Snowstorm may spell sledding fun at Linett Park in Ansonia

Sharing post from the City of Ansonia Facebook page:

Cold weather fun found at Linett Park.

"With a predicted multi-day snowstorm looming, beginning Sunday thru Tuesday, families seeking some early winter outdoor fun may want to consider sledding at Winter Playground Linett Park.

"The expansive hillside was cleared of overgrowth two winters ago, to bring back a decades ago popular park winter destination. 
It has proven to be quite the sledding joy for kids and adults. Currently about 200 feet in length, there is a connecting trail that
extends nearly 400 feet up to Prospect Street.

"Year one proved to be a very popular attraction while last year’s “snow bust” saw limited activity.

"Linett Park is located on Crowley Street, off of North State Street. On-site restroom facility, bleacher seating and plenty of parking also available. Sledding at the park is free daily dusk to dawn, weather conditions permitting."

Recuperation journey: Peeking through the trees

Sun sets on the last day of November.

Boy Scout Troop 105 selling Christmas trees at Hilltop Hose in Ansonia

Christmas dinner offered at Assumption Church hall in Ansonia

Forecast for Sunday postpones Seymour Christmas Parade to Dec. 8

From the Office of the First Selectman of Seymour Facebook page:

"Due to weather concerns, The Seymour Christmas Parade will be rescheduled to Sunday, December 8th starting at 2 pm."

Recuperation journey: Friday sunset

Lovely colors seen in the sky at 4:30 p.m. today. Sunset is so early this time of year!

Boutique owner in Derby presents checks from fashion show proceeds

Photo credit: Io Escu/The Still LYFE photography

DERBY - Agathe Ngo Likoba, owner of Likoba Boutique, recently presented checks from her fashion show fundraiser to Griffin Hospital and the Derby Senior Center.
Agathe, a Parisian native, designs haute couture jumpsuits. Her elegant boutique is at 25 Elizabeth St.
She offered members of the Circle of Friends breast cancer support group at Griffin Hospital - of which I'm a member - to model her jumpsuits in a charity fashion show to celebrate the boutique's first anniversary. Six of us were models.
I was thrilled to be a part of what turned out to be an amazing, once-in-a-lifetime event held at the Derby Senior Center. 
Agathe shared this photo taken Tuesday at her shop. 

Pictured from left: Ashley Agrello, event director; Dominique Lee, owner, Envision Beauty, Milford, makeover of the cancer survivors; state Sen. George S. Logan, R-Ansonia; Joyce Grohe, co-facilitator, Circle of Friends support group; Nildaliz Ramos, battling breast cancer, Circle of Friends; Christine Sonsini, Director, Derby Senior Center; Liam

Hudson, Joel Barlow High School student, red carpet manager/event assistant; Patricia 

Villers, Circle of Friends; Fozia Saadat, Circle of Friends; Angelique M. Tribus, Likoba's daughter;

Agathe Ngo Likoba, founder/CEO, Likoba, LLC.; Janet Hall, senior development officer, Griffin Hospital Development Fund; Cheyenne Johnson, Derby High School student, sales person/manager, Likoba Boutique; Eric Wade Hudson, Key Corp.

Missing from photo: Circle of Friends co-facilitator Donna Hayes and Circle of Friends member Dawn Wulff.

Griffin School of Allied Health Careers in Derby to host open house

Contributed photo

The Griffin Hospital School of Allied Health Careers is hosting an Open House Dec. 11. 

DERBY - The Griffin Hospital School of Allied Health Careers is hosting an Open House from 3-7 p.m. Dec. 11.

The event will provide information on the school’s highly successful and affordable Certified Nursing Assistant, Patient Care Technician, Phlebotomy and Certified Clinical Medical Assistant programs.

An Eligibility and Enrollment Specialist with The Workplace Inc. will also be at the open house from 3-5 p.m. to assist with enrolling potential students in the Health Career Academy program, which offers tuition assistance and other support to those pursuing a career in health care.

The school’s winter semester starts in January, with the Medical Assistant Program starting in April 2020.

Griffin Hospital's School of Allied Health Careers is one of the first hospital-based schools of its kind to be authorized by the Connecticut Department of Higher Education. 

Classes are taught by certified instructors, and offers invaluable hands-on clinical training at Griffin Hospital, long-term care facilities. For the MA course, students learn at Griffin Faculty Physicians’ primary care offices and specialty offices such as gastroenterology, OB-GYN, surgical, and cardiology.

The school has a history of preparing students for certification exams with a 98 percent pass rate.  

The school has a high employment rate at Griffin Health Services and other surrounding area hospitals.

Anyone 18 years of age or older with a high school diploma or GED may apply for admission. For more information or to apply, call 203-732-1276 or 203-732-7578 or visit griffinhealth.org/allied-health.

This is a press release from Griffin Hospital.

Spanish program for children on tap at Huntington Branch Library in Shelton

SHELTON - Spanish with Sandra will be offered from 4:30-5 p.m. Tuesday at Huntington Branch Library, 41 Church St.

Open to children 5-9 years old and their caregivers to join Ms. Sandra for stories, finger games, and musical activities in Spanish.

Registration is required; call 203-926-0111 or register online http://engagedpatrons.org/EventsRegister.cfm?SiteID=2661&BranchID=827&Branch=Huntington%20Branch%20Library&EventID=398329&PK=634177

Inauguration of Cassetti, officials slated at Ansonia High School

Head over to Artfish42 Gallery in Milford on Small Business Saturday

Artfish42 is a wonderfully eclectic art gallery located at 42 Naugatuck Ave., Milford at Walnut Beach. 

Patronize Rosa Mina Tuesday, support Ansonia High School PTSO

Recuperation journey: Sunrise on Thanksgiving

I'm thankful for beautiful sunrises ~ this was taken standing outside my front door this morning. 

Wishing all a Happy Thanksgiving!

Naugatuck Community Band to perform at Seymour Middle School

First United Methodist Church of Shelton to host Breakfast with Santa

Celebrate Shelton to host annual tree lighting at Veterans Memorial Park

Pictured from left: Jimmy Tickey, Santa, Nicole Mikula, Michael Skrtic./ Contributed photo

SHELTON - Celebrate Shelton will host its 6th Annual Community Tree Lighting downtown at 6 p.m. Dec. 6.

Community members are invited to join Celebrate Shelton creators Nicole Mikula, Michael Skrtic, and Jimmy Tickey at the Rotary Pavilion at Veterans Memorial Park in downtown Shelton. 

There will be performances by the Shelton Intermediate Choir and the Yuletide Carolers. There will also be hot cocoa and cookies provided by the Boys & Girls Club of the Lower Naugatuck Valley's Keystone Club. 

After the tree lighting, Santa will arrive at 7 p.m., and children are encouraged to meet Santa and take a photo. 

Guests are reminded there is usually a line to meet Santa so please bundle up in case its a chilly night! 

The Community Tree Lighting is sponsored by Celebrate Shelton, City of Shelton, Center Stage Theatre, Apple Rehab, Jones Family Farm, and the Valley Community Foundation.

Celebrate Shelton, a city-wide initiative, was created by small business owners Nicole Mikula, Michael Skrtic, and Jimmy Tickey. 

Learn more about Celebrate Shelton at www.celebrateshelton.com and follow them on Facebook (www.facebook.com/celebrateshelton) and Twitter (www.twitter.com/celebshelton). For information email celebrateshelton@gmail.com.

This is a press release from Celebrate Shelton.

Concert in Shelton to benefit St. Vincent De Paul, TEAM, Adam's House

'Turnback Tuesday' features trolley car tracks in Derby

Turnback Tuesday takes a look back to Seymour Avenue in Derby. 
This photo shows a team of horses pulling a trolley car along the tracks in the road in front of 42 Seymour Ave. 
The tracks went from Atwater Avenue down Seymour Avenue then traveled down Elizabeth Street and connected to the Main Street Track Route, according to an 1898 map at the Library. (year of photo unknown)


Thanks as always to the Derby Public Library for sharing interesting local history each week! 

Derby Public Library posts holiday closing schedule

Recuperation journey: Tuesday sunrise

 Have a great day!

Ansonia Library posts schedule for week

TEAM Toys 4 Kids breakfast in Seymour rescheduled to Dec. 1

*My apologies for any confusion. I meant to post this Friday! The 15th annual breakfast will be held this coming Sunday.

Recuperation journey: Beautiful sunrise

View from my driveway. Have a great Monday!

Griffin Hospital physician honored with Planetree Scholar Award

                    Shyla Muriel, M.D. 

DERBY - Shelton resident Shyla Muriel, M.D., of Griffin Faculty Physicians, was recently awarded the Planetree Scholar Award at the 2019 Planetree International Conference on Person-Centered Care held in Orlando.

The Shelton resident is an experienced Internal Medicine specialist with more than 25 years of diverse experience and is the longest-serving physician in her physician group.

Muriel is respected and appreciated by patients and her fellow caregivers for her dedication to providing exceptional care and for her focus on preventative health. 

In nominating her for the award, staff at Griffin Faculty Physicians stated that Muriel always makes time for patients – even if it means staying late at the office – and she is known for personally calling patients to discuss lifestyle changes to improve their well-being.

“She is knowledgeable, has a great bedside manner and is very proactive in improving my health,” a patient stated recently in a customer satisfaction survey.

About Planetree

Founded in 1978 by Angelica Thieriot, a San Francisco patient who endured a traumatic health care experience, Planetree is an internationally-recognized not-for-profit organization that partners with health care providers around the globe to advance patient-/resident-centered approaches to care. Planetree has been at the forefront of the effort to personalize, humanize, and demystify the healthcare system for more than 30 years. With its model of patient-/resident-centered care being implemented in a diverse range of hospitals, continuing care facilities, outpatient clinics, and consumer health libraries across North America, Canada, Brazil, The Netherlands and Japan, Planetree is demonstrating that patient-centered care is not only an empowering philosophy, but a viable, vital, and cost-effective model of care.

This is a press release from Griffin Hospital.

Wanted: Arts, photography for exhibit at Main Street Gallery in Ansonia

Rochelle lauds legislation to create government efficiencies

State Rep. Kara Rochelle

HARTFORD - State Rep. Kara Rochelle (D-Ansonia, Derby) is praising legislation that focused on saving money and making government more efficient. 
The two-year, $43 billion budget passed in July came in under the spending cap by $200,000 in Year One and $5 million under in Year Two, along with additional spending cuts in executive branch expenditures and with 1,000 current vacant positions to remain unfilled.

Also of note:

• The state's Rainy Day fund will be at an all-time high of $2.9 billion, to protect against future recessions. 
• More than $450 million in state employee healthcare cost savings was created along with more than $5 million in contract savings.
• The budget addressed Teachers' Pension liabilities by establishing a $380 million trust fund and re-amortizing.
• The legislature also rejected the Governor's proposed shift of teachers’ pension costs to municipalities which would have put an added burden on local budgets.

“Creating savings in our budget, putting funds towards past debts, shoring up our Rainy Day Fund and enacting legislation to further create efficiencies and save taxpayers money is just good policy,” Rochelle said. “I am proud to have supported these efforts this year.”

A closer look at bills passed earlier this year related to government efficiency:

SB945, AN ACT CONCERNING THE INNOVATION INCENTIVE PROGRAM FOR NONPROFIT PROVIDERS OF HUMAN SERVICES - provides a financial incentive for nonprofit providers to offer cost-efficient and innovative state-funded human services.

HB7308, AN ACT REQUIRING A REVIEW OF AGENCY PROCEDURES, POLICIES AND REGULATIONS CONCERNING BUSINESS REGISTRATION, LICENSING AND PERMITTING - creates a one-stop online business portal to help businesses efficiently access resources through state agencies, keep licenses and permits up to date and more while using a single online account.

HB7192 AN ACT CONCERNING MUNICIPAL AND REGIONAL OPPORTUNITIES AND EFFICIENCIES - takes steps towards streamlining local government to make towns operate more efficiently and cost-effectively to be able to provide high quality services to the public.

SB682 AN ACT ESTABLISHING A REWARD PROGRAM FOR STATE EMPLOYEE REPORTING OF WASTEFUL PRACTICES - offers a financial incentive for state employees who report wasteful spending within the government agency.

This is a press release from Rochelle's office.

Liberty Bank, Ansonia Rotary team to help Christ Church food pantry

*From Carol Pendagast on Facebook: 
Volunteers needed Dec. 7 to help with a large food delivery to the food pantry at the church.

Recuperation journey: Peaceful pond

Late Saturday morning.

Save the date: Shelton Exchange Club to host Luau mini golf tournament

Get ready for 3 fun holiday events in 2 days in Ansonia

🎄 🎄 🎄 🎄 🎄 🎄 🎄 🎄 🎄 

Derby Police Auxiliary to collect food for St. Vincent De Paul food bank

DERBY - The Derby Police Department’s Auxiliary Unit will hold its 4th Annual Holiday Food Drive to benefit the St. Vincent de Paul Society from 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Sunday at ShopRite, 49 Pershing Drive.
At the “Stuff-A-Cruiser” event, Officers will accept non-perishable food donations to feed needy Derby families.

According to data compiled by the Valley United Way, 12 percent of Valley adults reported experiencing food insecurity.

Give while you check your own Thanksgiving shopping off your to-do list.
And as you celebrate with your family and loved ones this holiday, know that you helped provide for families that might otherwise go hungry.

Ansonia Police post winter parking rules effective Dec. 1

Sharing from the Ansonia Police Department Facebook page:

Reminder: Thanksgiving feast offered at Assumption Church hall in Ansonia

Ansonia Animal Shelter needs wreaths for fundraiser at holiday marketplace

Griffin Hospital in Derby offers training for CNA positions, more

Contributed photo

The Griffin Hospital School of Allied Health Careers is accepting applications for its winter semester with the Accelerated Certified Nursing Assistant program starting Jan. 13 and its Patient Care Technician and Phlebotomy programs starting Jan. 15.

DERBY - The Griffin Hospital School of Allied Health Careers, 300 Seymour Ave., Suite 206, is accepting applications for the winter semester of Certified Nursing Assistant, and Patient Care Technician programs.

The accelerated CNA program starts Jan. 13, the PCT and Phlebotomy programs begin Jan. 15.

The accelerated CNA course offers students an affordable and condensed six-week schedule with classes Monday through Thursday from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. 

Course content includes infection control, legal and ethical responsibilities, communications, body mechanics, moving and positioning residents, personal care skills, nutrition, measuring vital signs, and restorative care. The program’s clinical experience is at a long term stay facility and Griffin Hospital from 7 a.m.-3:30 p.m. for a total of 40 hours. After successfully completing the course and clinical experience, students will be qualified to take the certification exam for a Nursing Assistant in Connecticut. The CNA course tuition fee includes the course book, CPR training, and malpractice insurance coverage for the clinical rotation.

The 17-week PCT program requires students to attend practical training on Mondays and Fridays from 9 a.m.-3:30 p.m., and have the option to take the Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday Phlebotomy classes either during the day from 9 a.m.-noon or during the evening from 6-9 p.m. 

The PCT program offers ample hands-on training and opportunities for practical experience in the school's fully equipped mock hospital room and during the 160 hours of clinical experience. The course tuition includes textbook, malpractice insurance, CPR certification, and national certification.

The 14-week Phlebotomy program holds classes on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays with a daytime option of 9 a.m.-noon or an evening option of 6-9 p.m. 

The course tuition includes a 32-40-hour internship, national certification, lab coats, CPR certification, malpractice insurance and textbook.

Anyone 18 years of age or older with a high school diploma or GED may apply for admission. Early application is encouraged for all courses, as space is limited. 

For more information or to apply, call 203-732-1276 or 203-732-7578 or visit griffinhealth.org/allied-health.

About the School of Allied Health Careers

Griffin Hospital's School of Allied Health Careers was one of the first hospital-based schools of its kind to be authorized by the Connecticut Department of Higher Education and offers Phlebotomy and other professional educational programs to provide training, education, and certification in selected health careers. 

Classes are taught by certified instructors in the Griffin Hospital Medical Building, located at 300 Seymour Ave.

This is a press release from Griffin Hospital.

First Saturday in Seymour to feature tree lighting, Santa's visit, carolers

Come experience Christmas in Seymour!
Watch our tree lighting, greet Santa when he arrives on the train, listen to carolers and shop local!
Our eclectic shops will be staying open late and serving up refreshments and deals!
End the night with a showing of It's A Wonderful Life at The Strand Theater.

Shops At Seymour - Seymour, Ct. (Bank Street & First Street)
This is a free event!


*Shared from a Facebook event page.

Recuperation journey: Hangin' on in Derby

Finding gold on a Thursday morning.

Ansonia Police report man found safe

UPDATE: "Brandon Maloney the missing endangered person has been located and is safe," Ansonia Police Lt. Patrick Lynch reported Thursday morning. 

Brandon Maloney

ANSONIA - The Ansonia Police Department is attempting to locate the following person who made statements of self harm to his family members.  
Brandon Maloney, age 30, is a black male, 6’3” tall, 260 pounds, black hair and brown eyes, with a mustache and beard. 
Brandon was last seen in the area of Murray Street and Day Street in Ansonia wearing a red sweatshirt and blue jeans. 
Anyone with information is asked to contact the Ansonia Police Department at 203-735-1885.

*Press release received from APD at 10:44 p.m. Wednesday.

Recuperation journey: November sunset

View from the backyard on Wednesday afternoon. 

7th annual 'Cookie Walk' on tap at St. Mary's Church hall in Derby

Our Lady Queen of the Apostles Parish

^7th ANNUAL

CHRISTMAS

“COOKIE WALK”

Saturday, December 7th  ^-  10:00 AM – 1:00 PM

 (Location:  St. Mary’s Church Hall)

Sponsored by the Ladies Guild

With your help, this Cookie Walk will be another HUGE success!!!

Please consider baking and donating 3-4 dozen small, attractive,

& festive Christmas cookies using your favorite recipe. 

Sign-up sheets will be available in the main vestibules.

Drop off information: 

St. Mary’s Church Hall

212 Elizabeth St., Derby, 06418

Friday, December 6th, between 3:00 PM and 6:00 PM.

PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE!!!

Help to make this fundraiser another SMASHING success.

THANK YOU!!!

Direct any questions to:  Missy Walker

203-435-5324 - rmholzer@gmail.com

Baker’s tip:  Make cookies in advance, they will stay fresh by

wrapping tightly in plastic wrap and freezing.

Ansonia Police seeking missing/endangered man, 30

Brandon Maloney

ANSONIA - The Ansonia Police Department is attempting to locate the following person who made statements of self harm to his family members.  
Brandon Maloney, age 30, is a black male, 6’3” tall, 260 pounds, black hair and brown eyes, with a mustache and beard. 
Brandon was last seen in the area of Murray Street and Day Street in Ansonia wearing a red sweatshirt and blue jeans. 
Anyone with information is asked to contact the Ansonia Police Department at 203-735-1885.

*Press release received from APD at 10:44 p.m. Wednesday.

Happening today! Donate food, funds to support Spooner House in Shelton

Watercolor Workshop slated at Main Street Gallery in Ansonia

Griffin Hospital in Derby to host AARP driver refresher course

Griffin Hospital will host an AARP Driver Safety Program Dec. 7./ Contributed photo

DERBY - Griffin Hospital will host an AARP Driver Safety Program from 8:45 a.m.-1:15 p.m. Dec. 7 at the hospital, 130 Division St.

The AARP Driver Safety Program is the nation's first and largest refresher course for drivers. While the course is geared toward drivers age 50 and older, the course is open to everyone.

The training is designed to help you learn current rules of the road, how to operate your vehicle more safely in today's increasingly challenging driving environment, and make some adjustments to common age-related changes in vision, hearing, and reaction time. The course also covers such topics as how to maintain proper following distance at all times; the safest way to change lanes and make turns at intersections; the effects of medications on driving; how to minimize the effect of dangerous blind spots; the importance of eliminating distractions, such as eating, smoking, and cell-phone use; proper use of safety belts, air bags, and anti-lock brakes and ways to monitor your own and others' driving skills and capabilities.

Participants will gain a greater appreciation of driving challenges and how they can avoid potential collisions and injuries to themselves and others. 

As an added bonus, participants can check with their auto insurance company about discounts for completing the course.

The cost is $15 for AARP members and $20 for non-members. 

Make checks payable to “AARP.”

To register, call Esther at 203-732-1523.


This is a press release from Griffin Hospital.