Derby Historical Society recognizes Ansonia native for community service

Martha Dulla-Andrade, left, is presented with the Dr. John I. Howe Award from Derby Historical Society Secretary Janis Yakimowich at the organization's 25th annual appeal Thanksgiving reception Monday. 
The event was held at Molto Bene Italian American Kitchen in Ansonia. Dulla-Andrade was recognized for her years of service to the Valley community.


Stay tuned for a story in the Valley Independent Sentinel.

Shelton restaurant to celebrate grand opening, support local farms

Griffin Hospital in Derby to host Wellness for Life program

Griffin Hospital is offering its 12-week lifestyle change program Wellness for Life starting Jan. 12./Contributed photo

DERBY - Give the gift of good health to a loved one this holiday season or plan to get a jump start on New Year’s resolutions with Griffin Hospital’s Wellness for Life program.

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 US 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 Jan. 12 from 6-8:30 p.m., the program offers a custom fitness evaluation, individual nutritional guidance, one-on-one coaching, and small, interactive health seminars so participants can make a commitment to a healthier life. 

Each participant also receives a Fitbit, which helps track participants’ activity, sleep patterns and food intake.

“Making changes for a healthy lifestyle isn’t easy – it requires one-on-one guidance and on-going support,” said Wellness for Life Program Director Eunice Lisk. 

“This program helps people assess their lifestyle, provides them with a personalized plan to increase vitality and gives one-on-one and group support every step of the way to better health.”

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

For the past two years of the program, Wellness for Life participants have seen significant weight loss and reductions in blood pressure, and the program has received high scores from participants in meeting expectations and for presentations by the expert speakers.

Wellness for Life meets from 6-8:30 p.m. Tuesdays at the Hewitt Ambulatory Pavilion in the Center for Cancer Care at Griffin Hospital, 350 Seymour Ave.

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

This is a press release from Griffin Hospital.

Derby to hold annual holiday drive for military personnel

DERBY - As in years past, Mayor Anita Dugatto is reaching out to the community for monetary contributions in support of Derby veterans and their families this holiday season.

Money collected will be distributed to local men and women serving in the military, at home or abroad, through the Derby Servicemen and Women’s Fund.

The annual holiday drive is generously supported by Derby’s Catholic War Veterans St. Michael’s Post 1562.
“This effort is one small way to express our appreciation as a community for the sacrifices our servicemen and women make year round to protect our freedoms and security,” Dugatto said.

Please send contributions for the Fund to Mayor Anita Dugatto, c/o Servicemen and Women’s Fund, Derby City Hall, 1 Elizabeth St., Derby, CT. 06418. 
Checks should be made payable to Derby Servicemen and Women’s Fund.

If you are aware of a Derby serviceman or woman serving at home or abroad who would benefit from this effort, contact the Mayor’s Office, 203-736-1450 or jdesroches@derbyct.gov. 

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