Vendor fair slated at Seymour United Methodist Church

Surprise visitor

Just looked out in the front yard and this is what I saw. Is this the Easter Bunny running late? Or maybe a new pet? 

Derby to host annual EcoFest

Derby Public Library's summer reading club to start in June

DERBY - The Derby Public Library will once again run a Summer Reading Club for adults ages 18 and over.  

This year participants are invited to read and Build a 

Better World, one book at a time.  

The club will begin on June 19 and run through Aug. 11.  

As participants read books of their choice, they will be asked to anonymously complete a very brief review form to share with fellow readers.  

Readers will have the option of doing this either online by using LitKeeper, or the more traditional hand written way. These reviews will be posted and shared.  
Readers will receive a participation prize after they submit their first review.  
Weekly raffles will be held for all readers sharing for each particular week. All participants will be invited to a final summer celebration on Aug. 14 at 6:30 p.m.  
Registration begins June 1.  

Ongoing programs such as Wednesday Movie Matinees, Tech Times, Resume “Right”-ing, Lunchtime Book Discussions, and Sports Talks will continue throughout the summer, along with many other special programs.  

For more information or to register, 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. 

Closing ceremony planned for softball field in Derby

Sharing info from a Facebook event page:

"May 18 will be the last high school softball game played on the field that has given us so many wonderful memories that we will never forget. 

"The [Derby High School] senior class this year will have their senior ceremony at 3:15. Game time vs Platt Tech is at 3:30.

"Immediately following the game we will have a brief Field of Remembrance Closing Ceremony for the William "Red" Clynch Field. 
"We hope that you will join us to commemorate this moment in Derby Softball History. We would love to see as many alumni, parents, past coaches and former Valley women's league players there as possible!! Wear your RED!

"(The future home of the William "Red" Clynch field will be on Nutmeg Avenue, next to the current Little League Majors field.)"

New patient council members appointed at Griffin Hospital in Derby

DERBY - The newest members of Griffin Hospital’s Patient Family Advisory Council recently started the 2017 schedule, helping the Derby hospital continue it patient-centered care philosophy.

The newly-appointed Council members include Horace Behrle and Fran DiGiorgi, both of Ansonia, David Erhardt of Derby, Kenneth Hawkins of Milford, Nicole Levine of Oxford, and Edward Paradis of Beacon Falls.

As either former patients themselves or family members of patients, the 17-member Council is charged with providing real-time feedback and insight to help enhance hospital services and programs.

The Council partners with the hospital to maintain its patient-center care focus. Members learn about various hospital programs and services, receive updates on performance measurements, such as patient experience, safety, financial and facilities improvements, and provide input and options on new programs and services under consideration.

The Council meets once a month and members commit to a two-year term. 

The new members join current members, including Donna Bak of Woodbury, Nadine Civitella of Ansonia, James Healy of Seymour, Natasha Koonce-Webster of Hamden, Jamie Mastrony of Shelton, Robert Newton of Seymour, Janet Onidi of Shelton, Alfred Pettit of Ansonia, Joseph Skrabl of Ansonia, Rita St. Jacques of Ansonia, and Susan Wisneski of Beacon Falls.

The Patient Family Advisory Council is just one of many ways individuals in the community can serve in contributing to the hospital’s mission of providing personalized, humanistic, consumer driven healthcare in a healing environment. 

Griffin Hospital is always looking for volunteers to assist the hospital in providing exceptional, patient-centered care.

For more information about the Griffin Hospital, the Patient Family Advisory Council and volunteer opportunities call 203-732-7421 or visit griffinhealth.org.

This is a press release from Griffin Hospital.

Gentile hails expected $5M in state bonding for Derby redevelopment

HARTFORD - State Rep. Linda M. Gentile, D-Ansonia/Derby, today announced Derby is set to receive $5 million in funding to be used towards the city’s downtown redevelopment.

State Rep. Linda M. Gentile

The State Bond Commission is expected to approve this funding during a meeting May 12   at 10:30 a.m. in Room 1E of the Legislative Office Building.

The City of Derby recently submitted its request for this grant-in-aid to DECD, with Gentile’s assistance.

The funding this grant provides will be used to assist with utility infrastructure, road and sidewalk construction, and streetscaping associated with downtown redevelopment. 

“This $5M grant will be an enormous help to the City of Derby for its downtown redevelopment,” Gentile said. “It will breathe life into the vision that was created through an open process that incorporated public ideas into a comprehensive, yet realistic plan to transform Derby's downtown into a vibrant hub of economic activity.

"It will help with the utility infrastructure, road and sidewalk construction and streetscaping associated with the project. I am grateful for Governor Malloy's support, and for the help and assistance of DECD and OPM.”

“This is a monumental day for the citizens of Derby,” Mayor Anita Dugatto said. 

“This funding award will allow us to take the next critical step in restoring our city center to economic prosperity. We eagerly look forward to the day when our downtown streets are once again bustling with activity.  

"I want to especially thank OPM, State Rep. Linda Gentile, and DECD Deputy Commissioner Tim Sullivan for seeing the value in investing in our great little city. And to all the developers who have been waiting in the wings, Derby is moving forward!”

This is a press release from Gentile's office.