National MS Society Honors Derby Physician

Joseph Guarnaccia, M.D., clinical director, Multiple Sclerosis Treatment Center at Griffin Hospital, Derby, was recently inducted into the National Multiple Sclerosis Society's Volunteer Hall of Fame. He is joined by National Multiple Sclerosis Society Connecticut Chapter President Lisa Gerrol and board of directors Chairperson Jack Betkoski./ Contributed photo

 

DERBY -Joseph Guarnaccia, M.D., clinical director of the Multiple Sclerosis Treatment Center at Griffin Hospital in Derby, was recently inducted into the National Multiple Sclerosis Society's Volunteer Hall of Fame at its 2015 Society Leadership Conference in Fort Worth, Texas.

 

Guarnaccia, recognized for more than 20 years of volunteer service with the Connecticut Chapter, has focused on impacting public policy and improving access to care for Connecticut residents.

Recently, Guarnaccia worked with the chapter to pass Senate Bill 418 which broadens coverage by insurance companies for off-label prescription drugs in Connecticut. Effective January 2016, peer-reviewed medical literature will be added as an acceptable reference source for coverage determinations related to off-label prescriptions.

 

Multiple sclerosis, a potentially debilitating disease of the central nervous system, affects more than 6,500 Connecticut residents. The cause is unknown and there is currently no cure. Symptoms can include numbness in the limbs, difficulties with vision and speech, stiffness, loss of mobility and, in some more severe cases, total paralysis. The progress, severity, and specific symptoms of MS in any one person cannot be predicted.

 

For more information on multiple sclerosis or how to get involved with the Connecticut Chapter, visit www.ctfightsMS.org.

 

For more information about The Multiple Sclerosis Treatment Center at Griffin Hospital, visit griffinhealth.org.

Derby Students Rewarded for Excellent Attendance

DERBY-  On December 3, students and families from Irving School were treated to a special performance by Danz Magic to promote school attendance, goal-setting, and perseverance. The show was held to support Irving’s plan to reduce chronic absenteeism and build a school culture that values and recognizes regular school attendance. 

Danz Magic’s owner, Debbie Parlow, collaborated with Irving School’s Attendance Coordinator, Maria Bowers to plan this event for students.  The Danz Magic Dance Team includes approximately 50 dancers from around the Greater Valley area ranging in ages from nine -23 years. The dancers perform routines with tap, ballet, lyrical, jazz, pointe, and tumbling.  

 

Parlow said, “Danz Magic wanted to spread a little magic throughout our community, and help Irving School teach the importance of commitment and dedication.  We know it will help these kids become responsible people, who go far in the future.” 

 

Irving School is in its fourth year of a comprehensive turnaround, and designated as a Review School in the Department of Education’s Alliance Grant, an improvement from a Focus School status in 2012.  Alliance Districts are required to address chronic absenteeism, which includes students missing 10% or more of school. 

 

“We made it a priority this year to improve student attendance,” said Principal Jennifer Olson. “Historically, our school struggled with inconsistent student attendance including absences, tardies, and early dismissals.  We are intentionally working to help families to identify and resolve any obstacles that interfere with children coming to school every day.”  

 

In the first marking period, daily attendance at Irving School improved from 95% in 2014-2015 to 98% in 2015-2016. Chronic absenteeism also dropped from 17% to 11.9%.  The state’s target is 10%. 

 

“Making attendance a priority in your home as early as preschool will create a habit that follows students through life.  When children miss school, whether it is an excused or an unexcused absence, they miss out on important learning,” said Bowers.  “We want our students to be ‘On Time and Ready to Shine’ because it is a great start to being the best you can be, and I am here to help.” 

 

Fifth grade teacher, Jori Pirritino said, “The school’s focus on attendance helps me as a teacher because we can build a more cohesive classroom community because everyone is there for the same experiences and learning.” 

 

The Danz Magic performance is one of many ways Irving School is helping bring attention to the importance of school attendance. The school celebrates classes with perfect attendance daily, and recognizes students with perfect attendance quarterly.  At the first marking period Honors Reception in November, 89 students, or 27% of students in Grades K-5, were awarded certificates for perfect attendance. According to Olson, 14 students who had perfect attendance in the first marking period were chronically absent last year. 

 

Parlow and Danz Magic’s Assistant Director, Stephanie Waldron, offered Irving students who attended the performance a free dance lesson, and Danz Magic pencils that read, “On Time and Ready to Shine!”  Danz Magic has studios in Derby and Milford and is celebrating 29 years in business. “At Danz Magic, we are not just another dance studio, we are a family. Kids form friendships that last a lifetime,” said Parlow. 

Valley Officials Nab State Awards

Ansonia Mayor David Cassetti

Tom Haynes and Oxford First Selectman George Temple

Ansonia Mayor David Cassetti and Oxford First Selectman George Temple were honored during the Connecticut Economic Resource Center’s (CERC) 2015 Celebrate CT Awards at the Bushnell in Hartford on Wednesday, December 2.
 

The Fountain Lake Industrial Park in Ansonia and The Quarry Walk at Oxford Towne Center project were the recipients from the Naugatuck Valley Council of Government’s 19-town region.

 

The awards recognize individuals, companies and programs that have uniquely contributed to economic growth in Connecticut.

 

Tom Haynes, of Haynes Development Co., was also honored during the ceremony for the Oxford project.

Seymour Ambulance to Host Annual 'Pictures with Santa' Fundraiser

SEYMOUR- Seymour Ambulance Association will hold its annual Pictures with Santa Fundraiser on Dec. 5 and Dec. 6.

Come and support a great cause and avoid the long lines at the mall. Pictures on Saturday, Dec. 5 will be from 9 a.m. to  5 p.m. and Sunday, Dec. 6 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Your digital photo will print while your child enjoys a holiday movie, writes a letter to Santa, does a craft project with Santa's elves and enjoys a holiday treat.  Parents can choose from one 8-by-10, two 5-by-7s, or nine wallet size photos. Each photo sheet is $14, or an entire package consisting of each sheet can be purchased for $35.

All proceeds benefit the volunteers at Seymour Ambulance.

For more information contact Amanda at 203-888-8843 or picswithsanta@seymourems.org

(This is a press release from Seymour Ambulance Association)

Adam’s House Grief Education Center Invites Community to Grand Opening Dec. 3rd in Shelton

SHELTON- Adam’s House is holding a Grand Opening Celebration Dec. 3 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. in Shelton, CT, to introduce the non-profit grief education center at 241 Coram Ave. to community leaders and residents.

 

“After more than three years of fundraising, we are thrilled to be able to open our doors,” said Executive Director and Founder Allison Wysota. “We hope many people will stop by to learn more about our plans to help grieving families and children in Connecticut.”

 

Wysota was inspired to create Adam’s House after her husband, Adam Wysota, died on May 6, 2012, and she sought grief counseling for herself and her three sons. At Adam’s House, grieving families and children will gather together to draw strength and support from their peers. In eight-week programs guided by trained facilitators, parents will gain insights and strategies for dealing with their loss. At the same time, their children will join their own special groups to explore their feelings through art, play and peer-support activities.

 

Wysota encourages Shelton residents to be among the first to take an indoor tour of the charming, newly renovated home designed to offer a warm, comforting setting for families, volunteers and staff. “We are looking to build a community here of trust, healing and encouragement, said Wysota.” With strong community support, Adam’s House hopes to provide a healing place that inspires grieving families to once again, live their lives to the fullest.”

 

Wysota said there are many myths and misconceptions about grief. “For example, the old way of thinking taught bereaved people that when someone dies, he or she ceases to exist and should no longer be discussed at any length. The grieving family member or friend should “get over it,” and stop grieving typically six months after a death, according to society. Wysota said research now teaches that there is no “getting over it,” but that grieving people can establish what is called, ‘continuing bonds,’ ways that the deceased person can have a presence in a grieving loved one’s life. In that way, a mother knows that it is healthy for a son to make a gift to honor a Dad who has died because it’s a way to establish the late Dad’s presence in the boy’s life.”  

 

Wysota is proud that Adam’s House represents a strong grassroots network of Connecticut supporters who helped raise the funds to purchase the home. Adam’s House honors the legacy of Adam Wysota, a beloved father, Little League coach and active volunteer in his Weston, CT community. Before his passing, Adam Wysota held prestigious Wall Street positions at Depository Trust & Clearing Corp., Barclays Capital, Lehman Brothers and Morgan Stanley.                                                                

  

“I’m very grateful for the hundreds of supporters who have helped realize our first goal of purchasing a beautiful new home in a wonderful location for Adam’s House,” said Wysota. “But we still have more to accomplish before we are ready to deliver our special programs next year to grieving families and children.”

 

Already, volunteers from Alcoa Howmet in Branford, CT, have donated their time and painting skills to help paint the children’s room at Adam’s House The company also provided a grant to fund the children’s program materials. Wysota invites many local companies, schools and individuals to donate their expertise and their time to support Adam’s House. Weston high school students who are members of the National Honors Arts Society volunteered their Sundays to paint beautiful room murals. In addition, Adam’s House future renovations need the fundraising support of companies and individual sponsors.

 

“We have many opportunities for volunteer projects, from day-long tasks to projects that require longer commitments,” said Wysota. “We welcome new friends from the Shelton and neighboring communities to pitch in and help us create a nurturing, supportive environment empowering grieving families to find renewed hope and encouragement in life.”

  

Adam’s House Mission

 

At Adam’s House, we believe no child should ever grieve alone. Each child deserves a supportive and understanding community to learn and explore their feelings of loss. All grief journeys are unique and grief is a natural reaction to the loss of a loved one. At Adam’s House, we will be a partner in support of your healing process.

 

Adam’s House Background

 

Adam’s House is located at 241 Coram Ave. in Shelton, CT and is an entity of The Adam Wysota Foundation. Adam’s House is a 501c3 organization. All donations to Adam’s House are tax deductible. For further information, go to adamshousect.org or call 203-513-2808.  

(This is a press release from Adam's House)

Downtown Seymour Celebrates the Holidays Saturday, Dec. 5

SEYMOUR- On Saturday Dec. 5, 2015 the town of Seymour will be celebrating the holidays with an array of festive events sponsored by many town organizations including the Seymour Culture and Arts Commission, American Legion, American Legion Band, Seymour EMS, Metro North, local boy and girl scout troops and Santa Clause himself!

The evening will begin with the arrival of Santa Clause at the Seymour train station on Main Street at 6:13 p.m., followed by a tree lighting by the American Legion on the corners of Bank and Wakely Streets at 6:45 p.m. The downtown merchants will be open and celebrating the holidays as well with individual festivities in their shops as part of First Saturday. The Connecticut Yuletide Carolers will also be strolling through our historic downtown in full Dickens’ costume singing the songs of the season.

Bank, First and Columbus Streets will be closed to traffic beginning at 5:30, please park on the surrounding streets. Please do not park in the First Street plaza as store owners will tow your car.

For questions or more information please call Kim at 203-888-7880.
(Information shared from Seymour First Selectman's Facebook Page)

City of Ansonia's Tree Lighting Set for Dec. 4