Wednesday, November 30, 2016

Santa's Coming to White Hills in Shelton

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SHELTON - White Hills Voluntary Fire Company is getting ready for Santa’s annual tour of White Hills and The White Hills Community Tree Lighting Ceremony in conjunctions with the Toys 4 Kids Drive.
 
Friends and Neighbors in White Hills are invited to the Fire House at 2 School Street for a community tree lighting at 6:00PM on Saturday, December 3rd.  All are welcome to join members of the fire company for a cup of hot chocolate after the tree lighting. The Perry Hill School Choir will be leading us in song and there will be a visit from Santa. 

Toys will also be accepted that night for the Toys 4 Kids Drive. Each year through the generosity of Shelton residents, the fire company provides truckloads of new, unwrapped toys for families in need through programs like Team Toys 4 Kids.

(This is a press release from TEAM, Inc.)

Ansonia to Mark 75th Anniversary of Pearl Harbor


Tuesday, November 29, 2016

Santa/Tree Lighting in Seymour Dec. 2nd



Holiday Open House Dec. 15


Ansonia to Kick off the Holidays Dec. 2


Griffin Hospital Offers Support for Stroke Survivors




DERBY - The Griffin Hospital Life after Stroke Support Group will host its next meeting from noon-1 p.m. Dec. 8 at the Center for Cancer Care at Griffin Hospital, 350 Seymour Ave.
 
The Life after Stroke Support Group is open to stroke survivors between the ages of 20 and 65.  This group provides information from health experts, resources, and support for individuals who have suffered a stroke in the prime of their lives. Caregivers are also welcome.
 
For more information, contact Griffin Hospital Rehabilitation Services at 203-732-7445.
 
(This is a press release from Griffin Hospital)

Monday, November 28, 2016

Seymour Fundraiser for Fido and Fluffy December 10th




Ansonia Resident Regains Valley 5K Title



DERBY- Ansonia resident Tim Milenkevich regained his Commodore Hull Thanksgiving Race5K Title by blitzing the field of 650 runners on a perfect Thanksgiving morning.

Tim jumped to a very short lead over Mike Padilla who won the very first race back in 2002. They matched each other virtually stride for stride through downtown Shelton and across the Derby/Shelton Bridge into Derby. As they turned onto Elizabeth from Main Street and headed up the incline to the Derby Green, Tim started to open space between the two that would increase as the race went on. At the finish line, Tim's lead was thirteen seconds with a winning time of 16:24 (5:17 per mile pace). In his two previous championships (2012 & 2013) he ran times of 15:56 and 16:00 respectively. Mike, now a resident of Phoenixville, PA, ran a time of 16:08 back in 2002 on a course that was different than the one currently used. James Mas of Shelton finished third with a time of 16:48. The trio were the only runners to finish under 18 minutes.

Anna Pluta of Weston took the Women's title with a time of 19:53 (6:24 pace). 2013 winner Emily McNeil was second with a time of  20:13 while two time defending champion Lauren Flament finished third at 20:22.

There were no new course records set this year. Richard Stoliker established the men's record in 2015 at 15:39 while the women's record of 18:50 was set by Kristin Wenstrom way back in 2003.

This was the 15th year for the event which was started to honor the achievements of Commodore Isaac Hull who was born in Derby and also lived in Shelton. He was the commander of the U.S.S. Constitution, Old Ironsides, in the War of 1812. There were runners from 13 states and Canada in this year’s race with the youngest runner being 6 years old and the oldest was 82. The race has raised approximately $175,000 for the Boys & Girls club of the Lower Naugatuck Valley.

For more information, including pictures and video, visit the race website at www.hullrace.org.
 
(This is a press release from Jack Walsh) 
 

Winter FAQ's for Seymour Residents



Friday, November 25, 2016

Need Help Quitting Smoking? Griffin Hospital Can Help

 
 
DERBY - Griffin Hospital offers free education, advice and support to help individuals prepare to quit smoking with its four-week smoking cessation program starting Dec. 7.
 
“That’s It – Learn to Quit” teaches a variety of methods to help individuals quit smoking. The program consists of Wednesday night meetings from 5:30-7 p.m. scheduled for Dec. 7, 14, 21, and 28 at the Center for Cancer Care at Griffin Hospital, 350 Seymour Ave., Derby.
 
“The goal of the program is to help you learn how to quit,” said Carrie O’Malley, RN, a co-coordinator of the program. “There are different methods of quitting and managing nicotine withdrawal. If one method didn’t work for you in the past we’ll help you understand all your options.”
 
Through group discussion and interactive activities, participants learn how to develop a quit plan that addresses their personal behaviors and habit. Strategies to manage nicotine withdrawal, behaviors, triggers, and urges are all discussed as well as weight control and stress management.
Participants must be prepared to attend all four sessions.
 
To register for “That’s It – Learn to Quit,” call 203-732-1476.
(This is a press release from Griffin Hospital)

Wednesday, November 23, 2016

Ansonia Mayor David Cassetti's Thanksgiving Message

ANSONIA - This Thanksgiving we should all dedicate time to being grateful for our numerous blessings. Our wonderful community here in Ansonia is certainly one blessing that must never be taken for granted.
 
We have many members of our community to be thankful for. The sacrifices made by our veterans – particularly those serving overseas right now – stand out foremost in my mind.
 
We should also remember the service of our police officers, firefighters, EMS, and their work to keep us safe and secure.
 
It’s important to recognize even the small contributions of our friends and
neighbors; the support and friendship we extend to each other on a daily basis. Let’s keep in mind that there no obstacle we cannot overcome when we are united
as one community.
 
I personally would like to thank Ansonia residents for all the support they have
shown me and my administration over the past three years. Managing a city is no
easy task, but your kind words, advice and guidance have made this job one of the
greatest experiences in my life.
 
May God bless each of you and our great city.
 
Mayor David S. Cassetti
 
(This is a message from Mayor David Cassetti)

Tuesday, November 22, 2016

Santa Claus Coming to Annual Seymour Breakfast


Valley Non-Profits Awarded $595K in Grants

DERBY - The Valley Community Foundation (VCF) is pleased to announce it has awarded $595,000 in single- and multi-year grants to 13 nonprofits providing services to Valley residents. Grants were awarded through VCF’s responsive grantmaking cycle, which is done with its partner in philanthropy, The Community Foundation for Greater New Haven (TCF).
 
“There have been severe budget cuts to our nonprofits over the past number of years,” says Sharon Closius, VCF President & CEO. “The programs they provide are critical in addressing some of the needs highlighted in the recently released 2016 Valley Community Index. VCF has a thorough application review process and, with the help of so many donors, we are able to support many of the requests received.”

VCF’s Responsive Grant Program is funded by a generous annual grant from TCF’s Gates and field of interest funds as well as VCF field of interest funds. The Gates Fund, established in 1952, is one of the largest funds at TCF, which supports the residents of Derby and vicinity. 
 
Additionally, 13 donor advised fundholders at VCF contributed funds to the amount allocated through this granting program. These funds include:  Agape Fund, Bassett Family Fund, Salvatore and Linda Tiano Coppola Family Fund, D’Addario Fund, Haywood Fund, Kaplan Fund, Konwerski Fund, Mary Fund, Joseph A. Pagliaro, Sr. Family Fund, Palazzi Fund, Sally and Dominic Thomas Fund, John Tyma Fund, and Warichar Family Fund. 
2016 Responsive Grant Recipients:
 
Area Congregations Together, Inc. to provide general operating support for the provision of food, shelter and support services to 4,000 Valley people in need; $120,000

BHcare to support one-time merger costs with the Lower Naugatuck Valley Parent Child Resource Center; $70,000

Boys & Girls Club of the Lower Naugatuck Valley to support capacity building in the areas of marketing, development, human resources and staff leadership to sustain growth of organization and prevent service disruption to its 2,717 members; $90,000

Catholic Charities Archdiocese of Hartford to support the Outpatient Psychiatric Clinic for children which promotes the emotional, psychological, and physical well-being of the Valley's neediest children, adolescents, and their families; $60,000

Center Stage Theatre Inc. to provide general operating support for growth and education through performing arts programming, participation in and access to live theater; $55,000

Central Connecticut Coast YMCA to provide general operating support for the Valley YMCA; $25,000

Derby Day Care Center to support the purchase of playground equipment to meet national guidelines for physical activity, thus reducing incidences of obesity and creating a safe space for children; $20,000

Griffin Hospital to support the Advance Care Planning program which ensures that patients' choices at the end of their life are known and implemented; $20,000

Housatonic Council, Boy Scouts of America to provide general operating support for scouting programs for 1,000 Valley youth; $30,000

Naugatuck Valley Health District to support Freedom2Breathe which raises awareness about asthma and provides education about asthma to parents, caregivers and workers in childcare settings in the Valley; $55,000

Salvation Army, Greater Valley Corps to support the Client Choice Food Pantry to meet its increased demand for food assistance for 4,000 individuals annually; $20,000

Valley Emergency Medical Services
 to support the replacement of a Life-Pak 15 Cardiac Monitor, a life saving tool utilized in its response to close to 6,500 requests for emergency paramedic service; $20,000

Workplace, Inc.
to support the Ansonia and Derby American Job Centers; $10,000
 
Click here to view this press release on the VCF website.
 
(This is a press release from Valley Community Foundation)

Monday, November 21, 2016

Kickboxing Facility Opens in Shelton


iLoveKickBoxing.com held its grand opening celebration Nov. 9 at its 702 Bridgeport Ave., Shelton location in the Center at Split Rock. Shelton Mayor Mark Lauretti and Greater Valley Chamber of Commerce President Bill Purcell joined staff members at the ribbon cutting. / Contributed photo
 
iLoveKickboxing.com is owned by Susan Gillis and offers exceptional workouts to burn fat, burn calories, and build and tone muscle - all with hands-on personal-fitness attention from incredible instructors.  
 
(This is a press release from the Greater Valley Chamber of Commerce)

Seymour to kick off Holiday Season with annual Chirstmas Parade

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SEYMOUR - Preparations are under way for the 45th annual Seymour
Christmas Parade, to be held at 2 p.m. Sunday, November 27th in downtown.
 
The rain/snow date will be the next Sunday, December 4th.
 
The Parade association president Robert Lang has issued a call for new
units to take part in the parade. 
 
“We encourage area organizations such as girl scouts, brownies, cub scouts & boy scouts,
youth groups, civic groups, churches, schools, and businesses to help us welcome the
holiday season in the valley by participating in this year’s event.”
 
As an incentive to participate, trophies and ribbons are awarded each
year in four categories. Marching units vie for the Sponheimer Trophy,
sponsored by Miller-Ward Funeral Home. The Mackenstein Trophy,
sponsored by the Seymour Lion’s Club, is given to the best float, while
school groups are eligible to win the LoPresti Trophy, sponsored by Hot
Tops. The best new unit in the parade will walk out with the President’s
Trophy, sponsored by Daddio’s Route 8 Containers. 
 
In addition, all participants receive commemorative dated ribbons.
 
For more information or to enter a unit in the parade, please contact
Bob Lang, 203 888-6268 or rclang27@sbcglobal.net.

Valley Goes Pink Raises Thousands for Cancer

Valley Goes Pink Co-chair Sue Petrizzo, third from left, and Jodi Dawley, second from right, celebrate the success of The 7th Annual Valley Goes Pink Campaign with, from left, past Co-chair Sue Coyle, Denise Barajas, MD, FACS, Medical Director of The Hewitt Center for Breast Wellness, Griffin Hospital President and CEO Patrick Charmel, and Devika Jajoo, MD, Griffin Hospital Department of Radiology chair.
  
DERBY - Thanks to the overwhelming support of Valley schools, businesses groups and individuals, The 7th Annual Valley Goes Pink Campaign raised more than $85,000 for The Hewitt Center for Breast Wellness at Griffin Hospital.
 
The funds will be used to help enhance patient care at the Hewitt Center, including purchasing new technology for breast cancer treatment.
 
“We are incredibly thankful to everyone in the Valley and the surrounding communities who volunteered their time and talents to make the campaign so successful,” said Valley Goes Pink Co-chair Jodi Dawley. “This is truly a grassroots effort that is making a real difference in the battle against breast cancer.”
 
This year’s campaign featured a variety of events including a mystery-themed event at Spector Furniture in Ansonia, bingo, an “art bra” fashion show and auction, dining, and rallies at schools throughout the Valley.
 
“Fighting breast cancer is a cause that is very near and dear to our hearts,” said Valley Goes Pink Co-chair Sue Petrizzo. “What makes Valley Goes Pink so great is that it brings the community together for a common cause, helping spread awareness about breast cancer and the importance of early detection.”
 
The Valley Goes Pink is sponsored by 99.1 FM WPLR and Hearst Connecticut Media Group.
To learn more about The Valley Goes Pink, visit griffinhealth.org/pink or contact the Griffin Hospital Development Fund at 203-732-7504.
 
(This is a press release from Griffin Hospital)

Support "Small Business Saturday" in Downtown Seymour Nov. 26

    
Saturday, November 26, 10am-8pm
Shop local at our Small Business Saturday event.
Please come to Downtown Seymour to Shop Small. Your support makes it possible to provide this fun and unique shopping experience.

Sunday, November 20, 2016

Thanksgiving Day Race Road Closures




There will be several road closures in Derby and Shelton during the Commodore Hull Thanksgiving Day Road Race on Thursday, November 24 while the race is taking place. The race begins and ends at the Farmer’s Market on Canal Street in Shelton at 8:00 am. During the race Canal Street will be closed to traffic from Wharf, Hill and Cornell Streets. There will be one lane of traffic open on Howe Avenue (Rt. 110) between Cornell Street and Bridge Street. The Bridge between Derby and Shelton will be closed.

In Derby, Main Street (Rt. 34) will be closed between Olivia and Elizabeth Streets with detours during the race. Access to Elizabeth Street from Main Street up to the Derby Public Library at Seymour Avenue will also be limited during the race.


The race begins at 8:00 am, and it is anticipated that all runners will be off the course by 9:00 am and all roads reopened to traffic.

In the event of snow, the race may be cancelled or an alternate route used which would not involve closure of state roads. We'll have notices of any cancellation or change in plans on the website as well as on our Facebook and Twitter accounts.
 


The following streets will be affected:
Shelton
Canal Street
Cornell Street
Howe Avenue
Bridge Street
Derby/Shelton Bridge

Derby
Main Street at Olivia St./Roosevelt Drive
Elizabeth Street at Main Street
Elizabeth Street at Third Street
Elizabeth Street at Thompson Place
Elizabeth Street at Fifth Street
Elizabeth Street at Cottage Street
Elizabeth Street at Seymour Avenue/Caroline Street

Residents along the race course are asked to please be aware of runners on the course in entering or leaving driveways with their motor vehicles.

 

Friday, November 18, 2016

Hey Seymour: Get Rid of those Leaves


   


SEYMOUR - The Seymour Department of Public Works is changing the way it does its annual fall leaf pickup this year.  Pickup will now be executed on a schedule based on residents’ garbage pickup day.  The schedule is below.
 
Garbage Pickup DayLeaf Pickup Schedule
Monday11/28 - 12/2
Tuesday12/5 - 12/9
Wednesday12/12 - 12/16
Thursday12/19 - 12/23
Friday12/28 - 1/5
 
Things to know:

*Leaves must be placed on the curb in brown bags.
*Leaves in plastic bags will not be accepted.
*Residents can also bring their leaves to the transfer station Tuesday-Saturday 8 AM to 2 PM.

(This is a press release from Seymour Town Hall)

Seymour Seeking Names of those serving in the Military

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SEYMOUR - The Seymour Town Clerk’s Office is reminding residents of Seymour, CT, to submit the names of servicemen and women serving in the military.

Their complete service address should be submitted to the Seymour Town Clerk including their Seymour home address and the name of the person submitting the request.

The Town of Seymour would like all Seymour servicemen and women currently serving in the military to receive a Christmas check from the Richard R. Pearson Memorial Fund.

Please submit names as soon as possible to the following address:
Seymour Town Clerk’s Office
1 First St.
Seymour, CT 06483

(This is a press release from Seymour Town Hall)

Thursday, November 17, 2016

Diversified Kitchens Celebrates Grand Re-Opening



SHELTON - Diversified Kitchens, LLC, recently celebrated its grand re-opening at its new and bigger location in the Huntington Shopping Plaza.
 
The company, founded by Douglas Cooper, senior designer, was previously located in a smaller storefront in the plaza. The larger space, in the same plaza, at 43 Huntington St., has enabled the business a huge showroom that's more than double the size of its previous space. The new location features more than 25 cabinet displays, 400 countertop samples, 100 decorative hardware samples and 300 door styles, according to the company's website http://www.diversifiedkitchensllc.com/
 
Greater Valley Chamber of Commerce President Bill Purcell welcomed Diversified Kitchens and its employees to their new location during the grand re-opening last week. 
 
"Doug is a Master Craftsman, Designer & Entrepreneur who has built a strong and successful business in Shelton, which will be celebrating its 20th Anniversary next year," said Purcell.  "Doug and his team of professional designers take great pride in helping homeowners with their customized solutions to Kitchen Remodeling projects.  With the move to a new location in Huntington Plaza, the business has doubled the size of its showroom.  The Chamber is pleased to join with the Mayor in extending congratulations and thanks to Diversified Kitchens for their continued investment in the Shelton community.”
 
Diversified Kitchens is open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Saturday from 8 a.m. to noon and by appointment. To reach Diversified Kitchens call (203)944-0055.

Wednesday, November 16, 2016

Shopping & Wine Tasting on Tap

SEYMOUR - Treasured Time invites the community to find the perfect gift and/or the perfect wine with two fundraisers on Nov. 17 at The Inn at Villa Bianca, 312 Roosevelt Dr., Seymour.
Treasured Time’s 4th Annual Holiday Shopping Extravaganza will take place from 5-9 p.m., and will be “paired” with the Wines Around the World Wine Tasting & Buying Event from 6-8:30 p.m.
 
The Holiday Shopping Extravaganza will feature more than 40 vendors. Attendees pay a $5 donation entrance fee and will be entered into a raffle for incredible prizes. The evening will include a visit from Santa from 5:15-8:15 p.m., a free gift wrap table, cash bar and DJ Phyllis Kaplan from Lone Wolf Productions spinning tunes to spread the holiday spirit.
 
The Wines Around the World event will feature a variety of wines from different countries, appetizers and desserts. Tickets are available with a $40 donation ($70 for two) and include access to the Holiday Shopping Extravaganza.
 
Attendees who place a wine order at the event will be entered in a raffle to win a wine basket donated by Valley Discount Wine & Liquor. For every case purchased, mixed cases included, there will be a 15% discount and Treasured Time will receive an additional $10 donation. Wines cannot be guaranteed ready for pick up before Thanksgiving.
 
Wine tasting attendees will also have the chance to bid on unique silent auction items and participate in a special Wine Pull Game which features wrapped “mystery” bottles of wine for $10. Paula Pettinella will perform live music, homemade cupcakes with a boozy twist will be available from Sugar and Spice Cupcakes, and Mark Mirabella, Jr., LMT, will provide char massages.
The wine tasting event is in partnership with Donna Pace at Gathering Harvest.
 
For more information about the Holiday Shopping Extravaganza or the Wines from Around the World Tasting/Buying event, contact Jenn at 203-446-1068, jenn@treasuredtime.org or visit Treasured Time on Facebook for more information on the event.
 
Proceeds will benefit Treasured Time, Inc., a Connecticut-based 501(c)(3) organization whose mission is to grant the wishes of parents with life threatening illnesses who want to create a lasting memory with their children. With your help, Treasured Time, Inc. can provide families with the “Gift of Moments.” To see how you can help us make a difference, visit us at www.treasuredtime.org.
 

Ansonia American Legion Brings Awareness to Veterans Suicide


CONTRIBUTED

 
ANSONIA - In its continuous support for the military and its veterans, The Ansonia Gordon-Visselli American Legion Post 50 is addressing veteran suicides with a unique awareness activity.
 
Nationally, the well-recognized static of 22 veterans per day committing suicide is a grim reality that need not be. Across the country, a popular “’22 push-up” movement, where people volunteer to do 22 push-ups for 22 days while challenging others to do the same, has increased the awareness of this sad truth while giving hope to those veterans that are troubled in so many ways, for so many reasons.
 
Post 50, under the command of U.S. Army veteran, Jack Granatie, looked for a more public way to get the message of veteran support out to the community at large. A display was designed that consists of 22 individual signs depicting the silhouettes of kneeling soldiers. Accompanying them is a larger sign declaring “22 Veterans Commit Suicide EVERY DAY. Please pray for our Vets”, along with the following contact information- To help:  www.22kill.com,  www.mission22.com, www.preventsuicideCT.org.  For help: Veterans Crisis Line 1-800-273-8255 PRESS 1; Military One Source 1-800-342-9647.
 
The display is being relocated to a new spot every day for at least 22 consecutive days so that they can receive maximum exposure throughout town, utilizing public places, businesses and residential front yards as backdrops. It made its debut on November 11 at the Ansonia Veterans Day Ceremony at Veterans Park next to City Hall. When the 22 days or more has run its course, the entire display will be offered to other American Legion Posts to set up in their towns.
 
Anyone in Ansonia who would like to share in supporting veterans, and this cause for awareness, are encouraged to contact Post 50 Adjutant Pat Henri at phenri@comcast.net or 203-734-1851.
 
Veterans interested in joining Post 50, which meets monthly at the Ansonia Armory, should contact Senior Vice-Commander Mike Heise at 203-308-7845.
 

Mayor Cassetti’s “Young Gloves” Boxing Tournament a Knockout Success!


ANSONIA- On Friday, November 11, Mayor Cassetti led the Pinky Silverberg Boxing Show to an extremely successful evening of fundraising, demonstration of skills, and matches from renowned amateur boxers from the New England Area.
Roughly 550 people attended the event with 60 girls and boys participating in the tournament, and the event raised $6,000.
“I was thrilled with the success of this event,” said Mayor Cassetti.  “It was wonderful to see the Armory packed to capacity with residents of all ages.”
Cassetti plans for another boxing tournament featuring the Young Gloves to be held once again in November of next year.
The Pinky Silverberg Boxing Show first featured the Valley’s Young Gloves of children between 6 and 13 competing and showcasing their talents. Later in the night, the USA Boxing Amateur Fighters took the spotlight, as well as an official Connecticut Amateur Boxing Card.
The program’s title was to the Ansonia native Silverberg, who held both a flyweight boxing title in 1927 and is a member of the Connecticut Boxing Hall of Fame. Cassetti, a Middleweight Champion himself, ran the program with other directors to help children gain self-confidence, while having fun with the sport simultaneously.
Boxing had a positive and profound effect on Mayor Cassetti when he was a child, so he hopes to share the specialty of the sport with other children as well. The Young Gloves’ program strives to teach technique, discipline, and self-confidence in the boxers, and to engage more in physical activities and a healthier lifestyle. There were 22 bouts, or fights, during the event, which were split up into two 1 minute rounds.
This event would not have been possible without the generosity of the following sponsors: Ortiz Boxing Gym in Bridgeport, CT, Ronald and Susan Silverberg, Edo Construction, Country Disposal Services LLC, Webster Bank, McDonald’s, Teamsters Local 677, and Prime AE.
(This is a press release from the City of Ansonia)

Griffin Hospital Earns "A" for Patient Safety

 
DERBY - Griffin Hospital, of Derby, CT, received its fifth consecutive “A” grade from a national patient safety organization this fall, ranking it amongst the safest hospitals in the United States.
Griffin was one of six hospitals in the state and 844 in the country to receive the top mark in the Leapfrog Hospital Safety Grades, which assign A, B, C, D and F letter grades to hospitals nationwide and provide the most complete picture of patient safety in the U.S.
 
Developed under the guidance of an expert panel, the Leapfrog Hospital Safety Grade uses 30 measures of publicly available hospital safety data to assign grades to more than 2,600 U.S. hospitals in the spring and fall of each year. The scoring methodology was developed by top patient safety experts, has been peer-reviewed, is fully transparent, and free to the public.
 
Griffin is the only hospital in the state to achieve the “A” grade in the last five consecutive reporting periods.
 
“At Griffin Hospital, we are committed to providing an exceptional patient experience which includes safe, high quality care,” said Griffin Hospital President and CEO Patrick Charmel. “We are honored to be recognized for an industry leading level of patient safety and care effectiveness, and I’m grateful to all Griffin caregivers who contribute to our culture of high reliability and patient centered care.”
 
“Protecting patients from harm is the most important charge for any hospital,” said Leah Binder, president and CEO of The Leapfrog Group. “We recognize and appreciate ‘A’ hospitals’ vigilance and continued dedication to keeping their patients safe.”
 
To see Griffin Hospital’s full grade, and to access consumer-friendly patient tips for staying safe in hospitals, visit hospitalsafetygrade.org or follow The Leapfrog Hospital Safety Grade on Twitter or Facebook. Consumers can also download the free Leapfrog Hospital Safety Grade mobile app for Apple and Android devices.
 
About The Leapfrog Group
Founded in 2000 by large employers and other healthcare purchasers, The Leapfrog Group is a national nonprofit organization driving a movement for giant leaps forward in the quality and safety of American healthcare. The flagship Leapfrog Hospital Survey collects and transparently reports hospital performance, empowering purchasers to find the highest-value care and giving consumers information they need to make informed decisions. The Leapfrog Hospital Safety Grade, Leapfrog’s other main initiative, assigns letter grades to hospitals based on their record of patient safety, helping consumers protect themselves and their families from errors, injuries, accidents, and infections.
 
About Griffin Hospital
Griffin Hospital is a 160-bed acute care community teaching hospital serving more than 130,000 residents of the Lower Naugatuck Valley Region. Griffin Hospital also serves as the flagship hospital for Planetree, the global leader in advancing patient-centered care, and has received national recognition for creating healthcare facilities and approaches to patient care that are responsive to the needs of patients. Griffin Hospital has been recognized for having industry-leading patient experience ratings and has received numerous quality and clinical excellence awards. It is the only Connecticut hospital recognized four times by the Joint Commission as a "Top Quality Performer" on key quality measures.
 
(This is a press release from Griffin Hospital)

TEAM to host Festival of Trees

Free Holiday Concert

 
DERBY -Griffin Hospital invites the community to a free holiday concert on Tues., Dec. 6 at Shelton High School, 120 Meadow Street, Shelton.
 
The Griffin Hospital Annual Holiday Concert will feature 102nd Army Band. Refreshments will be served at 6:30 p.m. and the auditorium will open at 7 p.m.
 
The 102nd Army Band is the official musical emissary for the Connecticut Army National Guard. Beginning in 1863 as the First Regiment, Connecticut National Guard Band, its musical tradition has continued through many designations and locations.
 
The 102nd Band served in World Wars I and II, and the Korean Conflict. As “Goodwill Ambassadors,” the 102nd performs in a variety of concerts, ceremonies, and parades around the world. The band has had the honor of playing for U.S. troops returning home from Operation Iraqi Freedom, Operation Enduring Freedom, and Operation Noble Eagle and a NATO Change of Command ceremony in Heidelberg, Germany. The band plays a variety of music such as classical, jazz, show tunes, rock and pop.
 
This event is sponsored by the President’s Fund at Griffin Hospital as a thank you to Griffin’s sponsors and the community, and as a celebration of Griffin’s family of employees, medical staff, volunteers, corporators, and trustees for their dedication, compassion and expertise.
 
Tickets are free. Seating is general admission and given on a first come, first served basis. To get tickets, contact the Griffin Hospital Development Fund at 203-732-7504 or email development@griffinhealth.org (please put “Holiday Concert” as the subject of the email).
 
(This a press release from Griffin Hospital)

Tuesday, November 15, 2016

Route 8 Lane Closures in Seymour beginning Nov. 17

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The Connecticut Department of Transportation is announcing that a nighttime milling and resurfacing project will be performed on Route 8, NB in Seymour, beginning Thursday, November 17, 2016.

The project consists of milling and resurfacing a 0.135 mile segment of Route 8, NB in Seymour. The project is scheduled to occur from 8:00 p.m. to 5:30 a.m. Thursday, November 17, 2016 to the morning of Saturday, November 19, 2016.

LANE CLOSURE INFO

Motorists can expect lane closures on Route 8, NB between the Exit 19 (Wakelee Ave.) on ramp and Exit 21 (Derby Ave.) off ramp. Impact attenuators, state police and signing patterns will be utilized to guide motorists through the work zone. The regular work schedule for this project is 8:00 p.m. to 5:30 a.m. (Thursday through Saturday)

Motorists should be aware that modifications or extensions to this schedule may become necessary due to weather delays or other unforeseen conditions. Motorists are advised to maintain a safe speed when driving in this vicinity.

(This is a press release from state Sen. Rob Kane)

Derby School Board Receives State Leadership Award

 
DERBY- The Derby Board of Education and Superintendent Dr. Conway has been recognized by the Connecticut Association of Boards of Education for exhibiting the most effective leadership, characterized by their ability to work together as a "team."

The CABE Board Recognition Awards are designed to recognize boards which provide effective leadership to their districts through the use of good practices. This program which acknowledges the importance of school board members and superintendents working together as effective teams continues an important trend among school boards associations across the country.

CABE Board Leadership Award - Level Two includes 19 items and boards need to fulfill 12 of these with at least two completed in each of the following areas: board leadership/student achievement, board member professional development, policy, community relations, and related organizational leadership.

Conway stated, "This is the fourth year in a row that the Derby Board of Education has been recognized, and the second time they are receiving the top award. The recognition speaks to their level of commitment and drive to achieve even higher goals."

Board Chair, Kenneth Marcucio stated, "To be honored as a Board of Distinction in our state is a great honor for me, the members of our Board of Education, Dr. Matt Conway, the Derby School System and the city as a whole. It has been our objective to do whatever is necessary to make our school system the best it could possibly be for our students, given the tough times in today’s society. We have a great leader in Dr. Matt Conway who has helped us to do this during his short tenure in Derby. I am sure with his continued leadership we will continue to improve and have one of the best school systems in the state. Our students will continue to benefit from the hard work of our board members, Dr. Conway, administrators, teachers and all the other employees who work so hard in the background. Thank you to CABE for bestowing this honor on our small city."

Robert Rader, Executive Director of CABE stated, "We are thrilled that the Derby Board of Education has joined other boards from around the state in receiving a CABE Board of Distinction Award! For a Board, leadership means carrying out its roles and responsibilities consistently, thoughtfully, in line with best practices and with the highest ethical standards.

The award will be presented to the Board and Superintendent Conway at the CABE/CAPSS Annual Convention on November 18, 2016.

(This is a press release from Derby Public Schools)

Monday, November 14, 2016

Enjoy a Night of Italian Music




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DERBY - The Sons of Italy Lodge 151 presents "Italian Cabaret," featuring Marc Garofalo & friends at 7 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 19 at the LaSala Banquet Hall, 73 High St.

The event promises an evening of music, laughs, tears and all good things Italian. Doors open at 6 p.m., followed by the show at 7 p.m. The cost is $20 per person.
Bring your own food, snacks, paper goods! Water and Ice will be available!

Cash bar-no alcohol to be brought in.

For Reservations, contact: Lou Giordano, 26 Hedgefield Court, Orange, CT 06477, or (203)795-5979; info@SonsofItalyDerby.org 

Checks may be made out to "Sons of Italy, Lodge 151"

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