Griffin Hospital honors certified surgical technician with BEE Award

DERBY - Griffin Health recently honored Certified Surgical Technician Lauren Atkinson of Branford with the Being Extraordinary Everyday (BEE) Award for nursing support caregivers.

The BEE Award at Griffin Health honors nursing support caregivers who are committed to providing an exceptional care experience for patients and their loved ones, and fellow caregivers. 

Just as the bee helps strengthen flowers, nurses provide high-quality, person-centered patient care with the outstanding assistance of a support team.

A caregiver at Griffin for three years, Atkinson was nominated by several fellow caregivers in Griffin’s Surgical Services department for her knowledge, skill and responsiveness in providing assistance wherever needed.

“Lauren is the definition of a team player,” the nomination for Atkinson stated. “She can scrub any case with ease and is always in demand by every surgeon who has had the privilege to work with her. Her calm demeanor and outstanding attitude makes our job so much easier.”

Griffin Health caregivers eligible for the BEE award are all non-nursing team members from the Griffin Health Patient Care Division, including Unit Clerks, Telemetry Technicians, Multi-Skilled Technicians, Obstetrics Technicians, Certified Surgical Technicians, Gastrointestinal Technicians, Central Processing Department Technicians, Certified Nursing Assistants, Mental Health Workers, Patient Safety Monitors, Continuous Video Monitoring Technicians, Environmental/Housekeeping Team Members, Patient Transporters, Dining Services Representatives, Valet Attendants and Shuttle Drivers.

Patients, visitors, and Griffin Health caregivers can nominate deserving members of the nursing support team by filling out a nomination form available at Griffin Hospital.

This is a press release from Griffin Health.

 

Plumb Memorial Library in Shelton to offer creative fun for preschoolers

 Doh-Heads!

Ages: 2-5 years old

Date: Tuesday, June 2

Time: 2:30-3:30 p.m.

Location: Plumb Memorial Library, 65 Wooster St., Shelton

Bend it, mold it, pull it!

Preschoolers and their grown-ups will be encouraged to use their imagination or utilize one of our play-doh kits to make something “doh-tastic” plus make some new friends too. Caregivers will be participating with their child.

Registration required. There are three ways to register.

Online: https://engagedpatrons.org/EventsExtended.cfm?SiteID=2661&EventID=588261&PK=

In-person at the Reference Desk.

Phone: (203) 924-1580 ext. 510

Shared from the Shelton Library System Facebook page.

Derby Public Library to host Mommy and Me program May 8

Derby Public Library is at 313 Elizabeth St., Derby.
 

Derby Neck Library to host growing together book club for parents

DERBY - Parents and caregivers are invited to join the Growing Together Book Club at 6:30 p.m. today in the Community Room! We'll be discussing our first book, No Drama Discipline, as we share opportunities to put the strategies into practice. 

We still have copies available at the Children's Desk and will be discussing it this month and next, so it's not too late to join! We hope to see you there.

The Library is at 307 Hawthorne Ave.

Shared from the Library's Facebook page.

Masonicare at Wesley Heights in Shelton to host Senior Services Fair

SHELTON - Community members and local residents are invited to attend a Senior Services Fair April 17 at the Wesley Heights Activity Room, 580 Long Hill Ave. 

The event will feature a variety of vendors, raffles, and health screenings designed to connect seniors and their families with important services and resources.

The fair will be open from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. to the general public. 

Attendees will have the opportunity to learn about services available through Masonicare, including residential living, home care, hospice and palliative care, and behavioral health programs that support older adults and their families.

Local organizations and community partners will also be on hand, including representatives from the Shelton Senior Center, Alzheimer’s Association, Parkinson’s Foundation, and local first responders such as police, fire, and emergency medical services.

In addition to Masonicare health care and senior living options, there will be vendors on hand, including: Griffin Hospital Health Services, Wheel-it-Forward DME Lending Library, Medicare insurance consultants, pet care services, as well as an eldercare attorney.

The event is free to attend and is designed to help seniors and caregivers discover valuable local resources in one convenient location.

For more information about the fair, please contact Lisa Bisson at 203-225-5027 or lbisson@masonicare.org.

This is a press release from Masonicare. 

Derby Neck Library to launch book club for parents, caregivers

DERBY - We're offering a new book club [at Derby Neck Library] for parents and caregivers to read, discuss, learn, and grow together!

If you are interested in joining, please complete this quick survey regarding your availability: https://docs.google.com/.../1FAIpQLSf2HISW6tD.../viewform...

The club will meet in person with options to join remotely.

Shared from the Library's Facebook page.

Derby Police to host free car seat clinic Sunday

DERBY - On Sunday, Sept. 28 the Derby Police Department will host a free car seat clinic to help parents and caregivers ensure their child’s safety on the road.

Certified officers will provide educational inspections and demonstrations

Learn the laws governing child passengers

Make sure your car seats are installed correctly and safely

Derby Police Department, 125 Water St.

9 a.m.-12 p.m.

Walk-ins are welcome, but appointments are recommended.

To schedule, contact Lt. DeAngelo at (203) 735-7811 or frank.deangelo@derbypd.org

Senior Fair set for today at Warsaw Park in Ansonia

 

Huntington Branch Library to host Tiny Food Explorers program June 30

 The Library is at 41 Church St., Shelton.

Griffin Health in Derby honors 2025 Employee of the Year at awards dinner

Chris Collins

DERBY - Griffin Health recently honored more than 800 employees and physicians who reached service milestones of 5 years and more, and announced the 2025 Employee of the Year and Department of the Year award winner at its 53rd Annual Service Awards Dinner at Aria in Prospect.

At an “outta sight” 1970s disco-themed celebration, Griffin Hospital President and CEO Patrick Charmel personally presented gifts of appreciation to longtime employees and announced Griffin Hospital Security Officer Chris Collins, of Stratford, as the 2025 Employee of the Year and the Griffin Hospital Emergency Department as the 2025 Department of the Year.

Collins Named Top Caregiver

A caregiver for nine years at Griffin Hospital, Collins has been a trusted leader in the Griffin Hospital Security Department, displaying an exceptional ability to think critically, communicate effectively, and manage conflict calmly, compassionately and professionally.

“Chris’s professionalism and genuine care for others are evident in all he does,” Charmel said of Collins at the celebration. 

“One notable example of his caring approach was his support techniques used for a hearing-impaired behavioral health patient. Chris spent a considerable amount of time patiently connecting with the patient, using his knowledge of basic sign language that he learned as a former camp counselor to ease the patient’s anxiety and build trust. His thoughtful approach helped the patient laugh, feel reassured, and discover music and games on a computer tablet, leaving a lasting positive impact.”

Griffin’s Employee of the Year selection comes from its monthly I Take It Personally Award program where employees are nominated by their colleagues. 

Each month, up to four Griffin Health caregivers are selected for their efforts to improve patient satisfaction and promote Griffin’s commitment to patient-centered care. Of these ITIP winners, four are selected as finalists for the honor of Employee of the Year.

Emergency Department Named Department of the Year

The Griffin Hospital Emergency Department was honored with Department of the Year for cultivating an environment where both patients and caregivers feel valued, listened to, and cared for.

In a high-pressure environment where the Griffin ED sees more than 35,000 patients a year and every second matters, the ED reduced median wait times for all patients, time from the admission decision to inpatient departure, time to get patients into a room, time to see and its rate of patients leaving without being seen.

“These achievements underscore the Emergency Department’s dedication to delivering efficient and compassionate care to every individual they serve,” Charmel said. “The heart of the ED is its frontline team. They’ve supported expectant mothers with baby essentials, comforted children with toys, provided clothing to those in need, and celebrated birthdays for long-term patients, making them feel a sense of belonging.”

The Department of the Year is selected from the four hospital departments selected as “Department of the Quarter” by the ITIP program.

This is a press release from Griffin Health.

Ansonia Library to host 2 yoga sessions in May for preschoolers, caregivers

 

Griffin Hospital in Derby celebrates exceptional caregivers

DERBY - Griffin Health "showered" the April 2025 “I Take It Personally” (ITIP) winners with praise Wednesday at a Hop into Spring themed party in the Griffin Hospital Dining Room.

Celebrating the ITIP awards were, from left, ITIP Committee Co-chair Matthew Milardo; ITIP winner Michael Fusaro, Nursing; ITIP Committee Co-chair Richard Le Pera; ITIP winner David Godfrey, Environmental Services; ITIP winner Ariana Dipietrantonio, Radiology, ITIP winner Olivia Adcox, Employee Wellness; and Griffin Health President and CEO Patrick Charmel.

The ITIP program rewards Griffin caregivers who demonstrate a commitment to Griffin’s Planetree Philosophy, serve as role models for other caregivers, and practice our patient safety and patient-centered care tools in striving to provide an exceptional experience to patients, families, and/or fellow caregivers.

Shared from Griffin Hospital's Facebook page.

Derby PD to host free car seat safety clinic Saturday

DERBY - The Derby Police Department will host a free car seat clinic to promote child car seat safety from 9 a.m.-noon Saturday.

Parents and caregivers can come to the Derby PD, 125 Water St., for an educational inspection and demonstration to ensure that any car seats in their vehicles are properly installed, as well as learn about the laws governing child passengers. 

Walk-ins to the event are welcome, but appointments are recommended.

For any questions or to schedule an appointment, contact Sergeant DeAngelo at (203) 735 7811 or frank.deangelo@derbypd.org.

This is shared from the Derby PD Facebook page.

Griffin Health, Agency on Aging to host fitness talks for seniors in April

Griffin Health and the Agency on Aging of South-Central Connecticut are hosting a series of fitness talks and free blood pressure screenings for seniors throughout the Valley in April.

Caregivers from Griffin Hospital’s Rehabilitation and Physical Medicine Team will present “Building a Solid Core,” a free presentation that identifies the muscles that make up the body’s core, explains why a strong core is important (especially in regards to fall prevention) and demonstrates exercises to strengthen the core. 

Griffin Health caregivers will also be offering free blood pressure screenings and consultations.

The events are scheduled for April 3 from 1:30-2:30 p.m. at the Ansonia Senior Center; April 7 from 1:30-2:30 p.m. at the Seymour Senior Center; April 23 from 10:30-11:30 a.m. at the Shelton Senior Center; and April 24 from 1:30-2:30 p.m. at Derby Neck Library.

These offerings are part of the AgeWell program which is co-sponsored by Griffin Health and the Agency on Aging of South-Central Connecticut to increase access to care and prevent disease among the Valley senior community through a series of health screenings and healthy living education sessions each month. Periodically, this program provides nutritiously balanced and delicious foods for attendees.

Registration is required to attend the AgeWell events. To sign up, contact the location (Ansonia Senior Center: 203-736-5933; Seymour Senior Center: 203- 888-0406 ext. 1; Shelton Senior Center: 203-924-9324; and Derby Neck Library: 203-734-1492).

This is a press release from Griffin Health.

Kids to create patchwork hearts at Plumb Memorial Library event in Shelton

Heart Fabric Patchwork

Grades: K-6

Day/Date: Thursday, Feb. 6

Time: 5:30-6:30 p.m.

Location: Plumb Memorial Library, 65 Wooster St., Shelton

Join Miss Maura as we create colorful hearts by using colorful patterned fabric remnants. This program will require patience and scissor snipping to achieve success!

Caregivers will be participating with their child.

*Please note fabric choices may vary from photo.

Register online: https://engagedpatrons.org/EventsExtended.cfm?SiteID=2661&EventID=540855&PK=

or call 203-924-1580.

This is shared from the Shelton Library System Facebook page.

Griffin community thanked for support of gloves, mittens drive for children

Keeping Little Hands Warm this Winter

A warm and cozy thank you to all the Griffin Health caregivers and members of our community for their support of this year's Griffin Health Community Outreach and SafeKids Greater Naugatuck Valley Gloves & Mittens Drive.

More than 200 pairs of gloves and mittens were collected at Griffin Hospital in December.

They were distributed throughout the Valley this month, including at the TEAM Inc. HeadStart program where children used their new gloves to play Winter Safety BINGO recently.

This is shared from Griffin Hospital's Facebook page.

2 yoga sessions for kids slated in January at Ansonia Library

 

The Library is at 53 S. Cliff St., Ansonia.

Wesley Village in Shelton to host program for caregivers of people with dementia

SHELTON - Caregivers are invited to Crosby Commons at Wesley Village for “Creating Better Days for People Living with Dementia,” a presentation exploring positive methods to enhance success and daily experiences in your caregiving role. 

Start the new year with this educational program offering much-needed strategies for effectively addressing challenging behavior when supporting a loved one with dementia.

The program, led by Neil Anand, owner of ComForCare Home Care, will be held from 1:30-3:30 p.m. Jan.15 at Crosby Commons Independent and Assisted Living Community at 580 Long Hill Ave. 

Caregivers who attend will receive insight into focusing on feelings, minding emotional displays, respecting personal preferences, offering person-centered care, and improving communication skills when caring for people with dementia. 

This event is hosted by Crosby Commons and sponsored by ComForCare Home Care with Valley Regional Adult Education. 

For more information or to RSVP, please contact Lisa Bisson at 203-225-5027 or lbisson@umh.org. 

Guests may enter using the Crosby Commons entrance and parking area. Light refreshments will be served.

About Crosby Commons & Wesley Village: The Wesley Village senior living campus is located at 580 Long Hill Ave. in Shelton and offers a continuum of care: independent and assisted living, enhanced assisted living, early memory support/memory care, skilled nursing, and short-term rehab. The campus is part of United Methodist Homes, a local not-for-profit organization with a 150-year legacy of caring. To learn more about the Wesley Village campus communities of Crosby Commons, Wesley Heights, Lifestyle Transitions, or Bishop Wicke Health Center, visit our website or contact Megan Guastaferri at 203-447-5454 or mguastaferri@umh.org.

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.