Griffin Hospital in Derby to receive $1.3M in research grants for MS Center, lawmakers say

HARTFORD - State Sen. Joseph J. Crisco, Jr., D-Woodbridge, and state Rep. Linda M. Gentile, D- Ansonia, announced today that, as a result of Connecticut’s recent budget agreement three Connecticut hospitals will share $3.9 million in state Biomedical Research Trust Fund grants in order to conduct new research into multiple sclerosis, children’s diabetes, bladder cancer, and breast cancer.

Griffin Hospital in Derby will receive $1.3 million to fund research activities at its Multiple Sclerosis Treatment Center; the Yale School of Medicine will receive $1.3 million for its Children’s Diabetes Research Program; and the University of Connecticut Health Center will receive $1.3 million to fund its Clinical and Translational Breast Program and Bladder Cancer Institute.

“It gives me great pleasure to see state funds put to such good use, funding research that can help thousands of people lead better lives and eliminate so much heartache and pain for the friends and families of loved ones who have to endure these ailments,” Crisco said. 

“There is so much great research going on in Connecticut, both in the private sector and in the public sector, that I know these grants are going to make a difference in the speed and the direction that our needed, life-saving medical research will take.”

“I know that the Multiple Sclerosis Treatment Center at Griffin Hospital is committed to improving the care and well-being of individuals living with MS and will put these funds to good use in the effort to increase understanding of the approaches that are most effective in the prevention and management of Multiple Sclerosis and its symptoms as well as to help those with M.S. live a healthier and more fulfilling life,” Gentile said.  

“Research is key to finding new ways to provide quality healthcare." 

The Griffin Hospital Multiple Sclerosis Treatment Center offers a comprehensive program for the evaluation and treatment of multiple sclerosis and related conditions.  

“This grant presents a wonderful opportunity for the Multiple Sclerosis Treatment Center and Griffin Hospital, home of the CDC funded Yale-Griffin Prevention Center, with its considerable and impressive research capability to investigate new dimensions of care for our patients, design care effectiveness studies, and continue patient advocacy for patients suffering from this complex disease,” said Joseph Guarnaccia, MD, Director of the Center. 

Guarnaccia, who founded the Multiple Sclerosis Treatment Center at Griffin Hospital in 2000, is a national leader in the treatment of Multiple Sclerosis and a strong advocate for those afflicted by MS. His Center has the largest panel of multiple sclerosis patients in Connecticut and attracts patients from across Connecticut as well as from surrounding states due to Guarnaccia’s expertise and holistic approach.

“We are grateful for the opportunity we have had  to partner with Dr. Guarnaccia in his effort to  advance the care of individuals with MS,” said Patrick Charmel, President and CEO of Griffin Hospital.  

“This grant represents a tremendous validation of his work and recognition of Griffin’s research capabilities in the areas of physical activity, nutrition and complementary therapies where a great deal of Multiple Sclerosis research is focused nationally and will enable Dr. Guarnaccia  to continue his efforts to improve the care and treatment of MS patients here in Connecticut and beyond.”

The funding for this research comes from Connecticut’s Biomedical Research Trust Fund, which was established by the Connecticut General Assembly in 2002 to fund biomedical research into illnesses such as heart disease, cancer, Alzheimer’s disease, and diabetes. A total of $3.9 million of the Trust Fund’s $5.9 million balance is being used to fund research at these three hospitals.

This is a press release from Crisco's office.

Seymour Rec to hold basketball camp in June

*Information shared from the Facebook page of the Office of the Seymour First Selectman. 

Griffin Hospital in Derby to host fall prevention program

Griffin Hospital will host a free fall prevention program June 17, featuring fall risk assessments, fall prevention techniques, and exercises to help improve balance./ Contributed photo

DERBY - The Valley Parish Nurse Program at Griffin Hospital and Griffin Hospital Lifeline will host a free Fall Prevention Program from 9 a.m.-noon June 17 at the hospital.

The program will discuss the dangers of falling, especially for seniors, and will help attendees prevent falls by: Assessing their fall risk; teaching them to assess their, or a loved one’s, risk of falling; teaching and practicing exercises to improve balance and leg strength; providing a medication review; encouraging annual eye exams; teaching ways to reduce tripping hazards at home and learning how to get up or to call for fast help if a fall occurs.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, one out of three adults 65 and older will fall each year. 

For those 65 and older, falls are the leading cause of injury, death and hospital admissions for trauma. Those who fall, even if not injured, develop a fear of falling. This fear causes people to limit their activities reducing their mobility, causing loss of physical fitness, which in turn increases the actual risk of falling.

A light breakfast will be provided by Griffin Hospital Lifeline.

To reserve a seat or for more information, contact Esther at 203-732-1523 or ejones@griffinhealth.org. 
The hospital is at 130 Division St.

This is a press release from Griffin Hospital.

Derby Neck Library slates history talks, performance, movies, more

DERBY - The Derby Neck Library, 307 Hawthorne Ave., has scheduled a variety of activities for June.

Dinner and Movie

Dinner and a Movie, for ages 18 and older, will be presented at 5:30 p.m. June 2. This month’s feature is “O Brother, Where Art Thou?” a comedy starring George Clooney, set in the 1930s.  
The movie is shown in blu-ray on a large screen. Free movie refreshments will be served, as well as a free pizza dinner at intermission.  

Valley Shakespeare Festival

At 2 p.m. June 4, the Library will host the Valley Shakespeare Festival performing “Pericles: Prince of Tyre,” the story of a prince whose life is threatened after he solves the puzzle of a murderous king.  
This is a free performance which features professional actors in the starring roles.  

History presentation

The Library hosts David Leff, naturalist, historian, and author discussing “On the Paths of Genius: Finding Olmsted in Connecticut” at 6:30 p.m. June 7. This presentation follows the career of landscape architect Frederick Law Olmsted in designing such parks as Seaside and Beardsley in Bridgeport, among others.  

This is a free program and registration is requested but not required.  

Tech Talks

On June 13 at 6 p.m. and again on June 15 at 10:30 a.m., the Library presents Tech Talks, a monthly event that focuses on what is new in technology and how to best use it in your daily life.   
You may also wish to bring your own questions.  For this month’s topic, call the library.

History of Osborndale Farm

The Library will present on powerpoint, “The History of Osborndale Farm and Frances Osborne Kellogg’s Environmental Career” at 6:30 p.m. June 14. 
This program has been researched by local historian and reference librarian, Patricia Sweeney, Ph.D. and covers the farm from its earliest days, including the gardens.
Kellogg’s extensive work in conservation will also be discussed.  

Women's Forum

At 12:30 p.m. June 20 the Library will host “Women’s Forum,” a discussion group that focuses on short stories, history, and other arts.  
This month’s topic is “The History of Osborndale Farm and Frances Osborne Kellogg’s Environmental Career,” researched by local historian and reference librarian, Patricia Sweeney, Ph.D.  Attendees may wish to bring a light lunch; we serve free coffee and tea. 

Movie night

The Library will present “I Spy Teen Movie Night” for both teens and tweens at 5 p.m. June 23. Free refreshments will be served, and attendees can search for answers to clues given before the movie begins.  
The person who gets the most answers correct will win a prize. Bring a friend for a fun evening. Registration is required.

Evening Book Club

On June 27 at 6:30 p.m., the Library will host the Evening Book Club, a literary discussion group that focuses on novellas and memoirs by award-winning authors.  This month’s book is Eudora Welty’s  “One Writer’s Beginnings,” a memoir.  
Copies of the book are available at the library.   
An informative and stimulating conversation takes place at each session.  

Teen Video Game

The Library hosts a Teen Video Game Tournament at 3 p.m. June 30. All teens are invited to bring their friends and compete on the Wii U.  
Check on library flyers and on www.derbynecklibrary.org for which games we will be playing. Registration is strongly recommended but not required.  

To register for any programs or for information call 203-734-1492.


This is a press release from Patricia Sweeney, reference librarian, Derby Neck Library.

Ooh la la! Ansonia to celebrate inventive Frenchman June 25

A note from Facebook event page: 

"Come celebrate the 150th Anniversary of the invention of the bicycle in Ansonia: vendors, crafters, food, music, and entertainment all day featuring BMX bicycle daredevils, bicycle magicians and a parade of historical bikes of every size and shape imaginable demonstrated by the wheelmen."