Sunday, July 31, 2016
Thought for a summer day
My thought for the day: If you see children selling lemonade at the side of the road, stop and buy some. Even if you're not thirsty.
It will make you feel good. As you may have guessed, I just did.
Word to the wise: Unlike the price pictured above, my cup of lemonade cost $1. Be prepared.
Saturday, July 30, 2016
Too Human brings jazz, pop to Derby Neck Library
Pictured from left, Roger Bruno, Ellen Schwartz, Chris Conte.
DERBY - My husband, Ralph, and I enjoyed a wonderful performance Saturday afternoon by Too Human.
Their work is sometimes soulful, sometimes sentimental - think "S'wonderful," and "Sentimental Journey," and sometimes silly.
The trio performed a variety of jazz, pop, and original tunes that kept toes tappin' in the audience at Derby Neck Library.
Go see them if you ever get the chance.
DERBY - My husband, Ralph, and I enjoyed a wonderful performance Saturday afternoon by Too Human.
Their work is sometimes soulful, sometimes sentimental - think "S'wonderful," and "Sentimental Journey," and sometimes silly.
The trio performed a variety of jazz, pop, and original tunes that kept toes tappin' in the audience at Derby Neck Library.
Go see them if you ever get the chance.
Derby Public Library to host lunchtime discussion of novel
DERBY - The Derby Public Library, 313 Elizabeth St., has scheduled a Lunchtime Book Discussion for 12:30 p.m. Aug. 31.
The selected title is the emotional novel, The Girls of August, by Anne Rivers Siddons.
beach, renting a new house each year.
When one of the “girls” dies tragically, the group begins to
When one of the “girls” dies tragically, the group begins to
drift apart and their vacations come to a halt.
Years later, a new marriage reunites them on an island off the South Carolina coast.
Here they come to terms with their differences and make startling discoveries that change them in ways they never expected.
Years later, a new marriage reunites them on an island off the South Carolina coast.
Here they come to terms with their differences and make startling discoveries that change them in ways they never expected.
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, call 203-736-1482 or visit www.derbypubliclibrary.org.
Registration is requested.
For more information, stop by the Library, call 203-736-1482 or visit www.derbypubliclibrary.org.
This is a press release from Cathy Williams, Director, Derby Public Library.
Seymour Public Library offers book club for teens
SEYMOUR - The Seymour Public Library seeks members for ‘The Club’ - a book club for students in Grades 8-12.
Love to read? Like to talk, or listen?
Join ‘The Club.’
Members will meet once a month to discuss books and enjoy snacks.
Interested? Call 203-888-3903 or drop in to the Library, 46 Church St.
This is a press release from Ann Szaley, children's librarian, Seymour Public Library.
Friday, July 29, 2016
Promo shared for Ansonia's Rock the Valley arts fest
ANSONIA - Check out this promo for Rock the Valley, the music and art festival headed to Nolan Field Aug. 20.
The event will run from 11 a.m.-10 p.m. at the field, 358 Wakelee Ave.
It promises to be a lot of fun for all ages! See you there.
Thursday, July 28, 2016
Newsletter features story on Seymour child, Homes for the Brave fundraiser
Dear readers,
Please check out today's Valley Voice newsletter here.
We write about a Seymour child recently diagnosed with a rare cancer and the community support the family has received.
We also have a story about an event to benefit Homes for the Brave in Bridgeport.
Happy reading!
VSAAC to change name to Alliance for Prevention & Wellness
Community program is part of BHcare
ANSONIA - BHcare’s Greater Valley Substance Abuse Action Council will become the Alliance for Prevention & Wellness on Aug. 1.
The new mission of the program will be: We foster positive mental health by preventing substance misuse and other health-risk behaviors and by building resources that promote wellness.
The decision to change the name was decided by a committee made up various community members including Michael Gulish, Chair, BHcare Board of Directors, John Scott, concerned citizen, Nancy Phund, Director, Woodbridge Youth and Family Services, Bill Nimons, Treasurer, BHcare Board of Directors, Jack Walsh, President/CEO Valley United Way, Mark Holden, local business owner and BHcare board member, Carol Cruz, Recovery Community, Veronica Parsloe, Parent Child Resource Center, Joni Nordstrom, Bethany Orange Woodbridge Drug and Alcohol Council and VSAAC staff.
“We felt it was necessary for the program’s name to reflect all that we do,” said Pam Mautte, Director of VSAAC. “VSAAC has a long history of substance abuse prevention activities and continues to expand its programs to address substances of abuse, suicide, risky behaviors and to promote good mental health. Our service area continues to grow throughout the Lower Naugatuck Valley and Greater New Haven. The Alliance for Prevention & Wellness is a direct result of our donors’ and community partners’ commitment to improving our communities,” Mautte said.
VSAAC was formed in 1990 as a result of a community retreat held by the Valley United Way with concerned citizens to address substance abuse issues in the Valley.
It operates as one of 13 Regional Action Councils across the State of Connecticut.
It operates as one of 13 Regional Action Councils across the State of Connecticut.
The program has engaged churches, schools, businesses, human service agencies, neighborhood organizations, government offices, law enforcement, and concerned citizens of all ages, races, and ethnic backgrounds in prevention activities.
The program maintains strong collaborative relationships with area police departments, the local prevention councils, social service agencies, and youth service bureaus and has an extensive repertoire of culturally competent substance abuse/high-risk behavior prevention programs.
The program maintains strong collaborative relationships with area police departments, the local prevention councils, social service agencies, and youth service bureaus and has an extensive repertoire of culturally competent substance abuse/high-risk behavior prevention programs.
Over the past 25 years, VSAAC helped more than 150,000 youth and adults in our communities.
The Alliance for Wellness and Prevention is a program of BHcare.
For more information, visit APW-CT.org.
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.
Eat at Giove's Pizza Kitchen today, support Shelton High School Pom Pon squad
Giove's Pizza Kitchen is located at 494 Bridgeport Ave., Shelton.
*Sharing this info from the In and Around Shelton Facebook page.
Crisco opposes idea of vehicle mileage tax
HARTFORD - State Sen. Joseph J. Crisco, Jr., D-Woodbridge, Wednesday declared his opposition to any sort of “vehicle mileage tax” while also seeking to end what he believes are public misperceptions about the issue.
State Sen. Joseph J. Crisco, Jr. |
“The idea of a vehicle mileage tax was one of many options that was offered last year by a non-partisan transportation group as a means of paying for the huge commitment that Connecticut has to improving its transportation infrastructure. And the idea of instituting a VMT was rejected a year ago by both Democrats and Republicans; the press has already reported this,” Crisco said.
“Just last week, our Democratic Senate Majority Leader Bob Duff leader made it clear that the legislature has no intention of ever instituting such a program in Connecticut.”
“Let’s end this mileage tax talk right now. There is no debate about the possibility of implementing a mileage tax. Democrats and Republicans in the legislature have already rejected the concept,” Crisco said.
He said it’s unfortunate that, in May, the Connecticut Department of Transportation joined 16 states on the East Coast and the District of Columbia in applying to the federal government for a pilot program to recruit 50 volunteer motorists in each state to experiment with a VMT program who would receive fake invoices.
“News of the application confused the public who - like me - are wondering why the DOT would apply for a program they say they have no plans to implement,” Crisco said. “Maybe this VMT study will give Connecticut some useful information on how to reduce air pollution or reduce traffic congestion or prevent accidents, but the DOT hasn’t said that, and even then, I wonder if the money is worth it.”
Crisco also said Gov. Malloy should be more clear in ruling out a VMT as a way of financing Connecticut’s road and bridge improvements.
“The governor understands that improving Connecticut’s transportation infrastructure is what residents and businesses want, and that these improvements are going to drive a lot of economic development in the state,” Crisco said. “But a vehicle mileage tax is not the way to go.”
This is a press release from Crisco's office.
Help Spooner House in Shelton fight hunger this summer
You can drop donations off at Spooner House, 30 Todd Road, Shelton, Monday-Friday from 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
If you cannot make this time frame, supervisors are on duty 24/7 and can assist you.
Questions? Call 203-225-0453 or check www.actspooner.org.
This is a press release from Spooner House.
St. Mary-St. Michael School in Derby seeks vendors, donations for Festival of Trees
Annual fundraiser is Nov. 19
DERBY - St. Mary-St. Michael School is seeking vendors and donations for its popular Festival of Trees fundraiser this November.
Christmas is coming! |
The event also features raffles, food and photos with Santa.
Raffle donations are also greatly appreciated. Proceeds benefit St. Mary-St. Michael School.
To rent a table or for more information, contact Denise Bottone, 203-231-3810 or dbottone@sbcglobal.net.
This is a press release from the school.
Wednesday, July 27, 2016
Kidney disease runs in the family ~ I wish I could run from it
I didn't post anything today because I was "out of town" for a while, and away from my computer.
My husband, Ralph, and I spent more than seven hours at the transplantation clinic at Yale-New Haven Hospital.
We learned about kidney transplants, nutrition, medications, and had private consultations with several health professionals.
I had an EKG and chest X-ray and gave what seemed like a lot of blood, twice.
I have PKD - Polycystic Kidney Disease - which is an unfortunate family trait. I wrote about it here in October, and again here in February.
Two wonderful people have offered to give me a kidney, but we have no idea if either of them will be able to do so.
My nephrologist referred me to the Yale clinic to get started on a journey that I know many, many people have taken before.
There were more than 17,000 kidney transplants performed in the United States in 2014, which is a much bigger number than I had thought.
In March I published a month of posts to help raise awareness of PKD. I hope it did.
Ralph and I now are armed with more information and a better sense of what this journey will eventually entail.
It's not easy to write about myself. I take that back...it's easy to write, just not easy to hit the "publish" button. But I'm about to do so.
Thanks for reading.
My husband, Ralph, and I spent more than seven hours at the transplantation clinic at Yale-New Haven Hospital.
We learned about kidney transplants, nutrition, medications, and had private consultations with several health professionals.
I had an EKG and chest X-ray and gave what seemed like a lot of blood, twice.
I have PKD - Polycystic Kidney Disease - which is an unfortunate family trait. I wrote about it here in October, and again here in February.
Two wonderful people have offered to give me a kidney, but we have no idea if either of them will be able to do so.
My nephrologist referred me to the Yale clinic to get started on a journey that I know many, many people have taken before.
There were more than 17,000 kidney transplants performed in the United States in 2014, which is a much bigger number than I had thought.
In March I published a month of posts to help raise awareness of PKD. I hope it did.
Ralph and I now are armed with more information and a better sense of what this journey will eventually entail.
It's not easy to write about myself. I take that back...it's easy to write, just not easy to hit the "publish" button. But I'm about to do so.
Thanks for reading.
Tuesday, July 26, 2016
Opinion: Lawmaker opposes state mileage tax idea
By State Rep. Linda M. Gentile
HARTFORD - Recently, there has been a lot of talk about a mileage tax – the idea of taxing drivers based on the distance they drive their vehicles.
Let me be clear.
I am absolutely against any consideration of a mileage tax!
Talk about the tax is a political ploy aimed at getting voters riled up.
Leadership in both the House and Senate chambers of the General Assembly insist that they have no interest or plans to institute a mileage tax.
Let me just say, I have no interest or plans to institute a mileage tax, as well.
In fact, I believe it is a half-baked, crazy idea and I think using this idea as a political ploy to rile up voters is shameless!
Unnecessary burden
I am against a mileage tax for many reasons.
First and foremost, I believe it would be an unnecessary burden on motorists and taxpayers.
It is unclear to me how such a tax would be implemented and it is certainly unclear how much it would cost to implement.
I have heard suggestions of a tracking-type device being attached to cars to record the number of miles driven. I firmly believe such a device would be an infringement on personal privacy.
Furthermore, any device or computer chip attached to a vehicle could probably be circumvented or hacked, creating opportunity for vandalism and fraud.
And, what if a motorist travels out of state for personal business or vacation? Would it be fair to tax the driver for miles driven on non-state roads? I don’t think so!
I do not believe a mileage tax is fair nor do I think it should ever be considered as an option to raise funds for any transportation project!
I want to assure you that I am absolutely not in favor of a mileage tax and I will work to defeat any attempt to implement any such proposal.
Talk of mileage tax began last year when the Governor’s Transportation Finance Panel recommended studying its potential implementation.
ConnDOT applied for a federal grant ($300,000) to pay for the study, joining with Vermont, Delaware, New Hampshire, and Pennsylvania.
I did not support the idea then, and I most certainly do not support the idea now.
DOT officials say the mileage tax could be an option to raise revenues. I think not!
The mileage tax proposal is simply an idea that is under consideration by the state Department of Transportation as a means to raise funds to pay for the maintenance of our highways, roads and bridges.
But it is nothing more than that - an idea. An idea that I can’t and simply won’t support.
Gentile represents Ansonia and Derby in the General Assembly. This column was sent by Gentile's office.
Demo at Derby Public Library to offer techniques on saving summer produce
DERBY - The Derby Public Library, 313 Elizabeth St., has scheduled another cooking demo at 6:30 p.m. Aug. 29.
The topic will be Saving Summer.
Stacey Ference of Savour Catering will offer ideas and techniques for freezing the last of your garden’s bounty to enjoy long after summer is over. There will be samples of all demonstrated foods.
The class is for ages 18 years and older.
Registration is required.
For more information visit the Library or call 203-736-1482.
This is a press release from Cathy Williams, Director, Derby Public Library.
Monday, July 25, 2016
Great Hill United Methodist Church in Seymour to host BBQ
SEYMOUR - A Chicken or Ribs BBQ will be held from 5-7 p.m. Aug. 6 at Great Hill United Methodist Church, 225 Great Hill Road.
The menu will include choice or chicken or ribs, homemade coleslaw, baked beans, dessert, and beverage.
Price per dinner is $14 for adults, and $7 for kids 8 and under. Take-outs gladly provided.
Reservations are appreciated by calling Bob at 203-888-4159 or 203-906-2958.
This information is shared from an online community calendar sponsored by The Community Foundation for Greater New Haven and The New Haven Independent.
Griffin Hospital in Derby to host advanced-care planning talk
Griffin Hospital and Valley Senior Services Council will host a free talk Aug. 18 on how to plan for future healthcare and medical decisions. / Contributed photo
DERBY - Griffin Hospital and Valley Senior Services will host a free talk on how to plan for healthcare and medical decisions at 5:30 p.m. Aug. 18 at the hospital, 130 Division St.
Daun Barrett, RN, director of Griffin Hospital Community Outreach and Valley Parish Nurses, and Diane Betkoski, MS, RD, LNHA, director of Planetree Services at Griffin Hospital, will discuss the three stages of Advanced Care Planning in which individuals discuss and decide their future healthcare wishes in the event they unable to speak for themselves while at a healthcare facility.
“In life, we plan for our careers, our families, and for retirement. In effort to honor one’s healthcare wishes, to promote quality of life and provide peace of mind, it is important to begin these important conversations about end of life sooner rather than later to ensure one’s wishes are honored,” Barrett said.
A light dinner will be served.
This presentation is funded by the Valley United Way and TEAM, Inc.
To register, contact Kathleen at 203-736-5420 extension 225.
DERBY - Griffin Hospital and Valley Senior Services will host a free talk on how to plan for healthcare and medical decisions at 5:30 p.m. Aug. 18 at the hospital, 130 Division St.
Daun Barrett, RN, director of Griffin Hospital Community Outreach and Valley Parish Nurses, and Diane Betkoski, MS, RD, LNHA, director of Planetree Services at Griffin Hospital, will discuss the three stages of Advanced Care Planning in which individuals discuss and decide their future healthcare wishes in the event they unable to speak for themselves while at a healthcare facility.
“In life, we plan for our careers, our families, and for retirement. In effort to honor one’s healthcare wishes, to promote quality of life and provide peace of mind, it is important to begin these important conversations about end of life sooner rather than later to ensure one’s wishes are honored,” Barrett said.
A light dinner will be served.
This presentation is funded by the Valley United Way and TEAM, Inc.
To register, contact Kathleen at 203-736-5420 extension 225.
This is a press release from Griffin Hospital.
Holy Rosary Church in Ansonia to host 49th annual Festa
ANSONIA - It's almost time for a summer tradition in the Valley: Festa! on the Holy Rosary Church grounds, 10 Father Salemi Drive.
It will run from 5-10 p.m. Aug. 4, 5, and 6. Admission is free.
The festival features freshly prepared Italian fare, children's activities, games of skill, rides, music, and more.
I must admit I "stole" this musical entertainment schedule from the church's website:
Sunday, July 24, 2016
'Priceless' tag sale in Ansonia to benefit Valley nonprofits
Ansonia resident Chris German is holding a tag sale featuring a variety of items on weekends this summer at his house, 26 New St. There are no prices on the items; German said he is just asking for donations that will be given to three Valley organizations.
Stay tuned for a story and more photos in an upcoming Valley Voice newsletter.
Stay tuned for a story and more photos in an upcoming Valley Voice newsletter.
Derby Public Library to host scrapbooking workshop for kids
DERBY - Children ages 8-13 are invited to Derby Public Library at 1 p.m. Tuesday for a fun program about special memories!
Join Elaine Langsam in a guided program focusing on designing, making, and decorating your very own scrapbook.
All materials are provided, but feel free to bring your own photos and memories to add in.
Registration is required.
For information call 203-736-1482.
The Library is at 313 Elizabeth St.
This information is shared from an online community calendar sponsored by The Community Foundation for Greater New Haven and The New Haven Independent.
For information call 203-736-1482.
The Library is at 313 Elizabeth St.
This information is shared from an online community calendar sponsored by The Community Foundation for Greater New Haven and The New Haven Independent.
Saturday, July 23, 2016
Derby woman becomes one-millionth customer at Griffin Pharmacy and Gifts
Michele Mahan-Bibber of Derby is congratulated by Griffin Hospital President and CEO Patrick Charmel on being the one millionth customer of Griffin Pharmacy & Gifts in Derby./Contributed photo
DERBY - Michele Mahan-Bibber of Derby became the one millionth customer of Griffin Pharmacy & Gifts July 18.
As the milestone customer, Mahan-Bibber won a prize basket filled with gift cards and items from the store.
Established in 2000, Griffin Pharmacy & Gifts is a community pharmacy located on the ground floor of Griffin Hospital.
DERBY - Michele Mahan-Bibber of Derby became the one millionth customer of Griffin Pharmacy & Gifts July 18.
As the milestone customer, Mahan-Bibber won a prize basket filled with gift cards and items from the store.
Established in 2000, Griffin Pharmacy & Gifts is a community pharmacy located on the ground floor of Griffin Hospital.
The store offers prescription and over-the-counter medications, vitamins and nutritional supplements, surgical supplies, gifts, flowers, and cards.
Griffin Pharmacy & Gifts staff and Manager Cathy Egan were excited to celebrate the historical transaction and thanked the Griffin community for the years of support.
“For more than 15 years we’ve grown to meet the ever-changing needs of Griffin's patients, employees and community,” Egan said.
Griffin Pharmacy & Gifts staff and Manager Cathy Egan were excited to celebrate the historical transaction and thanked the Griffin community for the years of support.
“For more than 15 years we’ve grown to meet the ever-changing needs of Griffin's patients, employees and community,” Egan said.
“However, without our customers, we would not have reached this milestone. We thank all of our customers for their continued loyalty.”
This is a press release from Griffin Hospital.
Friday, July 22, 2016
Learn to paint with water colors at Derby Public Library
DERBY - The Derby Public Library will host another popular Watercolor Painting Workshop at 6 p.m. Aug. 22.
Ages 18 and over are invited to enjoy this fun evening
Ages 18 and over are invited to enjoy this fun evening
resulting in fabulous art!
Participants will go home with new friends, great memories, and a newly-created masterpiece that will show
Participants will go home with new friends, great memories, and a newly-created masterpiece that will show
off your “inner-artist.”
No experience? No problem!
Local artist Rich DiCarlo, Valley Arts Council President, will guide you step-by-step on this creative journey as you learn
No experience? No problem!
Local artist Rich DiCarlo, Valley Arts Council President, will guide you step-by-step on this creative journey as you learn
the ins and outs of creating your own water color painting.
No previous artistic experience necessary - great for beginners or seasoned professionals.
Snacks will be provided.
It is promised to be a surprisingly easy and fun way to spend an evening! Registration is required.
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.
CWV Post 1562 in Derby to host House of Heroes fundraiser
DERBY - Catholic War Veterans Post 1562, 112 Derby Ave., will hold its fifth annual fundraiser for House of Heroes at 2 p.m. July 30 at the Post.
Admission is $20 with children under 12 free and is open to the public.
Tickets are available at the Post.
Any questions call the Post after 1 p.m. at 203-734-9748.
There will be food, games, raffle, and a cash bar. Music from the 50s, 60s and 70s will be provided by Sentimental Journey.
All proceeds go to House of Heroes (HOH); their motto is “Make a difference…in a day.”
HOH provides no-cost home repairs to military and public service veterans and their spouses.
Donations are welcome and appreciated.
This information is shared from an online community calendar sponsored by The Community Foundation for Greater New Haven and The New Haven Independent.
Thursday, July 21, 2016
Crisco urges residents to attend hearings on proposed insurance rate hikes
HARTFORD - State Sen. Joseph J. Crisco, Jr., D-Woodbridge, Senate Chairman of the legislature’s Insurance and Real Estate Committee, today urged residents of the 17th state Senate District towns of Ansonia, Beacon Falls, Bethany, Derby, Hamden, Naugatuck, and Woodbridge to attend one or both public hearings next month on proposed health insurance rate increases as requested by Anthem, ConnectiCare and Aetna.
“I’ll be testifying against these proposed rate increases, and I encourage my constituents to do the same,” Crisco said today.
“I’ve already come out against the proposed mergers of Anthem and Cigna, and Aetna and Humana, and my opposition to these rate increases is based on the same philosophy: they are not good for Connecticut policyholders. The public must make its voices heard and send a message that these proposed insurance rate increases from Anthem, ConnectiCare, and Aetna have to be rejected and re-evaluated.”
Anthem is seeking an average 26.8 percent increase for the 56,700 people covered under individual plans in Connecticut, and is also seeking an average 14.3 percent increase for the 42,200 people it covers in its “small group” plan for employers with 50 or fewer employees.
ConnectiCare is seeking an average 14.3 percent rate increase on the 47,595 people it covers in Connecticut under individual plans.
According to published news reports, the proposed rate increases are higher than the 9.6 percent impact of medical cost inflation and increased demand for those services.
The state Insurance Department has the authority to reject or modify rates requests, based on its review of the filings.
The Insurance Department is holding three public hearings over the course of two days:
- Aug. 3, 9 a.m. – Anthem
- Aug. 4, 9 a.m. – ConnectiCare
- Aug. 4, 1 p.m. – Aetna
The hearings will be held at the Connecticut Insurance Department, 153 Market Street, Hartford, in the 7th Floor Hearing Room.
This is a press release from Crisco's office.
Open house slated at assisted living facility in Shelton
Crosby Commons at Wesley Village in Shelton. /Submitted photo
SHELTON - An Open House at Crosby Commons Independent and Assisted Living Community will be held from 4-7 p.m. Aug. 4.
SHELTON - An Open House at Crosby Commons Independent and Assisted Living Community will be held from 4-7 p.m. Aug. 4.
Crosby Commons is located on the Wesley Village senior living campus, 580 Long Hill Ave.
The award-winning community offers independent and assisted living options along with access to a wide continuum of senior care services on the campus, including specialized assisted living, memory support, short-term rehab, skilled nursing care, outpatient therapy and more.
The award-winning community offers independent and assisted living options along with access to a wide continuum of senior care services on the campus, including specialized assisted living, memory support, short-term rehab, skilled nursing care, outpatient therapy and more.
The community is owned and operated by United Methodist Homes, a local, mission based organization with a 140-year legacy of care and service to seniors.
Tours of the community will be available as well as opportunities to chat with residents and staff.
Tours of the community will be available as well as opportunities to chat with residents and staff.
For more information or to RSVP, contact Lisa Bisson, 203-225-5024, or at lbisson@umh.org, or by visiting www.crosbycommons.org.
This is a press release from United Methodist Homes.
This is a press release from United Methodist Homes.
Newsletter features new playground at Ansonia Nature Center
Dear readers,
Our latest Valley Voice newsletter is out.
We write about the beautiful new playground at the Ansonia Nature and Recreation Center, the ADA additions, and more.
Here is the link:
Happy Reading!
Griffin Hospital slates annual fund-raising gala at venue in Prospect
Proceeds to support patient programs, services
Nationally-renowned magician, mentalist and entertainer Dennis Watkins will perform at the 2016 Griffin Gala Sept. 16 at Aria in Prospect./Contributed photo
The 2016 Griffin Hospital Gala will celebrate the elegance and enchantment of autumn with an evening of lavish food, enjoyable music and entertaining magic from 7-11:30 p.m. Sept. 16 at Aria, 45 Murphy Road, Prospect.
The evening will feature an unforgettable combination of spectacular views, exquisite dining, and first-rate entertainment.
Guests will be treated to cocktails and hors d’oeuvres while enjoying Aria’s delightful manicured and sculpted gardens, and breathtaking scenic views.
A customized dinner will be served accompanied with live music before a one-of-a-kind performance by award-winning and nationally-renowned magician, mentalist and entertainer, Dennis Watkins.
The evening closes out with dancing to the energetic, Latin-inspired sounds and funky beats of the 10-piece band, Sugar.
There will also be a silent auction for guests to bid on exciting prizes.
Tickets start at $185 per person. Black tie is suggested.
Proceeds will benefit essential programs and services for the Griffin Hospital community, ensuring patients have access to state-of-the-art care in a healing, patient-centered, Planetree environment.
For more information on tickets or sponsorship opportunities, contact Lisa Nista at 203-732-7384 or email lnista@griffinhealth.org, or visit griffinhealth.org/gala.
This is a press release from Griffin Hospital.
Lawmakers announce $2.9M grant to protect Valley children from lead poisoning
HARTFORD - U.S. Senators Richard Blumenthal and Chris Murphy, along with U.S. Representatives Rosa DeLauro, Jim Himes, and Elizabeth Esty, all Democrats, Wednesday announced $2.9 million in federal grants to protect families from lead paint and other home health hazards in Naugatuck Valley Health District.
"Lead poisoning can cause devastating and irreversible damage, especially to our nation’s children,” Blumenthal said.
"By addressing lead hazards head-on, this critical federal grant will help ensure that Naugatuck Valley children and their families are growing, playing, and learning in safe, lead-free homes."
"By addressing lead hazards head-on, this critical federal grant will help ensure that Naugatuck Valley children and their families are growing, playing, and learning in safe, lead-free homes."
“Lead can cause serious damage for children and families, and unfortunately the risk of lead poising spikes in the summer,” said Murphy. “Now is the time to remove old pipes and lead paint so families can feel safe in their homes. This almost $3 million federal grant will go a long way for the Naugatuck Valley.”
“Connecticut’s homes are some of the oldest in the nation and are at an alarmingly high risk for having lead paint. With this funding, we can ensure that more of our children and families can live in a safe, healthy environment,” said DeLauro.
“There is no ‘healthy’ level of lead for the human body and we must act to address this issue. Congress should build on this funding and enact the Healthy Homes Tax Credit Act to help ensure that homeowners can raise their children in a place where they do not have to worry about toxic substances.”
“There is no ‘healthy’ level of lead for the human body and we must act to address this issue. Congress should build on this funding and enact the Healthy Homes Tax Credit Act to help ensure that homeowners can raise their children in a place where they do not have to worry about toxic substances.”
“We spend a lot of time and energy worrying about threats from outside,” said Himes.
“But, sometimes, the threats from inside are the most insidious. Directing federal resources toward combatting lead poisoning and other health hazards is a priority statement. We are saying loud and clear that the health of our families and children deserves more attention.”
“But, sometimes, the threats from inside are the most insidious. Directing federal resources toward combatting lead poisoning and other health hazards is a priority statement. We are saying loud and clear that the health of our families and children deserves more attention.”
“Parents shouldn’t have to worry about their kids being poisoned by pipes or paint in their own home, and they certainly shouldn’t have to go into debt to protect their children,” Esty said.
“These grant funds will help protect potentially hundreds of Connecticut families from the lifelong health impacts of lead exposure. But Congress still needs to do its part and pass the Healthy Homes Tax Credit Act, so that homeowners in Connecticut and across the country have the resources they need to keep their families safe.”
“These grant funds will help protect potentially hundreds of Connecticut families from the lifelong health impacts of lead exposure. But Congress still needs to do its part and pass the Healthy Homes Tax Credit Act, so that homeowners in Connecticut and across the country have the resources they need to keep their families safe.”
The Naugatuck Valley Health District will be awarded $2,500,000 in Lead Based Paint Hazard Control grant program funding and $400,000 in Healthy Homes Supplemental funding to address lead hazards in 118 housing units and provide safer homes for low-income families with children.
Naugatuck will partner with Connecticut Children's Medical Center, Connecticut Citizen Research Group, the Hartford and the Yale-New Haven Regional Lead Treatment Centers as well as various local governmental agencies and community organizations to implement the program.
This is a press release from the House Democrats' office.
Naugatuck will partner with Connecticut Children's Medical Center, Connecticut Citizen Research Group, the Hartford and the Yale-New Haven Regional Lead Treatment Centers as well as various local governmental agencies and community organizations to implement the program.
This is a press release from the House Democrats' office.