Derby Lions to Host Diabetes Awareness Walk

 

Save the Dates

Bad Sons raises money for Pancreatic Cancer

DERBY-  BAD SONS Beer Co. featured Project Purple as their BAD SONS doing good things charity tap recipient for December 2018 and January 2019!

BAD SONS selected their Light Rider lager as the charity tap for Project Purple, donating $1 of every pint sold in December 2018 and January 2019. BAD SONS also donated their tap area to host a Mullett Unplugged concert on Friday, January 4^th. This event was sold out with 65 participants rocking the tap room floor! BAD SONS donated a percentage of the bar sales from the 4^th to Project Purple. 

This effort of both donations brought in $1,801 for Project Purple’s mission to raise awareness, support patients and families, and fund research efforts to defeat pancreatic cancer.

The Project Purple team would like to thank BAD SONS and Mullett. They would also like to send a special thank you to Zois Pizza, Antonio’s, and Dew Drop Inn for supporting our mission and the event on January 4th.

For questions about Project Purple or other fundraising events please contact us at (203) 714-6052 or email katie@projectpurple.org.  

About Project Purple

Project Purple is a 501c (3) not for profit organization with a mission of raising awareness and funds toward a cure of Pancreatic Cancer. To learn more about Project Purple visit – www.projectpurple.org

(This is a press release from Project Purple)

Church to Host Awareness Event on Human Trafficking/Child Exploitation

DERBY – Walnut Hill Community Church, located at the corner of Smith and Ninth Streets in Derby is hosting a community awareness event at 7 p.m. March 1 in order to help raise awareness of the human trafficking and sexual exploitation of children in the Valley, Connecticut and around the world.  

Pastor Walt Mayhew from Walnut Hill’s Valley Campus spoke of the reason the church decided to get involved.

“The sexual exploitation and human trafficking of our children is rising dramatically. Yet many in our community are unaware. Our hope is to raise awareness by having experts in the field of social services and criminal justice share what it taking place.” Mayhew said. 

According to statistical information provided by the church human trafficking and sexual exploitation is a world-wide 99-billion-dollar industry. In CT, just since 2016 referrals to DCF of suspected domestic minor sex trafficking (DMST) has risen by 7,000%. The state is broken up into six regions for statistical reporting purposes.

The region in which the Valley is located is tied for the highest rate of referrals. Since 2008 (as of third quarter, HART Data 2017) more than 800 children have been referred to Connecticut’s Department of Children and Families as being suspected of being victims of human trafficking, the youngest just being 2 years old.

“The time is at hand to raise awareness and mobilize out communities so our children can be protected and we want to do our part.” Mayhew said.

The event will feature a panel discussion/presentation by experts in the field, including:

*Annmarie Boulay: Director of Women’s Ministry Wintonbury Church & Co-founder ofThe Underground

*Jillian Gilchrest: Director of Health Professional Outreach at CT Coalition Against Domestic Violence

*Tim Palmbach: Professor & Chair of Forensic Science at the University of New Haven

*Theresa Leonard: Co-founder of The Underground, Survivor of DMST

*Yvette Young: Project Director, Human Anti-trafficking Response Team for DCF, Village for Families and Children. 

Further information can be obtained from the church’s website:

www.walnuthillcc.org/valley-campus or by calling 203-732-5220.

(This is a press release from Pastor Walt Mayhew)

Candlelight Vigil to Highlight Opioid Awareness

Hurry Up and Register for Seymour Pink 5K!

Sharing from Seymour Pink founder Mary Deming:

Hello 5K Runners and Walkers!

There is GOOD news and BAD news.

Our 5K registration for this year’s POUNDING the PAVEMENT for PINK has been off the charts!

As you know, we said we would cap the 5K at 2,600 runners/walkers or Sept. 22, whichever came first?

Well there is good news and bad news.

The good news is we are very close to 2,600, the bad news is we will close all registration at 11:59 p.m. this Wednesday, Sept. 13.

IF YOU have NOT registered for this year's 5K and are planning on doing so...time is RUNNING OUT!

 

Awards for “Most Team Members” in Individual/Family and Business/ Organization” categories, will be determined at the end of registration on Sept. 13.

HOWEVER, all donations made until Sept. 22., will continue to count toward “Most Monies Raised” awards for individual and for teams.

 

Also, although donations made after Sept. 22 will not count toward 5K awards, we will gratefully accept all online donations until Oct. 26, 2017.

 

PLEASE share with all who may not have signed up yet for this year’s 5K but are planning to do so; TIME is RUNNING OUT!  

 

THANK YOU for your support in the FIGHT against breast cancer!

New Haven libraries to help promote disease prevention

April is Esophageal Cancer Awareness Month

When Connecticut residents visit their local library this month, many will have the opportunity to learn about how to prevent one of the nation’s fastest increasing and deadliest cancer diagnoses.

All five libraries in the New Haven System (Fair Haven, Ives, Mitchell, Stetson and Wilson) and seven others (Bloomfield, East Granby, Bolton, Colchester, Durham, Middletown and Monroe) will team with ECAN, the Esophageal Cancer Action Network, to spread the word about the disease, which takes the life of an American every 36 minutes.

Diagnosis of esophageal cancer is up more than 400 percent in the past 20 years, and the type of esophageal cancer increasing so rapidly in the United States is usually caused by reflux disease, often thought of as heartburn.

“We know that one of our best tools in fighting this preventable disease is awareness because so many people don’t know that heartburn can cause cancer,” said ECAN President and CEO Mindy Mintz Mordecai, who founded the national non-profit organization after losing her husband and the father of their two young daughters to the disease in 2008. “ECAN is thrilled to deliver this life-saving message in Connecticut communities with the support of the libraries.” 

Throughout Esophageal Cancer Awareness Month, the 12 library branches will distribute special bookmarks made possible through a grant from Covidien. 
The bookmarks share the key risk factors for developing esophageal cancer and a QR code for ECAN’s free downloadable Guide for Patients, which was developed with input from leading doctors across the nation. 

Special event

In conjunction with the New Haven Free Public Library, ECAN will host, “Heartburn Can Cause Cancer: Get the Facts,” at The Ives Main Branch (133 Elm St.), from 6-7:30 p.m. April 10.

Generoso

Designed to help members of the community effectively advocate for their own healthcare, this free health awareness event will feature a seminar and discussion with Dr. Ramon Generoso, an assistant clinical professor at the Yale University School of Medicine and chief of gastroenterology at Milford Hospital.

Generoso will explain the link between reflux disease, Barrett’s esophagus and esophageal cancer. Because there are no medical guidelines regarding screening for this deadly disease, he also will discuss how to know if you have reflux disease and how to prevent and detect esophageal cancer.

For more information about this event, esophageal cancer or ECAN, visit www.ecan.org.

About ECAN

ECAN’s mission is to save lives by increasing awareness about the link between heartburn and cancer, promoting early detection and supporting medical innovation to prevent, detect and treat esophageal cancer. 
The Baltimore-based national non-profit organization is led by a board of directors of top physicians, business leaders and families that have been touched by esophageal cancer.

Through ECAN’s efforts, April has been formally designated as Esophageal Cancer Awareness Month in most U.S. states. ECAN also published the Guide for Patients and successfully advocated with the National Cancer Institute to include esophageal cancer in its groundbreaking genome mapping project known as The Cancer Genome Atlas. 

For more information, visit www.ecan.org.


This post is taken from a press release.

Ansonia Nature Center slates eco art program

ANSONIA - Join staff and volunteers at the Ansonia Nature and Recreation Center at 2 p.m. next Saturday (Nov. 9) for an afternoon of hands-on, pre-holiday activities.

The program will highlight Connecticut Recycles Day, Nov. 15.

Participants in this free program will have an opportunity to create beautiful, useful, musical or whimsical art objects from discarded materials.

The purpose of this national recycling awareness day is to increase participation in local recycling programs, and to raise awareness about the positive impact of recycling on reducing global warming.

Registration requested; call 203-736-1053.

The center is at 10 Deerfield Road.


This post is taken from a press release from the Ansonia Nature and Recreation Center.

Free skin cancer screenings to be held in Derby

At Center for Cancer Care at Griffin Hospital
DERBY - As people plan to spend time in the sun this summer, Griffin Hospital is raising skin cancer awareness and helping protect individuals with a series of free skin cancer screenings.

The screenings will be held from 4-7 p.m. June 5, July 17 and Aug. 8 at the Center for Cancer Care at Griffin Hospital, 350 Seymour Ave.

According to the American Cancer Society, skin cancer is the most common of all cancers. It accounts for nearly half of all cancers in the United States.
More than 3.5 million cases of basal and squamous cell skin cancer are diagnosed in this country each year.
Melanoma, the most serious type of skin cancer, will account for more than 76,600 cases of skin cancer in 2013.

Risk factors for non-melanoma and melanoma skin cancers include:
• Unprotected and/or excessive exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation (sunlight or tanning booths)
• Pale skin (easily sunburned, doesn’t tan much or at all, natural red or blond hair)
• Occupational exposures to coal tar, pitch, creosote, arsenic compounds, or radium
• You or other members of your family have had skin cancers
• Multiple or unusual moles
• Severe sunburns in the past
Skin cancer can be found and treated early by looking for these symptoms:
• Any change on your skin, especially in the size or color of a mole, growth, or spot, or a new growth (even if it has no color)
• Scaliness, oozing, bleeding, or a change in the way a bump or nodule looks
• The spread of pigmentation (color) beyond its border, such as dark coloring that spreads past the edge of a mole or mark
• A change in sensation, such as itchiness, tenderness, or pain

If you have any of these symptoms, call you doctor immediately or visit www.griffinhealth.org to find a local dermatologist.
Some symptoms are not as noticeable, so skin cancer screenings are advised. To reserve a screening appointment, call 203-732-1280.


This information is taken from a press release from Griffin Hospital.

Ansonia Girl Scouts warm my heart - again

Cadette Troop 60500 earns award, thanks

A gift to cherish.

Yesterday I wrote about the Troop earning Girl Scouting's Silver Award.

In April I wrote about how I appreciated the thoughtfulness the Girl Scouts showed our breast cancer support group, Circle of Friends.


Last night I attended a Circle of Friends meeting at the Center for Cancer Care at Griffin Hospital in Derby. At the meeting I received this pretty key chain fashioned into a breast cancer awareness symbol - one of more than 200 the girls created.

I'm sure a lot of time went into the beading project, and it is much appreciated.
I will carry it with me in my purse as a reminder of the girls' kindness.

Seymour raising awareness of diabetes

Red will be the color of the day 

SEYMOUR - On Friday the town of Seymour will be celebrating its first Seymour Red Day, officials announced today.

The event is thanks to the Liedkes, a local family who initiated this day as a way of raising diabetes awareness in the community.

The family's efforts will help raise money to support the American Diabetes Association and its mission: to prevent and cure diabetes and to improve the lives of all people affected by diabetes.

Andrea Dunnam, manager, fundraising and special events for the American Diabetes Association, said, “It brings me great joy to see a family so passionate about making a difference in their community. I’m so appreciative to them, First Selectman W. Kurt Miller, and to the entire town of Seymour for supporting such a worthy cause.”

The Liedke family is involved in promoting diabetes awareness and raising funds because their son, Jacob, was diagnosed with the disease. Below is what he wrote about Seymour Red Day.

"My name is Jacob Liedke.  I am an eighth grader at Seymour Middle School.  Over the past several months, I helped to establish, with the help of the American Diabetes Association, the first-ever Seymour Red Day to be held on Friday, November 9, 2012.  

"Seymour Red Day is designed to help promote diabetes awareness and assist in raising funds for critical diabetes research, education, and advocacy efforts that support approximately 26 million children and adults in the U.S. living with diabetes.

"Just over three years ago, I was diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes, which means I am insulin-dependent.  My mother also has Type 1 Diabetes. This cause is very important to me because it affects many people in my family and several friends.  I would like to help make a difference and, so that hopefully someday a cure may be found. Seymour Red Day can help us do that.

"There are several events and activities planned for Seymour Red Day. There will be a proclamation at Town Hall, a Red Day Walkathon from Town Hall to Hot Tamale Mexican Bar & Grill, a reception afterwards at Hot Tamale and an ‘80s party for adults that evening at Hot Tamale (with various raffles to be held to help raise money). 

"In addition to these events, my family and I have also encouraged friends and family to wear red for the day to help spread the word.

"I am asking several local businesses in town – as well as the town schools – if they would help the cause by encouraging their employees to wear red and donate if possible on Friday, November 9, 2012.  Seeing a lot of red across town and at all the schools on Friday, November 9 would definitely help in raising the awareness.

"I am doing all of this because I want to see a cure for the millions of people affected across the country and in our town, including my mother and me.  I believe that I can help to make that happen.  But I believe it starts with the help of those in my community."

This information was provided by Christine Conroy, Administrative Assistant to Seymour First Selectman Kurt Miller.

Ansonia Cadette Troop 60500 earns Silver Award

Girl Scouts work to promote breast cancer awareness

Girl Scouts pictured above are (counter clockwise from bottom left): Rebecca Cafaro, Amanda Vasas, Kaitlyn Sarandrea, Shelley Hopkins, Carly Toth, Jamie Karas, Jessica Palmer, Allie Ricci, Shannon Cayer-McCarthy, Rebecca Chilly, and Danica Graham. Missing from the photo is Jahia Owens.

On Nov. 4 a banquet was held to honor the 12 girls from Ansonia Girl Scout Cadette Troop 60500 who earned their Silver Award (Girl Scouts' second highest award).
In a collaborative effort, the girls volunteered more than 56 hours each in support of Breast Cancer Awareness over the past year specifically with The Hewitt Center for Breast Wellness at Griffin Hospital in Derby.

They donated a Christmas tree with more than 500 breast cancer ornaments; made and donated more than 300 mastectomy pillows; made and donated more than 100 Bottles of Hope; put together and donated 200 goodie bags with items donated by various businesses, family and friends; and met and spent time with the women of the Griffin Hospital breast cancer support group.
To wrap up their award the girls volunteered at the annual Griffin Hospital 5K Walk/Run by distributing water and more than 200 key chains that they made for the event.

The above information was contributed by Carole Cafaro, one of the Troop leaders.

Presentation to focus on breast wellness

A free breast wellness talk at 6:30 p.m. Nov. 19 at St. Mary Church Hall, 338 North Main St., Naugatuck, aims to educate the community about breast cancer.

Cary Carpino, R.N., of Griffin Hospital’s Parish Nursing Program will present “Be Empowered!” to bring awareness to the fact Connecticut ranks second in the nation for the incidence of breast cancer and that Naugatuck and Shelton have breast cancer mortality rates higher than the state average.
Pre-registration is requested but not required.
To register or for more information, call 203-729-4361.

Diabetes prevention is in spotlight

YMCA urges residents to learn risks for disease

November is National Diabetes Awareness Month, and the Central Connecticut Coast YMCA is encouraging residents to learn their risks for prediabetes and type 2 diabetes, and to take preventive steps to potentially reduce developing the disease.

Currently, one in three Americans (79 million people) has prediabetes, a condition where a person’s blood glucose is elevated, but not high enough for them to be diagnosed with diabetes. 

With awareness and simple actions, people with prediabetes may prevent the onset of diabetes. 

Individuals can assess their risk for prediabetes and type 2 diabetes by taking a simple test at CCC YMCA Diabetes Prevention and learn how lifestyle choices help determine the ultimate risk developing the disease. 

Several factors that could put a person at risk for type 2 diabetes include family history, age, weight and activity level, among others. If a person is at risk, a diabetes screening conducted by a physician can confirm if a person has diabetes or prediabetes. 

 “The Y is dedicated to improving the nation’s health and well-being, and helping residents understand their risk of developing chronic diseases like type 2 diabetes is just one way we are improving the health of our community,” said Kelly Vaughan, CCC YMCA Diabetes Prevention Program Coordinator.  “Choosing to make healthy changes is the first step.” 

While the nation’s obesity epidemic and the rise in type 2 diabetes is well chronicled, the number of people with prediabetes remains a growing and often under-reported condition. 

Currently only 7 percent of those with prediabetes know they have it, and people with prediabetes are at serious risk for not only developing type 2 diabetes, but also heart disease, stroke and other conditions.

To help reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes, the Y offers some basic lifestyle changes that contribute to weight loss and healthy living that can decrease the risk for type 2 diabetes. 

Among these are:

 · Eat fruits and vegetables every day.

 · Choose fish, lean meats, and poultry without skin. 

 · Aim for whole grains with every meal. 

 · Be moderately active at least 30 minutes per day five days a week. 

 · Choose water to drink instead of beverages with added sugar.

 · Speak to your doctor about your diabetes risk factors, especially if you have a family history or are overweight. 

  To learn more about the Central Connecticut Coast YMCA’s Healthy Living and the YMCA’s Diabetes Prevention Program, go to cccymca.org or call 203-777-9622 x 2116. 

O'Brien students, staff commended on fund-raising

Griffin Hospital initiative gains support 

Cheerleaders at Emmett O'Brien Technical High School in Ansonia use pom pons Friday to form a breast cancer awareness ribbon to support The Valley Goes Pink initiative to raise funds for The Hewitt Center for Breast Wellness at Griffin Hospital in Derby. 
The school raised $950 through the sale of pink T-shirts, wristbands, and carnations and participation in a volleyball game. October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month.
Photo contributed by Rodney Vardon

FRIDAY FIVE: A recap of stories from this week

These are some of the stories that made headlines in the Valley over the past week.
They are written by Register reporters Phyllis Swebilius and Patricia Villers and Register Correspondent Jean Falbo-Sosnovich and are listed in no particular order.




Defendant in Ansonia baby shaking has case continued.

Uses for town buildings explored in Seymour.

Griffin launches survivorship program. 

Town raises $6,400 with walk for Seymour Pink.

Seymour holds Pink Day.

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.

Prize goes to pink 'girl' at Ansonia Harvest Festival

This is one of the prize-winning scarecrows in a contest held Saturday during the ninth annual Ansonia Harvest Festival. Members of the Valley Arts Council judged the competition. 'Miss Pinky' is the creation of Christine Stauffer, owner of Stauffer Real Estate, 258 Main St., Ansonia. The scarecrow is promoting National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, which is October. Photo by Patricia Villers

Griffin marks patient-centered care awareness

Theme of month is 'Building Patient Confidence' 

DERBY - Griffin Hospital joins Planetree, as well as hospitals and health care organizations around the world this October to commemorate the sixth annual Patient-Centered Care Awareness Month.

This year’s theme, “Building Patient Confidence,” and butterfly icon represents the significant organizational culture change and transformation to patient-centered care.
Ultimately when patients report they feel they are being treated with dignity, respect and compassion, when families express gratitude for being treated as full partners in care, and when health care providers are prideful of their work, the rewards are vibrant and uplifting.


“Patient-centered health care organizations build patient confidence by supporting patients, their loved ones and the team of health care providers to all be on the same page in understanding the patient’s health and health care needs. Confidence comes from being able to control and manage your health, which includes communication with providers about health history, current needs and future plans. Additionally, patients are encouraged to identify a care partner who understands the diagnosis, coordinates care and serves as an advocate,” said Planetree President Susan B. Frampton, Ph.D.


Patient-Centered Care Awareness Month is sponsored and coordinated by Planetree, a global, not-for-profit organization raising the standard of personalized healthcare by coaching organizations to inspire and enable their caregivers to transform the healthcare experience they provide.

Griffin Hospital has been actively engaged in implementing the Planetree model for the past 20 years, focusing on individualized care and providing meaningful opportunities to activate patients and families, such as care partner programs, patient advisory councils, bedside shift reports, and open medical records.

“As the flagship hospital for Planetree, Griffin Hospital has received national recognition for creating a facility and approach to patient care that is responsive to the needs of patients,” said Patrick Charmel, Griffin Hospital President and CEO.
“As a result, hundreds of healthcare facilities around the world have sent teams of caregivers to visit Griffin Hospital and now incorporate the Planetree concepts they observe into their healthcare models.”

Several activities are planned to increase awareness about the patient-centered model of care, empower patients and inspire health-care organizations to further advance and expand the practice.

The month’s activities include:

• The 2012 Planetree Annual Conference Sept. 30-Oct. 3 in Palm Desert, Calif.

•  The recognition of individual health care professionals for their personal embodiment of the values of patient-centered care at the annual Spirit of Planetree Awards Oct. 3 concluding the  2012 Planetree Annual Conference, including Radiation Oncologist Laura Howell of West Hartford.
• U.S. governors are commemorating the event by signing proclamations recognizing Patient-Centered Care Awareness Month in their states.

        • Hospitals are coordinating a variety of events as well as distributing “I Am an Expert About Me” stickers to patients, and staff members are wearing “I Am Listening” stickers.
         • The Planetree website, www.planetree.org, features a variety of free videos, resources and tool kits, including information about Same Page Transitions, for patients and caregivers under the resources section.

The above is a press release from Griffin Hospital in Derby.

Month highlights employment for disabled

October is National Disability Employment Awareness Month. It is a national campaign that raises awareness about disability employment issues and celebrates the many and varied contributions of America's workers with disabilities. 

BHcare knows that employment is integral to an individual's recovery from mental illness, addictions or other disabling conditions. 

Our employment services include assessments, job-seeking skills training, vocational counseling, resume and interview preparation and ADA consultation. 

For information, contact Nekeisha Grant at 203-483-2630 x3210. 

How are you planning to observe National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM)?  Learn how you can support NDEAM by visiting the ODEP website: www.dol.gov/odep/

 

The above is a release from BHcare, a behavioral-health organization that serves clients in the Valley, Greater New Haven, and the Shoreline.