Gentile hails capital-improvement funds for O'Brien

Malloy announces $3.5M for upgrades at tech schools

HARTFORD -  Gov. Dannel P. Malloy said the State Bond Commission was scheduled to vote Wednesday afternoon on a $3.5 million allocation to be used to upgrade and modernize academic and trade equipment in programs throughout Connecticut’s technical high school system.

The bond funding will be allocated to individual schools based on the system’s capital equipment and improvement plan, which was approved by the Connecticut State Board of Education in May. 

The plan prioritizes key investments throughout the system in areas such as trade and academic equipment purchases, expansion of manufacturing programming, and technology and infrastructure improvements.

“On my Jobs Tour last year, I heard time and again from employers about the need for skilled labor, particularly in precision manufacturing,” Malloy said.
“At a time when many of our residents are looking for work, it’s frustrating to know that positions are available, but we don’t always have the workforce necessary to fill them.  The funding we are allocating to Connecticut’s technical schools will help students learn the latest techniques on the newest equipment so they can have the opportunity to fill some of these open positions and secure a good paying job with good benefits.”

State Rep. Linda M. Gentile, D-Ansonia, said, "These funds will go a long way in providing necessary capital improvements that have been needed for a very long time at O'Brien Tech.

"As a state school, it is our responsibility to make sure we are providing a safe learning environment for the students who choose to attend technical schools like Emmett O'Brien."

 

Connecticut Department of Education Commissioner Stefan Pryor said, “As a high-quality public school option for students in Connecticut, technical high schools provide coursework and training that helps graduates compete in our global economy.  These investments will add to the momentum created by reforms in the Governor’s education package that establish a new model for technical school governance and strengthen the pipeline to Connecticut’s leading employers.”

Connecticut’s technical high school system currently operates 16 degree-granting technical high schools, one technical education center, and two aviation maintenance programs serving approximately 11,200 full-time high school and adult day students, with comprehensive education and training in 36 occupational areas and 2,000 apprenticeship students.

High school students receive a college preparatory curriculum and earn a Connecticut high school diploma as well as a certificate in a specific trade technology.

'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

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. 

Autumn events planned in the Valley

Happy October!

Here are just some of the fun events coming up this month:

In Ansonia, the ninth annual Harvest Festival will be held downtown from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, with a rain date of Oct. 13. Admission is free.

Emmett O'Brien Technical High School, 141 Prindle Ave., Ansonia will hold its third annual Car Show from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday. Admission is $2. 

Autumnfest will be held from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Oct. 20 at the Ansonia Nature and Recreation Center, 10 Deerfield Road. Admission is free.

The next day an educational Fall Foliage Hike with Ranger Martin Wigglesworth will be held at the nature center. The free event starts at 1 p.m. Oct. 21.

Also at the nature center, a Harvest Moon Hike is slated for 7 p.m.  Oct. 27.  The program is free.
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In Derby,  the fourth annual Griffin Hospital 5K Walk/Run will step off at 9 a.m. Saturday. The event benefits the hospital's Center for Cancer Care. This year's fund-raising goal is $100,000.

Also in Derby, the Valley Arts Council will host an opening reception for its next show, "'Magic & Mysticism: The Art of Believing," from 6 to 9 p.m. Oct. 13 at the Gallery@37, at 37 Elizabeth St. The show will run through Nov. 3. The public is invited.

The Derby Cultural Commission will hold second its annual Haunted Lantern Tour at various sites downtown starting at 7 p.m. Oct. 20. The event starts at the gazebo on the Derby Green. Admission is $5.
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In Seymour, the grassroots' initiative Seymour Pink, Inc. will host several activities to raise awareness of breast cancer as well as funds for several nonprofit organizations that fight the disease.

At 9 a.m. Saturday the group's first-ever 5K road race, Pounding the Pavement for Pink, will step off from the Community Center, 20 Pine St., Seymour.

After the race the second annual Smoke in the Valley craft beer and chili fest will be held at the Community Center and along Bridge Street.

Also on Saturday the fourth annual "Touch-A-Truck” event will be held 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Great Hill United Methodist Church, 225 Great Hill Road (junction of Routes 334 and 188).

The event will feature a series of kids' fall festival activities including tractor rides, a bounce house, face painting, kids' events and give-aways, pumpkin decorating, and an indoor book sale, along with Great Hill’s famous Home Bake Sale.   

And the 7th annual Haunted Trails Festival will be held at 6 p.m. Oct. 13 at Chatfield Park and Legion Pool; rain date is Oct. 14. Admission is $6. Activities for those with special needs will take place from 3 to 5 p.m., with “less scary” tours of the trail, and Halloween-themed games. For information and to register groups, call Carmie Potash, 203-888-5396.
 
At 12:30 p.m. Oct. 14 at the Community Center, Seymour First Selectman Kurt Miller will host the third annual Walk A Mile in Her Shoes event to kick off Seymour Pink Week. 

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Shelton Day, sponsored by the Derby-Shelton Rotary Club, will be held from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday along Howe Avenue. Admission is free.


Halloween events abound; check back later.

Harvest festival to have added attraction

"O-ho the Wells Fargo wagon is a-comin' down the street ... "

 - Meredith Wilson, "The Music Man"

ANSONIA - Cultural Commission Chairwoman Judy Nicolari has announced that Wells Fargo Bank,  211 Main St., will have a Wells Fargo stagecoach on display Saturday at the Ansonia Harvest Festival.
The ninth annual event runs from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Main Street.
Rain date is Oct. 13.


As it says in the diagram above, "the driver handled the reins of a team of four or six horses. The Wells Fargo shotgun messenger kept an eye out for bandits and protected the Wells Fargo treasure box stored in the front boot."

It doesn't sound like a very secure way to transport "treasure," but apparently it was the best option in the 1800s.


I know I'm looking forward to seeing this piece of Americana on display.

And as Nicolari often says, "See You on Main Street."

October is Fire Prevention Month: Stay safe

Fire official says plan 2 ways out 

SHELTON  - The Shelton Fire Department, consisting of members of Echo Hose, Huntington, Pine Rock Park, and White Hills volunteer fire companies, is currently involved in various fire safety activities that will continue through October.
These programs are part of an effort to reduce the chances of residents being injured or killed by fire in addition to preserving property.

To encourage families to prioritize fire escape planning and practice their plan, the National Fire Protection Association is promoting “Have Two Ways Out!” as the theme for this year’s Fire Prevention Week campaign.
In an effort to better educate everyone about fire safety, the Shelton Fire Department encourages everyone to have a fire escape plan that prepares families to think fast and get out quickly when the smoke alarm sounds.

Ted Pisciotta, Assistant Chief – Fire Prevention, says if one exit is blocked by smoke, it’s imperative to plan for another escape outlet.
Use these tips for planning your family’s escape:

·         Make a map of your home. Mark a door and a window that can be used to get out of every room.

·         Choose a meeting place outside in front of your home. This is where everyone can meet once they’ve escaped. Draw a picture of your outside meeting place on your escape plan.

·         Review calling 911 with everyone who lives in the home to report a fire from outside of the home.

·         Have a grown-up sound a smoke alarm and practice your escape plan with everyone living in your home.

·         Keep your escape plan on the refrigerator, or anywhere prominent for all to see, and remind grown-ups to have your family practice the plan twice a year or whenever anyone in your home celebrates a birthday.           

In conjunction with having an escape plan, working smoke alarms throughout the entire home will be necessary to alert everyone, especially when asleep, to escape quickly. Follow these tips for making sure smoke alarms are maintained and working properly:

·         Test smoke alarms at least once a month using the test button, and make sure everyone in your home knows their sound.

·         If an alarm “chirps,” warning the battery is low, replace the battery right away.

·         Replace all smoke alarms, including alarms that use 10-year batteries and hard-wired alarms, when they’re 10 years old (or sooner) if they do not respond properly when tested.

·         Never remove or disable a smoke alarm.

Pisciotta is encouraging businesses, organizations, and individuals throughout the city to visit the Fire Prevention Bureau web site, which may be found by clicking on “Public Safety” at www.cityofshelton.org.

Easy to print and post fire safety tips are available.
In addition, information may be copied and pasted by visitors into newsletters, etc.

The above information was provided by Ted Pisciotta, Assistant Chief, Fire Prevention, City of Shelton.