Holocaust survivor speaks at Ansonia High School

Fairfield resident Elizabeth Deutsch, center, a Holocaust survivor, was a guest speaker Friday at Ansonia High School. With her are AHS English teachers Amy Donofrio, left, and Christine Davis.

On Friday I had the pleasure of meeting Elizabeth Deutsch, 87, a Holocaust survivor. She spoke about her experiences to students and staff at Ansonia High School. A native of Hungary, Deutsch was 12 when World War II broke out.

I'm in the midst of writing a story today about her riveting presentation. Her message, in a nutshell, is "Never, ever forget the Holocaust."


Stay tuned for the story in the Valley Independent Sentinel.

'Helping Hands' nonprofit in Derby needs volunteers

DERBY - On Thursday I visited St. Vincent de Paul, Helping Hands of the Valley Thrift Shop and Food Bank and chatted with thrift shop manager Cindy Barbian.

She and executive director Sandi Bailie are always grateful for the community's assistance and donations. The proceeds from the shop at 237 Roosevelt Drive go toward purchasing food for the nonprofit's food pantry.

Barbian said what they need are volunteers to help with the sorting of donations and to work on the shop's selling floor. 

Items may be be dropped off between 9:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. Monday-Saturday. There is a red bin in the parking lot for clothing donations.

The nonprofit does a great job in helping the needy in the Valley.
While I was there a took a few photos to give folks an idea of what the organization does.

The store features gently used clothing for men, women, and children, housewares, books, toys and more. Prices are always more than reasonable!

Below is a display of girl's summer clothing:

And these photos show some of the shelves in the adjacent food pantry:

Derby Public Library to host book discussion

DERBY - The Derby Public Library has scheduled its next Lunchtime Book Discussion for 

12:30 p.m. June 24.  
The selected title is the enchanting novel, The Alchemist, by Paulo Coelho.

This is an inspiring story about an Andalusian shepherd boy named Santiago who travels from his homeland in Spain to the Egyptian

desert in search of a treasure buried in the Pyramids.

Along the way he meets a gypsy woman, a man who calls himself a king, and an alchemist, all of whom point Santiago in the direction of his quest.

Multiple copies of the book are available at the circulation desk.  

Participants are asked to bring a sandwich and a friend as they “chat and chew.” Dessert and beverages will be provided. 

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.

Seymour Library slates activities for children

SEYMOUR - The Seymour Public Library, 46 Church St., has announced June activities planned for children and young adults.

June 3 and 10 – 10:30 a.m. – Lap sit for little ones six -24 months old.  Read and play with your little one in a nurturing, developmentally enhanced way.

June 4 and 11 - 10:30 a.m. – Story hour for 2-5 year olds.  Stories, songs, finger plays and a craft. 

June 4 - 4 p.m. – Story Kids’ Book Club for K-Grade 2 .

Book talks, craft, and a snack. Child must have some reading ability.

June 10 - 4 p.m.– Nutmeggers’ Book Club for Grade 5 and up. Book talks, craft and a snack - features the Intermediate Nutmeg Nominees

June 11 –  4 p.m. – BookChatters’ Book Club for Grades 2-4. Book talks, craft, and a snack. Club features the Magic Tree House Series. 

June 16 - 10:30 a.m.– Science Snoopers ‘Ewe and I’ - natural science, story and a craft –

for ages 2-5  Child must be able to sit and listen.

June 18 – 10:30 a.m. – Lynn Lewis - Music and Movement for ages 0-6   A fun time!

June 19 – 3:45 p.m. – YA Origami! Amazing Crafting with Miss Tina. 

June 25 –  4 p.m. – The YA Circle- a teen reader’s and writer’s advisory. Create, share, and talk about trends in books, art, movies and what you like! For YAs Grade 6 and up.  Snacks will be served.

June 23 – Sign-ups begin for the Summer Reading Program.

All programs are free, fun, and formative!

Some programs have limited enrollment; registration is required for all programs.

For information call 203-888-3903, visit us on Facebook or at www.seymourpubliclibrary.org.

               

This is a press release from Ann Szaley, Head of Children's Services, Seymour Public Library.

Conroy hails bill to increase access to opioid antagonists

HARTFORD - State Rep. Theresa Conroy, D-Seymour, this week hailed House passage of legislation that addresses the state’s opioid crisis (HB6856).

Between 2009-2014, there were more than 2,000 accidental and unintentional opioid involved deaths that occurred in 150 of Connecticut’s 169 cities and towns.

State Rep. Theresa Conroy 

“The opioid epidemic is a public health crisis across Connecticut that requires aggressive action by the state,” Conroy said.

The legislation improves the monitoring and reporting of narcotic prescriptions by prescribers and pharmacists.
It requires practitioners, before prescribing greater than a 72-hour supply of any controlled substance, to check the patient's record in the prescription drug monitoring program and to review the patient's record at least every 90 days if prescribing for prolonged treatment with narcotics.

“Prescription abuse is often the first step,” Conroy said. “When prescriptions become too costly or difficult to find, heroin becomes the next step.”

The legislation also increases access to life-saving opioid antagonists. Naloxone, or Narcan, is an opioid antagonist that works to reverse the effects of opioids. Nalaxone is not addictive and has few side effects.

"It is effective in saving the lives of people who have overdosed on an opioid like heroin," Conroy said. "This legislation will allow pharmacists to dispense Naxalone without a prescription."

The bills await action by the state Senate.


This is a release from Conroy's office.

Ansonia High School to host annual pops concert

ANSONIA - The 2015 Ansonia High School "Snap, Crackle, Pops" annual spring pops concert will be held at 6:30 p.m. June 4 in the school auditorium, 20 Pulaski Highway.

Admission is $4.

Music teacher Maria Tangredi said students in band, drum line, chorus, vocal vibes (an after-school chorus), and various senior acts, will be presenting works by John Williams and Andrew Lloyd Webber.
They will perform songs including Low Rider, Best Day of My Life, and Don't Stop Believin', she said.

A reception will follow.

This promises to be a great concert!

Job seekers: Career Coach to visit Derby Library

DERBY - The American Job Search (formerly CT Works) Career Coach returns to the 

Derby Public Library June 19.

During the morning session, 10 a.m.-noon, and the afternoon session, 1-3 p.m., instructors will be offering the class, Using Social Networking in Your Job Search.

Both sessions will explain very useful tools that job seekers need today.

Social Networking has become one of the most popular ways of landing your next “big” job by creating useful connections online.

These connections make it easier to look for a job on-line through your created network.  

The classes are free and open to the public.
  
Registration is requested but walk-ins will be welcomed on a first come, first served basis.

The American Job Search Career Coach is operated by Career Resources. The library is at 313 Elizabeth St. 

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