Recuperation journey: Walking with camera

This is Chargers Way - the driveway leading up to Ansonia High School. It looks so pretty this time of year.

Recuperation journey: Our Seymour Pink sign was delivered

Seymour Pink helped my family financially and emotionally when I was undergoing treatment for breast cancer in 2011. 
The nonprofit's mission is to unite a community against breast cancer by raising funds and awareness. 
Founded by the one and only Mary Deming - a retired Seymour High School teacher and Valley native - the organization holds a huge place in my heart. 
I was happy to see that my sign was delivered this morning and I had to take a photo.
I encourage people to order a sign and make a donation to Seymour Pink!

This post on the organization's Facebook page from March 18 unveiled the initiative:

"In trying, challenging times, we all look for ways to ease stress, to bring comfort and hope for a better day.

In an effort to join TOGETHER, even though we cannot gather together, Seymour Pink will be offering these complimentary lawn signs as a way for us to be united in our resolve, that TOGETHER we will get through these difficult and trying times!

EACH day brings us opportunities to come together in SPIRIT, to continue to be there for others by spreading HOPE and PROMISE that on the other side of this, we will be TOGETHER again, joining hands and hearts as one!

It is our hope that these lawn signs will bring all of us HOPE and PROMISE that TOGETHER we will get thru this more UNITED than ever.

Our lawn signs are FREE (however donations will be kindly accepted)
-First come, first serve
(delivery of signs will begin on or about this coming Wednesday April 1st)
-We will deliver to your front lawn- no contact
-LIMITED supply in our initial production
-If you live outside of the Lower Naugatuck Valley (Ansonia, Derby, Shelton, Seymour, Beacon Falls, Oxford) we will set up a pick up location with designated day and time-practicing ALWAYS our social distancing (details for pick up to follow)

Be safe, be healthy, we will get through this TOGETHER!

****These signs have been sponsored by a very generous ANONYMOUS donor! Thank you for your generosity!

We also want to thank Grand Concepts of Seymour for their partnership in this idea.

PLEASE contact us at seymourpink09@aol.com to reserve your lawn sign.

We will get through this TOGETHER!"

Sharing text of message today from Ansonia Mayor David S. Cassetti

Residents of the Great City of Ansonia!

This is Mayor David Cassetti, calling to wish you a Happy Easter Weekend. I hope you are all doing well and staying safe. It’s been a challenge for us all, but I want you to know that your PATIENCE and PRESERVATION are paying off.

By keeping a distance and staying at home, we are controlling the spread of the Coronavirus in our community and protecting our loved ones. And believe me, we are on our way to WINNING this fight.

Now I ask that you PLEASE don’t give up now. Keep following the advice of the experts and continue to practice social distancing. Don’t leave your home unless it’s absolutely necessary, and wear a mask if you do go outdoors. With a bit more PATIENCE, we will GO THE DISTANCE and see the end of this threat.

And for those looking for a SAFE way to celebrate Easter as a community, I want you to know that the Reclaim Christian Church and Pastor McTighe will be conducting a DRIVE-IN ONLY service at the Ansonia High School parking lot this Sunday at 10am. You will be able to attend safely in your vehicle – windows and sunroofs rolled up- and join your family and friends in prayer.

I have also asked all churches in Ansonia to please ring their bells at noon for three minutes in recognition of Easter Sunday and for those affected by CoVid -19. We are stronger together.

Also- for families that would like to WAVE HELLO to the Easter Bunny…just drive past City Hall between 1pm and 3pm on Sunday. The Easter Bunny will be right in front of City Hall waving back!

Now I can’t stress enough how IMPORTANT it is for us to continue this fight together. If you need me, as always please call my office at 203-736-5900 or just email dcassetti@ansoniact.org.

THANK YOU, GOD BLESS, and HAPPY EASTER!

Re-post: 2 years ago today 'Turnback Tuesday' featured Derby Turnpike

Turnback Tuesday features the Derby Turnpike. The Derby Turnpike Co. was chartered to build a toll road from New Haven to Derby in 1798. 

The Derby Turnpike was the longest-lived of the state’s early toll roads and only stopped collecting tolls in 1895. This picture showed the Turnpike's clover leaf junction with the Wilbur Cross Parkway (Exits 57-58) which opened at the end of 1941. The Turnpike's modern name is Route 34.

Thanks as always to the Derby Public Library staff for sharing local history with the community each week!

Kokopelli Discovery Center in Seymour to host 'Wave to the Easter Bunny!'

Sharing from a Facebook event page:

"Easter may not be the same this year but we want to offer a little bit of Easter fun for kids in the community.
"Drive by Kokopelli Discovery Center [44 Smith St., Seymour] any time between 1:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m. on Sunday and wave to the Easter Bunny.
"The bunny will be outside the school to greet children and families from their car. Plenty of social distancing while spreading some Easter love."

Recuperation journey: Forsythia sittin'

Taken Thursday through the window (as I usually do). 
Watching and photographing the birds and squirrels is a great way to stay calm during these homebound days.

Naugatuck Valley Health District: 6 more COVID-19 associated deaths in Shelton