Recuperation journey: Zooming into Thanksgiving

Image from the CDC website

Are you going to be Zooming with family and friends today?  

My husband Ralph and I will be and it seems everyone with Internet access has the same idea.

Welcome to the 2020 holiday season!

Who woulda thunk we'd be doing this? 

Have a Happy Thanksgiving, however you plan to celebrate!

NVHD: 3 COVID-19 associated deaths, 54 new cases reported

 

Read the story posted today in the Valley Independent Sentinel.  

COVID concerns close Derby Public Library

Sharing from a post Tuesday on the Derby Public Library Facebook page:

"In an abundance of caution, and mindful of the increasing COVID cases in our surrounding areas, the Library is closed to the public effective November 17 [today].
"We continue to provide Vestibule Pickup services of holds during business hours. Book drops remain open. We do not have an estimated time for reopening. Thank you for your patience during this difficult time.
"To schedule a vestibule appointment or if you have any questions, please call 203-736-1482 or email dplreference@biblio.org.

Naugatuck Valley Health District: COVID-19 associated death reported in Seymour

 

In a statement late Thursday the NVHD reported: "There was one laboratory confirmed death updated to the district. The decedent was a Seymour resident living in an assisted living facility at the time of death. He was 89 and passed away on Nov. 5. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family.”

COVID-19 isolation and quarantine guidelines:

*Note: I stopped posting Naugatuck Valley Health District COVID-19 updates a while ago. But after  the Connecticut Department of Health's determination this week that the Valley is deemed a "red alert zone" I decided to post the above.

The NVHD includes Ansonia, Beacon Falls, Derby, Naugatuck, Seymour, and Shelton.

For more information, visit the Naugatuck Valley Health District's Facebook page.

Derby mayor tests 'positive' for COVID-19, City Hall closed Tuesday for cleaning

Sharing from Derby Mayor Richard Dziekan's Facebook post:

"After feeling slightly “under the weather” starting this past Friday October 9th, I kept a close eye on my symptoms through the weekend. As of last night, I presented with a low-grade fever so I decided to get tested for Covid-19 this morning. Unfortunately, the results from that test have come back “positive.” Other than some cold-like symptoms, I am feeling okay.

"Out of respect for City Hall staff and the residents of Derby, we will be closing City Hall tomorrow Tuesday October 13th to allow for a deep clean of the building. The Naugatuck Valley Health District will be conducting contact tracing efforts and anyone from my staff who was in close contact with me toward the end of last week will be tested through Griffin Hospital.

"I will be following the CDC guidelines related to self-quarantine and isolation and will not be present at City Hall or any events around Derby until and when I am medically cleared to do so. Thank you for your understanding."

*We wish you a speedy recovery, Mr. Mayor!

Ansonia Police share tips on mask wearing, social distancing

Sharing from the Ansonia Police Department Facebook page:

"As we make our way through the warm summer months it can be difficult to wear a face mask and follow social distancing protocols. 

"Please remember that there are steps that you can take to protect yourself and your loved ones.

"We can only stay safe if everyone does their part. While CT has seen some improvement, it does not mean the virus cannot re-emerge quickly. 

"Please be safe, practice social distancing, and wear a mask when you cannot properly socially distance. 

"Stay Safe Ansonia!"

Register now for virtual Pounding the Pavement for Pink races

Sharing message from Mary Deming, founder and President of the nonprofit Seymour Pink, the community's fight against breast cancer:

9th Annual Pounding the Pavement for Pink Races Thu October 1 - Sun October 4, 2020 SIGN UP DONATE LOCATION: ANY CITY - ANY STATE, CT US 99999 DIRECTIONS TYPE: VIRTUAL RACE / CHALLENGE

Dear Runners and Walkers, Going virtual for this year's event may give you pause at first, but virtual affords us an opportunity to walk or run in the fight against breast cancer not just in Seymour, not just In Connecticut, but across our great nation! The Breast cancer diagnosis and subsequent treatment, unfortunately continues. Our loved one's battle against this horrific disease, if anything, has been made more difficult through the constraints the virus has put on receiving proper medical attention and treatment. Additionally, the need for financial assistance has taken its toll on these patients. This past April, we began delivering over 2300 lawn signs across the state of Connecticut and across America. The message on the sign, although, aimed at us dealing with the virus, is applicable to other “hurdles” life throws at us! WE WILL GET THROUGH THIS TOGETHER! For those of you, both individuals and past team captains, who may be “on the fence” about this year's virtual format, we need you to “Get through this together” Please consider saying “YES” to virtual and register today! Early Bird Registration ends this Friday, July 31st, at midnight. As ALWAYS, we appreciate your support, especially in these very difficult times for so many of you! Mary Deming President Seymour Pink, Inc The link is below: https://runsignup.com/Race?raceId=10399

virtual race Sponsors

9th Annual Pounding the Pavement for Pink Races Any City - Any State, CT Thu October 1 - Sun October 4 2020

Naugatuck Valley Health District: 1 COVID-19 associated death

Sharing today's message from Jessica Stelmaszek, MPH, Health Director.

"Attached please find the latest [Monday] update on behalf of the Naugatuck Valley Health District.

"NVHD has identified duplicate cases/cases with multiple profiles in the CT Electronic Disease Surveillance System as well as a number of individuals who had their addresses updated out of the NVHD jurisdiction. 
"Today’s data report reflects those changes as well as four new reported cases, including one COVID-19 associated death from last week. 
Our sincerest condolences are extended to the family during this time. 

"Additionally, various Sector Rules were updated on 7/23 so please check out the DECD Reopen website for the latest guidance: 
https://portal.ct.gov/…/Sector-Rules-and-Certification-for-reopen "

Valley United Way welcomes part-time development director

Brian Mezzi

After months of strategic planning and working with the community on Coronavirus relief, Valley United Way has announce the hiring of a Brian Mezzi of Clinton as part-time Development Director.

Mezzi currently works at United Way of Greater New Haven as Assistant Development Director.
Hearing of the good work he was accomplishing there, Interim President/COO of Valley United Way David Kennedy approached UWGNH to consider a work-share scenario that would enable Mezzi to work for the Valley part time. “The shared services agreement we have entered into with UWGNH is the best of so many worlds,” Kennedy said. “We have been able to bring a very talented United Way development professional onto our team, while he continues to support corporate partnerships and United Way of Greater New Haven’s workplace campaign.”

With 10 years of non-profit experience, primarily with United Ways in Connecticut, Mezzi has spent most of that time cultivating and creating relationships with workplaces that are looking to contribute to local needs.
Last year, Mezzi worked with a diverse portfolio of local businesses to successfully raise over $1 million for the greater New Haven community.
He also is no stranger to giving back to the community. An avid fencer, Mezzi is former Head Coach for the North Haven Fencing team and is the Co-Chair of the CT High School Fencing Association.

He has won awards for his roles in service and leadership through organizations like Americorps and the Corporation for National and Community Service.

Mezzi said, “I look forward to engaging with individuals and partners throughout the Valley. I make it my goal to inspire others, both in and out of the workplace, to give and get involved in their community. I look forward to working together in a ‘United Way’ to change what's possible for the Valley.”

As Valley United Way is still working remotely due to Coronavirus, it was not a typical orientation for a new employee. Mezzi started at Valley United Way July 13 and will continue working remotely, along with other VUW staff, until further notice. 

For questions related to Development and Workplace Giving for Valley United Way, contact Mezzi at: Brian.Mezzi@valleyunitedway.org.
___

As a leading philanthropic organization in the Lower Naugatuck Valley, Valley United Way improves lives by mobilizing the caring power of the community through philanthropy, volunteerism, and collaboration.
For more information visit www.valleyunitedway.org or contact David Kennedy, Interim President/COO at 203-538-6341.


This is taken from a press release from Valley United Way.

Naugatuck Valley Health District: 1 new COVID-19 associated death reported

Adam's House in Shelton supports families grieving deaths from COVID-19

Sharing from Adam's House Facebook page:

If you're grieving, we can help. 

Call 203-513-2808 and speak to a Grief Specialist today.
“There are substantial concerns about the health impacts of COVID-19 for individuals, but one area that has received less attention is how the deaths caused by this disease will reverberate through families,” said study author Ashton Verdery, associate professor of sociology, demography, and social data analytics at Penn State University. 

“Our results show that these impacts will be substantial, they’ll affect people at all ages, and they may exacerbate existing inequalities in bereavement and social support.”

Link to study: http://www.oc-breeze.com/2020/07/13/184694_for-every-covid-19-death-nine-close-family-members-are-left-to-grieve-usc-study-finds/

Adam's House grief education center is located at 241 Coram Ave., Shelton.

Naugatuck Valley Health District: Director issues update, reports 1 COVID-19 case

Jessica Stelmaszek, MPH, Director of Health, issued an update that includes these highlights:

• There was +1 new case reported in the district today
• CT updated its travel advisory to include 31 states
• Reopen guidance for indoor and outdoor events was updated 7/21 

For more information, visit the health district's Facebook page.

State public health lab discovers 90 false-positive COVID-19 test results

Note: This information was referenced in a previous post taken from a press release from the Naugatuck Valley Health District.

Naugatuck Valley Health District: Director offers COVID-19 update

Pool at Shelton Community Center to open with restrictions

Community Center Pool To OPEN!

The Pool will open July 22

At the present time:

MEMBERS ONLY, no walk-ins will be accepted.. Reservations will be required. Members must have their cards when they arrive to swim. Members without a reservation or membership card will not be allowed to swim.

Members may begin calling Monday, July 20 at 9 a.m. to make reservations through Monday, July 26.
Memberships that were current as of March 17 will receive credit on their memberships when they renew their membership.
See pool schedule and COVID-19 rules for procedure. Members must request either a lane or the open area when making reservations. Three reservations per week.
NO LOCKER ROOMS or showers, swimmers must arrive and leave in their suit.
The deck shower will be available to rinse before entry. This is still required by health code before swimming.
No exercise equipment will be available. Members may bring their own equipment. All equipment must follow our equipment use policies.
Water fountains are water refill stations only. No one may drink from the fountain. Water bottles must be plastic. NO GLASS!
Masks must be worn at all times when not in the water. Social distancing must be followed at all times.
There are no swim lessons or fitness classes at this time. We do not have an anticipated date to begin any form of classes or lessons.
The remainder of the Community Center and Fitness Room will remain closed at this time.
Please remember that the situation as well as requirements given by the State of Connecticut are constantly changing in response to COVID-19. Changes will be made as necessary to adhere to these policies.

Please remember that the situation as well as the requirements given by the State of Connecticut are constantly changing in response to COVID-19. Changes will be made as necessary to adhere to these policies.

Pool Schedule