Girl Scouts Doing Good Things

DERBY – Girl Scout Troops 38392 and 38325, of Milford, helped make visits to the Griffin Hospital Emergency Department a little more comforting with a donation of books, magazines and toys.

Griffin recently started collecting items and activities, such as paperback books, crossword puzzles, toys and playing cards, to help patients, especially children, feel more comfortable during their stay in the Emergency Department.

Maggie Cole, a patient safety monitor at Griffin and leader for Girl Scout Troops 38392 and 38325, heard about the need and organized collections that included area troops as well.

The Scouts delivered several bags of children’s books, magazines and toys to the Emergency Department recently.

“We are very grateful to Maggie and all the scouts for this donation,” said ER Nurse Susan Rupar. “We plan to have a cart with books and items to help patients pass the time as they wait for test results or for treatment.”

(This is a press release from Griffin Hospital)

Ride/Walk for Children

Ride it. Walk it.

Derby, CT (May 2019) Do you love cycling events? Do you like to walk? Do you want to support children and families in your community? If you said yes, you should join the Ride/ /Walk for Children at Quarry Walk! Sponsorships and exhibitor spaces are also available for this fun community event that benefits BHcare’s Parent Child Resource Center (PCRC). Endless opportunities to participate!

PCRC provides innovative mental health services, prevention and early intervention programs for more than 900 children and families in the Valley and beyond. 

The Ride/Walk for Children at Quarry Walk will take place on Sunday, June 9 at 300 Oxford Road in Oxford. The event features 15, 36 or 50 mile bike routes plus a new MEGA 35 mile bike challenge and a 2k walk. This year’s walk is in honor of Wade Michael Prajer. A loving son, brother, nephew, grandson and friend, Wade’s life was tragically cut short at the age of 22. While nothing will ever replace the light Wade brought to his community, PCRC will honor his life while raising awareness and resources to provide help and restore hope to others in crisis.

This year’s event also features a FREE Family Fun Fest that includes a bounce house, Touch-a-Truck, live music, food, beverages, yard games and a special performance by 12-time National Champion Stunt Biker Rider Mike Steidley. 

Participants are encouraged to form teams and collect donations online. Registration fee is $50 per cyclist, $20 for walkers, and children 10 and under are $10. Register today at http://bit.ly/RW4Kids.

The Ride/Walk for Children at Quarry Walk is sponsored by Haynes Development, Quarry Walk, USI Insurance Services, Haynes Construction, Thule, Union Savings Bank and Griffin Health. 

PCRC, a division of BHcare, provides hope and help for children, adolescents, teens, and families struggling with emotional and behavioral issues. Visit www.bhcare.org for more information.

(this is a press release from BHcare)

Ride/Walk for Children

Seymour Police Collecting Toys

SEYMOUR - Town police officers will at Stop & Shop, 15 Franklin St., between 9 a.m. and 2 p.m. Saturday for the Annual TEAM Toys 4 Kids Toy Drive. 

They will be collecting new, unwrapped toys and money donations to help make a happy holiday for children in need. If you are unable to make the event, the Police Department at 11 Franklin St. is a drop-off location for TEAM. 
 

Seymour Daycare Celebrates End of Summer

SEYMOUR – Teddy Bear Treehouse Learning Center http://www.teddybear-tlc.com/recently held its end of summer celebration with parents, grandparents and children, past and present, with an old-fashioned barbecue at the daycare center.

 

Owners Ann Marie and Dom Violano hosted the celebration, which highlighted many of the children who were leaving the daycare program to embark on the next chapter of their lives: kindergarten.

 

Teddy Bear Treehouse has been in business at 200 South Main St. since 1998, providing quality childcare and programs for children ages 6 weeks to 7 years old.

 

For more information, call 203-888-2900.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Bike Ride for Kids's Health

The Ride for Children at Quarry Walk, 6th Annual Pedal for PCRC, will take place on Sunday, June 4, and leaves from Quarry Walk in Oxford. Riders can choose from three routes, 15, 32, or 50 miles.   The ride benefits the Parent Child Resource Center which provides innovative mental health services, prevention and early intervention programs for more than 1,000 children and families in the Valley and beyond.   Register here or call (203) 736-2601 and ask for Joy.

Seymour Schools Announce Kindergarten Registration Dates

 

SEYMOUR - Kindergarten registration will take place for the Seymour Public Schools on the following dates:

*Jan. 17, 8 to 11 a.m., Bungay School, 35 Bungay Rd.
*Jan. 18, 12 to 3 p.m., Bungay School, 35 Bungay Rd.
*Jan. 19, 8 to 11 a.m., Chatfield-LoPresti School, 51 Skokorat St.
*Jan. 20, 12 to 3 p.m., Chatfield-LoPresti School, 51 Skokorat St.

Parents of children who are eligible for kindergarten in August 2017, as well as Grade One students who have been attending a private kindergarten program, are urged to register their children at the elementary schools in their districts on these dates and times. Children must be five years of age as of Dec. 31, 2017 to be eligible to attend kindergarten in August 2017.

Parents must bring a copy of their child's official birth certificate, immunization records and proof of residency. Proof of residency documentation includes driver's license, house deed or lease and two utility bills. Children should have the required immunization inoculations for the following: Polio, Measles, Mumps, Rubella, DPaT, Varicella, Hib (Hemophilius Influenza Type B), and Hep B (Hepatitis B), Pneumococcal and Hep A.

State law also requires that all school children have a health examination prior to entering kindergarten. School officials encourage parents to have their private physician perform a health exam for their children prior to Aug.15, 2017 so that their child may be admitted to school on Aug. 28, 2017. Completed physical paperwork must be returned by Aug. 15 in order for students to start school.

More information, including other required health screenings, can be found on the Seymour Schools website at: www.seymourschools.org or call 203-888-4564.

Ansonia Library posts July activities for kids

Crafts, snacks, story time slated 

JULY 7 AND 28:   Arts and Crafts class at 2 p.m. for Grades 1 and up. Registration is required.

JULY 9 AND 15:   Girls' Spa Day and Fun for Grades 2 and 3 July 9 at 10 a.m. Participants will make lip gloss, body glitter and more.  Registration and permission slip required.

JULY 15:  Snack-A-Tack with Ella for ages 5 and up at 10 a.m. July 15. What have your kids been eating for snacks?  Enjoy a surprise snack.

JULY 10, 16, and 30:   Summer Story Time Fun at 10 a.m.  Story, crafts and more, for all ages.

July 31:  Daniel Meets the Shapels at 10 a.m. Local author E.C. North presents how shapes come to life through puppets and her best-selling books. Ages 5 and under.                        

For information call the Ansonia Library children’s department, 203-734-6728. The Library is at 53 S. Cliff St.

This is a press release from Joyce Ceccarelli, Director, Ansonia Library.

Family Day slated at Shelton store

YMCA summer camp programs offer fun, build character

The Central Connecticut Coast YMCA branches are offering camp programs to give children and teens an adventurous, active and healthy summer.

YMCA camp programs offer youth fun and unique experiences with an opportunity to explore the outdoors, meet new friends, discover new interests and create memories that last a lifetime.

Nearly 50 percent of U.S. parents say technological distractions, such as television, cell phones or video games make it difficult to maintain a healthy lifestyle for their children, according to the latest findings of the YMCA’s Family Health Snapshot, a survey that gauges children’s activity levels during the school year. 
With more free time in summer, ensuring that kids practice healthy habits could be a greater challenge. 

The Y encourages parents to help their kids unplug from technology and explore all the Y’s camp has to offer.  

There are five reasons why children and teens should attend summer camp:   

1.    ADVENTURE: Summer camp is all about a wide variety of fun adventures and new experiences, and especially exploring the outdoors. YMCA camps have a new adventure for every child and teen. Visit www.cccymca.org for details.

2.    HEALTHY FUN: Day and resident camps offer fun, stimulating activities that engage the body and mind, and also help children and teens learn the importance of nutrition to help improve their eating habits. 

3.    PERSONAL GROWTH: While being away from the routine back home, youth have a chance to learn new skills, and develop confidence and independence by taking on new responsibilities and challenges.

4.    NEW FRIENDSHIPS: Amidst the fun of camp games, songs, swimming, canoeing and talent shows, campers meet new friends and strengthen existing friendships. 

5.    MEMORIES: Summer camp is an unforgettable experience that will give each camper memories (and campfire stories) that will last a lifetime. Youth return to school with plenty of camp stories to share!

The Central Connecticut Coast YMCA offers both day and resident camp experiences and to ensure that all youth have the chance to experience camp, the Central Connecticut Coast YMCA offers financial assistance to those in need through it’s Strong Kids Campaign.

A leading nonprofit committed to nurturing the potential of youth, the Y has been a leader in providing summer camp for nearly 130 years. 

The Central Connecticut Coast YMCA continues to give youth an enriching, safe experience with caring staff and volunteers who model positive values that help build their kids’ character.

For information, visit www.cccymca.org or call 203-777-9622.

This post is taken from a press release from Central Connecticut Coast YMCA.

Mother's Day craft program planned at Derby library

DERBY - An after school Mother’s Day craft program will be held at 3:45 p.m. May 7 at Derby Public Library for children in kindergarten through Grade 4.

Be creative and make a card for mom along with a special surprise for Mother’s Day.

All materials will be supplied; there is no fee to attend.

Registration is requested.
For information or to register, contact the Library, 203-736-1482, stop by the Children’s Room at 313 Elizabeth St., or visit  www.derbypubliclibrary.org.  

Derby library to hold Family Place workshops in May

       DERBY - The spring session of Family Place Parent/Child Workshops will be offered 10-11:15 a.m. May 6, 13, and 20 at Derby Public Library.

   
       This innovative program is a time for families to share together with their one to three-year olds. Siblings age five and under are also welcome to attend. 

The workshops feature puzzles, books, blocks, a craft, dramatic play and more.
Parents/caregivers will also be introduced to some of the many resources available to them to assist in the raising of their toddlers and have an opportunity to meet new friends in an educational and creative environment.

       Each workshop will focus on a different topic and will feature a professional from the community who will be available to discuss parenting questions and concerns.  Topics will include child development, nutrition, immunization and more. 
        Do not miss the opportunity to consult with experts on a no-fee basis while your child enjoys a wonderful play experience. Space is limited; registration is requested.  Families are encouraged to attend all the workshops to obtain the full benefits.

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

       The Family Place is a national initiative of Americans for Libraries Council and Middle Country Library. 
      The Family Place of Connecticut is made possible through the generous support of the Katharine Matthies Foundation.


This information is taken from a press release from Derby Public Library.

Valley YMCA in Ansonia to mark Healthy Kids Day

Nationwide initiative aims to improve families' health 

On April 27, the 11 Central Connecticut Coast YMCA branches are celebrating YMCA’s Healthy Kids Day^® with free community events that encourage kids to get moving and learning, and families living healthier. 

The Valley YMCA is at 12 State St., Ansonia.

Healthy Kids Day, the YMCA's national initiative to improve families’ health and well-being, takes place at 1,900 Ys and kick-starts healthier behaviors now and throughout the summer, a critical out-of-school time for children’s health.

Many U.S. children do not get the daily recommended hours of physical activity and reading, and daily amounts of healthy foods.

According to the latest findings of the YMCA’s Family Health Snapshot – a survey of parents that gauges their children’s activity levels during the school year – only 19 percent of children get 60 minutes of physical activity, only 17 percent read books for fun, and only 12 percent eat at least eight fruits and vegetables daily.

“At the Central Connecticut Coast YMCA, we know parents struggle to keep their kids physically and intellectually active every day. We want to help ensure fewer kids are at risk of childhood obesity and more kids excel in school,” said Christian Engle, Senior Vice President & COO, Central Connecticut Coast Y. 

“YMCA’s Healthy Kids Day will get kids moving and learning while also helping families get a jump on creating a healthier summer, and ultimately a healthier future.”

Research shows that without access to out-of-school physical and learning activities, kids fall behind academically and gain weight twice as fast during summer than the school year.

On April 27, YMCA’s Healthy Kids Day will help parents begin thinking early about what their kids need to grow and achieve all summer long.

The Central Connecticut Coast YMCA’s Healthy Kids Day events feature fun, active play and educational activities.

YMCA’s Healthy Kids Day is supported by national media partners Sprout and Lazy Town, who are committed to encouraging kids to lead a healthy lifestyle. 

For information, contact the Central Connecticut Coast YMCA, 203-777-9622 or visit cccymca.org.

The Central Connecticut Coast Y is based in downtown New Haven with 11 Y branches in Greater New Haven and Greater Bridgeport. It also operates YMCA Camp Hi-Rock, a 1,000-acre residential and day camp in Mt. Washington, Mass. 

This information is taken from a press release from Central Connecticut Coast YMCA.

Dancing, cooking on tap for kids at library

DERBY - The Derby Public Library invites children ages 3-6 with a caregiver to Rhythm Makers at 10 a.m. March 20. 

Maria Douglas of the Magic Storybook presents this high-energy event which will teach children to walk to Mr. Whole Note, dance to Mrs. Half Note and clap to Baby Quarter Note.

Participants will learn about rhythm and pitch through dance, instruments, ribbons and a lot of giggles. Space is limited.

     
Let's Cook!

The Library invites kids ages 7-11 to attend Let’s Cook! at 3:45 p.m. March 26.

Along with preparing a simple, no-bake recipe, kids also will learn some basic kitchen skills which includes measuring and following directions. 

Registration is requested for both of these programs.
For information or to register, call the Children’s Room,  203-736-1482, stop by the Library, 313 Elizabeth St., or visit  www.derbypubliclibrary.org.

Library to offer St. Patrick's Day craft fun

DERBY - The Derby Public Library will offer an after-school program at 3:45 p.m. March 12.

Children in kindergarten through third grade are invited to stop by for Crafty Kids St. Patrick’s Day program, which will include a story and craft. 
All materials will be provided.

Registration is requested. For information or to register, call the Children’s Room, 203-736-1482, stop by the Library, 313 Elizabeth St., or visit www.derbypubliclibrary.org.

Science Snoopers to learn about trees at library

DERBY - The Derby Public Library invites children ages 3-7 to attend Trees in Winter at 10:30 a.m. March 6.

Children can explore the world of trees and learn how they change with each new season during this Science Snoopers program.

The Science Snoopers series is designed to introduce children to the natural world around them offering them an opportunity to explore the simplicity and complexity of science.
The class includes a short talk enhanced with hands-on material, props and an experiment, a short story related to the theme followed by an art project.

 Registration is requested. There is no fee to attend.
 For information or to register, call the Children’s Room, 203-736-1482, stop by the Library, 313 Elizabeth St., or visit  www.derbypubliclibrary.org

Check out library fun this Saturday

    DERBY - A visit to the local library is about much more than checking out books, and librarians are working to promote that concept.
    Derby Public Library children’s librarian Sue Sherman said Tuesday the library will join a nationwide initiative Saturday: the second annual Take Your Child to the Library Day.
    She said family-oriented activities will be held in the children’s room Saturday. Library hours are 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
    Sherman credited a retired children’s librarian in Connecticut for coming up with the idea for the special day.
    Sherman said she was pleased the concept has quickly spread nationwide.

    The librarians selected the first Saturday in February to hold the annual event, she said.
    “It started as a statewide initiative that children’s librarians are promoting,” Sherman said, to urge people “to take a visit to their library and see what’s available.”
    Families need to become familiar with all of the resources the library offers them, Sherman said. An added bonus for parents is that “everything’s free,” she said.
    At Derby Public Library the day will begin at 10 a.m. with a “Read to Sandy” program.
    Sandy is a therapy dog who regularly visits the library and patiently listens to stories read aloud by young readers.
    A Tai Chi class for families with children ages 4-11 will be held at 11 a.m. Sherman said the session will run about 45 minutes.
    After the exercise Sherman has scheduled a special Lego Time from noon to 1:30 p.m., when families are encouraged to put their creativity to the test.
     Registration is requested. To register, call 203-736-1482, stop by the Library, 313 Elizabeth St. or visit www.derbypubliclibrary.org.

     Also in the Valley, Plumb Memorial Library at 65 Wooster St., Shelton will offer a variety of activities from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday.
     According to information on its website, there will be a scavenger hunt, a special sale of children’s books, a bookmark-design contest, and more.

   

Car seat initiative gets funding boost

DERBY - Griffin Hospital and Safe Kids Greater Naugatuck Valley recently received several grants
to help provide child car-seat training and free child car seats to the community.

The CT Department of Public Health awarded Griffin and Safe Kids a grant to purchase 20 booster car seats, which will be distributed in a free training event from 5:30-7:30 p.m. April 11 at Griffin’s Dining Room, 130 Division St.

At the end of a two-hour training session, participants will receive a free highback booster seat and instruction on proper use.
To be eligible for the giveaway, participants must have a child that weighs between 40 to 80 pounds and is between 42 and 57 inches tall.
Also, the participant’s vehicle must have lap-shoulder seat belts in the back seat.

A Safe Kids Worldwide “Start Safe” grant has provided 16 child car seats.
The Griffin Safe Kids Chapter was one of just 17 across the country to receive this funding.
The seats will be distributed through a car seat clinic at the Head Start TEAM Early Care and Education Center in Ansonia.

The third grant comes from Valley United Way Special Needs program. This $1,100 grant will purchase car seats for special needs children.

For information about the car seat distribution or to register for the April 11 event, call Cathi Kellett, 203-732-1337. Please have the age, weight, and height of your child.

This information is taken from a press release from Griffin Hospital.

Snow + sleds = recipe for winter fun

Derek and Katelyn McMahon of Middletown enjoy the winter weather.

Friends Grace Saldana and Leah Gilbert of Derby demonstrate the art of having fun.


Thanks go out to April Pruzinsky of Derby for contributing these photos she took at Osbornedale State Park in Derby.

Seymour Rec lists winter activities

SEYMOUR - Parent/Child Playgroup will start again on Tuesdays only from 9:30-11:30 a.m. starting Tuesday (Jan. 8) and run through Feb. 26.
Children ages 1-4 years with parent/guardian will enjoy open play, group games, and coloring, music and story time.
Cost is $25 for residents; $30 non residents.


Sports mania
Preschool Sports Mania Class will begin Wednesday (Jan. 9) and run for six weeks from 9:30-10:15 a.m. for children ages 2-5.
Come enjoy many sports activities geared for their level. Need a minimum of six participants to run program. Cost is $20 residents; $25 non-residents.

Craft projects
Preschool Craft Class will begin Wednesday and run for six weeks from 10:15-11 a.m. for children ages 18 months to 5 years old. Join us in messy and creative craft projects that stimulate your child’s imagination.
Need a minimum of six participants to run program. Cost is $20 residents; $25 non- residents.

Hula hoops anyone?
Preschool Parent/Child Exercise Class will begin Thursday and run for six weeks starting at 10:45 a.m.
This 30-minute class will allow you and your child ages 2-5 to get an aerobic work-out together using balls, hula hoops and other tools.
Cost is $20 for residents; $25 for non-residents. Need a minimum of six participants to run program.

Exercise for seniors
Senior Light Exercise Class will be held at 10 a.m. Thursdays through Feb. 28. This is a free program that incorporates going at your own pace to stretch out your body and gain a light sweat.

All programs are held at the Seymour Recreation Department at 20 Pine St.
Payment is due at time of registration. Call 203-888-0406 for further information.