Learn diabetes self-management at Griffin Hospital in Derby

Griffin Hospital has slated a free workshop on diabetes management./ Contributed photo

DERBY - Griffin Hospital is offering a free, six-week workshop to help empower individuals diagnosed with diabetes take control of their health.

The Live Well Diabetes Self-Management Workshop will be held from 9-11:30 a.m. on Thursdays from June 20-Aug. 1 at the hospital, 130 Division St.

The workshop will focus on several topics for those with diabetes, including what to eat, foot care, low and high blood sugar, sick day guidelines, tips for dealing with stress, and how to set small and achievable goals. It is also open to caregivers.

The program is sponsored by the Connecticut State Department on Aging, Connecticut Department of Public Health and Griffin Hospital Community Outreach and Valley Parish Nursing.

Pre-registration is required. To sign-up or for more information, contact Mary Swansiger, BSN, MPH, CDE, at 203-732-1137.

This is a press release from Griffin Hospital.

Registrar shares info on voter registration in Ansonia

Shared from the City of Ansonia Facebook page:

"Ansonia City Hall, alongside the Registrar of Voters office, is excited to share that Women are the majority of voters in Ansonia. This information comes after the 100th Anniversary of the Passage of the 19th Amendment to the US Constitution (June 4th, 1919), which granted Women the right to vote.

"We are proud of all of the women leaders that we have here in Ansonia and beyond. Continue to demonstrate passion and presence in shaping our society!"

Recuperation journey: Backyard blossoms

This weedy plant transplanted itself in our backyard many years ago. 

St. Vincent De Paul Thrift Shop in Derby holding sale on clothes

Shared from SVDP Facebook page:

"If you're a master bargain hunter, you already know how low our prices are. And this sale just kicks it up a notch! Continues as our stock lasts!"

St. Vincent De Paul Thrift Shop is at 237 Roosevelt Drive, Derby. 

Hours are 9:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m. Monday through Saturday.

Ansonia ceremony to kick off city's participation in Alzheimer's awareness

ANSONIA - The city’s participation in the month long national Alzheimer’s Awareness campaign will officially begin at 10:30 a.m. Friday in front of City Hall.

Mayor David S. Cassetti will lead a list of speakers with an official purple Ribbon Cutting ceremony as the city joins the national campaign “Paint the Town Purple” - the symbolic color of Alzheimer’s Awareness.

This ceremony marks one of the first disease awareness efforts endorsed on a large scale by the city. 
“I’ve been seeking to have Ansonia involved in such a cause for some time, similar to what neighboring communities have done. This just seemed right given its severity and growing affliction numbers,” Cassetti said. “The business outpouring to support our initial campaign has been wonderful and inspiring.”

More than 35 downtown businesses and organizations will participate in Alzheimer awareness support with everything from providing informational handouts, posters, purple Forget-Me-Nots, purple themed drinks, purple desserts, and purple flowers. 
Public donation boxes will be available at most businesses.

In support of the symbolic purple theme, the City has already festooned downtown with several dozen large purple ribbons on its antique light posts, and added a purple center line stripe on Main Street.

Eddy’s Bake Shop is selling purple frosted cupcakes while Lewis Jewelers will feature amethyst jewelry, and Copper City Bar & Grill will offer a special purple drink, to highlight just a few business offerings.

Alzheimer’s claims more than 80,000 lives annually in the United States while afflicting millions more. 

These numbers are projected to increase dramatically over the next 30 years.

If you have any questions about Alzheimer's or any other form of dementia, call the Alzheimer's Association 24-7 helpline at 1-800-272-3900 or go to alz.org/ct.

This is a press release from the Mayor's Office.