of how the human body works, insight into common disorders of the various organ systems, as well as information about disease prevention.

This free course will be conducted over 10 consecutive weekly sessions. 
Griffin Hospital physicians serve as faculty, covering a wide range of topics, including: Anatomy and Physiology; Primary Care; Cardiology; Endocrinology; Orthopedics; Pulmonology; Gastroenterology; Nephrology; Neurology; Oncology and Hematology; Otolaryngology; Ophthalmology; Gynecology; Urology; Rheumatology; Dermatology; and General Surgery. 

Each weekly session will be divided into two hour-long presentations on different medical topics, with a refreshment break between presentations and ample time for questions and answers.

The program meets Thursdays from 6:30–9 p.m. in the hospital’s Meditation and Learning Center, 130 Division Street in Derby. 
The Mini-Med School will culminate with a “graduation” ceremony for participants on Nov. 17. 
The course is comprehensive and the knowledge base is cumulative, so those participants who attend all sessions will gain the most benefit.

There is no fee to enroll in the Mini-Med School, but space is limited, so early registration is encouraged. 

To register, visit the events calendar at griffinhealth.org or call 203-732-1511.


This is a press release from Griffin Hospital.