Nursing facility in Shelton recognized

Pictured from left, Rob Lesko, Vice President at the DiMatteo Group and Greater Valley Chamber Board of Directors member, Debra Samorajczyk from Bishop Wicke Health Center, David Lawlor, President and CEO, United Methodist Homes, and Phil White, President, Better Packages, and Chairman, Chamber Board of Directors. Photo courtesy of Fred Ortoli Photography.

SHELTON - The Greater Valley Chamber of Commerce presented Bishop Wicke Health and Rehabilitation Center with the Silver Hammer Award Dec. 13 in recognition of its outstanding renovation of their skilled nursing and rehab center at Wesley Village.

The award was given at the Chamber’s Annual Holiday Breakfast Club and Awards Celebration. It is presented to organizations in the Valley that have made a significant investment in the local community through the contribution of a beautification or construction project.

Bishop Wicke recently completed renovation of their 120-bed skilled nursing and rehab facility in October, an innovative project that transformed traditional nursing stations into “interdisciplinary work centers” that encourage greater interaction between staff, residents, families, and guests.

The project also included updated sitting and dining areas, therapy rooms, new furniture, lighting, flooring, technology, and artwork throughout the building.

The event was held at Molto Bene Italian American Kitchen in Ansonia.

Rob Lesko, Vice President at the DiMatteo Group, presented the award to David Lawlor, President and CEO of United Methodist Homes, and Debra Samorajczyk, Administrator of Bishop Wicke Health and Rehabilitation Center on behalf of the Greater Valley Chamber of Commerce.

Lesko, Greater Valley Chamber Board member, shared a heartwarming story about his (soon-to-be) 100 year-old aunt and the compassionate care she has received as a resident at Wesley Village.

Bishop Wicke is located on the Wesley Village Campus in Shelton and is owned and operated by United Methodist Homes, a local, not-for-profit organization committed to providing the very best in relationship-centered care.

For more information about Bishop Wicke at Wesley Village, visit www.wesleyvillage-ct.org.

This is a press release from United Methodist Homes.

Shelton facility holds rehab reunion

Former Bishop Wicke rehab patient William Wheeler is pictured with Rehab Services Director, Moira Ethier. / Contributed photo

SHELTON - Bishop Wicke Health and Rehabilitation Center opened its doors to welcome back past rehab patients and their families at their bi-annual Rehab Reunion earlier this month.

The event provided patients and their family members with an opportunity to reunite with staff and other former patients after returning home from a short-term rehab stay at the facility.
As a result of the many friendships formed between patients, family members and staff during the rehabilitation process, the reunion serves as a way to not only celebrate these relationships, but allow them to continue to grow. 
Staff members were thrilled to see the progress of their patients as they returned with greater strength and increased mobility, and many smiles, hugs, and stories were shared.

The reunion was held in the newly renovated resident dining room and the Bishop Wicke dining team provided refreshments.
Personal tours of the new building renovations, which were completed in October, were offered at the conclusion of the event.

For information about short-term rehab at Bishop Wicke Health and Rehabilitation Center at Wesley Village, visit www.wesleyvillage-ct.org.


This is a press release from United Methodist Homes.

Dove at Ansonia Nature Center amuses this visitor

Are you lookin' at me?

ANSONIA - On Monday I was fortunate to meet Woodbridge resident Sue Torgerson and her twin 19-year old daughters, Emily and Alese, who have been volunteering at the Ansonia Nature and Recreation Center.
The three are working on becoming state licensed wildlife rehabilitators.

While there Register photographer and multimedia journalist Mara Lavitt and I met Chuckles (seen in picture above). That collared dove sure has a lot of personality. I had to snap a photo of her looking at her reflection!

Please check out the fantastic photos Mara posted of the volunteers, their feathered friends and more.


I applaud the three women for their dedicated volunteer work and for their desire to learn to help rehabilitate wildlife.

Surviving cancer is in the spotlight at workshops in Derby

DERBY - I attended an interesting workshop Thursday on coping with chemo brain, or brain fog caused by chemotherapy treatments, at the Center for Cancer Care at Griffin Hospital.

Even though my chemotherapy treatments were in 2011, I found the information provided by rehabilitation department director Myra Odenwaelder and occupational therapist Fran Harmeyer to be quite helpful.

Odenwaelder talked about the importance of keeping a daily journal "to pinpoint areas that are more energy consuming."
She said it's good to record how one feels during certain activities.
Tips offered include reducing frequency/duration of activities, utilizing adaptive equipment, scheduling rest periods, organizing time, organizing space, asking for help, and pacing oneself to maintain energy.

In addition, it's important to maintain good posture and avoid bending and lifting.


Survivorship workshops are held at 6 p.m. in the conference room at the Center for Cancer Care at Griffin Hospital, 350 Seymour Ave.
They are all led by STAR-certified cancer rehabilitation technicians.

On April 18, registered dietitian Samantha Heller will discuss "Nurturing Your Body Through Nutrition." She will offer tips for healthy eating to boost the immune system and lower the risk of cancer recurrence.

And on May 16 clinical psychologist Mindy Hersh will talk about "Intimacy and Sexuality."
Cancer treatment can cause changes in sexual function and desire. Participants will learn strategies to address physical and emotional changes.


Registration for these workshops is required.To register, call 203-732-1260 or e-mail Tracy Pittman at tpittman@griffinhealth.org.

All patients, survivors, caregivers are welcome to attend.

Chemo brain? Griffin program to offer tips at workshop

      DERBY - Fatigue, brain fog, and chemo brain will be discussed at 6 p.m. March 21 during the next survivorship program workshop at the Center for Cancer Care at Griffin Hospital, 350 Seymour Ave.
    Participants will learn tips to increase strength and energy while improving concentration, memory and focus. 
     The session will be presented by STAR certified Cancer Rehabilitation Clinicians.
    Registration is required: call 203-732-1260 or e-mail tpittman@griffinhealth.org
    All patients, survivors, and caregivers are welcome.

    This sounds like a great workshop and I plan to attend.

    Although I had chemotherapy treatments in 2011, I know only too well the effect they can continue to have on one's brain and concentration.