Valley Native to Chair Local Foundation

New Haven – The Community Foundation for Greater New Haven is pleased to announce that lifelong Ansonia-resident James (Jimmy) E. Ryan is chairing its Board of Directors in 2018.

This year is Mr. Ryan’s seventh and final year on the Board that governs Greater New Haven’s 90-year-old permanent charitable endowment, valued at over $600 Million. Now retired, Mr. Ryan served for over thirty years as the President of the Shelton Economic Development Corp. (1984-2016).

The Community Foundation serves a 20-town region of more than 640,000 people in Connecticut helping donors to fulfill their charitable wishes and strengthening the nonprofit sector through grants and training. Per affiliation agreement, Mr. Ryan also sits on the Board of the Valley Community Foundation, The Community Foundation’s partner in philanthropy in the Valley.

Train to Become a Certified Nursing Assistant

DERBY - The Griffin Hospital School of Allied Health Careers, at 300 Seymour Avenue, Suite 206, in Derby, is offering an evening session of its Accelerated Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) program starting March 12 to help individuals start a fulfilling career in healthcare.

 

The CNA course offers students an affordable and condensed 6-week schedule with classes Monday through Thursday from 5-9 p. m.

 

Course content includes infection control, legal and ethical responsibilities, communications, body mechanics, moving and positioning residents, personal care skills, nutrition, measuring vital signs, and restorative care. The CNA course tuition fee includes the course book, CPR training, and malpractice insurance coverage for the clinical rotation.

 

The CNA clinical experience will be at Griffin Hospital and a long-term care facility from 5-10 p.m. for 40 hours. After successfully completing the course and clinical experience, students will be qualified to take the State exam for certification as a Nursing Assistant in Connecticut.

 

For more information or to apply, call 203-732-1276 or visit griffinhealth.org/allied-health.

 

Griffin Hospital's School of Allied Health Careers was one of the first hospital-based schools of its kind to be authorized by the Connecticut Department of Higher Education and offers training, education, and certification for Phlebotomy, Nursing Assistant, and Patient Care Technician healthcare careers. Classes are taught by certified instructors in the Griffin Hospital Medical Building, located at 300 Seymour Avenue in Derby.

 

(This is a press release from Griffin Hospital)

SHS Gaelettes to host Fundraising Game

  

SHELTON -The Shelton High School Girls Basketball team will host its annual “BLUE GAME” at Shelton High School Feb. 6 when the Gaelettes take on rival Guilford High School. 

The “BLUE GAME” is an event in which the Shelton High School Girls Basketball program helps raise awareness of Type 1 Diabetes, also known as Juvenile Diabetes.     

 

The event will be held at the Murray Gymnasium at Shelton High School, 120 Meadow St., starting with the Junior Varsity game at 5:15 p.m. and will culminate with the Varsity match-up at 7 p.m.

 

Many local businesses and families have donated items to be raffled off as part of this event with all proceeds being donated to Yale Pediatric Diabetes.   

 

Type 1 Diabetes is an autoimmune disease in which a person’s pancreas stops producing insulin, a hormone that enables people to get energy from food. It comes on suddenly, and causes dependency on injected or pumped insulin for a person’s life.  

T1D carries the constant threat of devastating complications throughout an affected person’s lifetime. There is nothing you can do to prevent T1D, and - at present - there is nothing to cure it. It is a condition that must be monitored and treated for life.

 

The Shelton High School Girls Basketball program has had past and current players who are afflicted with Type 1 Diabetes and are constantly managing their lives with this affliction.  The team’s passion to help their teammates and others living with T1D is immeasurable.

Please consider attending this important event to help support the cause and Yale Pediatric Diabetes. 

 

Don’t forget wear your “BLUE” to show your support.

(This is a press release from John Niski, Director of Athletics, Shelton Public Schools)

Seymour Pink to Host Fundraiser

Bus Trip to Mohegan Sun

Valley Foundation Welcomes New Members

DERBY- The Valley Community Foundation (VCF) welcomes James Hodge, Angela Powers, and Jack Walsh to the VCF Board of Directors and bids farewell to Will Ginsberg, Bill Nimons, and Diane Stroman as they conclude their terms.

 

Sharon Closius, VCF President and CEO, said:

 

“On behalf of the VCF Board of Directors, we would like to thank Will Ginsberg, Bill Nimons, and Diane Stroman for their terms of dedicated service to the Valley community. Our organization has grown dramatically under their tenure. We are also thrilled to welcome James Hodge, Angela Powers, and Jack Walsh to our Board. They each bring a range of diversified knowledge and a history of community involvement to our organization and will play a key role in helping VCF build philanthropy in the Valley.”

 

New VCF Board Members:

 

James A. Hodge, Jr.

James (Jim) Hodge retired from the Bridgeport School System in 2005 after 35 years serving as a classroom teacher and later as a teacher/administrator on special assignment for new schools and new project development.

Jim has been a member of the Board of Directors of Ashlar of Newtown, Masonic Home and Hospital. He serves as secretary of the Board of Managers for the Ralphola Taylor Community Center, Central CT Coast YMCA in Bridgeport, as well as Chairman of the Prince Hall Grand Masonic Lodge’s Scholarship Fund. He is the recipient of numerous community, Masonic Fraternity, and professional awards in the Bridgeport, New Haven, and Naugatuck Valley communities.

He has served as a member of the Admissions Review Board for Bullard Havens Technical School, member of the Board of Directors of the Charles Smith Foundation, and member of the Board of Directors of the Katherine Matthies Foundation.

 

Jim resides in Derby with his wife, Yvette. They have two children and four grandchildren.

 

Angela G. Powers

Angela has more than 35 years in development, communications, marketing, and senior management and leadership. In her role as Senior Vice President, she oversees The Community Foundation for Greater New Haven (TCF)’s work identifying and serving community leaders and donors and insuring their philanthropic goals are achieved now and in the future.

 

Prior to joining TCF as the first President of the Valley Community Foundation, Angela worked with its founding Board to design and grow the new organization. She is also associated with Ekstrom & Associates, a consulting firm of practitioners in philanthropy whose clients include community foundations, charitable organizations, families, individuals, and their advisors.

 

Angela served as Director of the Annual Development Program at Quinnipiac University, directed membership and development at the DeCordova and Dana Museum in Lincoln, Massachusetts, and was a coordinator for the March of Dimes of Monmouth County, New Jersey. Angela also spent two years working in Greece with her husband, Bill, who was a teacher at the American Community School in Athens.

 

Angela earned her B.A. from Fairfield University, is a Certified Fund-Raising Executive and is a trained facilitator. She and her husband live in Hamden and have two sons, Will and John.

 

Jack Walsh

Jack Walsh is life-long resident of Derby who served as President & C.O.O of Valley United Way from 1989 until his retirement in 2016.

 

Jack has always been an active member of the Valley community. He currently serves as President of the Board of Directors at the Derby Neck Library and is Chairman of Derby’s Water Pollution Control Authority. He is a past Chair of Derby's Park & Recreation Commission, currently chairs the City's Greenway Committee, and is co-chair of the Naugatuck River Greenway Committee.

 

He served on the Valley Advisory Committee for the Community Foundation for Greater New Haven, which helped create the Valley Community Foundation. Jack is a corporator for Griffin Hospital and a member and past Co-chair of the Citizens Advisory Committee for the Yale/Griffin Prevention Resource Center. He is a past member of the Board of Directors for the Online Journalism Project. One of the founders of the Commodore Hull Thanksgiving Day 5K Road Race, Jack also served on the Community Advisory Board for the Yale Community Rowing Program, and is a recipient of several regional awards.

 

Departing Board Members:

 

Bill Nimons

Bill Nimons is a life-long Valley resident. He grew up in Seymour and lives in Ansonia with his wife, Elaine. Their three children and four grandchildren all live nearby. Bill is retired from a 40-year banking career—he was Executive Vice President of Shelton Savings Bank and Senior Vice President of Naugatuck Valley Savings and Loan.

 

Bill brought his financial expertise to VCF and served as the Board’s Treasurer. He also served on The Community Foundation for Greater New Haven’s Audit Committee. He sits on the boards of the Boys & Girls Club, BHcare and the Ansonia Board of Education. He is a member of the Derby-Shelton Rotary. Bill and his wife have their own charitable fund, Elaine N. and William C. Nimons Fund, at VCF, which supports the Lower Naugatuck Valley Boys & Girls Club’s Ansonia Project after-school programs and pre-school slots. Bill is also the sole trustee of the Colonel Lloyd and Joan Platt Witmer Fund, held at VCF.

 

Diane Stroman

Diane Stroman is Vice President of TEAM Inc., where she’s worked for more than 20 years. Diane is deeply passionate and very knowledgeable about the community’s needs.

 

Diane has served on several boards: the Lower Naugatuck Valley Boys & Girls Club, Ansonia’s Elderly Services Commission and the Valley Juvenile Review Board. She co-chairs the Julian A. Taylor Scholarship Committee, which has a fund at VCF. Diane is corporator for Valley United Way, Griffin Hospital and BHcare. She was formerly on the Ansonia Board of Education and past president of the Derby-Shelton Rotary Club. She is active in her church, Greater Evangel Temple Church of God in Christ. In 2017, Diane was awarded the Platinum Award from the Greater Valley Chamber of Commerce – one of the most prestigious and time-honored community service awards in the Valley.

 

Diane lives in Ansonia, where she grew up. She has two children and two grandsons. She enjoys taking her grandsons to action movies and reading African American literature and motivational books.

 

William W. Ginsberg

Will Ginsberg has devoted his career to community issues, working at the local and national levels in community economic development, community banking, and community philanthropy.

 

William W. Ginsberg has served as President and Chief Executive Officer of The Community Foundation for Greater New Haven since 2000.  Mr. Ginsberg serves on the boards of numerous local organizations including New Haven Promise, Yale-New Haven Hospital, the Connecticut Council on Education Reform, and the Connecticut Center for Arts and Technology. He recently completed a six-year term on the board of the Council on Foundations, the national trade association for the philanthropic sector. From 2006-09, Mr. Ginsberg served as a Gubernatorial appointee to the Connecticut Early Childhood Policy and Research Council. In 2011, Mr. Ginsberg received the Community Leadership Award from the Greater New Haven Chamber of Commerce, the community's highest recognition for lifetime civic leadership.

 

Mr. Ginsberg graduated from Columbia Law School in 1980 and practiced law in New York City from 1980 to 1984. He graduated from Trinity College in 1976. He has been married for 35 years to Ellen Kelly Ginsberg, who directs Yale University's efforts to create Asia's first liberal arts college in collaboration with the National University in Singapore, and they have two children: Emily and Connor. Will and Kel live in New Haven.

 

About the Valley Community Foundation

Established in 2004, the Valley Community Foundation distributes hundreds of thousands of grant dollars each year to support the local nonprofit sector and the people it serves. VCF works in strong partnership with The Community Foundation for Greater New Haven (TCF), to promote philanthropy in Ansonia, Derby, Oxford, Seymour and Shelton and receives a majority of its discretionary funding as a result of The Gates Fund and other preference funds at TCF that benefit the Valley. To learn how your gifts of cash, life insurance, appreciated stocks, bonds, real estate, and other assets can help to support the quality of life in the Valley, please visit the website at www.valleyfoundation.org or contact VCF President, Sharon Closius, at sclosius@valleyfoundation.org or 203-751-9162.

 

(This is a press release from VCF)

Get Help with Winter Heating Bills

 

 

DERBY - Families and individuals seeking financial help to off-set their winter heating bills may apply to TEAM for assistance.

Families and individuals may qualify for help if they fall below these income limits: $34,366 for household of one, $44,940 for a two person household, $55,514 for a three person household, $66,089 for a four person household.

Applicants are deemed eligible based on review of their total household gross income, such as job earnings, unemployment compensation, social security, pension etc.; household size; and liquid assets, as shown through bank statements. If an applicant is approved for assistance, TEAM will make direct payments to their home heating provider.

Both home owners and renters who are residents of Ansonia, Beacon Falls, Bethany, Derby, Milford, Orange, Oxford, Seymour, Shelton, and Woodbridge can apply for energy assistance from TEAM.

To schedule an appointment with TEAM Energy Assistance, please call 203-736-5420 and follow prompts for Energy Assistance, or in Milford, 203-783-3253; Woodbridge, 203-389-3429; Orange, 203-891-4787, and Bethany, 203-393-2100, ext.124.

TEAM Inc. is a private501(c) 3 non-profit corporation whose mission is to strengthen our community by educating, supporting and empowering individuals and families . TEAM programs serve the communities of Ansonia, Beacon Falls, Bethany, Derby, Milford, Naugatuck, Orange, Oxford, Shelton, Seymour, Waterbury and Woodbridge.

(This is a press release from TEAM)

Annual "Game" Dinner on Tap at The Hops Company

 

DERBY - The Hops Company will host its annual "Game Dinner" from 7 to 10 p.m. Feb. 27.

 

The event will feature a five-course game dinner http://www.thehopscompany.com/events/event/game-dinner/  paired with Counter Weight Brewing.

 

Tickets are $75 plus tax & Eventbrite ticketing fee, and can be purchased online at:  https://www.eventbrite.com/e/game-dinner-tickets-42468428212

 

Mug Club Member tickets are $69 plus tax and must be purchased on site or online at: 

 events@thehopscompany.com or on site)

The menu by Spice Catering Group includes the following:

*First Course- Workhorse Pilsner, Spice Orange Ginger Duck Wings, Lemon Grass Salad

*Second Course- Headway IPA Venison, “Pot Pie”, Roasted Winter Vegetables, Savory broth Grilled Olive Oil Bread Stick

*Third Course- Saison Farmhouse Bison “Pub” Slider, Pretzel Bun, Cheese, Sunny Side Quail Egg Duck Fat Potato Pearls House Made Pickles

*Fourth Course- IPA, TBA, “Hops” Rabbit Bolognese, Rich Tomato sauce with Wild Mushrooms, Carrots, Onions, Celery. Local Whipped Ricotta Cheese

*Dessert- Void Stout, Espresso Cheese Cake, Chocolate “Bark” Chocolate Covered Espresso Beans

 

Those with a group who'd like to attend and secure seating next to each other should email:  events@thehopscompany.com

 

(This is a press release from The Hops Co.)

 

Ansonia Police Issue Warning about Phone Scam

PRESS RELEASE

 

Phone Scam Alert

 

On January 21, 2018, the Ansonia Police Department investigated a phone scam where a local resident received a phone call from an unknown person reporting that a family member had been kidnapped, that a ransom was being requested and the kidnapped family member would be harmed if the police were contacted.

 

The Ansonia Police Department is warning all residents not to give any personal information, bank information, wire money or purchase gift cards like iTunes, Amazon, Google and other easily negotiable monetary items to pay the person requesting the money.

 

If you receive a call like this, or that a relative has been arrested and needs bond money or has been injured and needs money for medical expenses, the first thing you should do is to try and contact the relative they are saying is in trouble. You should then contact the police department and report the incident. 

 

 (This is a press release from Lt. Patrick Lynch)

  

Derby Mayor to Serve as Guest Bartender for Charity

Poster Contest Winners Announced

 

Pictured left to right: Glen Rodrigue, Sam Rodrigue, Fire Marshal Wetowitz, Principal Olechna, Jade Rinaldi, Jessica Hubinger

 

 

SEYMOUR -  Today the two winners of the Fire Prevention Poster Contest for Seymour received a special treat.  They were allowed to ride to school in style, on board Seymour Fire Department’s Rescue 12.  The winners were accompanied by a parent and had the chance to see where the firefighters ride to emergencies.  The lights and sirens may have even been turned on for a bit. 

Chatfield-LoPresti School fifth grader Sam Rodrigue was selected as the winner for Seymour from the fifth grade.  He and his father Glen were picked up at home and were able to take the trip to school.  CLS fourth grader Jade Rinaldi was selected as the winner for Seymour from fourth grade.  She was accompanied by her mother Jessica Hubinger. 

The winner’s posters have moved on to the New Haven County round where they will compete against other posters from the area.  Eventually one winner will be chosen for the State from each grade.  One poster will be selected to be the cover of next year’s fire prevention calendar. 

The annual Fire Prevention Poster Contest is a cooperative effort of the Office of the State Fire Marshal, Connecticut Department of Education, Connecticut Fire Marshal’s Association, Connecticut Fire Chief’s Association, and the Connecticut FAIR Plan, which represents the Connecticut Insurance Industry.

Congratulations to all of our winners and thank you to all the students from Seymour’s Schools that participated.  We hope they had as much fun working on them as we did judging them and awarding our winners. 

(This is a press release from Seymour Fire Marshal's Office)

 

Valley Lawmakers to Host Forum in Derby

New Program Offered for Valley Teens

Learn First Aid for Fluffy & Fido

DERBY - People and Animals Working in Spirit (PAWS), Griffin Hospital’s pet therapy program, and Connecticut Emergency Animal Response Service (EARS) will host a Pet First Aid Class on Sat., Jan. 27 at the hospital, 130 Division St., Derby.

 

The EARS Team will be at the hospital from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. From 11 a.m.-noon, the team will talk about responding to medical emergencies and technical rescues involving animals in the community. The Pet First Aid class will be from noon- 1 p.m., featuring a multimedia presentation and hands-on learning, followed by a Q&A session with the EARS team.

 

Registration is required, but this program is open to all ages. Though the class is about pets, participants are asked to leave their pets at home so they can focus on the hands-on work and demonstrations.

 

The suggested donation is $10 a person for the class. All contributions will help EARS continue its pet response mission. To RSVP email info@earsct.org or call (203) 941-EARS.

 

EARS is a team of volunteer first responders trained for rapid-response to "all-hazard" animal emergencies within Connecticut. The organization focuses on disaster response, emergency transport, technical rescue and training pet owners how to respond to an emergency.

 

For more information about EARS, visit earsct.org.

 

(This is a press release from Griffin Hospital)

Casino Trip Scheduled

Free Senior Exercise Classes Offered

Game Nights at Derby Public Library

DERBY- Beginning every Wednesday in February, the Derby Public Library will host Young Adult nights from 6 to 7:30 p.m..

 

All young adults ages 12 to 17 are invited to join the fun each Wednesday in February as Nintendo Wii, board games, and Legos will be available. Light refreshments will be provided. Registration is requested.

 

For more information stop by the Library at 313 Elizabeth St., call 203.736.1482 or visit

www.derbypubliclibrary.org .

 

(This is a press release from Derby Public Library)

 

75th Anniversary of Four Chaplains

Calling All Artists and Photographers!

Benefit to Help Animals

Seymour Student Collects Coats for Those in Need

SEYMOUR- In December, Jerren Farrison, a Chatfield-LoPresti School 4th grade student, held a coat drive to benefit St. Vincent De Paul in Derby, CT. Jerren was able to collect 107 coats. Thank you Jerren for this very fine effort and thank you to the community in supporting this wonderful cause.

(Information shared from Seymour Schools' Facebook Page)

 

Sen. Logan to Host Coffee Hour

Seymour VFW to Host Irish Dinner

 

 

SEYMOUR - VFW Post 12084 will host its 6th annual Irish Dinner at 3 p.m. March 11 at Colonial Tavern, Oxford.

 

The all-you-can-eat dinner includes corned beef, cabbage, potatoes, pasta with broccoli, dessert and beverages. Tickets are $20 per person and must be reserved by Feb. 27.

 

The event will also feature dancing and entertainment provided by Tony Castle, along with door prizes.

 

The public is invited and all proceeds will benefit VFW programs.

 

For tickets and reservations call Post Commander Al Yagovane at (203)736-7981.

Celebrate 50 Years of Scouting

Information shared from City of Ansonia's Facebook Page:

ANSONIA- Parking Alert! The private owners of 65 Main Street have closed their parking lot to the public (the lot depicted in the photo...across from Massimino's Pizza, Copper City Grill, Bangkok Room).

Vehicles parked in the lot may be towed without notice.

Residents and downtown patrons are asked to utilize the nearby West Main Street lot as the city proceeds with a legal action to permanently acquire 65 Main Street. The lot is projected to reopen to the public in February.
 

Seymour Students Send Care Packages to Soldiers

SEYMOUR- The Seymour Middle School 6th grade social studies classes, led by Ashley Castaldi and Chris Alcutt, sponsored a care package drive to collect items such as toiletries, snacks, and K-9 supplies for soldiers who are currently deployed overseas.

The purpose of this drive was to promote good citizenship, volunteerism, and to participate in an activity that promotes social awareness. This activity was centered on the celebration of veterans. The students were able to understand what sacrifices soldiers make, such as not having access to everyday items that they may take for granted. The care packages were sent to 6th grade teacher Dina Garrow’s brother-in-law’s Unit currently stationed in Afghanistan.

(Sharing this from Seymour Public Schools' Facebook page)
 

Great Gatsby Gala on Tap

SHELTON - The Valley United Way is pleased to announce the date for its upcoming winter fundraiser. The 4^th Annual Great Gatsby Gala to benefit Valley Food Insecurity takes place Saturday, January 20, at the Villa Bianca in Seymour, beginning at 5:30pm.

 

The exciting and elegant event is based upon The Great Gatsby, the epic F. Scott Fitzgerald novel that follows a cast of characters living in the fictional town of West Egg on prosperous Long Island in the summer of 1922. Guests at the gala can dress in 1920s attire and there will be a costume contest for the best-dressed individuals.

 

A sumptuous dinner includes starters such as fried calamari, crab-stuffed mushrooms, pastry puffs with spinach, as well as main courses and side dishes including mouth-watering carving stations of salmon, beef, chicken and potatoes, pastas, and salads.  A beautiful Venetian dessert table tops off the meal.  Bottles of wine will be provided at each table and a cash bar will be open throughout the evening.

 

The Rob Zappulla 13-Piece Big Band will perform 20s-to-50s-era music as well as popular songs through the 50s. Zappulla was the featured vocalist for eight years in the famed Tommy Dorsey Orchestra, led by the late Buddy Morrow.

 

In addition, there will be a live and silent auction, door prizes and valet parking. Professional dancer Kristen Prall, owner of the studio Art in Motion, will perform as well as provide dance instruction.

 

Tickets are $90 per person and can be purchased online at valleyunitedway.org. For more information or to order tickets by phone, call 203-926-9478.

 

The Valley United Way is a leading philanthropic organization serving the towns of Ansonia, Derby, Oxford, Seymour and Shelton. Their mission is to improve lives by mobilizing the caring power of the community through philanthropy, volunteerism and collaboration.

 

(This is a press release from Valley United Way) 

Winter Recreation Programs in Seymour

Grand Opening of new Derby Restaurant on Tap

Local Lawmakers Help Families in Need

 In photo, left to right, State Rep. Nicole Klarides Ditria, Angelica Papastavros, State Senator Eric Berthel, House Republican Leader Themis Klarides, Salvation Army Board of Directors Chairman Bob Van Egghen

 

 

SEYMOUR- Local lawmakers recently helped ring the bell for the Salvation Army to make the holidays a lot brighter for Valley families in need.

 

The money raised during the hour period will be donated to programs that will help local families in need. Additionally, Walmart has guaranteed that they will match the donations to the Salvation Army collected by lawmakers throughout the state up to $25,000. 

 

Annually, the Salvation Army assists approximately 25 million Americans helping provide food, shelter, disaster relief, rehabilitation centers, anti-human trafficking efforts, and many other programs. The Red Kettle Campaign was started in 1891, and has become a well-recognized tradition that has raised millions of dollars to help those in need.

 

To donate or inquire about becoming a bell ringer, visit www.salvationarmyusa.org. Residents can also text CTREP to 71777 to make a donation.

Derby Announces Closings Due to Winter Storm

Mayor Richard Dziekan

 

From Derby Town Clerk Marc Garofalo's Office:

 

I write to inform you that Mayor Richard Dziekan has ordered Derby City Hall, Derby Senior Center, and Derby Public Library Closed on Thursday January 4, 2018 due to the anticipated winter storm.

 

Regular Winter Parking Regulations will be in effect – click here for details - https://imageserv11.team-logic.com/mediaLibrary/2043/Derby_PD_Winter_Parking_Regulations.pdf

 

Garbage pickup is already delayed one day this week due to the New Year Holiday.  No additional delay will be implemented.

 

The Derby Parking Garage will be open for use by downtown residents during the storm.  There is no cost for this service.

 

Ansonia Announces Winter Storm Parking Ban/Closings

From Ansonia Mayor David Cassetti:

 

PLEASE BE ADVISED THAT DUE TO SEVERE WINTER WEATHER BEING FORCASTED THERE WILL BE A 24 HOUR CITY-WIDE PARKING BAN BEGINNING AT MIDNIGHT TONIGHT. ALL CARS WILL NEED TO BE REMOVED FROM CITY STREETS. 

PLEASE NOTE THAT NOLAN FIELD, PINE LOT, COLONY PARK, LINETT PARK, CHRIST'S CHURCH AND EAST AND WEST MAIN PARKING LOTS WILL BE AVAILABLE FOR PUBLIC USE.

PLEASE BE ADVISED THAT ALL CITY BUILDINGS WILL BE CLOSED TOMORROW, THURSDAY, JANUARY 4TH. 

 

FINALLY, THERE WILL BE A TWO DAY DELAY IN TRASH PICK UP DUE TO THE NEW YEAR'S HOLIDAY AND WEATHER CONDITIONS.

 

THANK YOU FOR YOUR COOPERATION. PLEASE STAY SAFE AND WARM. 

DAVID S. CASSETTI

Volunteers Needed for MS, Sleep Study

DERBY - The Yale-Griffin Prevention Research Center and Multiple Sclerosis Treatment Center, both located at Griffin Hospital, 130 Division St., Derby, are seeking volunteers for a study on Multiple Sclerosis (MS) and insomnia.

 

This study will compare mindfulness meditation to sleep hygiene counseling in treating insomnia and improving quality of life in individuals with MS.

 

“Many people with MS suffer from chronic insomnia, and some of the medications used to treat insomnia can have adverse effects,” said Joseph B. Guarnaccia, MD, Multiple Sclerosis Treatment Center director. “Therefore, it is desirable to find alternative treatments for insomnia. The potential role of mindfulness – which is focusing full attention on the present moment without judgment - in affecting sleep has not yet been studied in people with MS.”

 

To participate, volunteers must be adults with a diagnosis of MS who suffer from chronic insomnia. They must be willing to come to Griffin Hospital for three assessments throughout the study, and to attend a weekly, two-hour training session for eight weeks and one eight-hour weekend session, and wear a Fitbit activity monitor (provided to volunteers) for several weeks to record their sleep data.

 

Volunteers will be randomly assigned to training on either mindfulness or sleep hygiene, which will be offered at either Griffin Hospital or the Yale Stress Center.  They will receive $200 for their role in the training and assessment, which will be provided free of charge. This study is funded by a grant from the State of Connecticut’s Biomedical Research Trust Fund. 

 

For information, call 203-732-1265, extension 220 for Sue, or extension 300 for Rockiy.

 

About The Yale-Griffin Prevention Research Center

The Yale-Griffin Prevention Research Center (PRC) is committed to research pertaining to the primary, secondary, & tertiary prevention of chronic disease that is responsive to the priorities of the Lower Naugatuck Valley residents, the residents of Connecticut’s major cities, and other communities throughout the state. The center is dedicated to participatory research methods, to a robust research agenda inclusive of developmental/determinant, intervention, and translational research; to community involvement in public health; to the eradication of disparities in health and health care in the communities served; and to the dissemination of effective interventions in support of the national objectives of Healthy People

 

(This is a press release from Griffin Hospital)

Teen Game Nights at Derby Public Library

DERBY - The Derby Public Library hosts Young Adult nights on Wednesdays every month from 6 to 7:30 p.m.

 

All young adults ages 12 to 17 are invited to join the fun each Wednesday in January as Nintendo Wii, board games, and Legos will be available. Light refreshments will be provided. Registration is requested.

 

For more information stop by the Library at 313 Elizabeth St., call 203.736.1482 or visit www.derbypubliclibrary.org.

 

(This is a press release from Derby Public Library)

 

Get Help Living with Diabetes

DERBY -The Diabetes Education & Support Group at Griffin Hospital will host two free presentations about living with diabetes on Tues., Jan. 9 at 2:30 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. at the hospital, 130 Division St., Derby.

 

Certified Diabetes Educator Mary Swansiger, BSN, MPH, will lead an open conversation on

“Continuing Your Journey with Diabetes.” Topics discussed will include: The natural course of diabetes; Recognizing the fact that it may become more difficult to keep your blood glucose within target range; The potential long-term complications of diabetes; How to delay or reduce the risk of long-term complications by keeping your blood glucose on target; and The importance of checking for long-term complications and knowing your ABCs.

 

The presentations will be in the hospital’s Childbirth Education Classroom A. There will be free valet parking for the 2:30 p.m. session.

 

The Diabetes Education & Support Group meets September - June on the second Tuesday of each month to discuss the management of diabetes, its challenges, and day-to-day dietary concerns. Individuals with diabetes and their caregivers are welcome to attend.

 

No registration is required. For more information, call Mary Swansiger at 203-732-1137.

 

(This is a press release from Griffin Hospital)

Griffin Hospital to Host Hypnosis and Pain Relief Program

DERBY - The Community Health Resource Center at Griffin Hospital, 130 Division St., Derby, will host a free educational presentation on hypnosis and pain relief on Tues., Jan. 16 at 6:30 p.m.

 

Ryan Jett, of Empowering the Mind Hypnosis, will present “Hypnosis & Pain,” a free discussion of how hypnosis works and how it can help relieve pain, which can help keep individuals from treating pain with unhealthy methods such as drinking and drug abuse.

 

This program is part of a series of free, educational forums hosted by the Community Health Resource Center to help improve the health of the community.

 

To register or for more information, call Kerry or Deborah at 203-732-7399.

 

The Community Health Resource Center at Griffin Hospital is a traditional library that provides an array of medical and health information, including a large collection of easy to read health and lifestyle related materials. The Center is open to the public to educate themselves on ways to enhance their well-being, prevent illness and play an active role in decisions about their health.

 

(This is a press release from Griffin Hospital)