Derby hosts 9/11 service Friday on Green

The 9/11 memorial on the Derby Green that features a piece of steel salvaged from one of the World Trade Center towers.

Derby firefighters and residents gathered Friday for a service of remembrance to mark the 14th anniversary of the Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attacks.

Stay tuned for a story in the Valley Independent Sentinel.

The flag on the Derby Green flies at half-staff Friday in memory of those who died in the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001.

BHcare program trains Branford first responders in mental health first aid

A total of 102 members of Branford’s Police and Fire Departments recently completed Mental Health First Aid Training, provided by BHcare.  

Participants in the course learned tools and tips to help them better understand mental illnesses and addictions, and how to effectively respond to and deescalate incidents without compromising the safety of those involved.

BHcare is a regional community provider of behavioral health, addiction prevention, and domestic violence services for the Shoreline, Greater New Haven, and Lower Naugatuck Valley communities. 

The objective of Mental Health First Aid training is to expand people’s knowledge of mental illnesses and their treatments, to reduce the stigma associated with mental illness, and help people understand and accept mental illness as a medical condition. 

“We are very proud to partner with BHcare for the training to increase our officers’ knowledge base,” said Capt. Geoff Morgan of the Branford Police Department. “Our agency remains committed to treat everyone in our community with the dignity and respect they deserve.” 

“The Mental Health First Aid Public Safety Program is about giving our first responders the tools they need to improve their response to people experiencing mental health crises,” said Pamela Mautte, Director, BHcare’s Greater Valley Substance Abuse Action Council.

The officers and firemen had nothing but positive remarks regarding the course. One said, “I would encourage all first responders to take this course.”  

Another commented, “It was very informational, I can apply this information to my work but also to everyday life.” A third officer remarked, “This was the best training I have had as a police officer.”

To learn more about MHFA training and how it can help you and your business or agency, visit www.VSAAC.com.

VSAAC, a program of BHcare, is a public/private partnership comprised of community leaders and citizens who develop and carry out strategies to reduce alcohol, tobacco, drug use, suicide, risky behaviors, and promote good mental health among youth and, over time, among adults through community education, community mobilization, public awareness, and advocacy in the Lower Naugatuck Valley, Greater New Haven and surrounding communities. 
For more information, visit www.VSAAC.com. 

For more information, about BHcare, visit www.bhcare.org.

This is a press release from BHcare.

Get a haircut, support Seymour Pink

Mark your calendars and get a haircut to support a great cause!

Rotary Club to host annual Shelton Day Oct. 4

SHELTON - The Derby-Shelton Rotary Club will sponsor Shelton Day from 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Oct. 4, rain or shine.

The annual street festival is held downtown and features food and craft vendors, live entertainment, and information booths.


Please click here for more info.

'Vintage Vegas' gala in New Haven to benefit Griffin Hospital

Singer Rick Faugno to perform at benefit for Griffin Hospital. / Contributed photo 

DERBY - The 2015 Griffin Hospital Gala promises a unique dining experience and Vegas-quality entertainment on Sept. 26 at the Shubert Theater in New Haven.

Entitled “Vintage Vegas,” the fundraiser will feature a cocktail reception and silent auction, a historical and architectural walking tour and dinner at nearby New Haven restaurants, and a dessert reception.

The evening will be capped off with a Sammy Davis Jr. style song and dance performance by Rick Faugno, who was named “Best Singer” by the Las Vegas Review-Journal, and who recently appeared on Broadway in the Tony-nominated musical On the 20th Century.

The cocktail reception and dinner start at 5:30 p.m. and the show starts at 9 p.m. Tickets for the reception, dinner, and show are $185 each and tickets for everything except the dinner are $115 each.

Proceeds will benefit essential programs and services for the Griffin Hospital community, ensuring patients have access to state-of-the-art care in a healing, patient-centered, Planetree environment.

For more information on tickets or sponsorship opportunities call 203-732-7504 or visit griffinhealth.org/gala.


This is a press release from Griffin Hospital. 

Dugatto asks Derby citizens to fly flags at half-staff Friday

To remember terrorist attack victims

DERBY - In conjunction with the action of Gov. Dannel P. Malloy, Mayor Anita Dugatto is reminding all citizens of Derby that U.S. and state flags should fly at half-staff from sunrise to sunset on Friday in remembrance of the nearly 3,000 men, women, and children who lost their lives in the Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attacks.

The City will also remember the 14th anniversary of that tragic day by participating in a Memorial Service on the Derby Green at 6 p.m. led by the Hotchkiss Hose Company #1 of the Derby Fire Department.

“As we remember the victims and heroes from that terrible day 14 years ago, we pause to honor the sacrifices of so many people who make our country the best in the world,” Dugatto said. “We hope to see a large turnout in honoring the 161 Connecticut residents who lost their lives that day.”

Dugatto has directed city staff members to carry out the suggestion of Gov. Malloy.

Please see attached link to information from Gov. Malloy:

http://portal.ct.gov/Departments_and_Agencies/Office_of_the_Governor/Press_Room/Press_Releases/2015/09-2015/Gov__Malloy__Flags_to_Fly_Half-Staff_Friday_in_Recognition_of_9/11_Anniversary/

For further questions, contact the Office of Mayor Anita Dugatto, 203-736- 1450 or jdesroches@derbyct.gov.



This is a press release from Mayor Dugatto's office.

Open house at 'Lifestyle Transitions' planned in Shelton

   Entrance to Wesley Heights community. / Contributed photo 

SHELTON - Wesley Village will host an Open House from 1-3 p.m. Sept. 27 at “Lifestyle Transitions,” a new memory care neighborhood located in the newly renovated Northwest Wing of their Wesley Heights community. 

“Lifestyle Transitions at Wesley Heights” offers specialized assisted living in a secure, supportive environment for those living with memory loss. 

The program is designed to support residents with cognitive impairment by engaging them in life and activities within the larger Wesley Heights community and providing encouragement, friendship, and a feeling of security. It also focuses on developing daily routines for successfully managing individualized physical, social and cognitive challenges.

Unique to Wesley Village, “Lifestyle Transitions” offers a mission-based, relationship-centered approach to care, as well as: affordable pricing, a wander-management system, 24-hour staffing with caregivers trained by the Alzheimer’s Association, on-site physician services, engaging activities, a variety of apartment styles for individuals or couples, education and support services for residents and families, and a specialized design to maximize independence. 
Deposits are being accepted for all apartment styles, including NEW companion suite apartments, which are now available. 
For more information or to RSVP for the Open House, contact Lisa Bisson at 203-225-5024.


Wesley Village is located at 580 Long Hill Ave. and is owned and operated by United Methodist Homes, a local not-for-profit organization. 
The campus 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.