The Friends of the Southbury Public Library are having an online charity auction that ends at 7:35pm tomorrow, Wednesday, March 22! Bids start at $1.00 for books, antiques, art, and more. The Friends sponsor almost all of our events and programs for all ages, as well as an annual scholarship. Find out more about the charity auction below!

Online Art and Collectibles Auction
Now through Wednesday, March 22 at 7:35pm, Online

The Friends of the Southbury Library along with Clearing House Estate Sales, are pleased to present their newest charity auction. Filled with beautiful classic books, book sets, novels, vintage cookbooks, animal & children's books, comics, ephemera and more. A large collection of art including oil paintings, dog drawings, watercolors, lithographs, posters and beautiful frames. Collectables, home décor, clocks, chocolate pots, and more complete this wonderful springtime sale in Southbury.

All bids start at $1! For more information click here.

Today, Tuesday, March 21, 2023 is World Down Syndrome Day (WDSD), a global awareness day that has been officially observed by the United Nations since 2012.

The date for WDSD being the 21st day of the 3rd month, was selected to signify the uniqueness of the triplication (trisomy) of the 21st chromosome which causes Down syndrome, according to WDSD official website.

The Prospector Theater says, “Happy World Down Syndrome Day! This year's theme is "with us, not for us." We want YOU to work with us in creating more competitive and inclusive employment for people with disabilities!” 

Check out the Prospector’s video featuring several Prospects including 40-year-old Kris Mann who says, “I have Down Syndrome, and I love it… if they don’t like it… that’s them, not me.”

Learn more about the Prospector: www.ProspectorTheater.org

On Saturday, March 25th at 1:00pm, the Town of Southbury will hold a History Talk on “The Irish in Southbury” as part of its year-long 350th-anniversary celebration. The event is free with registration and will be delivered live by the presenter in the Kingsley Room at the Southbury Library at 100 Poverty Road. It will also be streamed live via Zoom.  

In this History Talk, Southbury Town Historian and Historic Buildings Commission Chairman John Dwyer, will explore shifting demographics and those that left their imprint on the Town. “On St. Patrick’s Day they say ‘everybody is Irish’,” notes Dwyer. “But when you conjure an image of an old-time Yankee farmer, the thought of an Irish immigrant with a quaint dialect does not immediately come to mind. The truth is, that not all those who fled the potato famine or those who went off seeking work on the railroad were willing to tolerate the tenements and sweatshops of the city. Some went to the countryside to practice a lifestyle more like they had left behind.”

John Dwyer and his family came to Southbury in 1984 to move into his wife Lynn’s ancestral home. Their children were the 8th generation descendants to live there. The proximity to this heritage spurred an interest in antiquities that developed into an in-depth and ongoing study of local history.

The Town of Southbury is holding events and activities all year long to celebrate 350 years of community, culture and history (1673-2023), aimed at highlighting the past and progress of the one and only Southbury.

The 350th Anniversary Steering Committee is co-chaired by John Dwyer and Kevin Bielmeier, with vice-chair Brian Jones, Justin Bette, Lynn Dwyer, Melinda Elliott, Michael Ganem, Kara Kenney, Mary Korsu, and Gosia Liedlich.

To learn more about the 350th Anniversary visit www.southbury-ct.org/350.

At the History Talk, various 350th Anniversary commemorative items will be available, to benefit the Southbury Historical Society.

In-person Registration Link: https://www.southburylibrary.org/event/person-irish-southbury
Zoom Registration Link: https://www.southburylibrary.org/event/zoom-irish-southbury

It Takes a Village

*Names changed to protect privacy
by Deb Kelleher -Executive Director, Annie C. Courtney Fdtn.

We’re all familiar with the saying, “It takes a village.” For one foster mom, her “village” is truly a godsend, enabling her to care for children whose needs would overwhelm most parents.

Alicia always wanted to be a foster parent, her whole life. As a single adult, it seemed like a good way to experience parenting and, even, under the right circumstances, form a permanent family.  In 2017, she completed the training through CT Department of Children and Families and began her foster care journey. For the first two years, Alicia cared for a number of kids, all of whom either returned home to their parents or moved on to another family. Along the way, Alicia became certified to care for children with complicated medical issues. She’d found her calling. In July of 2019, Alicia received the call to care for a 5 month old baby boy with medical issues. Little did she know that this boy would remain with her forever, beginning a journey that also would include reuniting him with his two older sisters, all of whom are now adopted by this single mom.

Alicia is the kind of woman who loves hard, a woman with a soft place in her heart for children in need. This description would embarrass her as she desires no recognition for her selflessness. Shortly after the adoption of her 3 children, while chatting with a foster parent friend, Alicia heard about another little boy in DCF care who desperately needed a family – a 7-year-old little boy named Phillip with very significant medical needs. As a special education teacher, she was likely more comfortable with children whose needs can be complex and challenging, but the hands-on care – that is something entirely different. What Alicia knew though, was that this little boy needed a family and DCF was struggling to find the right fit for him. She wondered if the right fit could be her. This drove her to stretch out of her comfort zone, take a leap of faith that help would be there when she needed it, and ask about bringing Phillip into her growing family.  Alicia reached out to the DCF supervisor.

Jean Norvig is the supervisor for the foster care division unit in DCF supporting Alicia. Jean has done this work for many years and has deep relationships with many of the families who foster children from the Greater Danbury area. Jean and Alicia and Alicia’s support worker, Jerry, as well as Phillip’s DCF team of workers and supervisors met and talked about Phillip’s needs and Alicia’s ability to meet those needs. One advantage Alicia has is that as a special education teacher she has summers off making some of the challenges around childcare a bit more doable. She is also comfortable with children with differing abilities. They talked about how the department could help find support for Alicia given the big job she was willing to take on. Between all of them, they figured out how to make it work so Phillip could be cared for by Alicia. Ultimately, a decision to place Phillip in Alicia’s home was made and Phillip came home in January 2022.

Phillip is a sweet child. He is non-verbal and uses a wheelchair. He is fed through a feeding tube, and he requires assistance with all activities of daily life from bathing to dressing. He has an ongoing relationship with his dad and his sister which Alicia supports as she does for each of her children. Alicia’s girlfriend, Yvette, was a part of the decision to care for Phillip. Like Alicia, she has known Phillip since he was two, and Alicia says, “Yvette was fully supportive and onboard for bringing him into our family.” Even though they do not live together, Alicia and Yvette consider themselves family. Yvette also is a part of Phillip’s “care team.”  She went to the hospital and completed the same training Alicia received so that she could care for Phillip.  She frequently takes Phillip to doctors’ appointments. She is regularly in the home and always lends a helping hand. She is an occupational therapist, and so well-suited to meet Phillip’s needs. She provides overnight care on the rare occasions when Alicia treats herself to a little self-care.

Here’s where the rest of the village comes in. Many of Alicia’s friends and colleagues agreed to jump in when needed. Two different foster parents care for the children when there are early dismissals at school and during the four teacher in-service days over the school year when Alicia is required to work. Phillip needs one-on-one support with daycare as well as after-school care. Another friend helped out after school. Early morning care became the last hurdle. And after a few bumps in the road, Jean came up with the perfect plan – a “retired” foster mom named Darlene. Alicia, smiling, recalls it like this: “Jean had been reaching out to all her contacts. And then she remembered Darlene, a former foster mom so Jean reached out to her. And it ended up working and she got trained. Pretty sure she fell in love with all four kids.” Not only did Darlene agree to provide Phillip’s support before school, it turned out that Alicia would need her on Monday afternoons also and Darlene quickly jumped in to help.

Darlene and Jean began their relationship close to 21 years ago when Darlene became licensed to care for infants. Darlene describes herself as “a helper who likes being in the background.” Caring for babies in foster care was a perfect fit for her. Over her 21 year “career,” Darlene cared for 21 infants, the longest one for three years, each baby either returning home or moving on to adoption. Recently, she retired her license, explaining that she felt it was the right time to step down.  Jean approached her about Alicia’s need for before-school care and after some thought, Darlene agreed to help. She missed her foster care work, and this seemed like a good match for someone who no longer wished to provide full time care. Darlene explained, “You know, it's hard just to stop doing something like that.” Darlene lights up when she talks about Phillip.  Thinking back to when she first met him, Darlene said, “I was a little nervous because I wasn't exposed to Phillip's disabilities, but he's the cutest little thing. And even though he doesn't speak, he's non-verbal. He communicates with his eyes. It's hard not to fall in love with him.”

At first, Darlene just provided before school care. But within two weeks, this connection morphed into more than just childcare. Darlene explains, “I'm a foodie. I've been cooking for people for a long time. That's how I care about people. For years, Darlene was a stay-at-home mom. She says, “When I went out into the workforce, I went into catering. It's hard to understand the emotional and physical strains on Alicia. She’s just amazing to me So, I talked to her workers to see what I could do to help her, besides caring for Phillip. They said, ‘Oh, she's very self-sufficient. And, you know, she doesn't really require anything’ but I know the stronger you show yourself; the less people offer to help you.”

When it turned out that Darlene was needed on Monday afternoons for after school care, this all came together in her head. Monday night dinners. Initially, she worried that she might insult Alicia, so she reached out to Jean for advice. “She thought it would be okay to ask Alicia. And she said “no” right away. But I told her that I wanted to help, that I know how much is on her plate. And so, she finally said okay. So now I'll cook breakfast for the kids occasionally and bring it in the mornings. Because she has to get four kids ready, and she seems like she's good, but everyone can use help.” So, Darlene regularly prepares Monday night dinners for Alicia and her kids. Darlene says that Phillip loves to look at the food even though he is unable to eat it.

Darlene likens these dinners to her time as a foster parent. “People that don't foster say that you're taking care of somebody's kid and you're giving it up? And I don't know how many times I heard that. I don't know how you do that. I would get too attached. Well, I'm not a selfish person.” She believes that this did not win her a lot of friends, but she is comfortable with her life’s work. She goes on to say, “It's not about us. It's about them. Help the children, don’t help me.” So, this is what she does. She sees this as not only helping Alicia but as a way for her to continue to help the children.

Alicia really appreciates the meals and everything Darlene is doing for her. And Darlene is thrilled to be able to cook and bake for her little “adopted” family.  She takes great pride in trying to think up new and interesting meals – and especially desserts – Darlene’s favorite to make. On Hanukkah, Darlene made a beautiful spread for the family including homemade applesauce. Alicia texted her over and over that evening to say how delicious it was, so it is on Darlene’s list to repeat again. Darlene loves to bake so each Monday comes with a delicious dessert. Recently, she made black and white cookies. Alicia says, “Darlene also made everybody individualized Christmas presents. She sews so I asked her to adapt some clothing for Phillip, and she did that as well. She's multitalented.” Alicia goes on to say, “And I think she empathizes with me as well. So, it's nice to have that person there supporting us.”

Alicia, like all foster parents, does not know how long Phillip will be with her but for the time being Alicia and Darlene and the rest of Alicia’s village will pour all their love into Phillip allowing him to live his best life.

Recently, our agency director spoke with Jean rand the subject of these dinners came up. Jean was hoping we could collaborate and come up with some funding to offset the cost of the dinners Darlene so generously provides. So, we went to the community to raise money and folks generously responded. So far, we have raised over $300 to help offset the cost of the food. While Darlene was not looking for assistance with the costs, in this economy, we all felt that Darlene’s gift of time and talent should be met with equal community backing. Foster care is a labor of love and commitment. No one can do this kind of “job” entirely on their own. Most foster parents, like Alicia, develop a “village” of supporters, all helping in different ways. When a burden can be shared, almost anything is doable. There are over 3000 Connecticut children just like Phillip and Alicia’s other children deserving of a “village” to meet their needs. When we each do a little, a lot can get done. And these children deserve our best.

For more information on all the different ways you can help a child in foster care, please give our office a call at 475-235-2184.

Gift cards for Darlene and other helpers like her are needed and welcome. Donations can be made via Venmo to @AnnieCCourt.

Volunteers to provide a meal or respite are always in short supply and truly appreciated. Connecticut needs more foster parents like Alicia, and all our foster parents need their own village of helpers.

In the words of the writer, James Baldwin, “For these are all our children, we will all profit by or pay for what they become.”

Let’s be their village, let’s love them and care for them and help them achieve their highest potential.

Charity Auction to Benefit The Southbury Public Library
3/16-22/2023

An online charity auction featuring beautiful classic books, book sets, vintage books, art. home decor, collectables and more! Organizer: The Friends of The Southbury Public Library.

Click for the event's details.

Book Donation Day to Friends of the Southbury Public Library
3/18/2023 | 10:00am-3:00pm

Friends of the Southbury Public Library will be accepting gently-used or new books (all categories - current through antiquarian) DVDs, music CDs, books on CDs and all other media, jigsaw puzzles, and vinyl records, maps, posters, etc. Organizers: Friends of the Southbury Public Library.

Click for the event's details.

ONGOING

350th Anniversary of Southbury

Town of Southbury is holding celebrations throughout the year commemorating this historical event.

Go to www.southbury-ct.org/350-events to view the events.

Candy Counting Contest
Until 4/1/2023

Stop by the Parks & Recreation office during business hours to guess the number of candies in the jar.

Click for the event's details.
 

COMING SOON

3/24/2023 - Fish Fry

3/25/2023 - Annual Spring Egg Hunt

3/25/2023 - History Talk: The Irish in Southbury

3/30/2023 - Health & Wellness Fair

4/07/2023 - Spring Gator Tours Fridays until 6/9/2023

4/08/2023 - Señor Pancho's Event Benefiting Whiskers Pet Rescue

View more future events: Upcoming Events Listing

RVNAhealth is collecting information and feedback on a newly designed Parkinson's Center, dedicated to health and wellness for Parkinson's Disease (PD). 

If you live in our local CT/NY area and are a person with PD, a family member/caregiver of a person with PD, or a health or wellness professional working with PD patients, we'd love to get your input!  

This survey should take 5 minutes or less and all eligible participants may elect to be entered into a drawing for a $50 Amazon gift card (through March 31st). 

Take the survey HERE.

Guided Walk - Sunday, March 19 | 10:00 AM

Come experience a slow and somatic walk in nature. Forest Bathing, aka nature therapy, is restorative, supports health and healing, and leaves space for individual interpretation. Certified Nature and Forest Therapy guide, Maura Smotrich, will lead these walks to open your gateway to sensory awareness, practicing mindful movement, and nature observation, and end with tea outside.

Please bring a light mat or towel, and optionally: a journal, water, bug spray, sunscreen, clothing layers.

Learn more here.

In honor of the Town of Southbury’s 350th Anniversary, the Arts & Culture Subcommittee of the Economic Development Commission has organized a Community Quilt Project. They are calling upon the community to contribute quilt squares that will be assembled and presented at the end of the year.

The theme of the square is “home sweet home” and residents are being asked to submit a design that reflects what it means to them to live in Southbury. The Arts & Culture team is providing participants with a free, standard-size blank square of fabric to quilt. Fabric squares are being distributed upon request by completing the form at: www.southbury-ct.org/350-quilt.

The deadline for submission of finished squares is September 1, 2023. For questions, email artsculturesouthbury@gmail.com or visit: www.southbury-ct.org/350-quilt.

To assist residents with their quilt square submission, the Arts & Culture Committee has partnered with the Southbury Public Library to offer two, free quilt workshops. Christy Keefe of the Southford Falls Quilt Guild will discuss basic techniques, tools and materials one can utilize in creating a 350th Celebration quilt square. The two workshops will be held at the Southbury Public Library on March 25th and April 15th from 10am – 12pm. Since space is limited, registration is required at: www.southburylibrary.org or by calling the Library at (203) 262-0626.

The Town of Southbury is holding events and activities all year long to celebrate 350 years of community, culture and history (1673-2023), aimed at highlighting the past and progress of the one and only Southbury.

To learn more about the 350th Anniversary visit: www.southbury-ct.org/350.

The Golf Performance Center (The GPC) – a junior golf academy and industry thought leader in player development innovations, physical performance and golf skill instruction in Ridgefield, CT– has partnered with Golf Quest Range in Brookfield, CT to offer golf and physical coaching programs and instruction.

The Golf Performance Center will partner with Golf Quest Range in Brookfield, CT to provide all golf and physical instruction. Golf Quest customers will be able to participate in a wide range of instruction programs for golfers of all ages and skill levels as well as junior camps offered throughout the year. Instruction provided by PGA and GPC-certified instructors will allow area participants to receive premier-level instruction in a fun environment and for all age and skill levels. Whether picking up a club for the first time or ready to take their skills to the next level.

Golf Quest, located in Brookfield, CT, features 69 technology-enabled hitting bays, delicious food and drinks, and programs for all golfers. Golf Quest was purchased by Blue Jeans Golf  in November of 2021 and has been transformed into the premier public golf range in Connecticut. The range features Toptracer technology to bring virtual games, courses, and competitions to every bay.  Whether people are coming for their daily range session, birthday party, corporate event, or one of its golf leagues, Golf Quest has golf and fun for everyone.

“We are thrilled to bring over 25 years of golf coaching experience to the newly renovated Golf Quest and provide greater access to the game to the Ridgefield/Danbury/Brookfield area. This partnership allows us to further our mission of helping grow the game of golf and help people achieve their goals on and off the golf course in a fun and relaxed group environment.” – Roger Knick, Founder and CEO of The Golf Performance Center.

“We are excited to work with Golf Performance Center to bring golf instruction to Golf Quest. As the greater Brookfield area has embraced the New Golf Quest, we were seeking a first-class, local partner to help shepherd people along their golf journey, regardless of skill-level, background, or experience. This partnership is an exciting step forward to grow public golf in Connecticut, and we have a lot of fun, creative programs we can’t wait to bring to life.” – Michael Canfield Blue Jean Golf Co-Founder.

Group coaching programs delivered by GPC-certified coaches will begin April 1, 2023 offering drop-in programs for both adults and juniors as well as season passes.

A Spring Break Golf Camp for juniors will be held April 10th through the 13th for ages 7 to 16. Additional summer camps will also be offered.

For more information or to register for all programs visit Golf Quest’s program page here.

For more than 20 years, The GPC has successfully guided nearly 100 competitors as they prepare for golf at the highest levels. Alumni include multiple NCAA All-Americans, current and former student-athletes at 80 different colleges and universities and professionals who have won on the Korn Ferry Tour, Mackenzie Tour – PGA TOUR Canada and European Tour.

Located in Ridgefield, Conn., The GPC integrates state-of-the-art training facilities and expert coaching to help athletes reach their goals. Beginning with the one-of-a-kind “5 Elements of Success” evaluation, the academy delivers customized instruction designed to provide aspiring golfers with tools for long-term success.

Help Ukraine while honoring its beautiful Easter tradition!

Arts Escape is honored to be working with Father Paul Luniw to offer another Ukrainian egg-making workshop on Tuesday, March 28, 2023 from 1:00 - 3:00 p.m.

A pysanka is a Ukranian Easter Egg that is decorated with traditional Ukrainian folk designs using wax and dyes. The word pysanka comes from the verb pysaty, "to write" or as the designs are inscribed with beeswax. Father Paul will give a brief lecture about the history of Ukrainian egg making and then will demonstrate the methods that will be used to make the creation.

Father Paul will have Pysanky eggs to sell after the workshop with the proceeds going toward Ukranian relief efforts. Father Paul has been sending help to Ukraine through his church, St. Michael Ukranian Church in Terryville, CT.

We will be collecting cash/check donations for that effort.

Learn more and regsiter https://www.artsescape.org/category/fine-art/

Writers may work alone but the feedback of other writers is vital. The Writer's Workshop gives students an opportunity to share their works-in-progress with fellow writers under the guidance of instructor Nancy McMillan.

Writers can bring in up to five double-spaced pages to be read aloud and critiqued. Writers will receive constructive feedback from other writers and the instructor. Critique guidelines will be provided.  The workshop runs for two hours, to allow plenty of time for each writer to receive thorough attention.

Learn more and sign-up https://www.artsescape.org/category/writing/

Governor Ned Lamont and Education Commissioner Charlene M. Russell-Tucker today announced that the Connecticut State Department of Education is releasing $11.5 million from its share of federal American Rescue Plan Act funds to continue its highly successful Summer Enrichment Program in summer 2023 and summer 2024.

The governor proposed the creation of the program in 2021 in an effort to connect students whose education may have been negatively impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic to high-quality enrichment opportunities when they are out of school during the summer months, including at summer camps, childcare centers, and other similar programs, with a priority for those in communities that were disproportionately impacted by the pandemic. The state continued the program in 2022. With the release of this additional funding for 2023 and 2024, Connecticut will have dedicated $32 million in federal COVID-19 relief funding over four years for students’ summer enrichment programming. Since its creation, the program has provided funding to more than 400 organizations in Connecticut that offer summer learning opportunities.

Governor Lamont said, “Investing in our children’s future is a priority for Connecticut. With this investment, we can extend this successful program for another two years and ensure that more of Connecticut’s children have access to summer enrichment and learning opportunities, regardless of their family’s income level. This program is helping provide a safe and enriching summer experience for our kids and will benefit our communities for years to come.”

Applications from organizations that want to participate in the program in 2023 and 2024 are now being accepted by the State Department of Education. To apply, visit portal.ct.gov/SDE/COVID19/AccelerateCT/Summer-Enrichment. Applications must be submitted no later than April 3, 2023.

Similar to the prior two years, the program will award funding to the most competitive summer programs. For 2023 and 2024, applicants can apply for either two expansion grants (up to $50,000 each, for a maximum of $100,000) or two innovation grants (up to $150,000 each, for a maximum of $300,000) per program site. Camps must use the funds to expand the number of students served, subsidize enrollment costs by providing scholarships, or provide transportation for program participants.

The Connecticut State Department of Education will host a virtual information session for interested grant applicants on March 16, 2023, at 12:00 p.m. Registration is required. A video recording of the session will be published on the Summer Enrichment website shortly after its conclusion.

An independent evaluation of the 2021 program concluded that the initiative successfully connected more than 108,000 Connecticut students with summertime enrichment opportunities. A similar evaluation of the 2022 program is expected to be released soon.

Connecticut families seeking to enroll their children in summer programs this year will soon be able to browse available opportunities online by visiting summerct.org. A listing of opportunities for 2023 will be published on that website in the coming weeks as the summer season approaches.

Fish Fry
3/10/2023 | 4:30-7:00pm

Dinner includes fried or baked fish, choice of French fries or mac & cheese, coleslaw, cake and beverages. Organizer: Knights of Columbus 5066.

Click for the event's details.

Musical Performance at Cosmic Glue March
3/10/2023 | 7:00pm

Live music and Lucky Latte, a specialty drink in honor of St. Patrick’s Day! Organizer: Calvary Southbury.

Click for the event's details.

Southbury Civic Day
3/11/2023 | 1:00-3:00pm

Presentation, tour of Town Hall, special guest artist David K. Merrill. Organizer: 350th Anniversary Steering Committee.

Click for the event's details.
 

ONGOING

350th Anniversary of Southbury

Town of Southbury is holding celebrations throughout the year commemorating this historical event.

Go to www.southbury-ct.org/350-events to view the events.

Candy Counting Contest
Until 4/1/2023

Stop by the Parks & Recreation office during business hours to guess the number of candies in the jar.

Click for the event's details.

COMING SOON

3/18/2023 - Book Donation Day to Friends of the Southbury Public Library

3/24/2023 - Fish Fry

3/25/2023 - Annual Spring Egg Hunt

View more future events: Upcoming Events Listing