Maple syrup to star at Ansonia festival

Sweet event on tap

ANSONIA - A festival featuring all things maple will be held from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. March 2 at the Ansonia Nature and Recreation Center.

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

There will be a maple bake sale all day (or until the goodies are gone), crafts to make, live animals, tree-tapping demonstrations, tree identifications and more.

A Derby Historical Society docent will talk about how residents in Colonial times learned from Native Americans how to tap trees and make maple syrup.

Admission is free, but donations are gratefully accepted. All proceeds will benefit critter care in the center's wildlife rehabilitation program.

For information call 203-736-1053.

The nature center is at 10 Deerfield Road.

Native American to present musical program

    ANSONIA - Parents and Communities for Kids (P.A.C.K.) will host an award-winning musician, Joseph Firecrow, at 2 p.m. Nov. 18 at the Ansonia Nature and Recreation Center, 10 Deerfield Road.
    In the tradition of his ancestors, Firecrow will present his hauntingly beautiful program. Through his mastery of the wooden flute, experience the love, passion, and affection of the ancient songs of the Cheyenne people.
    His performances deliver a strong message of love and respect for all human beings.
    P.A.C.K. programs are supported by the Community Foundation for Greater New Haven.
    Register in advance for this free program.

Preschoolers to learn about Native Americans

ANSONIA - "Nature's Child: The First Americans" is the topic of a preschool program at 10:30 a.m. Nov. 2 at the Ansonia Nature and Recreation Center, 10 Deerfield Road.

The program is for three to five-year olds accompanied by an adult.

Join a nature center ranger to find out what it was like for the Indians before people from across the ocean decided to emigrate.

The program will include a short hike and story. Children will make a Native American-related craft to take home.

Tuition is $6 ($4 for family-level Friends of the Ansonia Nature Center, Inc. members and Ansonia residents.)
Call 203-736-1053 to register in advance.

Talk to focus on Native American history

DERBY - The Derby Public Library will host “Exploring the Early Native American History of the Derby Area,” at 6:30 p.m. Nov. 13. 

An overview of the local geography and how it facilitated the early settlements in this area will be reviewed, with an emphasis on the Paugasett tribe and their influence in the colonization of Derby.
Locally famous Native Americans such as Molly Hatchett and Chuse will be remembered. 
Native American artifacts will also be available for review.

Registration is requested. For information, stop by the Library at 313 Elizabeth St., call 203 736-1482 or visit www.derbypubliclibrary.org.