Dog owners can walk their dogs all year at Ansonia Riverwalk

Photo shared from the Ansonia 125 Facebook page.

Wesley Village in Shelton honors volunteers

Barbara Quinn, standing, Director of Volunteer Services at Wesley Village, Shelton, with Betty Wallis of Shelton, a volunteer. /Contributed photo

SHELTON - Wesley Village honored and recognized a dedicated team of volunteers with a week-long celebration during National Volunteer Week last week. 

The Wesley Village Campus (comprised of Crosby Commons Assisted Living Community, Wesley Heights Independent Living Cottages and Apartments, Lifestyle Transitions Memory Care, and Bishop Wicke Health and Rehabilitation Center) is proud to partner with more than 200 registered volunteers each year, ranging in ages from 14 to 104! 

On any given week, 100-120 active volunteers work in each of the three communities on campus, fostering caring relationships with residents, staff, and family members, and enriching the lives of those they serve. 

Celebrations for the special week culminated with a volunteer dinner, held at the campus April 16. Volunteers honored at the dinner included residents, employees, and members of the community, and those who had reached 100 (or more) hours of volunteer service were presented with a special appreciation gift.

Barbara Quinn, Director of Volunteer Services, poses for a photo with longtime Wesley Village volunteer, Betty Wallis (96 years young), who was honored for more than 3,800 hours of volunteer service. 

Wallis was also the recipient of many past awards including the Living Treasure award, presented by the Volunteer Action Center of Valley United Way in 2005, and the Senior Wisdom Award, presented by United Methodist Homes. 

Wallis is well known and loved around the campus for her significant contributions to the community and is recognized by all as a fine example of graceful aging.

For more information about volunteer opportunities at Wesley Village, please contact Barbara Quinn, Director of Volunteer Services, at 203-944-8292 or visit www.wesleyvillage-ct.org. 

Wesley Village is located at 580 Long Hill Ave., and is owned and operated by United Methodist Homes, a mission-based, not-for-profit organization serving all members of the community.

This is a press release from United Methodist Homes.

Griffin Hospital in Derby to host medication education

The Community Health Resource Center at Griffin Hospital will present Medication Education May 14. / Submitted photo

DERBY - The Community Health Resource Center at Griffin Hospital, 130 Division St., will host a free educational workshop on medications at 11 a.m. May 14.

Clinical Pharmacist Bekim Jashanica will present "Medication Education," an open discussion about medication interactions, comparing generic medications and brand medications, and safe disposal of unused medicines.

Participants are encouraged to bring their medications and questions.
To register or for more information, call Kerry or Deborah at 203-732-7399.

The Community Health Resource Center at Griffin Hospital is a traditional library that provides an array of medical and health information, including a large collection of easy to read health and lifestyle related materials.

The Center is open to the public to educate themselves on ways to enhance their well-being, prevent illness and play an active role in decisions about their health.


This is a press release from Griffin Hospital.

Derby to release promotional video

DERBY – Despite being the smallest municipality in the state, Derby has a lot to offer and Derby Mayor Anita Dugatto wants everyone to know it.

This week Derby is releasing its Communities of Distinction promotional video.  The five-minute feature can be viewed on the city’s new municipal website, www.derbyct.gov. 

It is part of the city’s Discover Derby marketing initiative.

“The goal of this project is to shed light on the tremendous assets that exist in and around our community,” Dugatto said. 

Derby has a lot going for it – a large inventory of historic buildings, traditional neighborhood schools, a state-of the-art hospital and cancer center, abundant natural attractions, great recreational facilities, a vibrant arts community, and a compact city center. 

Its proximity to major highways, rail service, and a multitude of colleges and universities, as well as major employers, is also among its assets.

“Derby is in competition for residents and employers with every city and town from New York to Boston and beyond.  We need to let everyone know that Derby is a great community to invest in,” Dugatto said.

The video features local organizations such as the Valley Arts Council, Platt Technical High School, Osbornedale State Park, Griffin Health Services, Yale Community Rowing Program, Center Stage Theatre and ACES Educational Center for the Arts.  

“Each of these organizations represent an opportunity that is available to Derby residents,” Dugatto said.  

“These opportunities help define the character of our community and clearly reveal its potential.”

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

Ansonia, West Haven mayors bowl for charity

Contributed photo

West Haven Mayor Ed O'Brien, left, and Ansonia Mayor David S. Cassetti pose Sunday at a charity event to raise money for the Multiple Myeloma Society at Woodlawn Duckpin Bowling Alley in West Haven.
Cassetti's Team consisted of Alderman Matt Edo, President of the Board of Aldermen Phil Tripp, and Economic Development Director Sheila O'Malley.
Cassetti had accepted a challenge from West Haven Mayor Ed O'Brien and his team. Ansonia lost by two pins, and a re-match is in order.

Valley baseball re-match on deck in July

Griffin Hospital in Derby hosts clinic for parents

Safety is the key to child car seat use 

The Safe Kids Greater Naugatuck Valley car seat checkup van.

DERBY - Griffin Hospital's Valley Parish Nurses and Community Outreach Program held a child car seat clinic last week. 

Firefighter Joe Kara of Enfield makes sure this child fits properly in a seat as Griffin Hospital security employee Michael Riccio, in background, reviews a checklist.

The nurses and other certified car seat technicians did a great job making sure parents and grandparents understand the proper use and installation of car seats. 

Please read my story posted here in the Valley Independent Sentinel. 

Assumption School in Ansonia to host lunch for alumni

*This information is shared from Assumption School's Facebook page.

Baby fair due at Griffin Hospital in Derby

Griffin Hospital to host annual baby fair May 16. / Contributed photo

DERBY - Expectant parents, new parents and their families can get a good feel for the area’s maternity and child care resources from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. May 16 at Griffin Hospital’s 2015 Annual Baby Fair.

Held at The Childbirth Center at Griffin Hospital, 130 Division St., this free event features more than 40 exhibitors, door prizes, tours of the Childbirth Center and information about the Center’s classes and support groups for before and after childbirth.

Griffin Hospital offers family-centered maternity care in an environment to best meet individual and family needs with private, family-friendly rooms, expert staff for maternal and newborn care, and lactation consultants. 

The Childbirth Center received the Baby-Friendly designation from the World Health Organization and the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF). 
This international honor is given to hospitals that offer an optimal level of care for infant feeding and help parents make informed choices about feeding and caring for their babies.

Attendees can register in advance by calling 203-732-7595 and be entered in a free raffle. Walk-ins also are welcome.

For more information about The Childbirth Center at Griffin Hospital, call 203-732-7252 or visit griffinhealth.org/cbc.



This is a press release from Griffin Hospital.