Program to focus on pond at Ansonia Nature Center

ANSONIA - The Secrets of Redwing Pond will be the topic of next month's Nature's Child program at the Ansonia Nature and Recreation Center.
The program for preschoolers and their caregivers will be held at 10:30 a.m. May 2.

Explore the park’s pond life with Ms. Wendy.
Meet some amphibians and insects who have a double life and maybe meet a reptile or two that call Redwing Pond their home.

Tuition is $6 per family ($4 for Ansonia residents or current family members.)
Advance registration requested. Call 203-736-1053.

The nature center is at 10 Deerfield Road.


This information is taken from the nature center's calendar.

Ansonia Nature Center program to focus on amphibians

ANSONIA - Awesome amphibians are the subject of the next Nature's Child session at 10:30 a.m. April 4 at the Ansonia Nature and Recreation Center, 10 Deerfield Road.

Come learn about these ancient and fascinating creatures secretly inhabiting our woods and wetlands.
Take a hike to discover the nature center's slippery critters and make a take-home craft.

Tuition is $6 per family ($4 for Ansonia residents or current, family-level Friends of the Ansonia Nature Center, Inc. members.

Advance registration is required; call 203-736-1053.



This post is taken from the nature center's spring calendar.

Maple syrup-making is topic at Ansonia center

Nature's Child program

ANSONIA - Children of preschool age accompanied by an adult are invited to join Ranger Wendy at 10:30 a.m. March 7 at the Ansonia Nature and Recreation Center to learn how maple trees make sugar.

Learn how to make maple syrup the old-fashioned way, and taste a sample of real nature center syrup on ice cream.

Tuition is $6 per family, $4 for Ansonia residents and family-level members of the Friends of the Ansonia Nature Center, Inc.

The nature center is at 10 Deerfield Road. To register call 203-736-1053.





This is a press release from the Ansonia Nature and Recreation Center.

Seymour Rec to offer preschool fun

SEYMOUR - The Seymour Recreation Department will offer activities in March and April for preschool children in the Valley.

Mondays: March 17-April 28
Playgroup for Parent/Guardian and children ages 1-5
Come out and play with other families and make new friends. Toys and games available.
No class on April 14
9:30-10:30 a.m.; $25 for six weeks

Tuesdays: March 18-April 29
Preschool Craft Class
An opportunity for ages 2-5 to be creative and make some fun projects. A story will be read and a corresponding craft opportunity will be made. (Please dress child in clothes that you don’t mind your child getting a bit dirty.)
No class on April 15
9:30-10:15 a.m.; $25 for six weeks

Wednesday or Thursday: March 19-April 30, March 20-May 1
Preschool Sports Mania Class
Ages 2-5 are welcomed to join us in sports and games that are geared for younger children. This class fills up quickly and is a great way for your child to get a basic introduction to some new skills like soccer, floor hockey, Frisbee toss, and more.
Proper gym attire required.
No class on April 16 and 17
9:30-10:15 a.m.; $25 for six weeks

All classes are held at the Seymour Recreation Department gym and classrooms at 20 Pine St.

For information, call 203-888-0406. Don’t delay your registration; come out and play with us.
Non-Seymour residents welcomed for an additional fee of $5.



This is a press release from  Missy Orosz, part-time Associate Recreation Director,  Seymour Recreation Department.

Story times slated at Derby Public Library

  DERBY - Registration is under way for the winter session of story times at Derby Public Library.

  This story time session will run from Jan. 15 to March 14. 

  The Library offers age-appropriate programs for children from birth to age 5.

    Beginning Jan. 15 at 10 a.m. infants age birth to 12 months along with a caregiver are invited to attend Baby and Me.

    

   The session introduces the youngest patrons to the library and books through simple songs and rhymes, movement, board books, and interaction with their caregivers.

   The class will run for about 20 minutes. 

   Participants are welcome to stay and play for some social time immediately following the program.

     Nursery Rhyme Time for toddlers 12 to 24 months old along with a caregiver will take place at 10 a.m. Thursdays.

     Finger plays, songs, movement, stories and rhymes will be included in this half-hour program.  The first class will be held Jan. 16.

     Time for Twos also begins on Jan. 16 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 their caregiver. 

    Terrific Threes is 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 an independent preschool library program.   

   Three-year olds will meet at 10 a.m. Fridays starting Jan. 17.

   Children 4-6 years old are welcome to join in for stories, songs, instruments, literacy games, and a craft at 11 a.m. Fridays beginning Jan. 17.   

    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.

   Registration is requested.

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

 

This is a press release from Sue Sherman, children's librarian, Derby Public Library.

Seymour Rec to host fun with food classes

SEYMOUR - The Recreation Department will host a Pre-School Fun with Food Class for ages 2-5 from 10:15-11 a.m. Sept. 25 to Oct. 30.

The cost is $25 for six weeks.

Come and make some tasty treats.
Classes will be held at the Seymour Recreation Department in the Community Center, 20 Pine St.



This is a press release from the recreation department.

Seymour Rec offers crafts, Zumba

SEYMOUR - The Recreation Department will hold a Pre-School Crafts program for ages 2-5 from 9:30-10:15 a.m. Tuesdays from Sept. 24 to Oct. 29 at the Seymour Community Center, 20 Pine St.

Come and be creative and make some fun projects.

The cost is $25 for six weeks.

The program is open to all Valley residents (parent must assist child).

Sports mania

Pre-school Sports Mania for ages 2-5 will be held 9:30-10:15 a.m. Wednesdays from Sept. 25 to Oct. 30, or Thursdays from Sept. 26 to Oct. 31.

Sports and games geared for younger children will be played.

Cost is $25 for six weeks.

Open to all Valley residents (parent must stay in gym).

Evening Zumba classes

Zumba classes will be held 6:30-7:30 p.m. Mondays and Wednesdays from Oct. 7 to Nov. 25. The first class is free.

The classes will be held in the Seymour Community Center gym for October and Bungay School gym for November.

The cost is $40 any six classes; $70 all 13 classes. The classes are open to all Valley residents.


This is taken from a press release from the recreation department. 

Preschool program at Ansonia Nature Center to focus on fall

ANSONIA - Fall's colorful leafy critters are the topic of a preschool program next month at the Ansonia Nature and Recreation Center, 10 Deerfield Road.

A Nature's Child program for three-to-five year olds accompanied by an adult will be held at 10:30 a.m. Oct. 4.

Join Ranger Wendy to find out how to create whimsical fall figures out of collected fallen leaves.
Activities may also include a short story or a walk to discover why leaves change color in the fall.

To register, call 203-736-1053.

Tuition is $6 per family; $4 for Ansonia residents and  family-level members of Friends of the Ansonia Nature Center, Inc.

This is a press release from Ansonia Nature and Recreation Center.

Goldenrod in the spotlight at Ansonia Nature Center

ANSONIA - Bring your preschoolers to Nature's Child: Goldenrod Jungle, a program at 10:30 a.m. Friday at the Ansonia Nature and Recreation Center.

Join Ranger Wendy to discover the many tiny critters that live in the nature center's beautiful Goldenrods.

Contrary to popular belief, Goldenrods do not make you sneeze. Come to find out about this lovely wildflower that can even be used as a crayon.

Tuition is $6 per family; $4 for Ansonia residents and family-level members of the Friends of the Ansonia Nature Center, Inc.


For information call 203-736-1053. The nature center is at 10 Deerfield Road.


This is a press release from the Ansonia Nature and Recreation Center. 

Preschoolers to peek at insects at Ansonia Nature Center

ANSONIA - Ranger Wendy will lead a walk for preschoolers accompanied by adults at 10:30 a.m. Friday as part of the Nature's Child series at the Ansonia Nature and Recreation Center.

Look for our favorite insects, butterflies that light up our fields and gardens with their bright colors, as well as dragonflies.
Come learn about their special adaptations and their nature center habits.

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

The nature center is at 10 Deerfield Road.

Ansonia Nature Center to host nature education day

ANSONIA - The Ansonia Nature and Recreation Center and the friends of the late educator John Adzima will host a day of nature study Monday, July 1.

The day will honor Adzima's memory and his love for nature and young children.
On this special day, Ansonia Public School Pre-Kindergartners and Redwing Pond House preschool students will learn about Redwing Pond and the inch by inch Children's Garden in the park.

For more information call the nature center, 203-736-1053.




This post is taken from a press release.

Preschoolers enjoy sports in Seymour rec program

These are some of the participants in the Seymour Recreation Department's Preschool Sports Mania Class. 
Pictured front row from left are Gianna Garofalo, Jacob Lang, Adam Simoes, Sam Bender. 
Back row from left are Sam DiCapua, Maia Simoes, Jeffrey Weaver and Payton Motyl. Missing from photo are Samantha Pastick and Samantha Botelho.


SEYMOUR - Children ages 3-5 are taught to play a different sport each week in the Seymour  Recreation Department's Pre-School Sports Mania class. The sport is geared for their age.

Activities this past session included soccer, parachute games, jump ropes, hula hoops, aerobics and floor hockey.

Classes are 45 minute long; each session runs for six weeks.
The program is held in the Seymour Recreation Department Gym. Missy Orosz, part-time Associate Recreation Director, started the program in spring 2009.

The next session will start soon. Call the Seymour Recreation Department to register, 203-888-0406.


This information is taken from a press release from Missy Orosz.

Salamanders, chickens in spotlight at Ansonia Nature Center

ANSONIA - The Nature's Child program at 10:30 a.m. Friday at the Ansonia Nature and Recreation Center will feature salamanders.

The program is for three-to five-year olds with an adult. Join Ranger Wendy to learn about the cool critters known as salamanders. Learn where they like to hang out and what they eat for lunch.

The program will include a short story and a craft to take home. Tuition is $6 per family; $4 for Ansonia residents and family-level Friends of the Ansonia Nature Center, Inc. members.
Registration requested; call 203-736-1053.

Backyard chickens

At 2 p.m. Saturday, Ranger Dawn, owner/operator of Coon Hollow Farm in Oxford, will present a program designed for those who would like to explore the possibility of raising their own chickens, even in an urban setting.

She will provide tips and the all-important dos and don'ts for would-be backyard farmers. Find out how to select and acquire birds, what the feeding requirements are, and what kind of shelter they need.

Call 203-736-1053 to register for this free program.

The nature center is at 10 Deerfield Road.

Evergreen trees are topic of Nature's Child program

ANSONIA - The Ansonia Nature and Recreation Center, 10 Deerfield Road, will hold a preschool program at 10:30 a.m. Dec. 7. The program is for preschoolers accompanied by their adult caregivers.

Participants will join Ranger Wendy to learn about beauti­ful evergreen trees and create one-of-a-kind woodland holiday cards.
Read a short story, and take a short hike to find your tree!

Call 203-736-1053 to register by Thursday.
Tuition is $6 per child; $4 for Ansonia residents and family-level F.A.N.C.I.  (Friends of the Ansonia Nature Center, Inc.) members.

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.

Derby Neck Library lists October activities for all ages

DERBY - Pre-threes classes will be heldat 10 a.m. and again at 11 a.m. Oct. 8, 15, and 22.

Activities include stories, music, finger plays, nursery rhymes and puppets.

To register call 203-734-1492.

Computer classes

Beginners’ computer classes for adults are held each week October. On Mondays classes are held 6-7 p.m. and on Tuesday and Wednesday from 10:30-11:30 a.m. For information call 203-734-1492 and ask for Bob.

Filmmaking fun

For area teens, the library offers a free filmmaking experience at 4 p.m. Tuesdays in October. All teens are invited to learn all aspects of filming, including script writing, acting, editing, directing.  For information call 203-734-1492 and ask for Andrew.

Culture Club

The Culture Club, a literary discussion group for adults, meets at 12:30 p.m. Oct. 15. Autumn poetry will be featured.

Bring a light lunch and enjoy free coffee or tea. Copies of the poems will be distributed at the meeting. For information call 203-734-1492 and ask for Pat.

Current Events

The Current Events Club, a discussion group that focuses on the news—politics, the arts, medicine, etc.—meets at 6:30 p.m. Oct. 23.  For details call 203-734-1492 and ask for Pat. This month the focus is on the November elections.

Writers Round

Writers Round, a workshop for writers of all genres—fiction, non-fiction, drama, poetry—meets at  6:30 p.m. Oct. 18. For information call 203-734-1492.

Halloween parties

Two Halloween parties will be held for area youngsters.

Toddlers will meet Oct. 31 from 6:30-7:30 p.m. Oct. 31 to show off their costumes and receive treats.

Teens and Tweens will meet from 6-8 p.m.  Oct. 30. For details and to register, call 203-734-1492.

The Derby Neck library is at 307 Hawthorne Ave.

Derby Neck slates computer classes, preschool programs

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

Beginning Sept. 10,  Pre-threes meet 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 

Beginning Sept. 11,  Been There, Done That, Movin’ On, for 2 and 3 year olds meets Tuesdays at 10 a.m. 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.

Music and Movement 
Also starting Sept. 11 Music and Movement meets Tuesdays at 11 a.m. and again every Thursday at 10 a.m. 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 Tuesdays 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

Beginning Sept. 5 Bedtime Music and Music meets once each month at the Derby Neck Library, 307 Hawthorne Ave.  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.

To register for any of the above activities call 203-734-1492.

Seymour Rec slates activities

Parent/Toddler Playgroup

The Seymour Recreation Department is now registering for its Toddler Playgroup Program. The play group is for children ages 1 through 4.
Parent/Guardian are required to stay with their child. The sessions are held at the Recreation Center, 20 Pine St. Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9:30-11:30 a.m. and will run for eight weeks starting Sept.18  Cost is $20 for Seymour residents; $25 for non-residents.

 Pre-School Sports Mania

The Seymour Recreation Department is now registering for its Pre-School Sports Mania Class. Children aged 2-5 will be able to learn and play various sports that are adapted for their age and ability. 
Activities to include hula hoops, Nerf balls, parachute games, floor hockey and more. Wednesdays 9:30-10:15 a.m. starting Sept. 26 and run for five weeks in the Recreation Department Gym. Cos is $20 for Seymour residents; $25 for non-residents.

Pre-School Craft Class

The Seymour Recreation Department is now registering for its Pre-School Craft Class for children 18 months through 5 years of age. 
Come and get messy and be creative with simple arts and craft projects. Class will meet Wednesdays from 10:15-11 a.m. in the Recreation Department multi-use classroom starting Sept. 26 and will run for five weeks. Cost is $20 for Seymour residents; $25 for non-residents. All supplies are included in the price. To register for any of the above, call Jack Ahearn or Missy Orosz, 203-888-0406.

Nature center lesson to focus on goldenrod

ANSONIA - Goldenrod jungles is the topic of the next Nature’s Child preschool program at the Ansonia Nature and Recreation Center, 10 Deerfield Road.
The program for three-to five-year olds will be held at 10:30 a.m. Sept. 7.

Participants will join Ranger Wendy to discover the critters that live in these beautiful yellow flowers.
Contrary to popular belief, goldenrod does not make you sneeze. Come to find out more about this lovely wildflower that can even be used as a crayon.

This program is geared for early childhood learners with an adult.Tuition is $6 per family ($4 for Ansonia residents and family-level F.A.N.C.I, members.) To register call 203-736-1053.

Center slates hikes, jam-making fun in July

Nature's Child:  The Creatures of Long Island Sound

    ANSONIA - Bring your preschooler to a program for three-to five-year-olds at 10:30 a.m. July 6 at the Ansonia Nature and Recreation Center, 10 Deerfield Road.
    Join Ranger Wendy to learn about the cool creatures who share Long Island Sound with us.  Come to see and touch the Nature Center's new salt water tank residents.
Want to cuddle up to a crab or sing a song to a snail? How about checking out a live horseshoe crab and learning why you should never pick them up by the tail? Want to see a lobster, mussels and sea stars, all creatures that inhabit Long Island Sound?
Tuition is $6 per family; $4 for Ansonia residents and family-level F.A.N.C.I, members. Call 203-736-1053 to register.

Firefly Twilight Hike

Join Rangers Wendy and Martin for the Annual Firefly Twilight Hike at 7 p.m. July 6.
Every summer the nature enter twinkles after dark because so many fire­flies are attracted to its habitat.
On this evening adventure, walk through the woods and fields of the Center's 150-acre park lands. The brilliant display of a group of fireflies on a summer evening is a truly beautiful sight.
Wear long pants and sleeves and shoes for hiking. Geared for families, this hike is limited to 25 people.  Call 203-736-1053 to register for this free program.

Monthly meeting of the Friends

At 5:30 p.m. July 11 the Friends' will meet at the center. New members are always welcome. Volunteers are needed for special events, family programs, and daily work in­cluding wildlife rehabilitation, gardening, trail maintenance, and reception center duties.


Back to Basics: Rhubarb Workshop


Join Director Donna Lindgren at 10 a.m. July 14 the Ansonia Nature Center to find out how to make delicious strawberry rhubarb jam.
With the main ingredient taken from Donna's organic backyard garden, participants will roll up their sleeves, put on aprons, and create tasty homemade jam.
Tuition of $8 includes the easy recipe, all materials, and a jar to take home.  Register early for this class that is sure to fill up quickly.
Make checks payable to the Ansonia Nature Center.

Park Tots: Beach Buddies

Bring your infants and toddlers at 10:30 a.m. July 20 and join Ranger Stefanie for this monthly program that offers socialization and fun for toddlers and their caregivers.

Midsummer Wildflowers Program

Join Alison at 2 p.m. July 28 for a stroll through the park meadows in search of midsummer wildflowers. Learn to identify our native perennial flowering plants.
Please call 203- 736-1053 to register for this free program.

P.A.C.K. presents environmental entertainer

Save the date: 7 p.m. July 27 for an inter­active presentation by artist Chris Rolands. The program is perfect for those who love music and nature.
Rolands is an award-winning singer and songwriter who is touring the United States and abroad offering participatory environmental education concerts for kids and their families.
He creatively blends music, comedy and education in a fast-paced show that teaches and inspires.
The Environment Magazine honored Rolands by awarding him its first "E" award for his environmental education programs.

Call 203-736-1053 to register with Ranger Wendy for this free program.  Don't miss this outstanding musical presentation.

P.A.C.K. (Parents and Communities for Kids) is supported by the Community Foundation for Greater New Haven.