From the archives: Tour of local monuments honors Memorial Day in 2020

 

Griffin Health caregiver named to prestigious 40 under 40 list

Bryan Bostic

 DERBY - Griffin Health caregiver Bryan Bostic of Ansonia was recently named to the 2024 Westfair Business Journal’s 40 Under 40 list for his compassion and devotion as a health care professional and for commitment to his community.

The 40 under 40 recognition is given to individuals between the ages of 25 and 40 years old who are leaders in Fairfield County’s business growth.

Bostic has been a caregiver at Griffin Health for 16 years, starting as a patient transport dispatcher. 

While working at Griffin, Bryan enrolled at Southern Connecticut State University and proudly earned a BA in Business Administration in May 2016.

When the COVID-19 pandemic struck, Bostic was called to serve as Griffin’s Laboratory Call Center Lead, where he helped maintain 126 skilled nursing facility accounts during Connecticut Department of Public Health COVID-19 Testing Program. 

This career move led to Bostic becoming a laboratory account representative, managing 50 accounts for skilled nursing facilities. In January of 2024, he was elevated to employee wellness navigator, providing fellow Griffin caregivers with guidance on high-quality health care options to maximize their savings.

For his exemplary patient-centered work during the COVID-19 pandemic, Bostic was named Griffin’s 2020 Employee of the Year. The award was the culmination of several Employee of the Month awards and a Planetree Spirit of Caring Award in 2018 that reflect Bostic’s leadership at Griffin, including serving on Griffin’s Planetree Steering and Thankful Thursdays committee.

Bostic is also a distinguished 2022 Graduate of the Leadership Greater Valley Program, an 8-week intensive community leadership program sponsored by the Greater Valley Chamber of Commerce, where he was a great contributor. He currently serves on FUEL, the Advisory Board of the Chamber's Young Professionals Group.

“Bryan is truly a devoted, compassionate and award-winning health care professional who has made an indelible mark on all those that he comes in contact with,” the nomination for Bryan stated. “Bryan is deeply admired and respected by his colleagues at Griffin Health and serves as a model for others to emulate. His warm smile and engaging personality sets Bryan apart and has endeared him to others.”

This is a press release from Griffin Hospital.

Sharing our COVID-era newsletter from May 2020 featuring Memorial Day

 

Naugatuck Valley Health District donates COVID-19 tests to Derby Public Library

DERBY - The Derby Public Library has a new supply of COVID-19 home self-tests graciously donated by the Naugatuck Valley Health District. Each box contains two test kits and expires on Jan. 26, 2023.
Please stop by the Library at 313 Elizabeth St. during regular hours to pick up a test. Individuals may take up to three tests. If you would like more than one test kit, please call ahead at 203-736-1482 to check supplies. 

For those who call ahead, kits will be held under your name at the main circulation desk. derbypubliclibrary.org

This is shared from Derby Public Library's Facebook page.

Shelton changes COVID-19 test distribution time to 11 a.m. Sunday

The following message is from the Shelton Office of Emergency Management:

*Due to the change in the weather forecast, the distribution time has been changed to 11 a.m.*

The City of Shelton has received an additional 2,000 COVID-19 at-home test kits from the state along with N95 masks. Distribution of the kits and the masks will take place Sunday, Jan. 9 at 11 a.m at Shelton High School.

You must be a Shelton resident and identification is required to receive a test kit and mask. Drivers should wear a mask when receiving the kit.

Entrance to the high school will only be from North Constitution Blvd. Access to the line on North Constitution Blvd is from Shelton Ave only. The high school Meadow St entrance will be closed to all vehicular traffic.

The purpose of this distribution is to provide test kits to be used this week to reduce the spread of the Omicron virus and to supplement existing testing. The primary focus is for residents who have a known exposure or are symptomatic and are unable to find another test.

This is shared from the Shelton Police Department Facebook page.

* POSTPONED: Derby's distribution of COVID tests moved to Wednesday

Original post:

 

Vaccination clinic slated at Boys & Girls Club in Ansonia

The Joel E. Smilow Clubhouse is located at 28 Howard Ave., Ansonia.

Legislature approves $34M COVID-19 assistance for essential workers

The legislature has approved the Connecticut Essential Worker COVID-19 Assistance Fund to provide $34 million in assistance to support the critical workers who helped keep the state open during the pandemic.

The program is being overseen by the State Comptroller with claim processing and payments handled by Public Consulting Group on a first-come, first-served basis until all funds are exhausted.

In order to be eligible, specific criteria must be met, including but not limited to:

• I was a resident of Connecticut between March 10, 2020 and July 20, 2021.
• I was employed as an essential worker living in Connecticut between March 10, 2020 and July 20, 2021.
• I contracted COVID-19 between March 10, 2020 and July 20, 2021.
• I had lost wages due to the inability to work after a COVID-19 diagnosis or related illness.
• I had out-of-pocket medical expenses due to a COVID-19 diagnosis or related illness.
• My relative/family member was an essential worker who died as a result of COVID-19, after being diagnosed with COVID-19 between March 10, 2020 and July 20, 2021.

For more information and to check eligibility, please go to: https://www.ctessentialworkerrelief.org/

Sincerely,

Derby to distribute COVID-19 testing kits today at high school

Information shared from a Valley Independent Sentinel Facebook post this morning:

ATTN DERBY

ATTENTION:

We just received our COVID-19 testing kits from the state.

Due to the redistribution of the kits assigned by the State of CT, we only received 400 kits for public distribution.

Due to the limited number of kits, we are now asking that only people who are experiencing COVID symptoms or have had close contact with a positive COVID case come to receive a kit today.

We will be distributing the kits from 3 p.m. until 4:30 p.m. today, January 2, 2022 at Derby High School.

We will be limiting the kits to 2 kits per car. Proof of Derby residency is required to receive kits (photo ID or Utility bill).

Any questions please email:

dlenart@derbyct.gov

Shelton to distribute at-home COVID test kits, masks today at high school

The following message is from the Shelton Office of Emergency Management:

"This morning the City of Shelton only received 2,500 COVID-19 at-home test kits from the State along with N95 masks.

Distribution of the kits and the masks will take place today, Sunday, January 2 at 1 p.m. at Shelton High School. You must be a Shelton resident and identification is required to receive a test and mask.

Entrance to the high school will only be from North Constitution Blvd. The high school Meadow St entrance will be closed to all vehicular traffic.

The purpose of this distribution is to provide test kits to be used this week to reduce the spread of the Omicron virus and to supplement existing testing. The primary focus is for residents who have a known exposure or are symptomatic and are unable to find another test."

UPDATE: Shelton cancels today's distribution of COVID test kits

From the Shelton Police Department Facebook page:

"The COVID-19 at-home test kits have not arrived in Connecticut. Today’s (December 30th) scheduled distribution in Shelton is canceled and will be rescheduled once the test kits are delivered.

"Updates will be provided on City’s social media pages and the City’s website."

UPDATE: Seymour cancels today's distribution of at-home COVID tests

From Seymour First Selectwoman Ann Marie Drugonis' Facebook page:

"We received word from the State late last night that the COVID testing kits will not arrive today. We are canceling today's distribution event and will reschedule when we can confirm that the tests will arrive. We appreciate your continued patience and want to wish everyone a happy and healthy new year."

UPDATE: Ansonia cancels today's distribution of COVID tests

ANSONIA - This afternoon's COVID test distribution event at Nolan Field has been CANCELLED.

The cancellation is due to a delay in the shipment of the COVID rapid test kits ordered by the State of Connecticut. The delay will impact all CT cities and towns.

City staff will be closely monitoring shipment status, and a new event date will be announced when the shipment of tests to CT is confirmed.

Shared from City of Ansonia Facebook page.

Ansonia officials monitor possible distribution delay in at-home COVID tests Thursday

 From the City of Ansonia Facebook page:

"Important update on tomorrow's COVID test distribution at Nolan Field. Please read below.

"Governor Lamont has announced an anticipated delay in the shipment of COVID at-home rapid tests to the State of Connecticut due to "shipping and warehouse" issues.

"At this time, it is unclear whether this expected delay will impact tomorrow afternoon's distribution event in Ansonia.

"Mayor David S. Cassetti and his staff are monitoring the situation, and will provide an update tomorrow (Thursday) morning.

"Please check the City of Ansonia's Facebook page tomorrow morning for the latest news.

https://www.fox61.com/.../520-72cd4a30-5240-4043-bb7f... "

Derby to distribute at-home COVID-19 tests to residents Friday

The City of Derby will distribute free COVID-19 test kits to Derby residents on Friday, Dec. 31 from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. at Derby High School, 75 Chatfield St.

Residents must provide a valid proof of residency to receive a kit.

There is a limited supply of test kits, and they will be distributed on a first come, first-serve basis. The site will close if the supply of kits is exhausted before 2 p.m.

The Derby Fire Department and Emergency Service Personnel will direct vehicles to the distribution area.

Please direct any questions to Emergency Management Director Mark Neuendorf atmneuendorf@derbyct.gov.

This is shared from Derby Town Clerk Marc J. Garofalo's Facebook page.

Shelton to distribute COVID-19 at-home tests to residents Thursday

Shared from the Shelton Police Department Facebook page:

The City of Shelton will be distributing COVID-19 at-home rapid tests.

The purpose of this distribution is to provide test kits to be used this week to reduce the spread of the Omicron virus and to supplement existing testing. The primary focus is for residents who have a known exposure or are symptomatic and are unable to find another test.

The City of Shelton is getting approximately 8,000 tests and they will be given out on a first come first serve basis.

Each vehicle will receive two kits. You must be a Shelton resident and identification is required to receive a test.

The distribution will take place on Thursday, Dec. 30 at 1 p.m. at Shelton High School. Entrance to the high school will only be from North Constitution Blvd. The high school Meadow St entrance will be closed to all vehicular traffic.

Ansonia to distribute COVID-19 tests Thursday to city residents

ANSONIA - Mayor David S. Cassetti has an important message regarding COVID-19 testing!

The City of Ansonia has obtained over 2,000 self-test kits from the State of Connecticut (via the Federal Government), each containing 2 rapid tests. City staff will be distributing these tests to Ansonia residents – FREE OF CHARGE –  Thursday, Dec. 30, from 1-4 p.m. at Nolan Field, 333 Wakelee Ave.

Please bring your driver’s license, photo ID or piece of mail addressed to you, as proof of Ansonia residency. 

Each Ansonia family will be provided with 2 free kits. Again, each kit contains 2 tests.

The virus is now spreading rapidly through our community. Testing for COVID-19 is an easy way to help control its spread.

This is shared from a Facebook event page.

Rochelle urges landlords, tenants to apply for UniteCT rent relief

State Rep. Kara Rochelle

HARTFORD - State Rep. Kara Rochelle, D-Ansonia/Derby, is encouraging Valley landlords with tenants behind on rent and tenants who are struggling to catch up on rent payments due to the COVID-19 pandemic to apply for emergency rent relief through UniteCT.

"Residents across the Lower Naugatuck Valley and Connecticut have struggled to catch up on rent due to the financial fallout of the COVID-19 pandemic. I strongly encourage landlords with tenants behind on rent or tenants who are struggling to catch up with their rent to apply for the UniteCT Program. This program is a lifeline and can help tenants reset and move forward past the recession," said Rochelle.

On Aug. 26, the U.S. Supreme Court issued a decision that ended the federal eviction moratorium immediately, leaving few protections for renters at risk of eviction. 

The moratorium was scheduled to be lifted on Oct. 3, 2021. Connecticut does have a temporary safeguard, which expires on Sept. 30, 2021, and Connecticut residents and landlords who need rental assistance should apply to the UniteCT program now as it may take some time for their application to process and funds to be distributed.

In June, the governor signed Executive Order No. 12D, which expires on Sept. 30, 2021, to implement some eviction protections including:

• Requires landlords to apply for the UniteCT rental assistance program prior to delivering an eviction notice for nonpayment of rent;

Legislative Office Building ∙ Hartford, CT 06106-1591

• Requires landlords to give tenants facing eviction for nonpayment of rent, for lapse of time, or whose right to occupy a unit has terminated at least 30-days’ notice prior to beginning an eviction;

• Provides those tenants an opportunity to continue all terms of the lease by paying outstanding rent within the 30-day period;

• Requires all eviction notices to be delivered with certain information about the state’s UniteCT program in both English and Spanish; and

• Requires a stay in eviction proceedings of up to 30 days if either the landlord or the tenant applies to the UniteCT program.

  Connecticut launched the UniteCT Program in March 2021 to disburse Connecticut's $457 million share of federal emergency rent relief. The program provides up to $15,000 in rental assistance directly to landlords on behalf of qualifying tenants who have been financially impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Households making up to 80 percent of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development area median income (AMI) are eligible for the funds.

  Tenants and landlords can check their eligibility and start the online application by visiting https://bit.ly/2VeE6je. The program is only accepting online applications. Paper applications will not be accepted.

  Residents can access technology to complete their UniteCT application at the Ansonia  Library, 53 S. Cliff St., and Derby Public Library, 313 Elizabeth St. 

  Since the program's launch, over $81 million has been disbursed to 10,746 tenants and 4,032 landlords through UniteCT, and an additional $40.5 million is processing for distribution now.

  "The program is a vital community resource that has proven to be successful. A landlord right here in the 104th qualified for the maximum of $15,000 and avoided evicting a tenant who lost their job in 2020 and was struggling to catch up with rent payments despite securing a new job. The landlord was able to renew their lease and both parties are relieved and happy to move past the struggles over the last year," said  Rochelle.

  Residents who need assistance, have questions, or need support with the application process can contact Rochelle at Kara.Rochelle@cga.ct.gov or by calling her office at 860-240-8585. Landlords and tenants can initiate the application process. For a 4-member household in Ansonia and Derby, the AMI is $78,500.

Additional locations and resource centers can be found at https://bit.ly/2VeE6je. 

This is a press release from state Rep. Kara Rochelle.

Griffin Health creates 3 videos on safety of COVID-19 vaccine

Griffin recently developed videos to communicate that COVID-19 vaccines are safe, effective and the best way to protect everyone from the harm caused by COVID-19. 

The videos feature local leaders such as: Breon Sanders from the Boys & Girls Club of the Lower Naugatuck Valley, who explains vulnerability to the young; Pastor Dennis from Iglesia De Dios Nuevos Comienzos, who expresses his hope to once again congregate without fear; and Henry Rondon from the CIAC, who urges vaccination so high school athletes can again experience the exhilarating roar of fans at competitions.

Breon Sanders: https://lnkd.in/dAC2bN8f

Pastor Dennis: https://lnkd.in/dHzeHRvf

Henry Rondon: https://lnkd.in/dndT243p

This is a press release from Griffin Hospital.

 

COVID-19 Vaccine Clinic slated Friday at Ansonia High School