Local vet Dr. Tara Nanavati of Seymour and Oxford is honored by Oxford First Selectman George R. Temple for his 35 years of service to the Valley. contributed photo

New Haven County

Jay Kenney

Hartford Metropolitan Area

Oxford

Connecticut

Dr. Tara Nanavati was honored for his three and a half decades of service.

Local Vet Honored by Oxford's Top Official

Politics & Government

RJ Scofield

Naugatuck

Hayleigh Evans

Southbury

Bethwood

Fairfield County

Shelton-Derby

Monroe

Newtown

Woodbury-Middlebury

Vincent Salzo

Hamden

Orange

Trumbull

MIDDLEBURY, CT – Region 15 student Kataliena Prior is making waves on the national stage. A 3rd grade student at Long Meadow Elementary School, Kataliena Prior has been named a Top 3 finalist for the prestigious 2026 National Jr. Ranger Title.
The national program, hosted by renowned conservationist Jeff Corwin and the Official Ambassador for National Wildlife, recognizes youth who demonstrate exceptional leadership, a passion for conservation, and a deep dedication to America’s National Parks. Out of thousands of applicants across the United States, Kataliena Prior is now representing the Middlebury and Southbury communities in the final stage of the competition.Representing the Middlebury Martial Arts Academy, Kataliena recently traveled to Scotland for the International Championship. Competing in the traditional Korean style of Tang Soo Do, she delivered a world-class performance, bringing home a Gold Medal in Forms, a Silver Medal in Sparring, and a Silver Medal in Weapons.
Kataliena trains under the expert guidance of 4th Dan Master Virginia Folger. Her international victory followed a dominant showing at the National Championship, where she secured Gold Medals in both Forms and Weapons, as well as a Silver Medal in Sparring.
“Kataliena’s dedication to her craft, whether in the dojang or out in the National Parks, is a testament to her character,” says Liely and Paul Prior as parents.&nbsp;
Between her rigorous training schedule and her environmental advocacy, Kataliena remains deeply rooted in the Region 15 community.
Kataliena’s journey to the Top 3 is backed by years of local environmental stewardship and community service. Her contributions to the Region 15 area include:
<ul><li>Earth Day Stewardship: Leading by example in annual neighborhood Brookside clean-ups.&nbsp;With nothing more than a pair of gloves and a trash bag, Kataliena takes to the streets of her neighborhood, dedicated to picking up trash and preserving the local environment.</li><li>Arbor Day Conservation: Active participation in local tree-planting initiatives.&nbsp;Kataliena actively participates in Region 15 local tree-planting initiatives, dedicating her time to reforestation efforts and the preservation of our town's natural beauty.</li><li>Community Support: A consistent volunteer for the annual "Socktober" drive,&nbsp;Kataliena has shown remarkable growth in her community service, raising over 150 pairs of socks in 2025 and doubling her impact in 2026 with over 300 pairs donated. supporting those in need throughout the district.</li></ul>
The grand prize for the National Jr. Ranger Title includes a $20,000 scholarship and a featured spread in Junior Ranger Magazine.
The community is encouraged to rally behind our local finalist. Voting is currently open and is time sensitive as the competition heads into its final selection. Members of the public can cast their votes for Kataliena Prior by visiting link below.
Where people vote: <a href="https://jr-ranger.org/2026/kataliena-0929" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">jr-ranger.org/2026/kataliena-0929</a>

Local Event: Region 15 LMES Student in Top 3 for 2026 National Jr. Ranger Title hosted by Jeff Corwin.

Middlebury

Region 15 LMES Student in Top 3 for 2026...

MIDDLEBURY, CT – Region 15 student Kataliena Prior is making waves on the national stage. A 3rd grade student at Long Meadow...

Region 15 LMES Student in Top 3 for 2026 National Jr. Ranger Title hosted by Jeff Corwin.

Southern Connecticut

On May 6-7th, help us show off the generosity of the Greater New Haven Community and donate to APK through The Great Give! Every gift will help us further our work to provide emergency basic needs assistance to Veterans and military families across Southern Connecticut. Learn more and get ready to give at <a target="_blank" href="https://thegreatgive.org/organizations/APK-Charities" rel="nofollow noopener">TheGreatGive.org/organizations/APK-Charities</a>

Local Event: Remember Our Connecticut Fallen Heroes & Veterans in May & Support APK through The Great Give!

Madison

Remember Our Connecticut Fallen Heroes &...

On May 6-7th, help us show off the generosity of the Greater New Haven Community and donate to APK through The Great Give!...

Remember Our Connecticut Fallen Heroes & Veterans in May & Support APK through The Great Give!

Pomperaug Elementary School

​​​Southbury, CT — Residents of Southbury and surrounding communities are invited to attend the Southbury Green Expo 2026, a free, family-friendly event focused on sustainability, community engagement, and practical solutions for greener living.
Event Details: 
Date: Saturday, May 9, 2026 (rain or shine) 
Time: 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM 
Location: Pomperaug Elementary School, 607 Main Street South, Southbury, CT 06488
The Expo will bring together local businesses, organizations, and artisans dedicated to building a more sustainable future. Designed for both beginners and those already embracing eco-conscious lifestyles, the event offers accessible ideas, valuable resources, and inspiration for making everyday life more sustainable.
Event Highlights Include:
●Recycling Drive: Attendees can responsibly dispose of hard-to-recycle items such as batteries, electronics, clothing, plastic bags and film, corks, ink cartridges, and eyeglasses—helping to keep waste out of landfills.
●Local Vendors &amp; Exhibitors: Explore eco-friendly products and services ranging from energy efficiency solutions to sustainable goods and upcycled creations.
●Artisans: Support local makers offering unique, handmade items crafted with sustainability in mind.
●Student Sustainability Contest: Celebrate the creativity and environmental leadership of local students, whose projects are inspired by the “Seven Rs” of sustainability, in order of priority: Reduce, Refuse, Reuse, Rethink, Repair, Repurpose, and Recycle.
●Educational Opportunities: Learn practical ways to reduce waste, conserve energy, and make environmentally conscious choices at home and in the community.
●Family-Friendly Activities: Enjoy interactive exhibits and hands-on experiences designed for all ages.
●Door Prizes &amp; Giveaways: Attendees will have the chance to win a variety of eco-friendly door prizes donated by participating vendors and community partners.
The Southbury Green Expo provides an opportunity to reduce waste and recycle responsibly, save energy and lower household costs, support local businesses and artisans, connect with neighbors and community organizations, and take meaningful steps toward a more sustainable future!
Admission is free and open to the public.
For more information, visit <a href="https://www.sustainablesouthbury.org" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank"></a><a href="https://www.sustainablesouthbury.org/green-expo-2026" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank"></a><a href="https://www.sustainablesouthbury.org/green-expo-2026" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">sustainablesouthbury.org/green-expo-2026</a>

Local Event: Southbury Green Expo 2026 Invites Community to Explore Sustainable Living

Southbury Green Expo 2026 Invites Community to...

​​​Southbury, CT — Residents of Southbury and surrounding communities are invited to attend the Southbury Green Expo 2026, a...

Southbury Green Expo 2026 Invites Community to Explore Sustainable Living

Twisted Vine Restaurant

Celebrate Mother's Day at the Twisted Vine Restaurant in Derby!
Brunch Buffet Seating's starting at 11:00 AM in the Main Dining Room, Adults $44.95, Children 10 &amp; under $19.95 &amp; Children 5 &amp; under are FREE!
Buffet Menu: Garden Salad, Penne alla Vodka, Chicken Francaise, Roast Beef w/Gravy, Scrambled Eggs, Home Fries, Belgian Waffles, Bacon, Breakfast Sausage, Fresh Fruit Bowl &amp; More!
Mother's Day Dinner Seating's available in our Main Dining Room and our Downstairs Dining Room starting at Noon. Regular menu Plus Dinner Specials!
Make your Reservations Early, Call 203-734-2462!

Local Event: Celebrate Mother's Day at The Twisted Vine Restaurant

Celebrate Mother's Day at The Twisted Vine...

Celebrate Mother's Day at the Twisted Vine Restaurant in Derby!
Brunch Buffet Seating's starting at 11:00 AM in the Main Dining...

Celebrate Mother's Day at The Twisted Vine Restaurant

Search Underway For Missing Oxford Man In...

The man was last seen on April 29, officials said. 

Search Underway For Missing Oxford Man In Naugatuck State Forest 

Crime & Safety

'Exceptional Custom Brick Colonial' On The...

The home offers a "rare combination of privacy, scale, and timeless elegance," according to realtors.

'Exceptional Custom Brick Colonial' On The Market For $1.5M In Oxford

Real Estate

Oxford Car Show Eyes Big Turnout Again

Organizers are also seeking sponsors as planning ramps up for the popular summer car show.

Arts & Entertainment

Oxford Fishermen Get Good News This Week

Two Oxford-area locations tied to Southford Falls State Park were included in the state’s latest report.

Community Corner

Oxford Budget Heads To Public Hearing Monday

Residents will get a chance to weigh in Monday before the budget process moves ahead.

Nearby Communities

State Edition

National Edition

Politics & Government

Local Vet Honored by Oxford's Top Official

Dr. Tara Nanavati was honored for his three and a half decades of service.

Brian McCready, Patch Staff

More from Oxford

Search Underway For Missing Oxford Man In Naugatuck State Forest

'Exceptional Custom Brick Colonial' On The Market For $1.5M In Oxford

Griffin Health Offers Free Cooking Demonstration on the Garden Herbs

Region 15 LMES Student in Top 3 for 2026 National Jr. Ranger Title hosted by Jeff Corwin.

Remember Our Connecticut Fallen Heroes & Veterans in May & Support APK through The Great Give!

Southbury Green Expo 2026 Invites Community to Explore Sustainable Living

Celebrate Mother's Day at The Twisted Vine Restaurant

Nearby Communities

State Edition

National Edition

Local Vet Honored by Oxford's Top Official

Dr. Tara Nanavati was honored for his three and a half decades of service.

Brian McCready, Patch Staff<img alt="Verified Patch Staff Badge" class="styles_Badge__np_hU" src="https://patch.com/img/cdn/assets/layout/badges/verified-patch-staff.svg"/>

Brian McCready, Patch Staff