Recuperation journey: Something new, to me anyway

Strawberry tomatoes and blueberries grown at Gazy Brothers Farm in Oxford.

My daughter Allegra and I visited the Seymour Farmers' Market Tuesday and learned something new. 
Neither of us had heard the term strawberry tomato before! We only knew about cherry and grape tomatoes. 
We really enjoyed the strawberry ones - they were sweet and delicious. 
I may have to return next week for some more.
One learns something new every day!

All produce pictured is from Gazy Brothers Farm, 391 Chestnut Tree Hill Road, Oxford.

The last two photos show some of the handmade decorations and gourmet oils and vinegars available at Lizzie's Home Consignment and Gifts, 26-36 Bank St., Seymour.
Owner Elizabeth Anderson also sells a popular, locally made honey and I surprised my husband, Ralph, with a jar. It's his favorite.


The Seymour Farmer's Market is open from noon-6 p.m. Tuesdays on Pine Street, adjacent to the Community Center. 
It will be there through October. 
Check it out if you haven't already!

Friends of Derby Neck Library to hold annual book sale

DERBY - The Friends of the Derby Neck Library, 307 Hawthorne Ave., will hold their annual book sale from Aug. 19-27 at the library during regular hours - Monday-Thursday 10 a.m.-8 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday 1-5 p.m.

Come select from hundreds of books, CDs, and DVDs that are suitable for all ages.  

Seasonal raffles for school supplies and Labor Day themes will also be available.  

Some baked goods will be for sale as well.  

Come by and support the library. 

For details call 203-734-1492.

This is a press release from Pat Sweeney, reference librarian, Derby Neck Library. 

Photographer to hold workshop at Kellogg Environmental Center in Derby

DERBY - Connecticut’s Department of Energy and Environmental Protection invites beginner and intermediate photographers to join Chane Cullens for a free Photography Workshop at Kellogg Environmental Center at 10 a.m. Aug. 19.
Cullens is a member of the Flagpole Photographers Club in Newtown.


Cullens will share how to visualize the outdoors and natural scenes to create outstanding photographs.  

There will be a short lecture followed by an outdoor experience to practice and learn the techniques and approaches to make your photos come alive.  
This workshop is for beginner and intermediate photographers looking to boost their skills.  

Cullens is an experienced photographer receiving recognition for New England’s best black and white portrait (2017), two photos selected in TOPS in Connecticut (2016), and best nature photo in Flagpole Photographers Annual Competition (2017).

The public is invited to come and enjoy the beauty of wildlife, plants, and landscapes from around Connecticut through photographs by Cullens and other members of the Flagpole Photographers Camera Club.  
This new exhibit can be viewed Tuesday through Saturday, 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m. through Aug. 22 at Kellogg Environmental Center, 500 Hawthorne Ave. 

This program is offered free of charge, donations are always welcome.  
Registration is required for the photography workshop, please email donna.kingston@ct.gov or phone 203-734-2513 or 203-34-2514. 

This is a press release from Connecticut DEEP.

Friday marks final 2017 Downtown Sounds event in Shelton

And the event sponsors:

Seymour to hold annual Sidewalk Sale on First Saturday

SEYMOUR - The Shops Downtown will hold their annual Sidewalk Sale in conjunction with the First Saturday Celebration from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday. 

Don't miss this month! 
Merchants will be offering refreshments and bargains!

Lizzie's Corner Home Consignment and Gifts is hosting a Mini Flea Market at the corner of Bank and Wakeley Streets too! 
Start your day downtown with breakfast or come later for lunch or dinner. 
The Culture and Arts Commission is hosting a concert at 6 p.m., and The Strand Theater will show a classic movie at 7 p.m. 
There will be lots of activities for the whole family. 
Thanks for supporting the local shops!

*Note: Rain date is Sunday from 10 a.m.-5 p.m.

This is a press release from Lizzie's Corner.

Banko's Music in Ansonia invites community to grand re-opening

ANSONIA - Banko's Music invites the community to an official ribbon cutting ceremony Thursday from 5-7 p.m. (with an official cutting at 5:30 p.m.) and also to its Grand Re-Opening Celebration Saturday from noon-5 p.m. 

Banko's Music, 360 E. Main St., is under new ownership. All are cordially invited to join in the festivities.

Invited guests are Mayor David S. Cassetti and Chamber of Commerce President Bill Purcell. Wine and beer will be served and there will be live music.

The Saturday Grand Re-Opening Celebration will have a free all-day cookout with non-alcoholic refreshments served, free giveaways, and live music.

Banko's Music has been in continued operation and at the same location for over 60 years. 

The original owner, Frank Banko, opened the store in 1955. It was then passed on to Joe and Sherry Salvati in 2001. 

Now the legacy of Banko's has been handed over to new owner Joe Shapiro.

He said, "As a loyal customer of the store for many years, I jumped at the opportunity to buy Banko's when I heard the previous owners were selling. I am grateful Joe and Sherry Salvati have agreed to stay on with us as employees. Going forward, I foresee Banko's Music reclaiming its past and rightful place as the center of the musical community in the Valley and beyond."

Banko's has recently been restored, renovated, and expanded. 

Banko's is committed to serving the musical needs of the Greater Valley area and beyond while providing a community-oriented environment. 

For more information visit www.Bankos.Rocks or contact natalie@bankos.rocks.

This is a press release from Banko's.

Cast of Beatlemania to headline Rock the Valley in Ansonia