New patient council members appointed at Griffin Hospital in Derby

DERBY - The newest members of Griffin Hospital’s Patient Family Advisory Council recently started the 2017 schedule, helping the Derby hospital continue it patient-centered care philosophy.

The newly-appointed Council members include Horace Behrle and Fran DiGiorgi, both of Ansonia, David Erhardt of Derby, Kenneth Hawkins of Milford, Nicole Levine of Oxford, and Edward Paradis of Beacon Falls.

As either former patients themselves or family members of patients, the 17-member Council is charged with providing real-time feedback and insight to help enhance hospital services and programs.

The Council partners with the hospital to maintain its patient-center care focus. Members learn about various hospital programs and services, receive updates on performance measurements, such as patient experience, safety, financial and facilities improvements, and provide input and options on new programs and services under consideration.

The Council meets once a month and members commit to a two-year term. 

The new members join current members, including Donna Bak of Woodbury, Nadine Civitella of Ansonia, James Healy of Seymour, Natasha Koonce-Webster of Hamden, Jamie Mastrony of Shelton, Robert Newton of Seymour, Janet Onidi of Shelton, Alfred Pettit of Ansonia, Joseph Skrabl of Ansonia, Rita St. Jacques of Ansonia, and Susan Wisneski of Beacon Falls.

The Patient Family Advisory Council is just one of many ways individuals in the community can serve in contributing to the hospital’s mission of providing personalized, humanistic, consumer driven healthcare in a healing environment. 

Griffin Hospital is always looking for volunteers to assist the hospital in providing exceptional, patient-centered care.

For more information about the Griffin Hospital, the Patient Family Advisory Council and volunteer opportunities call 203-732-7421 or visit griffinhealth.org.

This is a press release from Griffin Hospital.

Gentile hails expected $5M in state bonding for Derby redevelopment

HARTFORD - State Rep. Linda M. Gentile, D-Ansonia/Derby, today announced Derby is set to receive $5 million in funding to be used towards the city’s downtown redevelopment.

State Rep. Linda M. Gentile

The State Bond Commission is expected to approve this funding during a meeting May 12   at 10:30 a.m. in Room 1E of the Legislative Office Building.

The City of Derby recently submitted its request for this grant-in-aid to DECD, with Gentile’s assistance.

The funding this grant provides will be used to assist with utility infrastructure, road and sidewalk construction, and streetscaping associated with downtown redevelopment. 

“This $5M grant will be an enormous help to the City of Derby for its downtown redevelopment,” Gentile said. “It will breathe life into the vision that was created through an open process that incorporated public ideas into a comprehensive, yet realistic plan to transform Derby's downtown into a vibrant hub of economic activity.

"It will help with the utility infrastructure, road and sidewalk construction and streetscaping associated with the project. I am grateful for Governor Malloy's support, and for the help and assistance of DECD and OPM.”

“This is a monumental day for the citizens of Derby,” Mayor Anita Dugatto said. 

“This funding award will allow us to take the next critical step in restoring our city center to economic prosperity. We eagerly look forward to the day when our downtown streets are once again bustling with activity.  

"I want to especially thank OPM, State Rep. Linda Gentile, and DECD Deputy Commissioner Tim Sullivan for seeing the value in investing in our great little city. And to all the developers who have been waiting in the wings, Derby is moving forward!”

This is a press release from Gentile's office.

Leah's Dragonfly Dash to benefit fund in memory of Ansonia child

ANSONIA - The second annual Leah's Dragonfly Dash will start at 6 p.m. June 2 from John C. Mead Elementary School, 75 Ford St.

The Dragonfly Dash features a 5K race or a two-mile walk on the Ansonia Hilltop to benefit the Leah Rondon Fund. 
Click here to register for the event.

Ansonia readying Memorial Day Parade

Kennedy Center to display artwork at Kellogg Environmental Center in Derby

“Keep your love of nature, for that is the true way to understand art more and more.”
- Vincent Van Gogh

DERBY - Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection’s Kellogg Environmental Center is privileged to display the works of 16 talented artists from the Kennedy Center, Trumbull.

The Kennedy Center is a private, not-for-profit, community-based rehabilitation organization that supports individuals with disabilities.

Kellogg Environmental Center will host an opening from 5:30-7 p.m. Tuesday, May 9 where the public is welcome to attend and meet the artists.

The exhibit will be on display through June 12.

Many artists at The Kennedy Center are influenced by nature and their artwork often portrays this unique view of the world around them.

This show was inspired by vibrant, imaginative ecosystems that often come to life through the artwork: the heron emerging from behind the grass, the majestic mountains standing proudly, and the wild, blooming flowers.

Some artwork is inspired by their own communities and the Connecticut scenery, others reflect a broader, more global scope. These adult artists, each one a resident of Connecticut, have shown us their own eclectic interpretations of the things that one may take for granted. By enhancing the natural elements with bold color, detailed line, and provocative compositions, the images on the surface are given new life. Their artwork blossoms with possibility and invites the viewer to experience their world.

Artists participating in this special display are: Charles Best, Barbara Cobb, Ryan Curl, Michael Donahue, Alice DuBois, William DuBois, Ryan Gall, James Graves, Teresa Kiraly, Carolyn Kordish, Meghan McCormack, Marie Merceron, John Mitchell, Michael Oprendek, Maria Santiago, and Debra Willis.

The Kennedy Center promotes optimal participation and inclusion in the community by offering innovative, comprehensive services. One way that this is accomplished is through the expressive arts.

By collaborating with local centers and organizations, the diverse talents of individuals with disabilities can be witnessed in an inclusive, creative space.

Kellogg Environmental Center, 500 Hawthorne Ave., is open Tuesday through Saturday from 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m. There is no charge.

Call the Kellogg Environmental Center, 203-734-2513 or email donna.kingston@ct.gov for further information or directions.

For more information about the Kennedy Center and its services, visit www.thekennedycenterinc.org.


This is a press release from Connecticut DEEP.

Newsletter features nesting mode, ribbon cutting in Ansonia, more

Dear readers,

Our latest Valley Voice newsletter is out. 
I write about how I'm getting ready for surgery, and we share great photos by Jean Falbo-Sosnovich of the new Farrel-Pomini facility at Fountain Lake Industrial Park in Ansonia.

Please click here to read it.

Thanks,

Patti

Calling all chefs: Cookbook Club meets monthly at Derby Public Library

DERBY - The Derby Public Library has started a new book club - The Cookbook Book Club!  
It meets on the first Monday of every month.  

The next meeting will be at 6:30 p.m. June 5.

A different theme is picked for each month. Participants select a cookbook from the Library’s large collection to peruse and choose a tantalizing recipe. 
They then select one recipe to make and bring to the meeting for all to share. 
After eating, the group rates the recipes and reviews the cookbooks.  
The theme for June is Summer Salads. 
If you love browsing through cookbooks and trying new recipes, then this is the club for you! 
The Library will provide beverages and all paper products and utensils.  

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.     

Celebrate gardens at Osborne Homestead Museum in Derby

DERBY- Connecticut’s Department of Energy and Environmental Protection celebrates Connecticut’s Historic Gardens Day at the Osborne Homestead Museum from noon-4 p.m. June 25.

The Osborne Homestead Museum, 500 Hawthorne Ave., is one of 15 members of the prestigious Connecticut’s Historic Gardens. 

Guided tours of the museum and its gardens will be provided. 

Visitors can enjoy tours of the lovely Colonial Revival gardens and learn about the medicinal uses of the flowering plants.  
After strolling through the gardens, visitors can visit the historic house museum where they will learn about Frances Osborne Kellogg’s passion for flowers and land conservation. 

Decoupage workshop
At the museum, a decoupage workshop will be offered to honor Frances’ love of flowers and handicrafts. 

Visitors can make decoupage art from pictures of the Kellogg Estate’s gorgeous flowers.  
All materials will be supplied, and there is no fee. 

Connecticut’s Historic Gardens Day increases the awareness of the state’s unique historic sites and gardens and offers visitors an opportunity to explore a variety of historic garden styles.  

For more information about Connecticut’s Historic Gardens, visit: www.cthistoricgardens.org

The Osborne Homestead Museum, a facility of the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection, is open from May through October for free guided tours on Thursdays and Fridays from 10 a.m.-3 p.m., Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Sundays from noon-4 p.m.

For additional information call 203-734-2513 or email donna.kingston@ct.gov.

This is a press release from the DEEP.

Vendors sought for Seymour Founders' Day in June

Master's Table slates May community dinner at Ansonia church hall