Beacon Falls Resident, Marrakech to Receive Caring Heart Award

DERBY- Griffin Hospital Volunteer Claudia Csuka, of Beacon Falls, and Marrakech, Inc., of Woodbridge, will be honored with the Caring Heart Award at The 12th Annual Women’s Heart Wellness and Caring Heart Award Brunch on Saturday, March 25 from 8:30 a.m.-noon at the Griffin Hospital Dining Room, 130 Division Street, Derby.

 

The award recognizes individuals and groups that foster initiatives to promote and improve the general health and well-being of all. This is the ninth year that the award will be bestowed.

 

Csuka has been a volunteer at Griffin for a little more than a year, but has already positively impacted many patients’ lives as part of the hospital’s vital patient stories and complimentary therapies programs. As a vital patient stories volunteer, Csuka meets with patients and talks with them to write a brief story about their lives. She focuses on memories or characteristics that are vital or sacred to the patient and the stories are shared with hospital staff so they can better know and understand their patients. Csuka is also trained in soft touch therapy, which provides stress relief and personal connection that can be critical to healing.

 

Csuka is also very involved in her community as a member of the Parish Council and Ladies Guild at St. Michael’s Church in Beacon Falls, and provides free rides to individuals needing transportation to their medical appointments.

 

Marrakech, Inc. is a private nonprofit organization that has provided person-centered, unique, and cost-effective human services for children and adults, with and without disabilities, in Connecticut for over 45 years. The services and individuals supported are diverse, but they have the common goal of assisting individuals with achieving greater self-sufficiency while they experience the best quality of life possible. Marrakech's Health and Wellness Committee was formed in July 2012 and has implemented an annual weight loss challenge and a well-attended community health fair. Throughout each year, wellness information is shared in a variety of ways, including through a series of workshops planned in partnership with local wellness practitioners. Exercise challenges and team walks for other causes are also regularly coordinated.

 

The brunch will start with registration at 8:30 a.m. and the program will begin at 9 a.m. The theme of this year’s event is “What’s Your Shelf Life,” focusing on how healthy eating habits can help prevent heart disease. The event will feature a survivor speaker, a cooking demonstration and tips on healthy eating.

 

Tickets for the brunch are $25 and the event is open to the public. Proceeds benefit the Women’s Heart Wellness Fund, which supports heart wellness programs for women in the Valley.

Valet parking will be available.

 

Reservations are due by March 20. To reserve a seat, become a sponsor, or for more information, call Eunice Lisk at 203-732-7107 or whw@griffinhealth.org.

(This is a press release from Griffin Hospital)

Crisco earns perfect score on environment

HARTFORD - State Sen. Joseph J. Crisco, D-Woodbridge, has received a perfect “100” score from The Connecticut League of Conservation Voters on its 2014 Environmental Scorecard, which rates Connecticut’s state legislators by the votes they have cast on key environmental bills.

“There’s no doubt in my mind that the quality of Connecticut’s environment is one of the overwhelming reasons for our quality of life here in the state," Crisco said.
"We in the legislature take protecting our environment very seriously, because it is something that is enjoyed by all and which affects each and every one of us. I believe that commitment shows in the health of our water, our air, and our open spaces,” Crisco said. 

“I want to thank the CTLCV for its ongoing attention to the needs and protection of Connecticut’s natural surroundings.”

The major issues tracked by CTLCV in 2014 were: open space protection, state parks stewardship, tree trimming, water planning, Long Island Sound protection, genetically modified grass seed, children’s exposure to pesticides, toxins in the environment (in addition to pesticides), chemicals of high concern for children.

Also, fracking waste, methane gas leaks from natural gas delivery systems, outdoor wood-burning furnaces, the public’s right to comment on subdivision applications, repeal of environmental regulations, and exemption from penalties for first-time violators of environmental regulations.

The full report can be found at: http://www.ctlcv.org/.

The Connecticut League of Conservation Voters is a non-profit organization encompassing a lobbying arm, an educational wing, and a political action program.


This is a press release from Crisco's office.

Bike for Hope chairman seeks to borrow tents

SHELTON - The Charity Bike event BikeforHOPE (www.dbtr.org/ride) is in need of four or five 10-foot x10-foot tents for Sept. 6.

We will be using them for the bike registration and bike safety area. We would greatly appreciate if you or anyone you know can loan a tent(s) for one day. 

One of our volunteers will pick up the tent(s) on Friday evening and return them by Saturday afternoon around 4 p.m.

Thanks!

This is a press release from Tad Duni, BikeForHOPE Chairman.

Bike rides to benefit nonprofit in Shelton

Women's business group to offer training in Shelton

The Women's Business Development Council will offer a free evening course, Basics of Intellectual Property, from 6-8 p.m. Feb. 26 at the Greater Valley Chamber of Commerce offices, 10 Progress Drive, Shelton.

The course will teach the basics about intellectual property rights including patents, trademarks, copyrights and trade secrets, and avoiding potential pitfalls.

To register or for more details, call 203-925-0686, toll-free 1-877-999-WBDC (9232), or visit www.ctwbdc.org.


Business counseling
Meet with a business counselor from the Women’s Business Development Council to discuss obtaining capital, marketing, legal issues, finance, business plans and other topics.

Appointment required; location and time to be determined upon registration.
For information call Janet Siegenthaler, 203-353-1750 or email jsiegenthaler@ctwbdc.org.

QuickBooks for Entrepreneurs
Certified QuickBooks advisors from the Women’s Business Development Council are available to meet with entrepreneurs at their place of business to provide insights and guidance with setting up a chart of accounts, bank reconciliations, inventory control, payroll issues, and more.

For more details or to make an appointment, contact Kyle Hamilton, 203-585-7465 or email KHamilton@ctwbdc.org.


For more information, visit www.ctwbdc.org or call 203-353-1750.


This is a press release from the Women’s Business Development Council, a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping women become economically self-sufficient. 

Event benefits Seymour nonprofit

Treasured Time holds Valentine's gala 

Seymour resident Suzanne Rothman, founder of Treasured Time, addresses the crowd at a recent fundraiser at Molto Bene Italian American Kitchen in Ansonia.With her is Jamie Toole, a representative of the Bridgeport Bluefish baseball team. / Contributed photo

ANSONIA - Treasured Time, Inc. held its first Valentine’s Day gala Friday.
The event brought together 50 people for a fantastic Valentine’s dinner and dancing at Molto Bene Italian American Kitchen in Ansonia.

Guests enjoyed a delectable four course meal, dancing from the tunes of DJ Bryan, and had formal and fun pictures taken by the one and only Jan Sexson Photography.
In addition, guests took part in a silent auction and bid on fantastic prizes from Marks of Design, Cork and Keg, the Bridgeport Bluefish, Essex Steam Train & Riverboat, The Adventure Park at the Discovery Museum, and Hilton Garden Inn of Shelton.

All proceeds from the event and auction went to support Treasured Time, Inc. and its mission to grant the wishes of parents with life-threatening illness who want to create a lasting memory with their children.

Treasured Time, Inc. is a pending 501(c)(3), that through your gifts, orchestrates and plans moments for families battling life-threatening illnesses to make a lasting memory with their children.
Along with your help, we provide families with a unique experience so the stress of life and their condition doesn’t take away the opportunity to create precious moments together.  Treasured Time, Inc. supports families with children birth to age 18 who have a parent with a life-threatening condition.
By giving families a chance to relax and escape we bring them together during difficult times.

For more information on Treasured Time, Inc. or to make a donation visit www.treasuredtime.org.



This is taken from a press release from Suzanne Rothman, founder, Treasured Time, Inc.

Nonprofit to hold Valentine's Day benefit in Ansonia

To make reservations, contact Jenn at jenn@treasuredtime.org or call 203-446-1068.
All tickets must be purchased no later than Feb. 7.
For more information visit www.treasuredtime.org.


This is a press release from Treasured Time.

BHcare wins funding in ABC Marketing contest

Pictured from left are Jack Rival, ABC Marketing, Roberta Cook, CEO, BHcare, and Sal Vadala, President, ABC Marketing. / Contributed photo


ABC Marketing presented BHcare a check for $1,803.67 as a result of their nonprofit marketing contest in the fall. 
BHcare was nominated through ABC Marketing’s Facebook page. The winner received a portion of ABC Marketing’s profits for a set period of time along with marketing support to raise awareness and aid in their fundraising efforts.

This is the third year ABC Marketing has held its nonprofit marketing contest. 
Every year they try to pick a local nonprofit agency they can help out.

 “This year BHcare, with all of their great support that they provide to the local community, won our non-profit contest. ABC Marketing was proud to represent them in our fundraising event and will continue to support them,” said Sal Vadala, President, ABC Marketing.

“We are very grateful and appreciate the donation and support from ABC Marketing. Their generosity will directly benefit our clients and their families,” said Roberta Cook, CEO, BHcare.

ABC Marketing is located in East Haven. It specializes in services such as graphic design, logo design, website development, SEO, offset printing, large format printing, digital printing, email broadcasting, and mailing. 

Visit abcprintingink.com for  information.

BHcare is a regional community provider of behavioral health, addiction prevention, and domestic violence services for the Lower Naugatuck Valley, Greater New Haven and shoreline communities. For information, visit bhcare.org.

This information is taken from a press release from BHcare.

YMCA waives joining fee through Sunday

When dealing with life’s daily demands, people need a place to go where they can feel supported and receive help in trying times. They need a place where adults can find life balance; children can reach their full potential; seniors can be active and find camaraderie; and families can connect and strengthen relationships. 

By becoming involved with the Central Connecticut Coast YMCA, individuals have the opportunity to improve their health and well-being and connect with the community, all while participating in their favorite program or activity at the Y.  

“The Central Connecticut Coast YMCA is a community that is dedicated to helping individuals achieve a balance of spirit, mind and body,” said Barbara Moore, Membership Director, Central Connecticut Coast YMCA. “We encourage everyone to get involved by joining the Y where they can take advantage of the resources and support to be healthy and connected.”

As a leading nonprofit committed to strengthening community through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility, the Y seeks to ensure that everyone, regardless of age, income or background, has an opportunity to learn, grow and thrive. 

To help more people benefit from the Y, the Central Connecticut Coast YMCA is waiving the Joining Fee - up to a $100 value - through Sunday (Jan.  6). 

The Central Connecticut Coast YMCA offers a variety of programs to help achieve greater health and well-being, nurture youth and inspire individuals to give back to better their community. For information about the Central Connecticut Coast YMCA call 203-777-9622 or visit cccymca.org.

The above is taken from a press release from the YMCA.

PCRC cycle event raises more than $28,000

The Parent Child Resource Center held its First Annual Pedal for PCRC Cycling Event July 15.

Cyclists participated in courses of 15, 30, and 62 miles.
All three courses traveled through scenic and historic points of interest in the Lower Naugatuck Valley, the long course traversing through a total of six Valley towns.

Start and finish took place at PerkinElmer in Shelton, where riders were sent off and welcomed back by enthusiastic volunteers ringing cowbells.  Volunteers included PCRC staff and board members, community leaders and teens from both the Shelton Youth Service Bureau and the United Way Youth Leadership Council.  Riders and volunteers were treated to breakfast and a BBQ lunch as well as entertainment provided by the “Tune Squad.”

The First Annual Pedal for PCRC has raised over $28,000 so far and fundraising efforts will continue until Sept. 1. 

The top fundraising team for the event was Fletcher-Thompson, whose team of five riders raised over $3,000.
Riders were tracked for comfort and safety by a team of SAG (Support and Gear) Vehicles and rider progress was reported back to event headquarters by volunteers from the Valley Amateur Radio Association.

PCRC Chief Executive Officer Michael Wynne said:  “This event was a wonderful example of how people in the Valley come together to make incredible and fun things happen.  We enjoyed support from individuals, corporations, municipal governments and youth groups.   The reviews were outstanding and we are looking forward to building on this event in the future.”  

PCRC Director of Development, Krista Colletta, coordinated the event. She said, “The success of this event is the result of the many hours and resources donated by our amazing Steering Committee. Partnering with PerkinElmer allowed this first-time event the instant visibility it needed for a roaring success.  We are so thankful to all of our sponsors, volunteers, fundraisers especially our riders.”

PCRC is grateful for the enormous support provided as a result of this first-time signature event.  The agency will utilize funds to support its compassionate work with children, families and the community to understand and cope with the effects of mental and behavioral illness in all aspects of young people’s lives. 

Proceeds will provide the needed funding for increased demand of the critical services PCRC implements for the children and families in our community.

The above is taken from a press release from Krista Colletta, Director of Development, Parent Child Resource Center.