Griffin Hospital in Derby offers free talks about insulin

The Diabetes Education & Support Group at Griffin Hospital will host two free talks about insulin. / Submitted photo

DERBY - The Diabetes Education & Support Group at Griffin Hospital will host two free talks about insulin at 2:30 and 6:30 p.m. March 8 at the hospital,130 Division St.

The discussions will provide a complete overview of insulin, including, insulin basics, different types, ways to inject, where to inject, storage, tips for taking, myths vs. facts, side effects, and managing an insulin plan.

The 2:30 p.m. session will be in Dining Room Conference Room 2 and the 6:30 p.m. session will be in Dining Room Conference Room 1. 

Free valet parking is available for the 2:30 p.m. session.

The Diabetes Education & Support Group meets September - June on the second Tuesday of each month to discuss the management of diabetes, its challenges and day-to-day dietary concerns. 

Anyone with diabetes and their families are welcome to attend. No registration is required.

For more information, call Mary Swansiger, 203-732-1137.


This is a press release from Griffin Hospital.

Assumption Church Breakfast Club, Master's Table slate next meal in Ansonia

Seymour offers transportation to Sunday church services

SEYMOUR - The town's Community Services is now offering transportation to Sunday church services for Seymour residents who are no longer able to drive themselves.

We are currently offering transportation to the following Sunday services:
Seymour Congregational Church, 15 Broad St., 10 a.m.
Trinity Episcopal Church, 91 Church St., 10 a.m.
St. Augustine Church, 35 Washington Ave., 10:30 a.m. 

Other churches may be included if requested and times do not conflict with the schedule. 

Reservations are required. Call 203-888-0406 before noon on Thursdays.

This information is shared from the Office of the Seymour First Selectman Facebook page.

Women's suffrage is topic of talk at Seymour Historical Society in March

March challenge compels correspondent to confront chronic condition

I recently discovered a challenge as I was strolling along the Internet, and I may just give it a go.

It's the fifth annual PKD (polycystic kidney disease for those lucky enough not to be acquainted with it) Challenge for March, which is National Kidney Month. 
The goal is to raise awareness of the genetic disease.

As I wrote last October in a blog post here, PKD has played a major role in my late father's side of the family. 
Too many of my relatives were burdened with it, and coincidentally it was in the month of March in 1976 that my father passed away from complications of having PKD.

I inherited the disease and for the past year or so I've been trying to follow a diet that's low in sodium, protein, potassium, and phosphorus. It's not that easy - notice I said "trying."

The 31-day PKD Challenge starts Tuesday with a video that offers information about the disease. That should be easy enough to do!

My idea is that if I commit to writing regularly about the challenge I would be more likely to participate in it. We'll see.

I'm hoping someone who also has this disease will read this post and join the challenge, and/or contact me through the comments section. 
I'm interested in learning your story.

Here are some factoids to consider:

* It's always important to keep a sense of humor!

Novel about WWII focus of discussion at Derby Public Library

DERBY - The Derby Public Library has scheduled its next Lunchtime Book Discussion for 12:30 p.m. March 30.

The selected title is the emotional New York Times' 

bestselling, All the Light We Cannot See, by the award-winning author Anthony Doerr.  

The sweeping novel begins in 1944, then goes back to 1934, telling the separate stories of a blind French girl and an 

orphaned Nazi boy during the of German occupation. 

Their paths collide as they both try to survive the devastation of World War II. 

It is through their individual and intertwined tales that the author re-creates the deprived civilian conditions of war-France and the strictly controlled lives of the military 

occupiers.  
This page turner has been described as “a novel to live in and learn from.”  

Multiple copies of the book are available at the circulation desk.  

Participants are asked to bring a sandwich and a friend as they “chat and chew.”  
Dessert and beverages will be provided.

Registration is requested.  

For more information, stop by the Library at 313 Elizabeth 

St., call 203-736-1482, or visit www.derbypubliclibrary.org.   

This is a press release from Cathy Williams, Director, Derby Public Library.

Fishing class slated in April at Ansonia Armory

ANSONIA - The Ansonia Parks & Recreation Department is sponsoring the Department of Energy & Environmental Protection C.A.R.E. (Connecticut Aquatic Resources Education) Program Family Fishing Class in Ansonia.

This is an opportunity for interested people of all ages to learn about:

*Connecticut Waters * Fish Identification * How & Where Fish Live *

* Fishing Tackle & Techniques * Fishing Laws & Regulations * How to Tie A Strong Knot *

* How to Clean & Cook Your Catch * Sportsmanship & Safety 

* How to Cast * Where to Catch Fish *

The two-day program will be held from 6:30-8:30 p.m. April 7 at the Ansonia Armory on State Street. Parking is available on North Cliff Street behind the Armory.

A fishing trip will be held on opening day, April 9, at Abe Stone Park where lessons learned in the class will be put into practice at Colony Pond between 8 a.m. and noon.   

All equipment will be provided.  

Adults over the age of 16 are required to have a fishing license to participate in the fishing event.

The free program is taught by Certified DEEP C.A.R.E. Instructors and is open to all children and adults 7 years old and up.

Students completing the class receive a certificate from the Department of Energy & Environmental Protection.  Students under 12 years of age must be accompanied by an adult.

To pre-register or for more information call the chief instructor, Dave Connelly, 203-231-0946.

Colony Pond will be stocked with trout opening day by the Department of Energy & Environmental Protection. Special emphasis will be put on catching trout during the class.

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

Celtic Festival slated at Seymour Middle School

SEYMOUR - The Naugatuck Community Band will present a Celtic Festival at 7 p.m. March 12 at Seymour Middle School, 211 Mountain Road.

The concert is a celebration of Irish, Scottish, and British music.

The Seymour Culture and Arts Commission is sponsoring the event.



This information is shared from the community band's Facebook event page. 

Valley Shakespeare Festival in Shelton adapts French comedy

SHELTON - Valley Shakespeare Festival is making a brief departure from the works of its namesake for its next “Theater in the Bar” production with Moliere’s bawdy comedy “Tartuffe.”

Fans of VSF are well-acquainted with the way the company’s Artistic Director Tom Simonetti likes to adapt the classics for a contemporary audience while retaining the work’s authentic language.  
“Tartuffe” presented a special challenge as it was not only written in the 17^th century, but also in Moliere’s native French.  

Many English translations have been published in the subsequent 350-plus years and, after much research, Simonetti created the version audiences will enjoy on March 10 and 11 at Porky’s Café, 50 Center St.

Jeremy Funke, VSF’s perennial and lovable Ebenezer Scrooge will play the title role, the unscrupulous lecher and houseguest- from - Hell, Tartuffe, who will stop at nothing to take his host for all he is worth. 

Dave Herigstad, last seen in the company’s summer production of “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” as Oberon, the all-powerful King of the Faeries, will do a “180” and portray Orgon, Tartuffe’s brainwashed host who is feeling his age and looking for redemption anywhere he can find it.  

Jessica Breda, a long time VSF favorite who has played multiple roles with the company, will take on Dorine in “Tartuffe,” the out-spoken, feisty, no-nonsense maid to Orgon’s wife, and the only one with the finesse and courage to save her employers from certain devastation. 

Audiences will no doubt recognize many other returning cast members as well as meet some new ones in Valley Shakespeare Festival’s “Tartuffe,” an irreverent and hilarious look at family, morals, religion, and all the usual issues faced by families throughout the ages.  

Tickets are $20 per person for table seats and $15 per person for floor seats and are available for purchase online at www.vsfestival.org or by phone by calling 203-513-9446.  

This is a press release from Valley Shakespeare Festival, a non-profit theater company dedicated to bringing free and low-cost theater to the communities of the lower Naugatuck Valley.

Club recognizes Shelton native as part of anniversary celebration

SHELTON - As part of its year-long 60^th anniversary celebration, the Boys & Girls Club of the Lower Naugatuck Valley will be recognizing the life of someone who has been positively affected by the Club on a regular basis throughout the year. 

This month we recognize Robert ‘Bob’ Zuraw. Bob is a Shelton native who became a member of the Boys & Girls Club soon after the Club’s incorporation in 1956. Bob spent many afternoons participating in the various activities offered by the Club.

Bob graduated from Shelton High School in 1965 and went on to attend Ithaca College in New York. There he was an active member of the student body serving as the Senior Class President in 1969. After graduation Bob served as a Staff Sergeant in the United States Army Reserve and later went on to build a successful career in petroleum marketing, with companies such as Getty Oil and Standard Petroleum. 

Bob has been and remains an active member of the community, dedicating his time to working with the youth of Shelton and surrounding towns. His involvement in several local sports programs as well as the Connecticut Special Olympics has made him a model citizen. Bob is an active member on the Board of Directors for the Parent Child Resource Center as well as President of the Paul Pecylak Memorial Scholarship Committee, which provides scholarships to players of the Shelton High School men’s basketball team. 

In the past Bob has served on several different local committees and dedicated countless hours to supporting the youth of our community. 
He credits his Boys & Girls Club for having a positive impact on his life. Bob still resides in Shelton with his wife Sandra. He is the proud father of his two children Victoria and Lucas, and enjoys spending time with his three grandchildren, Samantha, Shawn, Ava. 

We are looking for stories about anyone whose life was positively affected by our Boys & Girls Club. Stories are welcome all year long, from Club members, past members, friends, and family. 
If you have an experience you’d like to share with us, please email Press@BGC-LNV.org, or call Ann Wheeler at 203-924-7462. 
All are invited to our 60^th Anniversary Gala Nov. 10 at The Waterview in Monroe. See our website for details at www.BGC-LNV.org.


This is a press release from the Boys & Girls Club of the Lower Naugatuck Valley.

Crisco, firefighters discuss status update on regional fire training schools

HARTFORD - State Sen. Joseph Crisco, Jr., D-Woodbridge, met earlier this week for about an hour with more than a dozen fire chiefs and volunteer firefighters to update them on the status of financing and building several regional fire training schools across Connecticut, including one in Beacon Falls. 

State Sen. Joseph J. Crisco

State bonding for some new fire training schools – including one to be built in the Pinesbridge Commerce Park in Beacon Falls - was approved in principle in 2012, but the funds have not been released by the State Bond Commission. 

That school would serve firefighters from Beacon Falls, Ansonia, Seymour, Shelton, Derby, Orange, Woodbridge, Oxford, and Bethany.

Crisco said he is committed to pursuing state bonding for the Beacon Falls fire training school.

“These volunteer firefighters are saving local communities millions of dollars by not having communities build, staff and maintain their own professional, full-time fire departments,” Crisco said. 

“Five of the seven towns that I represent have all-volunteer departments. These delays in bonding for a new training facility for them have gone on too long.”

State Rep. Linda Gentile, D-Ansonia, agrees. “Our volunteers put their lives on the line each and every time they respond to an incident, and any money we can get to train them is a wise investment in their safety and in public safety,” she said. 

This is a press release from Crisco's office.

Griffin Hospital in Derby to host 'Savor the Flavor' program

Griffin Hospital program to focus on nutrition./Contributed photo

DERBY - In honor of National Nutrition Month, Griffin Hospital’s Community Health Resource Center will host a free program about how to boost the nutritional value of your eating habits.

The program will be held from 12:30-1:30 p.m. March 8 at the hospital, 130 Division St.

Griffin Hospital Clinical Dietitian Jody Wagner will present “Savor the Flavor,” a discussion of this year’s National Nutrition Month campaign and ways to add healthier foods to your diet. She will also offer a free healthy snack at the event. 

This program is part of a series of free, educational forums hosted by the Community Health Resource Center in an effort to help improve the health of the community.

To register or for more information, call Kerry or Deborah at 203-732-7399.

The Community Health Resource Center at Griffin Hospital is a traditional library that provides an array of medical and health information, including a large collection of easy to read health and lifestyle related materials. 

The Center is open to members of the public to educate themselves on ways to enhance their well-being, prevent illness, and play an active role in decisions about their health.

This is a press release from Griffin Hospital.

Derby Public Library to host 'The Palace of Sweets' author

DERBY - The Derby Public Library welcomes back local author Salvatore Coppola at 6:30 p.m. March 28.

Since Coppola's first visit in September when he discussed 

his writing process and gave a brief outline of the book, many readers have had the opportunity to read The Palace of Sweets themselves.

So this time Coppola will delve deeper into the story and discuss the entire book.  

Quickly becoming a local favorite, at the center of this

historical fiction love story is the downtown Derby iconic ice cream shop, Vonetes Palace of Sweets.  

Three major Valley events are included, the BF Goodrich arson, the River Restaurant explosion, and attempted take-

over of Derby Savings Bank, along with the Vietnam War.  

Copies of the book will be available for purchase.

Registration is requested.  
For more information, stop by the Library at 313 Elizabeth St., call 203-736-1482, or visit www.derbypubliclibrary.org.

This is a press release from Cathy Williams, Director, Derby Public Library. 

Blumenthal, Cassetti award WWII medals posthumously to family of Ansonia veteran

Pictured from left, Seymour resident Joanne DaSilva, U.S. Sen. Richard Blumenthal, and Ansonia Mayor David S. Cassetti at City Hall ceremony honoring DaSilva's uncle, the late Pasquale Battaglia.


ANSONIA - U.S. Sen. Richard Blumenthal joined Mayor David S. Cassetti this morning to award medals earned by the late Pasquale Battaglia to Battaglia's niece, Joanne DaSilva of Seymour.
The touching ceremony in the Aldermanic Chambers of City Hall was attended by family, friends and city officials.

Stay tuned for a story in the next edition of our newsletter, The Valley Voice.

Club to hold annual Herbie Rollinson Memorial 5K Run-Walk in Derby

SHELTON - The Boys & Girls Club of the Lower Naugatuck Valley will hold its annual Herbie Rollinson Memorial 5K Run-Walk on April 17. 
Sponsored by the Exchange Club of Shelton, the 5K Run-Walk is a community event open to everyone.

To register for the 5K please visit our website, www.BGC-LNV.org. 
The 5K Run-Walk will start at the entrance to the Derby Greenway across from BJ’s Wholesale Club, 20 Division St., Derby. 
There is a 9 a.m. start time for walkers and a 9:30 a.m. start time for runners. 

This event is open to children and adults. Cost is $25 per walker/runner. 
The event is chip-timed by StartLine Race Services. Awards will follow immediately after the race ends. 
Shirts will be provided for the first 300 registrants.

All proceeds from this event will support programs at our Raymond P. Lavietes Clubhouse in Shelton, Joel E. Smilow Clubhouse in Ansonia, our satellite program at Elizabeth Shelton School, and our Seymour Unit. 
Come run or walk with us on April 17. Thank you for helping us provide the children who need us most with a safe and affordable place to learn and grow!

To register for the Herbie Rollinson Memorial 5K Run-Walk visit www.BGC-LNV.org and click on the 5K link.


This is a press release from the Boys & Girls Club of the Lower Naugatuck Valley.

Valley United Way youth group funds activities for families in Umbrella program

Center for Domestic Violence Services awarded $800 

ANSONIA - The Umbrella Center for Domestic Violence Services received a grant of $800 from Valley United Way’s Youth Leadership Program. 

The funds will be used for recreational and educational activities for the children residing in the organization's safe house.

The children will enjoy activities and experiences outside the safe house to build positive family memories. The activities with their mothers will help to alleviate the fears and anxiety associated with their experience with domestic violence and the uprooting of their lives, and will provide the children with a sense of normalcy and security. 

Since 1990, Valley United Way Youth Leadership members have distributed small, venture grants to community organizations in the Valley area.  These grants are aimed at helping to fund new and/or expanding programs that serve the needs of Valley Youth.

BHcare’s The Umbrella Center for Domestic Violence Services is dedicated to increasing awareness of domestic violence and its effect on the community, empowering those victimized by providing advocacy and safe and effective services, and to working for social change to eliminate domestic violence.  

Each year UCDVS provides free and confidential services for more than 6,000 victims and their children. 

Learn more at www.bhcare.org.

This is a press release from BHcare.

Vendors: Save the date for Rock the Valley in Ansonia

Re-posting: Master's Table dinner slated Sunday in Ansonia

Check out our latest newsletter about the best of the Valley

Dear readers,

The fourth issue of The Valley Voice is now available.

Here's the link:


http://goo.gl/FcGZ4j


If you'd like a printed version there are copies at the following locations:

• Lizzie's Home Consignment and Gifts, 19 Bank St., Seymour
• Barb's Corner Consignment, 25 W. Main St., Ansonia
• Ansonia City Hall, 253 Main St., Ansonia
• Ansonia Library, 53. S. Cliff St., Ansonia  
• Derby City Hall, 1 Elizabeth St., Derby
• Derby Public Library, 313 Elizabeth St., Derby
• Written Words Bookstore, 415 Howe Ave., Shelton

Derby Public Library offers clay workshop for teens

DERBY -The Derby Public Library invites all young adults ages 12 to 17 to a Teen Maker In Clay workshop, Thursdays, March 17 and 24, from 4 to 5:30 PM. 

Participants will be molding and painting clay sculpture. 

This two-session workshop will be led by Valley Arts Council President Rich DiCarlo. 
All materials will be provided. 
Registration is requested. 

For more information stop by the Library at 313 Elizabeth St., call 203-736-1482, or visit www.derbypubliclibrary.org.


This is a press release from Tony DeLos, young adult/reference librarian, Derby Public Library.

Celebrate Shelton slates March handmade market

SHELTON - Celebrate Shelton creators Nicole Heriot-Mikula, Michael Skrtic and Jimmy Tickey are looking forward to the second Downtown Handmade Market of the year. 

The market will run from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. March 5 in the Conti Building, 415 Howe Ave.

There will be artisan vendors for all of your end-of-winter goods like spices, quilts and scarves; and if you're thinking spring there will be bright home goods, candles, fashion, and jewelry.   
The Downtown Handmade Market is free to enter with ample free parking. 

March handmade artisans include: Auntie Arwen's Spices, Bead Dangle Design, Designs by T-Squared, Grateful Pawz, Greystone Bookworks, Hipponotic Candle, Inspiredesigns, Kilbride Creations, KnitBeadRepeat, Color by Amber, Lilla Rose, Liquid Lunch/GROW, Lisa's Soaps, The Little Dog Laughed, OmNomNom Jams and Jellies LLC, Origami Owl Jewelry, Purslane Press, Quark Tees,Quilts by Nancy, Reid's BBQ & Rubs, Renn's Recreations, Trinkets by Teri.

The Conti Building Shops include: The Glass Source, BringtheHoopla, Written Words Bookstore, Periodic Tableware, Shadee Lady, Memories from Aunt Helen's Attic, Nikki's Attic, Three Bridges Coffee Shop, Sage Yoga, Welcome Relaxation. 

Live music from 10 a.m.-12:30 p.m. with Benny Mikula and from 12:30-3 p.m. with Elle Sera.

Celebrate Shelton, a city-wide initiative, was created by small business owners Nicole Heriot-Mikula, Michael Skrtic, and Jimmy Tickey. 

Learn more about Celebrate Shelton at www.celebrateshelton.com and follow us on Facebook (www.facebook.com/celebrateshelton) and Twitter (www.twitter.com/celebshelton). 


This is a press release from Celebrate Shelton.

Paint, sip, and support Treasured Time at art class in Oxford

OXFORD - A Paint 'n Sip class to benefit Treasured Time will be held from 7-9:30 p.m. March 31 at Rad Art Studio, 144 Oxford Road.

Local artist Adriene Radcliffe guides the group with step-by-step instructions. 

As you sip your favorite beverage and paint on the canvas the night turns into a fun night with friends. 

The painting that the class will create.

By the end of the night, everyone has their own work of art to take home that they created themselves!

Price is $40 per person.
We supply canvas, paint and brushes to create a painting to take home while having fun with friends.

The event is B.Y.O.B and we will provide stuffed breads. You are also welcome to bring your own snacks.
Limited spaces available. 
Call Jenn 203-446-1068 or email jenn@treasuredtime.org to reserve your seat today.

Proceeds to benefit Treasured Time, a 501 C3 not-for-profit organization that grants the wishes of parents with life-threatening illnesses who want to create a lasting memory with their children. 
Help us "Give the Gift of Moments."

This information is shared from a Treasured Time event page on Facebook.

Public Health Committee approves Conroy's bill to combat opioid epidemic

HARTFORD - Legislation (HB5053) sponsored by state Rep. Theresa Conroy (D-Seymour, Beacon Falls, Derby) aimed at combating the growing opioid epidemic in Connecticut was unanimously approved by the General Assembly’s Public Health Committee. 

Theresa Conroy

The bill instructs cities and towns to ensure first responders are equipped and trained to administer the drug naloxone when encountering a person experiencing an opioid overdose. Naloxone has a proven record of quickly reversing the effects of an overdose. 

“This is a statewide crisis that needs to be addressed in a non-judgmental, humane manner,” said Conroy, an advanced practice nurse and member of the legislature’s Public Health Committee. 
“Naloxone is effective and fast-acting, and it is important to get it out on the streets in our towns so lives can be saved.”       

According to the Department of Public Health, naloxone was administered by paramedics over 2,000 times per year in the state from 2012-14.  

Also under the bill, commercial health insurers would be prohibited from requiring prior authorization for coverage of naloxone. In addition, a provision in the bill helps protect a provider who administers an opioid antidote from civil liability.

The bill will now go to the House of Representatives for the consideration of the full General Assembly.  

This is a press release from Conroy's office.

Colonial life is focus of Derby Public Library program in March

To mark Women's History Month
DERBY - The Derby Public Library will host a presentation, The Not-So-Good Life of the Colonial Goodwife, at 6:30 p.m. March 21.

In recognition of March as Women’s History Month, participants will learn what life was really like for New England women in Colonial times.  

Topics covered will include sex and birth control, childbirth, sickness, and medicine.  

This program will make you laugh and grimace while also honoring our foremothers.  

Presenter Velya Jancz-Urban’s interest in this topic was sparked when she was researching her book, Acquiescence, after her family moved into a 1770 farmhouse in Woodbury.

Even history buffs will learn a thing or two about the little-known issues faced by these women during this entertaining and informative presentation.

Copies of the book will be available for purchase.

Registration is requested.  
For more information, stop by the Library at 313 Elizabeth St., call 203-736-1482, or visit www.derbypubliclibrary.org. 


This is a press release from Cathy Williams, Director, Derby Public Library.   

Photo shared of Derby dentist from days gone by

This week's "Turnback Tuesday" photo shows local dentist Dr. Frank P. McEnerney in his office that was located on Elizabeth Street across from the Commodore Hull Theater. Dr. McEnerney was born in Derby and graduated Derby High School, Holy Cross College as well as the University of Pennsylvania College of Dentistry. 
His framed credentials hang on the wall behind him in the photo's background. Dr. McEnerney was also an active member of the Elks Lodge in Derby plus many other civic-minded groups in the Valley. 

Note: this photo was donated by Dr. McEnerney's granddaughter, Geraldine Fallon, who currently serves on the Derby Public Library Board of Directors. Geraldine's mother, Frances Fallon, previously served on the Library Board for 50 years.


*This is shared from a Derby Public Library Facebook post. 
I hope you enjoy photos from a simpler time in the Valley as much as I do.

Ansonia mayor jokes around at radio station

Ansonia Mayor David S. Cassetti showing off his Presidential trivia skills this morning with Chaz and AJ on WPLR.


This is reprinted with permission from the City of Ansonia Facebook page.

Ansonia offers vendor applications for bicycle festival

Griffin Hospital in Derby to present Caring Heart Awards

Cheryl A. Santiago, RN, left, and Linda Stochmal, right, will be honored with the Caring Heart Award for their work at The Heart Wellness Center at Griffin Hospital in Derby./ Contributed photo

DERBY - Shelton resident Susan DeLeon, former director of The Umbrella, and The Heart Wellness Center at Griffin Hospital will be honored with the Caring Heart Award at the 11th Annual Women’s Heart Wellness and Caring Heart Award Brunch March 12. 

The event will be held from 8:30 a.m.-noon at the hospital Dining Room, 130 Division St.

The award recognizes individuals and groups that foster initiatives to promote and improve the general health and well-being of all. 

This is the eighth year the award will be bestowed.

Susan DeLeon

DeLeon served as director of The Umbrella, a domestic violence shelter in Ansonia, for more than 25 years. 
She is a marriage and family therapist who has received many community recognitions for her work with The Umbrella and BHCare including the Lillian Chrostowski Award from TEAM, Inc., the Silver Seal Award from the Greater Valley Chamber of Commerce, and Outstanding Community Service Award from Gateway Community-Technical College.

Griffin Hospital’s free Heart Wellness Clinic helps those with congestive heart failure stay well by giving them regular screening and support and providing a better understanding of their condition by equipping them with skills and strategies to stay healthy and avoid preventable hospital admissions.

Increase disease awareness

The Caring Heart Award is presented by the Women’s Heart Wellness Committee, which consists of healthcare professionals, heart patients, and women from throughout the Valley. 
The primary focus of the group is to increase heart disease awareness among women, empower them to love and save their hearts, and ensure they are provided the means to do so through education and rehabilitation. 
According to the American Heart Association, heart disease kills nearly twice as many women in the United States as all types of cancer.

The brunch will start with registration at 8:30 a.m. and the program will begin at 9 a.m. 
There will be presentations by Griffin Hospital’s Department of Radiology Chair Dr. Devika Jajoo on ways to take care of your health, and by certified diabetes educator Mary Swansiger on diabetes prevention and management. There will also be blood pressure and diabetes testing and consultation. 

Tickets for the brunch are $25. 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 4. 
To make a reservation or for more information, email whw@griffinhealth.org.

This is a press release from Griffin Hospital.