'Circle of Friends' at Griffin Hospital in Derby celebrates survivors

Donna Hayes, oncology social worker at the Center for Cancer Care at Griffin Hospital, left, and hospital volunteer Joyce Grohe, co-facilitators of the Circle of Friends' breast cancer support group, strike a pose during Thursday night's ice cream social. 

I'm posting this photo as a way of saying thanks to two great ladies who run the Circle of Friends breast cancer support group. I've been a member since 2011, the year I was diagnosed. Seems like so long ago!

Last evening we enjoyed our annual ice cream social. One of our guests was Mary Deming, founder of the nonprofit Seymour Pink, a community's fight against breast cancer. She talked about the fourth annual Pounding the Pavement for Pink 5K. 

The event starts at 9 a.m. Oct. 3 in downtown Seymour, and it draws a huge crowd. The Circle of Friends will be participating for the third consecutive year.

We always have fun walking and chatting and laughing, and I'm looking forward to this year's festivities. 

If you know someone who is a breast cancer survivor, please tell them about our Circle of Friends. We meet once a month at the Center for Cancer Care at Griffin Hospital. 
It's a wonderful group with which to be affiliated.

Re-posting as reminder: Back to school rally is Sunday in Ansonia

Free 'drive-in' movie to be shown Saturday in Shelton

SHELTON - The Shelton Youth Service Bureau will present "Paddington," a PG-rated movie, from 8:30-10:30 p.m. Saturday at Veterans Memorial Park, 38 Canal St. East.


This is one of a series of free “drive-in” movies being shown at Veterans Memorial Park near the Riverwalk.

Movies start about 8:30 p.m.

Bring your own refreshments (no alcohol, please), seating, and bug spray.



This information is shared from an online community calendar sponsored by The Community Foundation for Greater New Haven and The New Haven Independent.

Backpack giveaway slated at Prendergast School in Ansonia

*Sharing this information from the Ansonia Public Schools' Facebook page.

Griffin Hospital in Derby offers smoking cessation program

DERBY - Looking to kick the habit? 

Griffin Hospital is helping members of the community prepare to quit smoking with a free smoking cessation program starting Sept. 2.

“That’s It – Learn to Quit” teaches a variety of methods to help individuals quit smoking. The program consists of Wednesday night meetings from 5:30-7 p.m. Sept. 2, 9, 16, and 23 at the Center for Cancer Care at Griffin Hospital, 350 Seymour Ave.

“The goal of the program is to help you learn how to quit,” said Carrie O’Malley, RN, a co-coordinator of the program. “There are different methods of quitting and managing nicotine withdrawal. If one method didn’t work for you in the past we’ll help you understand all your options.”

Through group discussion and interactive activities, participants learn how to develop a quit plan that addresses their personal behaviors and habit. Strategies to manage nicotine withdrawal, behaviors, triggers, urges are all discussed as well as weight control and stress management.

To register for “That’s It – Learn to Quit,” call 203-732-1260 or 203-732-1476.

This is a press release from Griffin Hospital.

Wesley Village in Shelton seeks volunteers for 'Lifestyle Transitions'

Program offers memory support

Janet Girardat of Stratford, right, a registered volunteer on the Wesley Village campus, works closely with residents at Lifestyle Transitions. Girardat visits regularly and assists with a variety of activities, including the community’s “Music and Memory” pilot program. She and resident Anne Griffin pose for a photo after a weekly visit./ Submitted photo

SHELTON - Wesley Village is looking for volunteers to work alongside staff at “Lifestyle Transitions,” the new memory care neighborhood on their Shelton campus.

Located in the Northwest wing of their Wesley Heights assisted living community, “Lifestyle Transitions” offers specialized assisted living with memory support and focuses on developing daily routines for successfully managing individualized physical, social, and cognitive challenges.

Volunteer opportunities include: facilitating arts and crafts activities, assisting with and/or leading cooking and baking classes, “friendly visits” with residents, providing informal musical entertainment, gardening with residents, and more. If you are looking for a meaningful opportunity to connect with older adults and are interested in helping residents with memory loss enjoy a more full and vibrant life, please contact us today to learn more. We will match your talents and skills with the needs of our residents.

Opportunities are available for adults and students ages 14 and older. Contact Barbara Quinn, Director of Volunteer Services at Wesley Village, 203-944-8292 if interested and with any questions.

To learn more about Lifestyle Transitions Memory Care or to schedule a tour, contact Lisa Bisson, 203-225-5024.

Wesley Village at 580 Long Hill Ave. is owned and operated by United Methodist Homes, a local not-for-profit organization. The campus also offers assisted and independent living, skilled nursing, short-term rehab, and outpatient therapy and fitness services.

To learn more, visit www.wesleyvillage-ct.org.


This is a press release from United Methodist Homes.

Celebrate Shelton concert series was a hit

Organizer: 'Overflowing crowds' enjoyed music, family fun

By Jimmy Tickey
Over the past several months, I have been working with Nicole Heriot-Mikula and Michael Skrtic on Celebrate Shelton's Downtown Sounds Summer Concert Series.

These free, family-friendly concerts held in July and August included live music, food trucks, and a beer garden, handmade artisan vendors and activities for children.

Tickey

Each night had overflowing crowds as families arrived excited for live music and an enjoyable summer evening on the Veteran’s Memorial Riverwalk. 

Seeing families sing along with the music or children dance with their hula-hoops was what we had hoped for when we began planning these concerts months ago. 
I want to thank all those who attended our first summer concert series and celebrated Shelton with us!

It has been a pleasure to work with Nicole and Michael as they establish Celebrate Shelton. 
We have been able to create unique events which promote small businesses and shopping local here in Shelton thanks in part to the City of Shelton, Shelton Economic Development Corporation and the Greater Valley Chamber of Commerce as well as our community sponsors.

In addition to the summer concert series, we coordinate a monthly Handmade Market, and a Community Holiday Tree-Lighting in Downtown Shelton. 
Our next event will be the September Handmade Market taking place from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Sept. 5 in the Conti Building, 415 Howe Ave.

I invite you to join us to experience our local handmade artisans and to see what small business owners are creating right here in Shelton!



Tickey is a member of the Shelton Planning and Zoning Commission.