BHcare to Honor Valley Businessman

Community Impact Breakfast Please join us to honor Tom Haynes for his passion and dedication to BHcare and PCRC. It is our privilege to present Mr. Haynes with our 2019 Community Partner Award. November 14, 2019 7:45 - 9:30 am Race Brook Country Club 246 Derby Avenue Orange, CT 06477 Free and open to the public! Advanced Reservations Required RSVP by November 7 to RSVP@bhcare.org/(203) 446-9739 x1856

Griffin Hospital Recognized by New England Donor Services

DERBY - Griffin Hospital, in Derby, recently received the Health and Human Services Work Place for Life (WPFL) Gold Recognition Award from New England Donor Services for raising awareness about organ donation.

The WPFL Hospital Campaign encourages hospitals to coordinate donor awareness and registry enrollment activities with their staff, patients and community members. The goals of the campaign are to increase organ and tissue donation awareness in the surrounding community, cultivate a hospital culture that incorporates educating and registering potential donors as part of their standard mission, and provide online organ and tissue donor registration opportunities.

Griffin was a valued partner of New England Donor Services for the 2018 campaign, assisting in 11 tissue donations.

Partners in the WPFL campaign are committed to building awareness of the critical need for organ, eye, and tissue donation registration. According to New England Donor Services, there are more than 110,000 people in the U.S. are on the waiting list for a life-saving organ transplants. One donor has the potential of saving up to nine lives through organ donation and can enhance the lives of 50 people through tissue donation.

For more information about organ donation, visit donatelife.net.

(This is a press release from Griffin Hospital)

Valley Volunteers Honored

Cathi Kellett and Officer Mike Barry

DERBY - Safe Kids Greater Naugatuck Valley Coalition recently marked its 5^th anniversary and honored its dedicated volunteers with a dinner at Griffin Hospital in Derby.

 

Operating within Griffin Hospital’s Community Outreach Program, Safe Kids Naugatuck Valley is part of Safe Kids Worldwide, a nonprofit organization working to help families and communities keep kids safe from injuries.

The local program was became a chapter 2004 and developed into a coalition under Safe Kids CT. In 2013, the program grew to include many Naugatuck Valley towns and became its own stand-alone coalition.



Cathi Kellett and Michele Holovach

 

Safe Kids Greater Naugatuck Valley Coalition educates children and adults on variety of health and safety programs to reduce unintentional injuries among children. Program topics include anti-bullying, germ protection, teen distracted driving, bicycle and wheeled sport safety, anti-tobacco use, child passenger safety, exercise and sports safety, and internet safety.

 

Ansonia Police Officer Michael Barry, and Michele Holovach and Jamie Peterson, of TEAM, Inc., received the Volunteer Excellence Award.

 

Officer Barry has volunteered with Safe Kids since 2006 and has been very active in programs involving child passenger safety, teen driving, pedestrian safety, poison prevention, and anti-bullying.

 

“At any given community health fair, program at Griffin Hospital or in one of the Ansonia schools, Officer Barry offers his guidance, support, expertise - and most of all his time - to bring quality programs to our community to ensure safe, happy and healthy children and families,” said Safe Kids Greater Naugatuck Valley Coalition Coordinator Cathi Kellett.

 

Holovach and Peterson have been essential in coordinating with Head Start classrooms in Ansonia, Derby, Shelton, Seymour, and Beacon Falls, to bring Safe Kids’ health and safety programs to more than 250 students every month throughout the school year. Additionally, they support major grant projects to fit every child with a new car seat and bike helmet, provide concussion protocols and water safety programs, and educate parents and caregivers at regular dinners throughout the year.

 

“Their collaboration is instrumental in keeping Safe Kids constantly moving forward.” Kellett said. “They are a vital part of our success.”

 

For more information about Safe Kids Naugatuck Valley, visit griffinhealth.org/safe-kids or contact Kellett at 203-732-1337 or ckellett@griffinhealth.org.

 

(This is a press release from Griffin Hospital)

Lions Club Members Gain International Recognition

Lori-Ann Beninson, left, and Melissa A. Smith

SEYMOUR - Lion Lori-Ann Beninson and Lion Melissa A. Smith have been awarded the International Presidents Certificate award by District Governor Shaukat Khan and Lions Clubs International in recognition of their commitment to community service. Lion Beninson is on this year's District Global Leadership Team and Lion Smith is on the Global Membership Team.
 

Beninson is a member of the New Fairfield Lions Club. She has been a Lion for 7 years, and She has participated in various club projects including New Fairfield Old Tyme Carnival, Senior Picnics and Boat trip, Kids sight eye screening, and Homeless outreach.

Smith is a member of the Seymour Lions Club. She has been a Lion for 9 years, and She has participated in various club projects including Kids Sight eye screening, Summer Cruise Nights, Annual Car Show, Senior Pizza/Bingo.

Both Lions said, “It is a great honor to be presented with this award,” It was a surprise to both of them.

The New Fairfield Lions Club has 57 members and meets on the and 4^th Tuesday at 7pm at Biscotti’s.  For more information or to get involved with the New Fairfield Lions Club, please contact Lion Lori-Ann at ctlionsserve@gmail.com

The Seymour Lions Club has 43 members and meets on the 2^nd Wednesday at 7:00 p.m. at Tavern 1757.  For more information or to get involved with the Seymour Lions Club, please contact Lion Melissa at 203-430-9356 or email the club at seymourlions52@att.net

Lions Clubs International is the world’s largest service club organization with more than 1.3 million members in approximately 45,000 clubs in more than 200 countries and geographical areas around the world. Since 1917, Lions clubs have aided the blind and visually impaired and made a strong commitment to community service and serving youth throughout the world. For more information about Lions Clubs International, visit the Web site at www.lionsclubs.org.

 

(This is a press release from Seymour Lions)

Oxford Woman to Receive Caring Heart Award

WOODBRIDGE - The Women’s Heart Wellness Committee will host its 13^th Annual Women's Heart Wellness & Caring Heart Award Ceremony on Thurs., April 26 from 6-8:30 p.m. at the Birchwoods at Oak Lane Country Club, 1027 Racebrook Road, Woodbridge.

 

The theme of the dinner will be “Who’s That Woman in the Mirror?” featuring a panel of health experts discussing women’s health and answering questions related to healthy aging. There will also be a health fair with information on overall wellness and more. WTNH Health Reporter Jocelyn Maminta will be the MC for the evening.

 

The event will also honor Barbara Casagrande, of Oxford, with the Caring Heart Award. The Women’s Heart Wellness Committee will also present its Caring Heart Award to an individual from the Lower Naugatuck Valley who made significant contributions to the heart wellness of an individual or the community at large by his or her actions and/or volunteerism.

 

Tickets for the dinner are $35 per person and includes plentiful hors d'oeuvres and a complimentary glass of wine. To reserve a seat, visit griffinhealth.org/whw and click the event link at the bottom of the page. The deadline for reservations is April 22.

 

For more information, contact Eunice at 203-732-7107 or whw@griffinhealth.org.

 

The Women’s Heart Wellness Committee consists of healthcare professionals, heart patients and women from throughout the Valley communities. The primary focus of the group is to increase heart health awareness among women, empower them to love and save their hearts, and ensure they are provided the means to do so through education and rehabilitation. Membership is open to all interested persons.

 

(This is a press release from Griffin Hospital)

Derby Board of Education Recognized for Excellence

DERBY- March is Board of Education Member Appreciation Month

 

On March 15, 2018, the Derby Board of Education was recognized by the Connecticut Association of Boards of Education (CABE) for receiving the Bonnie B. Carney Awards ofExcellence for Educational Communications.

The Connecticut Association of Boards of Education is celebrating Board of Education

Member Appreciation Month in March, and is asking all citizens to join them in building

awareness and understanding of the vital function an elected board of education plays in

our society.  I ask you to join me in recognizing the incredible work of the Derby Board

of Education and thank them for their relentless pursuit of excellence for your child and

this City.  

 

They selflessly sacrifice their time and countless hours listening, learning, researching and advocating for what is best for our kids, our District, our City and this family.Through the Leadership and guidance of Chairman Gildea and the trust and support of the members of the Board, every administrator, teacher, staff member and student is given a voice, so together, as a family, we continue to improve and make decisions that are best for our kids.

 

Chairman Gildea said, "This Board has a clear and consistent track record for putting the

interests of our children at the center of all that we do. We are a committed team of

individuals who combine our collective experiences to always ensure the school system

has the tools they need to keep moving the bar higher. It is an honor to serve with such

dedicated people."  

Please reach out and thank a Board member today. It is a small but meaningful gesture

of the gratitude we have for their service.

 

(This is a press release from Superintendent of Schools Matthew Conway)

Derby Students Nab Prestigious State Award

Christian Olenoski                 Nailah Huq                 Nikita Khanna            Zachary Banores

 

DERBY-  The Connecticut Association of Public School Superintendents (CAPSS) has developed a student award program to provide Superintendents with the means of aligning themselves with their students. The program is conducted by CAPSS and made available to local CAPSS Superintendents who wish to participate. 

 

The program awards students based on community service and service to others; academic prowess (relative to ability); and leadership service to the school community.  The Superintendent/Student Award Recognition Program is designed to allow Superintendents to move beyond the academic achiever who routinely receives recognition.  

 

Derby School Superintendent, Dr. Conway, was proud to recognize four Derby students with this prestigious award at the CAPSS 32^nd Annual Student Award Banquet, which was held on December 7, 2017 at Grassy Hill Country Club.  Derby High School seniors Christian Olenoski and Nailah Huq received awards, along with Derby Middle School students Zachary Banores and Nikita Khanna.  Board of Education member Dan Foley Principal Pascale and Principal Vitelli were also present to honor the students.

 

(This is a press release from Derby Schools)

TEAM, Inc. to Celebrate 52nd Anniversary

DERBY- TEAM Inc. will host their 52^nd Annual Meeting to be held Thursday, October 12, 2017, beginning at 5:00 P.M. at Race Brook Country Club, 246 Derby Avenue, Orange, CT.

The agency will be making several community award presentations at the meeting:

Liberty Bank will be presented The Chairman’s Award for their broad, profound and positive impact on the quality of social services in the Lower Naugatuck Valley.  

The Town of Seymour and First Selectman Kurt Miller will receive The Partnership Award in recognition of the town’s outstanding support of the agency’s mission during the past years.

CHAZ, from WPLR’s CHAZ and A.J. show a former TEAM participant will be presented with TEAM’s Consumer Excellence Award for his successful accomplishments.

The event will include the unveiling of a new agency video and client testimonials.

The public is invited and encouraged to attend.  Cost is $40.00 for the dinner event.  Reservations are required and may be made by contacting Silvia Paytas at 736-5420, ext. 202 or spaytas@teaminc.org by October 6.

TEAM Inc. is a private, 501c (3) non-profit corporation whose mission is to strengthen our community by educating, supporting, and empowering individuals and families. TEAM programs impact the communities of Ansonia, Beacon Falls, Bethany, Derby, Milford, Naugatuck, Orange, Oxford, Shelton, Seymour, Waterbury, and Woodbridge.
 

(This is a press release from TEAM)

Griffin Hospital Recognized by New England Donor Services

From left: Sharon Bartley and Angelo Bernardo, of New England Donor Services, present Griffin Hospital VP Patient Care Services Barbara Stumpo and Inpatient Services Administrator Kelly Egan with the WPFL Silver Award.

 

DERBY - Griffin Hospital, 130 Division St., Derby, recently received the Health and Human Services Work Place for Life (WPFL) Silver Recognition Award from New England Donor Services for raising awareness about organ donation.

 

The WPFL Hospital Campaign encourages hospitals to coordinate donor awareness and registry enrollment activities with their staff, patients and community members. The goals of the campaign are to increase organ and tissue donation awareness in the surrounding community, cultivate a hospital culture that incorporates educating and registering potential donors as part of their standard mission, and provide online organ and tissue donor registration opportunities.

 

Last year, Griffin Hospital assisted with four organ donations that resulted in life-saving organ transplants for 12 people.

 

Partners in the WPFL campaign are committed to building awareness of the critical need for organ, eye, and tissue donation registration. According to New England Donor Services, there are more than 117,090 people in the U.S. and 1,343 in the state on the waiting list for a life-saving organ transplants. One donor has the potential of saving up to nine lives through organ donation and can enhance the lives of 50 people through tissue donation.

 

For more information about organ donation, visit donatelife.net.

 

(This is a press release from Griffin Hospital)

Valley Funeral Director Honored

Robert L. Muccino Jr., President of the Connecticut Funeral Directors Association (CFDA), presents a special 2017 award to Shelton resident Edward J. Sheehy, Jr., CFSP, CPC, CCO, a funeral director with Riverview Funeral Home in Shelton and Edward F. Adzima Funeral Home in Derby, as Sheehy’s wife, Jodi, looks on.

 

SHELTON- Edward J. Sheehy, Jr., of Shelton, CFSP, CPC, CCO, was recently recognized by the Connecticut Funeral Directors Association (CFDA) for 30 years as a licensed funeral director and service to the communities he serves.

 

Sheehy, CFDA’s Vice President, is a funeral director with Riverview Funeral Home in Shelton and Edward F. Adzima Funeral Home in Derby.

 

The presentation was made at CFDA’s 2017 Summer Meeting at the Water’s Edge Resort in Westbrook, Conn. The Connecticut Funeral Directors Association is a 128-year-old professional organization that is committed to the promotion and advocacy of high ethical standards in funeral service.

 

The organization represents funeral directors at more than 220 funeral homes in Connecticut. This includes the development and presentation of ongoing professional training opportunities for practitioners and educational programs for association members and the public.

 

For more information about the Connecticut Funeral Directors Association, call 860-721-0234 or 800-919-2332, or visit CTFDA.org or Connecticut Funeral Directors Association.

 

Irving School Earns Exemplary Status

DERBY- The  Connecticut  Association  of  Schools  is  proud  to  announce  that  Irving  Elementary School  has  been  certified  for  Exemplary  School  Climate  Recognition.  Irving Elementary School joins a handful of Connecticut schools also holding the designation.

The  administration  and  faculty  at  Irving  Elementary  School  completed  a  rigorous  self-assessment  examining  27  areas  of  school  practice  such  as  curriculum,  integration, collaborative  decision-making,  parent  and/or  community  involvement,  and  flexible grouping  and  scheduling.  An  evaluation  team  from  the  Connecticut  Association  of Schools then visited the school to verify and validate the assessment. 

Mrs.  Jennifer  Olson,  Principal  said,  “Creating  a  welcoming,  safe,  and  supportive  school

environment has been the foundation of our turnaround work at Irving School over the

past 5 years.  We have a school culture rooted in respect---for ourselves, each other and

our  school. We  believe  that  relationships  matter,  and  our  team  has  worked  hard  to

create  a  sense  of  belonging  and  pride  in  our  school. This  distinction  from  the

Connecticut Association of  Schools  is a tremendous honor for  Irving School, and brings

attention  to  the  hard  work  and  dedication  of  our  staff,  students,  parents  and  the

community.”

 

Superintendent of Schools, Dr. Matthew J. Conway, Jr. said “This is fantastic

news and a very well deserved distinction and recognition of the hard work, attention to

detail and continuous efforts to build and sustain a welcoming, engaging culture for our

families.”

 

Irving  Elementary  School  is  being  awarded  a  framed  CAS  certificate,  a  three-year

exemplary school climate designation, and recognition on the CAS website.  As a service

to  other  schools  wishing  to  improve  their  climate  practices,  award  winners  welcome

inquiries and visitors.

 

(This is a press release from Derby Schools)

Conroy Wins Prestigious Nurse Practitioner Award

 

SEYMOUR - Nurse practitioners and nurse practitioner advocates, recipients of the prestigious American Association of Nurse Practitioners (AANP) 2017 State Award for Excellence, will be honored at an awards ceremony and reception held during the AANP 2017

National Conference June 20-25, 2017, in Philadelphia, PA.

 

Theresa Conroy, APRN, FNP-BC of  Seymour, CT will be among the recipients honored.

 

The State Award for Nurse Practitioner Excellence, founded in 1991, recognizes a nurse

practitioner (NP) in a state who demonstrates excellence in practice. In 1993, the State Award for Nurse Practitioner Advocate was added to recognize the efforts of individuals who have made
a significant contribution toward increasing awareness and recognition of NPs.

 

Ms. Conroy has had a successful and distinguished career in nursing. She retired from VA CT Healthcare System in West Haven and continues to work
as an APRN for MinuteClinic. As a former state representative, she was instrumental in crafting legislation for independent practice for APRN’s in Connecticut. She has been on the forefront addressing the opioid and heroin epidemic and serves on various councils to improve the health outcomes for the residents of her state. 

 

The American Association of Nurse Practitioners (AANP) is the largest professional

membership organization for nurse practitioners (NPs) of all specialties. It represents the interests

of more than 222,000 NPs, including approximately 72,000 individual members and 200

organizations, providing a unified networking platform and advocating for their role as providers

of high-quality, cost-effective, comprehensive, patient-centered and personalized health care.

 

The organization provides legislative leadership at the local, state and national levels, advancing health policy; promoting excellence in practice, education and research; and establishing standards that  best serve NP patients and other health care consumers.

 

For more information, visit aanp.org. To locate a nurse practitioner in your area, visit npfinder.com

 

(This is a press release from Theresa Conroy)

 

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)

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)