Derby Library to host author of book about Bridgeport haunted house

DERBY - The Derby Public Library welcomes author William J. Hall to the Library at 6:30 

p.m. March 23 to discuss his book, The World's Most Haunted House: The True Story of the Bridgeport Poltergeist on Lindley Street.

A Bridgeport native, Hall watched the 1974 news coverage of the Lindley Street haunting on television when he was 10 years old.

A crowd of more than 2,000 onlookers had gathered. 

The media reported jumping furniture, floating refrigerators, talking animals, and attacking entities.

Now 40 years later, Hall examines the events and reveals 

interviews with police officers, firefighters, and others, telling the story of what really happened.

Once a skeptic, Hall now believes this is one of the most witnessed hauntings in history.

Readers of his book believe this is the haunting that should have brought the paranormal into mainstream science.  
Registration is requested.  

For more information, stop by the Library at 313 Elizabeth St., call 203-736-1482 or visit

www.derbypubliclibrary.org.      


This is a press release from Cathy Williams, Director, Derby Public Library.

Ansonia Nature Center to hold maple fest

ANSONIA - The Ansonia Nature and Recreation Center will host its annual Maple Festival March 7.

Start the day with a delicious pancake breakfast with real maple syrup, sausages, juice, coffee, and tea from 8-10 a.m.

Festival programs run from 10 a.m.- 4 p.m. There will be a maple bake sale, crafts, live animals, tree-tapping demonstrations, exhibitors, and much more.

All proceeds benefit animal care programs.

The nature center is at 10 Deerfield Road. For more information call 203-736-1053.

This information is taken from the nature center's online calendar.

Update: Forecast cancels dinner in Ansonia

In an e-mail this morning Master's Table Community Meals President James Fedak, Jr. said: "Please be advised that due to the weather we will be canceling our February Dinner and it will not be rescheduled. Our next dinner is on March 22, 2015."

Valley Shakespeare Festival to present Hamlet in Shelton

SHELTON - "Hamlet: The Bad Quarto" will be performed at 7 p.m. March 12 at Porky's Cafe, 50 Center St.  

The event is presented by Valley Shakespeare Festival and Young Emerging Professionals, a committee of the Greater Valley Chamber of Commerce.

Tickets are $10 in advance; $15 at the door. The performance is free for YEP members.

According to the Valley Shakespeare Festival's website, "This version of the “melancholy Dane” is widely accepted as being the first draft of the Bard’s tragedy and will be presented in a brisk 90 minutes as adapted by Valley Shakespeare Festival’s executive and artistic director, Tom Simonetti.
"As in the past, this script-in-hand adaptation will be performed in the intimate upper level bar area of Porky’s Café!"

This post is taken from several online sources, including the VSF website.

Caregivers invited to session at Shelton community

This month's topic is assisted living

SHELTON - Balancing the responsibilities of work, finances, family life, and caring for an aging loved one can leave you feeling “Sandwiched” and in need of support. 

Let us help! 

Caregivers are invited to Wesley Village from 5:30-6:30 p.m. March 4 (snow date is March 11) for our caregiver education series.

Topic for this session is entitled: What Family Members Really Want to Know About Assisted Living. 

What is life really like in a senior living community? Our panel of residents and family members will address some common concerns about the move-in process, adjusting to a new home, communicating with staff, and more.

To RSVP, call 203.925.4952 or go to www.wesleyvillage-ct.org. 

The free program will be held at Crosby Commons Assisted Living Community on the Wesley Village Campus at 580 Long Hill Ave. 

A light supper will be served. 

This is a monthly series, so be sure to “Save the Date” for upcoming programs which are scheduled on the first Wednesday of the month.

This is a press release from United Methodist Homes.

Derby artist to host step-by-step painting workshop at pizzeria

DERBY - Artist and illustrator Steve DiRienzo of Derby, Valley Arts Council vice president and an experienced art instructor, said today he is ready to lead artists of all skill levels through a step-by-step workshop Tuesday at this Paint-In.

It's all about creating art, and enjoying pizza and other delectable dishes from Marco Pizzeria. And, if you choose, adult beverages are available for purchase.

This sounds like a fun night out!

Derby Neck Library to host movie, poetry reading

DERBY -The Derby Neck Library hosts “Dinner and a Movie” for ages 18 and older at 5:30 p.m. March 5.

This month’s feature film, shown on blu-ray, is “Birdman,” starring Michael Keaton. Free refreshments will be served, including a dinner at intermission.
This is a free event; no registration is required.
Please be on time; doors close at 5:45 p.m.

'Meet the Author'

The Library presents “Meet the Author,” with Michael Sweeney of Shelton at 2 p.m. March 7. 

Sweeney is the author of the recently released “Octagon Commonweal.” 

He will be reading from his book, copies of which will be available for purchase and for signing. 

Sweeney has an M.F.A. from Brooklyn College and has been twice nominated for the Pushcart Prize. 

This is a free event; for information on these programs call the library, 203-734-1492.

The library is at 307 Hawthorne Ave.

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