Crisco hails release of $3.3M to Griffin Hospital in Derby

HARTFORD - State Sen. Joseph Crisco Jr., D-Woodbridge, today welcomed news that the Malloy administration has decided to release $3.3 million to Griffin Hospital in Derby from a newly-created small hospital pool of funds in order to make up for some of the hospital funding cuts announced by the governor as part of his Sept. 18 rescissions package to help address a projected revenue deficit.

State Sen. Joseph Crisco

“For over 100 years, Griffin Hospital has not only been caring for the residents of The Valley, but they have been a part of our community in all the things they do,” Crisco said. “This reinstated funding – the type of increased hospital funding that I fought for this past spring – is good news for the people who work at Griffin Hospital and for the people who rely on the care they receive at Griffin Hospital.”

Today, the state Office of Policy and Management (OPM) announced that Connecticut will distribute $14.1 million to small hospitals through the Small Hospital Pool. The six hospitals set to receive payments are Bristol, Day Kimball, Griffin, Charlotte Hungerford, Johnson, and Milford.

This money is available because OPM is reprioritizing a portion of the remaining quarter of Medicaid supplemental payments—that is, from that portion of the supplemental pool that was not rescinded. The new Small Hospital Pool payment plan reprioritizes a portion of the remaining quarter Medicaid supplemental payment.

According to OPM, the Small Hospital Pool was established this year for hospitals with no more than 180 beds, not affiliated with any other hospital, and are not in contiguous towns. 
The Medicaid Supplemental Pool is the program by which the state returns to the hospitals a portion of hospital tax revenue on a quarterly basis. 
On Sept. 18, 2015, the final three quarters of installments for Medicaid Supplemental and Small Hospital Pools were rescinded, and the first quarter installment had yet to be released to the hospitals.


This is a press release from Crisco's office.

'Circle of Friends' celebrates breast cancer month at Griffin Hospital in Derby

'Circle of Friends' support group facilitators Joyce Grohe, left, and oncologist social worker Donna Hayes, address members Thursday at the seventh annual Birthday and Breast Cancer Awareness Month celebration.

The monthly meeting at the Center for Cancer Care at Griffin Hospital in Derby was filled with friendship, "birthday" gifts, breast cancer awareness information, and of course, cake!

October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

Thanks go out to those who made it a wonderful time for all of us members of the 'Circle of Friends.'

State restores funding to Griffin Hospital in Derby

Gentile, Conroy express gratitude

HARTFORD - The Office of Policy and Management announced today the state will distribute $14.1 million to small hospitals through the Small Hospital Pool.

With massive differences between large hospitals and small ones in profit margins—differences of hundreds of millions of dollars annually—OPM is taking this proactive action to support six small hospitals.

Connecticut hospitals had one of their best years on record last year, when hospital health systems saw total revenue in excess of expenses of $916.4 million – a $186.2 million (or 26%) increase from the previous fiscal year.

In the years prior, large hospital health systems made upwards of $400 million, $600 million, and $700 million.

Yet, while large hospitals have healthy margins and robust executive compensation, there are small hospitals are in need of additional assistance to continue to provide services. As such, OPM is proactively reallocating a portion of existing supplemental Medicaid payments toward helping those small hospitals independent of larger hospital systems that tend to be more profitable.

The six hospitals set to receive payments are Bristol, Day Kimball, Griffin, Charlotte Hungerford, Johnson, and Milford. This money is available because OPM is reprioritizing a portion of the remaining quarter of Medicaid supplemental payments—that is, from that portion of the supplemental pool that was not rescinded.

Some larger hospitals saw billions in revenue from operations last year. None of the six “small hospitals” that will receive this proactive reallocation receive more than $176.1 million individually. The combined operations revenue of these six hospitals is, in sum, about 1/8 of that of Yale-New Haven and Hartford Healthcare combined. In the last four years, those two hospitals took in more than 50% of the total revenue over expenses for all hospitals and hospital systems in the state.

In FY 14, nine hospitals had total margins over 9% and 14 hospitals over 5%. That’s as state aid to hospitals has increased by roughly $1 billion over the past decade.

“We know that hospitals are not one-size-fits all, and that’s why we’re proactively reprioritizing and reallocating dollars to support small hospitals that need support most. To be clear, hospital systems are seeing extraordinary revenues, but today we’re working to reprioritize and reallocate payments so we can assist the small hospitals and support patient care. The six small hospitals we are helping today lost millions in FY2014, and we’re proactively working to support them. The other 15 larger hospital systems made in excess of $900 million,” OPM Secretary Ben Barnes stated. “With such discrepancies between large and small hospitals – between those who are making hundreds of millions of dollars per year and those that aren’t – we are trying to help those small hospitals serving our Medicaid population.”


"I'm grateful to Gov. Malloy for restoring these funds which in turn, provide critical services and public safety for Ansonia and Derby residents," said Deputy Speaker of the House Linda M. Gentile. Griffin Hospital is our largest employer, so a stable job situation for employees is vital."

“I’m pleased Gov. Malloy recognized what the effect of the proposed cuts would have on Griffin Hospital and reconsidered,” said state Rep. Theresa Conroy. “The level of healthcare for Naugatuck Valley residents will remain top notch thanks to this restoration of funding.”

The new Small Hospital Pool payment plan reprioritizes a portion of the remaining quarter Medicaid Supplemental payment.
The Small Hospital Pool was established this year for hospitals with no more than 180 beds, not affiliated with any other hospital, and are not in contiguous towns.

The Medicaid Supplemental Pool is the program by which the state returns to the hospitals a portion of hospital tax revenue on a quarterly basis.

On Sept.18, 2015, the final three quarters of installments for Medicaid Supplemental and Small Hospital Pools were rescinded, and the first quarter installment had yet to be released to the hospitals.

Hospital	Payment From Small Hospital Pool
Bristol	$2,917,675
Day Kimball	$2,777,203
Griffin	$3,315,317
Hungerford	$2,051,467
Johnson	$2,301,469
Milford	$736,870

This is a press release from the office of the House Democrats.

Tricks, treats of days gone by topic of Derby Public Library sessions

Recognize anyone in this festive group?

DERBY - I spent an interesting hour Wednesday learning about Halloween with local historian Mary A. Bisaccia at Derby Public Library.

Bisaccia offers local history information sessions from 6-7:30 p.m. Tuesdays and 10 a.m.- noon Wednesdays at the library. 
October's topic is the From Tricks to Treats - The History of Halloween in Derby.

I learned that 100 years ago there were many more tricks than treats on the holiday, because there was a lot of vandalism throughout the Valley.
"It used to be a day that homeowners dreaded," Bisaccia said.

These children were in the Halloween spirit.

Bisaccia read from articles published in the former Evening Sentinel daily newspaper.

This is part of an article from Oct. 31, 1905: "There are parties in all towns, and children wandering around in costumes until the late hours. It is noted that there is an increasing number of girls dressed as boys outside, too. Most don't mind the children wandering around - in some cases bonfires are lit to ward off the cold. What residents do mind, however, is the noise and noisemakers that continue well into the night, as well as the pranks and vandalism." 

In 1907, Halloween vandals did "considerable damage" in Ansonia. "Windows are smashed, outhouses overturned, vehicles and gates stolen - some are destroyed. The children are out early but in the late night hours hooligans ruled," the paper reported.

Fast forwarding to 1930, there was some vandalism on Halloween, but "residents don't have to hold all night vigils to guard their property as they did 25 years before." 

A quarter-century later, in 1955, the newspaper reported a quiet Halloween in Ansonia, while in Derby children got their trick or treat bags stolen. "The Seymour Lions Club gives silver dollars to town children who are home after they telephone them after 9 p.m. Shelton's Playground Commission also calls 100 children after 9 p.m. and awards prizes to those home."

In 1970, children collect coins for UNICEF and drivers are urged caution when driving around trick or treaters. Vandalism was reported in several Shelton locations, while in Derby little damage was reported except for some egg throwing.

Bisaccia said in recent years suburban families who barely know their neighbors have opted to hold 'Trick or Trunk' events in a school parking lot with a group of people they know. Children wear costumes and walk from car to car to get their Halloween candy treats.

That practice came about after my children were grown. 
I understand it keeps the little ones safe but I really can't imagine it would be as fun as it was to go house to house to ring neighbors' doorbells and pose for photos.

Maybe that's just me.

Looking back I guess those were the good old days!


In November Bisaccia's local history sessions will focus on veterans' monuments of Derby.

Griffin Hospital in Derby to present talk on post-mastectomy options

DERBY - As mastectomy continues to be necessary in the treatment of breast cancer for many women, and an option for prevention in certain patients, Griffin Hospital is helping women understand breast reconstruction options with a free talk at 6:30 p.m. Oct. 22. 

The presentation will be held in the hospital’s Meditation and Learning Center, 130 Division St.

Entitled “Breast Reconstruction – Know Your Options,” this free event will feature Dr. John Reilly discussing breast implant reconstruction after mastectomy and Dr. Boris Goldman explaining fat graft breast reconstruction. 

There will also be information about breast cancer testing services and support offered at The Hewitt Center for Breast Wellness at Griffin Hospital.

The presentation is being held in recognition of National Breast Cancer Awareness Month 

and Breast Reconstruction Awareness (BRA) Day. 

Officially Oct. 21 this year, BRA Day is an international initiative designed to promote education, awareness and access for women who may wish to consider post-mastectomy breast reconstruction. The initiative’s goal is to make sure that all women will be offered information about the options for breast reconstruction prior to undergoing breast cancer treatment, and that they are provided access to breast reconstruction in a safe and timely manner.

To reserve your spot or for more information, call 203-732-1511 or visit the calendar section at griffinhealth.org.

For more information on BRA Day, visit breastreconusa.org. 
To learn more about The Hewitt Center for Breast Wellness, visit griffinhealth.org/cbw.


This is a press release from Griffin Hospital.

Ansonia Nature Center to host hikes, pie workshop, storytelling, more

Photo from Center's website.

ANSONIA - The Ansonia Nature and Recreation Center, 10 Deerfield Road, will offer a variety of fun activities in November.

NATURE’S CHILD: Turkey Time – Nov. 6, 10 a.m.

A colorful and fun natural craft, a short hike, and a story will fill up our morning as we learn about this big and colorful wild bird. 

Tuition: $7 per child ($5 for family-level FANCI members and Ansonia residents). Please pre-register for this class for preschoolers and their adult caregivers.

THANKS FOR GIVING POTLUCK – Nov. 7, 1 p.m.

Current volunteers – watch for your invitation.

PET LOSS GRIEF SUPPORT GROUP –  Nov. 8, 1 p.m.

See Oct. 11 listing for description.

VETERANS DAY HIKE – Nov. 11, 1 p.m.

Ranger Jessica will be our tracker this afternoon. Learn to identify overlooked signals that animals of the eastern forest leave behind which most of us never notice. Become an animal sign detective. Good for scouts, and students 8 years and up.  Adults and children with adults, please register in advance.  Free.

BATS IN OUR BELFRY (Natural History Series) –  Nov. 13, 7 p.m.

Do bats strike fear into your heart? Whether your answer is nay or yea, come to learn about the important role bats play in our environment and how to safely get them out of your home. Jenny Dickson, a Connecticut D.E.E.P. biologist, will share her extensive knowledge and photographs. Meet the Nature Center’s bat ambassador. 

This Natural History Series is dedicated to the memory of Noble S. Proctor, Ph.D., whose lifelong love of nature began during his childhood exploring the woodlands, streams and valleys of Ansonia.  See the article in the Friends’ Focus. Free; please pre-register.

IT’S ONLY NATURAL - Making Gifts out of Natural Materials –  Nov. 14, 1 p.m.

Making gifts out of natural materials is fun! Join our friend Kathy Gambacini to create fun and unusual gifts for the upcoming holiday season. Please register for this free event for all ages.

APPLE PIE WORKSHOP –  Nov. 21, 1 p.m.

Want to know how to make an apple pie from scratch?  Bring your apron, paring knife, and favorite rolling pin if you have one.  We’ll supply the rest.  Take home one pie ready for baking.  

TUITION: $10 per person.  This workshop with Alison and Dawn is for adults and kids 12 years and older.  Workshop space is limited, so pre-registration is required (before Nov. 18).

FULL BEAVER MOON HIKE –  Nov. 21, 6 p.m.

For both the colonists and the Algonquin tribes, this was the time to set beaver traps before the swamps froze, to ensure a supply of warm winter furs. This full moon was also called the Frost Moon. Join the Nature Center’s rangers, who will lead this unique hike designed for families. $1 per person.  Please register in advance.  Bad weather cancels.

TELLABRATION – Nov. 22, 2 p.m.

Join us for an enjoyable Sunday afternoon as storyteller Karianna Rosenberg guides her listeners on a magical journey through their imaginations with her folk and nature stories in Spanish and English. 

Karianna serves as resident storyteller, dancer and outdoor educator for Two Coyotes Wilderness School and is a member of the Connecticut Storytelling Center, League for the Advancement of New England Storytelling, and The Healing Story Alliance. Free.

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

Greater Valley Chamber of Commerce to present awards at dinner in Stratford

The Greater Valley Chamber of Commerce will recognize four individuals and one organization for their outstanding achievements in the community Oct. 28 at the 44th Annual Gold Seal Awards Banquet. 

The Chamber will present five awards consisting of three Gold Seal Awards, the Platinum Award and the Silver Medal Award to our region’s business and community leaders who exemplify the spirit of selflessness and volunteerism. 

These awards are among the most prestigious and time-honored community service awards in the Valley. 
Joyce Barcley of Seymour, 2009 Gold Seal recipient, will be presiding over the event as Master of Ceremonies.

The Gold Seal Award is given annually by the Chamber to a recipient who demonstrates outstanding community service through dedicated and effective leadership. 
The Gold Seal Award this year is being presented to Harry Burlakoff (Minuteman Press, Shelton), Frederick Serra (Serra & Delvecchio, Shelton) and Bob VanEgghen (PerkinElmer, Shelton). Burlakoff is an active member of the Valley United Way Corporate Volunteer Council in addition to the Shelton Exchange Club and Seeds to Leads Networking Group. Serra currently volunteers with the Derby-Shelton Rotary, Boys & Girls Club, and PCRC Pedal for PCRC. VanEgghen has devoted countless hours to the Greater Valley Salvation Army, Shelton Mentoring Program and Americares Homefront.

In 2001, in honor of the 30th Anniversary of the Gold Seal Awards, the Chamber introduced the Platinum Award. It is presented to a past Gold Seal recipient of at least 10 years who is still dedicated to volunteering their time and resources on behalf of the Valley Community. The year’s Platinum Award honoree is Ansonia resident, James E. Ryan, President, Shelton Economic Development Corporation and a 1998 Gold Seal Award recipient. Ryan is currently a member of the Board of Directors for the Community Foundation for Greater New Haven and is a founding Member of the Valley Community Foundation. He is past President of the Connecticut Community Development Association and past chair of the Governor’s Central Housing Committee. He is a recipient of the Housatonic Boy Scouts of America Good Scout Award, Parent Child Resource Center Service to Youth Award and a Rotary Paul Harris Fellow.

The Chamber has presented the Silver Medal Award to recognize groups or partnerships that have made extraordinary contributions to the community or to recognize an individual’s dedicated service and assistance to the community. 
This year’s Silver Medal Award recipient is Valley Substance Abuse Action Council (Ansonia) – which was created in 1990 to reduce alcohol, tobacco, other drug use, suicide, risky behaviors, and promote good mental health in our region through community mobilization, public awareness, and advocacy.

The combined efforts of all our recipients, both past and present, have resulted in lasting contributions in the Greater Valley communities of Ansonia, Beacon Falls, Derby, Oxford, Seymour, and Shelton.

A banquet, sponsored by People’s United Bank and the United Illuminating Co. honoring the recipients will be held Oct. 28 at Oronoque Country Club in Stratford. 

For more information, contact the Greater Valley Chamber of Commerce at 203-925-4981.


This is a press release from Greater Valley Chamber of Commerce.