Valley Goes Pink to host Exciting Week of Events

DERBY - The 9th Annual Valley Goes Pink invites the community to another exciting week of events filled with concerts, chili and carats.

 

The Valley Goes Pink will host a Rock the Valley Pink concert on Oct. 19 at 8 p.m. at Porky’s Café, 50 Center St., Shelton, featuring Social Convention. A $20 donation includes admission and a free drink!

 

Bad Sons Beer Company, 251 Roosevelt Dr., Derby, will host a chili contest between first responders from the Valley on Oct. 23 at 6 p.m. A $25 donation includes tasting and a vote. Cash bar for craft beer.

 

On Thurs., Oct. 25 from 3-7 p.m., Marks of Design, 389 Bridgeport Ave., Shelton, will host its 2^nd Annual Diamond Dig. Take your chances at winning precious gemstones, including a 1-carat diamond. The cost is a $40 donation for each bucket.

 

The Valley Goes Pink is a grassroots, community-wide effort throughout the Lower Naugatuck Valley to create awareness about breast cancer and the importance of early detection, support the Hewitt Center for Breast Wellness at Griffin Hospital, and showcase partnering organizations.

 

For more information on how you can go Pink, including a calendar of events, visit griffinhealth.org/pink, like us on Facebook or contact the Griffin Hospital Development Fund at development@griffinhealth.org or 203-732-7504.

 

(This is a press release from Griffin Hospital)

 

Plenty of "Pink" Events on Tap

DERBY - The 8th Annual Valley Goes Pink invites the community to sip or stretch for relaxation and a good cause.

 

LuLu Pazzo, 314 Main St., Ansonia, will host “Wine Pairing for Pink Dinner” on Wed., Oct. 25 at 6:30 p.m. Guests will enjoy dinner paired with wines for each course. Call Jodi at 203-521-2233 for more information or to reserve a spot.

Professional Yoga Instructor Kimmarie will lead “Pink Namaste Yoga” on Sun., Nov. 5 from 11:15 a.m. - 12:15 p.m. at Griffin Hospital, 130 Division St., Derby. Minimum donation of $20. Visit kimmarieyoga.net to register.

 

In addition to these two events, Marks of Design, 389 Bridgeport Ave., Shelton, will host “Dig for a Diamond” on Thurs., Oct. 26 from 3-7 p.m. A $40 donation will give an individual a bucket and a chance to win a .90 karat diamond as well as precious and semiprecious faceted stones. The event is limited to 300 participants. Call 203-924-0030 or visit griffinhealth.org/pink to reserve a bucket.

 

The Valley Goes Pink is a grassroots, community-wide effort throughout the Lower Naugatuck Valley to create awareness about breast cancer and the importance of early detection, support the Hewitt Center for Breast Wellness at Griffin Hospital, and showcase partnering organizations.

 

For more information on how you can go Pink, including a calendar of events, visit griffinhealth.org/pink, like us on Facebook or contact the Griffin Hospital Development Fund at development@griffinhealth.org or 203-732-7504.

 

(This is a press release from Griffin Hospital)

Local Credit Union Raises $1,000 for Breast Cancer

DERBY - Mutual Security Credit Union recently donated $1,000 to Griffin Hospital’s Valley Goes Pink campaign to help improve breast cancer services in the Lower Naugatuck Valley area.

 

The donation was collected through the sale of pink bracelets at Mutual Security’s branches.

 

The Valley Goes Pink is a grassroots, community wide effort to increase awareness about breast cancer and the importance of early detection, support the Hewitt Center for Breast Wellness at Griffin Hospital, and to celebrate the charitable spirit of the region’s businesses and organizations.

 

Mutual Security Credit Union is open to everyone who lives, works, worships, or attends school in Fairfield, Litchfield, and New Haven County. Originally founded in 1954, Mutual Security is now one of the largest state-charted, community-based credit unions in Connecticut. Visit mscu.net, or call (800) 761-2400 for more information.

 

In photo left to right: Griffin Hospital Events Coordinator Lisa Nista recently received a $1,000 check from, left to right, Mutual Security Credit Union’s President & CEO Larry Holderman, Executive VP Hank Baum and Bill Purcell, Valley Chamber of Commerce President for the Valley Goes Pink campaign.
 

(This is a press release from Griffin Hospital)

 

 

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)

Valley "Going Pink" for Breast Cancer Awareness

 

DERBY - The 7th Annual Valley Goes Pink Campaign invites the Lower Naugatuck Valley and surrounding communities to enjoy a variety of events featuring good food, drink and fun for a good cause throughout September and October.

 

The Valley Goes Pink is a grassroots, community wide effort to increase awareness about breast cancer and the importance of early detection, support the Hewitt Center for Breast Wellness at Griffin Hospital, and to celebrate the charitable spirit of the region’s businesses and organizations.

 

The following is a list of unique Valley Goes Pink fundraising events. For more information about “going pink” and joining the campaign visit griffinhealth.org/pink or contact the Griffin Hospital Development Fund at 203-732-7504, Jodi Dawley at 203-521-2233 or dawleypink@yahoo.com, or Sue Petrizzo at 203-400-1068 or petrizzopink@yahoo.com.

 

For more information about Valley Goes Pink and additional events, visit the Valley Goes Pink on Facebook or griffinhealth.org/pink.

 

*Waiters Go Pink, Sept. 26 from 5:30-9 p.m. – Volunteers waiters will serve guests at Wellingtons Restaurant, 51 Huntington St., Shelton, and tips will go to the cause. Reservations required at 203-929-0336.

 

*Trivia Night, Oct. 3 at 6:30 p.m. – Come for a fun night filled with trivia and fun prizes at Porky’s Café, 50 Center St., Shelton. Call Karyn for reservations 203-445-3091.

 

*Wine Pairing for Pink Dinner, Oct. 4 at 6:30 p.m. – Enjoy dinner paired with wines for each course at Ari Bella Restaurant, 66 Huntington St., Shelton. Call Sue Petrizzo at 203-400-1068 to reserve your spot.

 

*Paint for Pink, Oct. 6 at 6:30 p.m. – Come to the ever-popular Paint & Sip event which features great raffle prizes at Vazzy’s Cucina, 706 Bridgeport Ave., Shelton. Call Ann at 203-305-0817 for reservations.

 

*Mystery on Main, Oct. 7 from 6-9 p.m. – A Clue inspired evening of mystery, intrigue, music and more at Spector Furniture, 385 Main St., Ansonia. $40 per person.

 

*Pinktoberfest by Yuengling Night, Oct. 10 at 5:30 p.m. – Come enjoy Yuengling beer specials, a special “Germanfest” tasting menu and great giveaways at Wellingtons Restaurant, 51 Huntington St., Shelton.

 

*Bingo for Boobies Oct. 11 at 6 p.m. – Enjoy a fun-filled night of bingo and great prizes, including a flat screen TV, at The Hops Company (THC), 77 Sodom Lane, Derby. Call Sue for reservations at 203-400-1068.

 

*Rock Out Your Pink, Oct. 12 6:30 p.m. – Enjoy wine and cheese while viewing the dazzling works of Marks of Design, 500 Howe Ave., Shelton. 10% of all sales will be donated.

 

*Bras for the Valley, Oct. 13 at 6:30 p.m. – Design a bra and have it modeled in our fashion show with local “celebrity” models for a live auction, or just come for the fun at Il Palio, 5 Corporate Dr., Shelton. Call Ann at 203-305-0817 for more information.

 

*Durante Family Brunch for Pink, Oct. 16 at noon – Come have an extravagant brunch at Maria V’s Restaurant, 220 Leavenworth Rd., Shelton. Tickets are $50. Contact Anna Durante at 203-732-1977 or annadurante1@gmail.com for reservations.

 

*Tacos for Tatas, Oct. 18 at 7 p.m. – Enjoy delicious tacos for a good cause at River Rock Tavern, 5 Main St., Derby.

 

*Shoot for a Cure Basketball Clinics, Oct. 22 – Girls and boys ages 8-13 learn valuable pointers from the best! UCONN stars Maria Conlon Rinaldi and Ashley Battle will host a girls’ clinic from noon-3 p.m. at Shelton High School, 120 Meadow St., Shelton, and Dennis Kelly and Dribble Drive Basketball will host the boys’ clinic from 1-4 p.m. at St. Catherine of Siena Family Center, 220 Shelton Rd, Trumbull. Admission is $40. Call Jodi at 203-521-2233 to reverse a spot.

 

*Pink Ribbon Yoga, Oct. 23 from 10 -11:15 a.m. – Join Kimmarie for a yoga session at Griffin Hospital, 130 Division St., Derby. Minimum donation of $20. Visit kimmarieyoga.net to register.

 

*Vineyards of the World Wine Tasting, Oct. 24 from 6-9 p.m. – Several distributors will be highlighting their wines at Wellingtons Restaurant, 51 Huntington St, Shelton, and the restaurant will offer great food to pair. Tickets are $50 per person. Call Linda for tickets at 203-414-8851.

 

The Valley Goes Pink is sponsored by 99.1 FM WPLR and Hearst Connecticut Media Group.

 

(This is a press release from Griffin Hospital)

Spector Furniture in Ansonia raises funds, awareness for Valley Goes Pink

ANSONIA - Spector Furniture & Home Décor, of Ansonia, recently donated $1,000 to improve breast cancer services in the Lower Naugatuck Valley and helped spread the word about breast health this October.

 

The $1,000 donation was collected throughout October as a portion of the store’s sales for the month was set aside for The 6^th Annual Valley Goes Pink, a Valley-wide campaign to support the Hewitt Center for Breast Wellness at Griffin Hospital.

 

In addition to the donation, Spector Furniture Co-owner Howie Kreiger served on the Valley Goes Pink Committee and assisted in securing media sponsorships from The Connecticut Post and WPLR. Kreiger also collected auction and raffle prizes from area businesses for Valley Goes Pink events.

 

The Valley Goes Pink brings together schools, organizations and businesses to hold fundraising events throughout October to increase awareness about breast cancer and the importance of early detection, support the Hewitt Center for Breast Wellness at Griffin Hospital, and to celebrate the charitable spirit of the region’s businesses and organizations.

 

For more information about The Valley Goes Pink and how to get involved, visit griffinhealth.org/pink or contact the Griffin Hospital Development Fund at 203-732-7504.

(This is a press release from Griffin Hospital)

The Valley Goes Pink! Lists Events

The Valley Goes Pink! is celebrating its sixth annual campaign to raise awareness about breast cancer with a variety of fundraising events throughout the month of October.

The grassroots, community-wide effort is geared to increase awareness about breast cancer and the importance of early detection, support the Hewitt Center for Breast Wellness at Griffin Hospital and to celebrate the charitable spirit of the region’s businesses and organizations.

For more information about “going pink” and joining the campaign visit griffinhealth.org/pink or contact the Griffin Hospital Development Fund at 203.732.7504, Jodi Dawley at 203-521-2233 or dawleypink@yahoo.com, or Sue Petrizzo at 203-400-1068 or petrizzopink@yahoo.com.

The following 'pink' events have been scheduled:

Thursday, Oct. 8 marks the Young Emerging Professionals’ “Pinktober Fest” from 6-8 p.m. at Molto Bene Italian American Kitchen, 557 Wakelee Ave., Ansonia. The event will feature a variety of craft brews, specialty pink drinks, games and prize drawings, and more. For more information, visit the Young Emerging Professionals on Facebook www.facebook.com/CTYEP or contact the Greater Valley Chamber of Commerce at 203.925.4981 or www.greatervalleychamber.com.

Monday, Oct. 12 is the Yuengling Pinkling Beerfest from 5 to 9 p.m. at Wellingtons Restaurant, 51 Huntington Plaza, Shelton. Presented by Star Distributors, this event offers a tasting of Yuengling beers and a Pinkling menu featuring German specialties. Proceeds from the beer sales will support the campaign.

Wednesday, Oct. 14 is Pink Trivia Night at 7 p.m. at Caloroso Eatery & Bar, 100 Center St., Shelton. A $20 donation includes an evening of trivia, prizes, pizza and soft drinks. For reservations, call Jodi Dawley at 203-521-2233.

Saturday, Oct. 24 is The Social Convention Goes Pink event from 6-11 p.m. at River Rock Tavern, 5 Main St, Derby. The band Social Convention hits the stage at 8 p.m. at this event featuring food and prizes. Cover charge is $10.

Monday, Oct. 26 marks The Valley Goes Pink Wrap-up Celebration Wine Tasting at 6 p.m. at Wellingtons Restaurant, 51 Huntington Plaza, Shelton, to close out the month’s festivities and to celebrate its success. For more information and to make your reservation, call 203-414-8851.

The Valley Goes Pink is sponsored by WPLR, Hearst Media, Spector Furniture and Real Estate Two.

Luminaries light the night in Derby

Luminaries displayed in front of the gazebo on the Derby Green.

DERBY - My daughter Allegra and I attended the city's luminary lighting ceremony Tuesday night on the Green.
As a breast cancer survivor the solemn event meant a lot to me, and I thank those who organized it.

The luminaries cost $3 each and all the money raised from the sales will benefit The Campaign for Breast Wellness at Griffin Hospital.

We're looking forward to next year's ceremony.

Derby to host luminary lighting to benefit Valley Goes Pink

Ceremony planned on Green 

 DERBY - The city will hold a Luminary Lighting Ceremony on the Green at 7 p.m. Tuesday.

  Anyone wishing to purchase a luminary in memory of a loved one or for the encouragement of a loved one or for someone special in their lives is asked to stop by the Town Clerk’s Office or Mayor Anthony Staffieri’s office at City Hall, 1 Elizabeth St.

  The price is $3 per luminary. 

   Proceeds will go to Griffin Hospital's The Valley Goes Pink! campaign, a grassroots initiative launched in 2010 to create awareness about breast cancer and to raise money for the Hewitt Center for Breast Wellness at Griffin Hospital. 

   October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

Whiskey tasting planned in Derby to benefit Valley Goes Pink

Diageo’s Master of Whiskey, Ari Shapiro, will lead The Valley Goes Pink Whiskeys of the World Tasting Oct. 17 at La Sala Banquet Hall in Derby. / Contributed photo

DERBY - Attendees of The Valley Goes Pink Whiskeys of the World Tasting will have a knowledgeable guide as they sample some of the globe’s best whiskeys.

Diageo’s Master of Whiskey, Ari Shapiro, will lead the Oct. 17 fundraiser. He will provide tasters with expertise on the flavors, backgrounds, and differences between each of the six whiskeys being sampled.

“This event will feature whiskeys from each of the four main whiskey-producing countries - Scotland, Ireland, Canada and the USA,” Shapiro said. 

“Guests will gain an understanding of how local farmers and culture have influenced whiskey-making in each area in addition to tasting each of these countries finest offerings. You'll learn how to get the most out of tasting whiskey, plus ideas for pairing whiskey with food and how to give whiskey as a gift.”

The event will run from 5:30-8:30 p.m. at La Sala Banquet Hall, 79 High St. (by the Sons of Italy Club).

Shapiro discovered a passion for whiskey when he was introduced to it in his early 20s.

“Immediately, I could tell it was different than other spirits,” he said. “As I experienced more whiskeys, I learned more about the production and history that makes each so wonderful and different – traits that are unmatched in the rest of the spirit world.”

Shapiro then gained firsthand experience with whiskey-making processes across Scotland, Ireland and North America as part of his training. 

As Master of Whiskey, Shapiro educates bartenders, restaurant owners, chefs and fellow whiskey-lovers around the world about the history and nuances of Scotch, Irish, American, Canadian and other whiskeys from around the globe.

Shapiro said his goal at whiskey tastings is to educate others about the “intricate processes and minute decisions that make each whiskey unique.”

Tickets for The Valley Goes Pink Whiskeys of the World Tasting are $60 if purchased before Oct. 17 or $70 at the door.

Food will be provided by The Original Antonio’s Restaurant in Ansonia.

Proceeds from the event will benefit The Hewitt Center for Breast Wellness at Griffin Hospital. Call 203-732-7504 or visit griffinhealth.org/pink to reserve your spot.

The fundraiser is sponsored by Diageo, La Sala, and The Original Antonio’s.

The Valley Goes Pink is a grassroots, community-wide effort throughout the Lower Naugatuck Valley to create awareness about breast cancer and the importance of early detection, support The Hewitt Center for Breast Wellness at Griffin Hospital and showcase partnering organizations.

Throughout October, Valley towns are invited to host a variety of unique fundraising events and marketing programs to raise awareness and support for the cause. 

From hosting pink parties in homes, to “pinkifying” businesses with ribbons or lights, or hosting dress down days and auctions - the possibilities are endless. 

For information on how to get involved, visit www.griffinhealth.org/pink or contact the Griffin Hospital Development Fund, 203-732-7504.

This is a press release from Griffin Hospital.

Derby supports 'The Valley Goes Pink'

DERBY - While at City Hall Tuesday night to get results of the school roof referendum vote, I spied a display of sparkling support of The Valley Goes Pink.

The initiative was launched in 2010 at Griffin Hospital; it goes into high gear each October to mark National Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

Not familiar with the Pink initiative? Here's some information from its Facebook page:

"The Valley Goes Pink is a grassroots, community-wide effort throughout the Lower Naugatuck Valley to: create awareness about breast cancer and the importance of early detection; support the Hewitt Center for Breast Wellness at Griffin Hospital; and showcase partnering organizations.

"Throughout October, Valley towns are invited to host a variety of unique fundraising events and marketing programs to raise awareness and support for the cause. From hosting Pink Parties in homes, to "pinkifying" businesses with ribbons or lights, or hosting dress down days and auctions - the possibilities are endless!"


It's great to see how much the Valley community comes together each October for such a worthy cause.
 

Whiskey tasting to benefit Hewitt Center for Breast Wellness in Derby

DERBY - Griffin Hospital will host a unique whiskey, scotch, and bourbon tasting fundraiser Oct. 17, giving attendees the opportunity to sample some of the world’s best whiskeys, while also helping breast cancer patients in the Valley.
 

The Valley Goes Pink Whiskeys of the World Tasting will be from 5:30-8:30 p.m. at La Sala Banquet Hall, 79 High St. (by the Sons of Italy Club). 

A Diageo’s Master of Whiskey will share the pleasures and complexities of the best scotches (single and blend), Irish whiskeys, and bourbons from around the globe.

Food will be provided by The Original Antonio’s Restaurant in Ansonia.

Tickets are $60 if purchased before Oct. 10 or $70 at the door. Proceeds from the event will benefit The Hewitt Center for Breast Wellness at Griffin Hospital. Call 203-732-7504 or visit griffinhealth.org/pink to reserve your spot.

The fundraiser is sponsored by Diageo, La Sala and The Original Antonio’s.

Raising breast cancer awareness

The Valley Goes Pink is a grassroots, community-wide effort throughout the Lower Naugatuck Valley to create awareness about breast cancer and the importance of early detection, support The Hewitt Center for Breast Wellness at Griffin Hospital and showcase partnering organizations.

Throughout October, Valley towns are invited to host a variety of unique fundraising events and marketing programs to raise awareness and support for the cause.

From hosting Pink Parties in homes, to “pinkifying” businesses with ribbons or lights, or hosting dress down days and auctions - the possibilities are endless. 

For information on how to get involved, visit www.griffinhealth.org/pink or contact the Griffin Hospital Development Fund, 203-732-7504.

This is a press release from Griffin Hospital.

Brunch in Derby to benefit The Valley Goes Pink

Enjoy brunch and support a worthy cause here in the Valley!




This is taken from The Valley Goes Pink Facebook page. 

Walk in Naugatuck to benefit Hewitt Center for Breast Wellness

Jamie and Sebastian DeCicco

Last week I met Naugatuck resident Jamie DeCicco who is a wife, mother of four, and I daresay a human dynamo.

A little over a month ago she took it upon herself to organize a walk to benefit The Hewitt Center for Breast Wellness at Griffin Hospital in Derby.
DeCicco, who was wearing lots of pink and sporting some pinkness in her brown hair when I met her, said she decided to hold the event in honor of her mother, who is a breast cancer survivor.
 
Her husband, Sebastian DeCicco, has been at her side helping her in this major endeavor. She said she is grateful for the support she has received from friends, neighbors, business people, the Naugatuck school system, the Nagugatuck Youth Soccer Association, and others too numerous to mention.

She and her husband are doing all they can to make the event a success.

October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and the walk from 1-4:30 p.m. Saturday at Linden Park on Linden Street in Naugatuck is one of the last events in a string of activities that have been held to support Griffin Hospital's The Valley Goes Pink initiative.

Registration is $20, and participants are getting sponsors to pay them for the number of laps they complete along the park's track.

My daughter and I will be lacing up our sneakers Saturday to participate in the walk.

I hope reading this inspires you to do the same.

Requests for walker forms should be sent to coachjamiedecicco@gmail.com.

Any payment by checks or money orders should be made out to: Hewitt Center for Breast Wellness at Griffin Hospital (c/o The Valley Goes Pink)

Contact Jamie DeCicco at 203-565-9945 or coachjamiedecicco@gmail.com.

Pink is the color of the month in the Valley

Raising breast cancer awareness in October

The Valley Goes Pink is a grassroots, community-wide effort throughout the Lower Naugatuck Valley to increase awareness about breast cancer and the importance of early detection, support the Hewitt Center for Breast Wellness at Griffin Hospital in Derby and celebrate the charitable spirit of the Valley’s businesses and organizations.

The following is a list of some of The Valley Goes Pink fundraising events.
For information on how you can "go pink," visit the Griffin Hospital website at www.griffinhealth.org/pink or contact the Griffin Hospital Development Fund at 203-732-7504 or cevans@griffinhealth.org.
Every Wednesday in October is “Percent for Pink Day” at The Original Antonio's, 314 Main St., Ansonia. Owner Chris Setaro will donate 10 percent of all sales to The Valley Goes Pink.

Cut-a-Thons planned. Get a haircut, make a difference, and feel great Sunday at two salons. Walk-ins welcome or call for an appointment.
At Capelli Salon, 131 Main St., Derby - Anna Durante and her team will donate a percentage of their earnings to the cause from 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Call 203-732-1977.   
At Hair After Salon, 522 Shelton Ave., Shelton, they will offer $20 haircuts, with a portion of the proceeds to benefit The Valley Goes Pink. Open noon-4 p.m. Call 203-929-6361 or 203-929-6362.

Week of Oct. 22:   Pink Week at Il Palio, Shelton, featuring pink specials all week: Oct. 23:  Friendly's FUNdraiser, 7 a.m.-10 p.m., Naugatuck; Oct. 25:  Waiter's Go Pink at Jesse Camille's, Naugatuck, 6 p.m.; Oct. 27:  Breast Wellness Walk, 1-4:30 p.m. at Linden Park, Naugatuck; Oct. 30:  Wrap-Up Celebration for Valley Goes Pink at Il Palio, Shelton, 5:30-8 p.m.

Through Oct. 31 James Heating Oil, at 326 Derby Ave., Derby, will donate $1 for every grill tank refill. Call 203-736-2566 or visit www.jamesheatingoil.com.


The above information is taken from a press release from Griffin Hospital.

'Tis the month to think pink

DERBY - The Valley Goes Pink is a grassroots, community-wide effort throughout the Lower Naugatuck Valley to increase awareness about breast cancer and the importance of early detection, support the Hewitt Center for Breast Wellness at Griffin Hospital and celebrate the charitable spirit of the Valley’s businesses and organizations.

The following is a list of unique Valley Goes Pink fundraising events set for Oct. 18-30.
For information on how you can "go pink," visit www.griffinhealth.org/pink or contact the Griffin Hospital Development Fund, 203-732-7504 or cevans@griffinhealth.org.

Every Wednesday in October is “Percent for Pink Day” at The Original Antonio's, 314 Main St., Ansonia. Owner Chris Setaro will donate 10 percent of all sales to The Valley Goes Pink.
Through Oct. 31 James Heating Oil, 326 Derby Ave., Derby, will donate $1 for every grill tank refill. Call 203-736-2566 or visit www.jamesheatingoil.com.
Oct. 18 marks the Valley Goes Pink Scotch Tasting from 5:30-8:30 p.m. at LaSala Banquet Hall, 79 High St., Derby (at the Sons of Italy Club).
Diageo's Master of Whiskey L.J. Heffernan, will share the pleasures and complexities of blended scotches and single malts, including Johnnie Walker Blue.
Registration is $60 by today and $70 after or at the door.
Register at www.griffinhealth.org/pink or 203-732-7504.

Oct. 21 marks two cut-a-thons:

• Capelli Salon, 131 Main St., Derby, will host its event from 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Make an appointment at 203-732-1977.
• Hair After Salon, 522 Huntington St., Shelton will host a cut-a-thon noon–4 p.m. Call 203-929-361 for an appointment; walk-ins are welcome.

Oct. 25 will be the date of two great events:

• Breast Wellness Walk at Linden Park in Naugatuck from 1-4:30 p.m. $20 per registrant.
• Jesse Camille’s Restaurant, 615 North Church St., Naugatuck, will host “Waiters Go Pink” starting at 5 p.m. Naugatuck “luminaries” wait on you, and all tips go to the cause. Reservations required. Call 203-723-2275.

On Oct. 30 Valley Goes Pink will host a “Wrap Up Celebration” at Il Palio Restaurant, 5 Corporate Drive, Shelton to wrap up the month’s festivities and to celebrate our success. Tickets are $15. After the event, participants may take advantage of a special $20.12 menu in the restaurant.

The above information was taken from a release from Griffin Hospital.  

'Pink' waitstaff raises $3,200 for breast cancer fund

Event at Wellington's Restaurant benefits The Valley Goes Pink

Members of The Valley Goes Pink committee waited on tables Monday night. With them are state Rep. Jason Perillo, third from left, and Shelton Mayor Mark Lauretti, seventh from left. / Contributed photo

The annual "Wellington's Waiters Go Pink" event raised $3,200 in tips from more than 100 attendees. Cornelia Evans, executive director of the Griffin Hospital Development Fund, thanked volunteers. She also thanked Paul and Sherri Murphy, owners of Wellington's Restaurant in Shelton, for allowing Griffin to host the event there. / Contributed photo

Help paint the Valley pink this October

Breast Cancer Awareness Month activities abound
DERBY - The Valley Goes Pink is a grassroots, community-wide effort throughout the Lower Naugatuck Valley to increase awareness about breast cancer and the importance of early detection, support the Hewitt Center for Breast Wellness at Griffin Hospital and celebrate the charitable spirit of the Valley’s businesses and organizations.

The following is a list of unique Valley Goes Pink fundraising events.
For information on how you can "go pink," visit the Griffin Hospital website at www.griffinhealth.org/pink or contact the Griffin Hospital Development Fund, 203-732-7504 or cevans@griffinhealth.org.

Every Wednesday in October is “Percent for Pink Day” at The Original Antonio's, 314 Main Street, Ansonia. Owner Chris Setaro will donate 10 percent of all sales to The Valley Goes Pink.
Through Oct. 31 James Heating Oil, at 326 Derby Ave., Derby, will donate $1 for every grill tank refill. Call 203-736-2566 or visit www.jamesheatingoil.com.
On Oct. 1 Wellington’s Restaurant, 51 Huntington Ave., Shelton, will host “Wellington’s Waiters Go Pink” starting at 5 p.m. Valley Goes Pink Committee members will wait on tables and collects tips.
Oct. 4 marks The 12th Annual Women Making a Difference in the Valley Luncheon, from noon-2 p.m. at Grassy Hill Lodge, Derby. Hosted by the Valley Women's Health Initiative, proceeds from the luncheon are earmarked for the Griffin Hospital/Valley Breast Care Fund. Tickets are $40 per person. For information, call 203-732-7431.
On Oct. 7 Ari Bella Restaurant, 66 Huntington St., Shelton, will host a “Vineyards of the World Wine Tasting” from 2-5 p.m. For information, call Pat, 203-926-2478 or Sue, 203-926-1122.
Oct. 11 marks the “Young Emerging Professionals' Pinktober Fest” from 5-8 p.m. at Molto Bene at John J. Sullivan's Restaurant, 557 Wakelee Ave., Ansonia. The event will feature a variety of craft brews, wine and scotch tastings, raffles, and more. Tickets are $30 per person.
For information, visit the Young Emerging Professionals at www.facebook.com/CTYEP or contact the Greater Valley Chamber of Commerce, 203-925-4981 or www.greatervalleychamber.com.
Oct. 18 marks the Valley Goes Pink Scotch Tasting from 5:30-8:30 p.m. at LaSala Banquet Hall, 79 High St., Derby (by the Sons of Italy Club). Diageo's Master of Whiskey L.J. Heffernan, will share the pleasures and complexities of blended scotches and single malts, including Johnnie Walker Blue. Registration is $60 before Oct. 11 and $70 after or at the door. Register at www.griffinhealth.org/pink or 203-732-7504.
On Oct. 25 Jesse Camille’s Restaurant, 615 North Church St., Naugatuck, will host “Waiters Go Pink” starting at 5 p.m. Naugatuck “luminaries” wait on you, and all tips go to the cause.
Oct. 21 marks two cut-a-thons:
• Capelli Salon, 131 Main St., will host its event from 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Make an appointment at 203-732-1977.
• Hair After Salon, 522 Huntington Ave., Shelton will host its cut-a-thon from 12–4 p.m. Call 203-929-6361 for an appointment. Walk-ins are welcome.
On Oct. 30 Valley Goes Pink will host a “Wrap Up Celebration” at Il Palio Restaurant, 5 Corporate Drive, Shelton to wrap up the month’s festivities and to celebrate our success. Tickets are $15. Following event, participants can take advantage of a special $20.12 menu in the restaurant.

The above is taken from a press release from Griffin Hospital. 

Kicking cancer to the curb

Griffin Hospital staff offers support when needed most

DERBY - I'm not one to reveal my thoughts too often but today I thought I'd give it a whirl.

After all, my editors published a story about my breast cancer journey I wrote on a whim last December, and that was straight from the proverbial heart.

I want to publicly thank the health-care professionals at The Hewitt Center for Breast Wellness at Griffin Hospital and The Center for Cancer Care, also at Griffin Hospital.

They helped me through every step of my mammography, ultrasound, biopsy, diagnosis, surgeries, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and post-treatment appointments.
I'm sure I've left something out, but I must admit 2011 went by in a bit of a blur.

That said, I want to congratulate the hospital on the acquisition of tomosynthesis equipment. The state-of-the-art technology creates 3-D images of a breast.

The equipment can detect previously "hidden" cancer cells on select patients, doctors say. The machine has been in use at Griffin for less than a month.

I attended a reception Thursday at which Dr. Zandra Cheng, medical director at the Hewitt Center for Breast Wellness, told supporters and patients about the new equipment and introduced Dr. Laura Sheiman, the center’s recently hired breast radiologist and breast imaging medical director..

I was fortunate to have imaging supervisor Mariann Vallillo show me the impressive new equipment and demonstrate how it operates. Check out the video imbedded in my story.

October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month and a variety of pink-themed activities are being planned throughout the community.

Schools, church groups, civic organizations, restaurants, and businesses will again take part in The Valley Goes Pink, a month-long initiative to raise awareness and funds for The Hewitt Center for Breast Wellness and the grassroots organization, Seymour Pink, Inc.

Please check out the websites to see how you can help these efforts.

My hope is Valley residents will take the time to support at least one of the many fun activities being planned with the goal of making the diagnosis of breast cancer a thing of the past.