Griffin Hospital in Derby offers smoking cessation program

DERBY - Looking to kick the habit? 

Griffin Hospital is helping members of the community prepare to quit smoking with a free smoking cessation program starting Sept. 2.

“That’s It – Learn to Quit” teaches a variety of methods to help individuals quit smoking. The program consists of Wednesday night meetings from 5:30-7 p.m. Sept. 2, 9, 16, and 23 at the Center for Cancer Care at Griffin Hospital, 350 Seymour Ave.

“The goal of the program is to help you learn how to quit,” said Carrie O’Malley, RN, a co-coordinator of the program. “There are different methods of quitting and managing nicotine withdrawal. If one method didn’t work for you in the past we’ll help you understand all your options.”

Through group discussion and interactive activities, participants learn how to develop a quit plan that addresses their personal behaviors and habit. Strategies to manage nicotine withdrawal, behaviors, triggers, urges are all discussed as well as weight control and stress management.

To register for “That’s It – Learn to Quit,” call 203-732-1260 or 203-732-1476.

This is a press release from Griffin Hospital.

Wesley Village in Shelton seeks volunteers for 'Lifestyle Transitions'

Program offers memory support

Janet Girardat of Stratford, right, a registered volunteer on the Wesley Village campus, works closely with residents at Lifestyle Transitions. Girardat visits regularly and assists with a variety of activities, including the community’s “Music and Memory” pilot program. She and resident Anne Griffin pose for a photo after a weekly visit./ Submitted photo

SHELTON - Wesley Village is looking for volunteers to work alongside staff at “Lifestyle Transitions,” the new memory care neighborhood on their Shelton campus.

Located in the Northwest wing of their Wesley Heights assisted living community, “Lifestyle Transitions” offers specialized assisted living with memory support and focuses on developing daily routines for successfully managing individualized physical, social, and cognitive challenges.

Volunteer opportunities include: facilitating arts and crafts activities, assisting with and/or leading cooking and baking classes, “friendly visits” with residents, providing informal musical entertainment, gardening with residents, and more. If you are looking for a meaningful opportunity to connect with older adults and are interested in helping residents with memory loss enjoy a more full and vibrant life, please contact us today to learn more. We will match your talents and skills with the needs of our residents.

Opportunities are available for adults and students ages 14 and older. Contact Barbara Quinn, Director of Volunteer Services at Wesley Village, 203-944-8292 if interested and with any questions.

To learn more about Lifestyle Transitions Memory Care or to schedule a tour, contact Lisa Bisson, 203-225-5024.

Wesley Village at 580 Long Hill Ave. is owned and operated by United Methodist Homes, a local not-for-profit organization. The campus also offers assisted and independent living, skilled nursing, short-term rehab, and outpatient therapy and fitness services.

To learn more, visit www.wesleyvillage-ct.org.


This is a press release from United Methodist Homes.

Celebrate Shelton concert series was a hit

Organizer: 'Overflowing crowds' enjoyed music, family fun

By Jimmy Tickey
Over the past several months, I have been working with Nicole Heriot-Mikula and Michael Skrtic on Celebrate Shelton's Downtown Sounds Summer Concert Series.

These free, family-friendly concerts held in July and August included live music, food trucks, and a beer garden, handmade artisan vendors and activities for children.

Tickey

Each night had overflowing crowds as families arrived excited for live music and an enjoyable summer evening on the Veteran’s Memorial Riverwalk. 

Seeing families sing along with the music or children dance with their hula-hoops was what we had hoped for when we began planning these concerts months ago. 
I want to thank all those who attended our first summer concert series and celebrated Shelton with us!

It has been a pleasure to work with Nicole and Michael as they establish Celebrate Shelton. 
We have been able to create unique events which promote small businesses and shopping local here in Shelton thanks in part to the City of Shelton, Shelton Economic Development Corporation and the Greater Valley Chamber of Commerce as well as our community sponsors.

In addition to the summer concert series, we coordinate a monthly Handmade Market, and a Community Holiday Tree-Lighting in Downtown Shelton. 
Our next event will be the September Handmade Market taking place from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Sept. 5 in the Conti Building, 415 Howe Ave.

I invite you to join us to experience our local handmade artisans and to see what small business owners are creating right here in Shelton!



Tickey is a member of the Shelton Planning and Zoning Commission.

Valley club seeks golfers for tournament in Stratford

There is still room for golfers in the Boys & Girls Club of the Lower Naugatuck Valley’s John “Red” Larsen Golf Classic, teeing off on Aug. 31, at Oronoque Country Club in Stratford. 

Serra & DelVecchio Insurance Group is once again the Gold Sponsor of the event. 

For detailed information and to register, visit www.BGC-LNV.org. 

The tournament day begins with 11 am registration and lunch, followed by a 12 p.m. shotgun start. 

Entry fee of $200 per golfer includes 18 holes of golf and cart, driving range, buffet lunch, refreshments on the course, social hour with open bar and dinner (after golf), and tournament gift. A raffle, as well as live and silent auctions will also be available.

Entries should include names, handicaps, and contact email or phone number sent to AnnWheeler@BGC-LNV.org.

The Boys & Girls Club Golf Classic, which has run 43 consecutive years since 1972, is dedicated to John “Red” Larsen. Red participated in almost every tournament and was Chairman for more than half. 

It was common to see Red stuffing “tee-favor bags” on Sunday night or putting out sponsor signs in the morning mist. His love for children and his dedication to our Boys & Girls Club were rivaled only by his love for his family and the game of golf. 

The Boys & Girls Club of the Lower Naugatuck Valley has been changing the lives of young people in our area for 60 years. 

Earlier this month our Youth of the Year, Brooke Grand, earned the title of Northeast Region Youth of the Year. 

Brooke will go to Washington, D.C., in September to compete for the title of National Youth of the Year. 

For more information about the Boys & Girls Club of the Lower Naugatuck Valley, visit us at www.BGC-LNV.org.

This is a press release from the Boys & Girls Club of the Lower Naugatuck Valley.

Country singer to perform at free concert in Seymour

Larry Ayce

SEYMOUR - Country western crooner Larry Ayce and his band will perform in a free concert from 6-8 p.m. Saturday at First and Bank Streets, in the downtown business district.

The concert is sponsored by the Seymour Culture and Arts Commission.

This is shared from an online community calendar sponsored by The Community Foundation for Greater New Haven and The New Haven Independent.

Learn to repurpose items, take in a movie at Derby Library

DERBY - The Derby Public Library has scheduled another Recycle, Repurpose, and Reuse 

Craft Class for ages 18 and over at 6:30 p.m. Sept. 1.

Ansonia Animal Control Officer Jeanie Roslonowski returns to the Library with ideas on What to Do with All Those Old CDs and DVDs.

Come and relax and see your creativity emerge. The class will also include 

information on conservation and animal issues.  

Registration is required.  

Movie matinees

The Derby Public Library continues its weekly Wednesday Movie Matinees series 

throughout the summer for ages 18 and over.  

Newly released DVDs will be shown every Wednesday at 1 p.m.

Light snacks will be provided.  This is a great way to cool off and relax on a summer afternoon.

Registration is requested.  

For a list of featured films and for information on any programs, stop by the Library at

313 Elizabeth St., or call 203-736-1482. 

  

This is a press release from Cathy Williams, Director, Derby Public Library.

Griffin in Derby to offer therapeutic massage workshop

Griffin Hospital to hold Soft Touch workshop Sept. 26./ Contributed photo

DERBY - Griffin Hospital will offer a free, basic level Soft Touch workshop from noon to 3 p.m. Sept. 26 at the hospital, 130 Division St.

Soft Touch is a therapeutic, relaxing, and gentle massage that can be given to an individual's hands, feet, or back. 

Griffin Hospital offers the therapy to patients and their caregivers as a way to reduce their anxiety, pain and stress.

The workshop is led by Licensed Massage Therapist Joanne Halstead, R.N., BSN, and Physical Therapist Nancy Corvigno, MSPT, PRPC. 

This basic-level training includes a demonstration of various Soft Touch techniques as well as opportunity for hands-on practice.

This program is open to the public. Space is limited; early registration is required. 

To register, contact Tricia Brister at 203-732-7555 or at tbrister@griffinhealth.org.

This is a press release from Griffin Hospital.