Seymour Library to host kids' program about frogs, toads

SEYMOUR - The Seymour Public Library will host “Our Hero Frog & Sidekick Toad” presented by the Kellogg Environmental Center of Derby at 10:30 a.m. July 8.

Learn all about the amazing frog and his friend toad. The program is for ages 6 and up.

Admission is free. Registration is required.

To register call 203-888-3903 or visit the Seymour Public Library, 46 Church St.


This information is shared from an online community calendar sponsored by the Community Foundation for Greater New Haven and the New Haven Independent.

Service in Ansonia remembers victims of Charleston, S.C. massacre

The Rev. Jeffrey Gubbiotti, pastor, Assumption Church in Ansonia, leads a prayer at Thursday's Community Prayer Service for the Healing of our Land at Clinton AME Zion Church in Ansonia.


Stay tuned for a story in the Valley Independent Sentinel. 

Opening at E Street Gallery in Derby to feature performance

Don't miss this excerpted performance from The Zoo Story, a one-act play by Edward Albee, at the grand opening of E Street Gallery!

Nonprofit in Derby to hold sale Friday

Sharing from SVDP shop manager Cindy Barbian:

"They say tomorrow is a holiday, and places are closed. St. Vincent de Paul Thrift Shop is open and is having a great sale. All clothing and shoes are 50 cents. Take 50% off all domestics, household items, electronics, furniture and bric a brac. New clothing items are only $2.

"Open Friday July 3 from 9:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m., come in shop around." 

The thrift shop is at 237 Roosevelt Drive, Derby.

Shelton fire official warns of fireworks danger

SHELTON – The City of Shelton Fire Prevention Bureau wishes to remind and warn of the dangers and fireworks. This includes sparklers, some of which are legal in the State of Connecticut.

Ted Pisciotta, Assistant Chief - Fire Prevention, suggests that everyone seriously consider the tragic consequences that a sudden mishap involving fireworks or a hot sparkler could cause. Physical injuries could last a lifetime.

The Connecticut State Police Fire and Explosion Investigation Unit reports that a number of house fires and grass fires have been attributed to the use of fireworks. Fireworks are a danger to property, as well as to people. If a fire or explosion caused by legal or illegal fireworks causes injuries and/or damage, or poses the risk of either, the person responsible could be charged with a felony criminal offense.

All fireworks are illegal in the State of Connecticut, with the exception of sparklers and fountains. Connecticut state law defines sparklers as non-explosive, non-aerial devices that contain less than 100 grams of pyrotechnic mixture.

Fountains are defined as nonexplosive, non-aerial devices that contain less than 100 grams of pyrotechnic for each individual item. If two or more fountains are affixed to the same base, the total quantity of pyrotechnic composition of combined fountains cannot exceed 200 grams. Both sparklers and fountains may be legally used by persons aged 16 and older.

In addition to fireworks, novelty items such as party poppers, snakes, smoke devices and anything that emits a flame are also not legal for private use in Connecticut. These exploding devices are very dangerous and have caused serious injury to those using them or near them.

The City of Shelton Fire Prevention Bureau encourages everyone to consider the following to prevent fire and injury during this holiday season:

§ Treat all fireworks as suitable only for use by trained professionals. Attend public firework displays that are pre-arranged under controlled conditions.

§ Stay back at least 500 feet from professional fireworks displays

§ Avoid use of sparklers which can reach nearly 2,000oF. Children should never hold or be in close proximity to a sparkler. State law requires buyers and users to be 16 years of age or older. However, it should be understood that these devices may be dangerous to persons of any age.

§ If you find fireworks, do not touch them but instead direct authorities to them.

§ Leave any area where amateurs are using fireworks.

Finally, as in every season, have working smoke alarms installed on every level of your home, test them monthly and keep them clean and equipped with fresh batteries at all times. Know when and how to call “911” for help. And remember to practice your home escape plan.

For more information, the public is encouraged to contact the Shelton Fire Prevention Bureau, 203-924-1555 or under “Public Safety” at www.cityofshelton.org.


This is a press release from Ted Pisciotta, Assistant Chief-Fire Prevention, Shelton.

Ansonia mayor wishes all a Happy Fourth of July

A message from Ansonia Mayor David S. Cassetti:

My family and I would like to wish all of you a happy and safe Fourth of July weekend.  

Please be safe this holiday weekend and let us remember that freedom was not free, for it was gained.

"May we think of freedom, not as the right to do as we please but as the opportunity to do what is right."

Griffin Hospital in Derby to host self-management workshop

DERBY - Griffin Hospital is hosting a free six-week workshop to help individuals suffering from chronic conditions take back control of their lives.

The Live Well Chronic Disease Self-Management Workshop provides health information and strategies to help those with chronic conditions like diabetes, depression, heart disease, arthritis, and pain and anxiety increase their energy and take control of their health. 

The workshop will be held from 1-3:30 p.m. on Tuesdays from Aug. 25-Sept 29 at the hospital, 130 Division St.

The Live Well Chronic Disease Self-Management Workshop is sponsored by the Connecticut Department of Social Services Aging Services Division, Connecticut Department of Public Health and Griffin Hospital.

To register, call Esther Jones at Griffin Hospital’s Community Outreach and Valley Parish Nurse Program, 203-732-1523.

This is a press release from Griffin Hospital.