Learn to quit smoking at Griffin Hospital in Derby

DERBY - Griffin Hospital, 130 Division St., will host a free talk on methods for quitting smoking at 6 p.m. March 12 at the hospital.

Richard Le Pera, Smoking Cessation Specialist and Exercise Physiologist, will host “That’s It – Learn to Quit,” an open discussion about the health risks of smoking and several methods that have helped individuals kick the habit. 

The talk will include information about Griffin’s free smoking cessation program, which combines group discussion and interactive activities to teach participants how to develop a quit plan that addresses their personal behaviors and habits, including strategies to manage nicotine withdrawal, behaviors, triggers, and urges as well as weight control and stress management.

This talk is part of Griffin Hospital's Healthy U program, a series of free wellness talks featuring Griffin Hospital medical experts and community partners providing trusted health information and answers to questions on a wide range of topics. 
Light refreshments will be served.

To reserve your spot or for more information, call 203-732-1511 or visit the calendar at griffinhealth.org.

This is a press release from Griffin Hospital.

Turnback Tuesday features stamps about Derby native-led Old Ironsides

Turnback Tuesday looks at commemorative stamps issued in 2012 of the victorious USS Constitution led by Derby native Commodore Issac Hull in the War of 1812. 

This important naval victory marked a turning point in the war. The ship was made of live oak, red cedar, hard pine, and a copper sheath. It carried 44 cannons, with three masts holding 72 sails and carried a crew of 450. 
The ship was dubbed “Old Ironsides.” This ship can be visited at the Boston National Historical Park in Massachusetts.

Recuperation journey: Goose racing captured

Here's Canada's Olympic swimmers racing Tuesday in Pickett's Pond at Osbornedale State Park in Derby. 
Go Team Canada!

Demolition of Peck School in Ansonia begins

It must be sad for folks who attended Peck School at 34 Holbrook St. in Ansonia to see it coming down today. I know I'd be sad to see my grammar school razed. Peck School has been vacant since 2000.

Nominations sought for Shelton High School Hall of Fame

SHELTON - The Shelton High School Hall of Fame Committee is seeking nominations for the Class of 2018.

The Shelton High School Hall of Fame was established as a way to recognize and honor in a permanent manner those who have excelled in their dedication to the community of Shelton High School and those who have made outstanding contributions both at Shelton High School and in the world which reflect positively upon Shelton High School.

The Shelton High School Hall of Fame was established in 2013 and the inaugural class was inducted in 2017.

Nominees fall into one of five categories recognized by the SHS Hall of Fame: Faculty/Staff/Administration; Alumni; Activities; Contributor and Groups.

Faculty/Staff/Administration includes any person having been employed by Shelton High School for 10 total years of employment or retired from Shelton High School with at least five years of employment and being one year removed from employment at Shelton High School.

Alumni include graduates of Shelton High School. 
Alumni shall become eligible for nomination six years after graduation from Shelton High School.

Activities shall be defined as participants/staff of co-curricular, extra-curricular, and athletic activities that have made significant contributions to Shelton High School. Contributor includes others involved in the Shelton High School community that do not fit into the other categories, but have made significant contributions to Shelton High School.

Groups include an organization, team, etc. Nominees must have shown dedication and/or made significant contributions to the Shelton High School community and/or represented the Shelton High School with dignity after leaving the school. 
Nominees must have upheld the integrity of the Shelton High School way both at Shelton High School and afterwards.
Nominees must have brought special recognition to themselves and/or the Shelton High School community.

To nominate a candidate, go to sheltonhigh.sheltonpublicschools.org. Under “About,” the Hall of Fame link has the 2018 nomination form.

Completed packets and nomination forms are to be submitted to the SHS Hall of Fame Committee c/o the Shelton High School main office. 

Deadline for submission is March 15.

Shops at Seymour to celebrate First Saturday

SEYMOUR - Greet the month of March and make The Shops At Seymour your destination for First Saturday from 10 a.m.-7 p.m. downtown. 
With several antique and consignment and gift shops, the treasures vary every day. 
Bring some friends for lots of fun. Enjoy one of the several restaurants and visit the specialty shops and galleries. 
There will be refreshments and door prizes at some shops.

This event is hosted by The Strand Theater, Lizzie's Corner Consignment and Gifts, Shops at Seymour, Tickled Pink, and The Uncommon Peacock.

*Information shared from a Facebook event page.

Easter egg hunt, breakfast planned at Sons of Italy Club in Derby

*Information shared from Sons and Daughters of Italy, Valley Regional Lodge Facebook page.