Ansonia Nature Center Announces Late Summer, Fall Programs

MONDAY NIGHT TRAIL RUN – Mondays in August, September, October, 5:30-6:30 pm

This is a call to all of the runners who want something that is out of the ordinary! Ranger Dan will lead you through our 156-acre network of trails, while you burn off the weekend's extra calories. We guarantee that this FREE program is the best way to start off your week.  Please register and wear appropriate footwear.

 

FAMILY ORGANIC GARDEN PROGRAM – Tuesdays, August, September and October

ANC will be continuing family-friendly activities in our organic garden. Learn about growing a variety of fruits and vegetables. Dress appropriately; keep in mind you will get water and soil on your clothing. FREE, with the potential to take home fresh local produce!

 

FIBER ARTS GROUP – Tuesdays starting Sept. 5, 5:30–7:30 pm

Get together with others to work on your fiber arts projects! Bring any kind of fiber work—knitting, felting, crocheting, etc. A great way to dedicate time to your handiwork and socialize too. FREE.

 

FALL TERM JUNIOR RANGERS – Registration.begins Thurs. Sept. 7; class runs Thursdays, Sept. 14–Nov. 2, 3:30–5 pm.

Calling all kids 11 to 14 years old who love nature! Has your child wanted to work with animals, garden, help maintain our trails, and help with special events? This is the opportunity to help the Nature Center in our 8-week after-school program. Parental permission is required. Class size is limited; this class fills up fast! FREE.

 

NATURE EXPLORERS – Wednesdays, Sept. 20, 27; Oct. 4, 11, 10 am

Join Wendy for our preschool/toddler program. This 4-week session is for children ages 2–5 years old with an adult. These outdoor classes will be fun exploring and learning through play. We will learn about nature and science through activities such as hiking, exploring, singing, games, reading, and making crafts. Every class is outside!!!! TUITION: $40 per 4-week session (cash or check payable to Ansonia Nature Center).

 

BIRDS ON THE MOVE – Sat. Sept. 30, 9 am

Join Ranger Jess for this informative program. She will concentrate on the end-of-summer journeys taken by our “flying friends” to faraway places each year. Find out who’s going and who’s staying put! FREE.

 

To register for all events please call (203)736-1053.

 

Nature Center Offers Summer Programs

ANSONIA - The Ansonia Nature and Recreation Center, 10 Deerfield Road, offers a variety of fun and educational programs in August.

 

BUTTERFLIES AND DRAGONFLIES – Aug. 6, 1 p.m.

Enjoy your Sunday afternoon at the park on our guided hike. Explore the Redwing Pond and our meadows for these beautiful six-legged, four-winged insects. 

The guide will show you our native butterfly gardens and teach you the benefits of native plants to our Connecticut butterflies and dragonflies. 

FREE. Registration required. 

FULL STURGEON MOON HIKE – Aug. 6, 7:30 p.m.

The Native American fishing tribes are given credit for the naming of this Moon, since sturgeon, a large fish of the Great Lakes and other major bodies of water, were most readily caught during this month. Join our staff on a hike in our meadows to watch as this reddish moon rises. Each child must be accompanied by an adult. Number of participants is limited, please pre-register. 
FEE: $3 per person. Wear appropriate footwear. 

MUSHROOM IDENTIFICATION FOR BEGINNERS – Aug. 12, 10 a.m.

Join a foraging family who hunt, photograph, identify, and love to eat the fungi in New England for a discussion and walk at the Ansonia Nature Center. 
We will dispel common myths, learn how to safely identify mushrooms with visual clues and guidebooks, and discuss mycophagy, the cooking and eating of wild mushrooms. 
After the lecture we’ll walk the property to search for wild fungi and put our newly learned skills to the test.
FEE: $5. Registration required.

ROCKS IN SPACE: Perseid Meteor Showers – Aug. 12, 7 p.m.

Come to Ansonia’s darkest location for some unusual night sky viewing with Bob Carruthers and the New Haven Astronomical Society.  In addition to a chance to see the annual meteor showers, there will be a short talk about meteorites. 
You and your family will get to view and touch meteorites from around the world. This night will be the peak of the showers! 
No need to bring anything except for warm clothing and a chair. Telescopes and binoculars are not necessary. Children must be accompanied by an adult. 
FREE. Registration required.

TURTLE TALK – Aug. 26, 1 p.m.

Anthony Pierlioni is Senior Director of the TurtleRoom, an online radio show dedicated to these fascinating reptiles and the people who love them. 
He’ll share his knowledge and some turtle species with us.

He is a member of the Turtle Survival Alliance, Turtle & Tortoise Preservation Group, New York Turtle & Tortoise Society, and New England Herpetological Society, as well as the online sites TurtleForum.com, TortoiseBoard.com, and TortoiseForum.org, where he can be found as Anthony P. 

You can contact him at anthony@theturtleroom.com. 
Registration required.

CATTAIL MAT WEAVING – Aug. 27, 10 a.m.-2 p.m., Sept. 2, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.

Join Ranger Dan for a two-part series on cattails. Week 1 we will begin to collectively work on a mat made from the cattail reeds, and week 2 we will add the finishing touches to our mat. Learn how Native Americans from the Eastern Woodlands would use these reeds! 
Pack a bag lunch, and be prepared for swampy conditions. 
This program is for adults only. FEE: $6 per person covers both weeks. Please call to register.

ONGOING WEEKLY PROGRAMS

CREATURE FEATURE – Saturday at noon
Have you always wanted to pet a dove or hold a bearded dragon?  Here’s your chance!  Come meet the Nature Center’s Resident Animals every Saturday at noon!

GUIDED HIKE- Sundays at 1 p.m.

Have you ever wondered where the owls nest or where the deer sleep?  Join an Ansonia Nature Center Park Ranger on a Guided Hike every Sunday!

MONDAY NIGHT TRAIL RUN – Mondays in August and September, 5:30-6:30 pm

This is a call to all of the runners who want something that is out of the ordinary! Ranger Dan will lead you through our 156-acre network of trails, while you burn off the weekend's extra calories. We guarantee that this FREE program is the best way to start off your week.  
Please register and wear appropriate footwear. 

FAMILY ORGANIC GARDEN PROGRAM – Tuesdays, August through November

ANC will be continuing family-friendly activities in our organic garden. Learn about growing a variety of fruits and vegetables. Dress appropriately; keep in mind you will get water and soil on your clothing. 
FREE, with the potential to take home fresh local produce! 

 

Please call 203-736-1053 to register for all programs.

(This is a press release from the nature center)

Sign up for January children's events at Derby Public Library

Winter Story Times at Derby Public Library
Registration is underway for the winter session of story times at the Derby Public Library.  This story time session will run from Jan. 14 through March 20. The Library offers age-appropriate programs for children from birth to 5 years old. Beginning Wednesday, Jan. 14 at 10 a.m. infants age birth to 12 months along with a caregiver are invited to attend Baby and Me which introduces our youngest patrons to the library and books through simple songs and rhymes, movement, board books and interaction with their caregiver. The class will run for about 20 minutes. Participants are welcome to stay and play for some social time immediately following the program.

Toddler Time will take place on Thursday mornings at 10 for 1 and 2 year olds along with a caregiver. Finger plays, songs, movement, stories and rhymes will be included in this half-hour program. The first class will be on Jan. 15.

Children ages 3-5 are welcome to join us for stories, songs, instruments, literacy games and a craft on Friday mornings at 10 a.m. beginning Jan. 16.  Preschool Story Time is designed to be an early school-readiness experience, an introduction to peer interaction and improved listening skills.   Children will attend this story time on their own while a caregiver remains in the Children’s Room. Registration is requested.

Music and Movement Program at Derby Public Library
Children ages 3-6 are invited to join the fun during a music and movement program at Derby Public Library on Friday, Jan. 8 at 10 a.m. Sandi Schuchmann presents Turn it Up! which will have everyone up and moving during this highly interactive, half hour music program. There is no fee to attend. Registration is requested.

Saturday Story Time at Derby Public Library
The Derby Public Library will offer a Saturday family story time on Jan. 10 at 10 a.m. Children ages 3-6 are welcome to stop by for Let it Snow to listen to winter themed stories, sing songs and work on a snowflake craft. There is no fee to attend and all materials are provided. Registration is requested.

Lego Time at Derby Public Library
The Derby Public Library invites children ages 4-11 to use their creative talents and stir their imaginations during Lego Time on Saturday, January 10 at 12:30 p.m. and Thursday, Jan. 22 at 3:30 p.m. All levels of building skills are welcome to come by for this drop-in program which will take place twice a month.  There is no fee to attend and all building materials will be provided.  The masterpieces will remain on display in the Children’s Room for  everyone to admire.

Crafty Kids Program at Derby Public Library
The Derby Public Library invites children in kindergarten through 4th grade to stop by the library on Tuesday, Jan. 13 at 3:45 p.m. for a winter themed Crafty Kids program. All materials will be provided and there is no fee to attend.
Registration is requested.

Yoga for Kids at Derby Public Library
The Derby Public Library will host a yoga program for kids age 8-11 on Tuesday, Jan. 27 at 6:30 p.m. Kathy Trusdell will present this fun, innovative yoga class which incorporates basic yoga and movement into a themed program. It is suggested that participants wear comfortable clothes and bring along a towel or yoga mat. The program is free to attend, but registration is requested.

Take Your Child to the Library Day at Derby Public Library
In recognition of the 4th annual Take Your Child to the Library Day, the Derby Public Library has planned a variety of activities for families on Saturday, Feb. 7.  This statewide initiative by children’s librarians was introduced in 2012 with the intention of encouraging families to visit their local library to become familiar with the resources available and join in an activity which is just a sample of the programs taking place throughout the year. All programs offered at the Derby Public Library are free and non-residents are always invited to register.

Families with children ages 2-5 are invited to Winter Tales a story/ craft time at 10 a.m.  We welcome families with children ages 3-9 to join us for Turn it Up! a highly interactive music and movement program presented by Sandi Schuchmann at 11 a.m. Lego Time will take place at 12:30 for children ages 4-11 with an opportunity to use their creative talents and stir their imaginations.  All levels of building skills are welcome to come by for this drop-in program.


The above information was provided by Children’s Librarian Susan Sherman. For further information or to register, please call the Children’s Room at 203 736-1482, stop by the library at 313 Elizabeth Street or visit the library website at www.derbypubliclibrary.org.

Therapy dog, crafts, movies, and more slated at Derby Neck Library

DERBY - Grant, a therapy dog, will visit Derby Neck Library from 3-4 p.m. Nov. 3 for B.A.R.K. (Be a Reading Kid).
This program allows a child to practice reading to a trained, listening dog.
Registration for a 15-minute session requested.

Ancient board game

A Go! Club for teens and adults meets at the Library at 6:30 p.m. Nov. 5.
Come learn this ancient Chinese game that predates chess. Boards and game pieces are available at the library and  instruction as to the game’s rules and strategies will be provided free of charge.
Registration is requested.

Pizza, movie

At 5:30 p.m. Nov. 7 adults over 18 are invited to enjoy dinner and a movie.
This monthly free program will feature ”Young Frankenstein” in high definition blu-ray.
Free refreshments will be provided, including pizza. Registration is requested.

Music and movement
Join Miss Kathi at 6:30 p.m. Nov. 13 for Bedtime Music and Movement.  Children are invited to wear their pajamas and bring a favorite stuffed animal as they sing and dance. Registration requested.

Thanksgiving story time

At 3 p.m. Nov. 17 the Library will present “This is the Feast” for children ages 2 and older.
Join Linda Milardo, a history re-enactor and storyteller as she helps you celebrate Thanksgiving with a story. Participants will create a puppet craft. Registration requested. 

Women's Forum

At 12:30 p.m. Nov. 18 the Library will host Women’s Forum, a monthly discussion group that focuses on ideas and interests important to women—including the arts, literature, history, and the news.
This month we discuss our memories of Thanksgiving, such as family traditions, prayers, games, recipes, etc. Bring a light lunch; free coffee and tea provided.


For more information or to register for any of the above programs call 203-734-1492.



This post is taken from a press release from the library.

Derby Public Library slates activities for kids

DERBY - The Derby Public Library welcomes Elaine Langsam, Baby Signs Certified Instructor and Early Childhood Educator, at 10 a.m. Nov. 7 for a special presentation geared for two-year olds and their caregivers. 
Toddlers will focus on learning signs as they interact with each other and their caregivers through a variety of activities including music.    

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

Lego Times
Also on Nov. 7 the Library invites children ages 4-11 to use their creative talents and stir their imaginations during Lego Time at 3:30 p.m. and again at 12:30 p.m. Nov. 16.
All levels of building skills are welcome to participate in this drop-in program which will be held twice a month. 
No registration necessary.

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

Derby Neck slates September sessions

Music and movement
DERBY - Young children and their parents are invited to the Derby Neck Library, 307 Hawthorne Ave. at 6:30 p.m. Sept. 11 for Bedtime Music and Movement.

Join Miss Kathi in singing and dancing to fun tunes. Bring a favorite stuffed animal and wear your pajamas if you wish. 

Women's Forum

At 12:30 p.m. Sept. 16 the Library presents Women’s Forum - a discussion group focusing on literary, historical, social, and cultural topics of interest to women.
For September the group will discuss school memories and  old-fashioned poetry recitations.
Bring your ideas and recall your own memories of school days. An old primer or two will be available to explore.
Bring a light lunch if you wish; free tea and coffee served.

Read to therapy dogs

At 6 p.m. Sept. 18 children are invited to the Library for BARK (Be a Reading Kid) to read to therapy dogs Thor and Cosmo, two St. Bernards.
Register ahead to insure your child has a 15-minute session of reading.

Writers' Round
At 6:30 p.m. Sept. 19 the Library will host Writers’ Round, a monthly creative writing workshop.  Bring your original works to share including poetry, prose, fiction, nonfiction, scripts, and more.
For details on any of the above and to register for BARK call the library, 203-734-1492.


This is a press release from Derby Neck Library.

Science fun, magic on tap at Ansonia Library

ANSONIA - The Ansonia Library children's department will be offering Little Scientists "Make a Bouncing Ball" at 10 a.m. July 23.
This free activity is part of the Library's summer reading programs, and is suitable for preschool and younger children.
Registration is required. Call 203-734-6728.


Magic show

Mr. Magic's Family Show for all ages will visit the Ansonia Library at 2 p.m. Aug. 8.
This program is part of Ansonia Library's summer reading programs.
The library is at 53 S. Cliff St.
For information on either program call 203-734-6728.


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

Library to host Valentine-making, hooping programs

            DERBY - Children in kindergarten through third grade are welcome to celebrate Valentine’s Day during a special after-school program at 3:45 p.m. Feb. 12 at Derby Public Library. 

 Come make a card for someone special, create a craft and enjoy some sweet treats!  

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

Art of hooping

 

       The Library welcomes Bring the Hoopla back to the Children's Room at 2 p.m. Feb. 15.

       Learn the art of hooping during this fun and highly interactive program for children ages 4-11. 

       It is suggested that participants wear comfortable clothing and get ready to do a lot of moving!       

       Hoops will be provided and there is no fee to attend.

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

Kids' activities abound at Derby Public Library

      DERBY -   The Derby Public Library, 313 Elizabeth St., welcomes back Margie Miles and Sandy her therapy dog as they begin another year of the popular Read to Sandy program. From 6-7 p.m. Tuesday children ages 5-11 are invited to share a book with Sandy.
      Each child will be given a 10-15 minute time slot to read to Sandy.
      Sandy and Margie are registered with Therapy Dogs, Inc. and volunteer at local schools, hospitals and nursing homes. This is a great opportunity for beginner or reluctant readers, as well as experienced readers, to build confidence, enhance their reading skills and encourage a love of reading.  Come select a book from “Sandy’s Favorites” on display each month in the Children’s Room.
 
 Story times
 
      Registration is underway for the fall session of story times.  This story time session will run from Sept. 5 through Dec. 7.
  The Library offers a program for infants 6 to 12 months old beginning at 10 a.m. Tuesday.
  Infants along with a caregiver are invited to register for Baby and Me a program which introduces our youngest patrons to the library and books through simple songs and rhymes, movement, board books and interaction with their caregiver.  The program will run for about 20 minutes followed by a play time which gives babies and their caregivers an opportunity to socialize.
     Nursery Rhyme Time for toddlers 12 to 24 months old along with a caregiver will be held Thursday mornings beginning Sept. 6 at 10 a.m.  Finger plays, songs, movement, instruments, stories and rhymes will be included in this half-hour program.
   Time for Two’s begins Sept. 6 at 11 a.m. with stories, songs, finger plays and a simple craft for children who are between 25 and 35 months old along with a caregiver.
    The library is introducing a story time geared for three year olds which is often that in between stage of child development where they are not quite ready for the independent preschool library program. Terrific Three’s will meet at 10 a.m. Fridays starting Sept. 7.
     Children 4-6 years old are welcome to join us for stories, songs, instruments, literacy games and a craft on Fridays at 11 a.m. beginning Sept. 7.
  Preschool Story Time is designed to be an early school-readiness experience, an introduction to peer interaction and improved listening skills.
Children will attend this story time on their own while a caregiver remains in the Children’s Room area.        
    
 Autumn bingo

      It’s time for Autumn Bingo at the Library from 6:30-7:30 p.m. Sept. 18.  Families with children ages 5-11 are invited to attend and try their luck during this fun evening event. 
      Children will be creating their own bingo card prior to the game. Books will be among the prizes for bingo winners.
 
The above is taken from a press release from library director Cathy Williams. For information call 203-736-1482.

Library offers computer classes, fun for tots

DERBY - Computer classes are run at Derby Neck Library, 307 Hawthorne Ave. several times each week.
On Mondays and Wednesdays a class is offered from 6 to 7 p.m. and on Tuesdays and Wednesdays a class meets from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m.
Students determine their own pace of study with the help of the instructor. Lessons are best suited for absolute beginners and one visit each week is suggested.
For details and to register, call Bob at 203-734-1492.

Pre-threes

Pre-threes meet Mondays at 10 a.m. or 11 a.m. with Miss Kathi. A program best-suited for ages birth to 3 years old, the activities include finger plays, stories, music, puppets, and nursery rhymes.

Movin' on

Been There, Done That, Movin’ On, for 2 and 3 year olds meets at the Derby Neck Library, 307 Hawthorne Ave. each Tuesday morning at 10 with Miss Kathi.  Children are ready to participate if they have finished at least five sessions of Pre-Threes or Music and Movement at the library.

Sing and dance

Music and Movement meets at the Library Tuesdays at 11 a.m. and again every Thursday morning at 10 or 11 a.m. Enjoy singing and dancing with Miss Kathi using small musical instruments and scarves as you learn music and language skills.
 
Story hour

Littles’ Story Hour happens each Tuesday at 1 p.m.  This program for ages 3-5 presents flannel board stories, puppets, and short films of adapted children’s books.

Bedtime music
Bedtime Music meets once each month. Our next event is at 6:30 p.m. Aug. 1. Ages birth and up are invited to wear their p.j.’s and bring a stuffed toy to the program. Dance and sing under our special indoor stars.

For information or to register for any of the above programs, call 203-734-1492.

Kids to get rhythm, learn science at Derby Public Library

DERBY - The Derby Public Library invites children ages 4-10 along with a caregiver to attend Fun with Rhythms at 10:30 a.m. July 20.
  During his return visit, Edward Leonard will present this educational drum and music circle which is designed to teach children the fundamentals of music while playing interactive rhythm games with drums and hand-held percussion instruments.
In case of inclement weather, a  July 27 rain date has been set.
 
Science Snoopers

      The Science Snoopers series continues at the Derby Public Library for children ages 4-10.
      Jean Mai presents Who’s There?  Is it Loch Ness? at 1 p.m. July 18.  Participants will learn about this mythical creature.
        The Science Snoopers series are 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.
  

And more snooping

      The Science Snoopers series continues at the Library for ages 4-10.  Jean Mai presents Purr-fect Predators at 1 p.m. Aug. 6. Participants will explore the world of the tiger.
  This educational and fun science presentation is part of the children’s summer reading program Dream Bit-Read.
        The Science Snoopers series are 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.
       
Lunch buddies

     Join the Lunch Buddies Wednesdays, July 18, 25, and Aug. 1 from 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. at  Library. 
This book club, open to kids ages 8-10, is an opportunity for children to share their “reviews” of books they have read.  
The 2013 Nutmeg Award nominees will be among the featured titles discussed.
 Copies of all the Nutmeg nominees are available in the Children’s Room.  Participants may bring a bag lunch to enjoy during this informal book talk. Dessert will be provided.
   Registration is requested.
For information or to register, call the Children’s Room, 20e- 736-1482, stop by the Library, 313 Elizabeth St., or visit www.derbypubliclibrary.org.
    
 All 2012 Library summer programming is being made possible through the generous sponsorship of the Jane C. and David B. Cohen Fund through the Valley Community Foundation, in memory of David B. Cohen.