Monday, May 15, 2017

Wesley Village in Shelton honors volunteers


From left: Marissa Salvesen, Manager, Mission Development, United Methodist Homes, Volunteer Values in Action recipients, Joan Blais, Doug Osgood, Carol Osgood, Adam Emanuel, and David Lawlor, President and CEO, United Methodist Homes. / Contributed photo


SHELTON - Wesley Village honored and recognized its dedicated team of volunteers with a week-long celebration during National Volunteer Week, April 23-29

The Wesley Village Campus (comprised of Crosby Commons Independent/Assisted Living Community, Wesley Heights Independent/Assisted Living Cottages and Apartments, Lifestyle Transitions Memory Care, and Bishop Wicke Health and Rehabilitation Center) is proud to partner with over 150 volunteers, ranging in ages from 14 to over 100 years old. 

On any given week, dozens of active volunteers work in the three communities on campus, fostering caring relationships with residents, staff, and family members, and enriching the lives of those they serve. 
Celebrations for the special week culminated with a volunteer appreciation dinner, held at the campus May 3. 
Volunteers honored at the dinner included residents, employees, and members of the local community. Those who had reached 100 (or more) hours of volunteer service were presented with a special appreciation gift. 

Volunteer Service Award recipients included: Dawn Bartlett, Megan Bisson, Joan Blais, Linda Boncek, Colin Brown, Marilyn Cocking, Carol Ellis, Yvonne Esposito, Camerin Gumbs, Susan Meek, Sarah Montagna, Barbara Moore, Patricia Peabody, Laura Quiriconi, and Madelyn Raymond, as well as Ginny Thompson (2,500 hours).

Also honored at the Volunteer Appreciation Celebration was a small group of volunteers who were presented with the Volunteer “Values in Action” Award, a new volunteer award for 2017, given by Wesley Village and United Methodist Homes. 
These awards were presented to volunteers who exemplify the core values of United Methodist Homes: Respect, Spirituality, Excellence, Collaboration, and Stewardship. To be eligible, volunteers must have completed a minimum of one year and 100 hours of volunteer service. 
Staff members from the Wesley Village communities submitted nominations and winners were selected to receive this prestigious new award. 
Volunteer “Values in Action” recipients include Joan Blais, Adam Emanuel, and Doug and Carol Osgood.

“This event is always such a special evening,” said Marissa Salvesen, Manager of Mission Development for United Methodist Homes. 
“Each of our volunteers is such an important part of our community of caring here at Wesley Village and it is truly a pleasure to work with them. We are so grateful for the many ways they support our staff and serve and care for our residents.”

Wesley Village always welcomes new volunteers! 
For information about volunteer opportunities at Wesley Village, contact Vicky Dompierre, 203-944-8279 or visit www.wesleyvillage-ct.org (scroll to the bottom of the page; click on Volunteer Opportunities). 
The Wesley Village senior living campus is located at 580 Long Hill Ave. 
It is owned and operated by United Methodist Homes, a mission-based, not-for-profit organization serving all members of the community.



This is a press release from United Methodist Homes.

Music, arts festival slated at Veterans Park in Shelton


SHELTON - Soupstock Music & Arts Festival proudly announces its 2017 music lineup bringing together national and local touring acts and exciting newcomers to the stage. 
The Festival once again invites area residents of all ages to come and experience an arts, music, and culinary experience like no other. 
The annual event will take place June 10 and 11 at Veterans Park.
Directors Nicole Heriot-Mikula, Joe Mango, and Derek Signore unveil a lineup that follows the contour of previous festivals celebrating the best in local talent to match national acts otherwise reserved for ticketed events. 
New for 2017, Ska and Reggae Legends The Skatalites and Electrofunk powerhouse Particle co-headline the main stage with newcomers Sophistafunk and American Idol’s Elise Testone.
Also returning is favorite Ryan Montbleau with his new ensemble, Yes, Darling featuring Hayley Jane.  Also sharing top billing are local mainstays, The Alpaca Gnomes and Bella’s Bartok, both returning to this year’s festival.
Established in 2010, Soupstock Music & Arts Festival has grown organically into one of Connecticut’s leading independent arts and music events. 
The festival has earned its reputation by attracting premier talent across all mediums to provide a landscape meant to please all the senses. The festival’s mixture of arts, cuisine and culture means there is something for everyone. 
Our Vendor Village will have over 30 handmade artisans and non-profit organizations and the Kids Zone will be better than ever, providing a safe interactive environment for children of all ages with two major highlights this year: One World Puppetry and Creation Song Project. Our Annual Pro/Am Soup & Chili Cook-Off round out the event to make it extra delicious! 
Proceeds will benefit the Mary A. Schmecker Turtle Shell Fund, furthering Art, Craft and Music Education for children and Young Adults.
For more information and to purchase tickets, visit: www.soupstockfestival.org or join us on:


This is a press release from Nicole Heriot-Mikula.

Heigh ho, heigh ho, it's back to the hospital we go

... but it's all good.

It's my first post-operation clinic visit. I hope I'm following all the instructions properly. I think I'm doing OK.

I have to bring the bible I was given, which is a binder full of information about medications, side effects, nutrition, exercise, and what to do and not to do at home. 

I'm grateful that I feel good enough to joke about this. 

And I am very grateful for all the support I have received in the past week!