'Turnback Tuesday' features major fire in downtown Derby

Turnback Tuesday reminds us of the bravery of our fire departments.

On the very cold night of January 12, 1879, shortly after 1 a.m., the block on Main Street between Elizabeth and Minerva erupted into flames.

The fire was so fierce that Ansonia, Shelton, Seymour, and New Haven fire departments were all there to help. With the temperature at -10 degrees, the water froze to the buildings, fire equipment, walkways, and streets. Much loss was experienced by all who lived and had businesses. Fortunately there were no fatalities.

If you look closely near the top, you can see the name of Dr. B. F. Leach Dentist on the second floor archway.

Thanks goes to the Derby Public Library staff for sharing interesting local history each week!

Recuperation journey: Around the yard - Part 22

"Hey, wait for me!"  

(See previous post for context.)

Recuperation journey: Deer me

Hmmm...maybe they were looking for the polling place at the school up the street this morning!

Save the date: Derby Historical Society readies colonial Christmas Fair

ANSONIA - The Derby Historical Society will hold its Christmas Fair from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Dec. 13 at the David Humphreys House, 37 Elm St.

A crackling fire and a cup of hot cider are the cure for the season’s blues. If you are in need of good cheer - history and unique gifts await here!

Come one and all and be greeted by the smells, sights, and sounds of the season. Enjoy our historic house and learn about its colorful colonial past. 

Help support your local crafters! Coon Hollow Farm, Wood ‘n Bark, and Big Bear Trading Co. will be displaying their hand-made items, perfect for that personal gift you have been looking for. 

For more information call 203-735-1908 or email to info@derbyhistorical.org.

Onsite parking available. 

* Masks are required for indoor events according to current State of CT guidelines - Group/tour sizes monitored * 

The Derby Historical Society is a regional historical society dedicated to preserving, maintaining and celebrating the rich and varied history of the Lower Naugatuck Valley. 

The Derby Historical Society welcomes all visitors and is available to support researchers, schools or other program needs. Our office is located at the Sarah Riggs Humphreys House, 37 Elm St. 

For information, visit www.derbyhistorical.org.

 

This is a press release from Daniel L. Bosques, Executive Director, Derby Historical Society.

From the Nov. 3, 2014 archives: Looking at the sky

Thankful to FB for reminding me of  this photo I took six years ago. 

Have a safe and peaceful Election Day!

Recuperation journey: Looking at the sky

 
Keeping the Halloween theme going! 

The moon tonight is in waning gibbous phase, 97 percent illumination. 

Bishop Wicke Health and Rehab in Shelton earns Best Nursing Home recognition

SHELTON - Bishop Wicke Health and Rehabilitation Center on the Wesley Village campus has been recognized as a Best Nursing Home for Short-Term Rehabilitation and Long-Term Care for 2020-21 by U.S. News & World Report.

The community earned Best Nursing Homes status by achieving a rating of “High Performing,” the highest possible rating, for Short-Term Rehabilitation and Long-Term Care. 

U.S. News gives the designation of Best Nursing Home only to those facilities that satisfy the U.S. News assessment of the appropriate use of key services and consistent performance in quality measures.

“Over the past year, our successes can be attributed to the relationships, dedication, and hard work of our interdisciplinary team,” said Debra Samorajczyk, administrator of Bishop Wicke. “Our team takes a lot of pride in their daily work, and this is an amazing accomplishment. We are so appreciative of their dedication to our residents, always but especially now.”

US News & World Report

Now in its 11th year, the U.S. News Best Nursing Homes ratings and profiles offer comprehensive information about care, safety, health inspections, staffing and more for nearly all of the nation’s 15,000-plus nursing homes. 

The Best Nursing Homes ratings reflect U.S. News’ exclusive analysis of publicly available data using a methodology defined by U.S. News that evaluates factors that it has determined most greatly impact patient and resident care, safety, and outcomes. This year, to accompany the new ratings, nursing home profile pages were updated to include a patient safety summary that reflects COVID-19 data alongside other measurements of safety and related advice on choosing a home or facility amidst the pandemic.

“U.S. News strives to provide access to information that allows consumers to make educated decisions on all types of care,” said Ben Harder, managing editor and chief of health analysis at U.S. News. “Updating the profiles to include a patient safety summary that highlights COVID-19 data paired with other measures of care arms families, caregivers and patients with the information needed to make a decision that keeps safety at the highest priority.”

COVID-19 Response

Throughout the global pandemic, the staff at Bishop Wicke Health and Rehabilitation has worked closely with the Connecticut Department of Public Health to follow the most stringent infection control processes to keep patients, residents, and staff safe. The facility has received all positive Department of Public Health (DPH) Surveys during the pandemic. The team works closely with DPH officials, including the State Epidemiology Department to ensure it is current with any changes and best practices. The community maintains an abundant supply of personal protective equipment (PPE), conducts health screening and temperature checks on all employees and visitors, and provides well-appointed spaces for indoor and outdoor visits so patients and residents can maintain connections with their loved one. An on-site COVID-19 testing machine allows for rapid testing if needed.

Wesley Village
The Wesley Village Senior Living campus is located at 580 Long Hill Ave. and is part of United Methodist Homes, a local not-for-profit organization. 

The Wesley Village campus offers assisted and independent living, memory support, skilled nursing, short-term rehab, and outpatient therapy and fitness services. 

To learn more, visit www.umh.org/wesley-village.

This is a press release from United Methodist Homes.