Thursday, April 4, 2024

Derby Neck Library Culture Club to discuss 2 short stories Wednesday


DERBY - Derby Neck Library's Culture Club will meet next Wednesday to explore two short stories and engage in lively conversations.

Copies of the two stories will be available at the library, 307 Hawthorne Ave., prior to each meeting. Pat Sweeney is the moderator. 


This is shared from the Library's Facebook page.

Wesley Village in Shelton hosts monthly support group for caregivers



SHELTON - There are 80,000 people living with Alzheimer’s disease in Connecticut and twice as many caregivers, many unpaid family members, and friends. 

Caring for a person with Alzheimer’s disease or another form of dementia can be challenging. Changes in the person’s behavior as the disease progresses can lead to frustration and anxiety. We [at Wesley Village] are here to help.


In collaboration with the Alzheimer's Association Connecticut Chapter, Wesley Village hosts a support group at its senior living campus, 580 Long Hill Ave., on the second Tuesday of each month

The group is free to attend and specifically designed for those caring for someone with any form of dementia. 

The next meeting will be held from 5:30-7 p.m. Tuesday.

Alzheimer’s Association® support groups, led by trained facilitators, are a safe place for care partners to develop a support system, exchange practical information on challenges and possible solutions, talk through issues and ways of coping and learn about community resources.


"When caring for the most important people in our lives, it can seem selfish to carve out a small amount of time for our own well-being,” said Ann Panagulias, Activities Director at Lifestyle Transitions at Wesley Heights, a memory care neighborhood on the campus. Panagulias, a Certified Dementia Practitioner, co-facilitates the group at Wesley Village with the Alzheimer’s Association.  “One member of our group often reminds us what flight attendants advise before every take-off: ‘Put on your oxygen mask first, then assist others.’  A key to good caregiving is being a healthy caregiver.  Our inspirational group provides a safe space to talk, listen, breathe, cry and even laugh. "


Those interested in participating in the group may contact Ann Panagulias at 203-447-5407 or apanagulias@umh.org.


For more information about Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias, support groups or any of the Alzheimer’s Association education classes, contact the 24/7 Helpline at 800-272-3900, the Connecticut Chapter main office at 860-406-3040 or visit www.alz.org/ct

Reach out. You do not have to go through this alone. 


About the Alzheimer’s Association: The Alzheimer’s Association leads the way to end Alzheimer’s and all other dementia - by 

accelerating global research, driving risk reduction and early detection, and maximizing quality care and support. Our vision is a world without Alzheimer's and all other dementia. 

Visit alz.org or call 800.272.3900.


About Wesley Village: Wesley Village senior living campus is located at 580 Long Hill Avenue in Shelton and is part of United Methodist Homes, a local not-for-profit organization. 

The Wesley Village campus offers independent and assisted living, enhanced assisted living, early memory support, skilled nursing, and short-term rehab. 

To learn more about Crosby Commons, Wesley Heights, Lifestyle Transitions, or Bishop Wicke Health Center, visit our website or contact us at 203.225.5024. 

To become part of the Wesley Village team, visit our website at: https://www.umh.org/career-opportunities-at-umh.



This is a press release from United Methodist Homes.


'Turnback Tuesday' (on Thursday) features Griffin Hospital history


Turnback Tuesday looks at Griffin Hospital in Derby.
Griffin Hospital had its beginnings in a bequest from George Griffin when he passed in 1901.
Griffin was an owner of J & G Griffin button manufacturing company on Coram Avenue in Shelton.
Ground was broken for the hospital in 1908. Construction was completed and opened for patients on Dec. 6, 1909.
According to the Tercentenary Pictorial History Book, the total cost for the land, building and furnishings was $57,894.98.
The hospital has grown over the years with many additions. This image is taken from Division Street, circa the 1960s, looking at where the Emergency Room is today.

This post card is a recent donation from Patricia Minardi.


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

Childbirth Center at Griffin Hospital in Derby to host baby fair


DERBY - The Childbirth Center at Griffin Hospital Annual Baby Fair is back after a three-year hiatus.

Expectant parents, new parents, and their families are invited to learn about the Childbirth Center and area maternity and child care resources from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. May 4 .

The hospital is at 130 Division St. 


This free event features many exhibitors, special offers and discounts, raffles, door prizes, tours of the Childbirth Center and information about the Center’s classes and support groups for before and after childbirth.

Griffin Hospital offers family-centered maternity care in an environment designed to best meet individual and family needs. 

The Center features private, family-friendly rooms, expert staff for maternal and newborn care, and lactation consultants.


The Fair is sponsored by Safe Kids Greater Naugatuck Valley, a nonprofit organization working to reduce unintentional injuries to children ages 0-14 and build equitable and sustained systems that support injury prevention.


Vendor tables are available. To secure a vendor spot at the Baby Fair or for any more information, contact Heather Pickering at 203-732-7385 or cbceducation@griffinhealth.org

For more information about The Childbirth Center at Griffin Hospital, call 203-732-7252 or visit griffinhealth.org/baby.



This is a press release from Griffin Hospital.


St. Mary-St. Michael School in Derby to host dinner fundraiser



Join us for an AUTHENTIC SPANISH DINNER April 27 at St. Mary’s Church Hall, 212 Elizabeth St., Derby.
Dine-In or Take-Out / seating begins at 5 p.m. and dinner served at 5:30 p.m. Take-out option pick-up times at 5 and 6 p.m.

Our menu will include:
First course: Homemade empanadas & salad.
Second course: Roasted pork, rice & beans, potato salad.
Final course: Dessert selection, coffee or tea.
Wine and drink selection with sit down meal.
$25 per dinner.
Raffle Baskets and 50/50 Raffle also available!

All proceeds support the students and families of St. Mary-St. Michael School, 14 Seymour Ave.

To place an order visit us at: https://www.stmarystmichael.org/store/ or call the school office, 203-735-6471.

This is shared from the school's Facebook page.