Griffin in Derby postpones start of Wellness for Life program

DERBY - Due to frequent inclement weather, the start of Griffin Hospital’s new Wellness for Life program is postponed to March 3.

The delay gives more individuals a chance to join this innovative program to help increase vitality.

Wellness for Life is a 12-week, evidence-based lifestyle change program that helps prevent and treat many chronic diseases. 
According to a report by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, 80 percent of chronic diseases, like obesity, diabetes, hypertension, and high cholesterol, can be prevented with better lifestyle choices in nutrition, activity, and emotional health.

Starting March 3, the program offers a comprehensive wellness evaluation with a Lifestyle Medicine physician, custom fitness training, individual nutrition guidance, one-on-one coaching, and small, interactive health small seminars so participants can make a commitment to a healthier life.

“Lifestyle practices can exert an incredibly beneficial effect on health and vitality,” said Dr. David Katz, director of the Yale-Griffin Prevention Research Center and a nationally recognized health expert. 
“I think everyone has the will to be healthy, but few people have the skill set required. This program is a solution to that problem, providing people expert, step by step guidance along the road to better health.”

Wellness for Life focuses on hands-on learning, featuring a Fitbit, a personal health coach, and weekly group sessions to establish healthy weight control, lowered cholesterol and blood pressure, better sleep and energy, and increased personal strength and resilience.

A pilot of this program run at Griffin Hospital in 2014 succeeded in significant weight loss and reductions in blood pressure for participants, receiving a 96 percent rating in meeting expectations and an A grade for all of the presentations by the expert speakers.

Wellness for Life meets on Tuesdays from 6 to 8:30 p.m. at the Hewitt Ambulatory Pavilion (located in the Center for Cancer Care at Griffin Hospital) at 350 Seymour Ave.

For more information about Wellness for Life, visit griffinhealth.org or call Program Managers Eunice Lisk or Ingrid Edshteyn at 203-732-7107.

This is a press release from Griffin Hospital.

Event in Shelton combines chocolate, champagne, charity

Ashley Varrone, left, and Katy Williams, employees of Common Bond Market in Shelton, serve samples of chocolate raspberry creme cake, raw chocolate mousse, and peanut butter balls at the fourth annual "In Love and Chocolate" fundraiser Sunday at Courtyard by Marriott in Shelton.

SHELTON - I had a great time again this year at 'In Love and Chocolate' Sunday, an event that benefits two great causes. 
The proceeds will go to Spooner House, a homeless shelter and food bank at 30 Todd Road and The Mary L. Schmecker Turtle Shell Fund, to support art education in local schools. 
(Please click link above to read my story in the Valley Independent Sentinel.)

I can say for sure I wasn't the only one who enjoyed the afternoon. The ballroom at Courtyard by Marriott was filled with smiling faces as folks visited vendors and sampled chocolatey concoctions and sipped champagne, if they were so inclined.

Stacia Monahan of Stone Gardens Farm in Shelton.

Stacia Monahan, who owns Stone Gardens Farm with her husband, Fred, offered samples of "Heart Beet" brownies. 
She told me she used two-and-a-half pounds of beets in the recipe. 
Monahan roasted and pureed the root vegetables and added them to the brownie batter. 

If you're not a beet lover, it's a good way to get some nutrition while indulging your sweet tooth. The brownies were delicious, and you can't taste the beets!

Fred Bialek, co-owner with his wife, Michele of Liquid Lunch in Shelton and Milford, served samples of spicy Mole Chili. 

Jim Calkins, executive chef and co-owner, Seasonal Sweets and Catering in Derby,'toasts' marshmallow fluff to create unique s'mores treats. His wife, Michelle, executive baker and co-owner, right, waits on a visitor.  

These gluten-free and nut-free s'mores were a popular item. Michelle Calkins made the marshmallow fluff and the graham crackers. 

Roy W. Tidmarsh, owner, Tidmarsh's Bake Shop in Ansonia, shows off the chocolate he uses to dip strawberries.

Starbucks of Shelton employees Emily Bob, left, and Amber Onidi, serve hot chocolate to Diane Mauriello.

Singer/songwriter Dave Hogan of Stratford entertained.

If you've never been to this fun event, I urge you to put in on your calendar for next February! 

Matinees, women's group continue at Derby Public Library

DERBY - The Derby Public Library continues its weekly Wednesday Movie Matinees series
for ages 18 and over.
Newly released DVDs will be shown at 1 p.m. Wednesdays.

Light snacks will be provided. Registration is requested.
For a list of featured films, stop by the library, 313 Elizabeth St., or call 203-736-1482.

Just for Women
The Library continues its monthly series, Just for Women, at 6:30 p.m. on the first Monday of each month.

These informal sessions include the reading of quotes 
reflecting life situations relevant to women. A wide variety of topics is covered. 
Women of all ages are invited to share their thoughts as they feel comfortable at 6:30 p.m. March 2.
In today’s world, women are under more pressure than ever. Take some time to do something for yourself and connect with other women. 

Valley resident and licensed professional counselor Joan Joyce facilitates the sessions.

Registration is requested, but walk-ins are also welcome.

For more information, stop by the Library at 313 Elizabeth St., call 203-736-1482, or visit
www.derbypubliclibrary.org.


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

Derby Historical Society to hear talk on house restoration

DERBY - The Derby Historical Society will hold its Annual Meeting at 2 p.m. March 8 at First Congregational Church, 137 Derby Ave. 
Snow date is March 22. 

It will begin with a brief business portion to elect new officers and members of the Board of Directors, and an awards presentation.   
Admission is free; donations are gratefully accepted.

There will be a presentation regarding the restoration project of the Gen. David Humphreys House and Museum, located at 37 Elm St., Ansonia.  
Albert Misiewicz, Jr., DHS Building Committee Chair and John Poole, DHS Project Manager will discuss the project and proposed plan of action along with Mason Lord of Hudson Valley Preservation.

Membership renewals will be accepted at the door. Anyone interested in becoming a member is welcome to attend this meeting.

Refreshments will be served. 
For information call 203-735-1908 or info@derbyhistorical.org.

This is a press release from the Derby Historical Society, a regional historical society dedicated to preserving, maintaining, and celebrating the rich and varied history of the Lower Naugatuck Valley. 
The Derby Historical Society welcomes all visitors and is also available to support researchers, school or other program needs.  
Staff offices are located at the Sarah Riggs Humphreys House, 37 Elm St., Ansonia. 

For more information, visit www.derbyhistorical.org